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Welcome to the French Horn
The French Horn has been here for 200 years.
(And we’ve learned a thing or two…)
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.
Dining at The French Horn
Our Michelin and AA (2 Rosette) recognised restaurant draws from a classical repertoire.
Our Michelin and AA (2 Rosette) recognised restaurant draws from a classical repertoire.
The fact that we don’t serve food all day (there is a lunch service and a dinner service) ensures a real sense of occasion amongst both staff and guests. You have our undivided attention.
Many food writers have expressed enthusiasm for The French Horn. The late, great AA Gill praised the sole: “Bliss, a triumph, perfect, top hole”. Michael Winner deemed the roast duck ‘historic’, as did Tom Parker Bowles in a more recent review for the Mail on Sunday.
Our kitchen team pay great attention to sourcing the best ingredients. According to the season you might enjoy pan fried Orkney Island Scallops with White Asparagus and a Creamed Rocket Sauce, Roast Pheasant with traditional accompaniments or the Dover Sole Caprice.
With its riverside dining room, terrace – and charming service – a visit to The French Horn is never less than memorable.
If you’re planning a party or marking a special occasion our Private Dining Room seats 24 people.
Please note that our prices include VAT and service. A gratuity is not sought or expected.
Lunch Wednesday – Saturday 12 noon – Last orders 2pm.
Sunday Lunch 12 noon – Last orders 4.30pm.
Dinner Wednesday – Saturday 7pm – Last Orders 9.30pm.
The Restaurant will be shut by Midnight
A la Carte Menu
Starters
30g. of Oscietra Caviar £100.00
A Simple Fresh Crab Salad £27.00
Tempura Lobster, a Fennel and Orange Salad £27.00
Pan Fried Foie Gras with Quince, Cranberry and Saffron Sauce £30.00
Pan Fried Scallops with a Wasabi and Nut Crust, a Coconut and Yuzu sauce £30.00
A Seaweed Roll infused with raw Beetroot, a Carrot Salad with Pesto Verbena Sauce (Vegan) £20.00
Fresh Green Asparagus served with Hollandaise Sauce or Melted Butter £27.00
A Terrine of Foie Gras, Poached Fig with Almonds and Aniseed £30.00
A Charentais Melon Served with Chilled White Port £19.50
Traditional Smoked Salmon £27.00
Fish & Shellfish
A Whole Dover Sole Meunière £47.00
A Whole Dover Sole Grilled £47.00
A Classic Lobster Thermidor £52.00
Poached Red Gurnard, Cauliflower Puree with Coriander Sauce £47.00
Fresh Dublin Bay Prawns, Breaded, Deep Fried and Served with Thick Tartare Sauce £47.00
Meat & Game
Pan Fried Calves Liver with Bacon £39.00
Traditional Steak and Kidney Pudding £42.00
Roasted Rack of Lamb on Pumpkin Compote and a Black Cherry Sauce £45.00
Medallions of Veal Served with Cabbage infused with rich mince and a Veal Jus £45.00
A Fillet of Aberdeen Angus Beef with a Slice of Pan-Fried Fresh Foie Gras and a Red Wine Sauce £49.00
Half a Spit Roasted Duck Served with an Apple Purée, Dry Sage Seasoning and a Rich Duck Sauce £42.00
Chateaubriand. A Thick Slice of Aberdeen Angus Fillet, Roasted and Served with Béarnaise Sauce (Serves two) £90.00
Vegan
Potato and Cheese Croquettes Served on a bed of Leeks with a Date Compote and a Soy Sauce dressing £31.00
Side Dishes
French Beans – Steamed or Buttered £3.50
Spinach – Steamed, Creamed or Buttered £3.50
Potatoes – Gratin Dauphinoise, Creamed, Thick or Thin Chips, Steamed £3.50
A Mixedor Green or Tomato and Onion Salad £6.00
Deep Fried Courgette £3.50
To Finish
Dessert Menu & Cheese from the Trolley from £20.00
Coffee and Home Made Sweets and Biscuits £7.50
Standard Rooms
These rooms are as well-proportioned, light and airy as any of our other rooms. They do not have river views.
Book your stay at The French Horn
All rooms are individually designed and, of course, en suite. Added peace and quiet are enhanced by views down to the willow-banked Thames. Breakfast room service is included.
