Bloody French

With its communal tables, bare brickwork and sophisticated dark wood interior, Bloody French comes across as a dyed-in-the-wool Gallic bistro relocated from Paris to Notting Hill. It has just the right inviting feel (including a roaring fire in winter), bolstered by attractively priced wines & blackboard menus chalked up in the window – expect bistro classics, plus the occasional surprise. Brunch options such as moules marinière & salade niçoise give way to heartier plates at dinner: pan-fried foie gras with apples, or roast rump of lamb with fondant potatoes & rosemary sauce, for instance. Grumbles focus on the erratic quality of the food, mean portions & shrugging service, but well-heeled locals don’t seem to mind: the dining room is full every night. A BYO policy from Sunday to Tuesday adds to the appeal.