Beef Bourguignon - French recipe

Ingredients 2 lb (900 g) braising steak, cut into 2 inch (5 cm) squares 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, sliced 1 heaped tablespoon plain flour 15 fl oz (425 ml) red Burgundy (or other red w ine or dry cider) 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 sprigs fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 12 oz (350 g) shallots 2 x 130 g packs cubetti pancetta or 225 g smoked or unsmoked streaky bacon, bought in one piece, then cut into cubes 4 oz (110 g) dark-gilled mushrooms, cut into chunks salt and freshly milled black pepper Pre-heat