La Poule Au Pot

Sister restaurant to the Kensington-based Maggie Jones's, La Poule Au Pot decks itself out in similar style and fashion but with a definite look of en Francais. Bunches of grapes are strung up among lattices, while the familiar presence of wicker pours overhead. Dark wood joists hold the place up with the help of age-smoothed bare brick walls. The furniture is rickety (except for the heavy benches whose slats are cushioned) and follows the dark tarnished wood approach. Elsewhere, copper implements reflect flashes of light about the place while large pot plants give it a clean, breathable atmosphere. The only give-away that we're in the 21st century is a push-to-break-glass fire bell. Safety first, and all that.

La Poule Au Pot - translated as 'boiled chicken' - retains a stronger romanticism than Maggie Jones's, partly because it's French, but the increased amount of candlesticks, beautifully-laid tables and secluded corners really up the intimacy factor. The food is gorgeous too with thick, hearty soups that will serve deftly as main meals. Chief of which is a bowl of the restaurant's namesake. Just ask for a dash of remoulade (a bit like tartare sauce) in your bowl and it'll set it off like a firework. Their beef and frites have received rave reviews, as well as their creme brulee.

Conclusively this place is definitely worth a trip with your new date, partner or a couple of close friends for a really pleasant, intimate meal. Service will treat you accordingly and the setting will make the entire experience all the more memorable. Beware you might end up forking out a lot for a meal here, but we still highly recommend it.

Opening times: Monday - Friday: 12:30 - 14:30, Monday - Saturday: 18:30 - 23:00, Weekends: 12:30 - 16:00 & Sun 18:30 - 22:00