La Poule au Pot

My daughter and I stumbled upon this little gem whilst staying up the road at The Lime Tree Hotel. Luckily for us, we were eating quite early, and were able to secure a table before the place was full. If you are after the authentic french experience, this is the place for you. We visited twice and could not fault the food, service or atmosphere. The wait staff are exceptional and found us a table both times even though they were fully booked. As for the food, you simply must try the duck in lime sauce (canard au citron vert) - superb! The pepper steak is also delicious. Trust me, you will not be disappointed
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Mike W - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Thursday, February 02, 2012

I cannot urge you enough to avoid this restaurant like the plague! The manager is one of the worst I have found in any restaurant and my husband and I have eaten in establishments in many countries, from simple bistros in Paris to Michelin star restaurants in Spain and California.

We were at le poule au pot for my brother in laws birthday, the food took a long time to arrive and although it was nice, I've had better French cuisine in cheaper restaurants in London. The manager here was one of the rudest most dispicable human brings I've ever met. He openly told one of our waiters to "f&£k off" in front of us which is outrageous behaviour, and very embarrassing for the poor waiter. He then proceeded to take our wine off the table and tell us to leave because we sang happy birthday to my brother in law.

We are not a particularly rowdy bunch and our bill came to over £400 so most managers would consider us good customers, but this manager obviously doesn't care about pleasing his patrons or cares about the reputation of his establishment. It's such a shame when you get someone with an ego running an otherwise pretty little restaurant, and ruining what should have been a happy occasion with his inflated views of himself and his arrogant, rude attitude.

We certainly won't be returning!
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Jessica Anderson
2 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 0
Saturday, January 28, 2012

This place still manages to pull the crowds. It must be the reputation for the good food it serves up. Well that is where it stops! The service or should i say lack of it was appalling. You wait far too long after being seated to get any attention. The drinks took an age to be served..............forget about returns, even when you ask they ignore the request.

The management of La Poule au Pot need to take themselves and their staff through a long overdue customer service program. Serving tasty good food is only half the experience we look forward to when dining out.

Avoid this place if you are looking for good service and attentive staff.
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Les Wilson
4 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 3
Saturday, July 02, 2011

I thoroughly enjoyed our meal at this restaurant, I had delicious chef's pate an my partner had the crab salad, you could taste the sea in the latter, the former ws delic if a little rich.. my main of poule au pot, was absolutely beautiful, the broth was perfect and the chicken and veg perfectly cooked.. how do they do that whichout overcooking the veg and chick?? My partner's rare steak was also perfect.. lovely seared outer and perfect inner... great wine list.. fantastic atmosphere and attentive service which was not formal in style (the latter a pet hate of mine in English restaurants)- 2 entrees, 2 mains an a good bottle of wine £95 ex service
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Frazer
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Thursday, May 26, 2011

We went to La Poule au Pot to celebrate my husband's birthday. The restaurant has a lovely setting and atmosphere. We had the feeling we were in the middle of Paris.

These feelings were going to change while we waited for our starter to arrive. Finally, 40 min later it has arrived, which was, in fact, very tasty! However, it did take even longer for our main course to be served. We have never left the restaurant without a full meal, but did it on this occasion. Having arrived at 09:15pm, we left at 11:15pm eaten just the starter! Hugely disappointed and actually have to agree with the majority of reviews on the Trip advisor.

Locals and French on the other hand, whom arrived after us, have had their deserts served.

To conclude, do not go to Poulet au Pot unless you're French or a local to avoid disappointment.

We personally will not be going there again and will not be recommending it to our friends.
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Lisa
3 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 3
Sunday, May 22, 2011

Before meeting a friend here I read a scathing review on Timeout but was struck by how many readers commented on the lovely atmosphere and food of this restaurant that I took the bad review with a grain of salt. I am sorry to say that I completely am in agreement with the negative reviews. To be fair, this does seem like the sort of place that has such a staunch posse of regulars so they probably have no need to cater to new ones, so I am sure that the glowing reviews are possible. My experience here was one of terrible service and mediocre food however. I have honestly never had such terrible service (and contrary to one reviewer’s comment this is not a lack of solicitousness to wait staff). I waited about 45 mins upon arrival before having the drink order taken and spent 2.5 hours before we even saw the first course. It was not a busy day and to my estimation the wait staff just seemed to have forgotten about the table tucked in the corner. It is a shame because I agree with the comments on the romance of the ambience and the potential of the food (the cheese quiche was superb and my sub-par poached salmon was perhaps just an aberration?) but overall I truly think that unless you are a regular do not bother. The proverbial cat dragged in would be treated better here if it were a local.
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fcd
4 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 4
Monday, May 09, 2011

If you like unpretentious rustic French cooking, well served in a relaxed atmosphere, washed down with a gallon or two of reasonably priced quaffable house wine, then you will absolutely love this place.

The Onion Tarte is to die for, so is the Cheese Quiche and the pan fried Foie Gras with Brioche fried bread and a glass of Montbazillac......... Venison, game and beef main courses very good too and come accompanied with a good selection of vegetables. You will not leave hungry. There is also a good selection of salads (or ask for your own combination - they are very obliging) if you do want to leave hungry.

Two types of red House wine Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon; Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for whites, served in two litre carafes and charged for by the glass, so drink as much or as little as you please.
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Colin
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

I was taken here by an agency and we sat outside in the glorious April sunshine. I could almost have been in France - the waiters were all French, the food was delightful and wine was fantastic. I had the foie gras on brioche to begin which was unbelievably delicious and indulgent. Dover sole followed and was great.

Lovely experience all around - to be recommended without a doubt!
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Charlie
10 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Awful awful awful service. rude and clueless staff and mediocre food. only nice aspect is the location and the fact that you can sit outside. Avoid.
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Lizzie
4 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 3
Sunday, April 17, 2011

Wonderful food and probably the most romantic restaurant in London. Try the salmon rillette to start followed by the Poule au Pot. They also do a very acceptable double bottle of house wine.
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Ademir
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, April 01, 2011