The French House in City of London, Westminster

A soho institution! Great food, excellent drinks and an atmosphere and history that shows a Soho that sadly barely exists any more. Simply a one of a kind. Just make sure you don't ask for a pint!

Best value, quality, service and experience for central London!

Terrible food, even worse service. The staff acted like we were a burden just for showing up. Everything tasted bland or overcooked, and the whole vibe was cold and unwelcoming. Absolutely not worth the time or money.

Was doing a scavenger hunt called "who pushed molly may" and would have stopped in this pub (which held one of the clues on the wall) for a drink on route. However, the owner was sitting in front of the clue, refused to move or give us eye contact and was very dismissive and rude. Needless to say we didn’t buy a drink and didn't get to complete the clue. Won't ever be returning and will tell others to avoid because of the ridiculously entitled, rude owner

To the withered old lady with the short white hair. Unnecessarily rude, as we were waiting for a table at the restaurant. Pointing out our only friend of colour telling them they needed to wait down stairs... really says a lot about the venue. Was really looking forwards to a meal but rudely disappointed.

We booked for a friends special birthday. I baked a cake and ask them to keep in thier fridge but when it came out it was smashed. What’s the pint hand making a cake bringing them carefully to surprise the friend and bringing out a totally smashed birthday cake? !!! And they charged £30 BYO charge on top. Asked a member to charge my phone at the beggining , had to look for my phone at the end thrown on the table not charged. Food was great but the care from the stuff is nil.

Very cool place and a great ambiance.

Very poor service. Shame, good atmosphere.

Starting with half a pint of Worthington’s Creamflow in the awesome pub downstairs, I was very much looking forward to eating in the first floor restaurant and was not disappointed. With the 19th century dining room giving the feeling of eating at someone’s house, the service was friendly and attentive. The pate starter was a highlight, as were the madeleines and chocolate mousse. Interesting pudding wines also available.

A favourite old drinking establishment in London's Soho.Great atmosphere

classic English pub for a break with a Guinness

Absolute gem of a place - grab a glass of cremant and perch on a stool if solo or make your way to the hidden tables at the back left if there is two of you. Full of the best & most interesting people.

Idiosyncratic but lively pub with great Meteor lager served by the half-pint

Wonderful place... full of atmosphere..

This is a gem of a place! I managed to walk in for lunch on a Thursday. So fortunate. I had a champagne and white negroni to start my meal. The started was Foie gras and Chicken liver on a brioche bread. Yummy! The main was a rump steak medium rare! Cooked to perfection. It was just a wonderful luncheon!

For being one of the few places that have kept the wind list accessible by all measures to everyone!

Really homely and friendly service. Loved the pork shoulder special and the freshly baked Madeleine cakes that they prepared for us in time for the theatre. Will definitely come back again

Great intimate atmosphere, service didnt feel rushed and felt grounded/down to earth. They didnt have the steak which was sad but the duck was equaly as good. Oysters were fresh and the ox tongue starter was to die for. Finally the madeleine was the star of the show, definitely get the full dozen (that is coming from someone who isnt keen on dessert). Great wine recommendations too.

I had a really great experience at the French house. I really recommend this restaurant, especially if you’re traveling to London. The owners were incredibly sweet and welcoming and made me and my brother feel right at home. We plan to come back to London and when we do, we will DEFINITELY come back. The food was delicious and the recommendations were on point so put your trust in them! I can’t wait to come back!!!!

Great bar. Great atomosphere. On a Saturday night don't expect to find a seat.

Such a great pub and fantastic wine

We were only in the bar downstairs (street level). Affordable drinks, friendly staff and unpretentious atmosphere. Definitely want of the better bars in SOHO.

Didn't try the food, but the lower bar is run with efficiency. They serve small half pour or half gallon pitchers. I've yet been to France, but I'm told this is common there.

Wanted to eat here for ages, managed to book in yesterday and what can I say. Great atmosphere intimate restaurant. Staff were amazing and the food was exceptional.

We booked our table months ago and the food did not disappoint!! I had the mussels with frites and then the blood orange chocolate mousse. Both were delicious. That was probably the best chocolate mousse I've ever eaten! Others on the table had the lemon sole and the duck for two. Again, all dishes were great. I recommend the Madelines which comes with a lemon custard. Book months in advance and expect a quick turnaround - you'll only have the table for two hours. One of our group is coeliac and the restaurant was very accommodating!

Delicious food, amazing service and lovely atmosphere, order the madeleines for dessert!

Hace tiempo que no estoy aquí. La habitación sigue siendo preciosa y los pasos de la muerte a El baño de hombres merece cuidado si está lloviendo afuera. La multitud a la hora del almuerzo bien escorado y sin duda importante gente de negocios hablando muy alto. Una mujer se reía tanto ruidoso mi reloj inteligente cuidado recomendado debido al ruido fuerte. Si usted está buscando un lugar romántico votar la cena. El personal un poco galo. No demasiado amable pero muy competente, este último raro en la metrópolis en estos días. La carta de vinos sorprendentemente razonable. Bueno no más - opciones promocionadas. Por supuesto muy francés. La comida. Excelente, porciones justas y cocina tradicional. Estoy seguro de que hay mejores lugares para comer en el centro de Londres. Simplemente no los conozco. No es barato (la red eléctrica está a mediados de los años veinte y probablemente necesitará un lado) pero vale la pena.

Un pequeño restaurante con encanto sobre un famoso pub en el Soho. Si llegas temprano para almorzar y pides rápido, puedes tener la suerte de disfrutar de la especial del día. Si no, no te preocupes, el resto del menú es muy sabroso. Gran personal

Teníamos grandes esperanzas de que esto lo hubiera visto en Google y mirando el sitio web. Decía que había 30 champagnes para elegir , es un bar muy pequeño que está bien y logramos conseguir un asiento sin embargo al pedir la carta de vinos hay un champagne! Ni una que yo reconozca tampoco, ni estoy seguro de por qué la página web subraya que tienen una elección tan amplia, así que lamentablemente tuvimos que ir a otro lugar.

We booked way in advance and loved our dinner in the upstairs cozy space. The bartender and our server were so kind as well. The food was delicious.

Loved the atmosphere in the pub. Very lively place and tons of interesting old photos to stare at while having a glass of wine

Timeless, delicious and served as if you've been friends for years. Génie!

Well worth a visit if you are in Soho, London.

Great pub, interesting crowd, lovely people and lovely staff. Bartender was a bit unpleasant but they’re normally really nice. I like taking people who don’t know London well to here. Stand outside and enjoy a Soho vibe

We were recommended by a friend if we were ever back in Soho to go to his favourite pub in London. From outside I was a bit surprised by it's appearance, also inside was not whatI expecting, however the pub and people were fantastic, the half pint glasses was a shock, but what a pub. Well worth a visit.

We had a booking for this evening at 8:30. Our friend came down ill (badly) and let us know at 4pm. Cancelled booking straight away online. Noticed my bank was sending notifications that they were trying to charge £50 cancellation per head x 4 (£200). Called restaurant, sincerely apologised and explained situation. Asked if fee could be used for towards a new booking. They advised no. Person was extremely disinterested and rude.

Great service, reasonable prices and good atmosphere.

Never changes, best bar in Soho

One of the best tacos try in London specially chef Rafik

Gran comida como siempre! No puedo culparlo - las Madeleines son un must have! Tuve la mousse también que podría ser el mejor que he tenido!

Menu is overpriced for the quality and quantity of items served. Food is not hot when served which is disappointing. Staff are overall discourteous and pushy in terms of spending money. Unsafe atmosphere prevails throughout.

Great pub, small and cozy. Only half pints here. Bottles of wine available!

Classic historical bar, great atmosphere

The food was ok and the service exceptional- but our group did think the food was overpriced for what you get. The wine selection was incredible though. There is not much waiting time for the food but portions are a bit small.

Little gem in the heart of Soho. Awesome if you can get in.

Simply magnificent in every respect - food service and atmosphere Definitely try the scallops

Legendary bohemian boozer in Soho, you never know who you might bump into, super little pub so you'll likely bump into everyone, only serve halves! Love it.

Always amazing, Terry looked after us so well in the restaurant - lovely warm hospitality across the board.

Si decide aventurarse con el restaurante aquí, tenga en cuenta que está conectado con el pub directamente, por lo que tiene que subir escaleras sucias empapadas de cerveza. Los baños son grotescos y el ambiente general en el restaurante es extraño. Parece estar colocado al azar en un pub promedio. Desafortunadamente, tuve la desgracia de comer aquí, y al hablar al personal sobre los problemas con la comida, el personal fue visiblemente agresivo y dijo que yo era el problema. Solo queríamos postre, y ambas funcionarias decían que esto no estaba permitido. No hay ningún requisito de pedido mínimo, pero este restaurante solo está tratando de forzar el menú a la gente a degollarse. El menú es limitado y caro. A juzgar por las otras críticas, este establecimiento está sobrevalorado y es una trampa turística. Evitar a toda costa.

Lovely lady behind the bar with amazing green eyeliner! Very friendly and lovely atmosphere.

Lovely little bar with great vibes. Recommend the Breton cider

Brilliant staff in the restaurant. Warm, knowledgeable and definitely do not take themselves too seriously. A peaceful nook in the heart of the whirling dervish Soho. The downstairs bar is also my favourite pub in London, where there is always a random chat to be had. Even the guy keeping the drinkers outside to within the pub boundary (mostly, one girl lent a bit too hard on the barrier and did an Oscar Wilde into the gutter, but somehow managed to not spill her drink) was a gem of a man.

A great place to eat and drink good beers.

Old school, grab a half pint and stand outside. A bit of everything, locals, regulars, and tourists.

The brill (xmas lunch, vibe) was especially good. Very friendly and helpful service, in a great space.

My ‘Denver Steak’ was the worse I have ever experienced, it was simply like leather boots and totally inedible and I found great difficulty even cutting it with a steak knife. I could continue but sadly it doesn’t get better and I won’t ever be returning.

The French House is a historic pub and restaurant in Soho, London, known for its bohemian atmosphere and rich history. Originally opened in 1891 under the name "York Minster", but was informally called "the French pub" by its regulars. The name was officially changed to "The French House" after a fire in York Minster in 1984.

Excellent proper old pub where people go to have a drink, chat, debate and put the world to rights, no phones, TV, jukebox, restaurant, var food, (next time ☺) etc.. iconic and historic with Meteor French lager on draught (first visit for this reason) and only 1/2 pints served...Marvellous ♥

Visited for lunch with my wife today. Food was absolutely fantastic (highly recommend the pork chop and crumble!), service excellent, and lovely atmosphere in a small restaurant area. Can’t wait to come back!

Cosy environment, delicious food, kind staff. Party of 5, we had appetisers, mains and desserts. A great evening

Service first - perfect. The guys were so friendly and helpful, whilst being obviously expert in their field. The dining room was the perfect size for two people to look after, so it wasn’t chaotic, but equally not overly fussy. Food next - just as perfect. Nice simple menu, done brilliantly. Confit garlic was yummy and reasonably priced (must try to replicate at home!) Med-rare steak cooked perfectly and was delicious. Madeleine were the best I have ever had, anywhere!! I could go on but you get the message. Go!

Siempre recibimos el anuncio de la mesa temprano se les pide que se vayan a las 8. 15 o así. La comida es genial, muy caro, pero vamos por el bien de los viejos tiempos. servicio es encantador

Wonderful. Really great menu, went with the confit garlic starter after seeing great reviews and did not regret it. Lovely hearty mains and the Madeleines were incredible. Fab service to top it off.

The staff were abhorrently rude, and incredibly miserable. I have never experienced such foul service, every singe person was horrible, would avoid like the plague, they need an attitude check

Impossible to get a response via phone or email!

Ooohhh this place is da spot when ya wanna stand out in da street and be cool, obviously

Very busy pub any time of day, especially on weekends. It’s a popular spot in Soho, and I love that everything is served by the half pint. The bar itself is quite small, so finding a seat can be tough, but standing outside is an option if it's packed.

Increíble. El chef Paul es un mago. Yo también soy francés y la comida era increíble. Recomiendo para una cita de cena o amigo ponerse al día. 10 / 10

Fantastic as always. Oysters on point and Ribeye perfectly cooked.

The buttery calves brains mopped up with a slice of baguette was sublime; each bite a custardy cloud of heaven. Gorgeous food and an experience I’ll remember for years to come.

A bit reluctant before booking as I was afraid it would be mostly hype over substance. But no! Very cosy, warm and friendly atmosphere. Short and dense menu with several specials all made with very good ingredients and a lot of care. Relaxed atmosphere and never felt that someone was rushing us out. Service friendly and was not pushing too much to upsell. Had to book 2 weeks in advance for lunch so keep that in mind please

Only do half pints, wouldn’t recommend

Love this pub, really buzzing atmosphere with friendly staff. A must visit if you’re in the area

Encantador entorno e íntimo arriba dada la cantidad de cubiertas. Lamentablemente... demasiado caro y pretencioso. Cuando usted está gastando £ 160 por un (por debajo de la media) T filete de hueso para dos, es su Dios dado derecho a pedir una salsa bernaise. Respuesta abrupta (típicamente francesa) ... . No. Tenía una salsa de pimienta fina y un poco de lechuga de hojas sueltas. Step up French House

Proper pub with a twist, not only in the food and the drinks but in the atmosphere and staff and customers. A hidden(in plain sight) gem.

Always great atmosphere and wine

An institution. Excellent wines. Good vibes.

Favourite pub in London. Love the history behind it, it's very relaxed and genuinely is a public house. 2 rules to follow: 1 Half pints only 2 no phones, be social aha

always a great atmosphere and lovely staff and this time everything was hunky dory..the ribeye great for sharing and the rest wondrous

Went with friends down memory lane. It's a small pub. This was a nice establishment in the past, with lots of history. The pub still retains its restriction of not allowing the usage of mobile phones which is good. A limited selection of drinks can feel rather claustrophobic and noisy.

Guinness in a glass is a cardinal sin, the company was exquisite, I survived

Love The French. Our first and last stop on our trips to London. Been going for fifteen plus years and it never changes.......nor should it.

Had the most amazing meal last night, celebrating my daughters masters. So well looked after and head chef Neil signed a copy of the menu congratulating my daughter. Very special place. Will be back again soon. 10/10

I went in the afternoon with a friend for a couple of drinks, nice place but no music at all, I wish they had a background ( French?) music so would make a better experience.

Have to be honest and say this was okay, but no more than that. I like the idea of sticking to French traditions and serving only demis, but would have been better to have had this in a demi glass rather than a half pint glass. Very busy, touristy with an okay range of beers.

There's few places like this left. So small you are forced into conversation with the whole crazy world from gay actors to fashion students and the homeless. Manager nice guy, easy going. The night before rather woke landlady of the Coach and Horses told me I was too "exuberant". Go it's a great boozer.

Definitely a gem in central London! Love that they have seasonal specials everyday. And the madeleines were the highlight!

This is such an iconic venue I've been coming here for about 40 years. It's become a bit more commercialised over the years. Some of the staff today looked a bit jaded. Still love it though. Great cider: )

A busy place with an eclectic clientele- great service and worth a visit.

The French House is an absolute must every time I come to London. I love that they write out their menus daily and offer amazing specials. The staff is lovely, and really connects with their guests to make sure the whole experience is great. This is a place where you can truly indulge and go all out.

My absolute favourite pub in London. Hands down the best - especially in Soho. It’s a classic and has added some great beers recently!!!

Love this place and it's history and only place to get cidre Breton... Nice authentic place to go for a drink

Worth the hype. The goats cheese & garlic on sourdough was incredible. Don’t miss out on the made to order Madeline’s. Service, food and atmosphere was spot on.

My wife and I went for dinner having read great reviews. It turned out to be the day of the gay pride parade in London and SOHO was mayhem. I ascended the stairs to the restaurant which was blocked by a long queue of women’s waiting for the loo. Upon reaching the top, chef Neil was standing there looking a bit discombobulated. I put my hand on his should, said hello, and headed into the restaurant. It was surprisingly quiet, given the chaos outside. I suspect some people just couldn’t get there amongst the reverie outside. It did fill up eventually. Neil came over to the table to say hello, and I suspect the shoulder pat on the way in made him think we had met before, which we had not, Had a good chat, lovely bloke, Taking his recommendations, we had the food gras terrine, the calves’s brain, and the John Dory for 2. I can say without reservation it was all excellent. It’s quite rustic provenceal food, but delish. My only negative is I’m not a liquorish fan, so the Pernod in the fish was not to my taste, but that does not detract from the flawless cooking. The calves brain was a Neil recommendation, and was really good. Huge portion too.. The table service was good - familiar not formal, friendly and professional.. We had another visit from Neil to check in on us at the end. Superb. A free desert to boot as they were closed Sunday and Monday and had some love to share. Highly recomended, a gem.

very busy tight wee gaff , no waiting for drinks and people very friendly nice few drinks here

Its been a few years since I last ate here and it was a relief to see not much has changed 'upstairs' during my absence. The decor is still reassuringly old school, there are still the dozen or so small vintage tables, the narrow bar at the back of the dining room was still present and the walls are still adorned with black and white photos of local Soho legends and patrons from the past and present. The atmosphere is cozy and carefree and front of house staff make you feel like you are friends dining in their own kitchen. Unlike like many other eateries in Soho that have got a bit drunk on their own self importance The French House is the perfect anecdote for a relaxed no rush meal. The cooking was suitably earthy and no nonsense with a menu boasting both classics and offbeat fare ably backed up with thoughtful wine list. A perfect afternoon lunch away from the chaos of street outside.

Delicious and great service from the lady and the gentleman. Must visit spot in London

Just everything you need for a perfect lunch. Wonderful attentive service. Fabulous food. Lovely relaxed atmosphere. Highly recommend

Robbing tourist trap. Only halves yeah loool

I do love this pub but it seems so does everyone else lol. I've never seen it anything but overflowing with customers. Still I do think it is worth it. I'm sure I'll be back.