The French Connection: London's French Bars and Clubs

When a pre-Christmas trip to Paris is out of reach, a sample of London’s French flavour is just the thing. Pubs, brasseries, wine bars and nightclubs; don’t swap cities, just follow our guide to some of London’s best French venues.


The French House

Breton Cider, Meteor lager and a who’s who of French wine, the French House has been a home away from home for expats for many a year. Beloved by writers, scallywags, bohemians, locals and a mixed crowd of extroverted Soho characters, the famously liberal atmosphere pulls in the crowds. No music, no mobile phone conversations allowed and no television mean a romanticized version of a trip to the pub on every visit.


Le Beaujolais

It claims to be the oldest French Bar in London but whether that’s true or not, Le Beaujolais could certainly convince us. Great wine, charming décor of French memorabilia, crème brulée and a soundtrack almost solely dedicated to jazz and blues. This is as a lively evening in Covent Garden by way of Le Marias slotted into an intimate venue on Litchfield Street.


Baranis

Pétanque in the middle of a bar? Surely that craziness could only occur in Provence, you say. But no, this is Baranis on Chancery Lane. A Provence bar that does an exciting line in absinthe and pastis. Baranis is as chic as they come. Throw together a bold sartorial statement outfit and head down for boules, absinthe cocktails and the hot date with the green fairy that’s bound to follow.


Terroirs

Pull up a stool to the bar or get cosy in a booth, at Terroirs brasserie it’s a relaxed affair. The walls are crowded with memorabilia, mirrors and signage that get the French message across loud and clear. So it’s aesthetically pleasing but what about the wine? There’s lots of it, with a huge list to make your way through and given the buzzing atmosphere you might be tempted to stay and sample a few.


Café de Paris

What French feature wouldn’t be complete without giving you somewhere Gallic to get wild after all the cidre, absinthe and wine drinking. We guide you in the direction of Café de Paris where despite its rather commercial reputation, a host of great nights reside. Live music, cabaret, comedy and dancing – it’s club nights may not be the most French but the old school opulence in this late night lounge most certainly is.


L’Entrepot

If cabaret and comedy is a little too risqué to end your night worth then alternatively you could stop in on L’Entrepot on Dalston Lane, Hackney. The fact that it’s a wine bar-cum-off license means that you can take home your weekly vino supply after spending a romantic evening in its alluring industrial confines.