Barbe, La

La Barbe may have been around for a long time now but its bright and fresh look perfectly disguises the memorable twenty six years that have passed by. They pride themselves in their claim to be the only 'truly French' restaurant in Reigate and are keen to see diners enjoy a delightful Gallic experience. 

The décor is charming with red terracotta style flooring in striking contrast with the pastel shaded walls filled with quirky sketches. The convivial atmosphere provides the background for  well spaced tables with full napery are beautifully set for a relaxed meal, balanced with warm and friendly service.

Head Chef Laurent presents  a new menu every season and the artistically influenced  dishes are a feast to the eyes and taste buds. La Barbe's longevity  may also be attributed to the fact that they are sensitive enough to cater for the discerning diner who is now more health conscious and well versed with haute cuisine. A fusion enthusiast might  be disheartened but their fancy-free style of cooking, which displays loyalty to France, is infinitely appealing.

The menu is presented in French with translations thoughtfully provided, so you could start with a carpaccio of tuna marinated in olive oil, capers, olives and lemon, served with celeriac in mayonnaise, or the chicken liver mousse flavoured with Madeira and complemented by an apple and grape compote. This could be followed by a duck confit served with slow cooked leeks roasted rump of lamb with a tomato, fresh herb sauce and roasted pepper filled with risotto, and salmon steak rolled in pancetta served with creamed spinach and anchovy dill sauce.

In  the circumstances it  might  be considered impolite to ignore the wonderful range of French cheeses, but should you wish to indulge a sweet tooth, the pot of ginger cream with rhubarb braised in white wine and sugar, and blackcurrant iced mousse served with brandy snaps could well fit the bill. The wine list offers a venerable range of French wines, with a few from the New World thrown in for good measure.

A very large and exotic feather in La Barbe's cap is its outdoor events arm, where the same culinary presentation and standards that prevail in the restaurant can be deployed and for your special occasion at home or different venue. Owner Serge Tassi and his team are certainly not resting on past laurels but are staying true to what they do best - enchanting customers with classic French cuisine.

For more details, new menus and more than a little Gallic frisson, click on their Website.