Café Rouge, the popular French bistro in Highcross Shopping Centre, has had a revamp to accompany a brand new menu, which has been implemented across the restaurant chain. The reveal took place on April 24th, showing off a beautiful new interior design, as well as re-vamped al fresco-style terrace – perfect for dining outside in the upcoming summer months.
The re-designed restaurant still evokes its signature brand of relaxed, authentic French dining, serving food throughout the day by providing a range of delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Nothing structural has changed within the restaurant, which has kept the beauty of the open layout. This allows customers to see the new features of the restaurant which are displayed in the room, from all different angles. Ian Hill, Café Rouge Leicester’s general manager described how the interior went through a process of modernisation: “Café Rouge displays a 1950s France, which has been lifted from the 1920s.”
There are new comfortable, red booths that are both outside and in. The main focus on the fabulous re-design has been on the outside-area. Ian Hill suggests that, “people are drawn to the heat lamps at night,” making it a delightful place to sit for some al-fresco dining, for sharing a bottle of wine or simply to enjoy a coffee at any time of the day. The attention that has been put on the design of the outside seating area has been argued to be the, “best in Highcross.”
Café Rouge was first launched in the UK in 1989, catering for all kinds of occasions – whether that be morning breakfast, lunch with friends, family dinners, romantic meals or some chilled drinks. The additional menu, ‘Menu Rapide,’ also makes the establishment perfect for business meets. The restaurant prides itself on extending a warm welcome to everyone wanting a true, classic bistro experience.
Some must-try main meal dishes which are recommended from the new menu available in Leicester include, Moules, Confit de Canard, Poulet Breton and also Loup De Mer. If you’re after a salad dish instead, then Rouge Niçoise has been highlighted. The new vegetarian, Super Salad, has been described by a customer as being, “delicious, with such a mixture of ingredients there are so many flavours and textures.” Of course, the choice of Steak Frites – Café Rouge’s signature dish since 1989 – will not leave you disappointed.
If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try one of the gorgeous desserts available on the menu. If chocolate is what you desire, either Fondant Aux Chocolats or the Flourless Torte Aux Chocolats Banana will be a very rewarding choice. Pick Tarte Tatin or Crèpe Aux Fruits for a fruiter dessert. The classic Crème Brûlée will also go down a treat.
If some evening drinks are sought after, Café Rouge is also a fine choice of venues. The restaurant has an outstanding wine list, offering value as well as quality; as it has collaborated with Bidendum, the establishment is able supply the finest wines from all over the world. Such wines include: Alsace Pinot Gris from Jean Biecher, Crozes Hermitage from Paul Jaboulet and De Castellane Champagne.
Ian Hill explains that, “Café Rouge was perceived by some as old fashioned and didn’t appeal to everyone,” but he went on to say, “I believe the menu now as well as the product appeals to everyone and the new menu is great for kids.” Café Rouge offers the city’s residents something different as, “it is the only place that specialises in French food in Leicester.”
“We are not one of those brands who say if it’s not on the menu you can’t have it; if you ask we can do it for you. The staff are very welcoming – if you want a drink or a bite to eat, everyone is welcome.”
It is also worth noting that the gourmet card is able to be used seven evenings a week – unlike a lot of restaurants where it is not usable on the weekends.
Café Rouge is open 7 days a week, 9am – 11pm Monday – Saturday and 9am – 10:30pm on Sundays.
Café Rouge Leicester,
Unit R4,
Highcross Shopping Centre,
Leicester,
LE1 4SD,
0116 251 8067
www.caferouge.com/leicester
