Elephant Walk

Unfortunately, the food here is pretty good. That's what led me to give them yet another chance, which I never should have done. I've eaten here for delivery, takeaway, and eat in. In every instance, the service has been horrendous. When eating in, they are slow, have a tendency to mix up or forget your order, and are very slow to refill drinks. When going for takeaway, they act as if you actually enjoy sitting and waiting for them to prepare the food, which can’t possibly take 45 minutes to prepare. And don’t even bother with delivery, for if you’re lucky enough for them to answer the phone, they’ll lose your order and you’ll be stuck hungry for the night. When I last called to complain and speak to a manager (on a Friday night), I was informed that there wasn’t even a manager there. No surprise really. When I pushed for information on a manager or owner to speak to, I was disconnected (accidentally, I’m sure). So, no more chances on this one. I’d advise that you stay away to avoid the frustration.
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Blaise
3 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Monday, October 11, 2010

Went on a Saturday night. It was busy but not heaving. Nevertheless it took NINETY MINUTES for our food to arrive. We had to ask twice for poppadums and waited thirty minutes for them. We asked three times before a glass of water arrived. By the time our food arrived I was so hungry I barely tasted it. It would probably have qualified as a pleasant meal if it had come within, say forty minutes of being ordered, rather than at past 10pm.

They gave us a small plate of peanuts for free at one point, and the manager apologised for "the slight delay" (his words, not very soothing) but they still put full service on the bill. Underwhelming.
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Kate B
3 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 3
Friday, September 24, 2010

We enjoyed our evening at Elephant Walk, West Hampstead. The ambience created by the decor and music was relaxing and we could hold a conversation comfortably. The menu was extensive and the flavours all so diverse and delicious. There was a mixture of spicy and mild flavours everything prepared with attention to detail. The desserts and drinks were equally as delicious so save some room. The staff were friendly, helpful and attentive. Would recommend a visit and would return. The faluda milk shake was like liquid turkish delight, the vegetable sides delicate and flavoursome. My ten year old niece had a good experience too as she chatted happily to the staff and they prepped her dishes with no spices.
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8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Sunday, September 12, 2010

We moved to West Hampstead a year ago and have tried most of the local restaurants. Some good, some not so good. We honeymooned in Sri Lanka so we were keen to try Elephant Walk. While it might not be the best Sri Lankan food I've had, it is usually tasty and they are not afraid of spice which I'm a fan of. There aren't many Sri Lankan restaurants in London so we will support this local one. The curries are great when we don't have time to cook at home.
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Megan
8 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Visited this restaurant the other day and was not at all impressed!

From the minute we walked in, the atmosphere seemed little better than average, with staff poorly trained in basic meeting and greeting. Once finally seated, we ordered and our food arrived at an acceptable speed. More time should maybe have been taken...

From the rubbery paratha to the hugely overcooked prawns, the meal was an incredible dissapointment, with only the house wine tasting anywhere near good enough (and that was from a bottle...could hardly have messed that up!)

Overall, a thoroughly dissapointing evening and a waste of hard earned money...
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Dru
2 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Amazingly Good Authentic Curries. I was really taken aback by the quality food served and the warm friendly atmosphere from the staff. There was nothing depressingly poor about this South Indian Restaurant and quiet the reverse the food was mouth watering delicious. I took my fiancés to Elephant Walk and believe me she really appreciated it. Worked like a treat. Would recommend you give this a try at least once. You'd be grateful you did.
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Roger Monks
10 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, July 30, 2010

First one’s in the resturarant yesterday evening. Walked through the door, the waitresses just stared at us and then about a good few seconds the manager on his laptop looked up and said, sorry I didn't see you and seated us.

We ordered our food a Masala Dosa, a Chicken Dish and Prawn dish accompanied by Parota and Rice.

The Masala Dosa was cold. The Chicken mediocre. The Parota chewy, tasted like they were shop bought and reheated. The prawns were so chewy that I had difficulty cutting them with a knife!

I was less than impressed and told the staff, the waitress admitted that she could see that the prawn were incredibly chewy. I said that I could not eat it and she took it away.

I asked for the bill, which took 10 minutes to arrive and there was only 2 other couples in the restaurant and 3 staff. To my complete my disappointment she had charged me for the prawns, I was shocked!

I flagged down the manager who said I’ll be with you in one minute, after 5 minutes he again gave me the one minute sign and walked off.. not to return.

I told the waitress that I wasn’t going to pay for the prawns and she took it off.

I cannot believe the appalling service of the food and the lack of customer service. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone. If you want to try Ski Lankani food, you may be better off buying it from the shop instead of paying the restaurant to heat it up for you!!
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Krish
2 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Thursday, July 29, 2010

We've ordered takeaway from this restaurant on 3 occasions and eaten in once. The first time we saw the restaurant we ate in and the food was good and we enjoyed the meal.

The 3 deliveries however have been little short of shambolic. The first time the food was an hour late. The driver couldnt find our place even though we live about 5 mins from the restaurant. The food was cold.

The second time the food was again 30 mins late and was cold

The third (and final time we will ever use the restuarant) nothing had turned up 45 mins after we were told the food would arrive. We called the restaurant and they told us that the driver hadnt even turned up for work. We asked if they were planning on letting us know but no apology was forthcoming - unbelievable.

Overall a decent place if you eat in the restaurant although there are better places around. Dont even bother asking for a delivery.
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3 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 0
Sunday, December 13, 2009

Very disappointed with the home delivery service. When the order arrived half the food was missing. Everyone makes mistakes and we wouldn't have thought any more of it if, when we had telephoned to point out the error, they had apologised and said they would send the missing dish round. But instead we met with disbelief from the staff, who refused to believe that any of the food was missing. We had a real fight to get them to send a replacement dish. We will not be using them again.
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Sophie - View all reviews by this user
2 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 3
Sunday, October 11, 2009