Part of the La Fromagerie group (there are also sites in Highbury and Marylebone), this cosy cheese and wine hub is found on a quaint street just a few minutes’ walk from Holborn station.
Once inside, you’re greeted by a chic space which comprises a shop and intimate bar, with a few tables in the corner (a larger dining room can be found downstairs). As its name suggests, La Fromagerie’s menu specialises in expertly-crafted cheese and charcuterie. It changes regularly, but you can expect comforting dishes at pretty reasonable prices.
On our visit, we kicked off with delectable small plates, including gooey burrata drizzled with balsamic and flecks of black pepper, and a warming plate of gnocchi – creamy pasta parcels paired with cuts of sausage from Toulouse. For the main event, we shared a steaming bowl of hearty, gloriously pungent fondue. Made with raclette comtoise, the silky fondue is served alongside generous helpings of charcuterie: thin slices of smoked prosciutto, torn chunks of baguette and mounds of crunchy croutons. If that’s not enough for you, there’s the option to add more dipping fodder, such as Charlotte potatoes or hunks of broccoli.
From the concise dessert selection, we were enthralled by a chocolate fondant, which erupted with warm chocolate sauce. Wines are a big part of the experience at La Fromagerie too, with a Eurocentric list taking in chardonnays, sauvignon blancs and more – we’d recommend sharing a bottle with your date, as this place has romantic vibes in spades.