Bite Me!

Despite the proliferation of cheap eats around Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road, it can be surprisingly difficult to find somewhere you would actually like to eat lunch. But never fear – once you elbow your way past the pizza slice vendors and dodgy-looking oriental cafés, there are one or two miracles of cheapness which are worth seeking out. One of these is Pierre Victoire, an old favourite of mine, which despite the collapse of the chain is still hanging on, and making rather a good job of it.

At only £7 for two courses, their lunch menu is hard to beat, and offers a great choice. I started with falafels, which were crispy and hot and the best I’d had in a long time, followed by a strudel of goats’ cheese and ratatouille, which was sadly rather bland although perfectly pleasant. My companion’s mussels, followed by chicken risotto, were much more successful. So remember, next time you are being stampeded down Oxford Street by a mob of determined shoppers – Dean Street. Pierre Victoire. Mmm.

Pierre Victoire, 5 Dean Street, London W1