Bastille Day in London, July 14

Although the French may often stick their noses up at us English folk and fart in our general direction, it has not stopped a large number of them making London their home.

Those from the other side of the Channel are found all over London but mainly concentrate themselves in South Kensington, which boasts the prestigious Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle and a number of Gallic restaurants.

Today, those with a penchant for drinking their tea in bowls will celebrate Bastille Day, commemorating the start of the French Revolution. A number of restaurants and bars are celebrating the event and The London Word has picked out la crème de la crème…

When contemplating French eateries in London, the first name that should spring to mind is Cigalon near Chancery Lane. Often cited as the best French restaurant in London, its accompanying bar Baranis is laying on quite the party. Its eight-person pétanque pit will should be in full use throughout the night as those celebrating can enjoy a complimentary red, white and blue pastis cocktail on arrival. A selection of Baranis’s bar food will be available including crispy frogs’ legs and a beguiling Corsican piggy treat.

For those looking for something a little more orthodox, head along to the Brasserie Joël in Waterloo. The eponymous Joël Antunes has created a special menu featuring favourites such as coq au vin and beef bourguignon.

A little further down the river is The Refinery, which will be putting an evening of French food and wine as it joins the celebrations going in Bankside. There’s also the chance to see one of the restaurant’s waiters in action as he or she competes in the first la course des garcons de café, essentially waiters racing against each other, loaded tray in hand as they try and cross the finishing line before all others. Expect to see much smashed crockery and hear the most outrageous of expletives.

If the excitement is all too much for you and you’re looking for a bit of Gallic sophistication, pop in to Vinopolis where they will be hosting a cheese and wine evening. Resident expert Tom Forest will show you how to match various French cheeses with the finest wine and champagnes. Tickets are £39 and can be booked online.

Whatever you do, have a wonderful day and if anyone tries to impinge on your fun, simply make the ‘chop chop’ sign and shout ‘A bas les aristos!’

Baranis
115 Chancery Lane
Holborn
WC2A 1PP

Tel: 020 7242 8373

Brasserie Joël
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Waterloo
SE1 7UT

Tel: 020 7620 7272

The Refinery
110 Southwark Street
Southwark
SE1 0TF

Tel: 0845 468 0186

Vinopolis
1 Bank End
Borough
SE1 9BU

Tel: 020 7940 3000

Image by e_calamar courtesy of Flickr