Review: La Bonne Heure

After a 6 month break from the world of food blogging, I’m back. Life got busy, but that didn’t stop me eating my way around London. I returned to some of my favourites like Flesh & Buns and SmokeStak, and ticked a few dishes off my wish list like buns at Bao, brekkie at the Chelsea Bun and Korean barbecue at SuperStar BBQ.

Continuing with my mission to discover the best food Fitzrovia has to offer, 2016 also brings with it a new challenge. Having recently moved house, I am now a resident of Abbeville Road in South London. Not only do I now have a butchery, bakery and even fromagerie (oh la la) on my doorstep – I also have a whole host of new restaurants to get acquainted with.

First stop, La Bonne Heure which is a family-run French restaurant. The intimate local bistro, with clock-themed decor is situated at 31 Abbeville Road. We decided not to book in advance as it’s January and, well, quite honestly it hadn’t looked too busy during the evenings earlier that week. We’d totally got the wrong impression as they were almost fully booked! We were lucky enough to get the last table for two, just before the half 7 rush when other diners were being turned away. Tip number 1 – book.

Apparently La Bonne Heure was first established in Paris and as a result of their success and popularity they decided to open a second restaurant in London. An already full restaurant (including plenty of French speakers) matched with a ‘3 courses for £27’ menu I was starting to get excited. The wine menu was also very affordable with house bottles starting at £17.60. We chose a bottle of 2013 Pinot Noir, Opalia, Pays d’Oc (£21.80) which was enjoyable.

A basket of warm bread and SALTED butter arrived at the table shortly after ordering. It was so moorish that I couldn’t stop myself from racing to finish half my share.

To start I went for the Le Crabe which was a cocktail of white crab meat on a bed of avocado, sun-dried tomato and lettuce. It was a refreshing starter that ignited my palate. My dining partner chose a classic entrée dish of Smoked Salmon served with a celeriac and apple remoulade. The salmon was pleasant but I must admit that I had tasted better over the Christmas break.

My main course of confit duck leg, Le Canard, was brilliant. The meat was tender and the crispy skin was fatty, it was everything confit should be! Accompanied by baby beetroot and lentils it was a brilliant combination of textures and flavours.

L’Agneau, roasted rump of lamb, was also a very good choice. The meat was served pink, with a juicy layer of fat beneath the roasted skin. Green beans, carrots and pancetta covered the base of the dish, flavoured with herbs and a rich jus.

To finish I couldn’t resist ordering the Crème brûlée. A rich, burnt vanilla custard arrived in a shallow dish decorated with mint and a framboise – it was the perfect sweet treat to end the evening. My dining parter chose another french classic, the Mille-feuille consisting of crème pâtissière, balancing between two layers of puff pastry. More raspberries decorated the dessert, next to a round scoop of pistachio ice cream. Delish.

We thoroughly enjoyed our first dining experience at La Bonne Heure and will most certainly be back to work our way through the menu. Thank you for letting us have that last table!

Details

ADDRESS: 31 Abbeville Road, Clapham, London, SW4 9LA

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday – Friday 12pm – 11pm and Saturday – Sunday 9am – 11pm

CONTACT: enquiries@labonneheure.co.uk

WEBSITE: http://www.labonneheure.co.uk

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/La-Bonne-Heure