Thai On The River

I visited this restaurant on sunday lunchtime with a group of nine friends for a birthday celebration. We all opted for the £12.95 per head buffet, which was very disappointing. The food was bland,luke warm and appeared to be from the previous night's buffet. The meat used in the recipies was of a very poor quality and the beef contained a lot of gristle. The noodles were very greasy, as were several other dishes. Even at £5.95 this food would have been overpriced.

Having eaten in many thai restaurants and food outlets both in Thailand and the U.K. , I can honestly say that this was the worst by a mile.

A poor advertisement for thai food and an insult to the discerning customer.
Comment on this reader review

Mr Frank Mabb - View all reviews by this user
3 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 0
Monday, June 06, 2011

We had a perfectly acceptable meal here. Prices are reasonable and service was OK although the staff's command of English is not that good (but probably good enough).

When the bill came, the staff member asked that if she removed the service charge from the bill would I pay it in cash as otherwise the staff don't get it! Very weird. I did it, but felt uncomfortable. Wonder if the owner knows they're doing that...
View/Add comments (1)

Ian Freeman
7 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, December 08, 2010

The restaurant had a contract to provide 50% off the total food bill which they refused to honor. When I phoned the restaurant to make my booking the whole conversation resembled to nothing worst than watching "Fawlty Towers" involving Basil and Manuel.

Allow me to explain

When I rang the first lady took my booking, this took over 3 mins due to a language barrier. I cannot understand how the manager can put someone with very little English in charge of manning the phone. This got worst when I mentioned the Viewcard offer over the phone, at which point she never understood anything. Only instead of passing the phone to someone who spoke better English kept of replying "no understand you say," I only then got passed onto the manager, after effectively trying to spell out the word BOSS.

Where the receptionnist resembled as Manuel from Fawlty Towers the boss could only be described at Basil, although little more insulting. She stated that she refused to give 50% off, I asked why, of which she replied "None of your Problem" In keeping my calm I explained she is misrepresenting her restaurant by advertising an offer and not honouring it.

Next day I get a phonecall asking why I never showed up at the restaurant. I explained the booking didn't really go through. I also explained that if the restaurant doesn't honour the offer, why should the customer honour their booking. She only insulted me and put the phone down on me. I would rather not explain the words used to insult me.

I have then read other reviews of the restaurant and can only advise the restaurant to change name and management as the name has only been tainted by this poor customer service.

This was due to be my 2nd visit there after 3 years. The first visit was fair and service was slow, but nothing spectacular, and so although I did not go there on my second visit this review should be based on my overall view of the restaurant.
Comment on this reader review

Mr N
0 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Food and atmosphere were nice. Service was good but it was a little hard to get their attention sometimes. It's not great value for money though unfortunately.
Comment on this reader review

7 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 4
Friday, September 11, 2009

We went to this restaurant with a group of friends who recommended it. We would never go back again. The service was nothing short of appauling. The staff were abundant but did not understand English well, did not understand the orders ( despite us finally ordering by numbers on the menu!), drinks needed to be ordered several times (with different staff before arriving).

There were only 6 of us, but they had got the full order muddled up when it finally arrived and my meal was wrong, had to be sent back, and did not reappear until long after everyone else had been tucking into theirs.

There was no apology for this, nor any discount off the meal.

The food quality was poor and even the setting on a nice summers evening did not compensate.

I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone. There are far better restaurants around London to choose from, where all factors are superior in terms of service, food quality and value for money.
Comment on this reader review

2 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Wednesday, August 12, 2009

great location with plenty of space. Service was poor and the attitude of the staff was very off hand. The food was not up to standard for the prices we paid. Very bland, unspicy, lacking quality and flavour. Not a good advertisment for Thailand or its food.
Comment on this reader review

Dan
2 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Monday, June 15, 2009