A Michelin-starred chef has recommended his favourite affordable restaurant in the north east of England.
Cal Byerley, who has appeared on multiple series of the Great British Menu, runs the one-starred Restaurant Pine in East Wallhouses, Northumberland.
He shared that he loves visiting Bouchon, a traditional French restaurant in Hexham.
While you might think Michelin-starred chefs will only eat in the most expensive restaurants across the UK, Bouchon is a more affordable option.
What is Bouchon like?
On the restaurant, Cal said: “My new favourite go-to.
“The a la carte menu is hard to choose from because you want it all but if I had to narrow it down: comté cheese soufflé, crispy duck confit with gratin dauphinoise and fine beans, and classic apple tarte tatin with vanilla ice cream will get you change from £40.
“Prix fixe you can get three courses for £28.50 and at the level of this cooking, I think it’s some of the best value you can find in the North East.”
The restaurant offers “comforting bistro favourites to elegant specialities” while celebrating “rich flavours”.
Bouchon’s prix fixe menu offers two courses for £26.50 and three for £28.50, which includes a selection of dishes to choose from.
For starters, you can choose from a range of options such as the soup of the day or slow-cooked pork shoulder served with celeriac remoulade.
The main courses include a few traditional dishes from steak frites and roasted chicken breast with pomme purée and a vegetable ratatouille to coley filet with crushed potatoes and sautéed courgettes.
If you fancy something sweet to end the meal, you can choose the white chocolate mousse with roasted peach or the cherries chaud froid with pistachio cream.
The prix fixe menu is available on Tuesdays to Saturdays from 12pm to 1.30pm and 6pm to 8.45pm.
What do visitors of the Bouchon say?
Visitors on Tripadvisor have been praising the French restaurant, saying it “never disappoints”.
One reviewer said: “Perfect wee French bistro hidden away on a side street in Hexham.
“Terrific, friendly staff.
“Loved the food – French onion soup and the cassoulet were a delight.
“Lovely decor and spacious setting.
“Great value too.”
Another reviewer said: “We visit every year and it never fails to impress.
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“Excellent service, exquisite food, & lovely ambience.
“A special thanks to Jordan who is always full of smiles and brilliant at recommending dishes when I can’t decide!”
Have you ever been to Bouchon in Hexham? Let us know in the comments.
Dining and Cooking