Magdalen

Very good starters, OK mains. Decent puds. Main problem is the portion sizes, which for some of the dishes (particularly pig cheek) were downright mean. This must be the only time I've emerged from a 3-course meal hungry. Service was slow. The cooking is decent and I want to recommend the restaurant... but I really can't.
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Jeremy
6 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 3
Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Had dinner at Magdalen after a year absence, and they continue to produce top meals. Asparagus soup was rich and flavourful and the Veal mains were simply perfect. Cheese selection was top notch, and the wine list was well priced. It's great to see a restaurant keep the cooking at such a high level after 4 years, but the service is still extremely slow. Dinner for two spanned uncomfortably over 3.5 hours on a Wednesday night, not aided by the hard bistro chairs. We remembered why we stopped frequenting the restaurant as much as we did when they first opened - we can't spare that much time!
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6 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Thursday, May 12, 2011

Four of us went for lunch this week to celebrate my daughters birthday. I really wish I had chosen elswhere. Small portions of very underwhelming food. I felt we had paid a lot of money for nothing to shout about.
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Adrian - View all reviews by this user
4 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 3
Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Had lunch today. First class service. Set lunch very good value for money. Good quality wines by the glass. Will definitely go again - very soon!
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Eileen Spalding
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Friday, November 26, 2010

Food is really imaginative and good value. Service was knowledgeable and helpful, including assitance with wine selection. We have eaten here several times, both alone and with guests and would recommend it highly.
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Ian & Vanessa - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Just an update as not reviewed for a long time. Remains one of the best restaurants in London, serving hearty, meat heavy british cuisine. Think Anchor & Hope but with booking and a more relaxed atmosphere. Excellent, and reasonable value, though by no means cheap.
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8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Sunday, April 04, 2010

No changes from any of the other reviews, but adding mine to show its still ticking along. Good food, good service, price a bit on the high side, especially as it still has paper tablecloths, but despite that the room is a good looking space and there's always good atmosphere.
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8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Sunday, March 07, 2010

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
9 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
9 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
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Saturday, May 09, 2009