Northumberland French bistro is charming spot among UK best

Bouchon Bistrot, tucked away just off the Market Square on Gilesgate in Hexham, was praised for “delivering time-honoured bistro staples” by The Good Food Guide.

This includes the likes of its French onion soup with soufflés “so light and breezy they would waft away if they weren’t anchored by their pool of rich Comté sauce”.

Guests have even praised it for offering “a real touch of France”.

Why is this Northumberland French bistro among Britain’s best?

The foodie publisher shared: “A friendly welcome settles you into a comfy dining room combining classic decor, Art Nouveau prints and Pernod paraphernalia with some contemporary furnishings, but that’s where the sleek modernity ends.

“In the kitchen, it’s all about delivering time-honoured bistro staples, which means French onion soup sopping up into garlic croûtons, escargots brimming with garlic butter, and soufflés so light and breezy they would waft away if they weren’t anchored by their pool of rich Comté sauce.

“Main courses are reliably hearty: confit duck leg with gratin dauphinois is a favourite with reporters, likewise braised rabbit leg with morels and juicy slices of roast chicken breast on a bed of potatoes and oyster mushrooms sautéed to a fudge-like softness with a slick of tarragon sauce.

“Some lighter options, such as smoked salmon with tomato and cucumber salad, are available on the well-priced prix-fixe in the afternoon and early evening.”

It continued: “In the warmer months, it’s worth taking desserts such as the ever-popular tarte tatin or cannelé bordelais with hazelnut ice cream and salted caramel on the new roof terrace, while surveying the picturesque prospect of Hexham all around.

“To drink, consider a glass or two from their concise, French-led wine list.”

Additionally, Bouchon Bistrot describes itself as a “charming spot” where “the warmth of rural France meets the heart of Hexham”.

Its website explains: “The restaurant brings a true taste of tradition to the North East.

“Owner Gregory, originally from the Loire Valley, from a family of French restaurateurs and trained in Michelin-starred restaurants across France, infuses every dish with the flavours, techniques, and passion of his homeland.”

Teasing its menu, Bouchon Bistrot reveals: “Guests can start with favourites like our classic cheese Soufflé, steak tartare, before enjoying beautifully prepared mains such as our traditional confit duck served with Gratin Dauphinois, fine beans & bacon accompanied with a red wine jus.

“Each dish is crafted with care and simplicity, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine.”

On Tripadvisor, the French bistro currently has 969 “excellent” reviews, out of a possible 1,301.

‘The restaurant brings a true taste of tradition to the North East’ (Image: Tripadvisor)

This recent customer said: “Another superb lunch at Bouchon, this time catching up with an old friend. We both had a superb meal- but the restaurant experience is not just about the meal.

“The service was excellent, the atmosphere was great and we both had a wonderful lunch. Thank you for a wonderful experience.”

One person posted: “Managed to get a booking for dinner here late in the day during our short stay in Hexham. We all chose from the price fixe menu and all of the party were happy with our choices.

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“The steak in particular was very well cooked and flavoursome and the madeleines with the Coupe Bouchon dessert were delightful. Would happily return.”

Someone else wrote: “Absolutely wonderful. We are always greeted as old friends by Greg the owner and Jordan who invariably attends to us.

“The decor and atmosphere are first class, service is always delivered with a smile and the food is faultless. We have never had anything but a perfect evening at Bouchon!”

Do you know about any other French bistros in the North East to recommend? Share your suggestions in the comments.