Sensational small plates, snacks and sharers in Soho: We sit down with Blanchette's Yannis Alary.

At a time when it feels like a new small plates and wine bar keeps opening every other day, Blanchette, an old school French bistro in the heart of Soho, has been doing this for the best part of the last 10 years and extremely well. Nestled in the heart of Soho, Blanchette stands out as a gem among the diverse culinary landscape of this vibrant neighbourhood. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Yannis, one of the passionate brains and one third of three brothers, behind this beloved French restaurant. With its charming ambiance and exquisite menu, Blanchette has captured the hearts and palates of both locals and visitors alike.

What inspired you to open a restaurant in Soho?

I arrived in London back in 2009 and was the General Manager at company called Salt Yard and I was in charge of the site in Kingly Court for five years. I got used to being in Soho and got to know lots of people around there. As an area it really fit our concept and vision so as soon as we decided to put a restaurant, we targeted this specific sight for Blanchette.

You opened the restaurant with your brothers and you named it after your mother, is the concept of family the foundation of what Blanchette based on?

It's a bistro and I would say in terms of cuisine it’s Mediterranean/French food but it’s very casual. In terms of the style, it’s very French bistro and this is portrayed through the decoration: we have the original bricks from the building, and the menu is based around a sharing concept as well. We have selection of snacks, charcuterie and cheese and then also an amazing selection of main courses. It’s all about sharing and coming together.

How long have you worked in hospitality for and in terms of your journey in hospitality what's been the best thing about working in hospitality?

I started 20 years ago in France and at Catering School. My best experience was back when I was in my 20s, meeting lots of different people and different nationalities, it was very cosmopolitan in terms of my personal life – it’s been a lot! I would say back in the days when I was just a Head Waiter, the crazy hours, meeting people and going out and living life. I will say that was a great great experience. In 2007, I was working in New York City & I used to do five or six doubles a week and after each double we used to go out after and then go back to the restaurant in the morning and I did this for about a year whilst I had the energy!

What’s your favourite dish on the menu?

I couldn’t say! Blanchette is a place to come and order lots of the snacks or starters and share lots of little plates with your family or friends. Even a big bowl of mussels to share with friends - I love easy and casual dishes to share.

Since you’ve opened have you had an “I've made it - this is great!” moment?

Firstly, hospitality is like fashion; you’re on top very quickly but you can go down quicker than the way you went up. So, it's always constantly thinking about new things but I will say something that I really enjoyed was first the first few days when we opened the restaurant 10 years ago. Also the 10 years anniversary back in December last year. It was a great feeling to have 10 years and having all my regular customers, suppliers, ex members of staff of coming and being with us to celebrate.

What’s it like working with your brothers?

It’s amazing in terms of trust but obviously, there's always a bit of tension in any work when you do a business with family. I mean so far for the last 10 years it’s been great, he looks after the back of house and I look after the Front of House, so we aren’t really doing the same thing at the restaurant -? he has his role, I have my role.

Have you noticed any changes post COVID?

It’s completely different. I mean London has particularly changed especially in restaurants and hospitality but also retail and all kinds of business. Soho has changed a lot and I will say post COVID we are also a completely different business.

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