LMNT

The rudest staff I've ever encountered!!!!

A polite attempt to engage the waiter in conversation by asking the ingredients of a cocktail turned into him launching an attack on us. He thought we were questioning his skills as a barman, despite our assurances that we were just interested. He had no people skills and made us feel uncomfortable for the rest of the night.

The waitress was less abusive but didn't smile or speak when she brought us our food. The food was nice, not as nice as Bistroteque.
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5
Sunday, May 03, 2009

WOW.

Just wow should suffice but I guess I ought to write some more. I managed to get a last minute table as we were going out nearby. What a surprise to find such an unbelievable restaurant and get a table 2 hours after calling. The food, ambience, service and everything that goes into making a restaurant a pleasure to eat in was wrapped up here in a perfect little bundle. Two of us ate for less than £60 including an £8 tip and a £20 bottle of wine. Admittedly we only had a starter and main course each, no desert or coffees, but the portions were more than sufficient, hence no desert. There was also the fact that we were in a bit of a rush, but next time we go it will be solely for that restaurant so we will fully enjoy all they have to offer. I guess I ought to mention the bathroom décor, not for the prudish or, and probably more so, the young, but in my eyes superb :-)
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Phil Langdon
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, April 26, 2009

We've been here several times and have always found the food fantastic. I normally just go there with my girlfriend but we have also been there in large groups and everytime we have been pleased with the service. I'm surprised others have had such a bad experience as I have never experienced this myself. The price of the meals are fantastic too. If you can, book one of the booths on offer. It's a unique dining experience! Highly recommended!
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, April 22, 2009

I've been to LMNT many times, and went again recently for my husbands birthday. They weren't terribly helpful when I tried to book a table- said I couldn't reserve a table for 2, as the 2-person tables were already booked, and we couldn't reserve a 4-person table for 2 people. So, I just called 2 friends to come with us, and booked for 4. The table near us was a 2-person table, which was empty all the time we were there :-{}

Other than that, it was it's usual fantastic self- delicious food, great cocktails, reasonable prices- we've only ever had good service there. The atmosphere is just great- if you have one of the little tiny tables up the little flights of stairs, or the "cage" table over the bar, or the table inside the big bottle- you'll have a really special time.
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Helen - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, November 21, 2008

Went to LMNT for my birthday this weekend - been a few times in the past as always found their food delicious and love the ambience. Sadly, although the food lived up to expectations again, I am amazed how some of the staff get away with being so dismissive and rude.

Our waitress was very polite and pleasant but the head waiter needs to learn a few lessons in how to treat his customers with courtesy. He appeared to behave as if everything was too much trouble - even handing me my coat at the end of the evening!! Shame as always loved this place.
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SH - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, November 11, 2008

This is a fabulous little restaurant, with the most riotous, intriguing and outlandish décor you’re likely to find anywhere in London – a bizarre but enthralling cocktail of Egyptian, Roman and Greek. It’s located in a particularly uninviting area of Hackey, East London; the last place you’d expect to find somewhere like this! The entrance is heralded by two giant Egyptian cats, in amusing contrast with the dingy surroundings. We sat in a cosy alcove by a sphinx, which was charming, but utterly outdone by the enormous classical urn below that was big enough to sit a whole group inside...!

Décor aside, the food was delicious – and amazingly cheap! I had the steamed moules with ginger, lemongrass and chilli peppers for starter, and my boyfriend had the leek, bacon and smoked haddock tart with tarragon dressing. For mains I had breast of duck with mango and almond sauce, and he had the fillet of sea bream in a beurre blanc sauce. We were both agreed that every dish was perfectly cooked, and the interesting combinations of flavours worked wonderfully. Beautifully presented as well. My only (minor) gripe would be that the portion sizes were a touch on the small side.

Service was a bit rushed as the place was busy, but the waitresses were attentive and we didn’t have to wait too long between courses. The final bill came to just over £50, which given that we had a couple of bottles of wine is exceptionally good value.

A word of warning though – the prudish are advised to keep their eyes firmly averted when using the toilets. Look up and you’ll be confronted with extravagant murals that are pornographic on an epic scale. Ace!
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Katie
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, September 24, 2008

I live in Dalston and have visited LMNT on several occasions. Each time I have not been disappointed. Although the menu is not the biggest in the world there is enough variety to please most people. I have been with my family, just me and my girlfriend and also with about 20 people for a birthday and have found the restaurant spot on on all occasions. As for the alleged rudeness of the staff, I have not seen this. Nor have the countless friends who have recommended it to me or have taken my recommendation. It is a well priced unpretentious place suitable for most occasions. And the fact that they have recently opened a second restaurant should go somewhere to disprove the negative opinion of this place. If it's so bad why is there always so many people wanting to eat there? We must all be idiots!
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Matt C
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Friday, May 30, 2008

I went to LMNT on date last week. All I can say is it's a good thing I didn't read the negative reviews here, because I thought it was great.

It's a nice surprise to find a decent, and recently priced place so close to where I live.

The Egyptian theme gave us plenty to chat about and I liked the fact that each table has it's own little area making it quite private.

The food was very good (I had the chicken breast) and at just under a tenner for the main, it was good value.
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Dave Leigh
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Sunday, April 20, 2008

Having been to the restaurant regularly over the last few years, I have to say that the previous poor reviews do not match my own experience.

Firstly, the food has always been consistently good and offers excellent value. Whilst I have preferred some dishes to others, I have no complaints about the standard.

The staff are always welcoming, pleasant and helpful ... I'm not there to socialise with the staff, all I want is a good service and I can safely say that they have never been anything but pleasant to me or any of my friends.

The design is eclectic and fun, which adds to the experience.

Always an enjoyable and inexpensive meal.
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John Mansfield
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Absolutely awful! Food wasn't cooked! Disgraceful staff! Rude Rude Rude!
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T.Scott
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Thursday, March 13, 2008