Located in the heart of Chelsea and within easy walking distance of Sloane Square tube, Cuisine de Bar by Poilane is a beautiful, understated bakery offering freshly baked, delectable tartines and light snacks for the casual diner.

The Venue
The restaurant is clean and simple, with swathes of wood giving it a rustic feel. With plenty of large windows to create a light and airy space, this is a great place for daytime dining - to watch the world go by. Breads and special ingredients line the walls and can be purchased whether or not you are dining at Cuisine de Bar by Poilane. For those who are, there are both single and communal seating options, and the kitchen is open-plan to allow customers to watch the food being prepared.

The Atmosphere
Warm and friendly, the staff are just the right level of attentive; ensuring your needs are met whilst allowing you to still enjoy your meal in relative peace. The general feel of the restaurant is relaxed and informal, befitting somewhere that's sure to be a regular for the Chelsea crowd.

The Food
Cuisine de Bar by Poilane offers food for a variety of mealtimes; it may specialise in brunch and lunch but it does also offer some light, after-work snacks served on their delicious, trademarked sourdough bread. The brunch menu ranges from the anticipated French specialities such as toasted brioche, croissants and pain au chocolat (from under £5) to the more expensive smoked salmon tartines (£11.50).

The main speciality that this restaurant serves are the famed tartines: open sandwiches with a variety of toppings that come in at around the £10 mark. Ranging from the creamy chicken caesar (served with or without anchovies) to the delightfully French for'bon tartine, which are topped with Saint-Marcellin cheese, cured ham and marjoram; these are a perfect light snack to enjoy. Accompanied by either a small leaf salad or the soup of the day (pea soup comes definitely recommended), the fourteen options are well worth a try and include duck, mackerel, butter bean and smoked salmon options.

For after-dinner snacks, the smoked duck and comté burger is a must-try; light, subtle and delicious, the finely shredded fowl is encased in delicious toasted bread. Considerable effort has clearly gone into sourcing the ingredients, but portions are small, the salads are minimal and the prices a little on the steep side.

Desserts available include delicious apple or custard tarts served cold (though they could be even better warm) as well as their famous sourdough bread with salted caramel, which is the perfect blend of sweet and savoury. Cheeses on the classic Poilane bread are also available for those who favour a more savoury option.

The Drink
Cuisine de Bar by Poilane offers a small but select number of crisp, fruity wines at around £6 a glass or £24 a bottle. The restaurant also offers two types of beer and some fresh juices (orange or ginger), as well as a range of special blend and traditional teas and coffees at between £1.50 and £3 per person.

The Last Word
Although in the somewhat higher bracket of pricing when it comes to light dining options, Cuisine de Bar by Poilane uses fresh, quality ingredients that create some of the most delicious brunches, lunches and after-dinner snacks in the area.

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