Babylon at The Roof Gardens

The worst restaurant I have been to in a long time. The waiter knocked a candle on to a member of the party spilling hot wax on the table,his phone and his clothes. Then took our meal order incorrectly so that a member of our party did not receive their main meal. Having told us that he would bring the dish in 10 minutes, after 20 had elapsed he came to us and told us that the chef had gone home and therefore could only give us dessert! We spoke to the manager who could not resolve the issue. The waiter then behaved in the most unprofessional manner and told us off for complaining to the manager. A discount on the bill did not really help this disastrous Saturday night!
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2 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 0
Sunday, July 04, 2010

Went along for lunch one saturday in december. Was cold but clear and sunny, a perfect day to enjoy the great views from the roof gardens whilst seated inside.

Staff were cheerful and polite and service was efficient without being obtrusive. My friend had a food allergy which I'd mentioned on the booking, and as soon as our waiter came over he asked us about it, told us which menu items were suitable (or could be modified) and said he would confirm everything with the chef. This kind of thing makes a real difference!

We both went for the 2-course £18 lunch menu, opting for starters and mains. The food was fine, but nothing special. Portions are relatively small, but for lunch I tend to prefer this - and you can always go for the 3 course menu for few pounds more. Total bill including soft drinks and coffee came to £60 for two, which seems reasonable given the location and style of the restaurant.

Unfortunately didn't get a chance to explore the gardens since we were pressed for time, but will definitely come back sometime to take a look round. The outdoor seating in the restaurant is probably great in the summer (but probably in high demand too!)

Overally pretty happy with the experience. I wouldn't suggest you come here specifically for the food, but the view and the great service make it a pleasant dining location. I would recommend this to others with the above caveat, and would certainly come back again.
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Z - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Saturday, December 19, 2009

Had a wonderful eveving here. Food was nothing amazing but nothing to disappoint either. nice fresh tasty if not mind blowing or original. wrong side of expensive but on reflection i didn't mind as i had such a good time. the jazz band were excellent and the service good. the venue itself is what steals the show. very romantic with great views. all in all would be pleased to recommend this place to anyone, provided they aren't looking for michelin quality in the cooking. which I reiterate was good none the less. will definately return. maybe on a weekend night when you get free enterance to the famous club/bar downstairs.
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The Shrimp - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Sunday, November 15, 2009

I went to this restaurant for a romantic dinner and I must confess that I was not disapointed.

We started the evening with a cocktail in the terrace enjoying the famous view of London which was nice and would have been perfect if the trees were not that high...

We went for a promotional menu of 3 courses (3 options for each course) as we are a young couple and our budget was quite tight. I have to say that the originality of the dishes, the flavours combination and the freshness of the ingredients were really pleasant. It is especially good if you apreciate the pleasure of enjoying each mouthful in a relaxed atmosphere.

The wine was great. The portions were really small, I confess. I know it is related to the concept of fine cuisine but I still found them too small. If I was not in a promotional menu I wouldn't probably be completly happy about the value for money.

The service was generally good and the staff was nice and professional - not too formal, what makes you feel comfortable - as we were expecting.

I will probably come back !
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Miss G.
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Thursday, October 29, 2009

We had a birthday dinner for 10 people, cost was £75 a head with wine. I would say we each had one starter and a main, and shared a dessert between 2, and probably a bottle of wine between 3. The service was really good, and the ingredients and execution likewise very good. Also we were not pressured to leave the table at any stage which is not always the case.

I never mention portion sizes, but on this case I have to comment that sizes varied greatly from dish to dish! One fish dish was very small in size, whereas the same course of a mixed grill was about 3 times as big, they should sort it out. They make great cocktails here, it was lovely to start the evening with cocktails out on the terrace overlooking the flamingos in the garden.

No sign of the sommelier problems listed below, so I suppose we had another person that night. Also the setting and decor I liked a lot, we were in a booth, which was a little cramped, true, and the decor is fine for what it is: a pre-clubbing joint. I would definitely go again, but next time am ordering the mixed grill between two people! ;)
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lisa - View all reviews by this user
6 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Saturday, August 22, 2009