A good bistro is a fine thing and thankfully Bistro Freddie is just that, and then some. Who doesn’t like a small, classy but unpretentious restaurant serving up a roster of classics, all done with such precision and care, they can’t fail to wow. Well, that’s exactly what you get here, which is why it comes as no surprise that this stylish dining room was heaving during our mid-week visit.
Located on the corner of Luke Street and Phipp Street, just off the hustle and bustle of Great Eastern Street, Bistro Freddie provides a tranquil gastronomic oasis, slap bang in the heart of Shoreditch. Devoid of gimmick or ostentatious glamour, just walking through its curtained entrance to be greeted by a solicitous waiter, while the chatter of enthusiastic fellow diners thrums in the background – you instinctively know that only very good things can happen here… and that’s in no small part thanks to the culinary prowess of head chef Anna Sogaard.
Perusing the hand-written menu while sipping on a glass of champagne further put us in the mood for a feast, and what followed did not disappoint. I kicked off proceedings with a meltingly tender Jambon de Paris and Celeriac Remoulade, heavy with Dijon mustard, just as I like it. My companion, meanwhile, opted for Roasted Beetroot, Whipped Goats Cheese and Orange salad, which managed to balance the earthy, tangy and citrus flavours perfectly. Next up were a truly memorable Grilled Bavette Steak in Peppercorn Sauce and a superbly cooked Cod in a glisteningly green Parsley Sauce with a handful of clams thrown in for good measure. Sides of fabulously crunchy House Cut Chips and Mayonnaise and indulgent Creamed Spinach, weren’t really necessary, but went down a treat, as did the accompanying bottle a wine from the comprehensive, all-French wine list – a Domaine Crève-Cœur, Côte Du Rhône, since you’re asking.
Also unnecessary was our shared dessert of Sticky Toffee Pudding, but in the interests of a thorough review, we dove in spoons first – again, a much loved classic, but done unbelievably well. Our meal was rounded off with a coffee, before stepping out onto the street again where the early spring sunshine had decided to make an appearance. To say we left replete and relaxed would be something of an understatement.
Bistro Freddie is part of the HAM Restaurant Group including Crispin, Spitalfields
74 Luke St, Greater, London EC2A 4PY
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