Denise’s in London

When, after an absence of several years, I walked into my favorite London restaurant, Denise’s (79 Southampton Row, London, Greater London, WC1B 4ET, U.K.; phone +44 20 7436 1562), I was warmly greeted by the owner, who never forgets a face!

Denise asked about my family and proceeded to insure that my daughter and I enjoyed our meals.

The cuisine is French, the ambiance is cozy and bistro-like, and the food is wonderful and reasonably priced. My daughter had pork chops, I had calf’s liver, and we both had wine and shared a dessert for a total cost of £60 (near $95). 

My first visit to Denise’s was probably about 20 years ago. I manage to get to London about once a year and usually get to Denise’s for a meal at least once during my stay. 

Lately I’ve been house-exchanging in Hampstead, which made Denise’s a bit of a commute, so I hadn’t been there for two or three years until our September 2013 visit, when I serendipitously discovered that the 168 bus goes from Hampstead Heath to Denise’s front door!

Denise told me she’s been there for 23 years. I hope to enjoy her food and hospitality for another 23.

DEE POUJADE

Portland, OR