Smiths of Smithfield

I have been to Smiths on the Ground floor numerous times and have never had any complaints. Last night I went to Smiths the first floor for my second or third visit. Previously it has been good. Last night was one of the most apauling meals I have ever had the displeasure of eating. Frankly on this showing the proprietor is not only unqualified to judge Matsrchef he probably would not get through the first round. A great start, in that of the limited main courses (there are only about 6) 2 were unavailable, leaving a meagre choice. It was 10pm granted but perhaps the waitress might have informed us before we sat down to order and having already consumed a couple of drinks at the bar. The potter crab was passable, though the bread it was served with was clearly past its best. As there was little available of the mains my friend had the risotto balls. These tasted more like salt balls and they were left on the plate. I selected the most expensive thing on the menu, the steak, it was frankly uneatable. Needless to say when the bill came in at £75 for a meal I would have been ashamed to present in my home, I was a tad miffed. Not going there again!
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Tim Drukker
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 0
Saturday, February 16, 2008

We ate on the second floor dining room, it has a great buzz, not too noisy, but a relaxed and funky feel. The food was spot on and prepared to perfection, and generous portion sizes meant no room to try the puds, but we will be back again to make the effort. Wines were reasonably priced too, and waiter even offered tap water instead of pushing bottled - top marks. Was good to see that JT was there on the night (weds). Handy to have street parking outside too...although that meant less wine for me! £65 for two of us, inc service for 2 courses of quality and a bottle of wine. Staff we great, even the chefs said hello as we passed the open kitchen. Well worth a return visit!
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Ian
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Thursday, February 14, 2008

I've been a regular of the ground floor cafe for a long time now as I work and live in the area. First of all, I think that being such a busy place the quality of food and service overall is fantastic. Sometimes the waiting time for a table can be quite annoying... I love their menu and quick service and I now that if anything goes wrong I just need to speak to a member of the staff and the mistake will be rectified. I have to say that I work in the restaurant industry and for this reason I can be a little bit fussy when I go out. This is, definitely, my favourite place around when I'm hungry but not in the mood for a formal restaurant. The butchers from the market make the best company in the early morning!

A place full of character for the busy life of London. But I will not recommend it if going out for breakfast has to be the only highlight of your day as staff not seem to bother lissig a**.
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Daniel
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Sunday, January 27, 2008

The food is great, let me say from the start. However, the service is awful; our waiter was rude and pushy, and when I objected to my plate being taken away before I'd finished, he shrugged and walked away. When I asked for the manager, he said "He's busy". So I refused to pay the hill, which got the manager to the table pronto, where he apologised, then gave me a hard time for not paying the service charge. Won't be back any time soon.

Also, why play banging techno in a spacious restaurant? Means everyone has to shout to be heard.
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Luigi Bellini
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 6
Tuesday, January 22, 2008

I live locally and have been a fairly regular customer in here for several years. though perhaps not for much longer. The service and manner of the staff has gone from good, to bad, to worse. Fair enough Sundays are busy but when your nearly finished plate is whisked away from you when your partner is still eating .. its plain rude. This has happened 3 times now. No, the waiter wasnt making space and we werent lingering, its basic waiting skills. Also the bacon butties now have more fat rind than any greasy spoon i've ever been to and are buttered on the outside !!! .. what on earth is that about. Get it together JT !
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lorne
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Friday, January 11, 2008

A nice place, with good food! def one place for a birthday celebration or a large group of friends as you can go down after your meal to the ground floor bar which is fun and has a good dj! My fav dish is def the smoked haddock on spring onion mash...I have tried to re-create it at home but still not as good as at smiths!
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patsy
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Went to Smiths on sunday for a birthday meal and was very pleased with it./ The food was very nice and the atmosphere was nice to. Staff werer kind and helpful. all round a lovely experience.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Six of us went to Smiths on Friday evening. This was my second visit and the food was great, service good, not too pushy but attentive enough. Great atmosphere. A good night out.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, November 21, 2007

First visit, and for a country girl from out of town a nice experience. Lovely setting an obviously popular as very busy for a Tuesday/ The staff were all very friendly and the service good. Nice tasty meal in pleasant atmosphere and the wine was excellent.
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Sue Brooking
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, November 21, 2007

For a Wednesday evening, the restaurant was certainly bustling. I found the starters menu was somewhat lacking (in comparison to my last visit a few years back where the range of starters was far more tempting) although generously proportioned. My main dish of belly pork was very tasty (although a little on the dry side and not helped by a bed of mash that was also a little on the dry side of perfect). The wine list was good and all in all it was an enjoyable evening and I would definitely return.
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Natasha Langton - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Friday, October 19, 2007