Harden's survey result
Summary
“What could be better for romance?” than this “candle-lit”, “dark and mysterious” “hideaway” in Pimlico. With its “blend of clutter, old church chairs” and myriad nooks and crannies, it’s superbly “snug in the winter months” (or in summer, “ask for a table outside” on the terrace: “there’s no place better!”). “It’s like stepping back in time into another welcoming world, with delicious olde worlde French food” and “professional and friendly” service – if “brusque” in the classic Gallic style. When it comes to the “nostalgic” cuisine, it’s “good but not exceptional (it isn’t meant to be)”. When it comes to the dim lighting, “it can also help improve your date’s looks!”
Summary
“Nothing changes, and it doesn’t need to” – at this “old-fashioned” French “hideaway” in Pimlico: “always a delightful experience” thanks to its “rustic” and “quirky” candle-lit setting (“you may need your phone torch to read the menu”), which every year ranks near the top of our annual diners’ poll as one of London’s top choices for a smoochy ‘dîner à deux’. Its “comforting, homely cooking” is “unashamedly French”, and essentially unchanged since circa 1964 (which is when it opened); service, similarly, is very Gallic and, for the most part, “utterly charming”. Top Tip – “particularly lovely in the summer: sitting outside, one could be in La Belle France”.
Summary
Dark and candle-lit, this “unchanging French” old charmer in Pimlico has “lots of tiny tables squeezed into its intimate nooks”; and yet again comes highly recommended for a steamy date in our annual diners’ poll. The very Gallic service “can be a bit hit ’n’ miss (it helps if they know you)” but typically “makes you feel so cosseted and looked after”. “There aren’t so many restaurants left in Paris serving such traditional bistro fare” (Tarte à l’Oignon, Beef Bourguignon, Crème Brûlée…), all served in “very generous portions” and “with a sensibly priced wine list”. Top Tip – “great terrace for al fresco dining” in summer.
Summary
“A candlelit supper for two here first is a surefire route to romance later!” according to fans of this “timeless” Gallic corner of Pimlico, which has “been a favourite for decades” (and which perennially nears the top of our list of London’s most romantic destinations). With its “cosy and intimate” hidden nooks, the “warren-like” interior “oozes rural France”, as do the “charming” and characterful waiters. Its “solid and traditional French bistro-style fare” is entirely in keeping: cassoulet, coq au vin, escargot, onion tart, steak frites, tarte Tatin, all washed down with “vin rouge from the large bottle” (with consumption measured by a dip-stick). “Why would you change anything about it?” Top Tip – in summer, the “good outside tables” come into their own.
For 35 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at La Poule au Pot?
231 Ebury St, London, SW1W 8UT
Restaurant details
La Poule au Pot Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Lovely atmosphere good service "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £41.95 | £47.95 |  |
|
 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £18.50 | £39.50 | £0.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £36.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £0.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
231 Ebury St, London, SW1W 8UT
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑9 pm |
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