3-7 Devonshire Rd, London, W4 2EU
Harden's survey result
Summary
“The culinary jewel in Chiswick’s crown” – this cousin to Chez Bruce “located in a side street off Chiswick High Road” is many diners’ idea of the “perfect neighbourhood restaurant”. Having “survived the enlarging of the space” and a “change of staff a couple of years ago, things have now completely settled in as has chef Greg Wellman”; and its performance this year in our annual diners’ poll was incredibly consistent. The modern French cuisine “is a bit cheffier and more refined than before”, with “lots of interesting Asian/Japanese touches”: “interesting, but not too cutting edge” and “most importantly full of flavour”. There’s also a “fascinating” wine list to match (“the commitment to wine, as opposed to just seeing it as a profit centre, is noteworthy” with “an outstanding sommelier who will suggest perfect accompaniment for the dishes but also provide answers to far-fetched requests!”). “It’s all combined with seamlessly efficient service… not as easy to do as they make it look, I suspect!”. “Sit outside on a warm day”. Top Menu Tips – “excellent pasta/ravioli plates add to excellent versions of more classic dishes, and a recent rabbit terrine was world class”.
Summary
This “absolute gem of a neighbourhood restaurant” sits on a side street off Chiswick’s bustling main drag, and – like its cousin Chez Bruce – has earned a London-wide reputation over the years thanks to its “fine modern British dining”, “well-drilled service with a smile” and “comprehensive list of fine wines”. There’s been some “changing of the guard in the kitchen” in the last 12 months with Greg Wellman, formerly of The Glasshouse, Kew, taking over at the stoves. But whereas some fans say “it hasn’t undermined what remains a very strong offering”, others are less certain and ratings are not what they were: “I’m still the ‘fan from E18’ who schleps across town to go here, and remain a supporter, but it seems to have lost some of that elusive lustre that previously made it so special”.
Summary
“Still worth the schlep across town”, says an E18-based fan of this “elegant corner of Chiswick” – “a brilliant, upscale neighbourhood restaurant” in a quiet backwater off the high street, which fans say is “pretty much on a level with its sibling Chez Bruce”; and which regularly features in the Top 40 most-mentioned restaurants in our annual diners’ poll. Like its famous Wandsworth Common stablemate, its culinary attractions include modern British cuisine that’s “up to date, with ingredients centre stage,” “complemented by a very fine wine list,” and with “a very good cheese selection”. But whereas reports this year often match the flawless pattern established over two decades (“just effortlessly excellent…”; “we have been regulars for a decade…never disappoints…”; “post-lockdown it continues to shine…”), there is also a growing minority concern that “while the food is still very good, the service has slipped”, with quite a few accounts of a “haphazard and brusque” experience. “Maybe it’s just because of these difficult times…”
Summary
“Somewhat more formal than Chez Bruce (like a sterner sister!) – but still fabulous!” This sibling to the south London phenomenon may hide in a Zone 3 sidestreet, just off Chiswick’s main drag, but it features in London’s Top 20 most-mentioned restaurants thanks to “a quality of experience usually found only in central London”. Rob Weston’s cuisine has been “consistently wonderful” over many years and it is “skillfully served” by “friendly” staff in rather “elegant” surroundings. Very uncharacteristically, though, ratings came slightly off the boil this year amidst reports of “amateur” service, “substantially increased prices” and “a few courses recently that have let the side down”. That’s still a minority view as yet, though, and for the majority it’s still “always top notch” (and was “a beacon through the tedious days of the pandemic” – “it kept us sane!”)
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at La Trompette?
Owner's description
La Trompette opened in 2001 and has been showered with accolades since the outset; a reflection of the care, dedication and energy invested in the restaurant by the whole team. It serves some of the best food in London but without the formality or prices associated with the capital’s top end establishments.
We closed at the beginning of 2013 for a complete refurbishment, and have expanded to include a brand new kitchen, private dining and improved customer facilities. The new appearance has not changed the focus of the restaurant. The aim is as it always has been, to give all our guests the best possible dining experience from start to finish.
La Trompette remains under the same ownership which includes other notable restaurants Chez Bruce and The Glasshouse.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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| Lunch | £65.00 |  |
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| Dinner | £82.50 | |
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| Drinks |
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| Wine per bottle | £34.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.50 |
| Extras |
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| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
The chef
Rob Weston took over the kitchen at La Trompette in February 2013. Rob’s career reads rather like a great food guide; working at a senior level for Marco Pierre White followed by Guy Savoy in Paris, Le Gavroche and then, most recently, 15 years as Phil Howard’s right arm and Head Chef at The Square.
Rob’s feet however remain planted firmly at the stove; the phrase “I’d rather be cooking” sums up Rob’s passion for the kitchen rather than the paper shuffling that comes with it.
La Trompette Restaurant Diner Reviews
"What is not to like? "
"I love La Trompette, I think it’s one of the best in London. Superb quality food with wonderful flavours and prepared beautifully with great style. Modern dining room with plenty of space, crisp linens and refined service. I’ve always loved how they never play music - some might say it doesn’t have great atmosphere but I love it (I can’t stand noisy restaurants playing loud music). La Trompette is discreet, elegant and great value considering the quality of the food. One tiny criticism is they have changed the bread service over the last few years. Previously they would offer you a choice of different breads but now they bring a plate to the table and it’s not a generous portion. "
"A favourite, now offering no corkage on Sundays to add extra pleasure. Lots of interesting Asian/Japanese touches, plus excellent pasta/ravioli plates add to excellent versions of more classic dishes, and a recent rabbit terrine was world class. A commitment to wine, as opposed to seeing it as a just a profit centre as at some other plac es, is also noteworthy."
"Saturday night birthday dinner. Food was very good and mainly interesting (one dish was quite dull). Service was OK, a little unprofessional perhaps."
"Consisten quality of cooking even after change of head chef in the Kitchen. Service remains efficient and friendly and ideal destination for classy dining in Chiswick"
3-7 Devonshire Rd, London, W4 2EU
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Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3 pm |
