9th May 2007
I feel guilty for reviewing this place because it's a chain and as a general rule I much prefer eating and hanging out at independent places, but this particular location of Cafe Rouge is an exception. It could be that there's a real lack of places to have a drink in Southgate that aren't full of hoodies/drunk teen-agers etc, but I really like coming here with a newspaper in hand on Sunday afternoons or whenever I have a few hours to spare.
The food is standard Cafe Rouge fare and the portions can be on the small side if you order a salad (even a salad as an entree); however, if you go in with the expectations that Cafe Rouge is a chain, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Even my regular eating partner, who is French, loves it there.
The chain's branding team has done a fabulous job at creating an atmosphere of francophilia in the restaurant. It's the atmosphere that I come for and the ability to order a citron pressé (traditional homestyle French lemonade) and quietly read the newspaper while enjoying the chatter of the people around me.
Granted, I'd much rather prefer an authentic French brasserie/bistro - but I'll take what I can get... I'm not living in South Kensington!
Like everything in this area, if it's popular it's generally packed (since there's not much of a selection) and as it is primarily a residential area, a lot of mothers and babies and young families come to eat here.
The staff is professional, well-trained, and generally quite lovely. Overall I really like this place!
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