Iona's review of Club Gascon

This was my first vist to Club Gascon but one had had intended to make for some time. The welcome was very civilised but we would have liked to have had an aperitif before being led to our table if it had been possible. We did not enjoy the rose champange that was suggested but it was changed for another champagne without fuss.

The service was excellent. The sommelier was unpretentious and helpful. In fact all the staff (of which there were many) were natural and attentive. We liked the decor. The room was well ventilated with high celings and furnished in a simple but classy way. The first course (a hot foie gras with grapes) was perfectly cooked and served in an innovative and modern way. My friend chose the lobster main dish with black pudding and asparagus and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was unusual in both it's conception and presentation. I chose the king scallop dish with seafood and samphire with a lobster consomme. It was light, clean and very savoury. As we had eaten lunch, in the Brindisa tapas bar, we did not partake in a dessert.

I chose this restaurant as a special birthday treat for my friend. It transpired to be an excellent choice and our experience matched the reviews that I had read beforehand. The style of cooking suited us very well as it was light, but modern and sophisticated and of course, French. Perhaps clients that expect quantity as well as quality would prefer somewhere like Fergus Hendersons' St Johns. Perhaps my most important comment would be in answer to would I like to re-visit? The answer would certainly be ‘Yes’!

Just to put this into context. I have not been up to London much of late. Especially since my husband died 5 years ago. We regularly followed Marco P W from Harveys onwards, visited Le Gavroche, Ramsey and the OXO restaurant to name a few in the city. I therefore hope that my limited comments will be of use to someone.

Iona Evans, Holywell, North Wales