The Wolseley

Reviewer below is writing a comment on a (welcomed by me) booking policy. Who wants to sit next to a table of 12 braying ladies having afternoon tea?

Anyway, the quick turnover, the many tables means that you pretty much always get a table and eat great food in wonderful room.

Keep in mind it's a cafe - so if it 's a long lingering romantic dinner you want - this aint it.

If you want a glass of great wine, excellent simple food with efficient service - this is a winner.
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- View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, January 30, 2008

I am VERY disappointed with the Wolseley on trying to book a forthcoming tea for a special birthday for myself this coming September for 12 people I was informed that the largest table they could provide was for six people when I suggested if I could book 2 tables for six people near each other I was then informed that they had a few tables of this size and none of them would be close together and on this occasion they were unable to help no suggestion was made to overcome this ie: book tables of 2 or 4 persons near each other? I am very disappointed to say the least as I dont thinlk 12 people is excessive accomodate, perhaps they do not want my money

Ann Bond
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Ann Bond
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, January 29, 2008

I've noticed quite a few people describe this place as "buzzing". I suppose if you like to eat your dinner in a buzzy atmosphere then this could be the place for you. I found the food average to good, but the tables are far too close together. Due to the room having the accoustics of a car showroom (hence the name) there is a constant roar of voices that becomes very tiring. Service was efficient, but cold and charmless. I won't be going back.
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Ewan
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 4
Tuesday, January 08, 2008

I dined here with my family last week. Despite it being January 2nd the restaurant was full and buzzing. The Wolseley is exactly what it says - a Grand Cafe in the European style. The menu is large and varied with a good wine list including a good selection by the glass.

Food was good but not great. Service was good but not great. If you go with the expectation of it being a Grand Cafe Bar you will not be disappointed. Unfortunatley the prices are consistent with its location - Mayfair/St James.

Highlights were a very good Schnitzel - moist and tender - when so often it is dry.

A major disappointment was the cold roast haddock with congealed sauce. Two other mains of chcken and partridge were tepid. When I raised this they offered to replace all three. The children carried on with theirs and a replacement haddock appeared in under 10 minutes. Unfortunately, the sauce was so rich that it completely overpowered the fish.

Despite this, the Wolseley must get full marks for dealing with the problem very quickly - an unequivocal apology and then taking all three mains off the bill (unprompted) even though the children didn't return theirs.

Service was hard fought - despite the number of staff - to get someone to see how you are and take drinks orders. Four times i had to call someone across.

Tables are small (esp for four) and fairly close together but the benefit is that you can hear your fellow diners above the hub bub of noise. The best tables seem to be in the centre of the room and along the side window. Avoid the ones by the door (draughty).

Overall, a great setting, good food, ok service but overpriced. If you want better food and service for the same money there are many fine

restaurants a short walk away.
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Ben C
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 5
Monday, January 07, 2008

Dear reader,

What a disappointment thanks to a £2 cover charge! Get your house and PR in order first.

We decided to turn up at the last minute late at night to see if this is really a busy, efficient and glamorous place as many reviews and critics claim... the doorman was nice but told us that if we did not have a booking we would not be able to eat, I told him that I tried my luck with reception. Got through the doors and we were welcomed and informed that a table would be available in 20minutes, so we headed for the bar and champagne - one of our glass was not polished and clearly stained but this did not stop short the bar waitress to pour 2 glasses.

We sat in the horseshoe area (where most celebs like to sit!) and were promptly given 2 menus to choose from. Food ordered was veal Snitzel, steak au poivre - 2 glasses of red wine and water. Service was hazardeous but friendly, nothing to shout about! When the bill came, I noticed that a £2 cover charge was added, I enquired and was told by the waiter/junior manager that he disapprove the practice and will have it removed - I asked him to justify the charge first - we were told that it was for table cloth (ours was not even ironed!), bread and butter (which we never got either!!), ... well so much for the positive vibe!!!

the charge was removed and we left slightly bitter - as the venue is great from a design point of view, the food is as expected - however the service is not what one can expect as per those many reviews, ... so much for the press and the pr exercice.

We will be back to try it again in the future.
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Barney and Denise
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, December 12, 2007

We ended our evening in Royal Academy of Arts by having a dinner in the Wolseley. The food was disappointment in comparison to its lively atmosphere. The pricy food was at best mediocre, but some of the service staff members were very professional - not all by any means! I was astonished that one of the ‘trainee’ waiters shoved a hot plate in my hands, which he was carrying with servicing towel. It otherwise would have ended up on my lap. We would not go back.
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TK13
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 2
Sunday, December 02, 2007

Oh dear. Have breakfasted here a few times without complaint. But took a colleague for dinner and the whole experience was distinctly average.

Yes, it was a busy night - aren't they all, here? - but that 's no excuse for lacklustre service; a steak that was requested medium but arrived almost raw (and tasteless, to boot); hake that was dry/overcooked and underseasoned; and five options from the menu that were unavailable.

And call me old-fashioned, but shouldn't a 'modern european' restaurant like this have more than one type of cheese on offer for dessert?

Now in fairness, we should have sent both main courses back straight away. What can I say? I'm British, I hate a fuss.... and I was hungry. When we did eventually complain, the steak was deducted from the bill without a murmur.

But even if the meal had been cooked flawlessly, the food just wasn't that interesting. Certainly, at £150 for 2.5 courses, 4 glasses of house fizz and a riesling from the shallow end of the list, there are many better places in town....even within walking distance.

The Wolseley is so 'scene and be scene' that it gives the impression of doing you a huge favour, merely for granting you the privilege of eating here. Sadly, on this experience, the very opposite is true.

Oh, and I've just noticed we were billed a £2 cover charge per head. So with service on top, that was £4.50 on the meter before we'd even sat down.

As a wiser man than I once said: the devil's in the details.
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Tony Little - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 4
Thursday, November 01, 2007

This is a fantastic place to eat at any time of the day with a tasty and very extensive breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner menu. The atmosphere is really lively, the staff friendly and efficient and the decor absolutely breathtaking. It's reminiscent of an upmarket Parisien brasserie. During weekends queues form out of the door for a table in the day, if you don't mind queuing (or waiting at the bar), there's no need to book.

I'd recommend the Wolseley to anyone - it's great as a pitstop after shopping or sightseeing and I'd be equally happy to going with my Granny, my friends and my partner and be sure they'd enjoy it.
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Lucy - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Thursday, October 25, 2007

Having dropped into the Wolseley last night for an off the cuff belated birthday celebration with a friend, I was surprised by how busy they were on a Sunday night! The atmosphere was buzzing. My friend and I enjoyed our dishes (particularly the Schnitzel!) a good deal. We were impressed with the quality of the easier on the pocket red wine, so much so we had more than we had intended! What impressed us the most however was the presentation of a slice of delicius Chocolate and Raspberry Cake with a birthday message on it. It was obvious the Waitress had overheard us talking about my recent birthday. It is this type of thoughtful service which sets The Wolseley apart from so many restaurants in London. It turns any situation into an event to remember.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, October 22, 2007

We vsitied the Wolseley in September for my Grandmother's birthday on a Saturday for lunch. I couldn't believe how busy it was! We arrived at 12.30 which was half an our early as we were close by. The reception we got was amazing. My Grandmother is 75 and very frail and to be honest we were a little bit worried when we walked in. The table wasn't ready yet but we were soon sat down near to the disabeled toilet (a big help!) at the big table in the corner. The kids got a high chairs and colouring books and everyone really made a fuss to make us feel relaxed. We felt like royalty! My husband was asked if we would like the kids food to come out quickly and we agreed. I was so impressed I asked to speak to the manager!

I just want to thank the Wolseley for all there efforts (even though I told you at the time!). You really made a special day. I really don't know how you do it!
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Paula
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, October 11, 2007