New bar and bistro, The French Horn, in Glasgow’s West End is a collaboration between Neil Morrison (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) and Paul Sloan (the operator behind Glasgow venues such as Zhima, Topolabamba, Panang and Chaakoo Bombay Café).
The venue has been inspired by the rustic bars and bistros of France and was designed by Interior Design by Dominic Paul along with plenty of influence from the new owners. The venue has two distinct parts – the front featuring a 62-cover bar with a 68-cover bistro at the rear.
Upon wandering down Glasgow’s Great Western Road you are now met with classic French cream signage and window surrounds which pop against the brown panelled exterior. Hand painted menu boards on either side of the building advertise their wines by the glass and food options, which adds to the welcoming frontage.
They have also introduced pavement seating with black and white checked chairs and little round marble topped 
tables, which wouldn’t look out of place on the streets of Paris. The signage is an integral part of the whole design with differing blackboards and hand painted elements everywhere you look.
There is a beautiful long bar to the left with a French green panelled front, a polished wooden top and a gantry of glasses overhead. The rear of the bar features patterned tiling with wooden glass fronted cupboards above.
To the right there is a raised area with a stunning antique fire. The inside of the deep fireplace has been lined with tiles reminiscent of an old French farmhouse and is completed with a rustic timber mantle and a polished mahogany frame. The large Parisian painting positioned directly above and lit by a picture light sets the scene.
The décor throughout blends a rustic French feel with modern touches. There is an abundance of different colour and texture elements created through wood – natural distressed wall panelling, shelving and flooring sit alongside highly finished cream partitions topped with frosted patterned glass. Old wooden wine boxes hang from the walls as well as antique French artifacts. Many of the walls are also lined with high shelving which displays wine bottles.
The furniture showcases varying designs of antique or reclaimed dark wooden chairs and tables which feel cosy, welcoming and typical of the small bistros you would find across France. There are also beautifully upholstered fluted back banquettes and booths dotted around the room. These are bright orange in colour which really highlights the tone of the different woods used and brings the whole place to life.
Another colour highlight comes from a pink and red 70s inspired French statement wallpaper. One of my favourite features is the pendant lights above the booths which have shades made from old metal buckets. These have small holes in punched in them which allows the light to create a patterned effect across the walls.
Wandering through the venue you can’t help but be delighted by a retro cheese and charcuterie counter. When you reach the rear bistro area wicker baskets line the walls. These are filled with fresh produce that the chefs can wander out and collect for use in the kitchen.
This rear area is full of charm with a little bit of tongue in cheek fun – from the floral-patterned cushions to the framed retro artwork on the walls advertising French food and drink, and even a large stag’s head wearing an eye patch which sits proudly above another stunning open fireplace.
Mirrors have also been used throughout and are perfectly cut and shaped to fit into the wood panelling on the walls. This creates a slick finish as well as light and space in the room.
Talking of his vision for the venue, owner Paul Sloan said, “From a leisurely brunch or lunch to dinner, cocktails and live music – The French Horn evolves throughout the day whilst retaining its cosy, relaxed and welcoming ambience. We think The French Horn brings something new to the vibrant west end – from our own take on French favourites, to our fantastic cheese and charcuterie counter, to the incredible wine list and amazing cocktails.”
The entire venue feels like a postmodern depiction of an old French bistro. Where clean lines meet rustic charm, and the modern highquality finishes meet retro antique elements. They have certainly created a wonderful destination with bags of French charm, and I can’t wait to return for a glass of wine and a large cheeseboard very soon!
