Automat

Maybe mgmt read the reviews below, or maybe its the Christmas glow having read the reviews I wasn't looking forward to lunch this week....but what a pleasant surprise!

We sat in the back room, the place was full with a lovely lively atmosphere. The front desk was fine and our waiter was very friendly and helpful though we did have to wave everytime we wanted something (drinks, wine menu, main cours cleared) - so if you accept that's how it is then you'll have a great time.

The food was nicely presented, large portions and very tasty. Whilst not cheap - it was average for West End.

I would certainly go back
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7 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Although it pains me to say it, my own impressions of Automat are similar to those of the 18th November reviewer.

The service in this restaurant ranks up there as some of the worst I have EVER seen - charmless, inefficient are the two adjectives that spring to mind.
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Patrick Craig
1 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Friday, November 27, 2009

It pains me to write is as the location and menu are both pretty good. Sadly the service, especially given the price, is just atrocious.

I had the misfortune of having a client lunch and breakfast there within a week of each other & I now vow never to go back.

Breakfast - I had to wait 45 minutes for my fruit smoothie to arrive. When I chased it and suggested it be on the house (given my breakfast was pretty much finished) the waiter agreed, his boss came back and suggested I'd waited for 10mins (hence they weren't going to comp it) and when I informed her that it was a 45minute wait, a v loud exchange between her and the waiter broke out half a metre from our table - not very professional at best.

The toast was also 5minutes after our omelette arrived and the staff were a little overwhelmed to say the least. It wasn't a cheap breakfast either - what a shame. So few good places for breakfast in Mayfair.

Lunch - Similarly bad service at lunchtime, was informed when seated that they would need the table back at 1.45pm (1.5hrs for lunch - usually I'd expect 2hrs) which I really do hate. Makes you feel like you are being rushed through. We were then reminded of our 1.45pm deadline when my fellow diners arrived. The service was then shocking. Difficult to keep to our 1.5hr deadline when you can't get a waiters attention! Fearing this 1.45pm deadline, at 1.35 we declined coffee and dessert and asked for the bill. At 1.52pm the bill eventually was paid up (due to a lack of urgency on the waiters part)… so we prob could have squeezed in an espresso or two) -despite a fine main course, won't be rushing back..
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4 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 3
Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Went last night and experienced the poor attitude first hand. How this place is still busy is beyond me. I do like the decor and the atmosphere but the front of house staff were rude and unprofessional (though the waitress at our table was perfectly nice). The food is ordinary at best, wine quite expensive.

Management needs to read these reviews and take some action.
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5 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5
Thursday, November 05, 2009

The staff - from front of house to the waiters - were incredibly rude, unwelcoming and unhelpful. Anyone would think that customers were an imposition on them. I shan't be going back.
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A Sadler
2 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 1
Wednesday, October 28, 2009