The Alice House (West Hampstead)

The Alice House has divided opinion in the past, seemingly taking on too much too soon and failing to deliver on a number of fronts. However, after some encouraging noises locally, we headed down there to try dinner with an open mind.

Atmosphere was nice due to the big window, creating a pleasing feel and outlook to West End Lane.

The waitress took our order without notepad, and with a nonchalant calmness which made me wonder if the order would arrive entirely correctly..

My summer salad of goats' curd on large croutons, pea shoots, leaves and green beans was marvellous; fresh and perfectly dressed, with some excellent roasted tomato halves with garlic.

My main of grilled plaice was similarly well-presented; though the "fat chips" did not arrive - though this didn't matter at this stage as I had overlooked the fact that the dish came with potatoes (and more green beans). The fish was delicately done, right on the point of being under but without being so. Chef hadn't managed a crisp skin, but overall, pretty good.

Worth pointing out at this stage that serviettes, and salt and pepper, were missing entirely from our table.

Chocolate torte for dessert was a decent size slice, tasted good, but was surprisingly firm and dry; as if it had been left out for too long perhaps.

A bottle of decent Aussie Shiraz accompanied our meal, and my friend was very happy with his blue cheese and chicory starter then spatchcock chicken.

Overall, my impression is they're getting there, but it's not quite all falling into place yet. Going for the gastropub style - and prices - demands very little fault; the food was very good, but perhaps not quite at the next level. I also realised later I'd been charged for the chips, though a polite and apologetic email reply assured me of a refund on my return.

In summary, the highpoints of the meal, and the delicacy of touch demonstrated by chef, certainly means I'll be back to sample further plates at The Alice House, but I hope the attention to detail and overall level of excellence will rise a little further.
Comment on this reader review

Tom
7 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Thursday, May 26, 2011

Disappointing! Booked in the evening for a group of family and friends. Good atmosphere but too loud to have a converstion without shouting and too dark to see food on plates. Mediocre food and poor vegetarian choice. Staff accommodating and friendly.
Comment on this reader review

6 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5
Friday, February 25, 2011