La Ferme Primrose Hill

It’s been a long time since I studied for my French GCSE, which was apparent when I became confused with La Ferme’s name. I remembered ‘ferme la bouche’ meant ‘shut up’, which I thought was maybe a bit harsh on potential diners. However, a quick conversation later, the penny dropped, and my ignorance was revealed: ‘La Ferme’ means ‘the farm’ and the menu and ethos of the restaurant became apparent. Fresh, seasonal and artisan ingredients are used by head chef Guillaume Dunos (Young Chef of the Year 2017 finalist) creating smart, modern versions of rustic French classics in a relaxed dining setting. This produce-focused approach is clearly working; La Ferme has expanded from a collection of market stalls dotted around London, to a restaurant in Farringdon and now this, a second restaurant just opened in affluent Primrose Hill. We arrived on a cold, wet spring evening and, pushing the heavy curtain aside, were welcomed by a warm, candlelit dining room. The sweet, pine smell of the newly laid wooden floorboards and wicker bistro chairs mingled with the steaming plates sweeping from the kitchen to expectant diners. At table we were served a glass of Deutz champagne each to sip on while our waiter explained the 3 types of menu that aim to cater for all tastes and budgets: Menu de La Ferme, which is mainly comprised of small plates of traditional French nibbles like charcuterie and escargot for between £2 and £17 (for a sharing plate); Menu du Marché, which is a set menu that changes almost daily depending on what’s in season and good in the market; and finally the Menu du Chef, which is a high-end 5-course tasting menu that changes monthly. On meeting Guillaume himself, it was decided that we would try a selection of dishes from both the Menu du Marché and the Menu du Chef. By Jessica Miles - Bookatable