Sweetings

This was my fourth visit to the wonderful Sweetings in a 23 year period and again, I went away happy and contented. This place has simply bags of atmosphere. Along with a warm welcome, chirpy waiting staff, a unique ambiance and the antique cutlery, tankards and serving dishes, the food was pretty good. Sure, it's not haute cuisine but the customer is aware of that as soon as they see the Bill of Fayre.

A mildly disappointing starter of potted shrimps which were on the small side and served on rock hard butter was rescued by an absolute mountain of well cooked haddock in breadcrumbs that came with chips, garden peas and a mountain of tartare sauce. They were washed down with one of their glorious mugs of black velvet and a relatively expensive bottle of Macon and we were so full there was no room for puddings of savouries.

I agree with some of the previous posts that Sweetings can be an expensive experience - but it doesn't need to be. The fish pie and cheaper portions of fish are affordable for most and it's only when you get up to the dover sole end of the menu that you're looking at your main course nearing £30.

So, whether you're on expenses or paying from your own pocket you can still have a fine old time at this bastion of City dining.
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Matt Fearn
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Saturday, January 26, 2008

One member of staff at this restaurant almost ruined what was a very pleasant lunch. She was rude, inconsiderate, and I do hope, now out of employ.

Food was good, our eventual waitress (jodie) fantastic and the chablis was very easy going.
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Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Tuesday, September 11, 2007

I love Sweetings. I love the bread and butter and the behind counter service. I love the tankards of black velvet and the display of wet fish at the front.

So, it is with considerable sadness that I state that I will never go there again; at least on my own account.

Because Sweetings is just too expensive and it is not worth the price. If you are going to charge £25-00 plus for a piece of fish then not only must it be top quality - and Sweetings' quality of fish is excellent - but it must be of a generous size and it must always be perfectly cooked. But the last piece of wild salmon I had there was distinctly towards the dry end and the piece of turbot I had three visits ago was, frankly, stingy and a very cartilaginous cut from near the tail that was poor value for money. At a busy lunchtime there was no time to send it back - but the truth is that it shouldn't have come out of the kitchen.

I'll say it again. I love the place. I love the charming Irish welcome, the attention to detail and the fact that a complex seating plan is well handled by the excellent front of house who always seem to know where you are at the bar. But it's such poor value for money that all those points rankle at the end of lunch when you get the bill.

This place will always be full, and for good reasons. But for me, this one is strictly for the expense account which, I suspect, explains the problem.
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Steven Rhodes
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 1
Tuesday, August 28, 2007

What a gem!!! Been in London 6 years and wish i had found it earlier. Superb Halibut and Turbot came recommended from Darren (he man's the first counter as you walk in). Darren and the quality of fish made it a memorable day.
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Stephen Tilston
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Monday, August 20, 2007

I took a few friends to sweetings for lunch, its the best lunch I have ever had in the city, excellent staff, friendly owner, the decor was excellent just as it was 70 years ago. They have kept the old feel but kept the place upto date,
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Adrian Ellis
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Sunday, April 15, 2007

ok... £27 for a piece of overcooked salmon?....£9 for a starter portion fillet of smoked eel and a wedge of lemon....bad bad bought in mayonaise....2ply paper napkins....asked for olive oil for my very bland crab salad which was either pomace oil or vegetable oil.... god knows how this place is so busy. would never ever go back. Service was fine.
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David
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 2
Thursday, March 08, 2007

Sadly, very very disappointing indeed. Crab salad nothing to write home about. Rubbery, tough scampi and friendly but remiss service. Won't head back in a hurry.
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Lucy - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5
Monday, February 12, 2007

Really enjoyed my visit to Sweetings, very traditional and great service. It is pricey, however the fish is fresh and of the highest quality.
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Lynne
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Friday, August 11, 2006

On a family vacation in London, my wife and children took me to Sweetings for my birthday. One of my favorite dining experiences ever! We had sauteed Dover Sole and various appetizers topped off with Black Velvet. The service, the ambience, the warmth of the staff and friendliness of the owner made this a truly outstanding experience for all of us. I will always remember it.
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Michael McGuire
Tuesday, June 07, 2005