The Gay Hussar

I'm afraid to say my experience of The Gay Hussar seems to mirror that of nearly all reviews on this web-site.

Five of us took "advantage " of their pre-theatre 20% off offer on Saturday 4th September 2010.Really looked forward to the meal as I was expecting the same or better quality as an Old Favourite of mine when a student in London,"Borscht and cheers"

Unfortunately this was not the same experience at all.Food was average at best.Presentation was appalling.Fried Mushrooms and Tartare.Equals about eight small fried mushrooms rolling around on a plate.Surely something could be done.My fried Duck was basically fit for a transport cafe.My wifes dish was burnt and my brother in laws veal goulash with dumplings un-inspired.

When we asked for the Bill they forgot to take the 20% discount off.When brought to task,the young lady asked us what the time was.Fortunately we qualified by a few minutes.

A great shame.I'd always wanted to sample this historic restaurant,but I'm afraid won't give it a second chance.
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Martin Freeman
4 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 1
Monday, September 06, 2010

A group of friends and I went here for pre theatre meal. with the 20% discount it made the food affordable, however I wouldn't go back in a hurry. Very disappointed. It wasn't terrible but frankly it wasn't amazing. I've been to Hungary and enjoyed the food.

Contrary to some of these reviews, the service was very good.
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Fiona Macintyre - View all reviews by this user
6 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 3
Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Well it was with intrepidation 8 of us went for Sat lunch, after reading these reviews! Walked past this place for 30 + years and my first visit. Was it that bad? No, not really.

Staff were nice and there is enough of it's personality remaining to endear. A couple of Sohoistas of a certain age were lunching (alone) which was great.

The food is just school dinner, nothing more nor less. I played hyper safe and had mushrooms for starters and of which any Harvester would have been satisfied. Crispy roast duck was ok, the accompaniments of a huge pile of red cabbage and spuds that didn't know whether they were supposed to be mash or not, less so, but as I haven't been I must assume it's what they eat in Hungary.

Nobody had anything that was awful, nobody had anything that was particularly nice (venison goulash excepted). We stuck to House wine (rather a lot) and it was £32 each, so we didn't feel as if we'd paid for a gastronomic experience.

A jolly time, but I think once will prove to be enough.
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TrevGo
6 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Sunday, January 31, 2010

Bored with the norm around soho, we felt this homely restaurant could offer some authentic Hungarian comfort food and thus a visit last Friday. The restaurant was rather small and even though I'm a size zero, it was difficult to squeeze through the table. Nonetheless the atmosphere was good although serving by an Indian waitor was a bit bizzare.

The goulash soup was much better than the fish dumplings. Duck liver was average, veal goulash pancake was good, particularly the tomato sauce with a hint of yoghurt. The highlight was the traditional dessert wine. The apricot one was the winner of the night.

Comic sketches on the wall were interesting.

It's worth a try although I doubt I'll be back for a second time.
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bunni - View all reviews by this user
6 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Wednesday, February 18, 2009