Back To Basics

I took 4 friends on Friday night after enthusing over what an amazing restaurant Back to Basics is. Admittedly the staff have always been verging on stroppy but the food has always been so good that it hasn't really been an issue. Friday night however, was an exception. The place wasn't full and the booking was for 8pm so we were rather disappointed that the majority of the dishes was already not available. The staff were even stroppier than usual and when I asked about the availability of certain dishes, I just got grunted at. When I finally managed to get the waitress to take our order she told us in her acerbic manner that "regulars are used to dishes not being available". Whilst I can accept that certain fish is not always available, the side orders of veg too? Having previously regarded the charmless staff as part of the dining experience, this was not possible on Friday and really made me realise that good service and friendly waiting staff really do come as part of the package. To top it off, the ladies' toilet was out of order so we had to use the dirty men's one, complete with broken seat. Suffice to say none of our party will be returning.
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Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Monday, August 20, 2007

Love this place - stumbled upon when looking for somewhere for lunch and was absolutely delighted that we choose it. Everything from the delicious butters that cam with the bread to the quality of produce right through to the service was spot on.

I can recommend the Crab Thermidor it was fantastic so were all the main courses we had. The restaurant is small but not cramped and the staff were very friendly.

If you're thinking about paying this place a visit go for it it's definitely one of the best fish restaurants I have been to.
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Gav
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, July 23, 2007

I recently ate here and the experience was wonderful. The atmosphere is great...unpretensious, cosy and friendly. The restaurant is on the small side with tables fairly close together which means that it is not perfect for a romantic date or private conversation.

The food itself was out of this world. I have not tasted fish this fresh in years. I had king prawns to start that were cooked to perfection. My dad had gorgeous crab. For mains I had plaice and my father had skate cooked in brown butter and capers. Both dishes were simple yet out of this world. The fish melted in the mouth and tasted divine.

An absolutely stunning restaurant, well worth a visit!! You wil not taste fresher fish or have nicer service than here!
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Anna Howard
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Thursday, May 31, 2007

It's rubbish - stay away. (Now I can be sure that I'll always have a table!!!! I'd eat there every lunch time if I could. I'm a fan. I want to live there. I want to marry the staff. I want to wallow in a bathful of their menu. I love this place) So I strongly advise you to stay away.
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Mark Adams
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Back To Basics is an absolute delight!

Every time I have been there, I have found the food to be amazing, the atmosphere to be full of life, and the staff to be charming.

I thoroughly look forward to, and enjoy every meal here I have here.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Fantastic fish, good service, good value for money.
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Aaron
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Monday, December 04, 2006

Back to Basics is fantastic - feels cosy and unpretentious, the range of fresh fish is fabulous and the Bailey's Creme Brulee is to die for. My uncle and I managed to spend a four hour dinner there...highly recommended for food and comfortability, worth the extra few bob
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Effie
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Always go to this restaurant when in London and have been going for several years now. Food is always excellent - and plenty of it. Not cheap but worth the money. I tend to go in the evenings so we always find that some of the most popular dishes have run out, but there's still plenty to choose from so there's never been a problem. You may need to watch the bill as I have been overcharged a couple of times.

Don't want to sound negative but I think it's an excellent restaurant and have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone.
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Mary
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, May 09, 2006

I am a regular at Back to Basics and love everything about it. The food is delicious and fresh and the service is great. It can be slow when you first arrive but they are always friendly and never in a rush to get rid of you. I ran out of cigarettes last night and the owner very kindly gave me one of hers!! Now that is service.

If you enjoy fish this is one of best places to eat in Cental London.
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Clare
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, March 31, 2006

We went on a Times offer for lunch. The service was excellent, and the food quite delicious - and no different from those paying full price. The only cavil I have is the noise level. This may be because of the low ceiling, the fact that it was full (not surprising), or the tables being too close together. It's a common problem in restaurants with low ceilings, but goodness knows what you can do about it.
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william hosking
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Monday, February 20, 2006