Every neighbourhood needs an affordable and cosy Gallic gourmet pit-stop, and Claphamites will agree that Le Chardon fits the bill. Bright and buzzy, the dining room at Le Chardon – located on Abbeville Road - has a jumble of crisply clothed tables thrown together in what could be mistaken for a local art gallery as the walls are adorned with colourful canvases for sale. Families, colleagues, couples and friends all love the French-led menu, and we recommend the Sunday roasts; the calves livers sauteéd with parsley, garlic, shallots and Xéres vinegar; and the steak tartare. The vibe is unshowy and down-to-earth, and Le Chardon's wine list ranges from old school to new world.