La Noisette

La Noisette London: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: La Noisette’s Culinary Legacy in London

La Noisette occupies a unique and enduring place in London’s gastronomic narrative. Once located at 164 Sloane Street in the heart of Knightsbridge, La Noisette was a Michelin-starred restaurant celebrated for its masterful fusion of French culinary techniques and modern British ingredients, guided by the expertise of chef patron Bjorn van der Horst. Its refined tasting menus, intimate atmosphere, and creative dishes—such as saffron-infused paella and slow-cooked cod—earned it acclaim from critics and diners alike (Andy Hayler, Wikipedia).

Although La Noisette closed in 2009, its influence reverberates through London’s fine dining landscape, captivating food historians and enthusiasts interested in the city’s ongoing culinary evolution. Its Sloane Street address remains an intriguing site for those exploring London’s rich tapestry of iconic restaurants, luxury shopping, and cultural attractions, with the adjacent area boasting esteemed establishments like the Saatchi Gallery and Harrods (Londondrum, eGullet Forum).

Additionally, a separate La Noisette on Wandsworth Road in Lambeth charted its own path, transitioning from fine dining to a brasserie format before closing in 2013. Both venues reflect broader trends in London’s vibrant and ever-changing hospitality scene (All in London).

This guide delivers a comprehensive overview of La Noisette’s historical context, culinary achievements, visitor information, and its continuing legacy in London’s gastronomic culture. Whether you’re researching Michelin-starred dining history, planning a culinary-themed walk, or exploring influential chefs and restaurants, the following sections offer detailed insights and practical tips.

For further information on London’s culinary history and current dining highlights, consult Andy Hayler’s restaurant reviews and the London Tourism website.

La Noisette: Culinary Heritage and Origins
Evolution and Rebranding
Culinary Achievements and Accolades
Closure and Present-Day Status
Visiting the Sloane Street Site
The Wandsworth Road La Noisette: Journey and Legacy
Visitor Tips and Travel Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visual and Interactive Resources
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Sources and Further Reading

La Noisette: Culinary Heritage and Origins

La Noisette’s story began in the mid-1990s as Monte’s, an exclusive members’ club with a celebrated kitchen led by renowned chefs like Alain Ducasse and later, Jamie Oliver. By 2005, Gordon Ramsay Holdings (GRH) took over the location, experimenting with Pengelley’s before transforming the site into La Noisette under Bjorn van der Horst in 2007. The restaurant quickly earned a Michelin star for its contemporary European cuisine, artfully blending French and British influences, and became a destination for gourmands and international visitors.

Evolution and Rebranding

Throughout its tenure, La Noisette responded to shifting culinary trends and leadership. Its Sloane Street chapter was characterized by technical excellence and innovation, while the Wandsworth Road branch evolved from fine dining to a casual brasserie under different management (All in London). This adaptability reflects the broader changes in London’s restaurant landscape over the past two decades.

Culinary Achievements and Accolades

La Noisette’s Michelin star underscored its dedication to quality, creativity, and hospitality. Chef Bjorn van der Horst’s tasting menus showcased seasonal ingredients and inventive combinations, such as:

Salad soup amuse-bouche with cos lettuce, goat’s cheese, and corn sorbet
Saffron and chorizo paella with mussels
Slow-cooked cod with paprika
Chicken carved tableside with classic accompaniments
Red mullet with black olive tapenade and goat’s cheese gnocchi
Selection of top-tier French cheeses
Elegant desserts like strawberry tart and apricot cheesecake

The restaurant’s ambiance was refined yet welcoming, and its service team was frequently praised for professionalism and attention to detail (Andy Hayler, eGullet Forum).

Closure and Present-Day Status

La Noisette ceased operating in March 2009, a casualty of shifting dining trends and the evolving competitive landscape. The Sloane Street site briefly served as a private dining venue managed by Gordon Ramsay Holdings during the Savoy Hotel refurbishment (Wikipedia). While the restaurant is no longer open, the location remains a point of interest for culinary history enthusiasts.

Visiting the Sloane Street Site

Address: 164 Sloane Street, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X
Status: Permanently closed as a restaurant; the building is now used for other purposes.
Visitor Information: The exterior can be viewed as part of culinary walking tours or self-guided explorations of Knightsbridge. There are no tickets or official visiting hours, as it is not an active restaurant.
Accessibility: Knightsbridge is well-served by public transportation. The nearest Underground stations are Sloane Square (District and Circle Lines) and Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line), both within a short walk (Londondrum).
Nearby Attractions: Harrods, Hyde Park, Saatchi Gallery, and Sloane Square offer excellent opportunities for shopping and cultural experiences.

The Wandsworth Road La Noisette: Journey and Legacy

La Noisette’s Wandsworth Road incarnation at 539-547 Wandsworth Road, SW8 3JD, tells a parallel story. Incorporated in 2004, it was initially a highly regarded fine dining destination that later shifted to a brasserie format under Chef Glen Padiyar (CompanyCheck). The closure in 2013 reflected the competitive pressures and demographic changes in the area. Today, the site has been repurposed, but its history remains relevant to those exploring London’s culinary evolution.

Visitor Tips and Travel Guidance

Planning Your Visit: While you cannot dine at La Noisette, the Knightsbridge and Wandsworth Road areas are rich with culinary history and contemporary dining options. Consider booking tables at nearby Michelin-starred restaurants (London Tourism website).
Walking Tours: Join guided food tours that cover the area’s historical restaurants, or create your own itinerary using online resources.
Transport: Use public transport for convenience; parking is limited and expensive.
Etiquette: London values courteous behavior, especially in upscale neighborhoods—politeness and punctuality are appreciated.
Weather: Pack for changeable weather, especially in autumn and winter (Condé Nast Traveler).
Dining Times: Reserve ahead and consider off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience (The Broke Backpacker).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is La Noisette still open?
A: No, both the Sloane Street and Wandsworth Road locations are permanently closed.

Q: Can I visit the sites?
A: Both addresses are now used for other purposes, but the exteriors can be viewed as part of historical or culinary walking tours.

Q: Are there similar restaurants nearby?
A: Knightsbridge and surrounding neighborhoods feature a wide range of Michelin-starred and acclaimed restaurants.

Q: How can I learn more about La Noisette’s legacy?
A: Explore detailed reviews and retrospectives by Andy Hayler, Wikipedia, and other culinary historians.

Visual and Interactive Resources

Image: Exterior of 164 Sloane Street, former home of La Noisette
Alt text: Historic townhouse at 164 Sloane Street, Knightsbridge, London
Image: Former La Noisette at 539-547 Wandsworth Road
Alt text: Street view of Wandsworth Road site, London
Interactive maps and virtual tours are available on tourism and restaurant review websites.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

La Noisette’s legacy is emblematic of London’s dynamic dining scene—blending tradition, innovation, and adaptability. The Michelin-starred restaurant at Sloane Street and the evolving brasserie on Wandsworth Road both contributed to the city’s reputation as a global culinary capital. Although the restaurants are no longer operating, their stories remain relevant for food lovers, historians, and visitors exploring London’s rich gastronomic heritage.

To deepen your understanding of London’s culinary history and discover current fine dining options, download the Audiala app, follow our social media channels, and consult authoritative guides and review platforms.