Pascal Aussignac’s Michelin-starred 'temple to the gastronomy' of southwest France is housed in a former Lyons tea house by Smithfield Market – a lively enclave of Farringdon, London, famous for being the centre of London’s meat trade, which is now a go-to destination for diners of all ilks (Club Gascon being a forerunner of the food revolution in this area).

Smart yet relaxed, the clever use of 'Club' in the restaurant’s name implies a friendly inclusivity. And it’s certainly Club Gascon’s aim to entertain, pamper and even surprise its diners. If it’s popular with the business crowd, it’s because it manages to be impressive yet discreet, high-end yet not intimidating.

Club Gascon is the flagship restaurant in a collection of eateries co-owned by Pascal that celebrate French gastronomy, wine and hospitality equally with serious intent. And Pascal applies as much emphasis on the vineyard as the pasture and orchard; next door is his beloved Le Bar, a sanctum for French wine.

It’s a classy, modestly-sized restaurant, with a traditional feel. In 2017 it underwent a complete refurbishment, now boasting high ceilings, plus seating, tones of blue and yellow and crisp white tablecloths. It's a perfect example of contemporary restaurant design done well.

The menus also changed with the refurbishment, with Pascal focusing the food on three themed tasting menus. One looks to the past, featuring classic dishes that made Club Gascon such a success in the first place. The second follows the seasons incredibly closely, making the most of the best produce the kitchen can get its hands on. And the third looks to the future; with many vegetarian and vegan dishes, it's a snapshot of what Pascal thinks we'll all be eating in years to come.

The wine list is composed of more than 400 wines from the South of France and some wines and spirits are imported exclusively for the restaurant. The list is continually updated with the menus so as to complement the food.

As well as a Michelin star and high praise from the Guide, which describes the cooking as 'assured and intensely flavoured', Club Gascon has won two Catey Awards and carries three AA Rosettes, amongst many accolades. Other honours over the years include Best New Restaurant (Time Out); Restaurant of the Year (AA Guide and Good Food Guide) and Best French Restaurant (Hotel & Restaurant Awards). In 2013 it won the Test of Time award at the Tatler Restaurant Awards, for being consistently excellent. The Waitrose Good Food Guide 2014 praises Aussignac’s cuisine for continuing to be 'dynamically creative' and 'restlessly inventive'.