Bistro Freddie

Crossing over the threshold into Bistro Freddie is like stepping into a Parisian paradise - candles create ambience whilst still providing enough light for us to actually see what we’re doing, and white table cloths bring a retro feel to the space. Of course if the decor wasn’t enough to entice you in, the smells wafting through from the open kitchen might do the trick.

The menu promises bold flavours with a French twist, and we get stuck in with the house sausage, and dressed crab with gribiche which are both big hitters, getting the meal off to a solid start. However the snail flat bread with garlic and tarragon butter doesn’t have quite the same impact - whilst we love the concept, we find it lacks a real depth of flavour and would benefit from more of the butter.

Moving on to the mains, we ordered the pie - the piece de resistance - which on our visit was chicken and tarragon. In Bistro Freddie’s short existence, the pies have become somewhat legendary, being branded a ‘must have’, and whilst there’s no denying it packs a punch, with a superb flavour and well seasoned, some more sauce could really take it to the next level. In a slight digression from tradition, there’s no mash on the menu, so we opt for the generous portion of chips instead, and quite frankly, we’re into it.

If you can find room, the desserts are equally as captivating, with the steamed marmalade pudding proving to be the perfect way to end the evening. Well balanced with a sweet yet bitter, soft and sticky sponge, mellowed by pouring custard.

To drink you can choose from a limited menu, with only a few wines, beers and cocktails on offer, but rest assured this is a case of quality over quantity,

There’s no denying that Bistro Freddie has managed to nail refined comfort food, and it’s somewhere we look forward to returning to again (and again).

The masterminds behind Crispin in Spitalfields and Bar Crispin in Soho have arrived in Shoreditch with a third venture, Bistro Freddie. You'll find the restaurant in between Old Street and Shoreditch High Street, in the site that once belonged to much-missed modern Cypriot restaurant Oklava. Staying true to its name, Bistro Freddie exudes a charming French personality, from the leather banquettes and starchy white tableclothes through to the unpretentious food and generous service. The concept revolves around a classic bistro experience - comforting, unfussy, and infused with old-school hospitality, all while maintaining a commitment to high-quality cooking. There's room for around 45 across the whole restaurant, across tables and banquettes. 

Leading the kitchen is chef Anna Søgaard, who previously honed her skills at highly regarded Manchester restaurant Erst before coming down to London to join the Bistro Freddie team. The bistro-style menu showcases the best of British Isles produce, with a strong emphasis on independent producers and growers.

Get ready to treat your taste buds to delights like stewed Montgomery cheese on toast with pickled walnut, grilled pork loin with leek soubise and trotter broth, and fried skate wing with curry sauce and capers. Desserts are a key part of the indulgent bistro experience, and Bistro Freddie delivers real comfort food with puddings like steamed marmalade pudding with vanilla custard.

The Crispin Group also majors in wine - head of wine Alexandra Price is one of the best sommeliers and wine list curators in London and she pulls together an all-French selection for Bistro Freddie, drawing inspiration from her previous experience overseeing the French cellar at Annabel's.