Louis Vuitton continues to expand its legacy of marrying luxury and travel with the opening of its new location in London Heathrow’s Terminal 2. This however isn’t just another boutique—the iconic French Maison of leather goods has collaborated with renowned Michelin Star chef Cyril Lignac, to introduce Le Café by Louis Vuitton. This new space is the brand’s first dining experience in the UK, promising to elevate the travel experience with a sophisticated blend of fashion, art and gastronomy.
Louis Vuitton by Marc Fornes
Located in Terminal 2, Louis Vuitton’s newest store exemplifies its embodiment and commitment to innovation and luxury. Designed by French architect Marc Fornes, founder of THEVERYMANY, the space merges Louis Vuitton’s timeless elegance with futuristic aesthetics. This immersive experience incorporates sleek, aerodynamic curves that mirror the flow of modern travel, offering a truly unique experience for fashion and food lovers alike.
Fornes’ design brings Louis Vuitton’s traditional nature into the 21st century by fostering a polished and futuristic mise-en-scène. The layout pays homage to aviation and the brand’s beginnings in the 1800s, blending classic luxury with the dynamic and modern spirit of travel. The store primarily showcases a curated selection of pieces from their women’s collection, alongside men’s leather goods. Considering the Maison’s historical connection to travel with its original iconic trunks and leather luggage, this new space is a felicitous and perfect addition to the UK’s busiest airport.
Le Café by Cyril Lignac
Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with French chef Cyril Lignac marks their latest venture into hospitality, following successful openings with Le Cafe V in Osaka, Arnaud Donckele & Maxime Frédéric in St. Tropez, Le Frank in Paris and their 1850 Ski Café in Courchevel. This partnership brings an elevated level of sophistication to airport dining, offering travellers an opportunity to indulge in gourmet dishes crafted by one of France’s most celebrated chefs.
Le Café’s all-day menu includes a range of delicate and delicious culinary delights, from champagne to classic French pastries like freshly baked croissants and pain au chocolats, to more decadent dishes such as his signature ‘galette d’avocat’ (avocado galette), lobster rolls, crab salads, and the quintessential Croque Monsieur. Each dish is a reflection of Lignac’s unique style, blending traditional French flavours with a contemporary flair for the global palate, making it the perfect pit stop for internationally-minded travellers.
Lignac’s vision for Le Café complements Louis Vuitton’s ethos, converging timeless elegance with modern-day innovation. Lignac explains:
I am delighted with this new experience that we are creating for travellers at Heathrow. I wanted a short card that symbolises travel and the French art of living. The main thing for me was to create dishes that represent French savoir vivre. The menu had to be coherent with the spirit of the Maison while also corresponding with my cooking style.
[translated by author from French]
Louis Vuitton’s foray into the culinary world adds another layer to its legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. With the opening of Le Café and its new store, the Maison continues to expand the boundaries of what luxury can offer. Louis Vuitton has indeed built an oasis within Heathrow Airport, creating a little piece of heaven for those passing through, allowing them to stop, indulge and relax before taking off again.
Ready to elevate your airport experience? Plan your next visit to Heathrow store and savour a taste of luxury at Le Café by Cyril Lignac.
