Waterloo Bar and Kitchen

After a hard day trekking around the west end, I took my two visiting friends to the Waterloo Bar and Kitchen, happy to escape the hordes and queues on the South Bank on a hot, sunny Saturday evening. I had stumbled on this place a few months ago in similar circumstances (everywhere else was mobbed), and been pleasantly surprised by the friendly service and good food. It didn't disappoint this time - we were just surprised to find the place virtually empty at 7.30; I know it's very near Waterloo, but I suppose people tend to turn left rather than right out of the station.

Service was exceptionally friendly and relaxed; we were not hurried in any way, and enjoyed a couple of bottles of very drinkable, inexpensive rosé and three excellent courses (particularly good smoked tuna, and stem ginger ice cream). I don't know if we happened to hit it on a particularly quiet night, but this place deserves our custom!
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Friday, August 17, 2007

I liked the function room at This restaurant. it is a little disadvantaged as it is in the basement and it isnt big.

But the wine was great, especially the chilled Broully at the end. The finger buffet looked and tasted great. The barman was legendary, he knew a frightening amount about the impact of the Sarbanes-oxley law and the problems associated with choosing to be a consultant and using only his teeth and fingers he rewired the whole place so that we could watch the Champions Cup Final Football. Freaky

The Italian Chef was also great. although his team had just won and he was drinking our Champagne with us for free

Great private room to hold a small party
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Alex Vickers
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Thursday, May 24, 2007

We had our Uni Rugby Dinner for the Old Boys here and I was a bit unimpressed when I was told the name and when I saw the outside. I neednt have been worried as the inside of the restaraunt looked great and the private room was perfect.

The staff were very cool and amazingly tolerant with a group of 20 drunk guys. The manager seemed particularly understanding and even had a beer and a few shooters with us.

Food was spot on. had a really decent Beef Wellington. The variety selection of single malt whiskey was also appreciated.

Take your bird or parents out in the main restaurant. Get tanked up with your mates in the private room
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Stevie D
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, May 02, 2007

I had a brilliant evening at the Waterloo Bar and Kitchen. The atmosphere is so relaxed that I could not believe it when I checked my watch at 11pm. (We booked at 7.30pm!)

I loved my evening. The Pate and Cumberland sauce starter was lovely. I really liked the fishcakes but wanted to eat my friends Smoked Haddock as well.

This restaurant is a little gem that will not disappoint.
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Denise Cheadie
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Having been to the "Bar & Kitchen" three times over the last few months I feel compelled to comment on my experiences. Firstly, the service was excellent - the waitress was genuinely friendly and remembered to explain the specials board. The ambience is also very nice - relaxed but with a few small touches to make it feel like you are actually going out for a meal rather than grabbing a quick snack. The most important aspect of a restaurant is the food and this is where restaurant completely lets itself down. The menu is loosely based around mains served with a combination of fries & or salad. On my most recent visit I had the tuna and I have to say that this was one of the disappointing meals I have eaten in the last 12 months. Tuna and chickpeas just don't work well together - the textures are too similar and the plate looked so dull! As for my friend’s schnitzel & mash - it reminded me of my days as a student when I had no money and was more interested in drinking than eating nice food.

In summary, this is a great place with lovely staff they just need to do a menu overhaul!
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Shaz
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 5
Monday, April 30, 2007

Very average restaurant for the price I paid and I won't be going back there in a hurry. The food is very obviously bought in and is of poor quality.

The ribeye steak was very fatty and gristly and the fishcakes were just some fish flavour mashed potato cakes sitting in Doritos salsa dip. I wouldn't mind the food if it was priced accordingly but when I'm paying £16 for steak and chips, I'd expect something that's good quality.

Obviously the restaurant doesn't need to rely on regulars due to its location but the management are obviously more concerned with making a large profit from customers than providing decent food at a decent price.
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Leo Stevens
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Sunday, April 29, 2007

I promised to let the World know about how good my experience was at The Waterloo Bar and Kitchen so here it is in a nutshell:

Brilliant communication- Rather than just getting overwhelmed by a huge list of options that could be fitted together in 30 different ways, this restaurant actually listened and understood what I was looking for. I was given 2 menu options and 2 organisational options. I received the information when promised and was contacted when promised. The booking manager gained my trust very quickly and sincerely took pride in the quality, precision and honesty of his service.

Great Food- The food was fresh, interesting, diverse and impressive. My clients were delighted. The waiter was attentive and considerate and very quick, he literally flew around the table.

Great Atmosphere- The atmosphere was relaxed and allowed my clients to really gel. But at the same time you could sense that a bad service or under par food would be zero tolerated.

LOCATION- It is 3 minutes walk from Waterloo Train Station !

Try it. Use the function room. Use this restaurant.
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Mr Nick S.
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, April 18, 2007

I went to The Waterloo Bar and Kitchen for a large Birthday Party. The food really was outstanding and the staff were fantastic.

It was great to see a restaurant actually care about the quality of the food and service given to a group bookings. Both were fantastic and it was so refreshing to be given a complete service whilst tucked away in the function room.

Other restaurants should follow the lead of The Waterloo Bar and Kitchen and treat groups on the same level as their small tables.

I would recommend it to anyone.
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Sarah Jademann
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, April 16, 2007

Thanks to all the staff at Waterloo.

We had a brilliant party last week in the private room. A massive thanks to David and the staff for organising our Birthday so well and making life so very very easy. The food really was splendid. The Shiraz wine was great with the ribeye steak as promised!

For the first time ever, nobody got lost on the way to the restaurant !!!!!

We will tell the whole wide World about the nicest private room in London.
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Charles and Angela - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, April 10, 2007

I held my 30th Birthday in the function room at The Waterloo Bar and Kitchen. It was an awesome party.

My friends were unreliable and late and then an extra 10 people turned up; however, the staff were brilliant and I cannot recommend this place enough.

It is also one of the most convenient restaurants in London as it is literally 3 minutes walk from Waterloo Station.

Thanks to all at the Bar and Kitchen.
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Nigel Morehouse
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, April 10, 2007