Well, we've heard of bistros and we've also heard of pubs, but Somerstown Coffee House bases its identity on combining the two and has revived the example of how two diverse concepts can blend together with a little imagination and flair. An air of friendliness is evident as soon as you step inside Vanessa and Sabine's Chalton Street venue; the two sisters from Normandy have channelled their knowledge into this venture making the best use of a Grade II listed building.

Traditional French food comes to the table whilst underlining the importance of local sourcing and seasonality, so meat is delivered from Smithfield Market and fish from Billingsgate. Homemade fish soup with rouille, gruyere and croutons comes as an antidote to an appetite exhausted by too much fast food, or even a terrine de foie gras and mango served with corn bread. There is a good selection of main courses such as 28 days matured rib eye steak, braised lamb shank and chef's special fish of the day with chocolate mousse maison or crème brûlée a la grenadine to finish.