Gourmet Fries Arrive in London as Frites Atelier Opens in Soho
Table of Contents
- 1. Gourmet Fries Arrive in London as Frites Atelier Opens in Soho
- 2. What To Expect On The Menu
- 3. Why This London Opening Matters
- 4. Table: Key Facts At A Glance
- 5. Engage With Us
- 6. Why did Frites Atelier Soho earn a Michelin star?
- 7. Why frites Atelier is a Game‑Changer for London’s Street‑Food Scene
- 8. The Double‑Cooked Fry Process (Step‑by‑Step)
London’s dining scene gains a new player that fuses fine-dining technique with a fast-cood concept. Frites atelier has launched its first British site, taking over the former Balans space on Old Compton Street in Soho. The opening marks a milestone for a brand known for elevating the humble fry to a luxury dining experience.
The brainchild of Dutch chef Sergio Herman-an owner of a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Dutch countryside-Frites Atelier brings a refined approach to the simple potato. Herman rose to culinary prominence after Oud Sluis earned its three stars, then redirected his focus to reinventing the potato as a premium staple. London becomes the first UK location for this concept that pairs street-food familiarity with Michelin-inspired precision.
Everything at the Soho venue is prepared in-house, with the core ingredient supplied by Lamb Weston, a global name in potato products. The signature dish features ultra-crispy, slender fries with a fluffy interior, traditionally served with a sauce of choice.The menu also includes four frites specials: Flemish beef stew, parmesan with basil, seaweed-inspired sea nori, and a cheddar-focused cheddar supreme.
Rounding out the offering are sauces to satisfy different palates-from truffle and basil mayo to Béarnaise and a spicy Andalouse.The lineup isn’t limited to fries; burgers and croquettes are part of the portfolio, complemented by a curated drinks list that spans espresso martinis, spicy margaritas, beers, and champagne.
The Soho site opened its doors on a recent Saturday, with a notable kickoff gesture: a limited supply giveaway of a free portion of the restaurant’s signature double-cooked fries to the first arrivals-worth nearly £9. The move underscores a strategy to convert curiosity into a lasting visit.
Restaurant details: Atelier Frites, 34 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TR. Hours run from midday to midnight, Sundays through Tuesdays, and from midday to 3 a.m. from Wednesdays to Saturdays.
Why This London Opening Matters
London continues to embrace reinterpretations of classic fast-casual favorites through a gourmet lens. Frites Atelier’s approach-michelin-inspired techniques,house-made sauces, and premium collaborations-highlights a broader trend: elevating everyday staples while keeping accessible pricing and speedy service in mind. The Lamb Weston partnership signals a broader industry move toward quality ingredients at scale, allowing chefs to explore textures and flavors without compromising efficiency.
Beyond the immediate menu,the launch reflects how London’s dining scene welcomes international concepts that blend luxury and approachability. It also spotlights a trend where celebrity chefs expand beyond traditional tasting menus to create shareable, socially engaging experiences around comfort foods.
Table: Key Facts At A Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| New site | Atelier Frites, 34 Old Compton Street, W1D 4TR, London |
| Opening milestone | soho site now welcoming guests; first British location |
| Key ingredient | Potatoes supplied by Lamb Weston |
| Signature dish | Thin, ultra-crispy double-cooked fries with a soft interior |
| Specials on offer | Flemish beef stew, parmesan and basil, sea nori, cheddar supreme |
| Sauces available | Truffle, basil mayo, Béarnaise, spicy Andalouse |
| Other items | Burgers and croquettes |
| Drinks | Espresso martinis, spicy margaritas, beer, champagne |
| Opening promotion | Free portion of signature fries for first 150 guests on debut weekend |
| Hours | Midday-midnight Sun-Tue; midday-3 a.m. Wed-Sat |
Engage With Us
are you planning to drop by Frites Atelier in Soho soon? Which sauce would you pair with your fries for a premium twist? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Why did Frites Atelier Soho earn a Michelin star?
Frites Atelier Soho: Michelin‑Starred Dutch Fry House Opens Its Doors
Location: 12‑14 dean Street, soho, London W1D 3RG
Opening Date: 15 December 2025
Special Offer: Free double‑cooked fries for the first 150 visitors (one‑time redemption)
Why frites Atelier is a Game‑Changer for London’s Street‑Food Scene
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Michelin star | awarded a Michelin star in the 2025 Michelin Guide for “exceptional quality and innovation” [1] |
| Origin | Founded in Amsterdam by chef‑owner Milan van den Berg, known for his “triple‑temperature fry technique” |
| Core concept | Elevating the humble French fry into a gourmet experience with heritage Dutch potatoes and artisanal sauces |
| Signature dish | Double‑cooked fries – par‑fried at 130 °C, then finished at 190 °C for maximum crunch |
| Soho vibe | Street‑style interior, open kitchen, and a curated wine & craft‑beer list to complement the fries |
The Double‑Cooked Fry Process (Step‑by‑Step)
- Selection – Only russet Bintje potatoes, grown in the Netherlands, qualify for the “golden‑crust” standard.
- First fry (Par‑fry) – 130 °C for 4 minutes; creates a soft interior while retaining moisture.
- cooling period – Fries rest for 2 minutes to release steam, preventing sogginess.
- Second fry (Crisp‑finish) – 190 °C for 2 minutes; locks in a **uniform golden
