Brasserie Blanc
Bakers & Cutlers Halls, The Friary Building, Cabot Circus, Bristol, BS1 3DF
t: 01179 102 410
e: bristol@brasserieblanc.com
w: www.brasserieblanc.com
Follow Brassier Blanc on Twitter @bbbristol

As the centrepiece of Quakers Friars Brasserie Blanc is an ideal location for those looking for a more sophisticated bite after a days shopping or after finishing work in the centre. We popped in last week to check out their food.

The restaurant itself is beautiful: light and airy striking a perfect balance between traditional and contemporary. The menu is a reasonable size – not too long or complicated with simple, recognizable french dishes throughout.

We decided to skip starters and go straight in for the mains. Sam chose scallops with a potato rosti, I opted for king prawns which came with chips and a saffron mayonnaise.

The food came out in good time – and whilst we waited we soaked up the atmosphere, enjoying a glass of wine each.

Sam reported back that the scallops were nicely cooked and flavoursome. The potato rosti was also nice and a welcome alternative to chips. He did however comment that the presentation of his food was lacking a certain ‘je ne sais quois’. Served on a black oblong tray the two items on their own didn’t look particularly appetising – it needed an injection of colour from a sauce or side salad.

My king prawns were certainly that – king! They were meaty and very filling. The chips were thin cut french fries a good accompaniment.

In addition to our mains I’d ordered a rocket and parmesan side salad in balsamic dressing, which we both agreed was amazing. For my salad dodger boyfriend to keep come back for second and third helpings of the green stuff is practically unheard of.

Service was mixed. Our server was great, very attentive and very professional. The rest of the staff seemed not quite so on the ball though. A member of the bar brought over a glass instead of a jug of water (quickly whisked away and replaced by our server) and the mayonnaise which my prawns were meant to be served with didn’t actually arrive until I was half way through eating.

Price wise it is more on the expensive side, particularly for a chain restaurant. We ordered off the a la carte menu and our mains and salad came to around £40 with drinks on top. There is a set menu however which is much more affordable, £14 for two courses and £16.45 for three courses so you can get a nice meal for a good price providing you’re happy with the set menu choices.

Verdict. A nice restaurant with pleasant food. Good for shoppers looking for an alternative to cafe rouge or frankie and bennies