The Top Three: Cassoulet

For a stylish shindig

Colbert

50-52 Sloane Square, SW1 (020 7730 2804; colbertchelsea.com)

This new venue from the chaps behind The Wolseley and Brasserie Zédel follows their winning formula of large, brasserie-style restaurants, with its vintage posters and dark red leather banquettes. The rich cassoulet (£14.25) is part of a traditional French menu that offers classics such as steak Diane, moules marinières and madeleines.

For the laziest lunch

Comptoir Gascon

63 Charterhouse Street, EC1 (020 7608 0851; comptoirgascon.com)

With its exposed brickwork and counters stacked with goodies, this bistro and deli is a slice of southern France transplanted to Smithfield Market. It’s a lovely spot to while away hours over good wine and a bowl of hearty Toulouse cassoulet (£14). Start with a delicious soft-boiled duck egg or a snails tartine (£6.50 each).

For music with your meal

Toulouse Lautrec

140 Newington Butts, SE11

(020 7582 6800; brasserietoulouselautrec.co.uk)

This French restaurant in the hinterland between Elephant and Castle and Kennington has live jazz most nights. The cassoulet for two (on the two courses for £20 or three for £25 menu) offers Toulouse sausage, confit duck leg and smoked pork belly on a mound of haricot beans.