http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e56q7p/gazette-brasserie <b>Gazette Brasserie</b><br />London, 1 Ramsden Road, SW12 8QX, United Kingdom en http://trustedplaces.com/uploads//trustedplaces.comaPlacePic['name']}.140.jpg http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e56q7p/gazette-brasserie http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e56q7p/gazette-brasserie/1f1aj8
Review by suzieb

Rating: 4.00
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Despite it's Balham location, this truly is a little slice of France in the heart of South West London. The staff, at least on the two evenings we've been, are French; the wine list is extremely comprehensive and includes some of the smaller vineyards which are much harder to find in the UK (for example they've got rose's from Bandol in Southern Provence which I think are arguably the best in the world; and most importantly the food is simple and delicious.

There's also an area to sit outside which is great for lazy breakfasts, a quick coffee or for us filthy smokers who can enjoy eating, drinking and smoking without having to leave the conviviality of the dinner table.]]> Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:30:55 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e56q7p/gazette-brasserie/1f1aj81331282727 suzieb 51.444703 -0.151935 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e56q7p/gazette-brasserie/1w79n7
Review by Rainbow

Rating: 0.00
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I just read the other two reviews and can honestly say that I was thoroughly disappointed with Gazette. We live on Ramsden Road about 2 mins walk from Gazette so were rather excited when they closed down the old nasty cafe and opened up a very smart french brasserie. I invited a group of friends for a supper on a Wednesday night and to cut the story short - the service was rather slow, half of the stuff on the menu wasn't available + same for the white, red and desert wine. The waitress was rushed of her feet, bless her, and when we eventually got our meal, blimey! Onion soup was tasteless - and this place is supposed to be French??? and the rest isn't worth mentioning....
Anyhow....I thought because they just started, they might improve with time. I was far from being right. I went there with my partner yet again, this time for a nice cup of coffee and croissant on Sunday morning. We sat for 10 minutes at what I call completely filthy table, no one appeared to care and even after I asked the manager to clean the table and take away the ten dirty mugs and glasses and wipe the traces of jam on the table I got a look from him (filthier than the table) and actually left - on my own accord. It's a real shame though, the place looks cozy and would be great to have a place like this on my doorstep. Sadly I will stay far away from there!]]> Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:54:41 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e56q7p/gazette-brasserie/1w79n7207755034 Rainbow 51.444703 -0.151935 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e56q7p/gazette-brasserie/1l2889
Review by Browners

Rating: 4.00
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From Cowie...

Back in October, we reviewed the Gazette restaurant in Battersea. A lovely, comforting French brasserie serving delicious French classics. So I was delighted when I discovered they had opened an identical eatery, right on our door step in Balham.

It has been open since March and it hasn't taken the locals long to recognise this is abit of winner. It might be half the size of its sister in Battersea, but it certainly makes up for it in personality.

On Saturday night, Browny and I rolled up at 9pm to see if they had a spare table. We fancied some no nonsense French grub and cosy romantic environment, and we certainly got it. It had a lovely relaxed atmosphere, music burbling along in the back ground and the modest space has been fitted out in sympathetic and romantic style.

Having guzzled a bowl of young green olives we tucked into our starters. I always find very hard to resist Moules whenever I see them on a menu, and these were fantastic. Huge plump juicy mussels and a liquor busting with ummph and flavour. Browny decided he was in need of a protein fix and opted for the beef tar tar. It arrived on a slab of wood with all its trimmings including the compulsory cracked egg on top. It was fabulous. The meat (false fillet) was tender, fresh, tasty and very meaty.. the portion was also absolutely vast!

Then came along our belated bread basket. And unfortunately for me it was fresh out of the oven and smelt heavenly. I simply couldn't keep my paws out and for someone who isn't supposed to eat wheat, I should have known better!

My flaky, roasted fillet of cod was a delight. Cooked to perfection and complimented by a root veggie combo, it ticked every box for me. Browny went for piglet. Well, I say piglet, it was actually a mere rib of a piglet which as you can imagine, isn't very substantial! But none the less it was beautifully moist and tender.

A few cheeky bowls of sumptuous ice cream with a Madeline each polished off a cracking supper. Feeling thoroughly satisfied and verging on the stuffed boundary, we woddled home and flopped into bed.

The only criticism was from my big sister, who must be one of the toughest food critics I know. If she gives something praise... my God it must be sublime! On her recent visit to Gazette she wasn't very enthusiastic about her squid risotto... But Browny and I couldn't help think this was a somewhat odd choice in a French restaurant! But having since gone back for Sunday brunch, she has not got a bad word to say about the place.

Balham should count its lucky stars that such a super little restaurant has found its way over to SW12.

Browny here: But better still they've got Wifi and if you write a review and send it to their email address they give you a free drink! Now if that isn't good blogger relations I don't know what is!

Further good news is that they are mid revamp of their basement which will feature a private dining area for 10/12 and an amazing wine cave. Bravo.
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Review by mario

Rating: 5.00
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This seems to be a new place (although from their business card, it seems there is an older sister restaurant in SW11), in the spot of the Patisserie Ann Marie, which closed recently.

Itâ¬"s very French, with a seasonal menu that contains much of what youâ¬"d expect in a French brasserie. Our starters (pan fried foie gras and moules mariniere respectively) were excellent, and the main course, a cote de boeuf for two with dauphinois potatoes, was perfectly cooked and could easily have fed three!

Service was very friendly and helpful - when we asked for our daughterâ¬"s bavette without the shallot sauce, the waitress happily suggested they could serve it with a pepper sauce instead. Which, judging by our daughterâ¬"s comments, was excellent as well.

Definitely worth a visit!]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:40:55 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e56q7p/gazette-brasserie/1k77w7878535719 mario 51.444703 -0.151935