Patron Restaurant

£11 - £25 / French, Vegetarian options

26 Fortess Rd, London

Awards

Excellent Duck Confit 2024

Opening hours

4PM-11PM

Sunday 4PM-10PM
Monday 4PM-10PM
Tuesday 4PM-11PM
Wednesday 4PM-11PM
Thursday 4PM-11PM
Friday 4PM-12AM
Saturday 4PM-12AM

Kentish Town's French Bistro Culinary Gem

The streets of Kentish Town, rich with character and more than a hint of charm, surprisingly house an unassuming beacon of French gastronomy worthy of your finest date night or an impromptu celebration of self-indulgence. This enchanting bistro, softly illuminated by candlelight, swirls together that delightful trifecta of ambiance, palate, and hospitality, in what feels like hushed tones of culinary delight. Walking in, you are cocooned in warmth - both from the rich scent wafting through the air and the genuinely attentive staff who seem hell-bent on preserving the evening’s romance. There's a whisper on the wind about their cocktails, best tied with promises of exceptional flavors. Try the espresso martini if sweeter edges take your fancy or perhaps a mezcal sour to tickle adventurous bones.

The menu reads like a love poem to the classics but is refreshingly grazed with variations as perfected and arresting as the deep-fried dauphinois and burratina served against theatrical background whispers. One bite of the duck confit and you'll be transported to the cobbled streets of Lyon. Surprisingly supple, it's the stuff dreams, and indeed French films, are made of. The dessert list is sensual cinéma and starry mousse; who knew decadence could materialize so discreetly in chilled chocolate pools? It's the type of dining—but untouched by pretension—that fills you wonderfully, nourishing in taste and spirit (finicky portions aside, thoughtfully complemented by just the right sides). This Kentish gem demonstrates that while everything else may wane, great French food and perfect company needn’t do so. If in doubt, let it lead your culinary adventures next time you're dazzled by that elusive craving. — Penelope Savory