Balcony Bistro at The Barbican

We ate at the Balcony Bistro before a concert on Sunday Oct 22 and have seldom had such a poor meal in London or elsewhere. We ordered fish, from the somewhat limited menu, and found it to be leathery and wholly unappetizing. Fresh, well-prepared fish typically flakes off with the gentle use of a fork. Ours could be lifted from the plate in one piece, as if it were a shoe sole. The staff were kind and accommodating, and brought us somewhat better meals after we sent the fish back. On the whole we felt the food was uninspired and overpriced. Fortunately the concert later that evening compensated.
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Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 2
Tuesday, October 24, 2006

I couldn't agree less with your reviewer. This was an overpriced and opportunistic venue. I found the menu quite limited in selection and the seafood pasta main course selection was basically the same as the starter version (except for a few more added prawns in the sauce and an extra £5 on the price for the privilege). The soft cheese was separating too. Three main pasta dishes, 1 soup, 1 green salad, 2 beers, 2 cokes cost a whacking £68. A total rip-off. I would strongly advise anyone to get to the area early and seek out a venue around smithfield/farringdon and then walk. Despite the emptiness the restaurant (did they know something we didn't?) the table required preparing and yet l still swept the stray parmesan off the table myself when the waiter had finished laying. Yes the view is nice but you get this in the canteen downstairs too. Bistro, Balcony & Blah food!
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Tim
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 1
Tuesday, July 18, 2006