David McDonald (davymac)

Been really looking forward to visiting L’Etiole after hearing so many good WOM reports (& some good reviews here on Lookaly too) and I’m happy to say it did not disappoint.

I’m a Francophile anyway (no, nothing to do with Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley) so I expected to be a little biased towards liking this place anyway. The good news is I didn’t need the ‘rose-tinted’ spectacles and, when finally (and reluctantly) leaving I was totally won over by L’Etiole.

All the staff were really friendly, helpful and prompt in looking after us.

The food itself was just outstanding, superbly cooked, actually one of the best steaks I have ever enjoyed. Pleased too that the staff emphasised ‘French Chef’ when I was considering my steak done rare! Not a huge choice on the menu, but covered for popular mains, must admit I actually like this policy - too many restaurants offer a bewildering choice of variations on a theme. There’s a lot to be said for placing your trust in a good chef.

I’d say that the meals were good value considering the high standard of the cooking and how enjoyable the whole experience of dining here was. Bear in mind too that this place is unlicensed - although not such a big inconvenience really as there is an off-licence just a couple of doors away. BYOB certainly keeps the price attractive though.

I was already aware of how this place looked from the outside (bland to the point of invisibility!) but the decor was better than I expected on the inside, delightfully random though.

There’s no Wi-Fi here, but for a change this was not a problem as this is just not the place for distracting yourself with geekery. You’ll really want to concentrate on the great food and your company here.

This place really deserves 5-stars, but, unfortunately, they’re losing 1 star due to there being very limited Gluten-Free options. At least the staff politely explained that they used a standard stock to make nearly all their sauces and it contains a wheat-based thickener. But I think we really need more restaurants to get with the programme on this, it’s not that difficult to offer gluten-free alternatives. Imagine looking at their menu and realising you can’t enjoy any of the wonderful sauces with your meal! - You don’t have to imagine that if you’re on a gluten-free regime, that’s reality.

The gluten-free situation also robs the rest of the company of a some good cheer as they all feel for the unfortunate having to make do with less.

LIKED:

Great food.

Pleasant, efficient staff

Inconspicuous from the outside!

It’s genuinely French ;-)

DISLIKED:

Quite restrictive for those on gluten-free or wheat-free regimes.

Little bit too cosy with other tables due to optimistic seating layout, not a huge issue though.

Not the easiest place to find as it is quite a small place and off the main streets, but I’ve found it to be reliably good for light tasty meals and pretty good coffee. Particularly recommend the ‘roly-poly’ sausage rolls, go easy on them though, or you’ll end up the same shape.

LIKED:

Good food, if you’re after a quick light bite.

Fairly good coffee.

DISLIKED:

No wi-fi!!

Not many seats.

RECOMMENDED.

Also known as the locally as the French Bakery - mais oui!

Generally the food is pretty good, although I seem to remember it better quality around the time it opened, standards may have slipped a little since then.

Classic French favourites are all present and correct, from Croque Monsier/Madame to croissants and a great range of very fancy pastries. They used to do some nice soups and stews too.

But don’t even think about this place if you’re trying to loose weight!

LIKED:

Great food.

Good coffee.

Outstanding pastries & bread.

Free Wi-Fi.

Clean, with reasonably spacious seating layout.

DISLIKED:

Service can be a bit slow.

Appears understaffed.

WORTH A VISIT.

I really like this place, always had great food and service here. Food is well presented, everything looks fresh and the staff are constantly replenishing the food trays when they’re busy at lunchtime (always a good sign). There is a great selection of foods too, from a variety of salads to a good range of hot meals, including plenty of side options.

The dining areas are well laid out with plenty of space, it has a homely feel too with semi-private snugs to sit in on the ground floor. They also have another spacious first floor dining area and a roof garden (but I’ve never been up to see that).

LIKED:

Great food.

Good range of meals too, from light to full.

Good coffee.

Fully licensed.

DISLIKED:

No Wi-Fi!!

Unsuitable for vampires… Some of the sauces a tad heavy with the garlic.

RECOMMENDED!