The French House

French, Pubs·
££££
·

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
French, Pubs
Ambience
Cosy, Lively, Traditional
Awards
SquareMeal London Top 100
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch
Perfect for
Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

The French House is one of those British institutions that’s been around for as long as most can remember. The pub and dining room originally opened in 1891 - although back then it was solely a popular watering hole - and has served many great writers and artists over the years: Dylan Thomas, Francis Bacon and John Mortimer to name a few. It wasn’t until 1992 when chef couple Margot (Rochelle Canteen) and Fergus Henderson (St John) opened the restaurant upstairs. The restaurant is now run by Neil Borthwick, who took over the reins in 2018. 

The main dining area upstairs is a traditionally decorated space that’s intimate in size, dressed with rustic wooden furniture and ruddy in colour. Framed black and white photography speckle the walls, as does a large gold-framed mirror to make the ever-so-cosy room feel bigger than it is. The hand-written menu changes regularly – every day in fact – and pays homage to classic French cuisine. There will always be a handful of starters, mains and desserts on offer, with examples of dishes including cod cheeks with aioli, heritage beetroot salad, moules mariniere or pork chop with ‘French House’ choucroute. Desserts, meanwhile, might feature profiteroles for something more indulgent, madeleines for something a little lighter or a cheese board for savoury fans.  

Previously named The York Minster, but earning its current name after regulars often called it ‘the French pub’ or ‘the french house’, the main pub downstairs is where it all began. Whilst you can reserve a table in the restaurant, you can’t book for the downstairs bar, so guests have to rock up and hope they can grab a table (or simply stand) at the bar. In the summer months, there are often crowds of people milling around out the front. Wine can be ordered by the glass, half bottle or bottle and comprise an affordably-priced selection.


FAQs

Who owns the restaurant?

The French House is run by Neil Borthwick

Helpful? 0

Can you book a table?

Reservations for the restaurant can be made by emailing frenchhousereservations@gmail.com. The restaurant does not take reservations for drinks.

Helpful? 0

Location

49 Dean Street, Soho, London, W1D 5BG

020 7437 2477 020 7437 2477

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon Closed
Tue 12:00-15:00
Wed 12:00-15:00
Thu 12:00-15:00
Fri 12:00-15:00
Sat 12:00-15:00
Sun Closed
Dinner
Mon Closed
Tue 18:00-21:00
Wed 18:00-21:00
Thu 18:00-21:00
Fri 18:00-21:00
Sat 18:00-21:00
Sun Closed

Reviews

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3 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Michael M

30 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Lovely small and intimate dining room above trendy soho pub. Really accomplished cooking. Please only go there if you are not easily pleased , then you will really appreciate it!

Michael M

24 November 2022  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 4.5
Value 4.5

Small room above pub in Soho. Very accomplished cooking. Small menu that changes weekly. Great friendly service.

Alessia B

28 June 2019  
Great food and atmosphere.
Book a table

Call The French House to make a booking on:

020 7437 2477 020 7437 2477

Visit their website

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