Le Troquet, which is French for “the troquet” (hahaha) is a lovely little French bistrot on the Kings Road in SW10 (the ‘World’s End’ bit of Chelsea in west London). You could do worse than book yourself in there, for an intimte little meal a-deux for Valentine’s day. It’s cosy with check gingham tablecloths and French ephemera on the walls, a cheeseboard set out tantalisingly and all sorts of hams/charcuterie etc as bar snacks. I went with a group of girls on the same Friday night they had two massive birthday parties in, so the place was buzzing. My starter, oeuf en cocotte contained fois gras and was lovely and savoury. Then I went for the classic moules frites, garlicky and winey. And a trio of ice creams to finish. I have a theory that ice cream, because it melts and just “fills in the cracks” doesn’t really fill you up but of course I know this is nonsense. Chocolate and pistachio flavours went well together and raspberry sorbet provided a lovely hit of sharp tang to cut through the sweet richness (what’s wrong with sweet richness though?). I had a little guided tour of the kitchen beforehand and I don’t know how the 3 (or was it two?) chefs managed to knock out so many dishes on time, and hot, and in the right order. I guess that’s what they do, isn’t it? As Her Majesty says, it’s all in the training.

The bill was VERY reasonable so get booking before word gets round. It’s a good neighbourhood place, and if I lived in the neighbourhood, I’d be there every week. As it was, it took me an hour and a quarter to get there by car from north London. My fault for living in self-satisfied Hampstead, I suppose.

le Troquet, 430 Kings Road, London, SW10 0LJ | Tel: 020 7351 5939