Blue Pumpkin

Good service and a pleasant atmosphere but the food really is below average and hence overpriced. I was surprised to see deep fried brie on the menu. I thought this food went out of fashion in the 80's. If it’s a revival thankfully it’s passed me by. Our starters of goat cheese tart and duck parfait were edible if uninspiring. My companions main of duck was okay but the excuse for an entrecote steak I was served was pitiful. Topped with a sauce that can only be described as rancid it was inedible. All of this accompanied by McCain’s oven chips really did not justify the price even though they didn’t charge me for the steak. Lots of other good places to eat in Balham so give this one a miss.
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Ben
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 1
Monday, March 10, 2008

I have just found this place, it's great! I have been eating and drinking around Balham and Tooting for years but had never been to Blue Pumpkin. The staff are really friendly and helpful and the food is fantastic. They have a nice bar as well with a terrace which is perfect if you fancy a quick puff.
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Roger - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Thursday, September 13, 2007

After being recommended Blue Pumpking by friends we thought we would try it on a Friday evening. Booking was quick and efficient so started well.

The restaurant is at the back of the building, behind the bar & this makes it quite noisy yet not intrusive. Atmosphere is great as you can hear everyone enjoying themselves.

Staff were polite and efficient which was nice.

The food is where we felt let down. The presentation was OK but the squid salad and fishcake we had to start were bland and tasted like they had been quickly reheated. Portion sizes were good.

Mains looked more promising but again, the menu sounded much better than the reality. My duck breast with honey roast vegetables was adequate at best and my wifes seabass was similar. The ingredients were there but the cooking wasn't.

All in all, it was a disappointing experience and we won't be returning. We could have spent the same money and got something much better at a any number of places in Tooting, Balham or Clapham
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Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 4
Saturday, May 19, 2007

Good food, good atmosphere, good location. So far so good. Hang on though, here comes the bill. What, you're trying to charge us for a bottle of wine we didn't have? What's that, you refuse to apologise even after your mistaken ways are pointed out to you? Thanks for spoiling a perfectly nice evening.
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David Smith
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 0
Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Went there for my birthday with party of 10, food and service was great, the waiter was brilliant and patient!!! you would have thought he was the owner.

We had drinks at the bar area on the leather sofas, the waiter told us we do not need to rush and we could go to our table when we were ready (nice touch).
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Tony Pakium
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, December 12, 2006

just had a birthday meal with 7 guests at the blue pumpkin and had a really great evening. Food was fab, and plenty of it, the service was attentive without being intrusive and goodhumoured and the atmosphere was chilled and relaxed - but it was a monday night. All good so far - until it came to paying the bill, when our previoulsy lovely waiter suddenly lost the ability to count out our money, mis-counting right infront of us - twoice and claiming we had to pay an exra £67 when infact, we didn't.

So, great food and service and restaurant overall, just keep your wits about you when it comes to pay time!
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Ceri
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, March 21, 2006