Bistrot Bruno Loubet, Clerkenwell London

Bistrot Bruno Loubet forms part of the funky Zetter Hotel. A very vibrant addition to what always seems to me a bit of hit and miss area in terms of the bars and restaurants. Then again, I don't know the area that well so I could be wrong.

I've been before and it is one of the places that do stand out for me. This time a friend from out of town was in London and was staying in the City so the Bistrot Bruno Loubet seemed like an obvious choice. Well located for the city yet far away for the mixed crowd to be relaxed and informal for a fun evening out.

There is a bar and an open kitchen and the decor is a very uplifting 70's theme. I had made the reservation on line, however when we arrived, promptly for 8pm may I add, they could not find it. Nonetheless the waitor gave us a table saying that it was not a problem. I was slightly concerned as I thought that it would be empty, making me think that the food was probably not as good as I remembered. I was wrong, within the next half hour the whole place was packed! This is still a very hip and happening place and looks the part as well-I want to believe that we did too!

The menu is french. Inventive dishes varying from the more simple salmon tartare to the mauricette snails and meatballs for starters. Mains include a good selection of meat and fish dishes: summer fish cassoulet to rabbit tournedos.

If I am to describe the food. It's a case of old meets new. Traditional dishes which have had a makeover. And what a makeover.

I started with the snails and meatballs. Snails aren't really my favourite but I was feeling adventurous. The dish came with royale de champignon sauvage. What can I say. This was quite simply excellent. It's the kind of dish that comes with a twist but yet has a certain traditional heartiness to it. They waitor later informed me that the recipe came from the chef's mother. That would make sense. I then went on to have one of the daily specials: the veal kidneys with mash. I especially liked the zucchini fritti which accompanied it, which had an intense flavour of oregano. I think I have already mentioned that I was feeling adventurous. This was a particularly rich dish and possibly not to everyone's taste. Still. I liked it. I must also say that the portions are very generous. No need for side dishes here.


Veal Kidneys


After such rich courses I had ice cream and sorbet. Some interesting flavours including olive oil and lemon. For the chocoholics it's worth mentioning the chocolate delice. My friend had this and it was worth it.

Chocolate Delice with salted liquid fudge centre

The service was excellent: friendly, polite and efficient. For a cool place, I was very comfortable. I would recommend this place, for the quality (and quantity) of food and very good service I would say that it's also good value for money.

I'd like to see if the bar gets busy on a saturday night. I might just check it out!

NB: There is a reason why one should call to make a reservation, I pressed the 8am button when I was reserving online!

Expect to pay around £32pp for 3 courses excluding drinks and service

Bistrot Bruno Loubet, St John's Square, 86-88 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 5RJ Tel: 020 7324 4455 http://www.bistrotbrunoloubet.com/