Cafe des Amis

So, we had planned our office outing for quite a while and were all looking forward to it. We had bought some time out deal vouchers and hoped to use them.

there were 10 of us, so given the deal was for 2 and we had four vouchers, we asked if we could use them. Apparently only 3 vouchers at one time. Cool, we could go with that.

From the start we should have worried. We were put upstairs in an empty room by ourselves, one waitress and a rather still environment. Pity as it appeared people were enjoying themselves downstairs.

We were on lunch hour so were tight on time, but it still took them almost an hour to get us our starters, which were good. But when it came to mains it was a different story.

firstly they dropped one of them on the floor coming up the stairs (poor sea bass) then for some weird reason that totally messed them up, and rather than telling us they decided to take the next 40 minutes dish by dish delivering the rest of the mains. One of our party had to leave before he got his, and another lady had to leave upon hers arriving. My steak, ordered blue to rare came well done, as did all of the other steaks. One of the party got the wrong dish and many of the others were either cold or wildly overcooked.

The bill, when it arrived seemed not to recognise any of what had happened, so I am afraid, I paid and ran from the place. We will not be returning.
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David P
1 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 2
Tuesday, March 26, 2013

My husband and I went to Cafe des Amis for a pre theatre lunch on Friday the 21st September 2012. The food was excellent and very good value for money. However the service left a lot to be desired. Even thought the restaurant was very quiet, with more staff standing around than anything else, we were left waiting ages for someone to take our order. I ended up having to go up to the bar and ask for someone to come over to us. Our waitress had very broken English and I had to ask her twice what the specials were because she did not explain them clearly. I asked for a side of potatoes to go with the sea bass I was ordering and she listed three types they served. When our food arrived no side dish of potatoes arrived with the meal. The waitress who was originally serving us was know where to be seen, and so I had to call a different waitress over to ask where the side dish was. After going to the kitchen, the waitress came back and told me the other staff member had forgot to place that order, and that they didn't do a side of potatoes in the first place! the waitress did not apologise, and I found her quite rude in shrugging off the issue. Once we had finished eating I asked to speak to a manager. I was made to feel very uncomfortable by the waiting staff who continued to stare across at us while we waited. After waiting approximately 5 minutes with know one telling us what was happening, I called the waitress back and asked her if the manager was coming. I was met with a rude stare and an abrupt answer of yes she is on her way. Once the manager arrived I explained the situation. I felt the manager handled my complaint in a professional manner and apologised for the service. She took the service charge off the bill and asked us to stay and have dessert on the house. We declined. I already felt very uncomfortable with all the staff staring at us and I figured if we stayed for dessert it was likely to be thrown at us. Our experience was not a good one in this restaurant. The staff were not friendly and the atmosphere was not a comfortable one. Overall the food was fantastic but the service was appalling. My husband and I would not return to this restaurant in the future.
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5 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 9
Saturday, September 22, 2012

Very disappointing meal at Cafe des Amis. We booked in advance but had to wait at reception desk a long time for someone to come to show us to our table.

Waitresses were rushed off their feet and one girl was actually running around the restaurant trying to keep up. very sophisticated! We waited ages for our starters to be brought to us, and in the end they arrived - but before our drinks had been brought to us.

We were encouraged to buy water, chips and additional side orders which would be charged to our bill. We were brought bread and butter then charged £2pp for it.

On top of that we were charged 12 and a half per cent service charge. This was supposed to be 'discretionary' but had already been added to the amount when we paid by credit card. We were not impressed with atmosphere, decor or anything about the place. The food itself was ok but not plentiful but definately overpriced for what it was.
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Lindsay Panks
2 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 0
Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Great, amazing atmosphere, candlelit dinners, romantic, nice service... everything is nice... however, if you like to eat a lot you will be disappointed as portion sizes are very small compared to the prices

I had halibut where the fillet was the size of my index finger (lol) for £23.50 my girlfriend had the better option (like always) with a seabass fillet which was bigger, in the end we had to order a side!

But all in all, the food was tasty, beautiful atmosphere, i will definitely eat here again, but when I'm a millionaire :)
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@igotahadi
8 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 5
Thursday, April 19, 2012

Had a good meal here a few months ago. A lively place for a group of us (6). We originally came because of the cheap offers and easy booking. But generally good. Unfortunately on a second visit I found them rather rude and seemed only bothered about themselves. They were unhelpful to one of my friends. The manager did not want to change things. So although OK for a night out I wouldn't say you'll really enjoy it.
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6 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 8
Thursday, February 16, 2012

Revisited with friends early Fri eve. Very, very busy and waitresses totally engaged in clearing, setting and serving. Some urgency to take drinks order and promote latest wine but in a friendly way. Food excellent as before and no rush to present bill. Not as relaxed as original visit but if it allows prices to remain reasonable and more to visit fair enough. The attention to the food is still apparent.

On a general note. The 12.5 % service charge automatically added still irritates. Il Bordello never includes service, thrives is always busy, even Monday's. Our friends were amazed at the rate and that it was included. Excellent restaurants such as this one would have nothing to fear if it was.truly discretionary. In today's climate a rethink may promote custom.

We will be very happy to return to enjoy great food and attentive, efficient service especially when a promotion is on offer.
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Shrewsman
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Saturday, November 19, 2011

Visited.Saturday last with a la carte offer. Arrived 45 mins early but table made available instantly despite being very busy. Very friendly,patient and attentive staff. Wonderful relaxing and satisfying evening, great sea food and amazing value. Starter, mains and desserts all great. Waitresses make you feel totally at home.Thoroughly recommended. Definately seek out their offers and return often.
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Shrewsman
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, November 07, 2011

Outdoors in October! Fantastic. We went for lunch on a £15 each 3 course deal. Much better choices than on the £14.50 prix fixe and all of the courses were excellent. The Staff were attentive without being oppressive and were really cheerful;, such a refreshing change. Our receptionist, Stephenie was superb ensuring everything was just right. My only negative comment is that the outdoor tables are along a very narrow lane which can feel a bit claustrophobic but it was still nice to sit out. The inside tables looked very nice. Highly recommended.
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Dougie Barr
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Thursday, October 06, 2011

We went yesturday 8/9/11 our table was booked for 8pm but we had to phone to arrange it for half 8 this was not a problem when we arrived we was shown to our table up stairs as there was 12 of us we had a room to ourselfs and was looked after so well staff where friendly and food was to die for everyone in the group was impressed and we would visit again and again. We rate this place 100 out of 100 wine is a good price and the champane lovely £40 bottle great.
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sharon cook
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, September 09, 2011

Went to this restaurant on Wednesday lunch with a group of girls on a "school reunion". The staff couldn't have been more helpful and accommodating. General view from everyone in party that food was very good, especially as we all went for the fixed menu. 2 courses, then off course we all added a pudding!!!! Great value for money. Will definitely be back. I may even contemplate introducing my husband to this great find when we do a theatre trip to London. Highly recommended.
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Margaret Avis
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, August 26, 2011