The Ark

I took a friend to The Ark on Friday night. I grew up in the area and this had always been the place we went for special family occasions and I felt quite nostalgic about the place.

We arrived, were shown to a lovely table in a small intimate room. Our drinks orders were taken and we were left with the menus.

My friend has some dietary 'issues' but looking at the menu we saw that by swapping a couple of the ingredients about they could provide us with what looked to be a lovely meal.

The waitress came to take our order, we asked that the buck wheat pasta be substituted for the linguine in the past dish and she refused. We asked why and she told us that the chef wouldn't do it. After some prompting she went and asked the chef and came straight out of the kitchen saying again no.

There was no apology or attempt to come up with something else that my friend could eat so we had to give up and ask for the bill for our drinks.

Then followed a succession of what were the rudest actions I have ever experienced in a good restaurant:

A door was opened right next to us and the freezing winter air was allowed to blow directly onto us. It was only shut when other diners complained.

We were asked to move our chairs as we were getting in the way (they were in the place that they had left them)

The table was cleared from under us without comment, the bill was plonked on the table and we were made to feel uncomfortable until we left

I used to love The Ark, but after the appauling service I received I am not sure that I will be going back.
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Kay Scott
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Monday, March 05, 2007

The Ark tends to provide good or excellent food. The service is good and the interior is nice while the mirrors make the interior feel larger than it actually is. We live in the area and probably go here a couple of times a year. Not enough to be a regular but enough to have a fair sample. The Ark seems to prefer booking, but given that we live nearby we never do, if there isn't a table available there is always another place to go to. What we don't like is that you can't get away from the smokers. If anybody is smoking in the Ark, everyone gets to suffer due to the layout of the room. Hopefully this will change in summer and we'll be able to go more often. Also the wine lists more than 40 bottles but they are all Italian, so if you feel like some Chilean, Argentinian or Kiwi wines then you are out of luck. On the plus we have never had bad food and (as long as you get a table) the service is always good. Coats are properly hung up and recovered, bread is served with olive oil and balsamico, the chef usually has an appetizer, the deserts are very well made and the wines are good quality. Oh and don't let the exterior put you off - it looks a bit like the remains of an old shack from the outside but inside its good quality furniture and seatings.
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, February 14, 2007

I always love going to The Ark, but I do always feel like I end up spending more than I expect. But the food is great and the ambiance is so lovely. In warmer months, it's also a great place to go for drinks, if you can get a table outside (then order a lot so you can keep the table!).
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Sarah, www.arrivalslimited.com - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Sunday, February 04, 2007

Food was great, perhaps a little overpriced - as one reviewer pointed out - £4.50 for a bottle of water! however exceptional service and gorgeous cosy interior. We will definitely be returning again!
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colin66 - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Sunday, September 03, 2006

We were appealed by the cosy ivy-covered semi-opened terrace, and it was indeed very nice to sit there, although the street is a bit noisy. The inside decor looked nice too.

Food was tasty, not amazing, but still good. Wine was nice too. Service was average.

All in all I had a pleasant evening.
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Delphine
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Friday, July 21, 2006

A big disappointment. Extremely overpriced menu.bottle of water £4.50.

There is not much to choose.no bread no butter.rude manageress answer is: this is nothing hill gate does she thinks we are stupid(being a resident in the area)
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z Thiemann
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 3
Sunday, June 25, 2006

The Old Ark was a delight to come to. We never missed a dinner there when we visited London. GREAT Chicken Kiev and desserts. Everthing was GREAT.

WHAT HAPPENED ??????????????

Did the Ark get new owners, It's terrible!

Where's the fresh veggies, super entree choices, homemade desserts ??????

Forget it...never again.
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Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Sunday, May 28, 2006

Without overly wishing to rush to the Arc's defence, after viewing the last two reviews I'd like to report that we had a perfectly pleasant evening there recently! We've recently moved to the area and went mid-week. Very relaxed, pleasant atmosphere. Found the food to be excellent and the service attentive.
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Greg
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 6
Monday, April 24, 2006

The worst restaurant i have visited in London. Rude staff who hurry you for your order - they are clearly trying to churn people. Tiny portions, overpriced, and medium quality food. Thoroughly dissatisfied.
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Ian Beaumont
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Monday, January 30, 2006

For one of the most unpleasant dining experiences in London, head straight to The Ark in Kensington – you won't be disappointed. After waiting 40 minutes for our main course, then getting our order wrong – TWICE – the manageress refused to deduct from the bill a dessert that was never brought to the table. Soulless, empty venue, overpriced mediocre food, atrocious service.
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Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Tuesday, January 24, 2006