As a general rule, vegetarians and French cuisine do not mix, but I was pleasantly surprised after an evening in the cosy White Bear in Ruislip .
Situated between Ickenham village and Ruislip High Street, the latest addition to the White Brasserie family offers a homely and welcoming environment.
Assistant Manager, Joanna, explained that the fully refurbished décor, having only opened on August 10, reflects a combination of French design with classic English pub style, incorporating local influences, such as the artwork which nods to Hillingdon borough history.
As a lover of white wine, I started with succulent Green and black olives from the ’nibbles’ section at just £2.00, and a South African Chenin Blanc (at £7.50 per 250ml glass) . My plus one was pleased to sip a Windsor and Eton brewery ‘Knight of the Garter’ beer, which he said was “a nice touch” as it was a locally sourced offering.
I was looking forward to the starter (Cheddar Cheese soufflé £6.50) , the most, having never tried a savoury soufflé. It arrived served in a miniature saucepan with a jug of thick, creamy sauce.
The waiter recommended I create a hole in the top with my teaspoon and drizzle the accompanying thick, cheese sauce into the middle. It did not disappoint, and within minutes I’d completely tucked into the starter. I’d highly recommended it for cheese lovers; rich but not over the top, with a crispy outside and melt-in-the-mouth interior. The sauce is what made it for me and was great with wine.
Luckily, my meat eating plus one is no stranger to trying indigenous foods and could sample true French cuisine. His starter was the Burgundian snails in garlic herb butter and baguette (£7.40) , served “screaming hot”. They were: “Tender, not at all chewy and had no hint of the rubbery misconception of this type of dish.”
My plus one commented that he liked the way the starters were presented in their original cooking vessels and the snails were ”worth burning his mouth” on to tuck in to straight away. I couldn’t get a word out of him whilst he enjoyed it!
Our attentive waiter, Oscar, deserves a special mention for his not only his service, but his in-depth knowledge of the menu.
Oscar recommended the Roast Barbary duck breast, leg confit, Dauphinoise potato, pot-roasted carrots, red wine & blackberry sauce (£18.50) to my plus one and told us it was his favourite dish on the menu because of the Dauphinoise potatoes - which my plus one thoroughly enjoyed.
He said: “The duck breast was tender, typically French, being cooked and served pink. The jus was thick and rich and fruity, with the confi leg falling off the bone.”
He chose Syrah, from Cotes Du Rhone, red wine (£8.60 per 250ml glass) to accompany the main which he said was paired beautifully.
As a veggie of many years, and forever seeing risotto as a main in meat menus, I chose Aromatic pearl barley risotto accompanied by roasted pumpkin, courgette, celeriac, grilled & wilted lettuce, smoked aubergine purée (£10.50) dubiously but it it turned out to be an accessible, veggie meal and very easy to eat, presented appetisingly with an array of colours and vegetables.
The carrots were a particular success and as the waiter explained, are sourced from the South of England. They tasted fresh from the garden on both our plates, coupled with a lovely sauce. No morsel was spared on my plate!
My plus one and I chose the Crêpes Suzette, orange & Cointreau sauce, vanilla ice cream (£11.90) for desert, designed for two. It was theatrically lit by our server and the sauce was again, what made it for me.
Warming, sweet, glazed citrus fruit drizzled over crepe, was perfectly accompanied by the ice cream. A delightful end to a hearty comforting meal. It was enjoyed again with my white wine which cut through the sweetness.
Overall, the restaurant offered a warm and cosy atmosphere. I’d highly recommend for a dinner date or adult group dining, although children are catered for and families can enjoy the garden in warmer months.
My plus one and I enjoyed the Autumn a la carte menu, but the restaurant also offers a set menu which is altered monthly.
For menus, directions, or to make a reservation, visit their website .
Have you visited? What are your favourite pubs in the area? Tell us in the comments section below.
