Racine

Conveniently close to many of the attractions of South Kensington, Racine, owned by chef Henry Harris, ex-Head Chef at Fifth Floor, and front of house Eric Garnier, has rattled more than a few culinary cages in the area and after only a few months its future looks rosy.

The restaurant is welcoming. Furnishings, napery and ambience are spot on, complementary to the experience without being in any way intrusive. Not for the first time this is an attempt to retrace the route to original French classic homely food, but the difference is that it appears to be succeeding.

Start with Morecambe Bay shrimps potted with Sercial Madeira. Grilled rabbit with mustard sauce and smoked bacon makes a delicious main dish, finishing with a petit pot au chocolat. A thoughtful and well-priced wine list rounds off the experience well and there is little doubt that if the prevailing standards are maintained, Racine will turn out to be a winner; already it has been accepted by the Good Food Guide.