Gastro

I have now eaten at Gastro twice. Most recently on a Sunday evening. We really enjoyed the food which was prompt and delicious and the staff were friendly. The atmosphere was relaxed. We observed a nice mix of people there, including a couple obviously on a first internet date and a discreet family party where the waiters came and sang a french accented 'happy birthday!' My partner and I stayed for dessert, then coffee and were the last to leave. The staff were easy going and let us stay late, just tidying up around us. We're going again next month and booking the big table for a layed back birthday celebration.
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Sunday, June 28, 2009

Ok, went last night and here's the verdict: The overwhelming thought of coming away from Gastro is that it is a place that can’t really be bothered.

The menu, the dog-eared, faded, laminated state of which suggests nothing much changes, just feels like a chef who can’t really be bothered to step out of doing just what he’s always done. This must be dull, and bored chefs don’t make great food.

The place is a bit run down and peeling. Fine in some contexts for sure, but again, this just feels like a place where the proprietors can’t really be bothered to do it up at all, as enough people still trickle in for it not really to matter.

The service? Well I ordered a drink, it arrived. We ordered some food, then it arrived, and once we’d finished the plates went, but there was no great feeling that these were people who lost a lot of sleep over customer care, as long as whatever they order gets to the table. But wait, you say. In an authentic French bistro this is exactly what happens. Fine, I say, but when you’re in the middle of London paying top end London prices considering what you are getting, you expect a bit more than the bare minimum.

About six or seven years ago Gastro was a place that people would talk about and recommend to one another. Since then the ‘gastropub’ thing has happened, rightly being described as Britain’s answer to the bistro. There are a handful of very good gastropubs within walking distance of Gastro, that have successfully taken the essence of the bistro, combined it with quality cooking, in a pleasant environment with great staff. Rather than seeing this as motivation to try harder, Gastro seems to have given up, resting on the laurels of its location and reputation.

With some effort and changes this place could be really great, but until then, I just can’t be bothered.
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Jake
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 2
Friday, February 20, 2009

Don't mean to sound cynical as i have had some good times at Gastro, but it's pretty clear that they are writing quite a lot of their own reviews on this site, which in itself is not a good sign, but is particularly obvious when put against the relatively indifferent 'real' ones. Going to go this week for the first time in ages, so will see which is closer to the truth. Watch this space.
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Jake Allen
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5
Wednesday, February 18, 2009

I am agreeably surprised of l'evolution of Gastro, food is very good, the service is pleasant, the good ambience this fact of feeling.

I would return has Gastro for his quality, price which is completely correct considering the economic crisis.

Thank you Gastro
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Friday, February 06, 2009

It's a great shame how disappointing Gastro has become. My wife and I though we'd give it a second change but wished we hadn't. The toilets looked as if a cleaner hadn't been near them in months. The food French onion soup was bland and the Coq au Vine burnt. This restaurant really needs to up its game.
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Jeremy Elliott
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Tuesday, February 03, 2009

My last visit one year ago was very disapointing.

What very succesfull evening. Last night, when i bring some friends to Gastro to give seconde chance the foie gras to start was the best i ever test gravalax , salad st jacques was amazing. The cod, sirloin steack and coq to follow the essence of a great cook .

The best dinner since a long time. Thank you and well done to the head chef. You going to see me again
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Thursday, January 22, 2009

I looked this restaurant up last weekend and I found terrible reviews. I walked past it once and I was really keen to try it out, so I decided to take a group of friends there last Saturday, despite the reviews.

Well, we had a lovely experience there.

The food was great, and yes it took a while to arrive (but it was 10 of us) but everyone of us was pleased with their dish. The steaks, the chicken, the sea bass and the desserts were all great and the service was good and friendly too.

I am very surprised at these reviews (also on other websites) and i certainly recommend all readers to try this place out.
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Francoise
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 5
Monday, October 13, 2008

Went last night and thought the food was terrible. The steak with pepper sauce was so full of pepper that it was almost inedible. The lamb was just a plate full of fat. The price of the food was expensive for the poor quality. I will not be returning.
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Janice
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 0
Sunday, September 28, 2008

The set-up and atmosphere is fantastic => very homely/authentic feel about the place. Starters were great - lovely fresh meat platter to share (huge portion). Sadly it went down hill from there - a very long way. We waited 40 mins post our starter being cleared before the waitress wondered why we were sat empty glassed and empty table. Upon enquiring she then disappeared for 10 mins before telling us it would be "2 minutes". 10 mins came and went and so we complained to the manager who went to check and told us they had just started serving it up. When the food arrived 10 mins later it was cold, tasteless and smothered in oil - not what expected of what was effectively chicken in bacon.

Upon complaining about the food being cold and taking over an hour to arrive we were met with the Gaelic shrug and then were asked if something was wrong when we didn't pay the service charge.

Unfortunately after such high hopes and a good start - a completely expensive disaster.
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DC
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 1
Monday, September 08, 2008

After having our eye on this place for a while, we finally got the chance to eat here. This is superbly French in every sense. Cosy, warm and rustic interior with a welcoming service. The food was delicious and portions generous and heartily prepared. Such was the relaxed atmosphere, there was no sense of urgency in taking our orders. Eating out here is a French experience to indulge in - it is not a quick slap-up meal before the cinema. Most definitely will be going back here, although prices may restrict visits for special occasions only.
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floose
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Monday, August 25, 2008