The Lantern Taverna

We have been to the Lantern quite a few times in the past and always had a fantastic time and last night was no different, in fact we supplied the entertainment -- we went for my daughter's birthday and a couple of her friends could "belly dance" which they did quite a few times throughout the night. Only one comment regarding the food it was no where as good as it use to be in fact I have to say it was quite poor - but this did not spoil our evening everyone agreed we had a brilliant night - thank you.
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Sharon Burch
8 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Sunday, May 29, 2011

I had not been to the Lantern for about 2 years and was really looking forward to that special atmosphere that I had never found in any UK restaurant. I came with a party of 3 friends and had told them about the quirky decor, friendly staff, good entertainment and good ample value for money food and drinks.

It has gone. The staff are still great with attentive service. The decor has been 'upgraded' and although clean, has completely killed the atmosphere of the place. Hopefully this was due to health and safety intervention and not a conscious decision.

The singer had a really loud keyboard, with about 4 greek songs, and some boistrous singalong tunes too, cranked up to number 11 from the get go.

Before, every time I had been, there had been a guitarist singing really mellow stuff, perfect and unobtrusive while eating and chatting, getting more inclusive and partylike as the evening progressed.

The food although good compared to many places is now different, the seafood on the night appeared to be all frozen uniform 'mom's gone to Iceland and not Ionia' type items. The old style of 'bringing a range of food until you said stop' now seems to be more like a 'normal' menu.

The prices seemed a hell of a lot more per head also. Beer and wine was ok and prices not too bad, but an extra bottle of wine appeared on the bill that had not been ordered, this however was dealt with well by the staff.

In summary, somewhere quirky, special and a night out, not a restaurant has now become a.n.other restaurant., albeit still a little better than many others I have visited.

I was sad to hear that Michael the last owner had died. I think that unfortunately, he has taken the soul of the place with him.
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Mick Sorahan
6 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 5
Tuesday, March 01, 2011

I have been to the Lantern this evening with friends, though this wasn't the intended destination when we set out.

Service, ambience and food were all great and we all left happy that our original destination couldn't cater for us. All saying we'd go again anytime

We'll be back!
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Paul
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Sunday, July 04, 2010

We visited on Saturday 27 March 2010, didnt know the place or had any reviews we were staying at the ramada and wanted something closeby - we booked on the Friday and had to wait when we arrived (only because the people were obviously having so much fun they didnt want to leave) staff welcomed us and gave us a drink while we waiting the the atmosphere was great, it was very pretty inside and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves and food looked good. After 20 mins we were shown our table and had a lovely evening....it was my wifes 50th birthday and we had been into London for the day and it rounded off a great week end, would well recommend the full catastrophe, a bit of everything.
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Andrew and Susan Bamford
10 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, March 29, 2010

went with family ...for a birthday meal ....the staff were so friendly ....more than helpful ...and the food was plentiful and tasted really good ...the singer worked at entertaining everyone and the whole restaurant was having a good time ...there were tamborines and castonets to play and joining in was fun ....but there was no pressure if you just wanted to eat and watch ..........they sang happy birthday to the guests who had a birthday that evening and my husbands dessert arrived with a sparkler in it ......they provided ribeena for my grandson and nothing seemed to much trouble ......we had a fantastic evening ...........and would recomend this place for the food and fun ........
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10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Thursday, March 25, 2010

I have been visiting and enjoying the Lantern since 1988!

It always feels like going on holiday to Cyprus, and I have always enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, good generously portioned food and decent wine, with usually a good singer too.Fantastic value for money too. I have just booked again for a few weeks time, and am really looking forward to it.

I have lived in Northampton, Birmingham and North Wales, since living in Acton, but always tried to visit the Lantern with new friends every year.All have enjoyed their lunch or dinner, which is usually more of a night out!

I can thoroughly recommend the Lantern, and will certainly be happy to visit next time, and many more times in the future. Definitely worth a try!!
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Mick Sorahan
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, February 25, 2009