Chez Bruce

The Michelin-starred Chez Bruce is a simple, yet tasteful restaurant in Wandsworth – both in decor and cuisine.

With plain white tablecloths in a white setting with dark wood furnishings, there is certainly nothing over the top at Chez Bruce when it comes to the venue. Giving off the vibe of a casual neighbourhood spot despite its Michelin-starred renown, chef Bruce Poole’s first eatery has built a devout local following over the nearly three decades of its existence.

Simplicity is enshrined in the menu as well, at least as far as that can be applied to the famously intricate French haute cuisine. The menu is a collaboration between Poole and Chez Bruce’s head chef Mark Christmas, who share a love of old-fashioned cooking and a distaste for various kitchen tricks or gadgetry. Their focus is instead on homemade charcuterie, slow cooking, warm and cold salads and more. A typical set menu might therefore include a starter such as mackerel rillettes and escabeche with tomato salad, sourdough crostini and basil, chateaubriand with hand-cut chips and peppercorn sauce as a main, and pink prosecco jelly with almond slice, gooseberry fool and fresh almonds to round things off. Chez Bruce is also very proud of its cheese board, which represents an integral part of everyday life at the restaurant.

The wine list at Chez Bruce is also quite an extensive affair, with the restaurant’s longevity resulting in an enviable number of rare vintages stocked in the cellar. You’re also welcome to bring your own bottle if you prefer, for a corkage fee.