In the heart of Shoreditch, on Luke Street, Bistro Freddie has quietly established itself as a neighbourhood gem since opening last year. It’s the kind of place you can easily miss but should never overlook. With its new head chef, Alex Laforce Reynolds (formerly of Eline), at the helm, the bistro’s French-inspired menu now brings an even more refined yet approachable twist to its offerings.
From the moment you step inside, Bistro Freddie’s retro-chic decor sets the tone. The room evokes a low-key ‘70s elegance, with red lacquered chairs and crisp white tablecloths adding a sophisticated charm without tipping into pretension. It’s a space that encourages you to linger, whether you’re out for a relaxed lunch, dinner with friends, or a cozy tête-à-tête.
For our Friday lunch, we started with martinis – a dirty for me, dry with a twist for my companion. Both were smooth, expertly mixed, and the perfect preamble to what turned out to be a wonderfully relaxed meal. We kicked things off with a large Pig Head Croquette, served alongside a velvety sauce gribiche. The croquette’s rich, gamey flavour was offset by the sharpness of the mustardy sauce, an ideal pairing with our martinis.
When it came to starters, the Steak Tartare was a standout. The meat, finely chopped and seasoned with finesse, was paired with crispy thin fried bread – a perfect balance of texture and taste. My dining companion opted for a more delicate but no less satisfying endive, fig, walnut, and blue cheese salad. Crunchy, sweet, and tangy, it offered a refreshing contrast to the richness of my tartare.
For mains, the Cod Schnitzel was hearty, with a golden, crispy coating that gave way to tender, perfectly-cooked cod. A tangy tartare beurre blanc sauce added just the right touch of acidity. The Loch Duart Salmon, sourced from the pristine waters of North Western Scotland, was another hit. Its skin was perfectly crisp, the flesh cooked to that elusive glossy doneness that’s neither under nor overdone. A creamy shellfish hollandaise enhanced the dish’s richness without overwhelming it. A side of fries – thin, golden, and accompanied by a herby mayonnaise – along with a simple, impeccably French-dressed green salad, were perfect accompaniments. A glass of light house red wine rounded things off nicely.
For dessert, we were delighted to find the bistro’s much-loved Sticky Toffee Pudding still on the menu. Rich, dark, and indulgent, it’s a classic that Bistro Freddie gets right every time, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting into the toffee sauce.
After a final round of strong coffee, we left the bistro feeling utterly content and happy, stepping into the afternoon autumn sunshine. Bistro Freddie may not shout from the rooftops, but its quiet confidence and commitment to well-executed, flavourful dishes make it a must-visit. It’s the kind of place that invites you back, not just for the food, but for the entire experience – a little corner of France in the heart of Shoreditch.
bistrofreddie.com
74 Luke Street, London EC2A 4PY
@bistro_freddie
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