Photo: Courtesy of Le Bristol Paris
Le Bristol Paris on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré has been a symbol of Parisian elegance since 1925. The hotel, which was the first in the city to receive the title of “Palace,” is an icon of French art de vivre, a tradition continued by its newest addition. The L’Épicerie des Ateliers du Bristol, which was initially introduced as a pop-up, has now become a permanent purveyor of culinary craft at the hotel. A decision rooted in its enthusiastic reception by both travelers and Parisians. Before opening its doors in December, the Épicerie underwent renovations that not only embody the quintessential French splendor of Le Bristol but also its rich tradition in gastronomic excellence.
Photo: Courtesy of Le Bristol Paris
Floor-to-ceiling, soft-toned oak wood is contrasted by contemporary marble countertops to create a dialogue between past and present. Within these luminous interiors you will also find silver service platters drawn from the hotel’s archive, a symbol of the long and illustrious history of Le Bristol as some date to the hotel’s opening in 1925. What might stand out the most though is how creatively culinary craft is highlighted within the Épicerie. An abundance of wheat stalks drape from the ceiling where one might have found a typical chandelier.
Those who are more familiar with Le Bristol would recognize this as an effort to highlight the hotel’s own flour mill, which was installed by executive chef Eric Frechon in collaboration with master baker Roland Feuillas. The overall design of the Épicerie such as the playfulness of a table, fully dressed in archival porcelain and cutlery suspended sideways, mirror the attention to detail and the very nature of the selection on offer.
Photo: Courtesy of Le Bristol Paris
Much like the interior of the Épicerie was a dialogue between past and present, its selection ranges from seasonal delicacies and even items unique to Le Bristol. On display, one will find the hotel’s famous croissants and pains-au-chocolat, but even more interesting is the “living bread.” Everyday wheats such as spelt, emmer, and Khorasan are milled fresh in the hotel basement and immediately crafted by hand, a source of pride for the hotel. There is also a collection of handmade jams and an extensive array of chocolates made by the hotel’s chocolate factory under artisan chocolatier Johan Giacchetti.
For more savory pleasures you can go for smoked salmon by the slice or enjoy tasty pâté en croute. The selection at L’Épicerie des Ateliers du Bristol provides a glamorous go- to for everything from a personal afternoon treat to a romantic rendezvous at home, and serves as an ode to the hotel’s exceptional culinary tradition.
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