Cuisine: French
Cost:
Rating:
Where?: 5 – 9, Battersea Rise, London. SW11 1HG.
Closest station(s): Clapham Junction, Clapham South, Clapham Common.
Telephone: 0207 738 0307
Website: www.lebouchon.co.uk
Sitting on the veranda of this French restaurant near Clapham Junction in the sun enjoying a glass of crisp white wine whilst waiting for my dining partner I had extremely high hopes for Le Bouchon. Alas, soon it started to rain so myself and my tardy guest decided to move inside to avoid the British weather.
The décor is simple, in itself this is not a bad thing however I found it rather lacking in charm. The seating was decidedly uncomfortable, ending up perched on bar stools around a small table in order to remain away from the absurdly loud television in the adjoining part of the restaurant.
The menu offers a fine selection of French cuisine, however it seemed to be an age before the rather rude waitress came and took our order. Our starters of terrine de foie gras and moules finally arrived and were decidedly average.
Nevermind, it was onto the Chateaubriand which I was hoping to make amends and leave me satisfied in the way only a huge piece of bloody cow can. It was shown at the table in advance of carving and both myself and my dining partner gasped at the beauty of the this charred piece of meat. Unfortunately being shown the meat was the highlight of my experience of Le Bouchon. It was hugely disappointing to find that my first mouthful lasted considerably longer than I had expected. Chew chew chew chew chew .. hmm , still there .. chew chew chew .. wash down with wine … swallow. I have never had Chateaubriand that was so chewy and consequently not enjoyable. To add insult to injury the chips were also undercooked.
I did not enjoy my meal at Le Bouchon; the food was below par, the service was slow, poor and rude and the bill managed to come to considerably more than I was expecting. There are often offers on the food – however even with a reduction in the bill I believe that you could find better food in more pleasant surroundings for the same money.