Reinforcing its identity as a Maison of travel and culture, Louis Vuitton has just opened the doors of its brand new store and new café in collaboration with renowned restauranteur and chef Cyril Lignac at London Heathrow’s Terminal 2. Both the intimate café and the new Louis Vuitton store are adjacent to the other and strategically positioned to serve both domestic and international travellers departing and arriving at the airport.
Upon first glance, the café’s outstanding, aerodynamic façade, designed in partnership with American architect Marc Fornes, instantly commands attention. Founder of the art and architecture studio THEVERYMANY in New York, Fornes has previously worked jointly with Louis Vuitton on the installation of a striking pavillion at the 2023 Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan. Once again, here, the exterior design plays with technology and futuristic shapes, which are simultaneously contextual and symbolic of the Maison’s perennial inspiration of travel.
Hospitality has evidently been an expanding expression of savoir-faire and lifestyle for Louis Vuitton, given the realisation of over 20 restaurants, cafés, chocolate shops and airport lounges that complement destinations and stores globally since 2020. Whether it is Le Café V in Ginza, the airport lounge at the Doha International Airport, or the seasonal St. Tropez restaurant, each establishment is uniquely and creatively envisioned while emulating the Louis Vuitton experience. This is the inaugural launch of the culinary concept in the United Kingdom.
Entering into the open, futuristic-style pavillion initially unveils items from the women’s universe alongside a selection of men’s accessories and leather goods. The café seamlessly integrates with the store, featuring counter service as well as table seating. A curvilinear interior extends a sense of calm, while the café feels both playful and sophisticated, resulting in an environment that is welcoming and a little tucked away from the airport’s constant foot traffic.
For a warm, lively touch, the luminous setting is fused with décor showcasing orange and gold tones. Overhead, a series of Quetzal Mobiles by atelier oï, part of the Objets Nomades collection, colourfully conjure birds in flight. Completing the chic space and the Louis Vuitton Art de la Table are elegant leather table mats, a table service bordered with the Monogram in gold, and the brand’s vibrant handcrafted Twist water glasses.
Le Café Cyril Lignac also marks the Maison’s first collaboration with the celebrated Parisian chef, who brings a casual finesse to both classic French and international cuisine. He brings over 20 years of culinary experience to Le Café, and is renowned for his fusion restaurants and patisseries-chocolate boutiques in Paris, Saint-Tropez, and London. Till this day, he remains as one of France’s most beloved chefs.
Given the airport setting, Cyril Lignac has formulated an exclusive, all-day dining and beverage menu that comprises healthy, classic, and gourmand options to cater to a wide range of travellers. Some of the highlights include Royal Eggs, along with croissant, fruit plate and avocado toast to start, Lignac signature like crab salad, and elevated snacks as well as hot dishes such as Croque Monsieur, lobster roll, Caesar Salad, and beetroot salad with goat cheese. End the meal on a sweet note with artful Louis Vuitton patisseries and a mango Eton Mess.
This partnership between Louis Vuitton and Cyril Lignac merges the excellence of both into an exciting experience in savoir-faire and craft, making it a must-visit destination within London’s Heathrow airport.
Le Café Cyril Lignac at Louis Vuitton
Address: Heathrow Terminal 2
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 5:30am to 10pm
No reservations, walk in only
For more details on Louis Vuitton‘s brand new store and café in collaboration with chef Cyril Lignac at London Heathrow’s Terminal 2, listen to the latest Louis Vuitton podcast featuring Cyril Lignac himself. Alternatively, access the official website for the café here.
Images courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
