The French House

Featured reviews

• G

  Google user

  ·1 month ago

  “An institution in the heart of Soho. Visited here many times and always found it faultless. Chilled atmosphere and relaxed vibe. Main bar on street level, extra seating upstairs. Lots of history to the place. Welcoming and friendly service. Great selection of drinks at reasonable prices. Food available but we didn't stay to eat. One of the most famous pubs in London and definitely worth a visit. Came again a few days later in the evening, tried the cider, gorgeous. Great vibe in the evenings as well.”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “An institution for a reason. Classic French bistro food done very well. Every dish was delicious, we couldn’t get enough of the bread from Darby’s and the madeleines are some of the best in London (St John still takes top spot ). One caveat: if you don’t love butter, don’t bother. It was also a little inside loud but that’s part of the charm. Would go back without hesitation.”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “Heck. Yes. This place is lovely. Such a relaxed experience, the service is lovely, the food is incredible - every single dish was perfect. Loved every part of it ❤️”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “The French House is one of the most famous pubs and restaurants in SoHo. You’re likely going there because you know about it. But in case you don’t know much about it, or have heard of it but would like it confirmed, let me categorically state: this is definitely one of the best meals I have had in my life. Making amazing dishes that let the ingredients shine takes focus, skill and mastery of technique. A lot of effort goes into making food this good, and having it feel simple and effortless. A place that is this much of an institution could quickly feel really stuffy and pretentious. Sometimes at places with this sort of reputation, you can feel nervous, worried you don’t belong there, and you’ll order the wrong thing. Neil Borthwick and the team go out of their way to make sure this isn’t the case. This also takes focus and effort to keep it so authentic and grounded. For me, a place like this is iconic and a sort of Mecca, Neil and his wife Angela are people I greatly respect and admire - so to be there and forget all of that and to just relax and enjoy the meal was it’s own surprise. The food is so good, it brings you out of your own head. The menu changes daily, written by hand, and celebrates classic cooking and you can confidently engage with whatever is on the menu or the specials board knowing you’re going to get a great representation of what it is, extremely well executed. I am so glad I got to go to The French House, it is a meal and experience I will always remember. Everyone says you have to get the madeleines. To the point where you think “maybe I won’t” - but definitely get the. Not for the mythology, but because warm and with the lemon curd, they are perfect and totally worth it, you are worth it. They are another example that The French House isn’t about the mythology - it is about the amazing food.”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “We stopped in here for a drink, and it was incredibly busy, which we have no issue with, amd the weather was good so we drank outside. What we weren't happy with was the service. We ordered drinks and not one word was spoken by the staff that served us. He almost slammed the card machine down on the bar, and turned his back to us. A very strange experience and not one we'll go through again. For the reputation of the bar and its excellence, this was atrocious service.”

• G

  Google user

  ·4 months ago

  “We had the most incredible meal here in the lovely small dining room above the pub. Everything we had was a standout, really would recommend - I don’t think you can go wrong on the menu! Try your best to get a reservation - sometimes late tables pop up.”

• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “A restaurant with no pretensions but incredible charm, tucked above a pub that has been serving the heart of Soho for over a century — five or six tables, nothing more. I decided to go after watching Angela Hartnett's Condé Nast YouTube video, and it turns out the restaurant's chef is her husband. Luckily, on the days I happened to be in London, I managed to snag a table for one. Crisp white tablecloths, beautiful classic tableware, a handwritten menu, and generous light flooding the small room through three large windows. The two members of staff were attentive, appropriately discreet, and genuinely warm. To start, scallops; for my main, red mullet served with a sauce vierge. Dessert was a Jamaican rum and chocolate mousse. Every dish let the true flavour of the ingredients speak for itself, unobscured by unnecessary sauces or seasonings — quite simply, wonderful. And a heartfelt thank you for not making a solo diner feel like an alien.”

• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “The French House felt like a fully French experience, it’s only when heading back downstairs that you feel the full Soho energy. The staff were a little frosty at first and not that engaging, but then again I think that’s what makes it so French. I would say the starters did lack something - they didn’t wow me although the oyster was the best I’ve ever had BUT the pork shoulder and cheesy mash (eaten too quickly for a picture) made up for it. The pork was succulent, buttery with a crispy outer which is everything you want. The madeleines warm from the oven made the evening, made me forget the tartare lack of seasoning. Ordered with sauterns was the perfect ending. I would recommend if you want solid French food. The intimate setting also felt nice, it is quite loud but I suppose it’s better for a space to feel loved and lived in rather than it being sterile and still which The French House is not. I will be back with the hope the pork shoulder is on the specials menu again!”

• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “Lunch here midweek. A short menu which is always a good sign. Great, friendly staff with knowledge and panache in abundance. Meaty and vegetarian dishes full of flavour with top-notch ingredients. And a fab wine-list and digestives (not the biscuits though). Good value for high class nosh.”

• G

  Google user

  ·8 months ago

  “Loved our visit , this is how restaurants used to be before big chains and ego's got in the way . Very small and intimate , the two FOH team were great , friendly, helpful and acted like proper hosts . The food was good , three of us shared a rump cap with chips . The wine list is small but well curated , the St Emillion and Cotes de Rhone were excellent as was the Riesling . I think we will be back for a long lunch on another occasion and explore the wine list further”