Bar Du Musee’s alfresco dining area is the envy of many eateries across the capital. And understandably so…

The Venue
It’s hard to understand why such a pretty little French bistro would see fit to cover its exterior in such a bold – dare we say garish? – colour. Red. Bright red. It’s a shame as it belies the quaint aesthetic within. If you do manage to bypass your initial feelings of concern then you will be pleasantly surprised. Inside is a narrow bar area that is true to the French bistro theme. Warm and cosy, the bar is well kept and made up of heavy, oaky woods and the red and cream walls are covered in trinkets and pictures, offsetting the cutesy tables and chairs. However, the real highlight is the dining area sat within a large conservatory. Pretty glass, brick walls and more comfortable seating lead out to a large – and well put together – alfresco dining area. It's so perfectly Greenwich it hurts.

The Atmosphere
This is, indeed, Greenwich so in the summer expect tourists. Lots and lots of tourists. Otherwise, Londoners looking to escape the concrete jungle of Central London make up the clientele, which comprises couples, groups of friends and families. The staff are friendly, although the service can feel a little harried at times, particularly on a nice summer’s day when the alfresco area increases their covers significantly.

The Food
The food here is expensive for what it is – think tourist prices for a tourist hotspot. However, the food is good, hearty fare and reflects the French bistro theme well. The beef bourgignon (£14.95) is a rich, hearty dish that is seasoned well and contains a good portion of tender chunks of beef that melt away on the tongue, as well as plenty of plump mushrooms. Is comes with a delightful, earthy and slightly sweet parsnip mash, which is a pleasant change from the usual bog-standard mashed potatoes. Alternatively, the Thai mussels (£12.95) offer well cooked mussels with a fresh, delicate saltiness that works well with the strong Thai flavours and sweetness of the coconut. Served with frites, it’s a filling meal that won’t fill you too much.

The Drink
The drink selection at Bar Du Musee is simply excellent. The wine list is lengthy, well balanced and thoughtfully priced, with a lot of bottles coming in at under £20, rising to the more expensive wines for those looking to treat themselves. There’s also an above-average selection of port that should be applauded. However, they haven’t forgotten the grain, either. The draught selection covers Stella Artois, Peeterman Artois, Beck's Vier, Franziskaner and Guinness. There are even a couple of cocktails thrown in for good measure.

The Last Word
Don’t get put off by the red frontage. If it’s sunny then this is definitely the place to be in Greenwich – that alfresco dining space is worth the trip alone.

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