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Le Cassoulet
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WINNER - BEST LOCAL RESTAURANT
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Although chef-patron Malcolm John’s first restaurant, Chiswick’s Le Vacherin , is highly regarded, it was always going to be a gamble opening another – especially in the gastronomic desert of South Croydon. But John is a local and knows his market. The place was humming on the Friday night of our visit. The long room is smart if old-fashioned, using shades of dark red and cream, floral wallpaper, velvet-backed chairs and striped banquettes to create a grown-up setting for some grown-up food. Escargots, frogs’ legs, châteaubriand and steak tartare all appear on a menu that favours gusty, meaty fare from south-west France (vegetarians, beware). The signature dish was an excellent version: a rich, hearty stew of duck, pork, sausage and beans with a proper crusty top, served in its own mini cast-iron pot. Just as good was fillet of wild sea bass (succulent flesh, crispy skin), with white asparagus and crushed peas. Bread and butter pud with Calvados-soaked prunes provided a rich finish. Add in deft service from French staff clad in black waistcoats and long white aprons, a long, all-French wine list and bargain-priced set lunches and there’s little to fault. Maybe the air-con was too efficient.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009
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Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.
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Details
- 18 Selsdon Road, Croydon, Surrey, Croydon, CR2 6PA
- Area: Croydon
- Tel: 020 8633 1818
- www.lecassoulet.co.uk
- Book online
- Category: French
- Travel: South Croydon rail
- Times: Lunch served noon-3pm Mon-Sat; noon-4pm Sun. Dinner served 6-10.3pm Mon-Thur, Sun; 6-11pm Fri, Sat
- Price: Main Courses £12.50-£20. Set lunch £16.50 3 courses (Mon-Sat); £19.50 3 courses (Sun)
- Credit cards: AmEx, MC, V
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n_guy
I'm a kind hearted person who enjoys the outdoors (parks & snow!), music, books, sports, socializing with friends and the odd quiet night in. I...
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I do hope that the restaurant takes time to check out these reviews as the post from Markus was appalling. I hope he didn't pay the service charge as there was certainly no service.
This was the worst eating experience I have ever had in London. We had read good reviews of Le Cassoulet in Croydon so we schlepped out there to try what was supposed to be the best local restaurant in London. The trip took longer than expected so we phoned ahead and told them we would be 30 minutes late. They assured us it would be ok so we proceeded to the restaurant.
Upon arrival we were seated quickly and order our aperitifs. We then waited 15 minutes for a server to return and take our dinner order. Our wine came quickly and after another 10 minutes our appetizers arrived. My pate was so cold it was stiff as a board and had no flavour.
It then took 30 minutes for our main to arrive. We had the chateaubriand which was excellent. This was the only high point of the evening.
After a long wait to have our plates cleared the desert menu arrived and we decided to share a cheese plate followed by a tart, espresso and brandy.
This is when the disaster started. Twenty minutes later the cheese arrived and was served in a completely disgraceful manor. The plates were a mess, no attempt was made to order the cheese form mildest to strongest and finally no bread came. After asking for the bread it arrived along with our tart, espresso, brandy and the bill. With no time to enjoy any of the dessert, brandy or coffee I was ask to pay the bill and finish the meal in the bar area as they needed to turn the table.
They were most efficient at bringing the debit machine to the table and adding the 12% gratuity on to the bill. I was stunned by their gall. This was adding insult to injury. For the worst dining experience of my life they were charging me 12 percent for the service while asking me to leave the table. This is London at its worst. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER eat at this restaurant.
A much needed and decent French place to eat in Croydon.
I would recommend eating here.
Visited here on a Sunday eve. Quite busy compared to other places nearby.
Service excellent. Both staff serving really pleasent, helpful and welcoming.
Food tasted and smelt (!) beautifull too.
Live in Purley and this is by far the best restaurant within reasonable driving distance. Usually trip to London for a bite to eat but this is going to save a lot of future long journeys. Great food, superb ambience and wonderful service.....a must!
i tried this place a few weeks back and had the steak tartare and the il flottante - as it says in the review- absolutely fabulous. i've travelled far and wide all over europe and this place will go down in memeory as one of the top 10 i have eaten in. good work and well done guys. i'd even venture to croydon to eat there again!! that is saying something.
Good French food and a well-appointed restaurant with pleasant service. Always an enjoyable experience.
Fantastic service. Freshest oysters and fabulous wine list. Specials that shine.
We took 36 ladies from our WI to Le Cassoulet and everyone was delighted with their meal and the service.
The staff were friendly and warm but oh, so efficient with it.
The best recommendation I can give is that they all want to go again.
Fantastic restarant & can't believe it has got any bad reviews! Had a really lovely meal for 4. The food was ALL delicious, presentation was perfect, great attention to detail, service faultless & the restaurant was as good as any top restaurant in London (or Paris!). If you avoid Croydon at night, as we ususally do, take a chance & go to this place - it's a gem.
Very nice restaurant for Croydon but could certainly do with some tweaking. Attention to detail is lacking in certain areas i.e. pouring the wine. The chateaubriand should have been like butter to cut through but even with a steak knife it was really difficult to cut. Having said that we really enjoyed our evening and if the minor faults can be addressed it would be perfect. The Maitre'D needs to give his full attention to every table to make sure everyone is happy.