Bloody French

A cheeky name, a stylish décor, a bright neon sign throbbing through the dark nights - if it were not for the excellent food, lovely atmosphere, fine wines and inimitable style of the Bloody French restaurant, one could be forgiven for thinking this were all a joke. It's not, however. Well, not completely. Located in the very hip heart of London - Notting Hill - the restaurant could not boast a more English setting, yet everything about Bloody French is as French as Gauloises, berets and Gerard Depardieu.

Serving exquisite French cuisine, Bloody French is owned by a fresh and innovative team of French restaurateurs who, seemingly tired or amused at Brits' various exclaims of the 'bloody French', decided to name a restaurant after this oft-heard phrase and, in the process, have managed to create an establishment that has probably done more for the Entente Cordiale than the Channel Tunnel. The grudging admiration Brits have for France's culinary flair means Bloody French is heaving every night, while the French's amazement at the amount of food and booze the Brits can put away is gratefully lapped up.

For brunch, Bloody French has a magnificently diverse and attractive menu, where a range of lovely dishes is mouth watering. Diners should not miss the croustillant de St Marcellin au miel et aux pommes as an entrée, while the tartare de Boeuf with Mesclun salad and frites maison (even GCSE-level French should suffice in deciphering that one!) is a great main.

For dinner at Bloody French, the elegance and vibrancy of the restaurant is matched by the high quality of the food on offer. Why not choose the Les moules de la cantine, the slowly braised lamb shank, or the 'Mi-cuit' swordfish with lemon grass? With 'Free Wine Wednesday', BYO options, a weekly specials board, delightful desserts and some of the finest wines found anywhere in the capital, Bloody French has all bases covered and makes for a mightily memorable dining experience.