The French House, London
Hey, put those phones away! This place has a strict 'no music, laptop, and definitely no mobile phones' rule. It's all about letting creative minds chat and share their witty thoughts against a backdrop of black-and-white photos.
If you're thinking of having a relaxed pint here, think again: they only serve half pints, except on Pints Day. Most folks prefer sipping on wine or champagne from the European pals across the border. Upstairs, the dining room often serves up delicious French dishes like the classic whole roast garlic bulb on toast or salt cod beignets. This kitchen has even launched some big-shot chefs in London.
Initially called the York Minster, this place has been keeping the spirit alive in Soho for over a century, welcoming everyone from prostitutes to gays, publishers to actors, painters to, well, you name it. It was a hangout for those who liked its down-to-earth vibe over the fancy private clubs nearby. They even offered informal loans from behind the bar to their loyal customers when needed. During the Second World War, it became a safe haven for Free France movement members, and Charles de Gaulle himself might have dropped in for a glass of red. Other regulars included artistic legends like Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud, and even the surreal Salvador DalÃ.
Just like back in the day, The French House can get seriously packed, so if you want a seat, come early and stake your claim!
If you're thinking of having a relaxed pint here, think again: they only serve half pints, except on Pints Day. Most folks prefer sipping on wine or champagne from the European pals across the border. Upstairs, the dining room often serves up delicious French dishes like the classic whole roast garlic bulb on toast or salt cod beignets. This kitchen has even launched some big-shot chefs in London.
Initially called the York Minster, this place has been keeping the spirit alive in Soho for over a century, welcoming everyone from prostitutes to gays, publishers to actors, painters to, well, you name it. It was a hangout for those who liked its down-to-earth vibe over the fancy private clubs nearby. They even offered informal loans from behind the bar to their loyal customers when needed. During the Second World War, it became a safe haven for Free France movement members, and Charles de Gaulle himself might have dropped in for a glass of red. Other regulars included artistic legends like Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud, and even the surreal Salvador DalÃ.
Just like back in the day, The French House can get seriously packed, so if you want a seat, come early and stake your claim!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
The French House on Map
Sight Name: The French House
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in London, England
Create Your Own Walk in London
Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Beatles London Walking Tour
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"The Fab Four" – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – all came from Liverpool, but London was indeed their home-base. As the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
"The Fab Four" – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – all came from Liverpool, but London was indeed their home-base. As the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Sherlock Holmes Tour in London
Among a myriad of other, real-life celebrities who have ever called London their home, perhaps the most famous is the fictional consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, created by Conan Doyle. Indeed, the ingenious sleuth has left an indelible mark on the literary and cultural landscape of London ever since the appearance of the first stories about him in the late 1880s. Years on, there are several... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
South Bank Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Walk around Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, the British monarch's official residence, is a must-see for anyone visiting London, but so are the adjacent royal establishments that give a unique window into the royal way of life. On this self-guided walking tour, along with Buckingham Palace and its memorable fountain, you will visit the St. James's private royal residence, the wonderful Queen's Gallery, and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Harry Potter Walking Tour II
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On Part II of the self-guided Happy Potter Walking Tour, you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
On Part II of the self-guided Happy Potter Walking Tour, you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Kensington/Knightsbridge Walking Tour
Situated just below Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and South Kensington are two adjacent neighborhoods with grand Victorian homes and leafy garden squares. Home to London’s most expensive homes, Knightsbridge has some of the highest density of millionaires in the world. This is clearly reflected in the selection of stores & restaurants in the area, including the famous Harvey Nichols and Harrods... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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