It’s often easy to forget that life outside the city of London exists when you stomp the inner capital’s pavements on a daily basis, but when you leave town to head just a little bit further out it can come as a pleasant surprise to what exists beyond the network that is ‘the tube’.
I did that last week – finding myself at The French Table in Surbiton, just a short train ride away from the city smoke and in the haven of a gentler, pretty red-brick suburb where union jacks still decorate buildings’ exteriors and people slow their cars on near-deserted roads to let you cross the street.
On Maple Road you’ll find The French Table, an award-winning (voted The Good Food Guide’s Best London Restaurant in 2010) little restaurant that still retains the sparkle it must have glittered with upon opening in 2001.
Through the unusual façade of the blue front door diners can expect an intimate, personalised experience from friendly art-student waiters and co-owner Sarah who is knowledgeable and passionate about her hand-chosen predominantly French wine list.
Food cooked by husband Eric is fresh and delicious with interesting twists on classic dishes such as the foie gras crème brulee.
We tried Cornish crab with yoghurt pannacotta, melt in the mouth black gold Scottish beef sirloin with wild garlic leaves and a standout-from-the-crowd assiette of mouth-watering puddings that come particularly well recommended.
The restaurant also offers cookery classes exploring such things as bread making – something The French Table is clearly an authority on, evident from the range on offer as you begin your evening.
Popular with local gastronomes and those from a little further afield who, like me, hopped on a train and made a night of it. A pleasant suburban surprise.
No comment