Le Grand Comptoir

French style and international appeal

Making its debut at Lyon St Exupéry in France, Le Grand Comptoir brings the style and flavours of the French brasserie to the travel location. It offers a high-quality menu, in a contemporary yet warm and friendly environment, that can be tailored to meet the needs of the time-pressed rail traveller as well as the airport passenger looking to treat themselves to a more leisurely meal.

Le Grand Comptoir’s wide and diverse menu, which is specially tailored to meet the requirements of each market, includes sharing-plates of mozzarella cherry tomatoes, marinated black olives or classic croques Monsieur or Madame. Those looking for something a little more substantial can choose between a smoked salmon brochette served with cherry tomatoes, prawns and calamari, Quiche Lorraine, or a chicken Caesar salad garnished with grana padano and black olives. Among the desserts on offer are coffee crème brûlée, tiramisu served with red berries or a seasonal fruit tart.

An expansive list of wine is available by the bottle and by the glass. Among the reds are an Alsatian Pinot Noir from Joseph Handskeller, and a George Duboeuf Moulin à vent, while the white wines on offer include Vin de Meuse Domaine de Muzy or Vin de Pays de la Méditerranée Domaine de Régusse.

In design, Le Grand Comptoir is fresh, up-market and contemporary. Its rich wood finishes are balanced by stonework accents, stools upholstered with vibrant green leather and a long, elegant, brass bar. Contemporary jazz music enhances the atmosphere, creating a soothing retreat within a hectic travel environment.

In France, Le Grand Comptoir can now be found at stations Gare de Metz and Gare de Colmar, and there are two restaurants at Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris.

The brand is also proving popular on the other side of the Atlantic. The first US outlet opened at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport in October 2009 and there is now also a Grand Comptoir at Newark. A new menu was created for the American market to include signature crab bakes, filet of beef with blue cheese and strawberry crepes.

The Houston outlet was named ‘Best Food-Led Café Bar/Restaurant’ at The Moodie Report Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Awards in 2011. In July 2011, Le Grand Comptoir at Houston was named among the world’s top ten airport bars by AOL Travel.