Chez Bruce @ Wandsworth Common, London

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Chez Bruce was the 1st Michelin Restaurant I had during my long vacation in London (I'm currently back but still have lots of post to write up about UK). Chez Bruce is located in Wandsworth Common, which is about a 20minutes train ride from Victoria Station. It is another half a kilo meter away from the station.

Anyway, the restaurant is a cozy little place with an average size dining room. I felt a little cramp up in that small corner I was seated at though. Then again, I know people who will be grateful for the privacy provided.

One can only go for the 3 course meal at Chez Bruce. Each course consist of a choice of 8 dishes. I was served a Parmesan biscuit upon seating down followed by fresh bread after I placed my order. I must say, the biscuit was darn good.

Smoked Eel

I had the Smoked Eel with Herring Salade Lyonaise, Beetroot and Horseradish for my appetizer. Smoked eel and herring is one of the more prominent English produce. Most restaurants usually have them in their menu during winter. The herrings were beautifully seasoned, and went well with that dash of horseradish cream. The eel was a delight as well. It was a very well balanced dish.

Plaice Fillet

For the main, I had Plaice Fillet, with Herb Crusted Razor Clam, Jerusalem, Artichokes, Gnocchi and Almond. The dish looked very good. I personally am not a fan of soft fish. Plaice unfortunately, is a rather soft fish (wrong choice of main). I found the dish to be just average. Somehow, I got quite sick of the fish after having just half of the plate. I would have preferred a a couple more gnocchi as well.

I was served a few pre-dessert which I declined as I was starting to fill up. I sought the waitress's advice on ordering my dessert. I didn't want to have anything too rich.

Champagne Jelly

For dessert, I had the Champagne jelly with Yorkshire Rhubarb, Clementine Sorbet and Frosted Pistachios. I found the syrup a little too sweet for my liking. I guess tang of the clementine sorbet and rhubarb was to balance the sweetness. However, it was still too sweet. The champagne jelly was nicely done though. The pistachios were very good as well.

All in all, it was a good meal. Don't be mistaken about how I've written up the post. Its not that the food wasn't good, but somehow one can always find something to criticise if they choose to (and today I'm choosing to). Some people prefer their dessert on the sweet side as well so some of the things I'm picking on aren't valid.

I would say that Chez Bruce is easily one of the more reasonably priced Michelin restaurant around. Upon paying the cheque, I was given a 50% discount card for a meal at their sister restaurant, The Glasshouse in Kew Garden. Unfortunately, it was only valid for 2 weeks and I couldn't find the time to head over to Kew Garden. I would certainly like to try their sister restaurant one day


*Opinions expressed are solely based on my personal experience

Map to Chez Bruce

Nearest Train Station: Wandsworth Common

Address:
2 Bellevue Road,
Wandsworth Common,
SW17 7EG London,
United Kingdom.

Contact:
Telephone number: +44 (0) 208 672 0114
Fax: +44 (0) 208 767 6648
Website: http://www.chezbruce.co.uk/

Opening hours:
Lunch:

Monday-Friday: 12pm-2.30pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 12pm-3pm.

Dinner:
Monday-Thursday 6:30pm-10pm
Friday and Saturday: 6:30pm-10:30pm
Sunday: 7pm-9.30pm