Le Pont De La Tour

Bowgreave

Another good find on Butlers Wharf 10th April 2009

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As big fans of the booked-up neighbouring D & D (ex-Conran) place, the Butlers Wharf Chop House, we decided to try Le Pont and we’re very glad we did.
Lovely crisp battered squid strips, fresh Oysters and a roasted goats cheese made us all happy. It is more geared to fish fans but my carnivorous son enjoyed a tasty piece of rump with nice chips whilst we washed down a lovely seafood linguine and a crispy duck confit leg on lentils with a bottle of my new Argentine discovery, Torrontes.
Like its Chop House neighbour, it knocks the spots off similarly priced local gastropubs and the bill came in nicely under the £100 mark with beer and wine included. Very smart decor and our waitress was very nice and pretty efficient; an added bonus was that she was able to advise that each dish we ordered was just like her Hungarian grannie used to make – things must have been better under the commies than they let on.
You tend to get a bit blasé about it when you’re lived here awhile but the view should get a mention; night and day one of the city’s best. I don’t think any of it will disappoint you.

Hugo

Conran Surprised Me 17th May 2008

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I have never really been very interested in the idea of eating at a Conran restaurant because the quote of his saying "if you want good food then eat at home" just sticks in my mind - not sure when and where he said it though. The impression I had was one of form over function, with irritating trendy-ness winning out over any substance.

I was a bit non-plussed therefore when I heard that I was heading to Le Pont De La Tour for dinner, imagining I was going to get a serious grump on. However, I was pleasantly surprised.

I couldn't quite figure out the staff, at first I thought they were being masters of not being intrusive but by the end of the meal i felt it may have just been a noticeable shade of inefficiency. It almost spoilt the meal, especially when deserts seem to linger in the kitchen for a suspiciously long period of time. It was around 11pm and I suspect the chefs were on a cigarette break or something by that time.

Anyhow, back to the food, which was the sole reason that I have gone for 4 stars. I began with a simply delicious lobster bisque - it was far better than I was expecting. A small but frothy soupson of a dish that hit all the right spots. I can feel bad withdrawal pangs already and worry that I will have cravings for it. Then I had an excellent Monk fish dish with aubergine paste and ratatouille (see photo). The fish was perfectly cooked, moist, tender and quite delicious.

I was surprised by the decor, it was traditional, with table cloths and a piano playing in the bar. Quite pleasant and not at all trendy. I guess I had misconceptions.

The food was expensive but I think it was just about worth it, especially for the dishes that I had (I may have been lucky, looking around the table). Deserts looked ok, but for c.£14 I would have expected something a little more dazzling, maybe my fellow diners didn't see the best ones or the chef was peeved at our noticeable irritation at their slowness.

houssie

Conran Flagship? 15th September 2007

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As with most Conran's they food is consistantly good, good service, great wine list.
Alfresco a must in the summer, fantastic views of the river and Tower Bridge and nice just to have your lunch sip a cold glass of something and watch the world go by.

If you got friends coming over from abroad and you are at a loss for a good restaurant in a great location then Pont's is for you.