The Empress of India

I loved this place! The food, atmosphere and staff were all lovely! We found it just by googling 'Gastro Pub East London' - I have never written a review but felt compelled to do so. For a Sunday lunch it was perfect. We were a group of 6 and the food came on time and was delicious. The waitresses were attentive - and the Manager even shared how they got their pork crackling so good. Highly recommend.
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Alex - View all reviews by this user
10 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Sunday, December 11, 2011

The reviews here seem to vary wildly!

Busy enough on my last visit - Tuesday night - may be quiter on the weekend?

Good bread - great steak -interesting wine list

Glad to have it on my doorstep

Like a lot.
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banjobob - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, November 16, 2011

I went for the first time (new or old owners) on Saturday afternoon. Instantly a great atmosphere and the waitress serving us was really friendly and attentive.

My friend and I mixed up bar snacks and mains. Good, gutsy food and the portions were not small (as mentioned in previous reviews). We went for the cheap end of the wine list and were pleasantly surprised at the Rioja that we got for our money.

I'd go back.

As for the decor, you dont eat wallpaper so to me, it was perfectly comfortable. A

great place to take your time and watch the winter nights draw in!
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Nick
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Monday, November 14, 2011

Extremely sad, this used to be a lovely welcoming environment, lovely friendly staff and great roast chicken for Sunday lunch. Now its well!!!! like everywhere else, bare brickwork, cheap painted bar and tables, no atmosphere. The small plates idea is so old hat these days. Whoever owns this place now is obviously only doing what he likes and wants and is not thinking of his clientele. So sad as this used to be the place to go in the area. The managment need to rethink what they are doing. Plus I never see anyone in there. Have been in twice now and been the only people in there at 7ish on a Friday night.
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CB - View all reviews by this user
2 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Friday, November 11, 2011

I can't believe the change of atmosphere, decor and staff at the Empress. It's awful now, really bland and cold. The beautiful mirror behind the bar has gone and in it's place a load of 'All Bar One' shelving and tiles. The fab staff have all gone, it's really a sad depressing place now. And as for the food! Overpriced little dishes and tiny little mains. Such a shame...
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Adrian
2 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Sunday, November 06, 2011

I found it very strange to read some of the reviews below! I think The Empress is a great improvement from the previous owners.

I have eaten there twice and both times the food was excellent, very quick to come out and certainly, considering the quality, very reasonably priced. The new owner, on both occasions, took the time to speak to us and made us feel very comfortable.

The wine list features some of the best wines on the market at the moment and for what they are, they too are very reasonably priced.

Me and my partner had a cocktail each and they were both made very very well.

I would certainly recommend this pub to everyone and whilst you're there try the black aioli!

The only downside of the pub is that there is not enough draught beer to make it a place for a quick pint after work. But then I suppose is more of a wine bar than a pub.
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Marina Anderson
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Popped in to try the menu at the Empress for the first time since it has changed hands. Very quiet for a Saturday night but the kitchen seemed to know what they were doing and we had a very pleasent evening -will be returning.
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eat my sauce - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8
Thursday, September 01, 2011

Used to visit every sunday for the delicious whole roast chicken for two with the home made bread sauce. Would have thought the new management would have done some research of what the regulars enjoyed.... visited with friends and the menu was smaller, less choice, more expensive, smaller portions... felt hungry after starter and main! meat was fatty, gravy was tasteless, three strips of cabbage, a lonely carrot..... very disappointing
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5 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 2
Friday, August 19, 2011

The Empress used to be reliable, friendly, and good value. I fear the change of management has also brought a change to the standards. On my last visit (July 2011), the food was badly cooked and greasy, the staff were disorganised and sullen, the drinks were warm and tasteless, and the atmosphere was horrible. Given that this was a lovely place to spend a few hours in London, it seems a shame that the 'new improved' cannot improve on that.
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2 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Wednesday, August 17, 2011

I read great reviews but was really disappointed. Visited Sunday at 7.30pm, and all the 'specials' were unavailable. I have a gluten free diet and was told I could easily be catered for, but this was not the case. I ended up with a feta salad but this was a few salad leaves from a bag, small pieces of feta and bit of beetroot, costing £11!! Just dreadful. Otherwise service was good.
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Nish
5 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 1
Monday, June 13, 2011