We try Brasserie Toulouse Lautrec, the Parisian jazz bar and restaurant where the flavours and the atmosphere transport you to 1920’s France
Words Katie Campbell
Our evening starts with a glass of rosé and a dish of olives in the upstairs Piano Bar where a white grand piano sets the scene. A soft tinkling jazz playlist and an interior of exposed brick evokes a bygone Parisian jazz bar.
The bohemian Parisian charm continues in the main restaurant where we kick things off with a basket of sourdough bread and a selection of charcuterie. A match made in heaven. For mains, I order the special Magret de Conrad, a pan-roasted duck breast paired with morel mushroom jus, cep polenta cake, roscoff onions, and truffle oil. The duck melts in the mouth and the dish is well-balanced in flavour with the jus bringing a touch of sweetness. My dining partner orders the lamb shoulder which arrives with sauteed green beans, potatoes and a redcurrant sauce. The lamb is perfectly cooked and the green beans slightly charred for added flavour. As recommended by our lovely waiter, we enjoy the house red wine to accompany every dish.
Moving onto dessert, we go for the creme brulee and the shortcrust biscuit cheesecake (both are amazing). I like to think of myself as a creme brulee connoisseur and this is undoubtedly one of the best I have tasted. Made with real vanilla pods, it has the perfect balance of sweetness to finish off the evening.
Overall, I would highly recommend Toulouse Lautrec, not least because we finish everything on our plates. The venue also has a Jazz club offering some of London’s best live music, as well as a private dining room in the wine cellar making it the ideal location for any event. Whether you’re here for a filling meal, a quick bite or an evening of jazz and cocktails, the venue is always welcoming. The waiting staff are friendly and experienced, offering the perfect recommendations for any palette. The historical Parisian atmosphere truly brings you and your taste buds on a journey to Paris.
140 Newington Butts SE11 4RN; toulouselautrec.co.uk
