Feeling lucky that we found a parking space so near the library from where we could see Le Piaf we realised that we were early – so faced with the choice of good wine at the All in London or good beer at The Alexandra (which also advertised mussels) – I won the debate and we entered the All in One – which was busy, air-conditioned overcooled and rather noisy.
The outside of Le Piaf is not very welcoming – there’s a big old battered promotions board outside and a couple of tables on a small raised area. It would be easy to pass on by and focus on the nearby more modern and classy looking establishments. However, we ventured into what felt a little like the past. Wooden floors, stripped wooden tables, dark red covered chairs, gilt mirrors – and a small bar that wouldn’t be out of place in a small, quiet French village – shame that there are no bar stools though. The blackboard alert you to some classic cocktails – but we move swiftly to a little table in the corner which had a welcoming tea light flickering.
There’s a further, large restaurant area at the back – if you pass by the ladies loo and along a shelved corridor affair (nice candles here which gave a romantic glow) and, if you dare to go down a further narrow corridor, there is a spacious, light conservatory area – which wasn’t open when we were there.
At 745 the place was about 60% full – there were several couples and a fair few family and after work groups – although it should be said that this isn’t the young set. There is a relaxed, gentle buzz about the place which makes the background music hard to hear – although it was definitely playing 80s music – I strained to hear Rose Royce and Marvin Gaye. I should imagine that it’s popular with the lunching ladies and late breakfast set.
The service was quietly attentive – there was Iain the manager, two older male waiters and a younger woman looking after us throughout our time there. We ordered tap water to start and were given chunky glasses with ice and lemon. My companion had a peroni blue (£3.40) and I had a small glass of sauvignon blanc (£4.25) while we studied the menu.
I started with mozzarella, avocado, tomato, basil and balsamic (£4.95) which was super-fresh and rather pleasant. I liked the avocado twist on this classic salad – and it was properly ripe. My companion had the sautéed chicken livers in a Madeira and thyme sauce with smoked bacon on toasted brioche (£5.95). We were a bit surprised when it arrived as it looked like those beautifully cooked livers were on two slices of white bread – however, they were warm and lightly char grilled brioche on further investigation. He enjoyed the livers and could detect all the promised flavours in the sauce. Apparently, the loyal locals here really like the sizzling tiger prawns (£6.95) and the meze (bruschetta, garlic ciabatta, roasted vegetables, olives, hummus and tzatziki) which is £10.95 and often shared with drinks.
For the main course, my companion had the recommended 8oz rib eye steak (£14.95) which he requested to be cooked blue (it was – at one end anyway), which came with cherry tomatoes and a few leaves. He had also ordered sautéed new potatoes (£2.50) which were a little soft and sautéed field mushrooms (£3.50) which were plentiful but plain. He had a glass of house red (chevalier delatour - £3.75) which I also sipped.
I had hoped to try the duck confit (£12.50) which is one of the most popular dishes here but they explained that having served so many that day they had run out. So I had the fillet of sea bass on sautéed garlic potatoes with olive and sundried tomato salsa (£12.95). The fish was cooked well and there were several large potato slices underneath and the salsa was really tasty. I had a side of sautéed spinach with garlic (£3.50) – and the garlic was present but not overpowering.
Our appetites were satisfied and we had not intended to eat anything more but the surprisingly eclectic dessert menu (meringue, banoffee pie, Belgian waffle, chocolate orange pot – all at £4.50) persuaded us to try something sweet. Sadly, the lemon and lime tart with raspberry coulis had sold out so we shared a homemade sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice. A huge hunk of hot pudding where you could really taste the sultanas and dates. Delicious. Our large espressos (£1.80) were perfect.
The total bill was £67.60 (without service) which I thought was reasonable bearing in mind the quality of the food. As we left at 930pm the place was full.
OK, the décor’s a little tired but it is kind of warm and comfy – like an old pair of slippers. The other diners in there (of which there were a lot) all appeared relaxed and happy. They use good, fresh produce which is cooked in a straightforward, no nonsense manner and the staff are kind and seem genuinely keen to ensure that you have a pleasant time.
