Furnace

I've now been here twice, even though vowing never to visit again after my first (other friends organise it - what can you do?)

The food didn't turn up, we asked the waitress. She said that unfortunately, the kitchen hadn't been able to read her handwriting and so they hadn't made the food. WHAT! So when there is a dispute between the kitchen and serving staff - they push the problem onto the customer. That's a zero score for a start.

Finally the food turned up, well some of it. The starters arrived, but one pizza was missing (and that happened last time too). The waitress didn't even think to apologise. We decided not to wait twenty minutes for the last pizza, as we had been waiting long enough, and instead we shared. Zero.

Now we'd never even considered getting money off the bill, but the lack of apology really hacked us off. So we decided to argue it. The manageress said "well, we've not charged you the tip, so that should be enough". NO! It's not that I think the serving staff don't deserve the tip - THEY DON'T DESERVE TO GET PAID AT ALL! Pushing for just paying for the ingredients would probably have been going a bit far, and in the end we were just too tired to argue any more. They won. Erm, zero.

Just to top it all off, just as we were leaving, they brought over the last pizza! They had made it specially (probably in the hope of a tip). I can't score staff intelligence - but it would be zero if I could.

In the modern world where eating in restaurants is so much more common, restaurants seem to have forgotten that eating out is about enjoying food with friends, and not just the quality of the food. Enjoyment is something we didn't get here. NEVER AGAIN.

On the individual scores:

The pizza is better than most - above average, but not 10/10 - I'd reserve that for a VERY good restaurant.

The atmosphere is okay - modern, white walls, wooden floor, you know the kind of place. Style, but no ambience.

The price is what you would expect, not too much, not too little.

Service - zero.
Comment on this reader review

Matt
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5
Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Visited this restaurant last night and the food was very good - good sized pizzas and great value starters. However, the experience was spoilt by the unfriendly service and the fact that the bill had automatically included a 12.5% tip! When the waitress was approacheed regarding this, she explained that the 'tip' was obligatory unless something was seriously wrong with the service. Shame as the place has a nice atmosphere and everything was freshly made.
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Suzanne
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Thursday, August 03, 2006

Furnace is our favourite place to eat in Hoxton!

The menu blends classic favourites with unusual twists and the result is always top rate. Combined with great value you could not ask for more.

Furnace is brilliantly located in the heart of Hoxton square and is a great place to start or finish your evening out.

The atmosphere is funky and fun without being pretentious and the staff are friendly.

we are repeat customers!
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Jenny
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, July 26, 2006

I really like this restaurant - fantastic Pizza and with a good selection of specials on offer in a great atmosphere and at a reasonable price. I must have been here countless times and always make a point of eating at The Furnace when I'm in London. The young staff are efficient and friendly. Highly recommended.
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James Measures
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, July 26, 2006