The French Horn

4.8

66 Reviews

£41 and over

Contemporary British

Good for special occasions
Great for fine wines
Charming

Here, at Sonning in Berkshire, our hotel and restaurant sits by The Thames, at the point where the river is at its most beautiful.
Walk into the cosy bar and you’ll be greeted by a French Horn tradition, the sight of ducks roasting in front of an open fire. Everything is as it should be in this family-owned English institution, run by the Emmanuel family since 1972. Life is good here.
Our Head Chef Josiane Diaga and team select the best seasonal ingredients and treat them with respect. Honest, classical dishes are complemented by a carefully curated wine cellar which, for example, features wines from every Burgundy village. Service is impeccable and the dining room one of the prettiest on the Thames.

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This restaurant is permanently closed.

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Elegant Dining
Price
£41 and over
Cuisines
Contemporary British, Contemporary French, Fine cuts
Hours of operation
Sun 12:00 pm–4:30 pm Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–2:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 7:00 pm–9:30 pm
Phone number
0118 969 2204
Website
https://www.thefrenchhorn.co.uk/dining/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Joaine Diaga

Location
The French Horn, Sonning on Thames, Reading, Oxfordshire RG4 6TN
Neighborhood
Woodley
Parking details
Private Lot
Public transit
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cigar Room, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 66 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Energetic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The French Horn offers an exceptional dining experience with "impeccable food" and "superbly trained staff." Guests rave about the "sparkling demeanour" of the service, particularly Elaine, and the beautiful views of the grounds. The menu is varied and delicious, with standout dishes like Dover sole meunière. Highly recommended for special occasions.

66 Reviews

M
Mona
Berkshire
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 30, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and service were excellent. We’ll definitely be back!!
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R
Robert
London
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Outstanding Dover Sole in a beautiful setting with very attentive service.
Is this helpful?
J
James
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 31, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Amazing food and service, lacking a bit of ambience but a good spot for a fantastic meal
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p
paul
VIP
London
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always an amazing experience, probably my favourite restaurant. I had the half duck for a main course, well worth a try.
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N
Nigel
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 21, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food amazing, staff wonderful and the building a little bit of history and the grounds just beautiful.
Is this helpful?
TL
TerryL
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was our first time there and we both found it amazing . The staff were excellent and the ambiance was brilliantly delivered especially as one transitions from the beautiful outdoor feel to the main restaurant . The food , well I was apprehensive at first and when delivered , the quality of the food just blew our minds .. I’d recommend the restaurant to others and definitely go back there ..
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E
Elaine
London
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Thank you for an amazing evening!! It was our first time but we will definitely be back!! From the minute we arrived we loved it….such a friendly warm welcome ….the food was stunning and service amazing!! Thank you so much
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B
Brian
VIP
London
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Welcome and service was friendly and excellent. Menu was extensive and appetising. We enjoyed the lobster, crab salad, duck and chicken.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 2, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fabulous food, service and views of the river from the outside terrace. Inside looks cosy for colder days
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Buckinghamshire
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Professional and relaxed atmosphere with excellent service. Delicious food with a very good lunch menu. Staff were happy to arrange alternatives to the standard menu items.
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FAQs

The French Horn is rated 4.8 stars by 66 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

The French Horn, Sonning on Thames, Reading, Oxfordshire RG4 6TN

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighborhood
Woodley
Hours of operation
Sun 12:00 pm–4:30 pm Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–2:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 7:00 pm–9:30 pm
Price
£41 and over
Cuisines
Contemporary British, Contemporary French, Fine cuts
Dining style
Elegant Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Private Lot
Public transit
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Joaine Diaga
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cigar Room, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.thefrenchhorn.co.uk/dining/
Phone number
0118 969 2204

The French Horn

Permanently Closed

There’s more to explore

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 66 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is The French Horn restaurant rated?

Is The French Horn currently accepting reservations?

Permanently Closed

Dining areas

Additional information