The French House Dining Room Overview
There are no logos or bright lights advertising this Parisian corner of trendy, lively Soho. Nor does this cultural melting pot need any advertising, in fact this review in itself is possibly a blight on the reputation of such an establishment.
Historically the French House has been the meeting place for poets, critics, artists, movers and shakers in the Artisan society of London. As many of the Artisans and their businesses have moved from the centre of the city, this ‘speak easy’ style public house has remained. Surrounded by the glitzy, the camp and the fashionable one doubts whether this place has seen a lick of paint in a good few years and appears as an archetypal Parisian café/bar. However nothing could detract from the ambience, as soon as you step through the door, one is transported to Paris, by the smell of Gauloise, the babble of educated speak, the rich smell of fresh, dark coffee.
The bar offers half pints of good French lager at £1.90, jugs of water litter the original bar top to be mixed with glasses of Ricard, £2.00. The house red and white is traditionally French and perfect when sipped whilst reading Zola and nibbling on the complimentary olives. Upstairs there is an attractive, cosy restaurant although it is often full in which one can enjoy a typically French menu at a reasonable price with main courses ranging from £7.00 to £15.00.
As with downstairs don’t expect a seat immediately, as with much of this establishment you should shrug, exhale in that Gaelic manner and soak in some real Left Bank culture. (Updated 29/06/2006)
Additional Info: Private Rooms, Children Allowed, Food, Non-Smoking Area
Nearby Venues:
- Mantra, Indian (0.01km)
- Pulcinella, Italian (0.01km)
- Ristorante La Capannina, Italian (0.03km)
- Richard Corrigan at Lindsay House, British (0.03km)
- Amalfi, Italian (0.03km)
- Hi Sushi, Sushi (0.04km)
- Amici Fish, Fish (0.04km)
- Comptons of Soho, English (0.05km)
- Delhi Brasserie, Indian (0.05km)
- Signor Zilli, Italian (0.06km)
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