Bouchon Bistrot Hexham | French Restaurant on Gilesgate
Tucked away just off the Market Square on Gilesgate, Bouchon Bistrot brings the warmth of rural France to the heart of Hexham. The cooking is authentic, country-style French, with daily specials on top of the main menu.
About Bouchon Bistrot
Owner Gregory comes from the Loire Valley, grew up in a family of French restaurateurs and trained in Michelin-starred kitchens across France, and that background shapes every plate. Head Chef Nico, who has been part of the Bouchon family for over nine years, leads the kitchen, pairing classic French technique with seasonal ingredients sourced locally.
There are three individually decorated rooms after a 2021 refurbishment, plus a sun-trap roof terrace across two floors for warm evenings. It's informal and family-friendly, and the team describe it as a trip to France without needing your passport.
What's on the menu
Starters lean classic. The French Onion Soup (£10.95) comes with garlic croutons and Gruyère, while the vegetarian Comté Cheese Soufflé (£9.95) is a good place to start if you want something light and rich in equal measure. Other favourites include Escargots de Bourgogne with garlic and parsley butter (half dozen £10.00, dozen £14.95), Chicken Liver Parfait with cornichons and onion compote (£10.50) and the Assiette de Charcuterie (£12.00), made up of saucisson, rillons, rillettes and cured ham. Starters range from £8.00 to £14.95.
For mains, the Duck Confit (£21.95) is the signature, served with gratin dauphinois, fine beans and bacon and a red wine sauce. The Classic Cassoulet (£20.50) pairs half a confit duck with Toulouse sausage and haricot beans, and the Moules Marinière with Frites (£19.00) is a bistro staple done properly. There's also Lamb Rump with black garlic pomme purée (£24.00), Pan Fried Sea Bass (£21.95), Braised Rabbit Leg (£21.95) and a Grilled Rib Eye Steak with hand-cut chips (£28.50). Vegetarians are covered by the Grilled Polenta with tomato compote and crème de Camembert (£17.50).
Save room for dessert: Crème Brûlée à la Vanille (£9.50), Classic Tarte Tatin with vanilla ice cream (£10.50), Profiteroles au Chocolat (£10.00) or a Plateau de Fromages with walnut bread (£11.50).
Set menu and private dining
The restaurant also offers a prix-fixe set menu that changes monthly, plus private dining for celebrations and corporate events, from 12 guests up to 50 across two first-floor rooms.
Prices above are from the September menu and may change, so check the latest menus before you book. Please tell your server about any allergies or intolerances when ordering. A 10% discretionary service charge is added to the bill.
Find and book Bouchon Bistrot
Visit: 4-6 Gilesgate, Hexham NE46 3NJ
Book a table: 01434 609943 or online at the Bouchon Bistrot website
Email: info@bouchonbistrot.co.uk
Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday, lunch from 12:00 (last arrival 1:30pm) and dinner from 6:00pm (last orders 8:45pm); closed Sunday and Monday
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