Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: French (18) staff (18) restaurant (14) Great (13) Soho (13) great (11) friendly (10) atmosphere (10) feel (9) nice (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Faith E. 1 year ago on Google
    The French house is cool. In a great spot in soho, they do a very nice own lager that comes in nice half pint sizes. It is a good place to go. I am yet to try the food here but maybe one day
    6 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Brian C. 7 months ago on Google โ€ข 84 reviews
    We had a great evening. The food was delicious albeit all the mains were steak ! So no good for fish lovers or vegetarians. Great service from Jazz.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Julian A. 1 month ago on Google โ€ข 409 reviews New
    I always love it in here, a delightful pub with real character. If anyone ever changes this they deserve to burn in hell. Very busy as usual but somehow they had crammed 5 people behind the bar so there was no real wait. Hands off the Benedictine, that's mine!

  • 1/5 Mathilda T. 2 years ago on Google
    Poor customer experience. We went to the French House for a birthday celebration - we arrived at the restaurant at 6pm & told them whilst ordering we needed to leave at 7pm sharp. They assured us that there would be enough time to order a starter and a main. The starter took a long time to come so again we reminded them again about the 7pm deadline and they assured us it would be fine. The main had not arrived by 7pm - we had a pay the full bill & were not offered a discount or a voucher. Not the way to treat customers & we will not be returning.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Andrew B. 1 year ago on Google
    Friendly service downstairs. Upstairs even better. Super staff all friendly and welcoming. And the food was just outstanding. Donโ€™t miss it.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Shannon H. 2 months ago on Google โ€ข 196 reviews New
    A charming place steeped in history. It's been extremely busy each time I've visited which means I haven't been able to soak up the atmosphere as much as I'd like. Would love to come back and try the restaurant upstairs!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 John B. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic friendly local pub with great clientele. Leslie the Landlady so welcoming will definitely be going back next time in London.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 david d. 1 month ago on Google โ€ข 214 reviews New
    A regular stop off for me while in soho in the 80s & 90s for a quick half. It hasn't changed a bit, still full of soho characters

  • 5/5 Trese R. 6 months ago on Google โ€ข 22 reviews
    If I had a restaurant, this is the kind Iโ€™d want; small, relaxed and with the kind of food I love to eat. We could have chosen everything off the menu and what we did have was absolutely delicious. The madeleines are a must-have highlight! The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, efficient and clearly passionate about what they do. The only down-side was the scruffy loo but this was Soho on a busy Friday night and is probably shared with the pub downstairs.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Kels J. 1 year ago on Google
    I had been looking forward to my London trip for so long, almost entirely for my visit to The French House. To say it was some of the best food Iโ€™ve ever eaten in my life would still be an understatement. From the get go, the service is unmatched. You donโ€™t feel like youโ€™re in a restaurant, you feel like youโ€™re in somebodies home whoโ€™s playing host. The atmosphere is warm and comforting, and you actually get to talk to the staff about the food, drinks, and life. The passion is obvious. Terry was MARVELLOUS. He gave us brilliant wine suggestions, and let us sample anything we wanted. He also wrote me down some fantastic local recommendations in a little note Iโ€™ll treasure forever. Maxi our server was also fantastic, and so friendly. The confit and goats curd toast is heavenly. The oysters were luxurious. Treat yourself to a bottle of Carnard Duchene. Get the madeleines. Thank you to the whole team at The French House for making my visit feel so special ๐Ÿค
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Tim P. 7 months ago on Google
    Excellent pub with pleasant staff and clientele. Fantastic history a must if you're in the area.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Puntie P. 7 months ago on Google
    Went to the bar downstairs. Great evening. Really nice crowd. Great staff. Rolling artwork. The Guinness is one of the best youโ€™d get outside Dublin! Nice bottled ciders too. Loved the no pints policy - draft beers by the glass only!!!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Mat L. 2 years ago on Google
    Itโ€™s been my favourite bar for over twenty years, and Iโ€™m so glad itโ€™s (barely) changed in that time. Lovely spot either inside by the windows or outside, to have a drink and watch the world go by. New food menu is excellent and the Breton Cider is always a treat. Usual no pints, no mobiles rules and all the better for it.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 James N. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a wonderful long Saturday lunch today. Great staff, a lovely atmospheric dining room and all three courses just spot on. Thank you.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Ralph P. 3 years ago on Google
    Everyone working here is always so nice, friendly and welcoming. Always worth calling in for a beer. Little gem in soho.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Marc H. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful French bistro/restaurant, staff were extremely friendly! Rotating menu of classical french dishes, steak was superb! The chef came out and had a chat and told us his favourites and gave some background on the restaurant, was an amazing experience!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 3/5 Paul C. 2 years ago on Google
    lovely upstairs bar filled with happy drinkers. downstairs was way more crowded space with hardly room to move. bottle of house white was ยฃ22 which is reasonable for soho drinking establishment. the clientele were very broad spectrum and the bar staff were very accommodating to our party of 3 wishing to sit at a table that was reserved for larger parties. very good venue with chilled music in the background that wasn't too loud or intrusive
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Karl 1. 4 years ago on Google
    Compact bar hung with photos, where literary crowd prefer wine to beer and embrace the no-tech rule.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 David S. 3 years ago on Google
    Soho is a fascinating part of London; a little seedy in places but, refreshingly still full of characterful bars and restaurants. This establishment is an institution for a variety of reasons. The downstairs bar makes you feel like youโ€™re in France - pictures of Charles de Gaulle, Breton cider, eau de vie in various varieties and beers by the half pint - a lovely intimate feel. In fact de Gaulle used it as an office during the Second World War and apparently Dylan Thomas and Francis Bacon both drank here. It has no music nor TV - to encourage conversation - and if you breach the no mobile phones policy you will be abruptly told to go outside. The policy is clearly stated so punters who feel aggrieved at being chastised should be looking at themselves rather than complaining! The French (obviously!) restaurant upstairs is a lunchtime pleasure. Quality ingredients, superbly cooked. Booking is essential.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Faye W. 3 years ago on Google
    magic place full of love
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 1/5 EJS 3 years ago on Google
    Big lad with the ponytail behind the bar possibly the rudest you could ever meet. Beer not great, weird confrontational atmosphere..
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Stephen 3 years ago on Google
    Like it here nice pub use to only serve half pints but great news they now serve pints. Always a friendly welcome from the staff.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 John S. 2 months ago on Google โ€ข 125 reviews New
    Being a bit of a fan of Dylan Thomas, I seek out his haunts . This was one of his favourites in London. The history of this bar is a really worthwhile read on Google.

  • 5/5 Sarah F. 2 months ago on Google โ€ข 50 reviews New
    Delicious food in an intimate and cosy setting. The menu changes frequently, and you can tell it is made with passion and care. Most definitely recommend the melt in your mouth madeleines, cooked to order. The whole evening is a treat!

  • 5/5 Sergio Sa F. 6 months ago on Google โ€ข 41 reviews
    Amazing food! The fish and steak were delicious. Desert as well!

  • 5/5 Rebecca J. 1 month ago on Google โ€ข 29 reviews New
    All the wonderful things about fine dining and none of the stuffiness. A beautiful, cozy space tucked upstairs. Despite being in the middle of busy Soho, nothing felt rushed. Friendly and witty service. Great wine. And the food was perfection. Donโ€™t skip the made-to-order madeleines! Will definitely be returning!

  • 5/5 Martin 3 years ago on Google
    This place just grows on you. Been here twice now after a friend's recommendation and has actually improved somewhat due to the Covid situation. There is plenty of seating outside (weather permitting) and inside there seems to be more space and seating available due to social distancing measures. A cosy place with friendly staff. Great for a meet up with friends. Check it out.

  • 5/5 Amanda B. 1 year ago on Google
    This is an atmospheric old pub with lots of history. The decor has not changed for years, it was a favourite of veterans returning from fighting in WW2. Used to only serve French wine, but now serves a variety of beers, ciders and spirits. It is popular and can be a bit of a squeeze but we'll worth a visit. There is also a restaurant upstairs.

  • 4/5 joe w. 3 years ago on Google
    If you like half pints this is the place for you! Only seven halves but that'd be charm. If you are visiting london come here, impresses the girls ;)

  • 5/5 Tony r. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent food and service

  • 5/5 Eric W. 2 years ago on Google
    Just the best place to drop in to eat proper French comfort food. Great staff and reasonable prices. Will come back again and again. Donโ€™t hesitate, just go there!

  • 5/5 NightOwl 3 years ago on Google
    Love this place - perfect spot for a few glasses of wine in the heart of soho. Very nice selection. Can't wait to visit again after the pandemic.

  • 5/5 Dean F. 1 year ago on Google
    My favourite bar anywhere. Full of eccentric characters, and don't be surprised whose next through the door. Easy enough to forget the time as the hours tick by. I love the Breton Cider, it goes down well. The perfect venue.

  • 5/5 Daniela P. 1 year ago on Google
    The madelines alone are worth a visit. An iconic Soho eatery. Unfussy seasonal menu done well.

  • 5/5 chris c. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely land lady and staff very pleasant great place love it and good food highly recommend

  • 4/5 Irena S. 5 years ago on Google
    Cute little pub with interesting & friendly crowd. Shame they donโ€™t serve food on Friday evenings. Excellent selection of wines sold by the glass (or bottle of course). Helpful and efficient staff. It can get very crowded and loud in here. The toilets were upstairs, so would not be suitable for those with accessibility needs.

  • 5/5 Phill R. 4 years ago on Google
    This might well be my favourite pub in London, definitely Soho. Bijou of a place where small means cosy, intimate and exciting NOT cramped and smelly like the tube you took to get there. The front windows open fully shutter style which aids with the ambiance but maybe more so with the chance to people watch or to pose in the style of your favourite author. The feeling of history in this long standing pub is obvious and adorns the walls in photos and drawings crafted by the famous and infamous. The original till still sits proud and even though not functioning is still polished and intriguing as the charismatic, fast witted Landlord who managed to make me feel like a gentleman and naughty child all at the same time. Remember if you want immediate kudos when you walk in ask for a half pint.....The French does not serve pints!

  • 4/5 David T. 3 years ago on Google
    There are 2 highlights here - the no phones rule which all pubs should have, and the picture of Charlie Gimbit from Lovejoy on the wall. The half pint thing everyone complains about is easily sorted - just buy 2 of them. Gets too busy in here sometimes and the beer is nothing to write home about, but all in all the place is ok.

  • 5/5 ben j. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this pub! Real French vibes with excellent British snacks. I have never been to anywhere this authentic out side of France. My favourite cidre in bottles and big bottles as well. Twiglets, scampi fries and bacon fries. Lovely atmosphere. Excellent staff. I could easily spend a whole day in this bar

  • 5/5 Eric W. 4 months ago on Google
    Loved my solo dinner date here. Good, French brasserie style food. Can be funny eating out on your own sometimes, but the staff made me feel more than welcome - they made it fun.

  • 5/5 katja B. 4 months ago on Google
    We loved the welcome at the restaurant. We had a reservation but were very late and the couple found a place for us despite a complicated situation. Very charming authentic people to serve. The restaurant is very cosy but quite small. My son, husband and I enjoyed an intime and very lovely evening especially thanks to the nice women that served.

  • 5/5 Russell W. 3 months ago on Google New
    Google doesn't seem to have the capacity to list multiple opening hours if a business has separate sections on the premises ๐Ÿ™„. The hours advertised here are for their upstairs restaurant. The pub is open daily from noon, as per their Instagram.

  • 5/5 PAT- B. 3 years ago on Google
    No review can do this place Justice this is what you call bar profection. It's been they're years and I hope it remained so for many many more. I always visit this place when I'm in Soho.๐Ÿพ

  • 4/5 mranthonyunwin 3 months ago on Google โ€ข 3 reviews New
    A truly wonderful spot in the heart of London. Classic food and great wine! Reserve early as a very intimate space.

  • 5/5 Natinho L. 2 months ago on Google New
    Good pub in Soho. Saturday night it was so busy and buzzy. Lively to say the least. Outside in the streets you can smoke and enjoy watching people. Seats inside and loos downstairs (clean).

  • 5/5 Jรณn F. 3 months ago on Google New
    Classic bistro cooking. Sensibly priced wines. Great waiting staff and laid back atmosphere in a bright airy dining room above Soho.

  • 5/5 Sam B. 4 years ago on Google
    Brilliantly cooked French food with superb ingredients. The calves' brains are absolutely divine - a must-try even if you're squeamish. They're a lot better than you might think, one of the nicest dishes I've had anywhere in ages.

  • 5/5 Annie P. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing. Came here March 18th bc it was the last place open in soho before lock down (literally) and they treated us so well. Incredible meal and better staff hope you all are well!!

  • 5/5 Katia D. 3 years ago on Google
    One of my favourite places for drinking in Soho! I've been coming here since the '80s and I still love it. It's always full of interesting characters and there is always a buzz!

  • 5/5 Jan De V. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the places that might benefit from the post Covid situation with a larger terrace. Now serving pints as well.

  • 4/5 Simon D. 3 years ago on Google
    An English pub with a distinct French flavour. This was the pub favoured in World War II by the Free French. It even still uses French measures. Supposedly Charles de Gaulle used to come by now and again. It used to ban mobile phones, but I am not sure if this rule has survived.

  • 5/5 Nathan 3 years ago on Google
    I often find myself here splitting a large bottle of french cider.

  • 5/5 will t. 3 years ago on Google
    Doesn't get much better for central London. Prices a bit steep but what's a quid more a pint for the surroundings?

  • 5/5 Peter D. 3 years ago on Google
    Great chef

  • 4/5 TOM S. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful straight up pub with plenty of hand pumped ales. Good service and very warm atmosphere. People here actually talk to each other and this adds to the pubs general feel good factor. Great boozer.

  • 4/5 Robert S. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice drinky night out

  • 5/5 Mike W. 3 years ago on Google
    One of my favourite places in Soho, full of character and friendly service.

  • 5/5 Pauk A. 3 years ago on Google
    A great place to have a drink with friends

  • 5/5 Evan B. 3 years ago on Google
    I'm the thousandth review, do I win a prize?

  • 5/5 John C. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the original Soho bars - still got it in spades, go to see the last of the Soho characters drinking in their natural habitat...๐Ÿท๐Ÿ˜Ž

  • 5/5 Sarah J. 3 years ago on Google
    Always great buzzing atmosphere

  • 5/5 Vernon N. 3 years ago on Google
    Very special

  • 5/5 Sharaz G. 3 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Dan B. 3 years ago on Google
    Its The French House. End of story

  • 5/5 Carl H. 3 years ago on Google
    6/10/20 Lunch. Chef is Neil. Pre Tier 2. The whole experience was magical..the history..walls of portrait photos and art.. my view over the busy street.. gentle service.. laughter over the art of displaying artichoke leaves ..or โ€œwho caresโ€. An artichoke is such a delicious beginning to any meal, as I peel and suck each leaf, placing then neatly on my plate (please enjoy the photos!) and slowly..enjoying the flesh and juices. And then eating into the firmness of the heart which Iโ€™ve cut into bite size. Absolutely gorgeous as Neil had cooked it to flavourful perfection. Then masterfully cooked Lamb Navarin with aligot mash potatoes. This was out of this world. The photos show the full deep colours and the flavours were rich and the chunks of lamb just perfect. You may know the restaurant, you may not, whichever, do try to find a way to visit this special restaurant, firstly of course, to enjoy the experience and secondly to give personal valued support to The French House while we live through Covid. Carl

  • 5/5 Raquel R. 4 years ago on Google
    Fabulous, old-school pub. A classic. The restaurant portion is fabulous and well-worth the wait/reservations. Very classic French cooking done with impeccable ingredients and technique.

  • 5/5 James M. 3 years ago on Google
    One of my favorite place in London. Cheap drinks, good wine and great atmosphere. And a beautiful location. Perfect place!!

  • 4/5 Guleraana M. 4 years ago on Google
    Went on a Monday night. Quiet and cozy

  • 5/5 chris B. 4 years ago on Google
    Fishy fridays ๐Ÿ‘Œ

  • 3/5 Paul C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great bar, kinda spoiled by loud posh twatts

  • 5/5 nick d. 2 years ago on Google
    Always a lovely welcome here, wonderful pub with a great atmosphere thanks to the terrific staff and landlady. A true Soho pub and always a good conversation to be had while spending a couple of hours watching the world go by. Coronation chicken sandwiches on New Years Day were a godsend.

  • 5/5 Alisdair M. 3 years ago on Google
    Very different drinking experience now but was locked after by Billy and Phil. Just can't seem to leave half sober.

  • 5/5 James P. 3 years ago on Google
    Simply lovely

  • 5/5 James O. 3 years ago on Google
    Great pub. Would reccomend.


Call +44 20 7437 2477 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • โœ“๏ธ Debit cards
    • โœ“๏ธ Credit cards
    • โœ“๏ธ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • โœ“๏ธ Beer
    • โœ“๏ธ Food
    • โœ“๏ธ Wine
    • โœ“๏ธ Alcohol
    • โœ“๏ธ Cocktails
    • โœ“๏ธ Hard liquor
  • Accessibility
    • โœ— Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • โœ— Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Service options
    • โœ“๏ธ Dine-in
    • โœ— Takeout
    • โœ— Delivery

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