Randomness Guide to London - Differences between Version 5 and Version 4 of Terroirs, WC2N 4DW

A wine bar and bistro restaurant between the Strand and Trafalgar Square, very near Charing Cross Station.

Set in a yellow terrace block just off the Strand, it's easy to miss this place the first time, but it would be hard not to want to return, given the quality of the food and particularly the wine. Their name emphasises their interest in wines ("terroir" being a term referring to the land on which a wine is grown), and the extensive wine list backs this up. A few pages pick out their current favourite wines, and there's a good number available by the glass (175ml) or carafe (500ml), at very reasonable prices. They also have a sommelier on hand to make recommendations (or possibly it's the manager).

Inside, there are a number of tables up by the street-side window, as well as another eating area deeper into the space, down several steps. The bar area (with an extensive selection of cognacs, armagnacs, calvados and whiskies on display) has seats set along its length, with place settings on the metal-topped bar counter. Tables are in general fairly close-set, and a little bit rickety, but this isn't a formal restaurant, after all. It can at times be hard to catch the waiters' attention, but service is otherwise perfectly friendly.

The food menu is built around accompaniments to the wine, so most prominent are the 'small plates' (around £5-9) and a separate charcuterie section of meats and terrines (£5-7), which are all a perfectly reasonable size for a main, if you're planning to move on to a dessert or cheese. However, there are also the more expensive 'plats du jour' (all meat-based, at around £10-12). Bar snacks and cheese are also offered photo of menu.

On Ewan's visit in March 2009, a soft polenta and wild mushrooms dish (£6) was a very nice size, with a lovely creamy polenta accompanied by the mushrooms scattered on top. Accompanied by beetroot, watercress & pecorino salad (shared with my friend), this was more than enough for a lunchtime main photo.

It also left room for a gorgeous agen prune & armagnac tart (£5) for dessert, and for my friend's pannacotta, pistachio & Yorkshire rhubarb (£5), which was likewise excellent.

See also:

• London Eating comments
• The Independent review (Feb 2009)
• Chowhound thread
• Marina O'Loughlin's review in the Metro

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