The Somers Town Coffeehouse

I'm a regular user of this site, but have never written a review. However, I feel compelled to do so after a visit to The Somers Town Coffee House last night.

We were there for a friend’s birthday, and to start with all was well. Sitting outside, plenty of drinks a few nibbles and a couple of bowls of frites. Things then took a turn for the worst when one of the party who had baked a cake got it out and served up a few slices. We were quickly informed by the very rude barman that this was not on, and we'd be asked to leave if we continued. I'd like to point out that we'd spent a fair amount behind the bar and there was no birthday cake substitute on the menu.

We should have left at this point, but hunger forced us inside to get something to eat. A HUGE mistake. The burger I ate was average at best and the chips tasted like fish, but even worse was my girlfriend's seafood risotto. I've honestly never seen anything like it. It had been so overcooked that it had the consistency of mashed potato, and tasted bad.

She sent it back opting for a croque monsieur, which at over £5 we were expecting to be pretty special, but turned out to be not much more than a cheese toastie on plastic white sliced loaf.

When I read up on this 'gastro' pub before visiting it sounded great. French owners, bistro food, welcoming atmosphere etc. But what we found was the opposite. Bad food, terrible service bordering on aggressive, and wholly unwelcoming. Places like these don't deserve to succeed, and obviously fail to appreciate the power of word of mouth.

I'll never go there again, I suggest that you don't bother either.
Comment on this reader review

Fergus
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Thursday, June 26, 2008