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Brasserie Toulouse Lautrec
★ 4.0(1 review)Restaurant
jazzbohemiancozy
About the Vibe
Tucked away on a less-than-glamorous stretch of Newington Butts, Brasserie Toulouse Lautrec is a charming time capsule that somehow manages to feel like a genuine slice of Paris. The Regent family has poured their heart into this converted pub, creating a space where the upstairs piano bar with its exposed brick and white grand piano sets the scene for 1920s jazz, while the main dining room serves up reliable French classics with a generous helping of cream. It's not fancy-fancy, but there's something genuinely warm and welcoming about the place—especially if you catch one of their live jazz nights or manage to snag a table at the wine cellar private dining room.
Known For
- •live jazz performances
- •duck confit
- •crème brûlée
- •wine cellar private dining
Best For
date nightsjazz loversgroup dinners
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 12, 2026
A charming Parisian escape in South London
If you're looking for a French brasserie that doesn't take itself too seriously but still delivers on flavour, Toulouse Lautrec is your spot. The food is solidly Gallic—think duck confit that actually melts in your mouth, crème brûlée with real vanilla pods (not the artificial stuff), and mains that are generous enough to leave you properly satisfied. The upstairs piano bar is a real highlight; sitting there with a glass of rosé and listening to soft jazz while surrounded by exposed brick walls feels like you've been transported back to Montmartre in the 1920s.
It's not perfect—the menu pricing can be confusing with all the supplements, and the location on Newington Butts isn't exactly prime real estate. But that's part of the charm. This is the kind of place where you'll find locals who've been coming for years, staff who actually know their wine list, and a vibe that's more "your favourite neighbourhood bar" than "tourist trap." The live jazz nights are a bonus, especially if you catch the gypsy jazz festival or one of the regular jam sessions. Go for the food, stay for the atmosphere, and maybe bring a date who appreciates a bit of eccentricity.