Côte

Whilst wandering through the Hays Galleria on the South Bank, K and I were looking for a mid-week meal and stumbled upon the a little gem in the shape of Côte. It is based on a French bistro and serves

simple freshly prepared French food at value for money prices

just as a bistro should.

***
Pissaladière
Traditional warm flatbread from Nice with caramelised onions, with reblochon cheese and thyme

We shared this beautiful crisp flatbread as a starter. although it was delicate it packed a massive savoury punch courtesy of a very generous helping of reblochon.

***
Mushroom Crépes
Baked crépes with mushrooms, spinach and gruyère cheese

These baked pancakes were perfect as a light main. Unfortunately on more than one occasion I had a slightly gritty mouthful, which smacked of unwashed spinach or poorly cleaned mushrooms, which was as real shame. Especially as everything else was very good particularly the cream sauce which was so rich ans tasty I almost wanted to drink it.

Moules Marinières

Mussels cooked with white wine, garlic, shallots, parsley and fresh cream with frites

K's mussels were the biggest mussels either of us had ever seen. They were absolutely gargantuan and equally tasty.

Côte certainly delivers what it promises: very tasty traditional French fair at very reasonably prices, we paid about £20 a head (including a bottle of wine). I was slightly let down at the level of service: our mains came before we'd finished our starter and we were left ages before being able to ask for the bill. However, the value is undeniable and for a quick post-work informal dinner with friends Côte is ideal.