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The Frankie Shop

restaurants
London
London

The Frankie Shop

42 Riding House Street, London, United Kingdom

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Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Riding House Street, The Frankie Shop has quietly become one of Fitzrovia's most reliable all-day dining spots. With its £22.50 three-course set menu that genuinely defies central London pricing logic, this modern European brasserie strikes that elusive balance between buzzy energy and approachable charm that keeps both business lunchers and weekend brunchers coming back.

The Frankie Shop: Fitzrovia's All-Day Dining Champion with a Proper Set Menu Steal

Where industrial chic meets neighborhood charm in the heart of London

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The Frankie Shop nails the industrial-chic aesthetic without feeling cold or pretentious. Exposed brick walls, leather banquettes, and brass fixtures create that polished warehouse vibe that works equally well for a morning coffee as it does for evening cocktails. The energy level sits comfortably at a 7.5 out of 10 - buzzy enough to feel vibrant but not so intense that conversation becomes a struggle. The spacious covered terraces are a particular winner, offering proper alfresco dining even when London's weather decides to be typically unpredictable. The sophistication level registers at 6.5 out of 10, which translates to smart casual territory - you'll feel comfortable whether you've rolled in from a morning run or stepped out of a board meeting. It's very much a social space, scoring 8.5 out of 10 for conversation-friendliness, making it ideal for everything from catch-ups with mates to sealing business deals.

Food & Drink

The modern European menu spans the full day from breakfast through dinner, with seasonal adjustments that keep things interesting. While specific dish details aren't available, the fact that they've built their reputation around that £22.50 three-course set menu suggests they're confident in their kitchen's abilities. The offering extends beyond the set menu to include breakfast classics, weekend brunch specialties, and small plates that drop to £6 during happy hour. The drinks program appears well-considered with craft cocktails at £10, a curated wine list, and £5 pints that won't break the bank. The aperitivo hour seems particularly well-executed, offering genuine value rather than just marketing fluff. As an all-day operation, they're clearly committed to maintaining quality across different service periods, which is no small feat in a neighborhood where standards can vary wildly depending on the time of day.

Service & Experience

The service philosophy appears to embrace that neighborhood brasserie approach - relaxed yet polished without being stuffy. They welcome walk-ins, which speaks to a confidence in their operations, though reservations are recommended, particularly given the venue's tendency to get absolutely rammed during peak lunch hours. The fact that they can handle both casual diners and business lunch crowds suggests a service team that can read the room and adjust accordingly. Private dining options indicate they're equipped to handle special occasions when the main dining room energy might not be appropriate. The flexibility score of 6.0 out of 10 suggests they're accommodating without being overly casual about standards.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Hit the aperitivo hour at 4pm for the best value and atmosphere before the after-work rush descends. Avoid peak lunch hours (roughly 12:30-2pm) unless you've booked ahead - expect 30+ minute waits otherwise. Weekend brunch appears to be a specialty, and with Sunday hours ending at 10:30pm versus 11pm other days, they clearly wind down earlier on Sundays.

What to Focus On

The £22.50 three-course set menu is the obvious star and represents genuinely incredible value for central London. During aperitivo hour, focus on the £6 small plates paired with £10 craft cocktails. The £5 pints offer solid value if you're looking for something more casual.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The covered terraces offer the best of both worlds - outdoor dining without weather anxiety4pm aperitivo timing is key - arrive later and you'll be fighting the after-work crowdLocated between Oxford Circus and Great Portland Street stations, making it easily accessible from multiple tube lines

The Final Verdict

The Frankie Shop succeeds because it doesn't try to be everything to everyone while somehow managing to appeal to a broad crowd. The industrial-chic design feels authentic rather than calculated, the pricing structure offers genuine value in a neighborhood where £22.50 barely covers a main course elsewhere, and the all-day approach means you can rely on it whether you need breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Yes, it gets busy - the 8.0 social group size score and tendency toward crowds during peak times means planning is essential. But the combination of reasonable prices, solid execution, and that covered terrace makes it a neighborhood asset rather than just another restaurant.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

Business lunch regulars seeking reliable quality and reasonable pricesWeekend brunch groups who want buzzy atmosphere without pretensionAfter-work drinks crowds looking for proper value during aperitivo hour

Quick Details

1

The Frankie Shop

⭐️ Industrial chic design
⭐️ Set menu exceptional value
🌿 Alfresco covered terraces
⭐️ Aperitivo hour deals
⭐️ Fitzrovia convenience

Fitzrovia's industrial-chic brasserie proves that excellent business dining doesn't require expense account budgets, with their £22.50 three-course set menu representing genuine value in central London. The exposed brick walls and brass fixtures create Instagram-worthy backdrops, while spacious covered terraces provide all-weather al fresco options that make even difficult conversations feel more relaxed. The aperitivo hour delivers £6 small plates and £10 cocktails that rival venues charging twice the price, making it perfect for relationship-building without budget stress. Modern European cuisine spans breakfast through dinner, accommodating the flexible schedules that define contemporary business culture. The location between Oxford Circus and Great Portland Street stations adds convenience for meetings drawing participants from across London. Walk-ins are welcome, though reservations prevent disappointment during peak hours. The buzzy atmosphere encourages networking beyond your immediate table, while private dining options handle confidential discussions when needed.

What's Great

£22.50 three-course set menu offers incredible value in central London location

Spacious covered terraces perfect for year-round alfresco dining

Keep in Mind

× Peak lunch hours create 30+ minute waits without reservations despite buzzy atmosphere

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Hit the aperitivo hour at 4pm for £6 small plates and £10 cocktails before the after-work rush arrives!

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Fri: 8am-11pm\nSat: 9am-11pm\nSun: 9am-10:30pm"
💷£££