Tablecloths, candles and a classic bistro menu at Bistro Freddie
So what do we need to know about Bistro Freddie?
This is the third opening for the team behind Bar Crispin in Carnaby and Crispin in Spitalfields. Their previous two places have been all day restaurants and wine bars. This new French-style bistro, named after founder Dom Hamdy's dad, is open for lunch and dinner.
Where is it?
You'll find it in between Old Street and Shoreditch, in the place where Oklava used to be. The nearest tube station is Old Street.
Where should we sit?
If you're here on a date, then there are some perfect tables for two, lit with candles, that would be just the ticket. We chose to sit up at the counter and chat with the chefs which is also a great option and would be ideal for any solo diners.
Grab a seat at the counter if you fancy getting up close and personal with the chefs
Who's in the kitchen?
The chef overseeing the kitchen team here at Bistro Freddie is chef Anna Søgaard. Anna was previously sous chef at the critical hit Erst in Manchester and grew up between America and Denmark where she trained as a chef. As you might expect from the co-founder of the inclusive supper club "Suppher", both the kitchen and front-of-house team here are more gender-balanced than you might see in many London restaurants.
And the food?
Here Anna's serving up her own take on bistro-style dishes. The menu itself is refreshingly old-school and handwritten, split into snacks, starters, mains and desserts. We swerved the sides (although we were tempted by the egg mayonnaise) and dived straight in.
Here's what we had to give you a flavour:
Dorset snails flatbread with garlic and tarragon butter and chicken skin (£13.50) - snails really are everywhere in London at the moment, but this particular take with that amazing tarragon butter propels it to the top of our hit list.
Radicchio, Stilton, walnut and pear salad (£8) - a classic bistro salad very well executed.
Fried plaice with curry sauce and fried capers (£23) - a very Shoreditch take on fish and chips with curry sauce, and we mean that as a good thing.
Apple glazed pork chop with bacon jus (£28.50) - a very fine chop, brushed with an apple reduction and sitting in so much bacon jus they give you a spoon so you don't miss any.
What's on the menu for vegetarians and vegans?
We were watching the chefs plate up an impressive-looking main of chargrilled cabbage with roasted celeriac puree and hazelnuts which would do very nicely.
Room for dessert?
We had a just smidgeon of room after all that, which is a shame because we couldn't manage the amazing-looking steamed marmalade pudding with custard (so do think about getting that too). We did however manage to share this:
A fabulous ice-cream sundae, topped with caramel sauce and a proper old-fashioned brandy snap (£9).
The other Crispins have a great wine list, what about this?
It's an all-French list here curated by the group's head of wine Alexandra Price. Having previously overseen the cellars at Annabel's, she's taken inspiration from that. Most wines fall in the £50-£60 price range, although you could push the boat out for a Chablis Grand Cru from Domain Vincent Dauvissat for £368. There's also a short but enticing list of wines by the glass and carafe.
Overall thoughts
As the nights draw in we can't think of a more convivial spot to enjoy a dinner with friends or loved ones. This part of Shoreditch doesn't have too much in the way of classic bistros so this should be a welcome addition. Sure enough, on a blustery Tuesday night when we visited the place was doing storming business.
More about Bistro Freddie
Where is it? 74 Luke Street, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4PY
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @bistro_freddie.
Hot Dinners dined as guests of Bistro Freddie. Prices correct at time of publication.
Subscribe to be the first to get the news from Hot Dinners
