Jessen set to open Chelsea brasserie

London restaurateur Sorren Jessen is launching a new eaterie on Chelsea's Draycott Avenue, just a stone's throw from celebrity hang-out Daphne's.

The owner of One Lombard Street in the City and Kilo (formerly Noble Rot) in Mayfair plans to open a new French brasserie called Papillon at the beginning of April.

Jessen said the 70-seat restaurant would focus heavily on wine.

"We'll have a wonderful wine list with reasonably priced wine alongside more casual food," he said.

"I don't think you should have to go to a Michelin-starred restaurant to enjoy a good choice of wine."

Business partner and general manager at Papillon will be former L'êtranger sommelier, Philippe Messy.

Head chef David Duverger, formerly of Beauberry House in Dulwich and Putney Bridge restaurant, will also have a management shareholding.

Average spend is expected to be about £35 for lunch and £50-£60 for dinner, including wine.

Jessen said he was also considering selling his Maida Vale restaurant, Graze.

"I've been approached by two parties interested in the site," he said.

"Graze is a very busy bar but I wanted it to be a restaurant. Perhaps someone else can do it better."

Graze, which opened early last year, changed its offering from a tapas-style grazing operation to a more traditional-style three-course menu within six months.

By Jessica Gunn

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