Harden's survey result
Summary
“It was very sad when the Bleeding Heart restaurant never reopened” – a victim of Covid-19 – “but the adjoining bistro” in a Dickensian yard “hidden around the back of Hatton Garden” is “still going strong” under its long-term owners Robert & Robyn Wilson (who established the business in 1983). “In a convenient location between the City and the West End”, the venue has always been popular amongst expense-accounters and “minimal intervention from the efficient service means it’s a great choice for a business lunch” and always feels “busy and buzzy”. The “reliable, classic French bistro cuisine provides something on the menu for all tastes” and “is consistently of a high standard”; and while the cellar is not quite as deep as when the restaurant was in full swing, there remains “a fairly comprehensive wine list”. Top Tip – in summer, “the really lovely terrace is an oasis in this busy part of London”.
Summary
This “impressive French-inspired bistro” is cutely tucked away in a historic yard on the fringe of the City, and thrives on its “simple typically Gallic cooking with good ingredients”, its high-quality wine list, and its “attentive and friendly service”. “It’s not quite what it was” when the adjoining buildings held a posher sister restaurant, but “a reliable mainstay that’s still well worth a visit”, and which is still a go-to business entertaining venue. Top Tip – large and very attractive terrace for the summer months; and “the set menu isn’t bad value either”.
Summary
“Overlooking the atmospheric and historic Bleeding Heart Yard”, this “agreeable” if “slightly cramped”, “old-school” bistro (with a splendid terrace in summer) is “well worth the venture outside the City perimeter” for finance-types, both for a “fun and not too formal” client lunch or a “so romantic” evening meal. “Dependable quality French-ish fare” completes the picture.
Summary
“In an out-of-the-way, historic courtyard in Farringdon” – where the terrace is a major draw in summer – this “delightful and atmospheric” Gallic brasserie continues to fly the flag for the Bleeding Heart brand. (Its grander, older sibling, in a nearby basement, closed in the pandemic. As of October 2021, future plans are not yet clear, although it seems likely a resurrection at some point may be on the cards). “Classic French dishes” are charmingly served at “fair prices”, the “evocative atmosphere makes it a romantic place” and the dependable wine selection continues to make it a favoured option for expense account types.
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 Bleeding Heart Bistro?
Bleeding Heart Yard, London, EC1N 8SJ
Restaurant details
Bleeding Heart Bistro Restaurant Diner Reviews
"First visit for over a year. Food was very good."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £31.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Bleeding Heart Yard, London, EC1N 8SJ
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
Best French restaurants nearby
French restaurant in Smithfield
French restaurant in City of London
French restaurant in Clerkenwell
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
Spanish restaurant in Farringdon
Australian restaurant in Clerkenwell
French restaurant in City of London
