La Poule au Pot

Went for Sunday lunch having been here several months ago. Prices have crept upwards while the standard of cooking and service has shot downwards. The restaurant manager seemed proud that his kitchen served tinned peas and mash that had been sitting for hours under hot lamps in the kitchen. Service was non existent – had to ask three times for tap water and twice for bread – empty bottle of wine left on the floor for over half an hour after we had finished- never asked us if we wanted coffee or dessert – (maybe Iceland supermarket was shut) – restaurant was nowhere near as busy as our last visits – maybe Londoners are finally getting it!! French restaurant with a nice atmosphere but poor food and service – Racine in Knightsbridge two thirds of the price and twice the quality and staff who understand English.

Never had anything other than beautiful food here in a perfect restaurant ambience. The onion soup is delicious and we very much enjoy any of the main courses here, in particular the sea bass which is so beautifully presented and cooked. The service is always prompt, but the front of house needs a little more warmth to make the entrance the perfect welcome. Amongst our favourite, honest and reliable dining experiences…little bit of french perfection in a very romantic environment.

I was really looking forward to re-trying La Poule au Pot since it had been ages since my last time. The whole experience started off in a slightly negative tone since the person I booked with was appropriately rude, à la Francaise. I was also concerned that the dimmed lighting and the ‘romantic’ atmosphere I remembered had clouded my food judgement.

Luckily, my fears were unfounded. I had asparagus as starter and the veal escalope as main and both were delicious. I also tried my girlfriend’s foie gras and her garlic lamb, and although the lamb was served a bit too cold, it was really tasteful and tender. The foie gras outshone my asparagus, which was good, but appropriately straight forward.

Most people rave on about the atmosphere, but to some extent I must say it’s all in the dim lighting. The actual place is getting quite worn down, a bit more than the customary “French” brasserie style interior should allow for. That said, I’m still a fan, both of the atmosphere, the service and most importantly the food.

On the minus side, and although I truly enjoyed the food, it is slightly overpriced, with most mains around or above the 20 mark, but I would definitely recommend a visit. Finally, as if it’s not clear already, this is a place to go to with your girl- or boyfriend, not as a… More

i love this little place
rustic french
great atmosphere
food always good and reliable – again rustic french
good service with the waiters chatting away in french adds to the ambience candle lit tables spread over a series of small rooms magnums of house red wine take the edge of any afternoon!
good value set lunch with plenty of choices
i will be back