Little French

French·
££££
·
Bronze Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Little French

Bronze Award

Unpretentious French fare, pleasing wines at sensible prices and a relaxed, friendly vibe are all to be found in abundance at this neighbourhood charmer run by chef-patron Freddy Bird. A familiar face, thanks to his appearances on the likes of BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, Bristol-born Bird decided that 2019 was the year to up sticks from The Lido in Clifton, where he was head chef for a decade, and open his first solo restaurant in Westbury Park.

The decor channels both traditional French Bistro and contemporary bohemian Bristol while the hand-thrown crockery and ceramics are all designed by Bird’s wife Nessa, who also works front of house. Exposed brickwork, strikingly blue banquette seating and industrial lighting set the scene for the kind of full-bodied Gallic cooking that has kept the restaurant busy with chattering diners since opening, from bar snacks such as sourdough with cultured butter, and chargrilled baby monkfish with sauce vièrge, to the hearty dishes on the main menu.

The menu at Little French changes all the time but you might find starters such as parsley soup with snails, Champagne risotto with Scottish girolles and fillet steak tartare. Wonderfully uncomplicated mains could take the form of duck breast served with garlic and rosemary potatoes, Provence black figs and thyme or wood-grilled Pyrenean lamb with Roscoff onion purée and anchoïade, while puddings could be anything from mousse au chocolat to prune and Armagnac tart with custard. The extensive and carefully curated wine list offers a diverse selection of affordable wines by the glass, as well as an impressive range of cellar wines.

The restaurant also serves up a selection of brunch dishes at weekends, including eggs Benedict, homemade granola and fresh fruit, and daily baked sourdough bread with French jams that go hand in hand with a cup of locally roasted coffee. You’ll need to book though; this place has been packed out since day one.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
French
Ambience
Cosy, Fun, Lively, Romantic
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch
Alfresco And Views
Outside seating
Special Features
Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Birthdays, Celebrations, Dates, Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

Little French is a quaint, family-run independent restaurant in the heart of Westbury Park village. The French restaurant is a local gem with a daily changing menu, curated by chef Freddy Bird.

The charming French restaurant interior manages to seamlessly merge its bricks and mortar location with its cuisine, to create a classy yet contemporary feel.  The crockery and ceramics, which are all handmade by chef Bird’s wife Nessa, are featured throughout the restaurant. While the blue banquette seating and exposed brick channel some French bistro vibes. The atmosphere is friendly and buzzy, thanks to the hands-on approach from the family.

The restaurant takes an informal, casual approach to dining and really lets the food do the talking, with lunch and dinner services throughout the week. While you can’t expect the menu to be the same every time, the menu offers dishes such as duck rillette with mustard, pickles and sourdough and wood grilled pyrenean lamb leg with onion puree, boulangere potatoes and anchioade.

Little French is suitable for individual eating or for sharing, as it also does larger plates of wholesome dishes such as guinea fowl or cote de boeuf. You’ll want to stick around for desserts such as prune and Armagnac tart and mousse au chocolat, too. The food at Little French is regularly extolled by regular patrons for its great service and exciting take on dishes – offering authenticity with a modern refresh. There is certainly an atmosphere of passion for good food.

The restaurant has also been featured on several shows, and as Bird’s first solo restaurant it gets very busy, so it’s best to book in advance to get a slice of Little French’s offering.


FAQs

Who owns Little French?

Little French is owned by head chef Freddy Bird.

Helpful? 0

Does the Little French have outdoor seating?

Yes, the Little French has a covered outdoor seating area.

Helpful? 0

Location

2B North View, Westbury Park, Bishopston, Bristol, BS6 7QB

0117 970 6276 0117 970 6276

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon 12:00-14:30
Tue 12:00-14:30
Wed 12:00-14:30
Thu 12:00-14:30
Fri 12:00-14:30
Sat 12:00-14:30
Sun 12:00-16:00
Dinner
Mon 17:00-21:30
Tue 17:00-21:30
Wed 17:00-21:30
Thu 17:00-21:30
Fri 17:00-21:30
Sat 17:00-21:30
Sun Closed

Reviews

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4 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Charles F

14 August 2022   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 4
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 4
Value 4

We had a lovely meal matched with excellent wines. Restaurant was busy and obviously enjoyed by a range of clients from business folk to families. A first visit and we will return.

Deborah J

03 August 2022   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 3.5
Value 4

Delicious food and pleasant, helpful staff - always a pleasure to dine here.

Anon

26 January 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Devine food, service and ambiance

We must tell you, the owner, and especially the chef that we had probably the best meal for years. I mean years. We are both avid foodies and both very capable of making fantastic food at home. But when you go out for a meal and you come across the absolutely fabulous meal we had today i feel i need to share with everyone. We had no fault with the venue, staff, service or food. Will definitely be travelling out of our way (we live in Cardiff) to return again. The praise has been extended to family and friends. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.....you have a brilliant chef.....it most definitely made my wife's 50th birthday one she'll remember. Very happy customers. Cheers

Anne C

13 September 2019  
Food & Drink 4
Service 0
Atmosphere 0
Value 0
Mrs curnow

i have been to Little French twice.  On the first occasion we had scallops to start and brill, both delicious.Last evening I came with my grandson  at 6pm as it was the only time available.  We both had the scallops which were fantastic as before.  However we both selected the Lamb which was really rare and tough,  I had to ask for a serrated knife to cut mine , it would have been nice to be asked if we like our lame pink or otherwise.  As it is such a popular restaurant we were given a short slot . I did not feel it was appropriate to complain at the time.  Everything else about Little French is wonderful, Henleaze has needed a restaurant like yours for some time and we are all grateful you are here.  

Anne

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