Stylish and chic, Le QuecumBar enchants the senses.

The Venue
Hidden away at the far end of Battersea high street, you’ll be wondering if you’ve taken a wrong turn about two minutes before Le QuecumBar finally springs out at you. Even from the outside, you know you’re in for a visual feast. With a frog in typical French clothes painted on the overhead sign and old fashioned bicycles parked amidst the outside tables, you’re already smiling before you enter.

As you walk in, slow gypsy music plays from the live band tucked away in the corner of the bistro. Traditional wooden tables and chairs are dotted around haphazardly, whilst the bar stands proud in the centre surrounded by patrons and musicians enjoying the evening. Ceiling fans, Tiffany-style lamps and strange object d'art fill every crevice, giving this little bistro a sense of shabby grandeur. Lush green plants spread themselves over the walls adding a touch of elegance; but if you look close enough you may see risque cancan girl cork stoppers and other such titillation's scattered around.

The Atmosphere
Like something out of the movie Chocolat, mixed with tastes of the Moulin Rouge, Le QuecumBar is intoxicating. The live gypsy music lulls you into a state of serenity whilst the staff’s French accents wash over you and tease your ears. The fairylights strewn along the walls set an intimate scene and, after a shot of Absinthe or two, you’ll truly believe you’re a bohemian of old. The darker it gets outside, the livelier it gets inside.

The Music
The music is a big selling point of Le QuecumBar, self proclaimed to be London’s home of gypsy swing. Instrumentalists play everything from clarinets and saxophones to guitars and violins, whilst vocalists sing everything from haunting tunes to jaunty songs. Jazz and folk can often be heard but some nights have interesting twists such as a Latin, Turkish or Moroccan influence to the music. The cabaret element definitely gives this wine bar an edge over the competition.

The Food
The menu is presented on a large blackboard - starters and mains only. If you want a dessert, a sweet cocktail will have to do. The menu overall has traditional bistro elements but some things really aren’t in keeping with the theme of Le QuecumBar.

In the starter section of the menu you will find typical dishes; prawn cocktail, antipasti and salad but for the more adventurous there are also snails and frogs legs. The snails at £6.50 can be a tad small with not enough garlic butter sauce to dip your bread in, but are still wonderfully chewy with a slightly nutty flavour. The frog legs on a bed of salad, however, are a highlight of the menu. Meaty, succulent and juicy they are a pleasure for the senses. With a lemon, garlic and paprika dressing they certainly wake up the tastebuds. For only £7 its worth being a bit daring.

For the main courses, the selection is surprisingly large considering the size of this small bistro and range from £7.50-£11.50, but the quantity of food has perhaps overridden the quality somewhat. Even a simple classic French dish like the coq-au-vin, served with a potato gateaux and salad is lacking punch and very close to being dry. Served in a pleasing rustic manner, it lacks the true rustic taste sensation you would get in France.

The Drink
Absinthe, the drink of le bohemian and a perfect choice for this decadent place. Presented on a tray, you will be given a shot of absinth, a spoon with a sugar cube on it, a glass of iced water and a lighter. At only £4 its a fun option, especially since it’s so strong you only need one or two to really enjoy the night. Cocktails are available for around £5.50. It’s definitely worth trying Le QuecumBar signature drink, the Chocolate Martini.

The wine list is dominated by French wines but there are some new world wines as well as a smattering of Italian and Spanish choices. Prices range from £13.50-£27 a bottle and a portion of them are organic. They also do Kronenbourg, Amstel and Leffe on draught. Troublingly, management retains the right to refuse to serve tap water, which in the current climate seems churlish.

The Last Word
Go to Le QuecumBar for the music and the atmosphere. Go to be transported back in time to a France of old. Just don’t go for the food, or you’ll quickly be snapped back to reality with a sigh of disappointment.

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