Proudly a Scottish establishment, the Wallace Bar opened in 2005 as Lyon’s very first true British style pub-restaurant. Glaswegian Peter and his staff all speak both English and French fluently, providing an authentic piece of Scotland with a French flavour.  Popular with locals, expats, and tourists alike, the Wallace has become an institution of Vieux Lyon. The Wallace Bar provides a perfect ambiance for travellers who desire a small taste of home, or who are searching a spot to watch that unmissable match.  

Live Sport

A favourite with local sports fans, the Wallace Bar is Vieux Lyon’s unofficial grandstand for all major rugby and football matches from France, England, Scotland and further afield. Above the main doorway is a giant 215cm HD television, with 3 additional screens, one just beside the principal, one to the rear of the bar and one on the mezzanine, meaning that multiple events can be viewed simultaneously. Commentary (although it may be difficult to hear it during a cup final or local derby!) is available in English or French. Provided there is no clash with other events, the staff will also be happy to tune the television in for sports such as boxing, golf, motor-racing, handball and GAA when requested. The atmosphere is exceptional for major sports events such as the rugby and football World Cups, the annual Six Nations Tournament (a bagpiper is hired to play in front of the pub each year before the Scotland v France match!) and the Champions League. 

Pub Quiz

Sunday night is quiz night in the Wallace. Starting at 8pm, Quizmaster Ian hosts a bilingual table quiz which is frequented by both locals and Lyon’s English speaking community.

Terrace

Situated on the corner of Rue Octavio Mey and Quai de Bondy, the Wallace boasts one of the largest and most pleasant terraces in the Vieux Lyon district, and has the added benefit of overlooking the Saône river. Complete with outdoor heaters for the winter and a cooling fogger for summer days, the terrace is popular all year round.

Beers Selection

Sixteen beers are available on draught. Staples include Guinness, Carlsberg and the Wallace’s own branded IPA together with an excellent international selection of seasonal and guest beers. Over 20 varieties of canned craft beers, and numerous bottled beers are also available.

Whisky

The Wallace Bar can undoubtedly boast the finest selection of whiskies in Lyon. Unsurprisingly, Scotch is particularly well represented, together with Irish, Japanese and North American whiskies among others. A weekly whisky testing tray is available for enthusiasts. The bar also stocks over 30 brands of gin and various other spirits.

Food

The food menu features home-made dishes on a seasonal basis, but retains some British classics such as burgers, fish n’ chips and haggis year-round. Finger food such as onion rings, chips, sliders, saucisson, olives and cheese plates are also available.

At lunchtime, the ‘plat du jour’ is routinely excellent and more often than not is French in style. 

Live Music

The Wallace hosts regular concerts on Friday nights with local acts such as ‘Moustache’, ‘Cover Club’, ‘What She Said’ and ‘Flynn’. During annual events such as the Fête de la Musique, the Wallace Bar becomes a focal point for revellers. 

Sister Pubs

  • The Wallace Pub is located in the Vaise neighbourhood at 8 Rue de la Claire, 69009 Lyon. Slightly smaller, it offers a similar menu and atmosphere to its parent establishment. The kitchen in the Vaise pub is the proud owner of a Josper barbecue grill on which all steaks and burgers are prepared.
  • The Wallace Snug is found at 2 Rue Thomassin, 69002 Lyon, a very attractive location in the heart of Lyon’s Presqu’ile. A much smaller establishment than the other two branches, the Snug is a bar rather than a restaurant but does offer some snack food. 

Address: 2 Rue Octavio Mey, 69005 Lyon

Transport: From the Vieux Lyon – Cathédral Saint-Jean metro station (line D), the Wallace Bar is a 800m walk via Rue Saint Jean. From the Hôtel de Ville-Louis Pradel metro station (line A), the Wallace is a 650m walk via Rue and Rue Joseph Serlin then Rue Constantine. By bus, numbers 31, C3 and C13 all stop at Saint Paul, which is right on the Wallace’s doorstep.

Opening hours: Sunday – Wednesday 11:00am to 12:30am, Thursday- Saturday 11:00am to 2:30am.

Prices: Typical main course : €12.00 – €16.00

Typical Beer : Half-pint, €3.50 ; Pint, €6.50