Power walking in your trainers, luggage in one hand, a handbag in the other and rushing to get to the airport: that’s usually me. However, when I arrive at the airport, I usually find myself with ample time and quite frankly, I had no need to move so fast! What does one do in such an instance? Well, if you’re flying out from London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3, there is only one place that you should be relaxing in and that’s Oriel Grande Brasserie. Owned by the Casual Dining Group which also owns Café Rouge, Bella Italia, La Tasca, Las Inguanas, and etc., Oriel Grande Brasserie is definitely a special place to be in and in my view, a little bit better than the others in its group. It is located close to the entrance of the terminal and before the check-in desks, so it’s very easy to spot.
A grand Parisian cafe with cool jazz and retro posters
It is modelled as an old grand café in Paris, albeit of course in London and in the airport, but this is certainly fitting if you’re flying out to Paris and want to enjoy the style beforehand! Oriel Grande Brasserie has a very classy, elegant and modern style with a flair of art deco. It certainly adds a tiny bit of grandeur and sparkle in the airport. Being quite a popular establishment, you may find yourself having to queue but don’t be disheartened as the queue is rather short and sweet and you should be seated quickly (and in my view, a few minutes’ wait is worth it for this place). Unsurprisingly with its Parisian décor, Oriel Grande Brasserie offers premium French inspired dishes for every meal in the day and it has to be one of the best airport restaurants that I have certainly ever experienced! As you can see from the photograph, it’s definitely not your usual restaurant in the airport. The closer that you get to it, the louder you will hear the cool jazz music being played in the background and will notice the retro travel posters and photos on the wall.
Cute booths within an Art Deco style establishment
The seating area varies and there are some plush turquoise booths for groups of four and there are some light brown mini booths for solos and couples who want a bit of privacy. I have to say, I am quite the fan of these mini booths as they’re far more comfortable than the standard table and chairs. Fortunately, the restaurant has far more booths than the standard tables and chairs, which is good for you and I. The seating arrangements, however, are quite close so if you have a luggage trolley, you can keep it on the side of the restaurant where you can keep an eye on it. There is a screen showing flights and gates at the entrance and within the restaurant, which means that whilst you relax in this French heaven, you will be able to monitor what’s going on with your flight. The staff, ranging from the managers, the hostesses and the servers, are really lovely and ensure that you will have a positive experience. You will never feel rushed or that they want to turn tables quickly, which is a pleasant surprise.
A great place for any time in the day
Any time of day, the food at Oriel Grande Brasserie is absolutely delicious! Every dish is made from scratch and will be a treat that will tantalise your taste buds. For breakfast, I have to recommend that you try the French toast, which is accompanied with seasonal fruits, honey and crème fraiche (6.60 GBP/9 USD) or the smashed avocado on toasted sourdough, which includes goat cream cheese, crème fraiche, chilli drops, baby watercress and baby plum tomatoes (8.50 GBP/11 USD). For lunch or dinner, the hearty veggie burger in a brioche bun with fries on the side is simply to die for and has to be recommended (11.95 GBP/15 USD). If you’re not too hungry but are a little bit peckish, then the truffle fries (3.75 GBP/5 USD), truffle mac n’ cheese (3.75 GBP/5 USD), creamed spinach (3.00 GBP/4 USD) and the steamed kale with sun dried tomatoes (3.00 GBP/4 USD) should definitely be considered as an option.
From the dessert menu, the chocolate and salted caramel pot, which is made from a dark chocolate ganache, salted caramel sauce, sea salt and whipped cream (6.50 GBP/8 USD) is an unbeatable dessert. It looks simple when it arrives in a dessert cup but once you tuck into it, you will taste the contrasting flavours and how they compliment each other so perfectly! If I’m honest with you, it has to be one of my favourite desserts of all time and if you visit Oriel Grande Brasserie, you need to make sure that you save some room for this phenomenal option.
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
You will have a very different dining experience here
Normally, when you eat in an airport restaurant it is really only because you’re hungry and not necessarily to enjoy the food and the feel of the place. However, Oriel Grande Brasserie is a totally different experience as it creates a bistro feel with tasty, reasonably priced food and great service. You will forget that you’re in the airport (although let’s hope that you don’t forget to monitor your flight and make sure that you check-in your luggage on time otherwise you really will be in a rush!). As the restaurant is located before check-in and security, it is also a great option for individuals going to pick up their loved ones from the arrivals lounge, which is a floor/level below the restaurant as they can sit back, enjoy some great dishes and can wait in style!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10 Best Hip Hop Bars And Clubs In LondonHemasudha -
Create an account to