le chardon

[popsocks3000]

Help! I have read many conflicting reviews of Le Chardon. Should I risk a special birthday meal there midweek? If not there, where?

[Jah Lush]

I've always enjoyed it in there and have a friend who had a birthday do in there last year and we had a great time and were well looked after and the food was excellent but then I suppose a lot of us who were there are fairly regular customers. It's true there have been some mixed reviews on this forum about Le Chardon but don't take our word for it find out for yourself. Personally I'd recommend it but some others won't.

[Ant]

I've only been once. It seemed fine when I was there. Not as good as the Palmerston, perhaps, but pretty decent.

[Ladygooner]

I second that recommendation - have the gratin dauphinoise as a side order! Sometimes the service can be a bit "french" and brisk but if you chat nicely to the waiting staff they usually unfreeze a bit. I have never been disappointed with the food there.

[James]

Went there and was quite nonplussed. Was hoping it would be amazingly good or at least entertainingly bad but it was just... okay. The staff weren't even rude! If you're after that sort of thing you're probably better off at Franklins (as long as there are no vegetarians in your party).

[peckhamboy]

I've been several times and have never been let down by the food. The service does vary between chatty and "French" (ie surly and slow) but I guess that makes it authentic! It's not as cheap as I'd like it to be, but it's not horribly expensive either. To be honest, it's one of my favourites on LL, but I love French food.

[*Bob*]

Very disappointing. Mediocre food. Crap service.

Shame as the interior is interesting.

Palmerston is a much better bet, food-wise.

[boosboss]

Been a few times. Good food and friendly staff. Book your party :))

[SimonM]

I have not been for a few years but remember the bread always was a disgrace for a "French" place. Do they still offer up those awful anaemic part-baked rolls?

[popsocks3000]

Thanks. We're going to give it a try, and will report back!

[Asset]

average. thinks it is better than it is.

[TillieTrotter]

Been there twice. Wouldnt go back!!. Sorry:-S

[david_carnell]

Went last week for an anniversary. Excellent seafood platter to start but mains were a little over-cooked (surely a rarity in a French restaurant - normally a good vet can still save some of their dishes!). The bread rolls are, indeed, still anaemic.

Wine list is excellent with good half-bottles available. Service was very good. Bill was hefty but not outrageous. Atmosphere and decor are fabulous.

I'd go back but maybe for lunch rather than a la carte in the evening.

[Jeremy]

The set lunch is a bit dodgy... was served a piece of steak which was as tough as leather!

[TillieTrotter]

My mum's ?13.00 starter! was supposed to be fresh crab but when she pointed out that it was frozen in the middle they wanted to argue about it. I really wont have that kind of treatment in a restaurant.

[EDrant]

Been there a few times over the years, not always very impressed by the staff and/or the food.

To be honest, I tend to avoid it...

A good alternative is the Springers bar instead on East Dulwich Grove... far better food -- staff is lovely.

Oh and by the way I am french.