This morning, we set off from Carcassonne, navigating hilly roads dusted with snow as the altitude climbed. The crisp air and frosted landscapes made the drive to Albi a memorable winter journey. By the time we reached the city, it was nearly lunchtime, and we headed straight for Au Hibou, a cosy spot offering an affordable three-course set lunch at under €20.

The meal began with a warming celery-radish velouté soup, its creamy texture topped with a delightful crunch of breadcrumbs. For mains, we chose between a tender braised beef in red wine or a delicate white fish served with a green curry sauce, a surprising yet harmonious pairing. To finish, a trio of tiramisu domes added a sweet flourish to the meal. The food was decent, and the service prompt, making it a great value for a midday meal.

But here’s where things took an unexpected turn. When I asked for butter to go with the bread, the staff politely informed me that the restaurant did not have butter at all! While it’s normal in France to serve bread without butter, even refusing a request for it is rare, especially in a country famed for its luscious dairy. Maybe Au Hibou is fiercely loyal to tradition, or perhaps they simply ran out of butter that day. Either way, it was a surprising quirk of the experience. Next time, I’ll remember to BYOB - bring your own butter!