The duo behind the two Michelin-starred Bermondsey restaurant Trivet will open a more casual concept in Mayfair this September.
Co-founders Jonny Lake and Isa Bal are partnering with the five-star COMO Metropolitan hotel to launch Labombe, a wine bar and bistro focusing on European wines and relaxed dishes designed for sharing.
Opening within the COMO but with its own dedicated entrance on Old Park Lane, Labombe by Trivet was, in part, first dreamed up by Lake while he was at school in Canada.
Lake said he first envisioned a fictional bistro as part of a French project, before a teacher asked him, “Où sont les boissons?”, or “Where are the drinks?”
Thirty years on and the drinks will be at Labombe, which until now has operated as a temporary offering at Trivet on Monday nights while normal service is closed.
As at Trivet, Lake is joined by master sommelier Isa Bal, who will oversee a list of “extra special” wines, many centred on small, artisan producers on the Continent. But Trivet will remain the focus and so a new team has been brought in to look after the day-to-day running of the permanent iteration of Labombe.
The kitchen will be led by Lake’s Canadian compatriot and fellow Fat Duck Group alumni Evan Moore, while drinks will be under the direction of the award-winning sommelier Philipp Reinstaller.
Upon launch, snacks are to include grilled duck heart and cherry skewers, king oyster gildas and the ever-popular hot tongue bun which already exists at Trivet.
Later on will come starters such as gurnard crudo with orange ponzu, anchovy garum and olive oil, before larger plates like grilled monkfish with braised coco beans, vinegared chicken sauce and green peppercorns, and sweetbreads Grenobloise with capers, pickled lemon and brown butter.
The menu will also focus on the grill, where Iberico chops, steaks and whole grilled fish will be cooked. Wines will move from those suited to everyday drinking to ones best kept for special occasions.
The cocktail menu, meanwhile, will celebrate the venue’s legendary past as the Met Bar, a haven for artists, musicians, and misfits in the Nineties.
“At the heart of Labombe is our commitment to excellence, driven by passion and a desire to explore new culinary boundaries,” said Lake and Bal.
“Our aim is to challenge the norm and take customers on a fun, liberating journey and curate your most memorable dining experience yet.”
Christina Ong, founder of the COMO Group which owns the hotel, added: “COMO Metropolitan London has an incredible Park Lane location opposite Hyde Park.
“With an address like that, in the heart of Mayfair, the wine and food experience has to be exceptional. With Labombe by Trivet occupying the ground floor, street-side space that used to be the hotel’s Met Bar, we’re entering a new era for a hotel I’m immensely fond of.
“I have deep respect for Isa’s knowledge of wine. He’s not a traditionalist, yet he’s so confident about his discoveries. Jonny’s approach is just as disarming; he appears so casual, unassuming, but his food is exquisite. The understatement, combined with the exceptional — that’s rare.”
Labombe by Trivet is set to open its doors in Mayfair in September 2025. For more information, visit trivetrestaurant.co.uk
