Bellanger

In Islington, Bellanger brings a relaxed yet elegant French bistro spirit to North London. Red leather banquette seating, dark wood panelling and lively, artwork-lined walls set an inviting scene, with a dining room designed for comfort.

The cooking leans classic and confident. Think briny Jersey rock oysters with sea mignonette, a deeply savoury French onion soup with gratinated croûtons and poised salads, from the Bellanger chicken salad with crispy bacon to heritage tomato with burrata. Mains keep to time-honoured pleasures: rib-eye steak with frites and confit de canard served with fries. To finish, chocolate mousse, crackly-topped crème brûlée and an indulgent coupe 'Liégeoise' nod to pâtisserie tradition.

A newly designed cocktail bar adds a contemporary twist, ideal for late-night drinks. Expect signatures built around pear or cinnamon and citrus, alcohol-free refreshment such as French Rose and bergamot and elderflower, and pours that range from continental lagers like Meteor and NOAM to timeless aperitifs including Aperol and Campari.

Settle into a banquette for brunch, slide in for post-dinner cocktails, or make an evening of it. Reserve a spot and let the bistro spirit do the rest. Ooh la la.