Le Bistrot Pierre - Ilkley

Le Bistrot Pierre has become the go-to place for midweek treats, special occasions and spontaneous trips out. When you visit any of Yorkshire’s three restaurants you’ll have a dining experience that really does classic French cuisine justice, all in an exciting atmosphere that’s a suitable backdrop for any occasion.

We visited the Harrogate branch, where, as we browsed the menu, a chirpy waiter introduced himself and recommended we try an amuse-gueule; indulging in a simple roasted garlic bulb was a mouth-watering way to begin the meal as we pondered what to choose from the enticing menu. Although we didn’t need them, we did notice that separate children’s (priced at £6.50) and gluten-free menus were also available. To start, my partner settled on the soft-poached egg with Toulouse sausage, while I opted for the gooey baked Saint-Marcellin cheese. The latter came presented on a wooden board with tangy pear chutney, and rustic touches like this ran throughout every dish. Succulent meat was the order of the day for my main, and it wasn’t difficult to understand why our choices are renowned menu favourites. With its rich depth of flavour, the chunky beef Bourguignon was the perfect way to blast away winter blues, while my partner enjoyed a slow-cooked lamb shoulder cassoulet. To round off the meal we sampled a classic crème brûlée alongside an indulgent chocolate torte presented with hot chocolate pouring sauce and refreshing blackberry ice cream.

Le Bistrot Pierre makes classic French cuisine accessible to all. If every bistrot is as warm and inviting as the Harrogate venue, as they almost certainly are, it’s no wonder it remains so very popular.