Harden's survey result
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!”)
Summary
“We schlep across town from E18 two or three times a year and we always have a wonderful experience!” – this “consistently fabulous” destination occupies a low-profile location in a Chiswick sidestreet, but remains the “go-to-choice in West London” for many reporters and “rivals many more high-profile West End temples of gastronomy”. Like its even-more-famous stablemate, Chez Bruce, its “bright”, neighbourhood-style interior is smart but far from flash – the “spoiling experience” it delivers derives from its “seriously imaginative and beautifully executed” modern cuisine and its “seamless and charming” service. And it offers “very good value”, too: “this is exactly what every restaurant at this price point should aspire to”. On the downside, the table layout can seem “too crowded”, and there were also very occasional good-but-not-great meals reported this year: “are they a bit stretched since they added more covers?”
Summary
“We schlep across town from E18 two or three times a year and we always have a wonderful experience!” – this “consistently fabulous” destination occupies a low-profile location in a Chiswick sidestreet, but remains the “go-to-choice in West London” for many reporters and “rivals many more high-profile West End temples of gastronomy”. Like its even-more-famous stablemate, Chez Bruce, its “bright”, neighbourhood-style interior is smart but far from flash – the “spoiling experience” it delivers derives from its “seriously imaginative and beautifully executed” modern cuisine and its “seamless and charming” service. And it offers “very good value”, too: “this is exactly what every restaurant at this price point should aspire to”. On the downside, the table layout can seem “too crowded”, and there were also very occasional good-but-not-great meals reported this year: “are they a bit stretched since they added more covers?”
For 32 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 | £45.00 | £50.00 |  |
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| Dinner | £60.00 | £70.00 | |
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| Drinks |
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| Wine per bottle | £28.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.50 |
| Extras |
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| 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
"I like it here. New chef has changed things and food is a bit more cheffy , modern and refined but still delicious. The pasta is as good as when Rob was in charge and that is high praise. Service is some of the best in town and it’s a very comfortable and relaxing restaurant"
"On my first visit as I have only just moved to the area the staff was extremely rushed and the place was not even full. At these prices you expect the best service and we did not receive even vaguely adequate attention. Food was good but took a long time to come. We skipped dessert. £75 set menu yet we received no amuse bouche despite waiting ages to order. I don't think I will be returning. "
"Another fine meal from a great restaurant "
"Perfect! Food is up to date but ingredients are centre stage, not the chefs latest new technique. Service is up there with the best and it’s nice to be in a space which is comfortable, spacious, has a nice atmosphere but is not deafening. Totally worth the trip to Chiswick "
"Amazing wine list and a helpful sommelier. Interested menu. Service a tad slow."
5-7 Devonshire Rd, London, W4 2EU
| Number of Diners: | |
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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 |
