Pique Nique

Cozy French cooking in Bermondsey

Raspberry mille feuille

France is not too away from the UK, and there are many French chefs working in London. However, this doesn't mean that London is blessed with many high-quality French restaurants. No doubt, there are a few at the very top end, the contemporary French-themed, Michelin starred restaurants, like Club Gascon and Le Gavroche, but I do found it hard to find classic, mid-range level French restaurants in London. However, Pique Nique in Bermondsey is one of those rare gems, at least according to many foodies and the press. Operate by a team of French with a menu also written in French, it has an open kitchen and the food is all about rustic French cooking, with mains are designed to be shared so best come in a group.

Grilled squid, romesco sauce

Cold crab soup

Pate en croute

I have managed to sample every starter from the menu on the day, and the grilled squid was easily the best of the lot. The squid was fresh and sweet, finely seasoned with the red pepper sauce offered a lovely spicy undertone that really enhanced the freshness of the squid. The house special dish is a plate of whole roasted con fed chicken, served with an insanely outstanding cep sauce, I was in love with that rich and buttery sauce, the hint of earthiness matched the chicken perfectly. However, I did find the chicken was a touch overcooked, so it wasn't as moist as it could have been. The whole roasted turbot was a little under-seasoned, the flesh was still tender I felt it needed a touch more salt and vinegar to complete the dish.

Roasted turbot

Black leg chicken with cep sauce

Chateaubriand with grilled vegetables

The meal was far from perfect, but at the same time, it was very enjoyable. I do enjoy large sharing dishes, getting the chance to sample whole fish or large cut of meat cooking is not easy in London after all. The comforting French flavour was hard to beat. The wine at Pique Nique is also great value for money. With Covid 19 still on the loose, a trip to Pique Nuqie is what you should do if you fancy an old school French meal, saves you all the trouble from traveling to France.

Food 3/5

Average cost without drinks and services:
£30

Tanner St, Bermondsey, London SE1 3LD

https://pique-nique.co.uk/