The Good Food Guide, which publishes reviews and recommendations of Britain’s best places to eat, shared a list of its favourite French bistros in the UK.
One of those featured in the list was Bouchon Bistrot, based on Gilesgate, Hexham, which was described as serving ‘classic French bistro cooking in a sleek, updated setting’.
Braised veal belly at Bouchon Bistrot (Image: Tripadvisor)
The dining experts say Bouchon Bistrot was considered overall ‘good’, which it also rated the restaurant for uniqueness in the local area, deliciousness of food, warmth of service, and the strength of the recommendation.
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“A friendly welcome settles you into a comfy dining room combining classic decor, Art Nouveau prints and Pernod paraphernalia with some contemporary furnishings, but that’s where the sleek modernity ends,” The Good Food Guide said.
Duck salad (Image: Elise Geddes)
“In the kitchen, it’s all about delivering time-honoured bistro staples, which means French onion soup sopping up into garlic croûtons, escargots brimming with garlic butter, and soufflés so light and breezy they would waft away if they weren’t anchored by their pool of rich Comté sauce.
“Main courses are reliably hearty: confit duck leg with gratin dauphinois is a favourite with reporters, likewise braised rabbit leg with morels and juicy slices of roast chicken breast on a bed of potatoes and oyster mushrooms sautéed to a fudge-like softness with a slick of tarragon sauce.
Inside the restaurant described as having a ‘great’ atmosphere and ‘superb’ food (Image: Tripadvisor)
“Some lighter options, such as smoked salmon with tomato and cucumber salad, are available on the well-priced prix-fixe in the afternoon and early evening.
“In the warmer months, it’s worth taking desserts such as the ever-popular tarte tatin or cannelé bordelais with hazelnut ice cream and salted caramel on the new roof terrace, while surveying the picturesque prospect of Hexham all around. To drink, consider a glass or two from their concise, French-led wine list (prices start at £8).”
Bouchon Bistro is highly recommended on Tripadvisor (Image: Tripadvisor)
The bistro is also highly recommended on Tripadvisor and in Google reviews, with customers highlighting ‘superb’ food and ‘excellent service’.
“Another superb lunch at Bouchon, this time catching up with an old friend,” one Tripadvisor review said. “We both had a superb meal – but the restaurant experience is not just about the meal.
“The service was excellent, the atmosphere was great and we both had a wonderful lunch. Thank you for a wonderful experience.”
Another added: “The dishes are taste sensations. The duck confit was probably the best I’ve ever had and the steak was absolutely delicious, the accompanying sauce was amazing and the chunky chips were just nothing like I’ve ever tried before, absolutely perfect.”
Dining and Cooking