The Normanby

Popped in more to escape the rain on Sunday evening. The place was pretty deserted, and having heard a lot about it, I was finally pleased to make it. The menu didn't look fantastic, but when the food turned up it was great. A sharing starter of houmus was great, with chilli - smooth but slightly textured feel to it (I want the recipe). A fantastic, well cooked and well presented sea bass at a reasonable price (given the current food market issues). The wine was reasonably priced, and excellent quality, with the fries being done superbly, and wow, the mayo that came with them was out of this world (garlic mayo). Atmosphere interesting and I hope it survives in the current climate, I'll certainly be going back.
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eurobrit - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Truly poor service (exceptionally slow service & argumentative manager) mixed with very average food has thankfully become a bit of a rare thing... but hey, then there's Normanby! I am rather surprised Time Out has given it such raving reviews.

The manager overheard us commenting on how slow the service was and came to apologise as they were extremely busy. They must do take-away as the dining room was mostly empty.

The medium rare steak of one of our party was charred. The manager, straight out of the Faulty Tower School of Catering, cut the steak over our friend's shoulder, thought that it was perfectly cooked and then proceeded to show the meat to other guests to get their opinion. No answers... Awkward... and embarrassing... He was happy to make another one but it would come out exactly the same way. It soon became too tense for comfort and the manager walked away from our table. And so we walked away from his restaurant. Shocked that places like this still exists.
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angela - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Tuesday, April 08, 2008

How desperately disappointing. I'd read so many good reviews about this place and couldn't wait to try it out. Unfortunately, though, there were some fundamental flaws in the running of this gastropub, which caused us to leave before our mains. Some words of advice for the Normanby: firstly - don't delay the booking by half an hour, and then leave your customers seated for 20 minutes before even offering them a drink. Don't take another 20 minutes to deliver 2 starters, if they're going to be tasteless when they arrive. Don't offer a "home-made Scotch Egg" if it's going to taste just the same as something from a local supermarket and don't offer a "salad" with the potted shrimps if all you can offer is rocket. Allow less than 1.5 hours beteween customers arriving and offering them their main courses, employ more than one member of staff on a Friday night, and when your customers complain because the service is so dire, DON'T, absolutely DON'T apply a 12.5% service charge to their bill!!

Sorry Normanby, but you're going to have to really improve your performance if you're going to compete with the alternatives in the area.
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Anon
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 4
Monday, April 07, 2008

Only really wanted a coffee but ended up staying for a couple of hours after excellent coffee then became a fine brunch. Quite a few peolpe in the place so nice atmosphere - but the best things were the great staff - friendly, helpful professional and the really good 'ordinary' food - full of flavour and all well presented. The place is a bit of the beaten track for me, but went on friend's recomendation - well worth it, will definitely go again.
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Kathyrn Litton
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Saturday, March 08, 2008

Popped in on a Tuesday night as it is close to home. The staff were great, the ambience was fabulous, and the food spectacular. Very impressed. It can be empty at times - but it shouldn't be - don't be put off as it is a wonderful place, somewhere I will go back to, and somewhere I will take my friends and family.
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Georgina
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Awseome food, fine atmosphere and a convivial host - Putney's best.
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Tom
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, December 17, 2007

We stopped in for coffee and dessert on a Friday night since it's right around the corner from our house. It wasn't very crowded, but it should be! Very relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The staff were very friendly and attentive. The dessert was fantastic and the coffee exceptionally good quality. Pretty good value for the price too! We're looking forward to trying out their deli and/or dinner menu!
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Friday, November 09, 2007

I had breakie at Normanby on a Sunday morning and it was spot on, just a shame there weren't more people in there to enjoy it, however over time I'm sure this will change as the reputation grows.

The staff were attentive and friendly, the setting is comfortable with some great comfy chairs / couches in the rear. A great way to relax on a Sunday morning.

Now I'm just keen to try the dinner menu.
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Chris
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, November 07, 2007

I have eaten at the Normanby twice over the last week or so; a dinner and a lunch. Food was simple but delicious and carefully cooked (crisp vegetables, meat not overdone, gravy not to thick). This is top line gastropub cuisine and a very pleasant atmophere to match. Under these circumstances, I dont mind really mind the price - which isnt ridiculous but is uppish for gastropub food.

I stuck around on the saturday night for a couple of rounds at the bar and it was very pleasant - they just need to get some Petrone Tequila and I'll be a regular!!

Keep it up Richard!!
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Brett
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, November 06, 2007