Harden's survey result
Summary
“Overlooking the atmospheric and historic Bleeding Heart Yard”, this “agreeable” if “slightly cramped”, “old-school” bistro (with a splendid terrace in summer) is “well worth the venture outside the City perimeter” for finance-types, both for a “fun and not too formal” client lunch or a “so romantic” evening meal. “Dependable quality French-ish fare” completes the picture.
Summary
“In an out-of-the-way, historic courtyard in Farringdon” – where the terrace is a major draw in summer – this “delightful and atmospheric” Gallic brasserie continues to fly the flag for the Bleeding Heart brand. (Its grander, older sibling, in a nearby basement, closed in the pandemic. As of October 2021, future plans are not yet clear, although it seems likely a resurrection at some point may be on the cards). “Classic French dishes” are charmingly served at “fair prices”, the “evocative atmosphere makes it a romantic place” and the dependable wine selection continues to make it a favoured option for expense account types.
For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
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Restaurant details
Bleeding Heart Bistro Restaurant Diner Reviews

"When one is offered scallops as a starter one would expect the plural to appear on the plate, not a single slice into 3. The foie gras was obviously straight out of its tubular tin. The service was overly formal though other clientele seemed happy being attended to in that way. We certainly won’t be back."
Prices
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Wine per bottle | £31.00 |
Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
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Bread | £0.00 |
Service | 13.00% |
Bleeding Heart Yard, London, EC1N 8SJ
Opening hours
Monday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
Tuesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
Wednesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
Saturday | 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
Sunday | CLOSED |
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