La Parisienne Pâtés

The pig imprinted with cursive gold lettering above the doorway says it all: French charcuterie with a touch of show. Stephane Langlois and his wife Muriel have created a thoroughly authentic Parisian charcuterie, fromagerie and cafe all in one.

From unassuming beginnings, selling goods from the back of their small Carlton smallgoods factory (which Stephane still operates), the current deli on Lygon Street has come a long way. The glass display counter, which stretches the length of the shop, is well stocked with tantalising gourmet sausages, patés, terrines, salamis and an impressive selection of French cheeses. The shelves are lined with an array of hard-to-find jams, condiments and sweets that tend to make French people homesick. You can also get a traditional French dish to take away, or a coffee and a macaron to eat in.

While the friendly and informed French-speaking staff’s blue and white striped tops are a bit much, they are always happy to have a natter, advise you one which cheese best suits which wine and give you a sample of their famous pork and pistachio terrine.