Cocotte South Kensington

Cocotte is, to put it simply, a great all-rounder. This small-to-medium-sized chain now has five branches, of which South Kensington is the latest. Over the course of five years, Cocotte has slowly grown across London and has fine-tuned its appeal as it goes.

Let’s start with the menu. Cocotte has opted to do one thing and do it really well, which is a technique that has paid off. In this case, that thing is juicy rotisserie chicken, which has been marinated for a good 24 hours before being slowly cooked. The results are lip-smacking with soft, moist meat and crispy skin.

This is complemented with a large array of accompaniments – which is something that really impressed us. These guys have come up with interesting, tasty and not too unhealthy options that are actually as appealing as the main dish. We particularly liked the tomato and feta salad which is fresh tasting but decadently topped with shallots, yellow peppers and thyme, as well as the roasted root veg which is almost caramelised and moreish.

In rhythm with the restaurant’s feel-good, relaxed food offering, is a well-curated but informal aesthetic. In South Kensington, the vibe has a Moroccan feel with a warm colour palette and textured wall tiles. Plants and a mix of light wood and rattan-style furniture also help to keep to mood light, making it a nice place to come for dinner after work with friends.

Finally, while the restaurant isn’t especially known for its cocktails, the drinks menu is not to be missed. If you’re a fan of a classic, the Espresso Martini was cool, creamy and one of the best we’ve had. While the selection of spritzes are refreshing – we recommend the La Vie en Rose which mixes sparkling wine, rose wine, pomegranate liquor and fresh mint.

Sometimes the best meals are ones with the fewest ingredients, and into that camp falls one of our great loves: rotisserie chicken. Giving it the gravitas it deserves is Cocotte, the small chain brand that has become a sure-fire hit for laidback dining across the capital.

With sister sites in Notting Hill, Shoreditch, Parsons Green and Queen’s Park, this is the group’s fifth site but despite the new address things remain comfortingly familiar. Michelin-quality techniques are employed to ensure standards remain high, with particular attention paid to sourcing. The restaurant uses high quality French ingredients across its menu, with the centrepiece being its free-range chickens delivered from a small traditional farm in Evron.

Giving the meat its signature flavour is a combination of herbes de provence and a special spice mix. Once marinated each bird is slow roasted before it’s added to the spit for a final crisping up. To accompany the chicken is a menu of starters and sides that remain staunchly French. Think fois gras and mushroom croquettes, truffled mac ‘n’ cheese, lentil and broccolini as well as buttery mashed potatoes, as well as their famous ‘green sauce’ which is made to a secret recipe using fresh herbs and feta cheese.

Food is matched by a carefully curated wine list as well as a selection of seasonal cocktails which have been designed to pair with the main menu.

At weekends, brunch takes centre stage with sweet dishes like croissant waffles and cinnamon French toast sitting alongside savoury favourites like Croque Monsieur. There’s a bottomless booze option that is perfect for group get-togethers, and for the slightly more virtuous fresh fruit and vegetables are on hand to kick-start your day in a healthy way.

Interiors are pleasingly neutral, having been designed in earthy colours for a relaxing feel. Plenty of natural materials and lush, green foliage add to the ambiance, and create the ideal backdrop for any occasion.