Troubadour Cafe & Deli

pixie1

The Real Deal 4th March 2009

2 found this helpful

There are so few places in London with this kind of genuine atmosphere. The place is literally brimming with character. Just sit back with one of their delicious cocktails and lap it all up. The menu has plenty of familiar staples like burgers and fish cakes but it all seems good quality and our dinner was pretty good. Yes it's busy and crowded but it's fun and that's what it's all about here. There's a great little music venue downstairs too where you can catch unsigned bands. We'll be back!!

foodbymark

overcrowded and noisy 10th September 2008

0 found this helpful

I had heard much about the venue as a restaurant but only ever walked through to the venue downstairs. Arriving a half hour early we apparently threw their system into malfunction as we were greeted by manic staff. We were seated in the busy backroom about 15 minutes later and we quickly ordered. They did bring us the wrong starter, a vegetable platter with assorted dips which was huge and certainly appealing. When we did get our mains they were generous and tasty. The Parsley Liquor with the pie was a touch and the pie and mash topped with onion gravy was a little too sweet for my liking.

The tables are very close and as a result it is a little overcrowded but a fun experience in a somewhat bohemian setting. As food goes, it was above average homely comfort food. Unfortunately I didn't know about this mysterious garden.

nopstar

Damn Good Burger 13th August 2008

3 found this helpful

One of the best burgers I've had in London. I'm tired of all the places that try to dress up their burgers, you can put as many toppings or sauces on burger, doesn't make it a good burger.

Troubadour has a thick hand formed patty, (yes it matters) excellent mix of ground beef,juicy but not too greasy. A simple but good quality roll, with a little salad and shoe string chips.

As I was walking out I saw someone digging into a massive steak... next time!

mkdtw

My second sitting room 11th May 2008

4 found this helpful

Ah, I’m a bit biased as I have so many childhood memories of this place! My Portuguese mum and English dad met in Earl’s Court during the 70’s and our family spent many-a-Saturday afternoon in the Troubadour...I even have an old photo of my mum peering in through the coffee pots displayed in the window. Ok so to bring the review up to date...yes the place has a shabby chick feel to it and yes when it’s busy the service can be a little slow but you can’t beat the cozy feel and you could quite easy kill a few hours here chatting with friends.

ilovelucy

Lovely charming place 9th May 2008

3 found this helpful

I'll give this place four stars for the great night i had here yesterday. Service not perfect - had to go up a couple of times to get someone to serve us but they were friendly and attentive. Its the kind of sleepy place where you want to spend a bit of time. There are several parts to the cafe and we were in a part that reminded me of a skiing chalet with all the pine furniture - there's also a little garden out back. Food was homely and plentiful - we were starving after rock climbing session and washing down the meal with a couple of bottles of wine, a lively conversation ensured and lots of laughter. Will have very fond memories of the place.

mazphd

Through the door 25th April 2008

3 found this helpful

Between rushing around meetings etc. I was taken to Troubadour. A gem of a place, and one that would have been easily missed had i not had someone 'in the know' with me! Although given my directions involved the words 'across the road from the champagne shop', before i had even set foot in the place i felt that i couldn't go wrong!

We arrived 4.30pm apparently THE 2,4,1 cocktail (2) hours. So mix me a mojito - that looked just lush and perfect for a spring sprung afternoon!

Do not sit outside pavement side, go on in through the door and duck down into the 'secret' patio garden. Nice spot for sun lounging.

Bathrooms creatively thought out with communal 'zen' focussed wash basin. This means clean hands and opportunity for a little bit of cheeky eye flirting if thats your thing in bathrooms.

Staff very attentive, a little bit hippy and a lot happy.

As for wine selections, there's a rather devine Laroche 2006 chablis on the menu that's a dream: delicate and delicious! Otherwise have some new worldly fun with a South Africa Hartenberg Shiraz for something bold and beautiful!

i'd love to come back in the evening time and enjoy the promised live entertainment, and maybe run into the next Hendrix. Well a girl can dream.

Gavroche

Only for the little garden at the back 22nd March 2008

1 found this helpful

This institution in Earls Court has got nothing extraordinary.

The little garden at the back however is like a secret and quite place away from the busy street around.

The food is mediocre.

harryp

Yeah but., No but 2nd October 2007

4 found this helpful

Great if you own a dog, one of the few places that let you bring the pooch in (watch out for the in house cat though it has no fear). The food's a bit hit or miss, especially at breakfast when the the chef's still dealing with a hangover. Have sent stuff back here a couple of times.

Owners lovely, the staff often a bit grumpy.

amandaharrison

Hendrix's hangout 13th September 2007

2 found this helpful

Apparently Hendrix, Dylan, Mitchell all played in the club downstairs in the 60s. The Troubadour is unique. A bohemian air and really decent steak and chips. I've spent many an hour in the gorgeous little back garden. It even has its own deli next door.

MichalD

17th July 2007

3 found this helpful

It's surprising how few people know about its existence, even though it's been there for decades and has played host to such names as Jimi Hendrix or Bob Dylan.

One of the most atmospheric places in London - for me at least - with great decor, helpful staff, (occasionally) weird regulars and some great food too.

My favourite is definitely their burger - always juicy, nicely served, properly cooked and relatively good value.

And if the bar staff don't decide to experiment with the soundtrack, this place can be truly magical.