The family-run Le Secret des Rôtisseurs has a lot of things going for it. First of all, it has introduced the art of rotisserie-roasted chicken to London’s Canary Wharf. You can watch as the chicken is slowly flame-roasted (This method of roasting also ensures the meat is cooked without retaining fats and oils, resulting in a chicken that is healthier and juicier than any other). The restaurant smells amazing.

This newly opened riverside French restaurant comes with a stunning view of the Thames and is beautifully designed, everyone is knowledgeable and friendly. The furniture includes unique pieces that originally furnished Altitude 95 in the Eiffel Tower. Designed by the highly esteemed Vassilew Slavik, the furniture graced the national landmark until 2007, when Alain Ducasse took over the license for the restaurant. It all feels very authentically French.

For our entrée we had snails on toast with mushrooms in butter and garlic. This was the first time I had ever eaten snails and they were actually very tasty. They were cooked well and came with a lovely garlicky sauce with a hint of lemon. The salad on the side was also good and came with a delicious dressing. A very good entrée.

We also had a salad francaise classique. Baby leaves, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and Parmesan. It had nice flavors and the Parmesan was delicious. I did find it a bit leafy and too large for my taste. I would like to have seen a larger range of starters to choose from, there were only three available, although the focus is on the rotisserie roasted chicken.

For a main course. I had the roast chicken with “secret” sauce and fries. When the waiter brings it over I say that looks amazing. ‘That’s because it is’, he replies. He’s not lying. It is amazing, the best chicken roast I can remember eating and the secret sauces is great, I am later told it is based around tarragon with sixteen different ingredients. The free-range birds are from carefully selected English farms to ensure the quality of the poultry. The roast is the best I have ever had in a restaurant.

Master Roaster Maistre Benoit, who has worked with France’s most elusive rotisserie oven craftsman, ensures all meat is cooked to his exact, secret standard, making it the best chicken in town. The technique dates back to 1248, when King Louis IX ordered the establishment of guilds, which included ‘Les Oyeurs’ or ‘goose roasters’.

If you are in the mood for something other than chicken, on weekends (Fri-Sun) meat changes weekly, with carnivorous delights such as the rolled shoulder of pork and succulent veal shank served with Le Secret des Rôtisseurs’ special sauce.

We also tried a beautiful piece of pork. The pork was succulent and moist but had a tasty crispy skin giving a beautiful different texture. It was cooked perfectly, something tough to do well with pork.

It came with a rhubarb ketchup. It was a great accompaniment and worked very well with the pork. Our sides of chips and broad beans were well seasoned and well cooked.

Throughout our meal we were treated to some superb wine. We started out meal with a glass of delicious Chablis from Burgundy. One of the very few wines at Le Secret des Rôtisseurs which is not from Bordeaux. The restaurant is justifiably proud of its wine list.They have an amazing cellar of Bordeaux wines that you can see if dining upstairs, or going to the bathroom. The restaurant goes to great lengths to bring the best wines direct from the vineyards and cuts out any middle man. Some of the wine they get is exclusive too only a few restaurants.

The chateaux Clauzet is a rich indulgent opulent classic red Bordeaux wine. It was particularly warm and comforting on a cold day.

For dessert I have the special, which is a chocolate mousse. It was beautifully presented and not only delicious but had a texture that was more like a cake. Yum.

We also had a great plate of different French cheeses.

37 Westferry Circus, Canary Riverside, Canary Wharf. E14 8RR

Le Menu Parfait, £18.95
Half roasted chicken with any entrée and any accompagnement, £18.95.

www.eatlesecret.co.uk