There are few things more essential to an adult human than a good local bistro. A flippant thing to say, I'm aware, but not one far from the truth. A good one brings comfort, value and consistency. Down in deepest darkest South London (like, really South…I have a croydon postcode) I'm sadly lacking in wonderful options, but I found an option worth traveling for recently: Petit Pois Bistro, Hoxton Square.
It's the brainchild of two of the hugest cocktail bars in London, if not the world: Happiness Forgets and Original Sin. Seriously, if you haven't been to Happiness Forgets yet do – it's been voted as one of the best bars in the world since its launch. It's this duo's first restaurant and expectations were therefore sky high. I visited with trepidation.
The restaurant charmed me from the start. It's a tiny slip of a place, with a cute little terrace, barely 25 covers and gorgeous quirky features. The menu of French classics is tiny and that's great for me. It shows a bistro's confidence; a few good dishes, done well….perfect.
The service is great too. It sort of has to be with so few covers, but the waiter really knows his stuff. He artfully steers me through the wine list, recommending great choices and he knows everything about each bottle.
Now…to the food.
First up I try poached egg in a red wine sauce with lardons and black pudding. A classic dish (oeuf poche meurette – see my own recipe for it here – http://www.foodgoblin.com/home/oeuf-poche-meurette!) and one demanding perfection. This one is good. The egg is runny, the bacon salty, the sauce ruby and the black pudding rich. It's everything it needs to be.
Beautiful soft moules are also delicious. Plump and cooked exactly right, with a sauce that begs for bread to mop it up (which Petit Pois provide in volume!).
I move to mains with their take on sole meuniere. It's a whole sole, again cooked perfectly, in a butter sauce. It's simple and tastes deliciously, achingly of fish in a butter sauce. Again, just like it should. My partner tries steak with frites and bearnaise sauce and by now would you be surprised to know that it's good?
If your wildest dreams are made up of ginger beardy men spoon feeding you chocolate mousse (because whose aren't?) then Petit Pois delivers again. There are a few dessert options but the star of the show is their chocolate mousse, served at the table from a ginormous pudding bowl. The mousse is deep, rich in chocolate and silky textured. At £5 it's unbelievable value.
I fell in love with Petit Pois as soon as I walked in. It's the sort of place I wish I owned. Food is uncomplicated but delicious, the atmosphere is comforting and the pricing is, well….correct. I could eat here every week and be a very happy girl.
Petit Pois Bistro 9 Hoxton Square London
N1 6NU
www.petitpoisbistro.com
