London's oldest family-run French restaurant is preparing for a new chapter by selling off pieces of its storied past. Mon Plaisir in Covent Garden is auctioning a selection of its classic interior decorations to make way for a refreshed look, while preserving its core heritage.
A Slice of Post-War London History
The iconic bistro, founded in 1943 during the Second World War by two brothers, has been a fixture on a busy Covent Garden street for over eight decades. Known for its large tricolour flag, the restaurant built a reputation for "great food" and characteristically "rude" waitstaff, offering an authentically Parisian experience in the heart of London.
In 1973, the founders sold the business to their maître d', Alain Lhermitte. Mr Lhermitte passionately expanded Mon Plaisir to several London locations, famously describing it as a "real restaurant for real people". After a period of expansion, the operation eventually contracted back to the original venue. Mr Lhermitte was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2011, handed the restaurant to his family in 2017, and passed away in 2022.
Acquiring a Piece of Gastronomic Heritage
The auction, managed by Catherine Southon's Auctioneers and Valuers, will feature a range of items that defined the restaurant's ambience. These include:
- Vintage advertising signage
- Classic French art posters
- Decorative clocks and cockerels
Steven Stockton from the auction house highlighted the significance of the sale. "This is a rare opportunity to acquire an affordable slice of London gastronomique history," he said. "Since 1943, Mon Plaisir has been at the heart, and stomach, of Covent Garden. Everyone I speak to seems to have a Mon Plaisir story, all given with a deep fondness."
Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future
While the auction marks a change, the new family owners are committed to honouring the restaurant's legacy. They have confirmed that the original 1943 dining room will remain unaltered. The famous copper-topped bar, rumoured to have originated in a Lyon brothel, will also be kept in place.
The timed online auction will begin on 28 December and conclude on 11 January. This sale offers patrons and collectors a unique chance to own a tangible piece of the capital's rich dining history, as this beloved institution gently modernises for its next era.
