Henry Harris at Bouchon Racine
If you've eaten at Bouchon Racine, you’ll already know: it’s not just the food that makes this place special. Yes, the menu is unapologetically French and executed with real finesse—but what really lingers is the warmth of the welcome. That, I think, has everything to do with Henry Harris.
I photographed Henry as part of my ongoing London Restaurateurs series. When I arrived, it was a busy moment—lunchtime prep was in full swing and yet Henry found the time to greet warmly as he would an old friend. We chatted, found good light, made some portraits—and all the while, I could feel the energy of someone completely at home in his restaurant.
Henry’s reputation goes back to his days at Racine in Knightsbridge, and it’s a joy to see Bouchon Racine bringing that same honest, classical French cooking to a new crowd above the Three Compasses pub in Farringdon. Steak au poivre, rabbit with mustard sauce, crème caramel—it’s all there, unfussy and brilliant.
As a photographer, I often say a good portrait comes from trust and ease. Henry made that easy. And I think that’s also the secret to his success: he welcomes you in, whether you’re a guest or someone with a camera. The food is outstanding, but a meal is only ever as good as the welcome.
