The French House

Located in bustling Soho, just off Shaftesbury Avenue , The French House is a compact yet charming pub with a distinct old-world atmosphere. Space is tight — a few window seats and several small tables towards the back — and the narrow staircase leading up to the intimate first-floor dining room adds to the cozy, almost Parisian feel. The room itself is warmly decorated, with red walls, black-and-white photos from the past, and white tablecloths on tables set close together. There’s also a small bar at the far end and light streaming in from the windows on the right. Despite not booking, we were lucky to get a table; the room was nearly full (about 80% occupied, with just eight tables in total). I started with the Irish rock oysters with mignonette (£4.50 each). These were a little underwhelming — small in size, with average flavour and one noticeably meagre in meat. The calves’ brain with capers and brown butter sauce, however, was outstanding. Delicately cooked, it had the lightness of white fish like cod but with a firmer texture. The sauce carried a lovely hint of vanilla, and the accompanying sourdough bread was perfect for soaking it up. A real highlight — and very reasonably priced. Service was warm, personable, and efficient. We were in and out within an hour, feeling very satisfied. Overall, The French House offers a distinctive dining experience — interesting, well-executed food served in a wonderfully atmospheric setting.A Soho gem worth visiting, especially for those who enjoy something a bit different.

The French House felt like a fully French experience, it’s only when heading back downstairs that you feel the full Soho energy. The staff were a little frosty at first and not that engaging, but then again I think that’s what makes it so French. I would say the starters did lack something - they didn’t wow me although the oyster was the best I’ve ever had BUT the pork shoulder and cheesy mash (eaten too quickly for a picture) made up for it. The pork was succulent, buttery with a crispy outer which is everything you want. The madeleines warm from the oven made the evening, made me forget the tartare lack of seasoning. Ordered with sauterns was the perfect ending. I would recommend if you want solid French food. The intimate setting also felt nice, it is quite loud but I suppose it’s better for a space to feel loved and lived in rather than it being sterile and still which The French House is not. I will be back with the hope the pork shoulder is on the specials menu again!

Lunch here midweek. A short menu which is always a good sign. Great, friendly staff with knowledge and panache in abundance. Meaty and vegetarian dishes full of flavour with top-notch ingredients. And a fab wine-list and digestives (not the biscuits though). Good value for high class nosh.

Loved our visit , this is how restaurants used to be before big chains and ego's got in the way . Very small and intimate , the two FOH team were great , friendly, helpful and acted like proper hosts . The food was good , three of us shared a rump cap with chips . The wine list is small but well curated , the St Emillion and Cotes de Rhone were excellent as was the Riesling . I think we will be back for a long lunch on another occasion and explore the wine list further