Hoxton Apprentice

I like the quirkiness of this place. It's trying to be in an area that feels itself so hip it seems to fight not to, but I think what really sets it apart is the warm and genuine nature of the staff.

In case you don't know (though they will tell you when you arrive) and as the name suggests, The Hoxton Apprentice is run as a charity and profits ploughed back in, to give folk - who might otherwise not have - the training and chance to succeed at a level way beyond flipping burgers or a life on the dole.

Now I don't know how they vet the staff or where they get them from but somehow, you just now that they really value the situation they find themselves in and, whilst their attention might wander in the quiet times, you do, as a punter feel particularly cared for.

Swiss finishing school perhaps never featured in the early education of the waiting staff but somewhere along the line they've certainly flicked through the book and a combination of street smart wit and modern manners coupled with delicious dishes make for memorable dining experience.

Certainly beyond the front line, the folk in the kitchen are deserving of commendation, having been now on three occasions and tasted most every dish that came to table I can sing the praises of the artichoke hearts in particular, the venison, the fish and chips (with presentation deserving of Park Lane) and, tying for my cheap and cheerful award for the year, the sausage & mash or the risotto.

Though the dessert manu could I feel, use a bit more attention and choice, sharing just one summer berry panocotta proved too much of a challenge on our last visit and we had soon sent for another - but with our bill still coming in at less than a decent seat at Covent Garden paying was neither a grudge nor painful.

I would heartily recommend this restaurant, its design is one of understated quality which is a theme that runs through & permeates its menu and staff, the place is a real five star treat on a three star budget.

.
Comment on this reader review

rightcharlie - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Saturday, February 17, 2007

Okay, so the service can show a slight lack of urgency. It is however, always friendly, and showing a little patience, in the spirit of the idea behind this restaurant, is the key.

This aside, the food is excellent, with attention to careful, classic cooking. It very reasonably priced and is accompanied by a decent wine list. The restaurant itself is cosy and funky, with an unpretentious atmosphere. And what a great location.
Comment on this reader review

Fiona
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Thursday, February 08, 2007

I made a casual visit to the Hoxton Apprentice, a long period after an awful meal at the Rivington. I had invited three other guests, was completely blown away!! food divine, service completely "on the money" (if a little slow) I had the red wine risotto for starters excellent flavours, followed by a stuffed saddle of Lamb with black pudding tasty but rich!! my guests complimented on the beautiful restaurant design. Will be back!!
Comment on this reader review

John Turner
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Saturday, January 13, 2007

Well, I can't really communicate how bad the apprentice was.. the food was atrocious, the overall impression being of a large bag of industrial road salt showering the kitchen and all that work in her. Someone there must have a sense of humour as one of the desserts comes with sea salt ice cream.. The staff were friendly but insisted on scraping the leftovers from plate to plate on our adjoining table before removing them. There were several items on our bill that we hadn't ordered or received, and a couple of items we had ordered but which hadn't arrived turned up on there too. Overall a pretty unpleasant experience

Oh, and don't even think about visiting the men's toilet unless you want to be put off eating out for life
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 0
Friday, December 15, 2006

I thought it were great...

loved the atmosphere and the wine was a good selection. Thought the portions of fish were moderate but fortunately I ordered the extra curry chips...washed down with more wine !

followed by sambuca...great night was worried about making work the next day
Comment on this reader review

Kelsey Taverner
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, November 22, 2006

What a delightful place to eat out. The lighting and atmosphere of the Hoxton Apprentice make it a very pleasent and relaxing place to eat. And the food was simply outstanding and of a very high quality. The sea bream I ordered, was incredibly fresh and succulent, and came in the most delicious sauce. The chocolate pancotta desert was equally tasty, if not a little too rich to finish.

The improvement in food, from a previous visit, is apparently down to a new very talented French chef...I shall be back!!
Comment on this reader review

Chloe Compton
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, September 13, 2006

I would not advise this restaurant to a friend. The food is not worthed its price but for a drink and a nice talk the environment is very nice.
Comment on this reader review

Babi
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 3
Monday, July 17, 2006

By pure chance we ate on an evening when there was live Jazz and a complimentary glass of champagne due to the month long celebration of their 2nd Birthday, which safe to say made for an excellent start to the evening.

I could not pick fault with the food. My Tuna was cooked to perfection and possibly the best I've ever had and my partner's meal was of equal standard.

The menu is cunningly versatile to suit whatever dining experience you prefer. Not a vast menu but very well considered.

It seems to be popular for large groups of people but I did not feel intimidated or put off by their presence (2 large tables dining whilst we were there). Staff gave equal attention to everyone and our food was still served without delays.

Would definitely go again!
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, May 24, 2006

We have been to this restaurant twice in the past year after reading a review in a newspaper colum. The resturant itself is very impressive ( it was a former school house) and the place is very buzzie and cosmopolitan, However I feel the food and the service do leave alot to be desired. I opted for the small size sausage and mash which I found at the time was a little overpriced about 6.50 for 1 sausage and mash , 2 sausages would have cost around 8.50!!

My partner opted for a lamb shank , which was so bland and had no flavour to it.

Ordering the wine was a chore in itself ( and that was just the house wine!) The waiter really had no idea about wine , However I allowed for that because I understand the concept of this resturant. However in all the resturants I have ever been to when you order a glass of wine you get half a glass!

The best thing about the whole meal was the fat curry dusted chips they were wonderful.

Would I go back - not for the food very small portions, over priced and bland.
Comment on this reader review

Jackie
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 1
Monday, April 24, 2006

I'd been to the Hoxton Apprentice before, and found it good value, with friendly service. However, this weekend the place was in total chaos. Orders were lost, meals arrived so late that the recipients were clapping (1 1/2 hours!) and the staff looked on the verge of tears. I really like the idea behind this place, but the prices have crept up, and the staff needed more trained support. At £35 a head, with one glass of house wine, for two courses and coffee, it's now a bit steep for what it is. I hope they look again at their business plan and go back to more of what they were doing. A victim of their own success, perhaps?
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 3
Monday, April 03, 2006