Po Cha

An interesting environment, from walking through the front door of this converted terraced house, to the cluttered and cramped seating in the upstairs area, down the stairs past boxes of cleaning of products and rubber gloves, to a corridor full of stacks of drinks, into the downstairs seating area which is even more cramped and cluttered, to the staff who dont really want to talk to you.

BUT the strangeness aside, the food was really nice, first time I'd really eaten Korean food; had Bibimbab with chicken and it was lovely, my girlfriend had BBQ spicy belly of pork. Service was very quick - food was on our table in about 5 minutes, which was good as there was an awkward silence developing between us and the next table (which was about 5 inches away). But once the food arrived there was plenty to talk about - the flavours were great and we both really enjoyed our meals. Once we finished the service slowed a little, taking a long time to clear the table, or rather half clear the table, leave the bill and then disappear for a while. Interesting as we hadnt asked for the bill.

The place was lively and loud with lots of Korean customers, surely a testament to the quality of the food.

At £25 including tip for 2 mains and 2 drinks this was a decently priced meal, not cheap but not ridiculously expensive either.
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Tim
7 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 8
Saturday, June 11, 2011

Quite simply the best Korean food in London. Stunning.
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nick
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, April 08, 2011

The Polo now calls itself PO CHA, which may be short for Po Jang Macha in Korean (?).

I have only ever had the Soft Tofu Broth - which is one of their special lunches for £5.50. It is quite garlicky and mildly chilified, and comes with an egg floating in its bubbling sauce, and some shellfish to add interest. They serve it with a bowl of steamed rice, that goes in the broth, and side relish of bean sprouts and cold, vinegary/sesame dressed green leaves. With green tea it came to £7 but was warming and delicious. There is an L shaped bar area you can sit around, or tables. It does fill up and is worth arriving early for, but I am not experienced in the menu or korean food, unlike most of the customers
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william
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Friday, April 09, 2010

I was taken here recently by a Korean friend of mine and have been back several times since!

The food is truly fantastic! I especially loved the beef stew you cook yourself, Korean style, as it adds a bit of fun to having dinner.

This place fill sup very quickly though and there is a constant stream of new-comers waiting by the door, so get there early!! The location and speed of service also make this idea for pre-theatre dinner.

In summary, great food, nice buzzy atmousphere, firendly and helpful staff. A good, if alternative, all-rounder with something on the menu for everyone!
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James
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, January 05, 2010