Androuet is principally a Parisian cheese specialist and supplier but at its flagship London store in the shelter of Old Spitalfields Market is an outdoor restaurant where cheese and wine play a central role.

The Venue
In Old Spitalfields Market and just off Commercial Street, Androuet is a hidden gem tucked away in a quieter side of the lively market. Indoors is a well-stocked, rustic cheese and wine shop, whilst the restaurant is open air yet under the canopy of both the market and some large red parasols. Green shrubbery surrounds the outdoor restaurant area and plush patio chairs and tables in red and black sit underneath patio heaters, transmitting an air of Parisian chic.

The Atmosphere
Diners are City sophisticates with a penchant for cheese and fine wines, and they add to the ambience of haute cuisine. Staff are keen to take you through the array of options on the menu, and help you enjoy the meal to the maximum – when they say ‘bon appetit’ it feels genuine and heartfelt.

The Food
Any cheese lover will feel at home at Androuet, where all cheeses featured on the menu are available to buy in store. The menu caters for all appetites, whether stopping by for a snack or for a three course cheese feast. Nibbles are cheap, cheesy and cheerful with feta cheese and spinach parcels (£3) or baby peppers filled with goat’s cheese (£3). French onion soup served with Emmental (£5.50) is a nice touch, adding to the Parisian feel. A variety of salads and sandwiches are also available, such as the traditional Caesar salad with grana padano shavings (£4/£7) and the melted raclette, bacon, mushroom and onion baguette (£7), a naughty comfort food served with thick-cut French fries, delicious garlic mayo and a side salad in a delicate French dressing.

Die-hard cheese fans can order cheese boards (£6.95 for one person, £12.95 for two people), platters that come with either hard, soft or blue cheese accompanied by stacks of nuts, fruits, biscuits and chutneys. However, those who don’t like cheese or don’t fancy it for every course of their meal are limited to one option per course, and as nice as these options are – the Scottish smoked salmon and creme fraiche open sandwich (£8) or the duck confit with puy lentils and crispy bacon (£13) - Androuet remains foodie heaven for its niche market of cheese lovers alone. With so much cheese on the menu the food is heavy and rich, leaving little room for a dessert of (you guessed it!) cheesecake (£5).

The Drink
A lengthy wine list is at hand to help wash down the vast selection of tasty cheeses. There is a heavy emphasis on French wines but Androuet also sell fine wines from around the world. Glasses of white wine start at £3.85, whilst reds are a little more expensive starting at £4.95 per glass. However, bottles of wine are a bit pricier, the cheapest available for £15.50. Soft drink options are also available but aren’t quite so well advertised.

The Last Word
Androuet caters very well for a niche market of fetishistic cheese fans and sophisticated fine wine buffs, but is possibly less exciting for those who don’t know their Comte from their camembert or their Beaujolais from their Burgundy. However, the welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff make Androuet a pleasant and relaxing dining experience.

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