Harden's survey result
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”.
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’s Londoners’ No. 2 for romance in the survey this year). 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”.
Summary
“Soft lighting, snug and hidden tables” and “the whole full-on Frenchiness of it all” imbue this “dated (but that’s part of the joy)” Pimlico classic with a “dark and seductive ambience” that for many years won it the survey’s nomination as London’s top spot for a date (and it still ranks at No. 2). “The solid French regional food has always been unspectacular” (“it’s not why you come”) while ultimately how much you enjoy the experience often comes down to how well you hit it off with the “colourful”, very Gallic staff.
For 31 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 |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £32.00 | £37.00 |  |
|
 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £21.00 | £32.50 | £7.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £32.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £0.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
La Poule au Pot Restaurant Diner Reviews
"It was my first time there, and I loved it. The service was scrappy, but the owner explained that they couldn't get the staff. Our waiter had to be shown how to uncork a bottle! But the food is very good, the wine is sensible and the restaurant itself is wonderfully old school - it could do with a lick of paint!"
"A neighbourhood gem. It was just like going to a local restaurant in French... except we were in the posh part of London !! Yes it is a step back in time.. but well worth the visit. The greeting French, the decor French. Lots of tiny tables squeezed into the space available. Lit candles on the table even though it was lunchtime. We opted for the fixed prix menu and were not disappointed... lots of traditional dishes, I opted for onion tart, Beef Bourguignon followed by Creme Brulee.... wonderful. Very generous portions with a sensibly priced wine list (French... of course !!)."
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 |
