TO paraphrase the singer Edith Piaf: Non, rien de rien (No, nothing at all), non, je ne regrette rien (No, I don’t regret anything), enfin peut-être une chose (well perhaps one thing), de ne pas être allé à Sebastien’s Bistro plus tôt (that I didn’t come to Sebastien’s Bistro sooner).

Set overlooking the River Avon in the centre of Bradford on Avon, the French restaurant gets off to a good start on looks alone.

But what me and my younger sister were really interested in was, naturally, the food.

It did not disappoint.

Being the sort of chap whose immune system gives up the ghost at the mere whisper of a virus, I picked out the Vichyssiose with truffle oil soup (£5.50) and the wee one went for the Antipasti platter with charcuterie, smoked fish, olives and cheese (£8.95) – which went down a treat.

My friends, there are soups and then there are SOUPS! This was the latter. Delicieux. The creamy paste, made from the white of leeks, onion, garlic and potato, was sumptuous. It was beautifully presented and I had to fight off the sis to stop her having more that the taste I offered.

Next up was my medium-rare burger with raisin slaw, cayenne and toppings (£11.95) and the youngster went for another starter, the lightweight, salt brandade cod fritter with cucumber linguine, pepper and smoked paprika crisp (£6.50) – still very good but hard to beat that soup.

Unfortunately nobody was there to witness this triumph in culinary skills as the place was deserted, undeservedly so. This place deserves its four star rating from Tripadvisor.

Even though we were the only people there, and we went in shortly before it closed for the night on a weekday, the staff were very friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. Tres bien.

Our meal came to £37.35 including drinks.

Sebastien’s Bistro
2 Bridge Yard, Kingston Mill, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1EJ
Tel: 01225 938 284 
www.sebastiens.co.uk

Parking: No
Disabled access: Yes 

Gazette ratings:
Food: 8/10
Choice: 8/10
Decor: 7/10
Customer service: 8/10

Main course prices: £11.95-£18.95

TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5