All reader reviews by Soumo

The Morgan Arms

I agree with the other reviewers that quality and value have declined over the years, and while it would be on OK gastropub elsewhere in London, it is still a miracle in a place like Mile End.

The service is terrible though, and they all but tell you that they don't care. Recently we went for Sunday lunch, a little late, but about 90 minutes before the lunch service ended. They said they could seat us in the restaurant area but not in the bar as they had stopped serving there. Fine. So we bought a drink and waited to be seated, but the lady never came back. After ten minutes we went and asked someone else who said that kitchen was closed because they had run out of food. Nobody was going to tell us though; it was a piece of information we had to seek out. It was then followed by "let me see what I can do for you". And then he too was gone forever. When we were about to leave and paid for our pints, we mentioned all of this, and said that we missed out on a lunch elsewhere because of their lack of communication. Nothing. If you live in Mile End, it is the best you have, but leave your standards and expectations at home - we had a Tesco's sandwich on the way home.

Monday, January 17, 2011
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6

Chennai Dosa (353 High St North)

This restaurant serves good, authentic food at ridiculously low prices. It is what it is, and you know you will get tasty food from staff who don't quite know what they're doing. A filling 'main' dish - dosa, is still less than £3 in 2010! I have been here over 20 times in the last couple of years and cannot relate to the poor food experiences, but totally relate to the well meaning but hopeless staff. Just enjoy it!

Saturday, February 13, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 10