Bellevue Rendezvous is a new French restaurant on the site of local favourite Mini Mundus, at 218 Trinity Road, Wandsworth Common, SW17 (near the junction with Bellevue Road). The restaurant, owned and run by Pablo Gallego (in the kitchen) and his partner Stephanie Gandon (running front of house), has a fresh, pastoral look to suit the new name and location, just by the Common, as well as a new style of cooking, with a set menu featuring Gallic favourites such as duck confit, as well as a regularly changing à la carte.
Pablo came to England on holiday whilst studying in Paris, but never went back. He worked at The Light Bar in Shoreditch, Eat and 2 Veg and The Belsize gastropub, before setting up on his own. At Bellevue Rendezvous he is looking to evolve traditional French dishes, without completely abandoning the classics which diners know and enjoy. Two menus are therefore offered – an unchanging set menu with dishes priced individually, as well as being available in a ‘prix fixe’ format of £12.50 for two courses at lunch (£16 at dinner) or £15 for three courses (£19 at dinner), featuring options such as warm goats cheese salad; boeuf bourguignon with gratin dauphinois and green beans; and crème caramel. This is served alongside a regularly changing à la carte with dishes such as saffron mussels; braised rabbit, ravioli of artichoke and asparagus; and chocolate fondant with vanilla ice-cream.
The wine list, compiled by Stephanie and Pablo, majors on French wines and includes the option of enjoying wine from the barrel, available by the glass (£4), half litre (£10) and litre (£18). There is also a selection from ‘la cave du patron’ with choices such as Margaux Segla 2004 (£62) and Domaine Roux 1er Cru Les Petits Vougeots 2003 (£81).
The bright dining room is filled with light from the large skylights, and with the steel blue woodwork, the look is a sophisticated take on French ‘country’. To the front of the restaurant is a large banquette, upholstered with red cushions, ideal for larger groups of friends or family, with a view of the Common. Elsewhere, pine tables and chairs are topped with grey and white runners, fresh flowers and candles, and attractive enamelled panels with bright floral images decorate the walls.
Outdoors, a refurbished garden terrace seating up to 25 offers a quiet, sunny spot to enjoy a meal al fresco.
A programme of wine and food matching is planned for diners interested in discovering more about French wine, with details to be posted on the website.
Bellevue Rendez-vous is open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch 12 noon – 2pm, and dinner 7pm – 10pm. The restaurant is located at 218 Trinity Road, London SW17 7HP. Telephone 020 8767 5810 or visit www.bellevuerendezvous.com .