The French Horn

4.8

66 Reviews

£41 and over

Contemporary British

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2 people

11 Dec 2024

23:00

Great for fine wines
Good for special occasions
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.

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
Area
Woodley
Parking details
Private Lot
Public transit
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Vegan

What 66 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.6Ambience
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 30 October 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 12 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Outstanding Dover Sole in a beautiful setting with very attentive service.
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J
James
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 31 August 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
London
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 23 August 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 21 August 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.
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TL
TerryL
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 17 August 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 10 August 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
London
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on 4 August 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 2 August 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 17 July 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.

Make a booking

2 people

11 Dec 2024

23:00

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

Dining areas

Additional information

Area
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
Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Vegan

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

The French Horn

Make a booking

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 bookings?

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information