Rocket Riverside

I have wanted to go to Rocket in Putney for ages, and after spotting thier 2-4-1 pizza deal a few of us decided to take advantage. I have to say by the end of the night I felt a bit disappointed. Pizza's were ok, but fairly average and the service we received from our waitress was irksome.

She gave the impression that we were doing something wrong by wanting to take advantage of the 2-4-1 and and became increasingly unfriendly as the night proceeded. What did it for me was when she poured the water into my quite fulll wine glass, and without really an apology got a new glass and tried to refill it with the bottle that was on the table. That bottle was empty,so with as much generosity as she could muster she returned with a thimbleful of wine placed it in front of me and said "we don't serve the wine that you had by the glass so you get to taste this pinot grigio for free". Well lucky me. I couldn't drink the rest of it on principle.

I would consider going back there but it would be for the views only, and not the food. Many of the other staff there seemed quite polite and friendly and the bar staff at the back seem lovely, but if I had to be served by that waitress again I would walk out and go somewhere else.
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ka_earl - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Friday, March 14, 2008

The execution of the food severely lets down this well located & decorated restaurant. Wierd starter, bland main course & awful desert.
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Nick Martin
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 1
Wednesday, December 19, 2007

What a great night!!! Popped down last night for a quick bite and ended up staying untill they closed. Our waiter, a very friendly south african called Mark, recommended a delicious french wine. As I do not generally like european wines I was extremely suprises at how easily it went down.

The food was perfect for our current miserable winter weather. I ordered the pork on sweet potato mash which hit all the right spots and my girlfriend had a pancetta and goats cheese pizza. She actually chucked the diet and finished the whole pizza - quite a achievemant because of the generous portions.

We did have to wait a bit for our mains, but the manager - another friendly south african (seems to be a bit of a trend here) this time called Elaine - came over and explained to us before we even had to ask. Brilliant service all round. And unlike most restaurants they actually asked if we wanted to include the service charge!

I will definately be back. Just can't believe I've lived just over the bridge for three years and never been here before!
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james
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Saturday, November 10, 2007

Never been here before and have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Well-priced food, relaxed but professional service and great cocktails from their bar. Will definitely come back.
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Charles
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, September 01, 2007

Having visited Rocket on Saturday night, after walking past many times before, we were throughly disappointed with the restaurant.

The food on the menu looked delicious, and consequently, we were having difficulty chosing what to have. We decided to order our starters first, as we hadn't yet decided on our main course, but the starters arrived before we had a chance to order our mains. Instead of waiting for us to finish, the waiter came to take our main course order while we were still enjoying our starters (these dishes were nice) - mouth's full of food! Not the best.

Our main courses then arrived before they had cleared our starter plates away. The main course dishes were not enjoyable. The steak, although cooked rare as requested, was of a 'slimy' consistency, cooked in too much oil, butter, and was cold. The tuna was over seasoned, and too highly flavoured, which ruined the dish.

The waitress then came to take our plates, and did not offer the sweet menu or coffees, we were then left for 20 minutes, by which time we just wanted to leave, so asked for the bill. Having left the money, no one returned to take it, so we left (money on the table).

It was a shame, as the views from the restaurant are lovely, and the restaurant has a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere. Whether we got them on an off day, I don't know, but I certainly won't be going back to find out!
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Louisa
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, August 28, 2007

I went to the rocket riverside in putney this Wednesday and thoroughly enjoyed my experience. We were seated on one of the seats overlooking the thames, which was at high tide, so the view was great. Having looked over the wine list, we were unable to choose a wine. The waitress recommended a lovely rose and helped me decide between the crispy coconut squid and the tuna. I choose the squid which was well presented and an interesting mix of flavours. My friend enjoyed her lamb with cous cous. Overall I found the evening was very nice, the service was friendly and casual and not too in you face. The food was well priced, tasty and there was a good variety of different dishes. The only downer was that I found the music was a little loud, but I did ask them to lower it, which they did do.

I think I will be having the tuna next time I visit, it looked lovely.
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Nicki
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Friday, June 08, 2007

Went for a good night out to Rocket in Putney - got served very average Mojito's - order again at the bar and mentioned that the Mojito's wasn't the best we had. The Manager told us that it is the best Mojito's and that he had worked in a lot of bar's "in town". We agreed to disagree after he told us that they won't be serving us anymore drinks. Totally unprofessional and made me and my group leave much earlier as we would have liked to. Nice venue, but weak customer service and a lack of professionalism from the manager.
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T Botha
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4
Sunday, May 20, 2007

I have eaten there on several occasions, but recently experienced appalling 'customer service' as our waitress refused to let us sit outside on a Saturday lunchtime (April 07) as, despite the fact that we were surrounded by several unreserved, empty tables, they were "only for two" and we were a party of three.

After our suggestions of either a) taking a chair from an adjacent table, or b) pulling two tables together were both met with sullen derision ("we can't do that", "it will overload our staff") we left utterly wound up and went for lunch elsewhere. The whole episode was hugely embarrassing, not least as I'd actually recommended Rocket to my two companions.

Two thumbs down, I'm afraid. Rocket need to teach their staff some common sense, discretion and manners.
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Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5
Sunday, April 22, 2007

Had a perfect evening here on valentines day. Service was attentive but not intrusive. The menu really does have something for everyone and the wine selection is full and varied. Excellent value for money too. Tables were a good distance apart so you don't feel crammed in or like you're eating with the people next to you. A fabulous view over the thames too.
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EJE
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Saturday, February 17, 2007

Have always recommended this restaurant as the location and food is great.

Was there last night and the service was APPALING

Was so disappointed nad gone completely off it.
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Kerryn Foot
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 6
Saturday, February 10, 2007