It’s a little bit of France in Soho, tucked away in Berwick Street, in the heart of the market. I’ve forgotten how many years I’ve been going there, but Bar du Marché became my second office. If you sit at the bar long enough your whole life will turn up to join you for a drink. Well mine did, and it forgot to get a round in. It’s a favourite haunt of quirky film production, meeja and music biz types along with the market stallholders who pop in for a drink at the bar. People come for lunch and forget to leave, such is its allure. The food’s uncomplicated French fare, fairly priced. I tend to go for the pâté, the steak frites, or the moules, the magret de canard is good, too.
I really like the place, it’s welcoming and informal. A recent addition to the ambience is a television which receives French TV channels, so you can nurse a glass of wine whilst watching the same kind of rubbish reality TV we’re used to here, but in French it’ll sound so much more interesting. During quiet periods I often sit at the bar with a coffee, a Calvados and a good book for as long as the fancy takes me. On busy nights the place gets so packed you have to shout to make yourself heard. Everyone I’ve ever taken there has wanted to go back. It’s just like being in France, but without the inconvenience of having to cross the Channel.
Bar du Marché
19 Berwick Street
London W1F 0PX
0207734 4606
www.bardumarche.co.uk
ah yes, I remember the Pernod…..
We did not have the same experience. The chief was rude and made sexist inappropriate comments.
We were a group of 3 people and could not stay more than 15 minutes without feeling uncomfortable because of the chief.
I understand that some people have mental troubles, but that’s why we have also counselling.
This place has nothing to do with France, we do not harass people and we usually don’t have any boobz, asses and cocks on the wall of a restaurant.
If you went to Bar du Marche because of our story, we’re sorry to hear that you had a bad experience. We’ve been going there for many years, with female friends, and always had an enjoyable time. As for the postcards on the wall, to our knowledge they’ve been there for over 10 years and were sent to Bar du Marche by customers when they went on holiday.