A man with a plan: Le Bistrot de La Gare

The Bistrot serenades the ladies of The First Pint. | Photo Credit: Lilly LeClair

Restaurant owner Xavier Rebergue is not married. He has “no time for it”, which is good for his patrons who are treated like family members the moment they enter Le Bistrot de La Gare.

That is, if they can get in the door…

If you think the restaurant is closed, just keep pushing. Those patient enough will realize the tricky door is just another charming aspect of this French, meets Belgium, meets Spanish, meets Italian restaurant on Pentonville Road, near King’s Cross station.

You’ll notice Le Bistrot from afar thanks to the cursive menu items and cheery phrases splashed all over the exterior, hand-written by the owner himself. “Most of my inspiration comes at 5 in the morning,” he explains.

What used to be a “dodgy” pub, until Xavier transformed it last May, is now a hip and unpretentious restaurant and wine bar. One side is lined with subdued brick walls and arched windows that pay homage to the building’s history, while across the room stands a wall of modern, multicolored cubes. Cool lounge music plays just loud enough, and the ambience is fun and inviting.

I perused the easy wine list and to my surprise was unable to find a glass over £4. I orderd the house Cote du Rhone for £2.85.

“We’re cheap because we want to make a difference with everyone. It’s more of a friendly way,” says Xavier. He tells me about his recent experience having an £8 glass of wine at nearby establishment.

Lunch is either two-course for £10.50, or three-course for £12.50. Dinner options range from the Chanterelle Mushroom Risotto, to the Café de Paris Sirloin, to enormous pizzas starting at just £7.25. For dessert try the cheese selection for £5.25, and pair it with a digestif.

The entire menu is varied but simple, and that’s the way Xavier designed it. “If you are going to sit down and stress, there is no point in going out to eat.”

In a London restaurant scene that is usually devoid of personality, Le Bistrot de La Gare is a breath of fresh air. It’s impossible not to have a good meal or a good time with Xavier at the helm.

The restaurant often hosts regular themed events, serving specialties such as as mussels and frites and Spanish paella. Sporting events are shown in the bar on the large HD television. For more information visit: www.l-gare.com.

Le Bistrot de La Gare
184-186 Pentonville Road, London