The French Fancies

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2012) edition.

This charming basement café, run by a couple from Lyon, proves that although the French take their food seriously, they know how to have fun with it too. The front room acts as both shop and takeaway, the owners selling their very own preserves, biscuits and family-made saucisson, as well as typical Gallic snacks such as fougasse (stuffed bread pockets, similar to calzone). Alternatively, you can sit in and enjoy them at your leisure in the family-friendly back room, complete with play area and plenty of toys suitable for wee ones. That’ll also give you the chance to fully appreciate the leaf teas (bedecked in cutesy cosies) and strong coffee. A mouth-watering selection of homemade cakes and pastries includes rhum baba, mini-macaroons and delicious tarts, all baked from secret family recipes passed down the generations. Just prepare yourself for repeat visits in the name of ‘research’ to fully explore the range.

• High point: The rich and potent dark chocolate tart
• Low point: The ‘sauna’ next door