The Blurb
There are few things in life more joyful in life than a roast chicken. I’ve often lamented the fact that whilst it’s practically a national dish, it’s almost impossible to find it on a menu in a British restaurant (except for on Sundays). And there are many ways to enjoy roast chicken, in fact, doused in gravy and surrounded by roasties is not even my favourite way. I have fond memories from childhood of Waitrose’s rotisserie chicken. It was a picnic staple in our house, an easy lunch when paired with a freshly baked baguette, zingy salad and a nice bottle of Chablis.
Perhaps this won’t come as a surprise, but I’m not a Nandos gal. And it’s nothing to do with the food, chicken, chips, sides, what’s not to like? It’s everything else I object to; the DIY service, the decor, the hungover people in tracksuits, the fact that it’s not even good value for money. Those who find themselves agreeing might be pleased to hear that there’s a new kid on the chicken restaurant block. Like Nandos, Cocotte, the French word for ‘hen’, is essentially a chicken and chips joint. Unlike Nandos, there are no sticky tables, the staff are friendly and the environs is surprisingly seductive.
I visited Cocotte Richmond on a blustery day in January with a girlfriend and our two babies. The manager, Amani, welcomed us warmly and helped us settle into a spacious booth with our mewling infants and two enormous prams.
The Style
The decor reads like a millennial Pinterest board; boucle banquettes, micro-cement walls, rubber plants, terrazzo tables and more fluted glass than a Soho House bathroom.
The Food
We begin with the chicken and truffle croquettes. Perfectly crisp balls sit atop neat little pools of salsa verde, they’re a fun and tasty start to lunch and not too truffly. The halloumi, a notional nod to the veggies, is perhaps my least favourite dish. I realise as I write this, that ordering the halloumi is akin to ordering a steak in a fish restaurant – and I would venture that if you’re not a chicken eater, Cocotte is not the place for you, so save your time and stop reading now.
For our main courses, we opt for the menu’s two top sellers; the crispy chicken burger and the ½ Rotisserie chicken with a spicy Nduja sauce. The burger is well-crafted and comes with plenty of flavour-popping additions, but the rotisserie chicken is the star of the show: really well-cooked breast, crispy wing and thigh. The meat is moist and thoroughly cooked to perfection. French fries and a fresh and zesty walnut green salad are the perfect accompaniments to our mains, but the mac and cheese was slightly disappointing, as it lacked a crispy crust.
Feeling full, we almost missed out on dessert, our tiny ones have had enough and are making their feelings known, but our delightful server, Amani, insists we stay, and entertains the babies whilst we demolish one of Cocotte’s signature creme brûlées.
The Drink
We begin with a glass of fizz (because… Mum’s day out) a crisp Blanc de Blanc, Brut Veuve Laperriere and then opt for a glass of citrusy Picpoul and a creamy Viognier. The wine list is largely European and has something for every palette and budget. There’s even a cocktail list – boom! Take note Nando’s!
In a Nutshell
Its’ a fun and affordable spot that is super family-friendly, particularly on a weekday. The service is excellent, the food, unbeatable value for money and the manager, Amani, took such great care of us, we’d return for the chlid care alone never mind the delectable chicken.
The Details
30 Hill Street, Richmond, TW9 1TW
