THREE OTHER FRENCH BISTROS
MON PLAISIR
No one does the classics better than London’s oldest French restaurant, which serves up seriously hearty dishes like French onion soup, entrecote with “pommes allumettes” and coq au vin in quirky, rustic surroundings in the heart of Covent Garden’s theatreland. 19-21 Monmouth Street, WC2H 9DD, tel: 020 7836 7243
LA TROUVAILLE
A wine list from the south and southwest of France and Corsica make this elegant wine bar stand out. The food is adventurous, drawing on Asian influences (kumquat pops up from time to time) and the wine bar is always buzzing with a happy, young crowd devouring its top snacks and hearty wines. 12a Newburgh Street, W1V 7RR, tel: 020 7287 8488
TERROIRS
Another wine bar, this recent opening has taken London by storm, with its rustic Gallic nosh served in a of rooms adorned with posters, bookshelves and curios. Food is served in small plates or large – all are delicious, such as Lincolnshire smoked eel with celeriac remoulade; and duck rillettes. 5 William IV Street, WC2 4DW, tel: 020 7036 0660