Covent Garden last night celebrated a sparkling new addition to its food and drink offering as Brasserie Blanc opened at the iconic Opera Terrace.

Founder, owner and internationally renowned chef Raymond Blanc hosted the star-studded event which saw the likes of Britt Ekland, Sir Terence Conran, England cricketer Allan Lamb and boy band Blake gather to celebrate the opening of his flagship Brasserie Blanc.

With its stunning arched glass ceiling and views across the piazza, the Grade II-listed building housing this latest addition to the collection is a destination in itself. Aside from the 100-cover restaurant, Brasserie Blanc Opera Terrace also features a stand-alone cocktail bar, a large al fresco terrace and a crêperie on the ground floor.

Commented Raymond Blanc: “We are very excited to be opening a Brasserie Blanc in such a prestigious location. Our guests will be wined and dined in a gorgeous Parisian style conservatory that overlooks one of the capital’s finest buildings. It doesn’t get much better than that!”

Brasserie Blanc has built up an enviable reputation thanks to its affordable French food and relaxed atmosphere. 2012 will be the company’s busiest year to date with the opening of seven new outlets in central London, along with Berkhamsted, Bath, St Albans and Farnham.