The Abingdon

This is a well above average "local"...great atmosphere, good and varied (price/quality) selection of wines/drinks and 2 options for food - bar snacks or full on restaurant, but from the same kitchen so good quality either way.

Service is, how shall I put it...."personalised."..i.e. if they don't like you, you won't get any! If they do like you, they'll bend over backwards to make your evening. Isn't that what a local's for? Makes it worthwhile getting to know the staff and actively discourages twats who need to have people fawning all over them. I've always found the staff polite, efficient and genuinely friendly.

Atmosphere is legendary. I've had surprisingly good cross-table chat from time to time with laid-back characters who start as total strangers - which is a pretty rare thing in London! That said, you can also go there for a romantic 1-1 and not be hassled by any boors...

Hope this helps you know what you're getting...
Comment on this reader review

Philip
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Thursday, November 27, 2008

I've always loved the great atmosphere of the Abingdon, always the right balance of locals and newbie’s. Always a good spot for a drink, no beer on tap so there's never a beer monster in site. There is a bar menu and the risotto is legendary - but head for the restaurant and make sure you can get a booth, its intimate American Graffiti. The staff is well versed in the cellar arts and responds well to flirting and friendly questions. My choice of fodder is the always the swordfish steak with a Moorish portion of the broccoli cooked in sesame sees oil (children, veggie resistance toughs - they'll graze happily on this gem). Price is very reasonable - £60-70 for 2 - depending on the tipple selection. I can think of worse places to be ship wrecked.
Comment on this reader review

Andrew Sandilands - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Thursday, October 23, 2008

I have been going to The Abingdon for many years and think it is excellent. The food is great - not too complicated but well executed every time and the atmosphere is second to none. The service is excellent, whatever you desire they make it happen and the manager, Terry, runs the place impecibally whilst being so friendly. Would highly recommend this place - great food and great staff. What more could one want?
Comment on this reader review

Mark
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, October 20, 2008

The food was delicious and beautifully presented, and the staff were very friendly and attentive. So for a nice meal out with a warm atmosphere, I highly recommend the Abingdon, also you must try the sticky toffee pudding ….its is exceptionally good!!
Comment on this reader review

lahra von wedel
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Sunday, September 28, 2008

Good food, accomodative staff, good people watching with te occasional celebrity trying to eat without being seen or bothered. Reasonable and suficient wine list.

Great neighborhood place.
Comment on this reader review

B Green
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Friday, February 29, 2008

The decor and atmosphere are charming, good light and comfy seating but the service and food don't live up to the optics. We politely mentioned that one of our dishes was very salty (actually to the point of being inedible although we didn't say that) and from then on, althought it wasn't crowded, we were ignored, dirty dishes were left on the table until the bill arrived. Probably a good place for a quick drink but nothing more.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 3
Wednesday, February 27, 2008

We live nearby and have been to The Abingdon occasionally in the last 10 years. The food is average as to both quality and price. The service is usually appalling: waiters slow to take orders, orders taken wrongly and you must expect to have to fight to get them to give you a bill. There are better places to eat in the area.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4
Monday, August 20, 2007

Great atmosphere (opt for a booth if at all possible), friendly service and delicious food. Quite pricey but then the food is of a high standard and was, in my opinion, well executed. £80 for two people for two courses and a bottle of wine. Recommend the tuna steak with octupus.
Comment on this reader review

Rick Brown
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Great atmosphere (opt for a booth if at all possible), friendly service and delicious food. Quite pricey but then the food is of a high standard and was, in my opinion, well executed. £80 for two people for two courses and a bottle of wine. Recommend the tuna steak with octupus.
Comment on this reader review

Rick Brown
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, May 30, 2007

One of my absolute favourite eats in London - and certainly the best steak & chips!
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Monday, May 14, 2007