Chez Bruce
WLC overall ranking: 20
WLC REVIEW: “‘My favourite countries are Italy and France, although I am starting to be amazed by the value and quality of wines from the Balkans,’ says Head Sommelier, Arnaud Pasdeloup of Chez Bruce, the idealised local favourite of Londoners, which faces Wandsworth Common.
“Pasdeloup studied hospitality in Paris, quickly ‘orientating’ towards the wine industry. ‘After studying wine for three years, I began travelling to learn other languages and earn experience,’ he says. Cue sorties in London, a cruise ship in the Bahamas, ‘then nearly four years in Sydney where I discovered a lot about Italian wines at Balla and Uccello.’
“When Pasdeloup returned to London, he worked at restaurateur, Nigel Platts-Martin’s sister site, La Trompette, Chiswick alongside Master Sommelier, Laura Rhys before taking on the wine list at The Glasshouse, Kew (also in the Larkbrace group) alongside the food of chef, Berwyn Davies. ‘Now I close the circle with the third restaurant of the company, and the biggest challenge of all… Chez Bruce.’
“Expect an even-keeled, kindly-priced list at Chez Bruce, the equivalent of a six-speed, V8 Volvo, if you will, celebrating cleanly made classics which are ready to drink, best built for enjoyment at linen at 90 degrees free from excessive ceremony.”
