Sollys

This, frankly is the first time i have ever written a review on any restaurant or take-away i have visited, either once or have made a tradition of a monthly visit or special occasion. I must say what a better dining experience to write about than that of Solly's. Call me an obsessed poetic food critic but the mere name of the place stimulates my cravings and rings a true family ethos to my ears. My family has eaten at Solly's for so many years either on birthdays or simply random acts of compulsion to relive the last culinary experience. It has truly become like a home to us, one where we feel welcome, and not in a hyperbolic way, like royalty. This was not noticed the third or fourth time we went, having shown ourselves to be "loyal customers" as the restaurant business like to call them but from the very first time almost 22 years ago. The atmosphere alone boosted the overall experience, the noise of families enjoying good food, although powerful and booming soon merged in with the equally pungent and sensual flavours. I always realised how equally the staff treated customers, wether they were "regulars" or work-men looking for a quick, but supreme lunch and would probably try-out another place the following day and never return. At Solly's everyone mattered! Despite my clear passion and deep nostalgia of the place Solly's as fairly criticised in the previous reviews had dropped in standards. The take-aways have become less efficient and more pricy, the service has become less warm but i maintain that its food standards and overall appeal for a Jewish shawarma lover or any food lover has never been threatened. The restaurant business is a financially brutal one to survive in and consequently standard of service and customer appeal with prices are bound to fall. However of all restaurants Solly's with forever be in my heart.
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Simon Lever
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Thursday, July 12, 2012

I went there with a friend quite recently hoping for a bite to eat. We arrived at 6:50 on a Sunday and it was less than half full. We ordered starters, which we received within about 15 minutes. After an hour, we still had not received our main course. However, a waitress arrived bearing a small dish of sliced gherkins which, she said, would be 'on the house' if we agreed to move to the next table, as she needed ours so that she could move it against the next one for a party of four guests. She assured us that our food would be with us very soon. Believe it or not, after two hours we stil had not received our food and the place had filled to capacity. At that point, I cancelled the order and told the waitress that we were leaving. The 'manager' came to speak to us and when I told him what had happened, he complained that lots of people had arrived at the same time!!! I thought that this was what restaurateurs wanted. In the end, he agreed to waive all charges but told us never to come back as we didn't understand his system!!! Needless to say, we won't. This guy and his restaurant makes Fawlty Towers seem like the Dorchester.
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HerbieG
1 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 0
Sunday, July 01, 2012

I was just making myself a olive and feta wrap/ kebab at home and thought oooh I could go a Solly's, alas I'm several hundred km away. If I'm ever in London, which isn't frequently these days sadly, Solly's takeaway is my first stop. I love the shwarmas in Iraqi bread, loads of salad of which they have a wide choice and lashings of Hummus and sehug.

I've never been in the resturant part.
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Frank E. Davidson
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, November 29, 2011

A captive market will always put aside the astronomical price and rude service in order to find somewhere to eat and a restaurant that serves meat at that.

Don't go here unless you need to (and you really shouldn't need to as there are better places nearby!)
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Foodie_UK
1 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 0
Friday, July 23, 2010

I'm amazed at the extreme views of the reviewers here, both positive and negative. I'm not sure we all went to the same place. In my opinion going to Sollys was a very good experience, not the best at anything but no really bad points.

The service was good and the level of attention was just right without being too much. The food was very enjoyable. I have always liked the style of food and everything was cooked well with excellent flavours. The atmosphere in the restaurant was very comfortable. Quite loud and informal but not headache worthy. My least favourite thing was the price. A little pricey for the type and quantity of cuisine but as I enjoyed my experiences there I was happy to pay.

I have also been to the takeaway part and this too was good. The shawarma was good, as were the falafel. The best thing about the takeaway was the salads, a great selection and some brilliant flavours and textures.

Overall I do like Sollys and will be returning.
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Dave Kadinsky
7 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Tuesday, May 25, 2010