Rousset and Devaney to open Burgundy-focused restaurant

Two of London’s most high profile Master Sommeliers, Xavier Rousset and Gearoid Devaney, are to open a Burgundy-focused restaurant in London.

A traditional ‘cabotte’ in among the vines in Burgundy

Named Cabotte after the small huts used as tool sheds found dotted around the French wine region, the restaurant on Gresham Street near St Paul’s boasts a 600-bin wine list, 500 of which hail from Burgundy.

Among the Burgundies on offer will be Domaine des Comtes Lafon Volnay Santenots-du-Milieu 1990; Domaine Comte George de Vogue Musigny Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 1966; and Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Chambertin Grand Cru 1999.

Xavier Rousset

A keen fan of the Coravin, Rousset will be offering a generous number of Burgundies by the glass at competitive prices.

Decked out like a traditional countryside French bistro, the food takes inspiration from classic French dishes and gives them a modern twist.

Edward Boarland’s seasonally focused menu will include the likes of beef cheek Bourguignon en cocotte with Savoy cabbage and smoked bacon; ham and parsley terrine with apple and raisin chutney; mustard glazed pork rump with roasted pear, shallot and sage; and tarte tartin.

Given the site’s City location, Cabotte will be open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner. Cabotte’s soft opening is this Thursday 15 September, when the restaurant is offering 50% off food a lunchtime.

Rousset left Texture, the Michelin-starred restaurant he founded with business partner Agnar Sverrisson, and his successful ‘wine workshop and kitchen’ concept 28°-50° last May

A year later he opened casual French brasserie Blandford Comptoir in Marylebone, which takes inspiration from Italy via the likes of Sicilian prawns and Amalfi lemon; and beef carpcaccio with truffle dressing and 36-month aged Parmesan.

The 250-bin wine list features over 50 Champagnes, a ‘celebrity guest list’ compiled by Gerard Basset OBE and an interesting by the glass and carafe selection.