231 Ebury St, London, SW1W 8UT
Harden's survey result
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.
Summary
“Forty years old, with great character and personality, and never, ever changing” – this “most romantic and cosy”, candle-lit Pimlico charmer has long been in contention as London’s top tip for seduction, thanks not least to its numerous secluded tables in dark niches (or, “you can sit outside on a sunny lunchtime and transport yourself to the South of France”). For a “French hit”, the “typical bistro fare” (circa 1975) is “enjoyable” if resolutely un-foodie and delivered with variable efficiency, but lots of characterful “Gallic charm”. “The magnum bottles of unlabelled wine are fun” too (“they dip it with a stick at the end to measure how much you have had....”)
Summary
“Get snuggly” at this “engaging if somewhat faded”, “typically Gallic” 1960s-“throwback” in Pimlico, whose “dark”, candle-lit interior and “cosy tables hidden away in nooks and crannies” make it “one of the most romantic restaurants of all time” (it was Londoners’ No. 2 for romance in the last survey). Foodwise, “there’s no nonsense, no surprises” – just “very traditional French classics” that are “still passable” (“cuisine grand mére” – think calf’s liver, coq au vin, cassoulet), served by “the most colourful French waiters”. Top Tip – “idyllic terrace for long lunches and dinner al fresco”: “you could imagine yourself in a little French marketplace having a simple bistro-style lunch”.
For 33 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?
Owner's description
La Poule au Pot has been a Belgravia institution for as long as anyone cares to remember. The alluring interior, with its intimate nooks and festoons of dried flowers and bric-à-brac has changed little since the 60s and offers an authentic re-creation of “paysan” France. It is no surprise that La Poule has been voted “best for romance” in the whole of London in Hardens guide for the nth year in succession.
Alongside the wonderfully atmospheric ambience, the menu is classic French too: excellent ingredients, generous portions and fine cooking, presented with exuberant panache. The wine list is honest, thoughtful and interesting.
In warmer months, the extensive outdoor seating area makes the restaurant
one of the most desirable alfresco destinations in the capital.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £34.95 | £39.95 |  |
|
 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £16.50 | £27.00 | £7.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
La Poule au Pot Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Disappointing given the general rating. Service was slow although the food was good and sitting downstairs was rather cramped. Loved the wines from the large bottle by the measure, and crème brûlée to finish with fine coffee rounded off the lunch well."
231 Ebury St, London, SW1W 8UT
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
