B'est Restaurant

Had a great evening here last night. Purchased a Groupon coupon for 6 of us. Starters included Mussels, pate, garlic bread and goat's cheese tart. All delicious and beautifully presented. Mains selected included chicken risotto, pork valdostana, pan fried cod, chicken fillets in mushroom sauce. Again all delicious! Puddings were apple pie and chocolate roulade. Superb. Very friendly and helpful staff. Toilets need decorating, but apart from that we had a beautiful meal at a great price. Highly recommend.

I first discovered this little French wonder in January 2014, it was via the website Groupon; they had a deal for 3 course for two people for £20 (I think this is right, my memory is a little hazy). I bought the deal as part of my first date, although she was a girl I had known for around 6 years by this point. B'est Restaurant is an adorable little venue matched only by my dates golden blonde hair, her red lip sticked smile, and long tanned legs in her short Topshop skirt. We arrived around 7.30pm, yes we had booked for 7.15pm and were late but I couldn't phone to tell them we were running late as in the excitement of the date I had forgot my phone, which I swear I never do! The man at the desk wasn't phased by our late arrival, or my anecdote about not having my phone (which I never do!) and showed us to our table. We then visited the B'est Restaurant again, almost a year & a half (1.5 years) later. This again was due to the Groupon offer - this time however the relationship between my girlfriend and myself was feeling somewhat diminished, it felt like show how something had changed. B'est however hadn't changed and was as charming as ever. The food was a little lacking, not as good a choice as the first time and was slightly disappointing - much like our relationship. The 3rd, and the time I'm here to review, visit to B'est was a few month ago. It was on our 2 year anniversary and as the relationship had been in decline and I thought what better venue than the site of our first date could help revitalise our love. I was wrong. We were greeted by the manager, who was lovely as always. Shown to our table, the restaurant wasn't too busy so we had a good seat. Ordered our drinks in an efficient manner, they arrived before we even had time to fully check the menu, due to a conversation about how we should visit new places... The menu, as this was again another Groupon visit, was limited, as were the conversation topics - as many of you know when you reach a certain part in a relationship it becomes more and more difficult to listen to tedious stories about your partners workplace, like who cares if Derek isn't getting on with Simon, or if Kate has 2 or 3 kids and that they got an Xbox One for Christmas?! I don't! I just don't. I started with black pudding and bacon - which was average, a little too greasy for me. The main... to be honest I cant remember the main as it was during the starter and main course that the "Lets just be friends" conversation started. At this point the night becomes a blur. I remember carrots, crying, crème brulee, and leaving on the 33 bus home, alone. I would highly recommend B'est Restaurant. Although much like my past relationship the appearance, atmosphere, and service are all great, the quality in the food has begun to diminish through time. Two thumbs up....

The food is great, and in the Festival this venue hosts 'Faulty Towers - the Dining Experience' which is absolutely not to be missed. I don't think I have ever felt so (happily) intimidated during a meal as while I experienced the full-on Fawlty. Out of Festival time, this restaurant feels authentically French, and the food and wine are delightful.