Ping Pong (Hampstead)

Generally pretty good although some of the steamed dumplings were stuck to the steamers. A decent enough selection of dishes too. Service pleasant but not terribly knowledgeable. The filling of the Char sui buns (baked) was a little bland. The dishes are each around the £3.50 mark (three pieces to a portion) - for Hampstead this is pretty good value. Pleasant ambience.
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Rex - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, May 11, 2011

As a regular visitor to Ping Pong I always think this is a great place to come if you don't have much time and want to grab something quick. The service is efficient and you can order as little or as much as you want. Worth a visit just for the cocktails and the menu has recently been revamped so even more to choose from. Great lunch or evening venue and definitely not too pricey! Recommended.
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kellyf483 - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, December 15, 2009

I first visited a Ping Pong about 1 1/2 years ago and have been about six times since. I actually like the food, I think it's tasty and although it's not cheap it's not really that pricey either. The service, however, is the most appalling I've ever experienced. The worst part is that it's consistently appalling. The staff rarely actually make eye contact with you and I personally often feel more of a nuisance than a customer. I always seem to come out feeling a bit bitter about the way I've been treated.

In particular they seem to have issues bringing food out at the same time. Now I'm not talking about a couple of minutes difference (like Wagamama, who to be fair do warn you about it first): on two occasions someone in our party has been waiting 20 minutes for their food after everyone else has been served, so that by the time they get their food everyone else is done. This happened to me yesterday. I asked three members of staff where my food was and all three looked at me like I was stupid, then disappeared never to return. Not once did I get an apology and I was actually given a lecture by the manager. Sigh. So bad.

On top of all this they have the cheek to add 12.5% service to your bill, which I constantly remove to make a point. I know a lot of people who have complained about the service but it never seems to make a difference.

Never going back again.
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4 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 3
Monday, November 09, 2009

My experience here was all good and I could not fault it in any way. It may not be the most authentic dim sum you can get, true, but our food was fresh, varied and absolutely scrumptious! I found it to be well run with polite and friendly staff and loved the drinks menu which this place seems to be becoming famous for. The decor is great and it was also very busy which is always a good sign. No complaints at all and very easy on the wallet! :)
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rhodesy - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Monday, September 07, 2009

The excellent, polite service (free drinks on accidently bringing the wrong dish), great, subtle flavouring and attention to detail make this particular dim sum restaurant one of the best I've experienced.

Unfortunately, the above description applies to the superb "Dim T" around the corner from "Ping Pong".

"Ping Pong" is, without question, the worst restaurant I've been to in London in the last five years. Possibly the world? Doesn't do to dwell on it!

Shambolic, vile food rendered outrageous by the infantile and slapdash service.
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PW - View all reviews by this user
0 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Friday, August 14, 2009

My girlfriend and I had walked past this place many times so we decided to give it a go. The food was absolutely tasteless and the portions a complete rip-off. The oyster beef pastries had no beef in them, the duck spring rolls had no duck in them and the spare ribs came coated with a film of grease. All the food tasted as though it had been prepared in a factory somewhere and reheated on the premises. I cannot believe this restaurant chain can stay in business for long offering food like this. Revolting.
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Jerry - View all reviews by this user
2 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 1
Monday, July 20, 2009

Wow, what a great experience. Exactly what me and my friend were looking for. Having had a great day out walking the Heath and taking in the splendour of Hamsptead, we stumbled upon a branch of the famous Ping Pong in the High Street....

Dim Sum at dusk seemed like a great idea. The restaurant sparkled with candle light and had a welcoming tea house impact, busy and very friendly. It was casual enough for us to relax and not feel intimidated by servers pushing everything onto you. Just friendly warm and effecient service.

The food was great value as we had a £9.99 set deal, including baked, steamed and fried parcels with a dessert. It was just the perfect end to a magical day. The cocktails were aewsome, I think the one we had was called Lychee and lemongrass, and was unusual and full of flavour.

we will be back as it was my friend's first experience of Ping Pong and a great one at that. I would recommend trying the new sit in Spitalfields, as I work not far away and that was a close second to the Hampstead experience.
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Michael
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Having been once and therefore avoided like the plague, two things surprise me:

1. That I went back (friend's B day); and

2. Somehow Ping Pong managed to get worse.

Usual tiny portions of tasteless rubbish finished off with a veneer of surly, objectionalbe attitude.

london-eating.co.uk says "in cases of severe dissatisfaction please consider first approaching the restaurant directly so that they may have an opportunity to put things right. " Wrote to the manager and complained and was told "I should have complained at the time" so they weren't going to do anything. Does that render the complaint invalid? Embarrassing.
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Lord walty
1 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Thursday, March 26, 2009