Harrison's

Very disappointing-couldn't care less service and really poor food. They need a new chef to put this place right.
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N.S-P
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 0
Saturday, April 12, 2008

The Balham Kitchen used to be a favourite haunt for brunch and dinner with friends. When I first visited Harrison's for lunch in November I found it a hugely disappointing experience, particularly in terms of service. However, I decided to give it a second chance and returned for dinner a couple of weeks ago.

It could have been an entirely different restaurant. Disorganised and unprofessional staff had been replaced with friendly and knowledgeable people. The presentation was excellent and the food was of a high standard. They have also succeeded in bringing back the buzz of the Balham Kitchen but with a slicker edge.

It is not cheap (if that's what you are looking for there is an good Thai across the road, which is BYO) but the quality of the food and the ambience justify the prices. I am certainly someone with high standards and Harrison's certainly now seems to be stepping up to the mark.
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Sara Boyes
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, April 07, 2008

Went on Sunday lunch with my parents, brother, wife and 4 month old son. Staff were very accommodating for our child, even providing hot water to heat the milk and a quiet spot for my wife to feed him. The food was excellent, especially the chips (a benchmark as its so easy to get them horribly wrong). My wife's crab lingiune was beautifully flavoured. My burger spot on. House white was excellent. In fact everybody really enjoyed the visit.
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Michael Bellingham
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, April 07, 2008

Although I never liked Sam's in Chiswick ( same group) I thought I would try Harrison's last night with 3 friends as was in Balham. Whilst the ambience and decor looks good the food and service are very sub standard for the prices charged. Steak was overcooked (ordered rare) and tough and fries greasy and wet. Fish was overcooked and dry.
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Ed Mackay - Chiswick
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 0
Friday, March 28, 2008

I've been to Harrison's twice since it opened - I thought the first time had to be a one off, it was so bad. The service was awful, slow and unattentive, and the food was overpriced and mediocre. So we gave it another try last week - it hasnt got any better at all. At least this time we didnt bother staying for pudding. There are not a great many alternatives in Balham but I really would avoid this place. And be very wary of the obvious planted postisitive reviews below!
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Andy Bell
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 1
Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Thought we would try this new place last night..........what a disapointment. The reception was rude and the waitresses give the impression they are doing you a favour to serve you. As for the overpriced food- Well, the burgers were tasteless and fries overcooked and burnt. The linguini with crab pasta was terrible-pasta undercooked with only brown cheap crab meat.Don't waste your time here as there are so many better places to eat nearby.
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Nicky
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Visited Harrison's for the first time on Sunday - very disappointed. Rude service from the bar manager when we arrived - telling us there was no need to taste our bottle of wine - I think that is for us to decide!

Dining later - service was better - pleasant waiter. But the food was disappointing - pitiful side salad and undercooked chips - not pleasant - and over priced for what we got. We went for the classic burgers - but were again disappointed - poorly cooked in our view and small burger bun with limp garnish and scraping of cheese.

Will not be back and would not recommend.
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Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2
Tuesday, March 11, 2008

i have been to harrison's several times and i honestly can't believe some of the bad reviews it has received on here! i have always found the service to be above average and the food excellent. only restaurant in balham worth going to, in my opinion.
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Sunday, March 09, 2008

I ate here at the end of February on a Friday Night. Overall I think it was a good experience but just a couple of things I wasnt too happy with.

We sat down just after a large table, and because of this we waited a long time for our orders to be taken. From the time we sat down we waited about 10 mins at our table before being asked if we even wanted a drink. I understand that a large table before us keeps the staff very busy, but as a table of two next to them we felt a bit ignored, and we had pre-booked so it wasnt like we had just turned up!

When we were served we ordered the bruschetta for a starter but with no anchovies. Unfortunately when it arrived it did have anchovies! Not a big deal, we ate it anyway, but could be an issue if you were allergic. Having told the waiter he did apologise and came with a free beer a few minutes later.

Aside from these setbacks, the food was good, and the restaurant was nice. Just think the service could do with a kick up the arse, especially as I had to get up twice from my table and ask for the bill at the end of the meal.

Im not sure if I would eat here again, on the one hand it is probably the most up-market place in balham and the food was good, but the service let it down on the night.
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Tom - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Saturday, March 08, 2008

I had dinner in the restaurant about 2 weeks ago with drinks beforehand. I have been to the bar a few times now and I live locally in Balham. The cocktails and wine selections never fail to disappoint and the team is always welcoming and helpful – especially noted when I hobbled in on crutches on Valentines Day.

The food and service in the restaurant was wonderful. The tuna burger was well seasoned with just the right amount of heat. The salad that accompanied was light, zingy and fresh. I loved the idea of the cocktail of the day in which we also indulged in a strawberry daiquiri.

It is so nice to know there is a place near home and not all the way in central London where classy cocktails can be found - I particularly love the mandarin and lychee martini!
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Anushka
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, March 04, 2008