Magdalen

I always found it difficult to pick a restaurant around London Bridge. There are many of them, of course, but most are bland, boring chains, serving harmless but unexciting food, so I am really thrilled we found Magdalen.

It is the perfect place for a tasty, earthy yet smart meal at a decent price. The food has a traditional feel to it. No fancy experiments here, just what you would expect the dish to taste like, just that little bit better. I was told Magdalen served a traditional British fare, but it had a distinct countryside French feel to me. I won't complain about it though, the goose rillettes and cornichons reminded me of childhood holidays in the Beaujolais. I loved every bite of it.

The decor is nice and warm. There's a lovely bar, which gives the space a more relaxed feel, white table clothes and very friendly, unobtrusive staff. It's the kind of place you could go to for any occasion, from a romantic meal to dinner with your in-laws.

I had dinner with a friend of mine, we had a two course meal (well, I had three...couldn't resist the appeal of cheese...) and a very good bottle of Brodeaux. The bill came to about £50 each, which we thought was good value given how delicious the food was.

Magdalen is definitely an address to keep in mind.
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Emma
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Definitely my favourite place south of the Thames. Excellent food, a comprhensive wine list, very attentive and pleasant service. We felt welcome the moment we stepped through the door.. The daily changing menu reflects the freshness and seasonality of the food.

We will go back.
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Baguette - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, November 17, 2009

I took my girlfriend to Magdalen last night for our anniversary and it provided the perfect venue. Great atmosphere, great service and fantastic food (roast middlewhite pork for me and fantastically rich chocolate cake with hazlenut ice-cream for the lady). We enjoyed a glass of bubbly at the bar before our meal and 3 hours later were still there. The wine list was solid and reasonable. A great little spot, we'll definitely be going back again soon.
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Angus
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Saturday, May 09, 2009

Very over-rated. Unmemorable food and lack-lustre service. Not worth the journey from out of central London. So many better places at this price. (£120 for 2).
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Mike
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 4
Thursday, December 11, 2008

Was going to write a piece saying how great it was for me and my wife when we ate here for my birthday, but just read on! Just hope the success doesn't mean they move centrally.
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Adam B
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, December 09, 2008

This has to be if not the best, then one of the top 3 restaurants in London. It is as close to faultless as any restaurant I've eaten in.

The room is simple and lovely, the food is extraordinarily good and the wine list is a lesson to other restaurants in not being greedy with mark ups

I've been telling all my friends to eat here and the only negative thing I've heard anyone say is that they have paper tablecloths (although it makes sense if you have any of the dishes to share)

And if that is the only thing anyone can find wrong with somewhere, then it has to be pretty damn good! I can't recommend this place highly enough
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Cat - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, June 19, 2008

Great ambience with high ceilings, wooden floors, table cloths and a bar behind which the wine selection was beautifully arranged. One of the healthiest buzzs I ve heard (not too noisy, not too silent-probably an indication of the good table arrangement). Service and food wasn't perfect but inspired.

The whole package is definately to be recommended and I d definately go again for its charm and unpretentious elegance.
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Maria - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Yep, what can one say that the rest haven't already?

Very good food, nice looking restaurant and friendly and friendly staff.
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Johnny be good
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, April 01, 2008

One of the best restaurants I've ever been to. My boyfriend and I went there for Valentine's Day, and despite being roughly 10 minutes late for our booking, they had no quibbles about it whatsoever, and still made us feel welcomed. Service, ambience, and food especially, were all fantastic. Starters through to desserts were all faultless. Highly recommended.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, February 19, 2008

One of the best restaurants in London. A favourite of mine and reserved for special occasions. The food is delicous, served up in ample portions and arranged with care. The fois gras is a delight, the meat, tender and succulent... and if you have room, the puddings are scrumptious.

Food aside, the atmosphere is intimate and cosy, the lighting and decor makes you feel like it is a very special evening. The staff are polite, friendly and in-obtrusive, and there is no one rushing you out the door.

If you are planning a treat, then this is the place to do it. It is really worth the money, and even so it isn't so expensive for what you get.

I am going again for my birthday and I can't wait.

Thank you Magdalen!
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yasmeen
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, January 17, 2008