A recent national poll by YouGov Omnibus Survey has revealed a surprising culinary fact: only 47% of British adults have eaten a soufflé, with just 27% of 18-24 year olds having tried one.
Despite its reputation as an iconic dish, this classic French delicacy remains largely unexplored by the majority of Britons. Now, Heartwood Collection, founded by chef Raymond Blanc, (owners of Heartwood Inns with 28 sites and sister company Brasserie Blanc with 14 sites) is on a mission to bring the soufflé into the spotlight and onto the nation’s plates with the launch of their unique ”Le Grand Soufflé”, part of their seasonal winter menu which launched yesterday 9th January.
Crafted with care and culinary expertise, Heartwood’s Le Grand Soufflé, available now, is a celebration of British ingredients and French technique. This indulgent dish is made with mushroom duxelle and oak-smoked Cheddar and is served with a luxurious truffle cheese and chive sauce, French beans and a mixed leaf salad (£18.50).
The star ingredient is the award-winning oak-smoked Cheddar, sourced from the renowned Quickes Estate near Exeter. This exceptional cheese is clothbound and naturally matured, then smoked with oak chips harvested from trees grown on the estate itself, adding a distinctive depth of flavour that elevates Le Grand Soufflé to extraordinary heights.
Rekindling a Love for Culinary Classics
“The soufflé is a dish that deserves a place in every food lover’s repertoire,” says Raymond Blanc. “It’s elegant, versatile and incredibly satisfying when done right. Le Grand Soufflé is designed to introduce diners to the magic of this dish while showcasing the finest British ingredients. We hope to inspire more people to try a soufflé for the first time and fall in love with its rich, airy perfection.”
Join the Soufflé Revolution
The Heartwood Collection’s Winter menu, featuring Le Grand Soufflé, is now available at all Heartwood Inns and Brasserie Blanc locations across the UK. Diners are encouraged to take this opportunity to experience the dish that has captured hearts and palates around the world. Whether you’re a soufflé aficionado or a first-timer, this is your chance to discover a modern twist on a timeless classic. Le Grand Soufflé joins Heartwood’s signature Cheese Soufflé starter with Ford Farm Coastal Cheddar sauce and their classic Pistachio Soufflé dessert served with rich chocolate ice cream, meaning guests can indulge in a three course soufflé meal if they want to!