French bistro celebrates first year of fine food (From Swindon Advertiser)

French bistro celebrates first year of fine food

11:57am Thursday 17th November 2011 in Reviews

BISTRO Les Chats in Wood Street, Old Town, celebrates its first year in business this week.

Opening in a recession was a gamble which seems to have paid off for owners Phil Saunter and Shareen Campbell, who also run Los Gatos tapas bar in the same street.

Phil said: “When we planned Les Chats, people asked why we didn’t expand our tapas bar, but we wanted to provide something different and, after five years at Los Gatos, a chance to cook and serve in a different style.” Les Chats is Swindon’s only French restaurant and offers a classic bistro menu. The menu changes monthly, so thar even frequent visitors will find something new. Shareen said: “There is so much in the French repertoire that we really enjoy planning each menu. Some of our dishes can be quite complex, but we also offer simple, quick lunch dishes like omelettes and Moules Frites to show you can eat well, even in a hurry.

“It’s been great fun working with French waiters and waitresses and a team of English, French and Belgian chefs. Taking on a third chef has recently given us more time to indulge a love of French patisserie.”

The restaurant now offers French cakes and gateaux for special occasions. There is also some Beaujolais Nouveau arriving today, with a special four or five-course menu including the wine today, tomorrow and Saturday night.

The full menu can be seen on the website at www.leschats.co.uk. To book call 01793 527082.