Chez Lui Chilled Sundays

Notting Hill has no shortage of stylish dining spots, but Chez Lui manages to feel refreshingly understated – more neighbourhood favourite than scene-driven hotspot.

Recently, they’ve introduced Moules Frites nights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and it’s the sort of midweek ritual worth building plans around. The concept is simple: three different mussel dishes paired with unlimited fries. Each variation brings its own character, from lighter, more classic broths to deeper, richer flavours that invite you to mop up every last drop with those golden, crisp fries.

Then there’s Sunday Jazz, a newer addition that offers a completely different pace. Running from 4:30 to 7:30pm, it transforms the space into something softer and more atmospheric. We visited during one of these sessions and were struck by how genuinely calming it felt. The live jazz isn’t overpowering; instead, it gently fills the room, creating a backdrop that enhances the experience.

The bar menu during these afternoons is just as considered as the main offering. The Œuf Mayo à l’estragon – tarragon deviled eggs – was a highlight, creamy and delicately flavoured with that subtle aniseed lift from the herb. Dishes incorporating black garlic added a deeper, more complex note, bringing a richness.

Cocktails deserve a special mention, particularly the dirty martini. It was one of those rare versions that gets everything right: ice-cold, perfectly balanced, and just briny enough to keep things interesting. Paired with a smooth pâté and sharp, punchy cornichons, it created a combination that felt indulgent in all the right ways, and unmistakably French.

What really defines Chez Lui, though, is its atmosphere. There’s no sense of trying too hard here. Instead, it leans into a natural, easy-going charm that makes it equally suited to a spontaneous midweek dinner or a drawn-out Sunday afternoon. The staff were charming and friendly, and we had a good view of the specials board, which has definitely drawn us into wanting a second visit.

Chez Lui offers something peaceful and refined: a place to slow down, enjoy good food and music, and feel, if only for a couple of hours, like you’ve stepped into a little corner of Paris.

Find out more > www.chezluibistrot.com