A Top Soho Restaurant - Blanchette

The unassuming Blanchette, a French tapas-style restaurant, has stuck in the minds of Astley Clarke since visiting. It’s a small, intimate restaurant in the heart of Soho with distressed brick walls and wooden tables. A perfect location for date night or a gossip with the girls, with the delights of Soho for after should you so wish. The wine menu is as expected, full of french wines, some of which are available by carafe or glass.

The menu starts with deep fried frog’s legs, our stand-out dish of the meal, that are served alongside a bois boudran sauce that is delicious and goes beautifully with delicate meat of the legs. Served in paper, invoking feelings of French street food, any initial squeamishness at the idea is quickly dispersed by the amazing taste.

You can then select from a menu of charcuterie or cheeses or else the hot mains of fish, meat and vegetables. This type of restaurant is a sharing plate style, not to everyone’s taste but they execute it perfectly with dishes coming well timed - but maybe spare yourself any awkwardness and avoid it for a first date. Choose a selection of the plates and share with your companions. The portions are generous so you won’t go hungry.

The meal is finished off with an excellent selection of puddings. The most stand out is the passion fruit vacherin which is a meringue and cream dessert full of zest and flavour. All in all, Blanchette is a slice of France in the midst of Soho, a delightful break from the busy scene outside the front door.