Idlewild, in leafy West London, takes the term gastro pub to a whole new level. Combining the best bits of French and English cuisine, the food here is of a standard par excellence.

The Venue
Step into Idlewild and you could be forgiven for chiming 'bonjour' at your waiter, as the open room has a very distinctive French-bistro feel. The owners have transformed the venue from a traditional English pub into an airy, two-storey establishment with sweeping ceilings. They have maintained some of the building’s original features - antique wall panelling and exposed brick, and the result is Victorian parlour meets French brasserie. The main bar and restaurant is housed on the ground level, where oversized champagne-coloured lamp shades and gilt frames punctuate the ink-blue walls, and tessellated tiles provide the perfect acoustic for the soft, but lively hum of background noise. The courtyard is hidden behind the towering wine rack, under a canopy of umbrellas.

The Atmosphere
This place just oozes sophistication. The waiters and bar staff are warm and pleasant but leave you to the privacy of your own company, appearing instinctively, when you need them. The atmosphere in the plush cocktail lounge is hushed and moody and the loudest thing in the room is the cascading chandelier. Framed butterflies line the shadowy walls and you feel as if you are a guest in the mansion of a wealthy antiquarian.

The Food
The menu is best described as classic British food with a French twist. Old favourites such as potted shrimp and venison with mash sit alongside foie gras and pomegranate terrine, and roast coquelet with potato dauphinoise. Idlewild takes food seriously, with a dedication to fresh ingredients, and there are separate menus for brunch, lunch, dinner and Sunday lunch – the only problem you will have is deciding what to order. The menu is well balanced with innovative interpretations of traditional meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes, and rides on the tide of seasonal ingredients. Dessert continues the Anglo-French affair with apple crumble, chocolate mouse and plum fool vying for your attention.

The Drink
Despite the impressive culinary offerings, Idlewild is essentially a bar. The cocktail list is as experimental as the food menu and is sure to take you on a sensory rollercoaster. The bartenders stir-up a storm in a cocktail glass with their unique combinations and the vanilla-infused vodka shaken with elderflower and red chilli is one of their truly moreish cocktails. The wine list is carefully crafted to complement the food, and showcases an extensive collection of champagnes, reds, whites and roses from all corners of the world. Spanish Riojas and New Zealand Pinot Noirs sit alongside more exotic neighbours from Italy, Argentina and Brazil. House wines start at £14, and there are plenty of top-end choices for those wanting to indulge.

The Last Word
Idlewild considers itself a ‘Pub Restaurant Deluxe’, but the ‘pub’ reference is more owing to the building’s history, because the quality of the food and drink is top rate. This is the place to head for a sumptuous three-course meal, or to simply while away a few hours with a good bottle of wine in the decadent surrounds.

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