The Narrow by Gordon Ramsay

I ate at The Narrow last month (Beginning of May). Having not booked I was very glad that they could seat us straightaway (a table by the window as well what a treat!!!). All in all it seems unbelievable that the reviews below are for the same place I visited. The food was in one word DELICIOUS. The herring roes were possibly the best I have ever tasted (and believe me I am a fan). My partner had the welsh rabbit, which he would have eaten in 2 seconds if it wasn't so hot and bubbling when it arrived.

For main we had the trout and sorrell (I am a fish fan), the flavours were delicate and fresh and generally very well balanced (the sorrell and capers did not overpower the delicate/perfectly cooked trout). My partner had a steak which was cooked, again, to perfection! The mushroom which came with it, tasted so meaty and was so full of flavour that it could have been eaten on its own! We shared the chips, which were also fantastic!

The whole meal was washed down with plenty of tap water (which was topped up constantly without even having to ask), and a lovely bottle of English Wine (who'd have thought we could become good at making that as well?) for a very reasonable price of £20.00.

Staff was friendly but no intrusive... If it was my local I'd be in there all the time (probably good it isn't as I'd spend all my money in there).
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Marianne Di Gregorio
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Sunday, June 08, 2008

The bar staff are generally rude, unhelpful and extremely slow. Food is average to poor. One of our party asked whether she could have a side order of fries and was told, and I quote, "No chance". Since I had suggested The Narrow I was utterly embarrassed by the whole fiasco, definitely won't be back.
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Tom
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 0
Saturday, May 31, 2008

I visited the Narrow after a year on the first May Bank holiday of this year.

Terrible and incompetent bar staff - we had to wait ages to be served although the bar was not that busy. The food was distinctly average

Although I live locally, I wouldn't go back. There are much better pubs in Wapping \ Limehouse area.
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Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Tuesday, May 06, 2008

The food here was a disappointment as I had expected properly cooked food as it is part of the Gordon Ramsay stable. The cheesecake was not made of cheese at all, rather it was the 'mousse' that you get in most of the high street eateries which is mass-produced in some factories and then delivered. The place was busy with local residents but this place is not worth travelling to if you are not a local.
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Cyril
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 3
Monday, March 31, 2008

I went to this restaurant for a meal on a monday night. I thought the pub may be quiet but it was busy and I was glad I had booked a table. Excellent food and service - highly recommend the fish and chips.

Atmosphere was comfortable and welcoming - Will definietely go back in the summer when I can sit outside and look at the river.
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Kate
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Thursday, March 20, 2008

We thought the food was very good and very good value, but the service left a lot to be desired.
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Slivver
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Im actually beginning to think that the previous owners of the "Narrow St and Dining room" did a better job, without the weight of Gordon Ramsay behind the name. Back then you were able to order pub food in the bar.

Ive given the Narrow a few chances now and I can say that I WONT BE BACK. The menu is very much hit and miss, food is sometimes hot and other times cold - which come to think about it also sums up the service. If you order a drink its painful to have to remind them again that you havent received it!

The lean too is disappointing as it has vastly reduced the outdoor drinking space. In summary dont judge a book by its cover.
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Fiona - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Sunday, March 02, 2008

Well where do I begin....

On arrival we were seated in the conservatory which resembled a cheap lean-too stuck onto a rather fine building. A shame as the views of the river are amazing. It was January and freezing, an attempt had been made to warm up the place with old calour gas heaters dotted around the conservatory. If you were lucky enough to have one pointed at your table it took the edge off the windchill. However, the smell was appalling and you risked life and limb dodging all the heaters if you were brave enough to try and get to the toilets in the main building. At one point I put my scarf on. On enquiring with the waiter if the underfloor heating was broken (we assumed that the old heaters were a temporary measure as surely they broke all H&S measures...) we were given a curt 'no' and off he fled.

Service was slow and surly.

Food was hit and miss, the worst was my starter of potted shreaded salt beef. Well who said presentation mattered?? I actually couldn't look at it, it was that vile. It resembled somthing that a cat would bring up. Taste wise it was OK.

On the plus side the fish and chips were good. The loin of pork resembled something I would serve to a 6 month old all mushed up and the same bland colour. Puddings, again I have never seen custard the consistency of water.

Overall, a real disappointment I expect more of a gastro pub that Gordon Ramsey would put his name to. If you do book a table make sure it's in the main restaurant unless of course it's summer.
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Louise Sheppard
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 3
Tuesday, February 19, 2008

We had put off going back to the Narrow having last visited before Ramsey holdings took over as the menu was a little too gastro and not enough pub for us (I do enjoy more refined food but that's not what I’m looking for in a gastro pub). However we took another look recently and decided to give it a go and I’m so glad we did. The menu was full of good pub fare - fish & chips, bangers & mash, pork chop etc.

I made the reservation a few weeks ago as we had guests staying. Two nights ago the restaurant called to confirm our booking. On the night we got caught in very bad traffic in the City so called ahead to let them know we might be late - they were very accommodating and said it was no problem. The restaurant has a car park so there were no problems leaving the car.

The wine list was good and varied both in variety and price. We had the Chilean Sauv Blanc which was delicious and remarkable value at just £14.95.

The food was without exception superb. I'm surprised by the previous review which seems to have taken place on the same evening as our visit - I wonder if we were in different restaurants as our experience could not have been bettered. The portions were plenty and even the large appetites of the men in our group were easily satisfied - although we all said we could have eaten another serving as it was so good. The quality of the ingredients is evident as in the use of well balanced seasoning. We had the bangers & mash, venison (the special) and the pork, all were thoroughly enjoyed. It was mentioned that we didn't want the dishes to end as they were so good and we wondered whether the desserts could match the high standards of the starters & mains.

However it is the desserts that make this place worth a special visit. We had the treacle tart, pear crumble, chocolate sponge and the bread & butter pudding - all were lovely but the bread & butter pudding (mine I’m glad to say) was something special.

We are usually a pretty fussy group but we couldn't find fault with our dinners. The meal came to £140 for four people with three courses, two bottles of wine and tip. I'll definitely be going back.
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Suzanne
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Sunday, February 10, 2008

The service was excellant but as for the food is was in one word vile, we will not be going there again and would not recommend it to any one with a taste bud.
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Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 1
Sunday, February 03, 2008