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Surbiton
L'esperance

L'espérance is a stunning French restaurant with its emphasis firmly set on quality and value. Ideally located in Surbiton's Ewell Road, this is a superb venue for those who enjoy good food and wine accompanied by friendly service and sensible prices.

Housed in what has to be one of the most striking buildings in Surbiton, you simply cannot miss the bright lights and chic glass frontage of L'espérance. Set on the very corner of Ewell Road, the flatroofed stone building was owned by Waitrose in the first half of the last century and Bell Musical Instruments Limited from the late 1960s - it is rumoured that Eric Clapton's first guitar was bought here by his grandparents.

The colourful history of the building adds to the eclectic and elegant charm of this restaurant. A large illustrated mirror from its Waitrose days is still a feature in the restaurant, alongside the many contemporary mirrors and prints that adorn its exposed brick walls. Wooden floors, ceiling lights and a mixture of creams, reds and browns all add to L'espérance's classic French appeal.

The dining room is spacious and charming, with room for up to 60 diners. The menu, which is updated seasonally, provides an interesting range of classic and regional French dishes, supplemented by an ever-changing daily specials blackboard. All of the dishes are freshly prepared using locally acquired and daily delivered produce. A la carte options include fillet of pork with a cider and cream sauce and a salad of warm goat's cheese with pine nuts and mixed leaves. Lighter lunch options to tickle the tastebuds include marinated sardines or roasted duck leg with a confit of shallots and fries.

The major wine regions of France are well represented in the wine list, with the addition of some carefully selected New World and other European bottles. Families, group gatherings and couples are all welcome at L'espérance. Bon appetit.

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