Bright Future for The Former Copper Kettle

As French friends plan the opening of "Darçau on the Green"

Bedford Corner is to get an injection of Gallic charm when the site of the former Copper Kettle reopens as Darçau on the Green.

The new business is the creation of Franck Dardenne and Patrice Cauchard. Both born and bred in Normandy, the two friends have lived locally for over 25 years and were delighted when the opportunity to acquire the Chiswick site arose.

"Where else can you find a greengrocer, a butcher, two fishmongers and a florist all together? Turnham Green Terrace is like a village with all its lovely small shops and great atmosphere." says Franck

And so after careful planning, they have combined their knowledge and expertise as chefs to convert their dream into the reality of Darçau on the Green.

With an opening date for "sometime in June", Darçau on the Green will be run as a traditional French 'traiteur'. Franck explains "It's not simply a delicatessan, we will be offering meals, starters, mains and deserts, all made on the premises for people to buy and take home for their dinner. We will also be making temptations, nibbles and a little bit of bread."

With pride he showed me a picture of a rotisserie similar to the bespoke one they have commissioned and due to be delivered any day now. "We can cook any meat on this - chicken, duck, lamb, pork anything we want."

The plan is to open seven days a week "for long hours at the beginning so that we can test the water and see what people want and what time they want it" and they will be retaining a few tables so that food can be consumed on the premises.

No doubt a keen eye will be kept on the progress of this new venture and an opening date will be announced in due course.

May 4, 2007