Brasserie Blanc Southbank

Situated between Waterloo Bridge and the Royal Festival Hall, this branch of Raymond Blanc’s user-friendly brasserie chain is tailor-made for commuters, families and culture vultures en route to exhibitions or live performances. Start with a drink in the bar, before moving into the main dining room for reasonably priced helpings of French bourgeois food. To start, try a bowl of sweetcorn velouté or share a ‘plateau varié’ (deli board), before sampling steak-frites, grilled Loch Fyne salmon fillet with sauce choron or wild mushroom risotto with a parmesan crisp. For afters, share a flamed baked Alaska or go for an Anglo-French alliance of treacle sponge with Cointreau sauce. Two-course set menus (from £10.95 lunch, £14 dinner), various kids’ deals and Gallic regional wines direct from the producer are further reasons to be impressed. There are also alfresco tables on the terrace.

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat on the bustling Southbank, well-known chef Raymond Blanc’s chain, Brasserie Blanc, offers a traditional French option in amongst the mix of restaurants along the river.

Brasserie Blanc Southbank benefits from a central location just a stone’s throw from the Thames and while it has a smart facade, there isn’t a view of the water. There is, however, a stylish outdoor seating area which is decorated with large potted trees, fairy lights and seasonal decorations such as faux wisteria.

Inside, the restaurant’s décor is pleasingly modern with a spacious feel. There’s a mix of seating options available including intimate tables for two, bar seating ideal for a drink and a few sofas and booths from more casual dining and lots of options for groups of four-to-six. Décor highlights include deep navy wall panelling, paired with rustic details like wicket baskets and even mounted gardening tools for a countryside, ‘Provence’ feel.

Thanks to this branch’s location in the midst of London’s art and theatre scene, the menu has been extended to reflect local happenings and flow of tourists in the area. For example, from Monday to Saturday 4pm until 6.30pm, diners can enjoy a pre-theatre menu which offers two courses for £16.95 or three courses for £20.95. Starters include dishes such as cucumber gazpacho, lemon crème faiche and dill julienne or chicken Caesar salad.

For mains, you can expect the likes of herb-crusted cod fillet with mousseline potatoes and sautéed leeks, roast tomato and spring vegetable penne pasta and steak frites. While the dessert menu boasts chocolate and orange mousse alongside cherry and apple compote.