Three Coqs Brasserie

It was quite difficult to place where this restaurant is, and if you know where the now closed down Budokan on Whiteladies Road is, then it will snap in your mind easily; but if you don't, scan your eyes above street level abit to the right of the Clifton Down Shopping Centre, and there it is. Then there is the part about finding the entrance.. keep going to the right of the building, and you'll find the entrance which feels very private (a nice touch).

The first thing you notice in here is the slick decor- purples, whites and silvers; very unlike the typical brasserie image that springs to mind, and from its first impression, it seems that caters for roughly the over 30s and students or younger folk might possibly feel uncomfortably left out.

But after five minutes of sitting down, scanning at the menu and having one of the owners himself welcoming us and explaining their brasserie's concept, I could not feel more comfortable. Their menu is made up of a select few dishes; which is great because it has just the right amount of choice, and each one sounds absolutely scrumptious. The concept here is healthy, hearty dishes with a modern twist, but what I find special is being able to order small portions of whatever that takes your fancy; whether it is to share or to simply be able to taste more of the menu!

Between me and the boyfriend, we tried the ham hock & leek terrine with pickled mushrooms, broccolli with salted anchovies, red onion & sherry and deep fried whitebait, caper, shallot & parsley mayo. I can safely say that the food blew me away, and despite the 'small' portions that you order, we left completely full and satisfied. The ham hock was absolutely a joy to have in my mouth; the meat was marinated and cooked so well and it meshed amazingly with all the other bits that it's served with. That is the dish I am already looking forward to returning and having again.. and again and again. The deep fried whitebait is another of their very popular dishes (as informed by the friendly waitress) and when I tried a bite, I could surely see why. I would have never guessed that deep fried whitebait with a mayo dip would be this good, and for the small portion I ordered, I had lots of fish on my plate! They even made the simple broccoli dish shine.

Congratulations are in order for the chefs and owners of this new addition to Whiteladies Road. It's a rarity these days to get such wonderfully cooked food, which showcase as much skill as it does their heart and passion. A definite must try (which, I'm sure you will be returning to again and again and again).

This place suits be down to a tea!


Being an indecisive diner, I always have to order last, deliberating between dishes at the very last minute. At the Three Coqs I don't have that problem as I can just order small dishes, sharing them out across the table enabling me to have a bite of everything that catches my eye on the menu. Heaven!


Not only is the format of the menu enticing, the presentation and flavour of the dishes is exceptional and I have to take this opportunity to rave about the baked duck egg with walnuts and blue cheese!


The biodynamic wine can be a little on the pricey side but is a delight and available in carafes as well as by the glass or bottle.


The restaurant also features a chef's table which I am yet to try out but think I might save that for an extra special occasion.


Before I end this review, I must say a big thank you to the waiting staff. Even though, I have to admit at times when I've visited and it has been busy it has sometimes been difficult to catch their eye when I do they are always friendly, welcoming and apologetic when need be. I've visited a few times and I am always impressed how they recognise a face when then must meet 100s of diners on a weekly basis.