All reader reviews by Anonymous

Fishworks (Marylebone)

Last week, I went to the Fishworks Marylebone restaurant for dinner after booking with the 50% off deal. We were seated promptly, ordered a main course followed by dessert and tea and coffee. Just as the tea arrived, the manager approached us and asked us to leave within two minutes as the table was required back. I had not even started to drink my tea yet.

I was aware that the table turn around time is one hour and forty five minutes, however I am very disappointed at the abruptness of this. Had we been given more notice, I would not have ordered my tea. I did not have time to finish my drink. We requested the bill which was promptly brought over. The food total was £40.17 with a £7.88 tip added.

Due to us being requested to leave with such short notice, we reduced this "discretionary tip added to the bill" to £5 which I believe was already a fair amount given the total meal cost was £40. The waitress was not happy with this at all.

This is my third visit to Fishworks. I enjoyed the first two very much which is why I returned. However due to having been asked to leave "as we need this table back in two minutes" and the waitress being annoyed about what I already considered to be a generous 12.5% tip, instead of the 20% added to the bill, I will be very reluctant to return.

Monday, September 08, 2008
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 0

Wagamama (High Street Kensington)

I went to this restaurant after they advertised buy one get one free main course on their website. The restaurant was very busy and we were sitting very close to people as they have the benches here so there was not much space.

We ordered the soup and noodles with rice for main. Both were completely tasteless with a hint of that cheap curry powder you get for flavour. The rice came at the end after we had finished eating so we sent that back. They added this to our bill so we had to ask to take this off. It also took a while to get our bill.

I used to love Wagamama and be a regular visitor but even with the buy one get one free offer, it was not good value for money and I don't think I will be going back as there are far nicer places where you can eat for £20 for two.

Saturday, August 16, 2008
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1

Fishworks (Marylebone)

I have been to the Fishworks in Bristol and the Fishworks in Marylebone now. Both times I had the monkfish, and the food has been really good. I asked for the monkfish from the fish counter and for it to be cooked in the way that they had on display in a cook book on the counter which they were happy to do. It was fantastic. The chocolate pudding was even better as was the bread and taramasalata starter.

Yes it is expensive, £65 for two of us inc drinks (one starter, two mains, one desesert and non alcoholic drinks) but the food is tasty and service good.

Saturday, August 16, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6

Arabesque

I have been to this restaurant about five times this year. 4 times out of 5 the food has been really good. The starters are delicious as is the meat nice and tender. It is also fantastic value for money at £30 for two starters and two main courses and drinks.

My only gripe is that they bring out the main course far too quickly, sometimes even before you finish your starter. The last time I went, I asked them to take the main course back as I was only half way through the starter and when I asked for my main course, the meat was overdone and dried out. I will put that down to a one off as normally the meat there is delicious.

Saturday, August 16, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

The Quality Chop House

Ten of us went to this restaurant for a night out. I had the lamb chops with mashed potatoe which was absolutely delicious followed by the chocolate pudding which again was fantastic. It is a tiny bit on the expensive side, £18 for a main course but it is really good and service was also good.

Saturday, August 16, 2008
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7

Little Bay (Belsize Rd)

I have been to this restaurant twice now. Both times I had fish whilst my friend had a meat dish.

Both times I did find the starters were a bit too oily. The main course of fish was absolutely delicious. I had salmon the first time and cod the second time. I didn't particularly like my friends chicken breast or the steak which I found too dry. The chips also aren't particularly good.

If you love fish are are looking for a cheap eat then this is the place to go but if I were to go again then I wouldn't get anything else from the menu.

Saturday, August 16, 2008
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9