Carmen Bar De Tapas

After reading all those complains about the availability of tables I decided to investigate. The manager told me they had to stop booking tables because they could not find a way to make everyone happy. The picture was people not turning up or when they did, 30 minutes later, they would come demanding rights of getting the table first. Sometimes they had to hold the table for more than 30 minutes when the others were waiting furious at the bar. They had to stop booking tables because they want to keep this friendly atmosphere and not doing what everyone does around London, given us customers an hour marathon to drink, eat, spend and GO HOME!!! This is not what’s Carmen is about. he said .Luckily now there is a waiting list system , if you are in Clapham and you want to go to there , before you go for your drinks , you can put your name down on the list so you will get a table. And that’s why sometimes you will see some tables reserved. Definitely Carmen still my favorite tapas bar in London. Fantastic food, amazing atmosphere , value for money and the real “Latino” friendly staff. Well done ! Gracias!!!
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Rose
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, July 01, 2008

After being told you cannot make reservations on the weekend I turned up to find there were in fact tables reserved but what was more worrying is my group of 4 was told we would have to wait for a table when there were 2 small tables together which would have seated us comfortably (not reserved). We were told they wanted to keep it so they could use as 2 tables of 2 so when we asked if we could seat as 2 couples we were again declined. Needless to say we were appauled and left.
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Miss Hobbs
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 4
Sunday, March 09, 2008

Great food and normally a good atmosphere here, however.... I've just tried to book a table. If you are under six people you can't book. If you're six or over you have to fit in around them. The attitude of people answering the phone doesn't make me want to ever go into this restaurant again, which is a shame.
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teddy k
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Saturday, March 08, 2008

I love this place, really good atmosphere and friendly staff. The food and drink are both terrific and inexpensive. There is just one problem...its always busy, so i am pleased when i see a bad review because that means THERE WILL BE MORE ROOM FOR THE REST OF US!
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Christopher
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, December 20, 2007

Went last night for my wife's birthday on the strength of a good vegetarian selection. Service was mainly good although one dish arrived after we had finished everything else and so we rejected it but it was still on the bill. The food was a bit tasteless and came with sauces that tasted "out of the bottle".
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Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Saturday, November 24, 2007

I have been a devoted fan of Carmen's for ten years and it caused me a great deal of upset to read a bad review of such an amazing and in terms, of cutomer care, a truly, wonderful restaurant. The magical part of becoming a regular and this happens as soon as you negotiate the threshold, is you are treated with warmth, understanding and kindness. Then comes the service. Always suberb. Always polite and dignified. Part of the gift of Flavia, who is, without question one of the world's most talented managers is her ability to read people. Speaking as some-one who goes to eat undisturbed and often after a busy day in a studio where after having been surrounded by a million demands, the permission to just relax and not feel freakish, is something I treasure. Here in an atmosphere of gaiety and variety the hundred different scenes played out and conversations held, I have watched unobserved as each separate scenario is seemlessly stage managed by this sensitive and perceptive woman.

The urge to participate in the ritual of eating out is irresistible becauses it purges, assures and allows us to belong to a busy, vivid, family atmosphere. I beg everyone to experience this rare and generous environment. It is a national treasure I would like to keep to myself and friends, but now feel moved to speak out and champion the hardworking staff and Manager. Thank you.
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Milly
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, March 26, 2007

WOW.!...........tapas is a style of eating and a truly spanish experience.

As i've been living in Spain for some time i was curious about being taken to a London-based spanish tapas Restaurant.

Service was fast and friendly .Carmen's staff looked after us all- and made the right recommendations , whether it was the sherry and olives as an aperitif or some knowladgable suggestions about the menu. The food was fresh and delicious . Must to try the blue cheese croquettes , the cod and the pork.

The atmosphere is very good, there's a nice buzz about this place, even though it's a quite small restaurant.

It was a very busy saturday night and the staff never got pushy about us leaving the table , just like in Spain and quite unusual for London.

With two bottles of wine with the food just over £20,00 each wich we thought was outsdanding value.

DEFINETELY GO BACK AGAIN!
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Jade Morris
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, March 23, 2007

Stumbled across this little gem whilst out with friends in Clapham. Was busy and buzzing - great atmosphere. Impressed by the varied menu, nice staff and attentive service. Food was delicious and well presented and arrived promptly even though we were a big group. Stayed till late drinking and was made to feel welcome to stay. Will return at the earliest opportunity - good value for money and highly recommended.
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Darren - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Sunday, March 18, 2007

I really want to write a nice review for Carmen; I've lived in this area for ages and have been going to Carmen at least once a month pretty much since I arrived in Clapham. The menu hasn't changed much in a long time but that wasn't the issue... My boyfriend and I settled in to our table (usual wine ordered, usual yummy dishes) and everything was fine.

Having waited an age for a dish to come out of the kitchen, I tried to get the attention of the waiter who seated us and took our order, to get another drink, while we were waiting. No joy but I assumed they were just busy or didn't see me. When the food did come I managed to order, but the drinks didn't come. I asked for the empty dishes to be moved as a memeber of staff was on their way to the kitchen (itsy bitsy tables once you have wine and water on the table), which never happened.

I made eye contact and smiled at a waitress signalling for some help, who gave me a really odd look (I was getting a bit annoyed at this point) and ignored me. There was only one dish we didn't get close to finishing (huge patatas bravas, eyes bigger than my tum) and the waitress (wearing a trouser suit so may have been management) finally came over and curtly asked if we had hadn't enjoyed the meal. I said that we had, but hoped to get the drinks we ordered earlier. The woman seemed really off hand and annoyed by us (my boyfriend was agast, especialy as they are normally so nice) and so we asked for the bill. It was getting embarrassing.

We were charged for drinks we never had, and its the only time I haven't been inclined to tip as I as made to feel so awful. As we left the waitress tutted, as she cleared our table (I had dropped a butter sachet from my sideplate and butter was on the table). Nice. Sorry, never again on principle. What a shame.
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AJF
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, February 28, 2007

This place is sooo much value for money and I cannot believe Nics review. I have been going here for 4 years and even with a high staff turnover (spanish student staff) you still get a personal welcome. The food is not gourmet but for £25 per head including the best wine I can't fault it. Fantastic fun and great atmosphere - do give this a try!
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simon
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Friday, February 02, 2007