Les 2 Garcons

"Reliable neighbourhood stalwart, my go to for fish soup and rum baba. The steak tartare is a bit too sharp with a bit too much gherkin/ capers but good enough! "

"Several recent visits confirm that this place adds to the joy of nations, or at least of Norf London. A strong, fairly traditional main menu is enhanced by a rotating blackboard menu of specials (lots of options, though some disappear fast). Recent wins include an unctuous Fromage de Tete; oeufs cocottes with ceps; the large, perfectly caramelised pear Tarte Tatin, apparently for two people but sufficient for four; and the pigs trotter Pierre Koffman delivered by MPWs trotter king. Ebullient service, a happy atmosphere, not-the-cheapest BYO option and a sense that all will be well with the world for at least a couple of hours."

"We visit L2Gs every few weeks in order to pander to our niece’s very restricted tolerances for menu items. Thus she always has the French onion soup followed by rib-eye steak with pepper corn sauce followed by her share of the tarte tatin. Except for the wonderful tarte tatin, we ourselves do not visit L2Gs specifically for- the quality of the food, never the less we always find our visits very enjoyable since the friendliness of the welcome, the efficiency of the service and the liveliness of the overall atmosphere make the 30 mile round trip from Theydon Bois well worth while. So just occasionally we do fill a gap in our calendar when our niece is out of the country with a visit to Middle Lane."

"We went in with high expectations for a family celebration but left a little bit underwhelmed. It’s fine if you treat it as a local bistro, good but not exceptional all round. "

"4 of us had starters and main courses. We shared two apple tarts fine desserts. 1 bottle of house red. The bill including 12.5% service was £231. Per couple £115. The scallops starter had two scallops for £17. "

"Absolutely superb cooking. Fish soup and onion soup perfect as were our fish dishes. Pear tarts tatin beautifully rich. House red also excellent. "

"Buzzy bistro vibe turning out dishes that take you back to the great days of London cheffing - Harvey's being the spiritual home of these two garcons. Remember when Hardens started? This is the sort of place we would all have raved about. Corkage is a little above the norm for the 'burbs at £30ish but you leave very well fed and happy."