Le Vacherin Bids Au Revoir to Chiswick After 24 Years
Restaurant that witnessed Will Smith wielding a sword has closed
Le Vacherin on South Parade
June 23, 2026
One of Chiswick’s most distinctive neighbourhood restaurants, Le Vacherin, has closed its doors after 24 years on South Parade.
The French bistro opened in May 2004, taking over the former Riso site on the corner of South Parade. Its founding chef-owner was Malcolm John, whose classical French cooking quickly established the restaurant as a destination for locals and food-lovers from further afield. In later years, Le Vacherin was owned and run by Donna Thompson-Smith, who oversaw the restaurant through its final chapter.
Named after the rich, spoonable Alpine cheese traditionally served warm from its spruce-bound box, Le Vacherin embraced the spirit of the neighbourhood bistro. Despite its slightly tucked-away location, it became a place where regulars mingled with the occasional celebrity. One of the most memorable moments came in 2018, when Will Smith, his family and Idris Elba attended a sabrage evening on South Parade — a theatrical celebration involving the opening of champagne bottles with a sword.
Over the years, Le Vacherin built a loyal following. It was the kind of restaurant that quietly became part of the fabric of local life: a place for anniversaries, proposals, business lunches, Sunday indulgence and midweek comfort. Many diners returned so often that staff knew their favourite tables and preferred dishes by heart.
Will Smith at a Sabrage evening at Le Vacherin in 2018
The restaurant’s farewell message, published on its website, reflects the depth of feeling behind the decision to close:
“After 24 wonderful years, the time has come for us to say goodbye… What began in 2002 as a dream to bring authentic French hospitality and cuisine to Chiswick grew into something far greater than a restaurant.”
The statement goes on to thank generations of guests, the chefs who shaped its menus, and the front-of-house teams who created what many described as a warm, neighbourhood atmosphere. It also pays tribute to owner Donna Thompson-Smith, whose “passion, dedication and unwavering belief” helped steer the restaurant through its many eras.
The restaurant’s final message ends with a note of gratitude and a simple farewell:
“While the lights may dim and the dining room may fall silent, the memories of Le Vacherin will remain with us forever… Au revoir, Chiswick.”
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