17th July 2008
Rip-off
I got the distinct impression that, whatever high principles they may purport to subscribe to, the people that run this place are not interested in their customers' best interests.
We had to queue for ages (approx. 30 minutes), standing in their busy doorway. Luckily I had a free paper with me, which I read from cover to cover.
Once seated, in front of aforementioned queue, I was glad of the pullover I'd brought as by now a sharpish breeze was blowing through the doorway, onto my back.
I've recently had to start trying to cut gluten out of my diet - much easier said than done as you'd be surprised how often it can sneak into products that you just wouldn't expect to contain it - so I'm especially grateful to food retailers that provide clear labels telling me what's safe and what's not. Unfortunately, Giraffe don't do this. However, the Manager did go out of his way to try and help and after much rummaging around in his office (and another fairly lengthy wait) was able to produce a list of which products did/didn't contain gluten. Unfortunately, that was nearly everything.
Eventually I opted for an overpriced steak (fatty) and mash (dry). The portion size was adequate though, which is more than I can say for the duck noodles that my boyfriend opted for. The look on his face was akin to a starving kitten, closely followed by one of pain, on receipt of the bill.
Our advice: don't bother.
oh dear, more 'dddddraft' than 'giraffe'. Hmm i've had very hit and miss experiences with this chain. Russell square one seems to be a safe bet. but the one by liverpool st station gave a similar 'we're too busy to be bothered with you' customer vibe.
Like yourself i opted for Giraffe as i'm similar food allergic (dairy). So sunday brunch here of a big bowl of muslei and soya milk is a a joy. however, a late sat night sup one time was a lengthy wait, 'boring' menu and expensive.
maybe one for breakfast, rather than a dinner option.
but hit and miss.