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A wonderful view - The French Horn, Reading, Oxfordshire

The French Horn

4.8
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
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Joaine Diaga
  • Area
    Woodley
  • Parking details
    Private Parking
  • 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

NoiseEnergetic

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
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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

    Is this helpful?

  4. paul

    VIP

    London

    5 reviews

    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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  5. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. Brian

    VIP

    London

    14 reviews

    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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  9. 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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  10. 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.

    Is this helpful?

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.

Google Map for The French Horn

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 Parking
  • 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
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