Le Mercury

We visited Le Mercury for the second time yesterday , and I have to say that it didn't fail to impress again.

We had 3 courses , 2 glasses of wine , a bottle of the Uruguayan Viognier and coffees for under 65 quid !

The lamb I had was very tasty , as was my wife's sea bass.

The service is friendly and quick , and I honestly think that this is difficult to beat for value for money , and the discerning diner will know that , fi you really want real top quality Frebch Brasserie type food and drink , there are many other (much more expensive) places in London where this can be found.

Recommended.
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9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Friday, October 21, 2011

I have been to Le Murcury many times and I have ALWAYS had a fantastic experience - the staff are friendly, there's a lovely atmosphere and the food is amazing!! (especially for the price) The only negative point I could make is that the acoustics aren't great which makes conversations difficult but everything else about the place makes up for this. Get yourselves there!
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10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, October 07, 2011

I've walked past Le Mercury many a time and seen the packed tables of contented diners, and having noticed the amazing prices listed on the board outside (all starters £3.95, all mains £7.95) I decided I really should check out this "neighbourhood gem".

On arriving at the restaurant, we were led through the attractive (and packed) downstairs area, up the stairs at the back to the equally packed and very noisy first floor. Our table was tiny and caused a fair amount of under-table knee-clashing. The tablecloths were made of paper, and the window sills were heaving with what I can only describe as 70's houseplants (Christmas cactus anyone?).

So OK, it wasn't winning me over on ambience, but we persevered and looked over the menu as the bread arrived. Hmm, some slices were slightly crispy with that been-left-cut-on-the-side-for-a-while texture, others were plain stale.

The menu was well-stocked with French classics. My other half chose sardines, I had the calamari (admittedly, not very French, but hey). Both were perfectly fine, if nothing special, but praise where it's due for the yummy tartare sauce on the side.

For mains, I chose the pork belly, and he chose the duck. Again, both were fine, but lacking in much flavour or finesse. The pork in my opinion was crying out for a dollop of the delicious garlic mash which accompanied the duck.

Wine choice was limited - none jumped out at us from the list. In the end we chose the £20 Malbec - sadly it wasn't particularly excting, and we ended up leaving a quarter of the bottle undrunk.

The service was very brisk, however this meant we had finished the meal within about 50 mins of arriving.

The best thing about the whole experience was the cost. Two courses with wine for under £50 is very unusual for London. I hesitate to say "great value" or "a bargain" however, as I really didn't think it was. Sadly the whole experience just seemed to me a bit rushed and tacky.

If you're eating out on a budget, this is somewhere worth trying, but don't expect a to discover a hidden gem of vastly underrated quality - you do get what you pay for.
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Jo - View all reviews by this user
5 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 6
Monday, July 04, 2011

this is a place that i went to by chance, and have been again and again. it is wonderful food ( he duck is my favourite!) and the price is unbelievable for the quality that you are getting, especially in a place like upper street.

the staff are friendly and helpful, which when combined with the relaxed and cosy atmosphere makes this a great dining experience.

i have and would recommend this place for any one who wants excellent food for unbeatable prices.
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10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, June 16, 2011

A number of my friends recommended this place to me so I thought I would try it out for myself. I was not disappointed. The food was delicious (I had the Honeyed Pork belly) and there was lots of it. The atmosphere was great and the staff were very accommodating and all for only £15. All in all a very enjoyable experience.
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Chornz
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Friday, April 15, 2011

Pretty good for the price. Went there after on a Monday evening at about 7 and was the only busy restaurant on upper st. It stayed busy all the time we were there and didn't show signs of easing up.

Food was very good for the price paid. Don't expect Michelin star but it is very good. Simple French food done well and at a great price. Most starters £3.95 and mains £7.95 which includes duck, lamb shank, few fish dishes and a rib eye steak.

Serivice is friendly and efficient. Good for a quick bite or romantic meal. Wine list was good with a good few available by-the-glass.

Would go again and would recommend to anyone. Can be booked or walk in and hope for the best. Probably best to book at the weekend.
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Gareth
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Monday, March 28, 2011

Can't believe the number of negative reviews this place is getting! I thought it was fabulous- food was fresh, delicious and generously portioned. And three courses for under £15 can't be sniffed at.

The restaurant itself is charming if a bit old fashioned. The staff were prompt and polite, and although the food arrived very quickly they still brought us some baguette to eat while we waited.

Plenty of tables are crammed into the three-storey Victorian building, but the place was buzzing even at 6pm on a Monday night, so I'd recommend booking in advance.

Great food, great service and great place: I’ll definitely be going back.
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Cheap Food Islington - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10
Saturday, March 05, 2011

have been going to le mercury over the last 2 months the food is fantastic and incedibly reasonable £7.95 mains £2.95 sweets I had the lamb last week yummy and the duck yesterday great. I would recomend to food to everyone.Unfortuneatly the service sometmes does not match the fabulous food.
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G.G
8 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10
Thursday, March 03, 2011

Dreadful - the French equivalent of a greasy spoon. Made a reservation but no table reserved. Waiters are rude as no service charge. Food is bland and overcooked - Oxo gravy and shop bought desserts. Avoid
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1 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Monday, February 21, 2011

Dined at Le Mercury last night with friends.

The place was quite busy and the atmosphere very cosy and pleasant.

Very good value for money and nice wine too.

The goats cheese starter was really tasty.

I enjoyed the meal from start to finish.

Would definitely recommend this restaurant and I will surely be back.
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Arianna
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Monday, January 31, 2011