“Romantic and lovely” is one reader’s verdict on Chez Elles Bistroquet – a little bastion of Gallic joie de vivre in the heart of touristy Banglatown (aka Brick Lane). With its birdcages, all manner of decorative tiles festooned around the bar, a hotchpotch of prints, map and other curios on the walls, plus close-packed tables, French music, cheery service and a general air of cramped bonhomie, this place is unreformed bistro through and through. As for the food, look no further than rustic duck rillettes, escargots and oeufs meurette with oyster mushrooms followed by moules marinière, blanquette of veal or grilled bavette with confit garlic, marrow bone and new potatoes cooked in lard. To conclude, consider crème brûlée with pistachios or galette des rois (puff pastry filled with almond cream). You can also drop by for brunch or while away the afternoon with a drink and some charcuterie.