France’s rustic bars and bistros are said to be the inspiration behind a new pub and bistro that will be opening in Glasgow’s west end next month.
Established hospitality operators Paul Sloan and Neil Morrison have joined forces to launch The French Horn in the former Bakehouse pub on Great Western Road.
Sloan is owner of Hunky Dory Dining Group – the company behind Glasgow venues Zhima, Topolabamba, Panang and Chaakoo Bombay Café – and Diversity Leisure, whose outlets include Oban’s Cuan Mor and Waterfront Fishouse.
Morrison is owner of Macgochans and Roslyn House in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, The Lochside in Bowmore on the Isle of Islay and the Ben Nevis Bar in Fort William.
Refurbishment work is now underway to transform the space, creating a rustic interior featuring French antique furniture, two open fires, artwork and French artifacts throughout a 68-cover bistro area and 62-cover bar, as well as a south-facing terrace.
The French Horn promises to offer its own spin on French favourites across brunch, lunch and dinner. Dishes on the brunch menu will include freshly-baked croissants with a range of delicious fillings, the hot Normandy-buttered smoked bacon and brie baguette, the full Parisian breakfast (vegan option available), Eggs Benedict and The Ultimate Croque Monsieur.
The main menu will include Coquilles St Jacques, Steak Frites, Tom Rodgers hand-made Toulouse sausages, The French Horn Wagyu burger, and Moules Frites, as well as cheese and charcuterie boards from The French Horn’s cheese and charcuterie counter.
Sloan and Morrison are working with a number of local suppliers, including neighbouring IJ Mellis Cheesemonger and Rodgers Butchers on Byres Road, as well as their own long-standing seafood suppliers from Mull, Oban and Islay, to source the best west coast seafood, including oysters which will be available on The French Horn’s main menu and ‘Oyster Happy Hour’ Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 7pm.
In terms of drinks, The French Horn will offer a range of 15 wines by the glass and a carefully-curated list, with whites including Les Grès Viognier, Couvette Beaujolais Blanc, Patrice Moreaux Pouilly-Fumé, and Gaëlle et Jérôme Meunier Puligny-Montrachet; reds such as Château Lamartine Malbec, Mont-Redon Réserve Côtes du Rhône, Sichel Margaux, and Château Jean Voison Grand Cru; and a great selection of Champagne, sparkling, rosé and orange wines.
There will also be a wide range of beers, including three French beers on draught; a selection of signature cocktails; and a great range of whiskies.
Sloan said: “We can’t wait to open the doors to The French Horn; it will bring something new to the vibrant west end, offering our own spin on French favourites – from delicious Croque Monsieur or Moules Frites with Isle of Mull mussels, to our fantastic cheese and charcuterie counter.
“We’ve also put together an incredible wine list and will offer 15 wines by the glass, meaning diners can enjoy a glass of some really fantastic wines.”
Morrison said: “We’ve taken inspiration from the rustic bars and bistros of France, and The French Horn will have a lovely relaxed, cosy ambience where people can enjoy a leisurely brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks; there will also be regular live entertainment.
“It’s a great location and we think The French Horn will bring something truly different to the bustling west end.”
