Bistro Sablé opened on November 3, replacing what was The Smokehouse in Canonbury Lane.
It’s serving up classic French cooking amid original decor and furnishings collected from Parisian flea markets.
Sketches and cartoons cover the walls, and artefacts such as copper pans and an original ‘Boucherie’ sign create an unashamedly bistro chic vibe.
It’s a suitable setting for the short but sweet menu that roams around familiar seasonal dishes from Gallic cuisine.
Right now, autumn means earthy flavours with the likes of moules marinière or pâté en croûte followed by confit duck leg or pan fried cod.
Follow it up with a calorific French dessert from vanilla crème brûlée to Valrhona chocolate mousse with cherries.
It’s the latest venture from Noble Inns, whose The Pig and Butcher in Liverpool Road is regularly namechecked among the best pubs in London for its rustic atmosphere and dishes featuring top quality produce from British farms.
But the 65-seat Bistro Sablé has its very own atmosphere with a convivial bar area featuring a handful of tables, chairs and bar stools where you can enjoy an aperitif – or perhaps a Coupe de Champagne.
Simple white tablecloths, bistro style chairs and banquette seating plus an open kitchen should evoke the intimate camaraderie of a Parisian bistro.
It’s not however too French for Sunday lunch – serving up a ‘Les Rosbifs’ menu of The Noble Inns’ traditional roasts with all the trimmings from midday to 9pm.
The 95 per cent French wine list curated by former Mere head sommelier Alex Corvez offers bold reds and refreshing whites and rosés in 75ml, 125ml, carafe or bottle.
In summer the garden out front will come into its own with greenery and comfortable tables and chairs offering shade, or heaters depending on the weather.
Bistro Sablé is at 63–69 Canonbury Rd, Islington. www.bistrosable.co.uk
Dining and Cooking