The French House, London – 42 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

Back
add_circle Add your night out listing

The French House -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 42 user ratings

49 Dean Street, London W1D 5BG England

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday: 12:00 – 11:00β€―PM, Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00β€―PM, Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00β€―PM, Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00β€―PM, Friday: 12:00 – 11:00β€―PM, Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00β€―PM, Sunday: 12:00 – 11:00β€―PM

πŸ’¬ What Students Say

The French House is a cherished bar located in the heart of Soho, just a stone's throw away from the London School of Economics and Political Science. This venue is well-known for its inviting atmosphere and friendly crowd, making it a popular choice among students looking for a laid-back place to unwind after classes or enjoy a night out with friends. The combination of a legendary downstairs bar and a cozy dining room upstairs creates a unique experience that caters to both socializing and dining. The interior is adorned with soft yellow lighting, contributing to a warm and welcoming ambiance that encourages relaxation and conversation.

Students frequently mention the vibe at The French House as one of its standout features. The atmosphere is described as relaxed yet lively, making it an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy a fun night out without feeling overwhelmed. Many reviews highlight the friendly crowd, which adds to the overall positive experience. The mix of people creates an inclusive environment where students can easily connect and make new friends, enhancing the social aspect of their visits. This sense of community is a key reason why many students find themselves returning to The French House time and again.

In terms of drinks, The French House receives praise for its reasonable prices. Students appreciate the affordability of the drinks, which allows them to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. The bar serves a variety of beverages that cater to different tastes, ensuring that there's something for everyone. The positive feedback regarding drink prices suggests that students feel they are getting good value for their money, which is particularly important for those on a budget.

The music at The French House also plays a significant role in creating a vibrant atmosphere. Reviewers consistently mention that the music is well-curated and enhances the overall experience. It’s described as a solid mix of tunes that keeps the energy up and encourages guests to enjoy themselves. The combination of good music and a friendly crowd makes for an enjoyable night, where students can dance and socialize without feeling pressured. This aspect is particularly appealing to those looking for a fun and carefree night out.

When it comes to peak times, students often flock to The French House during the evenings, especially on weekends. The venue's reputation for being a fun and lively spot means that it can get busy, but many reviews note that the queue is typically quick and manageable. This efficiency is a bonus for students who want to get in and start enjoying their night without long waits. The relaxed vibe continues even when the place is busy, as the spacious layout allows for comfortable mingling and socializing.

While The French House has many positives, there are a few downsides worth mentioning. Some students note that it can get crowded during peak hours, which might detract from the relaxed atmosphere that many enjoy. However, this is often balanced by the lively energy of the crowd. Additionally, while the venue is well-loved, some reviews mention that it might not be the most unique experience compared to other bars in the area. This could be a consideration for those seeking something distinctly different.

Overall, The French House stands out as a fantastic option for students looking for a chill bar experience with great drinks and a welcoming vibe. It is especially suited for those who appreciate a friendly atmosphere and enjoy socializing with a diverse crowd. Whether you're looking to grab a drink after class or spend a fun night out with friends, The French House offers a dependable choice that many students have come to love. With its combination of good music, reasonable drink prices, and a relaxed environment, it’s easy to see why this venue has become a staple in the student nightlife scene.

In summary, The French House is more than just a bar; it’s a place where students can unwind, have fun, and create lasting memories. The blend of a friendly crowd, reasonable prices, and a great atmosphere makes it a top pick for students at LSE and beyond. If you're looking for a spot to kick back after a long week or to celebrate a special occasion with friends, The French House is definitely worth a visit.
▼ See more

βœ… What Students Love

  • Relaxed and friendly atmosphere that encourages socializing.
  • Reasonably priced drinks that cater to student budgets.
  • Well-curated music that enhances the overall vibe.
  • Quick queue times for entry, allowing for easy access.
  • Diverse crowd that fosters a sense of community and connection.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Can get crowded during peak hours, which may affect the relaxed vibe.
  • Some students feel it lacks uniqueness compared to other bars.
  • Not ideal for those seeking a more upscale or formal dining experience.
  • Occasional noise levels can be high when the venue is busy.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a laid-back bar experience with good drinks and a friendly crowd.

πŸ’‘ Things to Know

  • The French House is popular among students, so expect a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends.
  • It’s advisable to arrive early if you want to avoid long queues during busy times.
  • The venue offers a mix of dining options, making it suitable for both casual drinks and meals.
  • Keep an eye on the daily-changing menu for unique Anglo-French dishes.

❓ Common Questions

What is The French House like?

The French House is a popular bar known for its relaxed atmosphere, friendly crowd, and reasonable drink prices.

Is it good value?

Yes, students find the drink prices reasonable, making it a good value option for a night out.

When do students go to The French House?

Students typically visit in the evenings, especially on weekends when the atmosphere is lively.

What kind of music is played?

The music is a well-curated mix that keeps the energy up and enhances the overall vibe.

Is there a food menu?

Yes, The French House offers a daily-changing menu featuring Anglo-French classics.

Reviews
1 of 43
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Wander into the french house on a whim and you'll find yourself in good company. it's got this laid-back charm that makes you feel right at home, and the crowd is a lovely mix of students and locals. whether you're a regular or a newbie, you'll quickly see why people keep coming back 😊
By user562144 on Apr 15th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Popped into the french house last night, and the crowd was exactly the kind of friendly mix you'd expect in soho. everyone seemed chatty and relaxed, which made it super easy to settle in.
By user780191 on Apr 5th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Seemed like everyone at the french house was there to genuinely unwind, mixing groups of regulars with students grabbing a break. conversations overlapped pleasantly, creating that low hum of chatter that's perfect for an evening in soho.
By user604302 on Apr 3rd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Never thought i'd find a bar in soho that doesn't overdo the scene, but this place is spot on. more character than you might expect, and somehow avoids feeling pretentious despite the area. surprised by the easygoing crowd , everyone seemed to genuinely enjoy themselves rather than just being seen.
By user339323 on Apr 2nd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Folks at the french house were so friendly and easy to chat with, made it fun.
By user316808 on Mar 30th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Stumbled into The French House after my lectures and was surprised by how chill and open the atmosphere was , totally different from the usual packed places in Soho. didn't expect such an easygoing crowd, which made it a great spot for a casual pint.
By user442132 on Mar 25th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Staff here manage to keep things relaxed even when it gets packed. they are genuinely part of what makes going there feel welcoming.
By user530569 on Mar 21st 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Pint glasses weren't allowed, just half pints, which was a bit different but made it feel quirky. had some good chats with the bartenders too, they were chatty and made the place less uptight.
By user893436 on Mar 14th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Sometimes it feels like everyone's crammed in there like sardines. finding a seat can be a bit of a mission, especially on weekends when the place is absolutely heaving. once you do manage to snag a spot, though, the chatty crowd makes up for the cramped conditions.
By user631100 on Mar 9th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Stepping into the french house felt like entering a lively family gathering where everyone somehow knew each other. there's always a buzz going around, kind of like everyone's just happy to be there. it’s got this warm charm that makes you feel totally welcome, even if you’re on your own.
By user134295 on Feb 27th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Every visit seems to get better as I'm welcomed like an old friend. 😊
By user650856 on Feb 10th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Crowded, especially on weekends, so finding a spot can be tricky. the hustle and bustle is charming, but sometimes it gets a bit loud if you're trying to have a proper chat. staff do their best, though, which is appreciated when things get hectic.
By user105986 on Feb 3rd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Service here is nicer than most places around Soho, which makes it a win for catching up with friends. plus, they've got a friendly crowd that really adds to the whole experience. 😊
By user563357 on Jan 28th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Bit too cramped for my liking, especially when it's busy and hard to find a seat.
By user116114 on Jan 23rd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Having to order food separately from the bar felt a bit odd, especially when things got busy. it broke the flow a bit when you'd rather just relax with your pint. i'd have preferred if they streamlined this somehow, because it seemed to slow everything down just when you wanted to chill the most.
By user949991 on Jan 20th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Find yourself chatting with strangers at the bar and leaving with a smile. feels relaxed and welcoming, like a local spot you can return to anytime.
By user563178 on Jan 15th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Step into the french house and it feels like you're in a time capsule, with an old school charm that's quite hard to come by. right in soho, the crowd's a mix of students discussing their latest essays and locals who just want a quiet pint. it's the sort of place where conversations flow as freely as the drinks.
By user412669 on Jan 12th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Sitting in The French House, you can't help but notice how the chatty atmosphere sets it apart from other bars around Soho. everyone's mingling and genuinely seems excited to be there, which isn't something you see everywhere. it feels more like a gathering of old friends than a usual night out.
By user884798 on Jan 8th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Got into a chat with some fellow cyclists here and it really added to the night. people were genuinely engaging and it felt like everyone was up for a good conversation, regardless of how they got there. it's this kind of atmosphere that turns a typical evening into something more memorable.
By user486599 on Jan 4th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Never thought i'd love a bar for its chatty crowd, but the French House surprised me. somehow, everyone feels like a potential mate by the end of the night, and that's saying something πŸ˜…. definitely a place where good conversations just happen without trying, which is rare around here.
By user841637 on Dec 31st 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Getting used to The French House felt like finding a comfy old jumper , worn but welcoming. it's got that effortless charm where you quickly become part of the scene, recognising familiar faces with each visit. you might even get swept into a conversation with someone who remembers you grabbed a drink from the last time.
By user330183 on Dec 27th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Definitely would go back to the french house. it's become my go-to spot when i want an easy night out. the people here strike up conversation like you're already mates, which makes being new in the city feel less daunting.
By user516409 on Dec 22nd 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Ended up chatting with some random bloke about politics for ages, which you'd think would be boring, but it was unexpectedly hilarious. perfect place if you enjoy random, lively conversations over a few drinks without feeling pressured
By user658006 on Dec 18th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Bartenders at the French House seem to know everyone by name, which is probably why it feels like a friendly neighborhood spot even in busy Soho. everyone’s just super chill, and you can easily strike up a conversation with a stranger. always end up leaving with a couple of new friends and stories to tell.
By user276700 on Dec 14th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Expected it to be packed, but it was surprisingly mellow and easy to get a seat. met some chatty folks at the bar and had a decent evening soaking in the relaxed energy. felt pretty welcome even as a newcomer
By user794486 on Dec 9th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Staff here are genuinely warm and chatty, unlike some other places πŸ˜….
By user546897 on Dec 3rd 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Bartenders are proper legends here, always up for a chat and remember your order after just a couple of visits.
By user439714 on Nov 29th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Always a buzzing place with a crowd that's second to none. met some genuinely interesting people, and the conversations flowed as freely as the drinks. the staff have this knack for making you feel like you're part of a community, which is rare in central london πŸ˜…
By user140970 on Nov 25th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Ended up getting into deep conversations with strangers while the lively bar just buzzed around us.
By user534559 on Nov 20th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Students and locals mingled effortlessly here, and there was this unspoken camaraderie amongst strangers that felt oddly comforting πŸ˜…πŸ“š. no pretentiousness, just genuine folks enjoying a good time.
By user580640 on Nov 13th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Walking in and feeling the buzz of conversation hit you is pretty great. there's this wonderful blend of people at the french house that instantly puts you at ease.
By user294076 on Nov 7th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Noticed the staff's uncanny ability to remember faces and drink orders πŸ˜… even when it's fairly busy. it's like a friendly pub where you're never just a number. seeing their smiles curbs the stress, especially if you've had a rough day at uni.
By user757044 on Oct 31st 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Heard it's the spot where students love to hang out, so i checked it out with some mates. it's well cosy and chatting with folks there feels like you're part of this friendly little community. perfect for just chilling after a busy day at uni.
By user455004 on Oct 26th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Might be a beloved haunt, but squeezing through the crowd to order is always a struggle πŸ˜…
By user425071 on Oct 22nd 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Dropping by after lectures has become a bit of a tradition for us. it's a nice way to unwind with friends over a drink or two and the lively chats here never disappoint.
By user414919 on Oct 18th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Told a mate about the chatter at the french house and how it's lively yet relaxed enough, feels like everyone's a regular there.
By user785637 on Oct 15th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Friendlier crowd than most places, made conversations much more enjoyable here.
By user950112 on Oct 12th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Frequenting the French House on weekends has become a kind of tradition for me. the friendly crowd and chilled vibe make it an ideal spot to unwind after diving through textbooks all week.
By user864561 on Oct 7th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Walking in and realizing there’s no music was surprising but oddly relaxing. it felt like a real conversation could happen without having to shout over blaring tunes. the size of the place adds to the charm, making it feel cozy and welcoming with people in close quarters, everyone seemed up for a chat.
By user795779 on Oct 1st 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Popped in on a random evening and loved how everyone seemed to be in good spirits. the staff kept things lively, and it's easy to pick up a chat with someone new
By user697062 on Sep 26th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
You quickly settle into the easygoing pace at the french house. it takes a bit to adjust to the quirky charm but once you're in, it feels just right, like a pub should. chatting with the regulars between lectures is now part of my routine.
By user815483 on Sep 20th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Heard someone say the regulars at the french house are a friendly bunch. it's an easy spot for meeting new people while just chilling with a drink.
By user649115 on Dec 30th 2023
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Something about the French House just feels effortlessly cool. maybe it's the mix of chatter from the regulars who seem to know everyone's name, or the slightly eclectic but comfortable setting that invites you to linger. it just feels like the perfect spot for both a quick drink or an evening of long conversations that you didn't expect.
By user858229 on Dec 29th 2023