Little Bay (Farringdon Rd)

Went there last week for lunch with two work colleagues. The restaurant was really busy but the the waiters were still very responsive. The chicken that one of my colleagues ordered was pretty well prepared and tasty, the lamb I ordered instead was very insipid. They have a very good list of wines at really good prices. Best course I had was dessert: the chocolate cream was freshly made and still warm, which is what I call quality.

For the 15GBP each that we spent I would say it was good value for money.
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Giovanni - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 8
Friday, December 21, 2007

I went to little bay in Farringdon last Friday for my wife’s Birthday dinner and it was an absolute disaster!!!

The first disappointment began when our 2-person group were seated near the repulsively ugly table 6 obnoxious people whose visage was so disagreeable that I neglected my delicious first course of Chicken liver.

The second disappointment came when it became apparent that the eating noises from the adjacent table would be extended when one of their group did not receive their main course on time.

The offering of free alcohol only abated this cacophony.

We agreed to pay for their dinner as long as they left immediately.

We demanded a pleasant night out but were rewarded with w*****s!

Ps Our congenial Latin waiter was divine!
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Verybigannoyedgayatbay
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 10
Saturday, November 17, 2007

I went to Little Bay in Farringdon last Friday for my husband’s birthday dinner and it was an absolute disaster.

The first disappointment began when our 6 person group were seated in the least attractive corner of the basement overlooking a white tiled dish bar area from where we jealously looked at the rest of the otherwise theatrically decorated of restaurant.

The second disappointment wasn’t long in coming when the waitress forgot to write one of our parties main course down. She then had to wait for this to be cooked whilst the rest of us ate.

This was compensated by a free bottle of wine which we were happy with.

The climax of this nightmare was to follow when the same member of our party who had to wait for her main was then served her dessert, profita rolls in chocolate sauce. After one bite it was clear these were no normal profita rolls and were instead profita rolls stuffed with crab meat and ginger.

We requested a manager who unwillingly apologized saying that the starter and dessert look similar and offered an exchange for any other desert of choice.

This was totally unacceptable for us and we made him agree we are not going to pay for the dinner at all.

All in all apart of a very unprofessional and aggressive manager the menu was very average and the quality reflected the price.

My conclusion of Little Bay is simple "You get what you pay for"

My expectations were high because of the fantastic reviews this place received so I am writing this review for a possibly more demanding customer audience.
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Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Thursday, October 25, 2007

After seeing the reviews online we decided to check this place out and I have to say the first impression when you walk in is not great. It has more of a gaudy cafe/trattoria look and feel to it and it wasn't very busy.

However, all that goes away as soon as you get your first dish. The food was very well presented and I have to say the description on the menu didn't do it justice. There is only one word to describe it and it was delicious! What's more is that it's very rare to find such quality at such prices. I will most definitely return for more.
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Keyvan Azami
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, October 16, 2007

I came here for lunch with my parents the other day - I had been to the Belsize Road one years before, but never to the one in Farringdon...

It was just as good as I had remembered, perhaps better. Friendly and efficient service, great ambience and fantastic food. I think my parents were suspicious of the bargain prices at first, but after tucking into excellently-cooked lamb and duck, we were all full of praise.

I'll definitely be going back - great food way under the magic £10 mark - just wish they'd open one near where I live!
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Pruski
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, October 05, 2007

There are a lot of restaurants in Clerkenwell but Little Bay stands out for its atmosphere, food and value. Maitre d's Nico and Jessie are always friendly and run the restaurant with calm efficiency. The kitchen produces some great fish courses such as Red Snapper, the chefs presenting the dish with thoughtful composition. Recently, I tried the excellent and savoury Tarte Tatin, a blend of aubergine, peppers and red onion mellowed with balsamic vinegar. There's no doubt that Little Bay has stamped its authority on good value cuisine without sacrificing quality. I wish they had a restaurant closer to where I live.
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Graham
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, September 27, 2007

Returning to Little Bay recently, I was still very impressed!

Often, a place or a dish is not what you rememberd it to be but this place didn't dissappoint. It just has got everything going for it. The prices, (especially at Lunchtime) are excellent value for money. Judging by it's popularity and this fact is obviously recognised by all the locals.

I found the menu well though out and to contain something suitable for most peoples tastes. Well done on the interesting and clever combinations.

Everyone agreed it was a nice freindly place and a good choice for any time of day. Fun place to be too!

Would absolutely recommend you give it a try.
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Nigel
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, September 24, 2007

I and my friends often lunch at Little Bay, and we've dined there as well. We love the over-the-top kitsch decor with the collaged tables, murals, candles and the extraordinary hanging lamps. The staff are great, pleasant and efficient. The food is excellent - especially at their v good prices – and the house wine ditto. Check out the chicken with pesto and asparagus. The fish and lamb dishes go down v well also. As for their chips in goose fat.... Forget the diet. The menu is simple but has an interesting kick. Music occasionally a little loud for those of us who like the sound of our own voices - but you can always ask for it to be turned down. It has a great buzzy atmosphere, and there are booths for four at the back of the ground floor where you can have a bit more privacy. Downstairs there's loads of room for bigger parties. Good food at good prices in an off-beat setting. We have never had anything other than a great experience there.
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Kit Spring - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, September 21, 2007

Oh Wow!One of the most sublime eating experience ever had.

The food was properly cooked and presented to perfection and portions were larger than I would expect for this money.

Its a great value for money.

The staff were charming and attentive without being obsequious.

what a fantastic experience from the minute you walk through the door till the minute you leave.

Would defineitely reccommend Little Bay
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Dipu
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, September 11, 2007

My friend and I chose this restaurant after our dinner reservation fell through. I have to say it was a huge mistake! The quality of the food is little better than chain pub standard but at least 50% more expensive. The cheese burger was cold and honestly tasted like a supermarket hamburger. The desserts too were flavourless and clearly straight out of a packet. The service was reasonably good but the kitchen was in full view and chefs were clearly disgruntled as they kept shouting to the wait staff. More than once a waft of cigarette smoke came into the restaurant from the kitchen… Do yourself a favour and avoid this place. The Chop House over the road (or any other restaurant near Exmouth Market) looked a better bet.
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Jedi - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Tuesday, August 14, 2007