Gothique, Le

Le Gothique, owned and run by its founder Mark Justin, started in 1987, the restaurant well housed within South London's most spectacular Grade II listed building, the high Victorian Gothic masterpiece known as The Royal Victoria Patriotic Building, on Wandsworth Common. Stepping through the rear courtyard entrance into a cobblestone yard the restaurant offers the enticement of that seemingly rare London option, secure and free off street parking.

The restaurant itself is accessed via the Gothic bar open to non-diners throughout the week, offering wines by the glass, light meals plus a range of beers from independent brewers, Shepherd Neame, Downton and Ballards, always available in the downstairs bar area and garden. An all weather heated and lit canopy system allows al fresco dining throughout the year.

The bar is an eclectic mix of regulars and residents and the young bright actors from the adjacent Academy of Live and Recorded Arts add energy to the place. Here you could feast on some bar staples such as moules frites, Cumberland sausages, smoked haddock and rabbit and pork terrine. There is also a crudités platter of hummus, sun-dried tomato, sour cream and red onion dip, Provençal olives, carrot and celery - all served with warm ciabatta.

A fine dining experience awaits you on the mezzanine floor. The three course set menu begins with soupe de poisson, a Mediterranean fish soup served with crouton, aioli, rouille and gruyere or chef Jean-Marie's signature dish of rabbit terrine with pork and apple and raisin chutney.

The main course repertoire includes haunch of venison slowly cooked in red wine with mushrooms and bacon, served in its own individual pot, and skewered red snapper with tiger prawns, peppers, onions in a lemon butter sauce served with rice.

There's a good selection of desserts along with some excellent French and English cheeses.

For more information including the fascinating history of the place, the menu and details on holding a wedding there, be sure to have a look at their Website. On Friday and Saturday it is a particularly popular place for wedding parties, so do always check in advance of going there to eat, rather than relying on availability.