The Lawn Bistro

Severe the dissatisfaction wasn't

The bread was delicious

The rest was a real disappointment - watery soup with a scent of truffle oil, dull food - my fish was overcooked and the dish was quite 'wet' with sauce.

The service was ragged - our wine arrived after we had started eating the food (we had to remind the barman that it was just sitting on the bar waiting for us - he didn't seem too concerned)

Not an experience to repeat. And expensive too.

For us it ruined a good day, leaving a sad taste in the mouth.

We were so put off by the first two courses that we decided not to order dessert, so perhaps this is better?

The decor is clever tho' but I wonder what it will feel like in the summer with those huge airconditioning units right over the tables.
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2 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 0
Wednesday, October 19, 2011

We ate at this restaurant earlier this week and I agree with the review posted a couple of weeks ago, this restaurant has some serious teething problems.

It is not a patch on La Trompette or Chez Bruce, both are a similar price and the service and food are on a different level.

When we went, there were large amounts of staff but few of them were offering to do anything helpful, like offer bread , take orders or bring water! We had trouble finding a staff member who knew which table we had booked. We had to ask 3 times to be offered some bread and even then when it finally came we had nearly finished our starters. Then they tried to take away plates whilst other members of the party were still eating. The menu was very focused on game and in my opinion the food was average. I ordered the gratin and the portion was tiny. There were no other vegetables offered on the side and I left feeling really hungry. Finally, we had to wait over 20 minutes for someone to come with the card reader so we could pay and leave. I wouldn't bother going back. It was overpriced for what you get. Pay the same and go to La Trompette.
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H - View all reviews by this user
4 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 1
Thursday, October 13, 2011

On 17th September 2011, in his FT "Cooking" column, the celebrated chef, Rowley Leigh, wrote "Chicken sauteed with mushrooms is always good and gets better according to the quality of the mushrooms." This was delectably demonstrated at the Lawn Bistro last friday lunchtime with the addition of a sublimely subtle aniseed note of tarragon, fondant potatoes and al dente green beans. As a prelude the mackerel tartare topped with creamed avocado and a smattering of Avruga caviar, mixed baby salad leaves, finely diced shallot/onion and precisely toasted bread did it's job more than adequately. An Austrian Blaufrankisch made an excellent accompaniment. The finish faltered with a pear and almond tart on the side of bland but accompanied by a tasty salt caramel ice cream. So no perfect ten I'm afraid but an auspicious opening and a much needed injection, for Wimbledon, of fine dining but not over fussy.
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bsc
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Sunday, October 02, 2011

We ate as a party of four on Thursday 29 Sept. Still has teething pains: took 10 minutes to get tap water; I had to remind waitress that we had ordered wine; they did not know what beer they had on offer. In addition, I was asked how would I like my 'pigeion' cooked, I said medium-rare. It was cooked well done, which is the worst way to cook it.

When bread was served the waiter did not come to each customer, we had to hold our plate across the table for him to place it; silverware was all placed to the left of us (knife and fork). In short, staff training needs to be improved and kitchen seems to have a sound foundation but needs to focus a little better. Not an extremely busy night so how they will cope with a 'crowd' is still to be answered.
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5 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 5
Friday, September 30, 2011

My wife and I enjoyed a delicious meal at The Lawn Bistro last night. The food was delicious and the Chef excelled himself. The staff were excellent and I wish them every success.
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R.and J Bury
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, September 28, 2011