Le Mercury

I went to Le Mercury for the 2nd time on wednesday and again it blew me away. I don't understand some of the reviews on this website, the food is delicious, the price is right, and the waitress charmed the pants off me. I won't go any where else from now on.

I would recommend this restaurant to anyone and can't wait to go back this friday, Absolutely delicious.
Comment on this reader review

James
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, June 22, 2009

I have been going to Le Mercury for 5 years now, and have always loved it until Sunday before last. My husband and I went in for some food at about 3pm-3.30pm on a Sunday afternoon, where there was only the one waiter and a handful of tables. Rather than offering us any of the non-reserved tables nearer the back, we got stuck in the doorway with the freezing wind coming - we decided to move closer to the wall, which was then under the air conditioning, but slightly better.

My husband ordered the roast, and I ordered the duck. Knowing this place as we do, we expected the food to arrive within about 30 seconds, as they seem to have a bit of an "get in, eat, get out" temperament, but we sat there waiting for our food for well over half an hour. In the meantime, I ordered a sparkling mineral water which arrived completely flat (the only reason you could tell it had once been sparkling is it retained that weird taste of a gone-flat carbonated drink) and my husband's Coke was also pancake flat. When our food came mine was serviceable, but my husband's was awful - on the plate he experienced four different temperatures, all varying degrees of cold, and the veg were so overdone they looked like they'd been literally left out in the rain. When the waiter finally came to ask if everything had been alright, and my husband said, well no it hadn't, the waiter was completely taken aback, as I suppose you would be if you hadn't bothered to check on the table for the entire time we had been there. It's a right shame as I loved this place but I can't see us going back again after this disaster. Sort yourselves out, Le Mercury.
Comment on this reader review

Courtney
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Wednesday, March 11, 2009

I was at Le Mercury last night with two friends, for the first time. I must admit we were a little bit dubious as to how good it would be, not least given the low prices! However, I must say we were all pleasantly surprised. The food was very good, nothing too fancy but still very tasty and at £3 something for a starter, £7 for a main and £3 for a dessert incredibly cheap. The sea bass, mussels, creme brulee were all good as well as the slightly pricier trout with citrus couscous which was the special of the day. The only disappointment was the truffle chocolate cake which had a weird sponge base and wasn't very exciting. Wines were also tasty and a good selection for their prices (we had the Cotes du Rhone and the Pinotage). Service was very friendly if a bit slow. Atmosphere relaxed and quite cosy (apart from the glaring light from the lamp by the food lift which was turned on every time food was sent up - a screen would be a good thing!). All in all we paid £26 each for three courses and two bottles of wine between the three of us.
Comment on this reader review

kit cat - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Thursday, March 05, 2009

Since June 2001 I have never had a bad experience at Le Mercury.

Last night was perhaps the best so far. Booked a table with seven friends and they took us up to the second floor (i didnt even know they had a second floor!)

For my starter i had some sort of avacado and cray fish 'infusion' and it was to die for! For the mains i had the Trout and that was all washed down with three bottles of wine between 7. End total: £15 each. Sweet.

You cant knock Le Mercury.
Comment on this reader review

Pnestar - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, March 05, 2009

Went to Le Mercury last night after a gap of 2 years and very much looking forward to it. However, the 9 o'clock sitting was packed out with a constant stream of people standing in the doorway and towering over people as they tried to eat. This would have been the same for us but instead we waited 25 minutes to get a drink order after getting rebuffed a couple of times by a rude, unhelpful waiter. (the waitress was very friendly but didn't have the ability to serve us??) The food could be described as average at best with the only saving grace the prices. The wine list is decent and good value but our bottle ruined by a waiter with a face as long as the wait for drinks, an inability to speak and a lack of basic knowledge of wine (with red you don't empty the bottle into the glass as you end up with all the sediment). Don't like to complain as there are much better things and much bigger problems in this world but for some reason felt compelled this morning. Safe to say you get what you pay for. Not going back, shame.
Comment on this reader review

Richard
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Sunday, February 08, 2009

Going to the Almedia Theatre, and didn't know where to eat. After walking along Upper Street, decided upon Le Mercury. What a find! Always know a good restaurant when you can't decide what to choose.

Typical French style, could have been anywhere in France.Chicken liver to start, followed by the sea bass.....perfect.My wife had the ravioli followed by the duck.....excellent. Lokking forward to our next visit.
Comment on this reader review

Bill and Sue
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, January 26, 2009

How do they do it? Good honest French grub, great service and a lovely setting at unbelievably cheap prices. Pleased to see it packed to the rafters on Friday night -this is kind of place that should do well out of the recession.
Comment on this reader review

sfbs
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Saturday, January 24, 2009

Went to Le Mercury last night, and I think that some of the complaints below are being addressed. The service was friendly, and we were told 'take your time' when we couldn't decide on dessert - certainly no pointed turning of tables like there has been when I've eaten here on previous occasions.

The food remains good value - simple, well cooked French stuff. All of the main dishes we ordered - Sea Bass, Rib-eye Steak, Confit Duck Leg and Roast Chicken Breast - were tasty and well-cooked. My steak came perfectly medium-rare as requested, which is surprisingly unusual in London.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10
Saturday, October 04, 2008

I live in Islington and have visited Le Mercury on several occasions. I have to say I am surprised by some of the reviews listed here. The service has always been very good and the food excellent however if you are not a fan of traditional french fare then this is not the place for you. The Pork Belly is possibly the best dish on the menu- with vegetables and frites on the side absolutely delicious. Plus you cannot beat this place for price- Don't expect to pay more than £25 for a 3 course dinner with wine.
Comment on this reader review

Le Mercury lover
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, August 05, 2008

The food was good but the service was appalling. The waiter was rude, slow, constantly rolled his eyes and tried to overcharge me at the end of the meal.
Comment on this reader review

zenna
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Thursday, July 31, 2008