Wagamama (Royal Festival Hall)

I think one of the best things about Wagamama is the service. It's so obvious that it's hard to see why their system wasn't invented earlier. Or why it is not more widespread today. For those not in the know, you choose what you want and the waiter writes down the menu numbers on your place mat. They also key in your order to a portable keypad, which sends the data to the kitchen. Modern by yesterday's standards. But should be old-hat by now. After more than 10 years in London, Wagamama still has the edge in this department.

They sometimes go for a bit of a hard sell, though - particularly on the side orders. I don't care if it is their policy to do this. It's what I experience as a customer that governs the score they get.

Before I go further, Wagamama is fast food with a flourish. You don't bring a date here. You don't bring a client here. What you take to Wagamama is an empty stomach and a need to be turned around within 30-45 minutes.

The food may be fast but it's reasonably good. For a hole-filler, this is one of the better choices.

Unfortunately, it is also an echo-chamber, so you need to shout to your company; thereby adding to the noise! You're just under the Royal Festival Hall here, so plenty of things to see and do before and after you come here. And it's an easy walk from Waterloo Station.

Prices are a little on a steep side. With their turnover, they could surely afford to lower a few prices here and there. Don't start getting delusions of grandeur, Wagamama! You know exactly what section of the market you command so please don't start crowing above your station!
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Alan Ingham - View all reviews by this user
6 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 5
Thursday, September 29, 2011