Nancy Lam's Enak Enak

We went to Enak Enak about 6 weeks ago. My husband's mother lives in Battersea and he has been a couple of times and also we all went about 8 years ago. Each time was fab, great interaction with Nancy, good food etc.

This time was a completely different story, maybe I should have read these reviews before booking. I was still in a timewarp from 8 years ago methinks!! I realise that times move on, technology has intervenued i.e. re booking etc, and that the restaurant has expanded. This does not excuse the extremely poor service we received on our most recent visit. The restaurant was reasonably busy as it was a Saturday. The time in between courses was average, the food was ok. But, my main bugbear is the service or, rather, the lack of it. 4 indolent looking girls who looked as though they could not be bothered as they waited for each course to descend to the serving hatch and then bring it to the tables. We were right by this, in front of the bar and had a full view of their behaviour and attitude. Why work there if that is how they feel?? Anyway, we ordered a bottle of wine, which the waitress proceeded to spill as she poured mine. With absolutely no acknowledgement of what she had done, she merely mopped it up and carried on pouring. I was so taken aback that I said nothing, did not want to embarrass Paul and his mum I guess. I was so excited at being back at the restaurant as we had meant to for so long and Paul was really pleased when I told him. We asked the girls if Nancy would be in and they said probably. She never arrived. Obviously she cannot always be there these days I am sure. Oh, another thing, my mum in law noticed that 2 people walked out having waited for ages.

I am writing this in bitter disappointment, having written Nancy a letter to explain how i felt and for her to put her side. That was on 7 April, I have heard NOTHING BACK. Says it all really doesnt it?
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3 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 3
Wednesday, May 19, 2010

I was initally worried about dining at Enak Enak, in the wake of other reviews. I'm happy to say - they made to sense or relation to our evening.

We dined at the restaurant for our sons 23rd birthday with 4 friends. Nancy was in the restaurant on the Friday evening, and welcomed us in a warm manner. We ordered all our dishes to share, with a toal of 6 - which was ample. Portions are massive (on platters)...but I'd prefer quality over quantity anyday. Specifically the Sizzling Beef and Sweet & Sour Pork were amazing.

I did'nt realise until the end of the evening that our waitress, was actually one of Nancy's daugters, Yungze. She was attentive, evening suprising my son with a complimentary drink.

Obviously, it sounds like I went to a different restaurant - as it was heaving the night we went. People were waiting for tables that had come into the restaurant without booking. Great atmosphere, with Nancy buzzing around.

To finish off the evening, we saw Russell Brand enjoying dinner with three young girls!
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David Mansbridge
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, December 07, 2009

I went here last night with three of my friends and we all had a fantastic time! I found the service relaxed but attentive, and the staff were very friendly. Nancy herself was there to talk us through the menu and advise everyone on what dishes would be appropriate for the respective requirements- I was dining with a vegetarian, someone who is lactose-intolerant and another who can't eat very spicy food!

The menu was unlike anything else I've come across, and was all the better for it. Everything tasted very bold and fresh and the prices were very reasonable, especially considering the restaurant is in London. We spent £46 altogether and were very happy with the evening. If you like malaysian or indonesian food, then this restaurant is worth a visit.
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MH
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, September 17, 2009

About the worst service I have ever suffered!!

My husband and I had dinner here in August. Food was ok but the two female floor staff were probably the rudest we have ever encountered. One was unfriendly from the moment we came in the door. No welcoming smile, or "hello", just a lazy pointing of her hand to a free table and a shrug when we asked if the table we went to was the one she meant. She didn't lay the cutlery on the table but simply handed it to us to sort out ourselves. We waited ages for our food (at least half an hour for entree, not even a sniff of a complimentary prawn cracker) and it was delivered without any smile or other sign of friendliness.

In short, the waitress was completely charmless and perfunctory.

We decided to withhold the discretionary service charge and at this point the other waitress/supervisor approached and asked aggressively to explain why we would not pay the service charge. We explained. She refused to accept our explanation and argued about it at length with us in front of the other diners. My husband pointed out that it was discretionary and she backed down and after paying the bill told us not to come back. It completely upset us and spoilt our night. I am still fuming about it a month later.

We went to Dragon Castle near Elephant and Castle a few nights later and it was brilliant - Enak's staff should take a few tips from their wonderful staff!
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2 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 2
Wednesday, September 16, 2009