Chez Gerard Chancery Lane

With its stripy banquettes, smartly laid tables & abundance of wood panelling, this outpost of Chez Gerard has the air of a members’ club & is just the place for a dashing legal gent. The dining areas are divided over two levels – the main room upstairs & a bijou second room below, both with their own bars. The menu is classic bistro, so you might start off with a warming soupe à l‘oignon topped with Gruyère cheese croutons, before moving on to confit of duck leg, served with roasted shallots, woodland mushrooms & sautéed potatoes. Bring the meal to a close with one of the traditional tarts, or perhaps a plate of regional French cheeses, which would go nicely with a small glass of Muscat or Sauternes off the one-page Francophile wine list.