The French House, Soho, W1

This is another pub dating back to at least the early 19th century, but I suspect that this is a rebuild from the 1930s. It was the York Minster until the current name was applied in 1984, on account of it being a meeting place for the Free French Forces along with Charles de Gaulle, bravely fighting the Nazi occupation of France from his home in Hampstead. I came here once before in March 1990 and I seem to recall that my friend was served a drink with a microscopic fish in it! The pub is notable for serving halves rather than pints as a pint is not a French measure. Well I've got news here, 'cos a half ain't a French measure either, mon ami. As mentioned, you do see some characters in here, trying to look like Bohemian beatniks of old with many drinking wine. Early Monday evening and the place was absolutely packed to the point where it was hard to move; seating is limited at best. Ales: none, not even on keg so I had to settle for a compulsory half of Camden Pale Ale. This is a place of curiosity only and really not a relaxing experience, exuding a certain je ne sais porquoi. The lack of real ale, lack of proper glasses and lack of space means I doubt I'll come back - je ne regrette rien.

Basic small one room place with bar to the middle and a further area to the left rear. No real ale, just four keg fonts on offer.

Been meaning to do this one for years, finally popped in at the worst possible time – Friday evening – and of course the place was rammed. However there’s a fair bit of charm in this L-shaped bar, what with its French resistance connections (see the all-encompassing description of the pub history below) as well as the huge amount of portraits of various back-in-the-day celebs (with an obviously hefty Gallic slant). Some proper artisan/luvvie/eccentric characters in here holding their own amongst the office workers - cravat and beret wearers, who despite looking like they didn’t have two pence to rub together obviously have some deep-seated source of income. No music, machines, television and mobile phones. Another ‘non’ is ale but there are bottles of Leffe (blonde and bruin, a pair of which set me back northwards of £8 but at least they made sure I got the right glasses) plus plenty of wine (the drink of choice here). There’s also some rather bland keg offerings (Kroney, Theakston Bitter and Guinness were noted as well as a no pint glasses stocked – halves only!). Worth mentioning the staff who are well-drilled and got me served quick despite being stuck behind a load of bar-blockers. As mentioned below, this is an interesting curio that’s worth the effort to sample once, possibly twice if you have a few quid on the hip and a gentle afternoon to spare.