The Great British Sandwich in Paris? Article Published: 13:15 16/04/2006 Article Classification: Villa in Flayosc Provence
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 "I think the face of British cuisine has changed, thanks partly to the chefs on television," she said.
    "We have had to re-think it and raise it up, and because we have not let ourselves be influenced by any preconceptions, as a result we are more open to new experiments, and our cuisine has become a lot more diverse, varied and open-minded and therefore more exciting."
    Lucky visitors to the ambassador's beautiful residence, which was built in 1720-1723 and was once the home of Napoleon's sister Pauline, get the chance to taste the difference for themselves at events hosted by the ambassador, Sir John Holmes, and his wife.
    Together with chef James Viaene, Lady Holmes spends hours every week pouring over menus many from reknowned British chefs such as Gary Rhodes or Scotland's Nick Nairn.
    On average Viaene and his team of four have to plan for some three dinner parties every week, plus a lunch and a reception almost daily, making an average of 300 guests per week.
    And many of the recipes in "Simply British" are served up in the sumptuous dining room where Pauline and her guests once dined, seated on the same furniture which was purchased along with the house by the Duke of Wellington in 1814.
    "We have to balance a contemporary style with the elegance and style of the house," Holmes said.
    "I think bangers and mash are delicious for example, but you would need to be a bit careful serving it here. But if you could produce it in an elegant, contemporary way, why not?"
    Everything from British cheeses, to hot-smoked salmon and wine is served up to guests in a bid to showcase the country's finest products. But like any British ex-pat hankering for a taste of home, finding suppliers in Paris can be a problem.
    Lady Holmes admits she too, like others heading across the Channel by car, has a tendency to stock up while back home in England.
    "It's not been unknown for me to come back with 40 kilos of sausages," she said with a laugh.