A Classic What a memorable experience. Be sure to reserve well in advance. Food,wine and service all excellent. Though Servers are casually dressed they are pros. Nudge your way through the downstairs' crowd to the staircase. Once upstairs it's a another world read more

French House - The French House exterior - Modern European Near Me - London, XGL

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I feel like most of the reviews are for the bar, which is always packed after 5pm, but this review is specifically for the restaurant upstairs. It is resi only, exceptional. 8 tables, mainly 2 tops, and a handwritten menu each night. The chef only uses fresh ingredients from that day's market, and you can taste it in every bite. The menu had 2 apps, 2 mains, 4 sides, and 2 deserts. The Madeline's were to die for. Service was outstanding. read more

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Fine for a drink, but skip the restaurant. Very limited menu, overpriced food and unpleasant staff who push for service charge to be added though service is in fact poor. read more

Definitely a place to stop by if you're a pub person (definitely not me so off one star, too crowded and I got claustrophobic). However, my boyfriend who is a pub person loved this place very much. It is a good place for history and grab a quick drink, but hard to have a conversation since it is a bit tiny. read more

French House - Modern European Near Me - London, XGL

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one of the most unpleasant dining experiences... overpriced, no variety on the menu , other than three types of pate and incredibly unpleasant staff who stronghold you into a 12 percent tip. steer clear. read more

While I did have a great night out at this pub, I'm afraid I would not necessarily go back. The venue itself is tiny so you most likely have to start by standing and hoping that someone would leave eventually do you can grab their seat. Since it was 4 of us out for St Patrick's day we slowly managed to get seats one by one at a rate of one new seat per hour but we did manage to all be seated by the end. The service is quite quick and the staff is friendly until you make the one fatal error, which is answer your phone. Apparently they have a 'no phone calls policy and if you happen to miss the tiny chalkboard behind the bar close to the ceiling (They had to point it to me because it took me a while to see where it was) and you pick up your phone they will come up to you at your seat and ask you to hang up or get out of the pub. To be honest I think that's ridiculous as you are risking losing your seat just to be able to tell one of your other friends who's a bit late how to find you in the pub. It's not like I was there to spend the night talking on the phone and if it was up to me I would have left right there and then. The other thing that I thought was a bit annoying is that they do not do pints, so you can only buy your beer in half pint glasses. I went to the bar, asked for a pint, they said they don't do it and then I eventually had to ask for two half pints. I think it's a gimmick to sell the beer at a higher price because the price of the two halves combined is higher than the price of a normal pint in any other place but you don't realise it because you are paying less per individual drink. In any case, I did have a good night despite those issues, but that's because I was with good friends and definitely not because of the venue. I recommend looking for a different pub if you're in the area, as there's lots to chose from so you don't have to deal with that drama. read more

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An old & favourite haunt of mine.I first came here as an art student in 1961 & was delighted & astonished to see two giants of the art world at the bar : Francis Bacon & Lucien Freud. They were often there in those days : there or at Muriel's Club up the road (now gone) The black boxer,Chicago was always at the end facing you in this picture & patron,Gaston Berlemont took great care of this young art student - kissing my wrist as he poured me into a taxi home. Great food upstairs too. Paradoxically, an excellent AA Group meets at St Anne's opposite. (I've added another pic of the crowds to show it midday in summer like most pubs in London's West End,very crowded) (for more info see http://www.sohomemories.org.uk ) read more

French House - Interior French House just before opening time : empty! a rare sight - Modern European Near Me - London, XGL

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For years I worked in Soho and failed to check this place out. I guess the reams of people spilling out of the doorway in an evening put me off. The bar is tiny, you see. However, I did get the chance to have a drink here last week, during the day. The place had several punters perched on stools and we sidled up to the bar for a whisky and amaretto (not together, of course). There is a sing above the bar stictly prohibiting mobile phones, which is nice. The decor is inviting - I like a pub to look pub-like and it is very cosy. But night-times do get very packed. The 4 stars is for afternoon drinking - recommended. read more

French House - Modern European Near Me - London, XGL

I was really early for a dinner date, so I wandered up and down Wardour Street looking for a place to get a drink where I would not feel out of place on my own and reading a book (which ruled out quite a few packed pubs). I strolled into French House because I could spot a few empty tables tucked in the back corner from the street. Right away, I was struck by the fact that the entire bar seemed to be engaged in a rather loud and jovial conversation with the two bartenders. I interrupted order a small glass of house red (£3.50) and sat down. I was happy to see I wasn't alone in my bar book reading - another patron soon bellied up at the bar and pulled out her novel. Meanwhile, it seemed that everyone who arrived and left knew the bartenders by name. Nice to find such a locals favorite in such a touristy area. Funny enough, as I was literally reading other reviews regarding the friendliness of this place after checking in, I was soon asked by the next table what I was reading. This turned into a good hour of friendly, silly conversation. Just what I needed. read more

Loved this pub! Our trek into SOHO to meet an ex-pat friend brought us here for after work pints. I gotta admit this pub was PACKED! But instead of the volume of people becoming a deterrent it actually adds to the ambiance and experience. The crowd of regulars is what makes up the majority of French House's patrons and after work you'll be hard pressed to find a set inside. Thankfully you can take your pint outside to their little standing room only patio. The patio is only wide enough for 2-3 people to stand side by side (read: Crunched together) but runs the entire length of the pub. Thankfully, the ledge is there to rest your beer and the hooks allow you to hand your belongings while you socialize. The pints of London Ale were great but the French Cider was what really stole the show here. Served in a 500ml (0.5L) bottle, the flavour was fantastic, a great item to share and deffinitely boozy enough to make it worth whatever price we paid! read more

Probably one of the worst pubs I've been to in London and certainly one of the worst in Soho. It's got the cheek of haveing French in the title, but represents nothing French. It only sells halves (neither French nor English), the bar staff are rude and obnoxious and the place has no charm or atmosphere. I'd give this place no stars if it was an option. DON'T GO! read more

My favorite place for a drink in Soho. Cozy, intimate atmosphere, excellent bar staff, and friendly crowd sets the French apart from just about every other bar in Soho. Some of the things that I like about it ... they carry Leffe Brun, if you are in the least bit talkative you will likely meet some very interesting people, and there is great people watching outside on the walk. read more

Whilst the place itself is beautiful, having gone a couple times I have felt very uneasy with the rudeness and even racism towards not only clients but also their own employees, as I have witnessed several arguments in the middle of service. Normally I would not bring this up if I had felt any of this behaviour was justified, however it was not, especially during the working hours. Had negative experiences with some of the bar staff too. Unprofessional, rude, racist and ignorant, will not be returning anymore after tonight. I thought I could give it a last chance but got proven wrong. Other than those problems, there is also a no phone calls policy, which I understand the staff has to follow however I believe it to be very ridiculous of them to even have in the first place (how am I supposed to find my drunk friend for example, in such a crowded place and if I have to go outside to speak?). No full pints, high prices. I have also seen full black face imagery on the wall, that has since been covered, probably as someone may have said something. Unless you want to feel on edge all the time, I would not recommend going. Feel bad for the people having to work there. read more

One of the better pubs situated in the heart of Soho and is a great place to go to for a pre-prandial. It is very popular during the after work hours and in the weekends, which gets very packed and you find people streaming into the streets with their drinks. A lot of the clientele, you will find, have been frequenting the French for years and are loyal attendees and the place just hasn't changed over the decades since it first opened. Apparently this was where the French Resistance came during WWII to meet. Nowadays it attracts a host of eccentric artists, writers and intellectuals. The best time to go would be either just before the lunch hours, or during the few hours before the end of a work day, as you'll find it less crowded. read more

mmmmm cider. It doesnt get much better in Soho that a lovely refreshing bottle of cider in a small half pint glass. I've frequented this little spot many a time in the city and it never disappoints. There's always a lovely atmosphere. The decor is plentiful, something in every nook and cranny, a feature in a pub that I am very fond of. The space downstairs is small and cosy. Not always easy to get a table or a place to stand. But when the weather is warm as it was the last 3 visits of mine, I got a nice windowsill spot outside. read more

Popped by for quick drinks with friends, and I quite loved this place! It felt like a cute and cozy French pub with interesting photos and intimate environment. We sat on the first floor (above ground level), where it was slightly quieter and lower key as well. House red was good. Service was just average -- we had to go order and bring our own glasses back to the table. The space can be quite tight, so not the best place if you have a lot of things with you! read more

Great little pub with a French vibe. Go for the crisp Breton cider and the weird amalgamation of old photos adorning the just this side of decrepit walls. Be warned about the bar staff though! There at least one surly bartender there. It'd be great to think it was part of the boozer's Gallic vibe, but unfortunately this lass is British. Oh well. Anyway, the Dean Street addy ensure elbow rubbing. So expect this place to be packed most open hours. This makes for mild annoyances but also fantastic eavesdropping opportunities as you sit and sip your cider. read more

Absolutely superb. A tiny little place that I must have walked past a hundred times without noticing. Once inside though, it just oozes character. I'm not sure that I'd like to try and get served on a busy weekend night, but things were OK during the afternoon when I visited. The staff are really friendly and the cider is to die for. Loads of pictures adorn the walls and the place is just dripping with atmosphere. Totally worth a visit. Totally worth a detour to make a visit. read more

During the war the French resistance in London operated out of the French house which is pretty exciting. Latterly, it became something of a hang out for artists, writers and poets (including Francis Bacon). Now, it is popular with an older aspirant and accomplished art and literati crowd and general Soho people. The owners operate the bar with a limited staff and they're very warm. The bar itself is quite small and, due to its popularity, pretty crowded. There are a number of small tables around the side but most people prop up the bar. The furniture is simple and the room is decorated with memorabilia celebrating its past. Due to its small size most people end up standing outside which gives the place a pleasant communal atmosphere, though can be a drag in bad weather. It is a well stocked bar, though, as per French tradition, they only serve beer in half pints. The French House may seem like a pastiche but it has an individual charm and character. read more

Of all the places I've been to in Soho, this was probably the first bar I visited. Nothing funnier than ordering a pint and thinking to yourself, "Wow.. that's pretty affordable.." and then have it served in a half-pint (aka child size cup)... a French thing? It's a traditional (closes at 11pm) and tiny place... gets pretty crowded by the bar (aka cozy and intimate) so it may test your patience. Lots of great beer.. the guinness was good, but not the real stuff :( Although it doesn't look like anything French, my buddy who took me says that apparently the place did at least house or serve as a meeting point for the French resistance in London, hence the name... All in all, it's a pretty cool and chill hangout spot... I didn't try the restaurant, but heard good things... so I'll have to save that for a followup review read more

The French House is a charming little bar ideal for Sunday drinking, if you fancy a big day out on the cider. They don't do bar food - you have to go upstairs to the restaurant - which is excellent, but priced at usual Soho prices. I have mixed feelings about the bar staff here - it's certainly a little bit cliquey. I've seen numerous patrons have problems, and violence threatened from the mental old angry long haired guy who sits at the back. The staff seem to have no interest in doing anything about him being a regular, and as it's always packed, they have no financial motivation to do anything either. It's a shame, but there you go. read more

The Pub is tiny but littered with memories. It is the heart of Old Soho. Luvvies, darlings and many a face and many a tale surround you. I love the dining room upstairs. The service, food and prices are excellent. The wine list is well worth exploring and splurging. read more

I want to love this place, but I've only ever wound up here on a Friday evening. I'm pretty certain it's the busiest bar in the whole of Soho. So busy it's impossible to get to the bar (it's tiny) and even if you can get to order a drink, there's nowhere to perch while you drink it. That said, I don't mind sitting outside if it's sunny. It's charming here, but if you're after a quiet (and fast) drink, you should head elsewhere. In fact, if you all did that, maybe I'd be able to get to the bar... read more

A small bar where I only saw the first floor for a drink before dinner. As I was with 2 English Gentlemen, I was very happy to have a Ricard (Pastis from Marseilles) with them, even if they already knew it. A fresh feeling being in France for a while: the decoration is more than traditional (a bit cliché). Unfortunately on the evening the music is really missing! By music for this kind of place I mean a melody/french text songs which can go with the atmosphere Perhaps I should try it for break during the day. read more

The pub is very small... Especially downstairs where my friends and I couldn't even enter due to the amount of people packed there at 8.30pm ! The good news is that there's a second bar upstairs and we even managed to find a table. They have all kinds of different French drinks: cider, wine, beer... And at a very reasonable price. I would definitely go back :) read more

The French house is a Soho legend. Apparently the French resistance used to meet there in the World War II and if you went in today you could be forgiven for thinking that some of them never left, still propping up the bar having one last vin rouge. It is a tiny place lined with old black and white photos of bygone stars of the neighbouring theatres who once sat one one of the hard to come by seats. Apparently Francis Bacon and Dylan Thomas frequented this little place and it still has all its faded history in the air. The old Grey guy has been there as long as the pub I think and if it is the one I'm thinking of owns an old time private members club from the swinging '60s near by, so I don't think they'll be chucking him out! I haven't been to the restaurant, but would love to, it looks very romantic and old fashioned. The bar is great in the summer as they open the huge sash windows and everyone inside talks to the people outside with their pints on the pavement. A proper soho institution. read more

It always amazes me how much meat I can get though at a barbeque, likewise with alcohol served in half pint measures - as is mandatory in The French House. The Breton Cider is the cheapest and tastiest thing on offer even if it does look like a a urine sample with too much of a protein leakage. On a summer's afternoon I once stared at a man, probably in his fifties, bit of a luvvie-type with the sun shining through the septum of his nose... It's that sort of place. Bit pricey, but quite cinematic... you can also pretend you are the ghost of Francis Bacon in the toilets... I'm not saying that will make you any friends, but you can definitely do it....... until they chuck you out. read more

GREAT French food and it's quite posh insde. The wine is very nice too, it's perfect for a romantic evening with someone you love. read more

This place is wicked- it really feels like being in a bar in France, there are wine bottles covering the walls and they only serve beer in small half pint glasses. The clientele tend to spill out onto the streets at here weekends as it gets rather crowded but that adds to the atmosphere and makes it feels even more continental. It is in central London so great to start here for a few drinks before headin gout to a club. It shuts at 11pm so not the place for a late night. read more

Possibly the best pub in London! HONEST! As previous reviews have said, it was a faveourite haunt of the local bohemian population (including Bacon and Thomas), and it the french resistance did come here (De Gaulle was a regular!). These days, the same flock still go here, and it is nicer than some of the other pubs, as the soho-media-types are still a little scared of going here! You can also often find the likes of Ian Hislop and other writers from Private Eye lurking about for a post-work drink! Another point I have to mention is the drinks, they are great! A proper selection of decent wines, good beers (served in traditional french half-measures) and cider. For some reason people love the cider here. Whether cider is from breton or strongbow, its still battery acid, just slightly milder in taste! Go and buy the bottled belgan beer, Duvel instead (£3.50). Its got 8.5% alcahol, and it tastes much better than icky cider! I love this pub, possibly because we used to sing carol songs to the regulars around xmass when I went to primary school just around the corner! read more

a storied Soho pub with not a française in sight. turns out, back in the day was beer-HQ for exiled free french forces headed by de Gaulle. whiled away time here with drinks and chitchat till text from Polpetto that table was ready. read more

French House - Modern European Near Me - London, XGL

Went in near closing time. Asked for their recommended wine, which ended up being terrible. After 10 minutes, they had us put the remainder of the wine in plastic cups to drink outside after they closed. I guess if you just have to go to a pub, this isn't the worst. But don't get the wine! read more

Ah the French House. We fell into each others arms on Valentines Day. How cute. Forced together by my desire to get into your Venetian sister's underpants upstairs and your handy location at, well, the bottom of her steps, when she told me to wait. I've walked past you all these years. You're unassuming and look, from the outside, like a lot of your other Soho friends. But oh no. Whilst your sultry younger sister was playing hard to get upstairs, you invited me into your warm bed and held me. You were intimate, chatty and traditional. Your place had fantastic photos and memorabilia adorning the wall. We had a great time, didn't we? I'm so sorry I left you when sexy little Sis text me to let me know she would have me. I thought about staying with you, but the lure was too great! Now that I've had my fling with Polpetto upstairs, I'll be sure to stop by now and then to rekindle our romance. I heart you French House. read more

viva la french house!! c'est tres fantastique, j'adore la maison oooo zut alors! what a great place, a real gem! Probably only one of the few authentic pubs that has stood the test of time in the heart of soho. Full of interesting characters, infront and behind the bar, always rammo but got a great friendly atmosphere. can strongly recommend the pint bottles of house cider, potent and delish! fin read more

The best 'just another pub' in Soho. I am not exactly sure what's the magic of this place, but there is definitely some. And it is not just about their 'no kids allowed' policy followed by discussion with the bar staff how scary children are and being informed that toddlers are children in age of 2 - 4 yrs. But it is the truly friendly casual, no non sense pub, with clean toilets and of course delicious cider and lager and more delicious cider and lager... Great break during heavy duties day, to go just for 'one' or actually for almost any occasion. read more

Good place to have a drink. Keep in mind that they do not run tabs in here. You pay as you order. Also no full size pints in here. The crowd is friendly and the place is small. Friendly barkeeps. Consider this place if you are in the area and want something simple and reasonably priced. My favorite bar for sure of the evening I was there. read more

I frequent the FH every time I go to London it is one of my favourite pubs. A fan of kir I spend a couple of hours drinking all their flavours and chatting to the punters. The regulars are some of the most pretentious people you could ever wish to meet - pretentious, MOI, they complain. The food is a little expensive for what it is, and could be a little better, but I can forgive that simply for the relaxed success of the place. Salud! read more

Lovely little pub. It's definitely tough to hang in there with a group due to the size, but it's still worth going to. They won't serve pints and they don't like mobile phones, but the drinks aren't expensive for central London. Staff work hard to get everyone served as quickly as they can. Clientele are a mix of all ages and types. read more

I like this place. Some other people here called the customer base "eccentric." I guess that is based on clothing or tats. I thought it seemed pretty preppy. Well I didn't come for the people I came for the history. It certainly has one...French Resistance and Chuck DeGalle drank little mini-drinks here while planning their an invasion the Americans and Brits didn't want him in on. That's cool but the bar and neighborhood are even better. read more

Not too impressive....you can't get a full pint of beer, first off. Only half pints. Which means more frequent attempts at pushing your way through the crowd to get a refill at the bar. Really crowded, too loud to have much of a conversation....eh, there are better places to get a brew! read more