All reader reviews by Anonymous

Orrery

Just got back from a wonderful birthday lunch at the Orrery, this is the third time I have eaten there and have not been disappointed on any occasion.

We had the al a carte, lured by scallops - plump and moist

Mains - Lamb which my husband said was extraordinary, the sea bass I had was perfectly cooked as were the accompanying veg.

Desert was also exceptional the Raspberry Souffle and the Passion fruit panna cotta were outstanding.

The whole lunch was leisurley, we were the last customers there at 4.00 and in no way rushed the staff were friendly and attentative.

Having eaten at some many of the overpriced london restaurant scene I would say this place is excellent value - especially the set menus.

We had no problem with the wine, our first choice was available and really nice.

All in all a flawless experience that made the day very special. Would def go back.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10

Livebait (Covent Garden)

We went to Livebait after many many years on Sat 23rd Jan, 2010. In the past it was a firm fav. However, our experience in Saturday was completely lack lustre:

Atmosphere - lacking. Completely understaffed with one lady waiting on nearly all the tables, it took 2 or three goes to get some water!!! I do not blame the waitress in anyway she was going 100miles and hour training to keep everyone happy so was compelled to leave a decent tip.

Food - Bread and butter basket (which is included in the £2 per person cover charge)

Stale - had been cut and left for most of the day no doubt, labelled 'fresh' it was not. It was a mass produced nasty baguette. The butters - very runny the anchovy butter was liquid.

Starters - Crab fishcakes - and a sauce that couldn't be described! burnt and greasy. Scallops - ok could have done with a twist of lemon. Both lukewarm

Main - Seabass on saffron rice, seabass was bland - in fact felt as if I has choosen health option with a complete lack of flavour and seasoning. The rice - saffron is a beautiful product fragrant and alluring, here it seemed to have been confused with yellow food colour or tumeric...no saffron had seen met with this dish. The rice was served as a gloopy mess with water - revolting. Smoked haddock, egg and mash - no flavour, no seasoning. No notes on the menu about the sustainability of the fish or the wether the eggs were factory or organic. At the price we paid I would expect sustainable and organic, Both mains tepid.

Toilets - shared with the theatre next door, so if you get caught out during a theatre break be prepared for very cold food on your return.

The tables next to us complained about their food the waiter apologised - but no manager came over.

We tried to explain on all occasions about the food to the waitress, the language and the pressure she was under made it difficult for any change.

We paid full whack for an awful meal, it ruined our anniversary won't be going back its a complete rip off targeted it seems at tourist and not returning guests.

Its a shame, many a happy night has been had here in the past.

Should anyone from livebait wish to discuss this feedback would be happy to discuss, I do not want to seem unfair - but I tried on the night.

Sunday, January 24, 2010
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0

Orrery

Went for lunch. The set menu had some nice options but was lured astray by the scallops on the a la carte.

Bread nice, but the server did not top up as often as we would have liked (it was not full. Starter - Scallops, one was fat and juicy and lovely the other was slighty overcooked and thus chewy. truffle veloute was special. Main - fish was prefectly cooked and the sauce very nice. Dessert - a lovely chocolate fondant

On the whole a beautiful meal, a little pricey given there are so many great offers in town at the moment. I would go back though for a special treat.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7

One O One

Lunch A l a carte - 50% off offer.

Good wine menu and sensibly priced Bread - choice of warm brown / white or foccaia all nice. The food was amazing!!! the crab risotto full of flavour, the mains excellent and good size portions. The highlight was the chocolate souffle - one of the best deserts I have had, just amazing.

Service polite, friendly. Would definitely go back.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10