Lambs Conduit Street is a very nice enclave in the middle of Central London (minutes from Holborn Station) with lots of lovely independent shops, pubs, galleries, and restaurants. But only one block away, on Rugby Street, is the appropriately named Rugby Tavern pub, and upstairs is Bistro Bleu.
It’s quite a contrast. Walking into Rugby Tavern is like walking into any London pub, with the bar in the centre of the room, the typical beers on tap and by the bottle, the usual pub-looking regulars hanging around having a lazy drink, but upstairs you are transported to France at Bistro Bleu. Yes, upstairs really does feel, looks like, and even smells like a French Bistro. Absolutely lovely little lamps on each of the ten tables (in a room that sits an intimate 50 people), lovely hangings against the blue-ish and mirrored walls, and out the windows are the treetops of the outdoor drinking area of the pub downstairs. Your sensations are definitely transported, as will your taste buds.
Bistro Bleu is a tale of two cities – one being their regular French and Prixe Fixe and A la Carte menus, and the other their Sunday Lunch Menu. The Sunday Lunch menu is a great value at 3 courses for £30 with all of your favorites, and something for everyone.
At the top are the starters: Garden Peas Veloute (a savory sauce made from a roux (flour and fat cooked together) in a light stock); Duck & Chicken Liver Parfait (with five small pieces of toasted baguette and a stunning pear & saffron compote, which goes very well with the duck & chicken – it being a lighter option then pate’); Treacle Cured Salmon, and the unbelievably delicious Tenderstem & Cauliflower Tempura which could not have been better – a huge amazing portion as a starter, nice and crunchy – it’s a dish I wish I could have again!
The usual roast options are on offer, which included Scottish Striploin Been (£4 supplement) – with lots of beef strips all over the plate; Slow Roasted Port Belly – nice chunks of pork that were succulent at each bite; Free Range Chicken; and Roast Butternut, Kale & Mushroom Wellington (for the Vegetarians out there). Each dish comes with mash and roasted potatoes, lots and lots of maple roasted root vegetables, and a massively huge yorkshire pudding that is larger than large!
Of course, dessert has to happen – and I highly recommend the Apple & Cinnamon Spring Roll – and yes – it’s exactly what it says on the tin. One big warm spring roll with luscious apple tucked inside served alongside vanilla ice cream, with it all swimming in caramel sauce. Speaking of Vanilla, you can opt for the Vanilla Pannacotta which was brilliantly paired with spiced roasted plum – very divine. Other options include the Dark Chocolate Brownie, Sticky Toffee Pudding, and a Cheese Board called Bloomsbury (the neighborhood this place is in).
There is a fantastic wine list where any wine on the list would be perfectly paired with any of the menus you choose. Wines from France (of course), Chile, Spain, Romania, Argentina – there’s lots to choose from, either by glass or to share with your dining companion.
On my next visit to Bistro Blue I plan to go `French all the way’ and partake in their Monday – Saturday a la carte menu: Garden Peas Veloute’ with Braised Ox Cheek Bourguignon would be my choice, or the 8 oz Bavette or Ribeye Steak, with a side of Tomato and Red Onion Salad. You can also opt for the Prix FIxe menu served Monday – Saturday 12pm to 3pm and from 5pm to 9:30 pm – a steal at 2 courses for £22.50 or three courses for £27.50. And this menu does include the Tenderstem and Cauliflower Tempura along with the Braised Ox Cheek – in my mind this would be a perfect meal. But I would definitely stick to the Apple & Cinnamon Roll for dessert – it was absolutely divine.