The British public knows what it likes in a French bistro and Bistrot Pierre never strays too far from the banquettes-and-baguettes ideal. Unlike some of its more ‘franglais’ high-street competitors, this nationwide chain has kept the focus on sound French provincial cooking and authentic regional ingredients. It’s an approach that leaves plenty of room for the crowd-pleasers (whole baked Camembert, steak-frites, crème brûlée and so on), while accommodating some more unusual additions such as smoked morteau sausage salad, whole roasted garlic bulb with artisan bread, spiced tarte marocaine and a cheeseboard featuring the likes of St Marcellin and Sainte-Maure de Touraine. The wine list also dips its toe into the major French regions, with plenty offered by the glass and carafe. Good for breakfast, kids’ treats and parties too.