All reader reviews by In good taste

The White Swan

It is quite difficult to know where to begin with this place. You can forgive a mistake or two in a Gastropub. When you reach double figures, you become somewhat concerned. When your basic steak and chips is inedible for a third time, you have no option but to walk out hungry.

Things started badly with a succession of amateurish mistakes - the wine opened but not poured, side plates not provided and a lack of cutlery. These were put right, but provided a tempting starter for the absurdity of the main course. After a 40 minute wait and having to request the meal, we had a medium rare steak well done, a rare steak stone cold, and a chicken dish that must have begun cooking the previous evening. (Oddly enough, the most complex dish on the menu was passable!) Having returned the cold steak and chicken, the same steak returned five minutes later. After explaining a fresh steak was expected, rather than the left-alone-to-go-cold steak put in the microwave for a couple of minutes, I was told a new one would arrive. 20 minutes later I gave up waiting. An appropriately cooked chicken also failed to put in an appearance....

As a local resident, I support Richmond restaurants and gastropubs. Sadly, this utter shambles simply does not merit any positive feedback. The only redeaming feature was that the waiting staff seemed aware of quite how diabolical our meal had been. With several good gastropubs in Richmond, this place has better put its house in order very soon.

Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1

Bingham

The Bingham has been very good for some time, moved up a notch or two with the appointment of Shay Cooper a couple of years ago and has recently won a star. Although this distinction is perhaps less than it used to be, this is a genuinely superb restaurant.

The dining room is very comfortable and well presented, and a reasonably advanced booking will enable you to obtain a Thameside view table. I have tried almost all the dishes on the menu (so perhaps time for some fresh thinking!) but they have all been delicious. The calves cheek is a particular favourite. The service is nicely relaxed for a venue of this standard, but thoroughly professional and helpful.

It is a pleasure to have a genuinely wonderful restaurant in Richmond.

Monday, April 05, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Chez Lindsay

Despite being resident in Richmond, and a lover of all things French, I had not eaten here until Sunday evening. Now, I am looking forward to a swift return.

The food is very good - the chicken liver parfait delicate and well proportioned, the leg of lamb perfectly cooked and the crepe (rarely) neither too sweet nor artifical. The service was fine, although the maitre d seemed to appreciate being spoken to in his native tongue. This is a French restaurant that would not be out of place in France - with the exception of Poule au Pot in Pimlico, I cannot think of another in the UK.

Monday, April 05, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Bombay Bicycle Club (Hampstead)

This restaurant comes with a strong reputation, and fails to deliver on all counts.

The menu is interesting, but fairly limited. When the food arrived (and an elongated 40 mins between order and delivery was both unexplained and unappologetic) it was very average and tasted of being heated rather than freshly cooked. After the first couple of mouthfuls, the very small portion was less of an issue than the basic lack of culinary flair. In a final twist, our table were informed they did not have any Naan left (at 9:30 on a Thursday evening) at the time of service, rather than immediately after order.

There are far better Indian restaurants on almost every high street with lower prices and greater attention to service.

Friday, March 19, 2010
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 2