Chapter One

I recently visisted chapter one restaurant since they had the refurb and change of management. It was recommened to me by some friends who have only ever been once and rated the resataurant. At the start of the week is the nicest time to go if you dont want to feel too cramped.

To be honest when we went it was mid week. Menu was ok but i think they could be more creative but i would eat the food again.

The service i felt wasn't up to how i expected it to be. Tried getting the waitress attention a few times but felt as though i was completely ignored, while other tables around seemed to be getting all of her attention. Did we smell or something?? No but one of the waiters did, he obviously smokes and feels its ok to go for a ciggarette and them serve us when they come back.

All the staff obviously get on well as you could see from them standing around chatting away together, including the manager.

The manager himself didn't seem to be too interested either as to what was happening on the floor just woundered in and out ever now and then and spoke of what seemed to be the more "regular" customers who have obviously been coming for years. At least Kelly got round too everyone checking how the meal was even when see didn't know you.

Restaurant wouldn't be my first place to recomend.
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Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 6
Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Simply superb. I was a regular visitor to Chapter One prior to the 2007 refurbishment and yesterday was my first visit back... I shall be a regular once again. This restaurant has gone from strength to strength. The food was excellent and the new decor is to a very high standard. The layout of the dinning area creates a warm atmosphere amenable for both business and pleasure. Tables are spaced thoughtfully so your not subjected to the conversation of those around you. Staff were accommodating of requests and attentive without pestering and appeared to take pride in their work and the restaurant they represented.

The nature of my job means I dine regularly in the West End yet I rarely find a restaurant that offers a remotely comparable experience. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. I'll be back very soon.
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Martin
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, April 24, 2008

Lovely decor, very pleasant service, great food, good value, very impressed. One of the best restaurants I've been to in London
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CC
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, April 23, 2008

I ate here last week and was so taken aback by what a lovely experience it was…First of all, the ambience and decor is very sophisticated and sleek. When we arrived we were shown to the candle-lit bar area – it was very comfortable and had cool background music. When we went into the actual restaurant our table was great and somewhere you wanted to relax and stay for a long time (nice chairs - not too close to other tables...) The food was exceptional and beautifully presented, with attentive but not obtrusive service. We'll definitely be coming back here – it seems they get everything right - look, lighting, comfort, service, music and most importantly flavour! I don't normally bother to write reviews but I'm still in shock there is somewhere this fantastic nearby – it's as nice if not nicer than anywhere I've been in London.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, April 21, 2008

We regularly eat at Chapter One - the staff are all friendly but professional, the food is delicious and the atmosphere spot on.

We also have small children who we take with us occasionally and they are also made to feel very welcome although you will never find the restuarant overrun with children.

Why bother trekking into London when we have this on our doorstep in Kent? I would seriously defy anyone not to enjoy it there and have recommended it to friends and colleagues who have never been disappointed.
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L Nix
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, March 17, 2008

My family and I went to Chapter One on friday night for my 24th birthday.

It was a busy night but the waiters were brilliant, very helpful. When my father ordered two bottles of white wine by mistake, they happily changed one bottle for a bottle of red, even though the white wine had already been opened.

The food was delicious and we all left feeling full but not unconfortable.

I will certainly be going back with friends, it is as good as any of the top London eateries.
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Victoria
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, September 24, 2007

I haven't been to Chapter One for a while, so I was quite excited about going back. Its one of those restaurants that you visit for a special occassion. The refurb in the bar is gorgeous but doesn't really go with the restauant but the bar service is quick and its a nice area to enjoy a few cocktails before dinner.

Service in the restaurant is perfect and the food is nice, you always think they are being a bit mean with the portion sizes but as you start to eat you realise that the food is so rich you wouldn't be able to eat bigger portions! The price at Chapter One is also very reasonable and the wine selection is fantastic!

Highlight of the night the sommelier sounds like Alan Partridge - made my evening!
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Michele Norris
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, August 22, 2007

I was taken to Chapter One for a business lunch last week and enjoyed the experience very much. My host tells me the set lunch menu is very reasonably priced, although I'm not sure just how much it was.

It has fairly recently been redecorated, i believe and the dining area was light and open with a very pleasant atmosphere. The mood was relaxed with a mix of diners.

The waiting staff were attentive without being pushy and the food was very good. All in all, a very pleasant lunch and a restuarant I would certainly recommend for a quality dining experience without having to fight your way into London.

I'll certainly go again.
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David L - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, June 04, 2007

I had dined at Chapter One a couple of years ago and thought a return trip would be equally as good. The food was excellent but the service was very poor. We waited 15 minutes to get our drinks order taken. The wine my companion wanted wasn't in stock and instead of waiting for her to choose another the chap walked of and magically forgot about us. We weren't approached by any of the staff to check that everything was ok and it was noticeable that other diners coming in were served immediately.

Needless to say I didn't pay the service charge. I did explain why I wasn't paying the service charge but didn't feel that they were particularly interested.
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Virginia Browne
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Sunday, May 13, 2007

For my mothers birthday I wanted to take her and the family to a nice restaurant without having to drive into London (impossible to park!). My friend recommended Chapter One. It's a very large restaurant with onsite parking. Getting a reservation was quite difficult so I suggest you book well in advance to get the time slot you want. We had a booking for 6.30pm on a Saturday and were the first to arrive at the restaurant. Shortly after we arrived the place filled up extremely quickly. The service from the waiters was impeccable. The menu had a good selection of dishes and all were at a set price with some supplements on the beef and lamb dishes. Approx £30 per head for a 3 course meal (excluding any supplements). The wine isn't so cheap but they do have a very extensive list to choose from. My family were really impressed with the restaurant and enjoyed the whole experience. I will definitely go back to Chapter One and may even try Chapter Two restaurant in Blackheath next time.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, May 09, 2007