Le Bistrot Pierre - Derby

We visited Le Bistrot Pierre on a quiet, cold January weeknight. When we stepped through the door, we were met with a busy, convivial atmosphere. Abuzz with lively chatter and aglow with cosy candlelight, its cheerful feel and smart but homely decor make this charming French restaurant the perfect place to while away an evening.

We had already eagerly perused the comprehensive online menu, so had a good idea what our choices would be, though the specials board is well worth a browse no matter what you've set your heart on. All ingredients used at Le Bistrot Pierre are carefully sourced from the finest suppliers in France and the UK, meaning that diners experience the flavours of only the best 21-day-aged fully traceable pasture-fed beef from Scotland, free-range English eggs and free-range chickens from the world-renowned Le Janzé region.

The staff proved friendly, eager to please and knew their way around the wine list. Our waiter recommended a crisp sauvignon blanc, while my partner opted for a Derbyshire-brewed beer that was the ideal complement to his beef bourguignon. This signature dish is rightfully one of the most popular - slowly cooked for ten hours overnight, it is almost impossibly tender, richly flavoured and accompanied by freshly prepared veg. My chicken was plump and tasty, and the abundant pommes frites served alongside were slim and lightly fried. For dessert, if you can manage it, try the exquisite frangipane - sweet, crumbly and covered with cherries, it's the icing on the French Fancy that is Le Bistrot Pierre.