One French institution, three French eateries
Located just off Charterhouse Square, Le Café Du Marché brings a flavour of France to the historical streets of Clerkenwell. Established in 1986, and housed under one roof, lies three restaurants of the same proprietor but each with a unique flair and ambience.
Le Café Du Marché is a romantic restaurant hidden down a secluded cobbled mews, Le Grenier Du Café is the upstairs dining room and Le Rendezvous is the neighbouring daytime brasserie.
Le Café Du Marché transports guests back to the elegant restaurants of French towns with candles, classic furniture and crisp white tablecloths. In the evening, the sounds of a double bass player and pianist complement the atmosphere, perfect for a celebration or intimate dinner. Friendly staff assist with the French, two or three course, fixed price, à la carte menu which changes every five weeks to bring you the very best seasonal produce.
The menu at all three restaurants is lovingly created by Executive Chef Simon Cottard and Head Chef Phil Hayes, they employ a strict philosophy of using seasonal ingredients wherever possible and the frequently changing menu reflects this fresh approach to French provincial cooking. Dishes such as Soupe de Poisson and La Cote de boeuf with a classic Sauce Béarnaise grace the authentic menu.
An extensive and challenging wine list, carefully compiled by Front of House Manager Roberto Muscas, accompanies the dishes and, with over 50 to choose from, there is something to suit every taste.
Le Café Du Marché acknowledges the importance of a good end to a great meal. Their classic French cheeseboard is a popular choice, with guests choosing from a range of ten cheeses including Vacherin Mont d'Or, Beaufort and Reblochon. For those in the mood for something sweet, choose from seasonal, daily changing desserts including Tart aux Fruits, Rhubarb and Raspberry Trifle and Sorbet or Ice-cream of the day, all freshly prepared, on site, each day by Pastry Chef Keith Davis.
Le Grenier Du Café is an ideal private dining space, housed directly above Le Café. Serving either a three course, fixed price, à la carte menu or a specially tailored buffet menu, this space is perfect for wedding receptions, birthday’s or business functions.
The neighbouring Le Rendezvous brasserie gives a more relaxed feel to French dining. Open from 12:00pm - 2:30pm, individually priced dishes are written on blackboards and most dishes are accompanied by frites instead of sautéed or mashed potato. Le Rendezvous boasts a long marble bar where staff serve wines by the glass or bottle and the aroma of freshly ground coffee fills the air. Reservations are not necessary and tables are allocated on a first come first served basis.
At all three venues, the same ethics apply – classic French cooking using seasonal produce, in relaxing and elegant surroundings with friendly staff led by General Manager, Carlos Ruiz. Carlos has been involved with the restaurant since it opened some 24 years ago and adopts a familial attitude towards his staff lending to the warm atmosphere at all three venues. Whether dropping into Le Rendezvous for Steak Frites with a business partner, celebrating a golden wedding anniversary in Le Grenier Du Café or enjoying a first date in Le Café Du Marché, there is something to suit all moods.
Le Café Du Marché is located at 22 Charterhouse Square, Charterhouse Mews, Smithfield, EC1M 6DX. See cafedumarche.co.uk for more details.
