Latest reviews in Chalk Farm, London, United Kingdom

Primrose Bakery - by tomaplaw

tomaplaw — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:50:29 +0000

Review by tomaplaw

Rating: 5.00

Yummy Victoria Sponge goes down well with their tea. My girlfriend always has the Carrot cake cupcake which is really good too!Yummy Victoria Sponge goes down well with their tea. My girlfriend always has the Carrot cake cupcake which is really good too!

Chamomile - Chamomile - nice coffee, shame about the staff by monkeypuzzle

monkeypuzzle — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:40:04 +0000

Review by monkeypuzzle

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7586 4580

Tags: crowded, good brew, proper food

This cafe has a nice location and a really pretty good menu with lots of healthy breakfasts, and options for lunch. The coffee isn't bad either. It is also tucked away on a sweet road near Belsize park. It's just a shame that the staff are so objectionable and actively make the experience of dining there unpleasant. Their level of agression towards the customers is so strange that I wondered if I was actually in some TV stunt or psychological experiment to measure the effect of bullying on diners. I watched as a mother was actually frog-marched out of the cafe by a really rude waitress and was forced to dress the screaming infant on the road outside where it was raining . I couldn't believe what I was seeing! Aren't families allowed in cafes? The baby hadn't even finished it's breakfast.

I'm not going back in a hurry.This cafe has a nice location and a really pretty good menu with lots of healthy breakfasts, and options for lunch. The coffee isn't bad either. It is also tucked away on a sweet road near Belsize park. It's just a shame that the staff are so objectionable and actively make the experience of dining there unpleasant. Their level of agression towards the customers is so strange that I wondered if I was actually in some TV stunt or psychological experiment to measure the effect of bullying on diners. I watched as a mother was actually frog-marched out of the cafe by a really rude waitress and was forced to dress the screaming infant on the road outside where it was raining . I couldn't believe what I was seeing! Aren't families allowed in cafes? The baby hadn't even finished it's breakfast.

I'm not going back in a hurry.

Hampstead Tea Rooms - by andylimehouse

andylimehouse — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:06:42 +0000

Review by andylimehouse

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7435 9563

Tags: takeaway

I used to go here in the 90s and it was a fab place and the staff where very good, i went lately and it was just not the same, anyone have any idea what happened to the guy who was the manager there Carlos?I used to go here in the 90s and it was a fab place and the staff where very good, i went lately and it was just not the same, anyone have any idea what happened to the guy who was the manager there Carlos?

Chewies - by JoeB77

JoeB77 — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:28:22 +0000

Review by JoeB77

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7267 6645

Website: www.chewiesbakery.com

Tags: cake, cupcakes

YUM!!! Had an amazing lunch here, with great cheese plate, rasperry cake and fantastic coffee. Will definitely pop back next time I'm in the area.YUM!!! Had an amazing lunch here, with great cheese plate, rasperry cake and fantastic coffee. Will definitely pop back next time I'm in the area.

Melrose & Morgan - by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:34:47 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7722 0011

Tags: delicatessen

Wow! This place is expensive! Good quality but way too expensive!Wow! This place is expensive! Good quality but way too expensive!

Bombay Bicycle Club - Nostalgic Old Days Indian by Angella

Angella — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:15:59 +0000

Review by Angella

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7435 3544

Website: http://www.thebombaybicycleclub.co.uk

Tags: indian, toptable

They have three restaurants and thirteen collect and deliver outlets.
I think their penny farthing symbol is cute. On line you can see their menu.
I like the fact that the menu marks how spicy the dishes are that they offer to make dishes spicier - and presumably less spicy, if you like. Four bicycle symbols means very hot.
Their ordering system is very clear.
The restaurant is very modern in atmosphere with modern paintings for sale. Its very calming and romantic with white walls, white cloths and red napkins and candles at night. A few banquette seats with large cushions and one alcove area.
Friendly staff.
Mango lassi was thick.
Get your order in early, at least starters, as otherwise you could wait a while for your food.
The peshawri naan was good. The mixed grill was a bit disappointing. I liked the chickpeas and lamb pasanda and chicken korma. Our family in London eat here regularly.
The desserts had nearly run out on Sunday evening. We got the last gulub jamun which was good. The kulfi was two scoops, too much for the four who ordered it - we should have had another flavour, mango, and swapped.
I had mint tea. White mints in the shape of balls came up with the bill. I'd have preferred chocolates.
I find the food average and think it's best features are the ambience and service.They have three restaurants and thirteen collect and deliver outlets.
I think their penny farthing symbol is cute. On line you can see their menu.
I like the fact that the menu marks how spicy the dishes are that they offer to make dishes spicier - and presumably less spicy, if you like. Four bicycle symbols means very hot.
Their ordering system is very clear.
The restaurant is very modern in atmosphere with modern paintings for sale. Its very calming and romantic with white walls, white cloths and red napkins and candles at night. A few banquette seats with large cushions and one alcove area.
Friendly staff.
Mango lassi was thick.
Get your order in early, at least starters, as otherwise you could wait a while for your food.
The peshawri naan was good. The mixed grill was a bit disappointing. I liked the chickpeas and lamb pasanda and chicken korma. Our family in London eat here regularly.
The desserts had nearly run out on Sunday evening. We got the last gulub jamun which was good. The kulfi was two scoops, too much for the four who ordered it - we should have had another flavour, mango, and swapped.
I had mint tea. White mints in the shape of balls came up with the bill. I'd have preferred chocolates.
I find the food average and think it's best features are the ambience and service.

The Lock Tavern - camden institution by sarahbean

sarahbean — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:29:45 +0000

Review by sarahbean

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7482 7163

Website: http://www.lock-tavern.co.uk

Tags: beer garden, cool, trendy

The Lock is probably the best place to go in Camden. Been going for years so they gave me a regulars card which means I don't have to queue on weekend which is a bonus.

I generally gof ro the music programming and have seen some amazing djs, LCD Soundsystem, Simian Mobile Disco, Hot Chip, Vampire Weekend, play there in such an intimate atmosphere.

The garden and terrace are also great to whiling away a lazy Saturday or Sunday with a roast and usually a bloody Mary.

Only let down is the toilets which need a major overhaul, major!The Lock is probably the best place to go in Camden. Been going for years so they gave me a regulars card which means I don't have to queue on weekend which is a bonus.

I generally gof ro the music programming and have seen some amazing djs, LCD Soundsystem, Simian Mobile Disco, Hot Chip, Vampire Weekend, play there in such an intimate atmosphere.

The garden and terrace are also great to whiling away a lazy Saturday or Sunday with a roast and usually a bloody Mary.

Only let down is the toilets which need a major overhaul, major!

Marathon Kebab - last call for the marathon by Dsaoirse

Dsaoirse — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:27:06 +0000

Review by Dsaoirse

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7485 3814

Tags: lively, turkish, crowded

the marathon is as famous as camden itself ...old heads and head the balls, everyone who is anyone in the music or art world has used it and loved it for years..keith richards, shane mc'gowan and paul weller are all on record saying some of the best nights of their lives were spent there in the company of danny blue..the marathon is historic ..and signaled the great alliance b'tween the irish and greek/turkish in london .. the dionysian shebeen ..camden council and the cops should be hung for meddling with the rare find that 'the marathon' is..personally, i blame the stage school bunny winehouse and pete pathetic doherty..for bringing in hordes of equally dull stage school and hooray well-off spring brats that stink up camden..they've ruined the place..and now it looks like our only salvation and last chance saloon is under threat..having to close down at one o'clock..and keep the middle class raffle riffs from the door!the marathon is as famous as camden itself ...old heads and head the balls, everyone who is anyone in the music or art world has used it and loved it for years..keith richards, shane mc'gowan and paul weller are all on record saying some of the best nights of their lives were spent there in the company of danny blue..the marathon is historic ..and signaled the great alliance b'tween the irish and greek/turkish in london .. the dionysian shebeen ..camden council and the cops should be hung for meddling with the rare find that 'the marathon' is..personally, i blame the stage school bunny winehouse and pete pathetic doherty..for bringing in hordes of equally dull stage school and hooray well-off spring brats that stink up camden..they've ruined the place..and now it looks like our only salvation and last chance saloon is under threat..having to close down at one o'clock..and keep the middle class raffle riffs from the door!

Cottons - What a disappointment :-( by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:46:18 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7485 8388

Tags: african & caribbean, lively, good value

Having read the numerous good reviews of this place, and having had it recommended by a former work colleague who was from Trinidad, I expect great things, and I was sadly disappointed.

The food really wasn't very good. My baby back pork ribs (both of them. For the best part of a fiver? A little cheeky) were spicy, but cold. They were served with a very few slices of fried onion, which was cold, tough and pretty unpleasant on the palate. My Better Half's crab claws were similarly meagre and disappointing and came in at a fiver.

We both had jerk meat platters which were pretty poor. For a start, there wasn't very much of it, secondly it was again cold and my fried plantain just tasted burnt.

I apologise for the slightly dispassionate review. Those of you who have read others will understand that this is uncharacteristic. It was just such a disappointing meal that it's left me some what deflated.

Shame really. I was expecting something pretty good.Having read the numerous good reviews of this place, and having had it recommended by a former work colleague who was from Trinidad, I expect great things, and I was sadly disappointed.

The food really wasn't very good. My baby back pork ribs (both of them. For the best part of a fiver? A little cheeky) were spicy, but cold. They were served with a very few slices of fried onion, which was cold, tough and pretty unpleasant on the palate. My Better Half's crab claws were similarly meagre and disappointing and came in at a fiver.

We both had jerk meat platters which were pretty poor. For a start, there wasn't very much of it, secondly it was again cold and my fried plantain just tasted burnt.

I apologise for the slightly dispassionate review. Those of you who have read others will understand that this is uncharacteristic. It was just such a disappointing meal that it's left me some what deflated.

Shame really. I was expecting something pretty good.

Belgo Noord - mussels and chips galore by brenna

brenna — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:06:24 +0000

Review by brenna

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7267 0718

Website: http://www.belgo-restaurants.com

Tags: good value, lively, belgian

If you love mussels and chips, Belgo's is your place. With an industrial decor, Belgo also has a huge selection of beers on offer.If you love mussels and chips, Belgo's is your place. With an industrial decor, Belgo also has a huge selection of beers on offer.

Artigiano - by idletimes

idletimes — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:18:51 +0000

Review by idletimes

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7794 4288

Website: http://www.etruscagroup.co.uk

Tags: modern italian, vegetarian dishes, toptable

Really lovely Italian food made with great care. Very good service.Really lovely Italian food made with great care. Very good service.

Lemonia - by agilbert747

agilbert747 — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:48:18 +0000

Review by agilbert747

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7586 7454

Tags: greek, good value, lively

AmazingAmazing

Tandis - Highly recommended Iranian restaurant!! by jo1971

jo1971 — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:45:39 +0000

Review by jo1971

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7586 8079

Tags: romantic, good value, lively

Couldn't recommend this restaurant enough!
First time we got there we just stumbled across it and decided to try. It was a very pleasant surprise. The food was excellent, and quite cheap! (between Â£7.5 and Â£12 for a main course).
We went there again tonight and loved it even more. Delicious! big portions too.
Highly recommended!!!Couldn't recommend this restaurant enough!
First time we got there we just stumbled across it and decided to try. It was a very pleasant surprise. The food was excellent, and quite cheap! (between Â£7.5 and Â£12 for a main course).
We went there again tonight and loved it even more. Delicious! big portions too.
Highly recommended!!!

The Hampstead Comedy Club - by Dunstan

Dunstan — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:45:07 +0000

Review by Dunstan

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8299 2601

Website: http://members.aol.com/hampsteadcomedy

Absolutely terrible. A comedy club stands or falls by the atmosphere in the room, and its the job of the compefre to create that atmosphere. Apparently Ivor Dembina has been hosting this night for 16 years, but you'd think it was his first night. He managed to suck the energy out of the room within minutes on wandering on stage. This man is a vacuum within an ennui within a void. The commedians did their best, but when the punters are so stunned by a compere who is less charismatic and less mirth-filled than a corpse, its never going to be an easy night for anyone.

The high point of the night was some women arguing about one of them sitting in the other's chair.

The last act of the night was so bad that half the crowd walked out during his set.

Dont go. Ever.Absolutely terrible. A comedy club stands or falls by the atmosphere in the room, and its the job of the compefre to create that atmosphere. Apparently Ivor Dembina has been hosting this night for 16 years, but you'd think it was his first night. He managed to suck the energy out of the room within minutes on wandering on stage. This man is a vacuum within an ennui within a void. The commedians did their best, but when the punters are so stunned by a compere who is less charismatic and less mirth-filled than a corpse, its never going to be an easy night for anyone.

The high point of the night was some women arguing about one of them sitting in the other's chair.

The last act of the night was so bad that half the crowd walked out during his set.

Dont go. Ever.

Fifty Five Bar & Lounge - Great night out by sweetcharidee

sweetcharidee — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:11:12 +0000

Review by sweetcharidee

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7424 9054

Website: http://www.fiftyfivebar.co.uk

Tags: friendly, relaxed, young and fun

I had a great night out here recently for a friend's birthday. Fifty Five excels in what it does: cocktails, music and atmosphere.

It's all about the fun and we had our fill of it! The staff are friendly and welcoming and genuinely want you to have a good time. I would highly recommend this bar to anyone wanting a great night out.

I had a great night out here recently for a friend's birthday. Fifty Five excels in what it does: cocktails, music and atmosphere.

It's all about the fun and we had our fill of it! The staff are friendly and welcoming and genuinely want you to have a good time. I would highly recommend this bar to anyone wanting a great night out.

Haverstock Arms - A nice weekend by Ido

Ido — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:34:55 +0000

Review by Ido

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7586 9476

Tags: live music, relaxed, food

Bed and breakfast is what we wanted and is what we got. Simple hotel accommodation with two good beds in our room and a shower. If you want to visit London and do not want to stay in your room, this is a very good spot. Very nice people. Downstairs a very English pub where breakfast is served. For foreigners English culture in a nutshell. Very close to the underground and the centre of Camden. Nice pubs, restaurants and a few shops. A village in the big town of London.Bed and breakfast is what we wanted and is what we got. Simple hotel accommodation with two good beds in our room and a shower. If you want to visit London and do not want to stay in your room, this is a very good spot. Very nice people. Downstairs a very English pub where breakfast is served. For foreigners English culture in a nutshell. Very close to the underground and the centre of Camden. Nice pubs, restaurants and a few shops. A village in the big town of London.

The Albert - Not too bad by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:22:26 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7722 1886

Tags: posh, relaxed, food

I quite like the Albert. It's a nice, friendly kinda place. I know not every one is a fan of Green King, but the Albert keeps a decent IPA and a good Abbots, though it's never the best pint in the world.

The staff have taken a bit of a beating in other reviews, but I've always found them pretty good. Not outstanding, but efficient and pleasant.

They have a lovely beer garden out back, which gets a lot of afternoon sun. Consequently it gets busy. But worth trying to get a seat out there if you can. Failing that you can take a seat out front. While you don't have the sunshine, this is still very pleasant. Princess Road is very pretty and very quiet so being one the street isn't so bad.

I have to admit that I'm not very impressed with the food. I had a distinctly overcooked and meagre rib-eye steak the other day. I am interested to try their pint, pie and picalily deal (all for a fiver) in the hope that it'll represent better value for money.

Still, as a place to go for a pint, especially on your way to/from Primrose Hill or Regenets Park, you could do far worse that The Albert.I quite like the Albert. It's a nice, friendly kinda place. I know not every one is a fan of Green King, but the Albert keeps a decent IPA and a good Abbots, though it's never the best pint in the world.

The staff have taken a bit of a beating in other reviews, but I've always found them pretty good. Not outstanding, but efficient and pleasant.

They have a lovely beer garden out back, which gets a lot of afternoon sun. Consequently it gets busy. But worth trying to get a seat out there if you can. Failing that you can take a seat out front. While you don't have the sunshine, this is still very pleasant. Princess Road is very pretty and very quiet so being one the street isn't so bad.

I have to admit that I'm not very impressed with the food. I had a distinctly overcooked and meagre rib-eye steak the other day. I am interested to try their pint, pie and picalily deal (all for a fiver) in the hope that it'll represent better value for money.

Still, as a place to go for a pint, especially on your way to/from Primrose Hill or Regenets Park, you could do far worse that The Albert.

The Enterprise - by benantiben

benantiben — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:41:50 +0000

Review by benantiben

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7485 2659

Tags: food

This is my favourite pub in all the world. It's been my local for about 4 years and I just love the place and all the other locals who drink there. It's a proper pub. Not too clean but always good fun and Friday and Saturday nights are always ridiculous. DJ Sue who plays the most amazing old school 50's and 60's rare vinyl you've ever heard and DJ Keir from Bloody Awful Poetry most Saturday's playing classic and offbeat rock and pop tunes. Both of them will make you dance.

Great little live room upstairs as well - love it!This is my favourite pub in all the world. It's been my local for about 4 years and I just love the place and all the other locals who drink there. It's a proper pub. Not too clean but always good fun and Friday and Saturday nights are always ridiculous. DJ Sue who plays the most amazing old school 50's and 60's rare vinyl you've ever heard and DJ Keir from Bloody Awful Poetry most Saturday's playing classic and offbeat rock and pop tunes. Both of them will make you dance.

Great little live room upstairs as well - love it!

The Princess Of Wales - Great pub, good food, great jazz! by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:10:22 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7722 0354

Tags: jazz, posh, friendly

I love the Princess of Wales. It's in a most beautiful location, a little bit off the beaten track but surrounded by the "glamour" of Primrose Hill and but a stones through away from Regents Canal and the hustle and bustle of Camden Town.

There is very little hustle and bustle about the Princess of Wales though. It gets pretty busy in the evenings and at weekends but you never lose a sense of tranquility and peacefulness. It feels as though Time has just kicked back a little bit, but his feet on a stool and decided that it's time to just....relax.

The pub itself is beautiful. It is glass fronted with a generous provision of tables outside, though quite often The Dorris and I take to sitting on the kerb to bask in the sunshine.

Inside the pub is slightly reminiscent of Uncle Monty's living room in "Withnail and I", just without the cat - the walls are festooned with pictures, commemorative plates, horse brasses, all manner of delightful tat. Pot plants and flowers are everywhere and there is a snug with the most impressive collection of cookery and travelling books.

I've been visiting the Princess of Wales on occasion for several years, though it's only recently, having moved to the area and patronising this most excellent pub, that I have discovered that there is a Downstairs. A more cosy, intimate little spot I can hardly imagine, it's just charming. It leads out to a sunken beer garden which I've yet to spend much time in though I suspect it gets little sun.

They boast a really good selection of beer - London Pride and Adnam's Best appear to be the norm, and a regularly changing guest - most recently I've been enjoying an excellent Brain's beer, Milkwood.

They also boast a cask cider (not for the light hearted) and a decent selection of lagers. The wine always seems decent as well, though I've never seen a list as such.

The food is pretty standard pub fare, but done very well. I can highly recommend their burgers! I haven't eaten there on a Sunday before though I am assured that they do a very fine roast.
One of the best things about this pub is the music. On Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons they have a swing band, fronted by a trumpeter who I'm pretty sure is Humph's grandfather, who are thoroughly entertaining and very good. I've paid good money to see worse jazz bands in my time, they really are great and it's a wonderful, wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The clientele is pretty eclectic. Being where it is there is a smattering of the well-heeled, a fair number of youngsters and studenty types, a good local crowd but all are very friendly and welcoming.

It's such a comfortable, pleasant pub I fully intend to go far more often. In fact, seeing as I'm on holiday and it's nearly opening time I might just wander over for a pint now.I love the Princess of Wales. It's in a most beautiful location, a little bit off the beaten track but surrounded by the "glamour" of Primrose Hill and but a stones through away from Regents Canal and the hustle and bustle of Camden Town.

There is very little hustle and bustle about the Princess of Wales though. It gets pretty busy in the evenings and at weekends but you never lose a sense of tranquility and peacefulness. It feels as though Time has just kicked back a little bit, but his feet on a stool and decided that it's time to just....relax.

The pub itself is beautiful. It is glass fronted with a generous provision of tables outside, though quite often The Dorris and I take to sitting on the kerb to bask in the sunshine.

Inside the pub is slightly reminiscent of Uncle Monty's living room in "Withnail and I", just without the cat - the walls are festooned with pictures, commemorative plates, horse brasses, all manner of delightful tat. Pot plants and flowers are everywhere and there is a snug with the most impressive collection of cookery and travelling books.

I've been visiting the Princess of Wales on occasion for several years, though it's only recently, having moved to the area and patronising this most excellent pub, that I have discovered that there is a Downstairs. A more cosy, intimate little spot I can hardly imagine, it's just charming. It leads out to a sunken beer garden which I've yet to spend much time in though I suspect it gets little sun.

They boast a really good selection of beer - London Pride and Adnam's Best appear to be the norm, and a regularly changing guest - most recently I've been enjoying an excellent Brain's beer, Milkwood.

They also boast a cask cider (not for the light hearted) and a decent selection of lagers. The wine always seems decent as well, though I've never seen a list as such.

The food is pretty standard pub fare, but done very well. I can highly recommend their burgers! I haven't eaten there on a Sunday before though I am assured that they do a very fine roast.
One of the best things about this pub is the music. On Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons they have a swing band, fronted by a trumpeter who I'm pretty sure is Humph's grandfather, who are thoroughly entertaining and very good. I've paid good money to see worse jazz bands in my time, they really are great and it's a wonderful, wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The clientele is pretty eclectic. Being where it is there is a smattering of the well-heeled, a fair number of youngsters and studenty types, a good local crowd but all are very friendly and welcoming.

It's such a comfortable, pleasant pub I fully intend to go far more often. In fact, seeing as I'm on holiday and it's nearly opening time I might just wander over for a pint now.

J Restaurant - Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares? Try J's by DawnT

DawnT — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:54:05 +0000

Review by DawnT

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7586 9100

Tags: italian, good value

I had the misfortune of visiting J's for lunch yesterday with a party of colleagues and I can safely say that I have never received such abysmal service anywhere - it was like a scene out of Ramsay's 'Kitchen Nightmares'.

The menu at J's is inviting, offering authentic Italian pizzas and pastas and a selection of grills in addition to all-day breakfasts. However, this goes little way to making up for the appalling attitude of the man they call their manger.

Having waited for over an hour for our food, we gently reminded the staff that we were still awaiting two dishes. Half way through the rest of the partyâ¬"s meals, these two dishes appeared only to be practically thrown at the table by the so-called manager without any recognition, let alone an apology, for the delay of any of the dishes.

To their credit, some of our party's dishes were very good but this was completely overshadowed by the horrific service. When I quietly explained to the manager that we were disappointed with the service that we had received, his response was nothing less than absurd, and I quote:

"I know your food was slow. Do you want to embarrass me by making me apologise?"

Apparently this man was above giving any form of apology for the terrible service he was providing to his customers (if you can call it service, we were not the only dissatisfied customers), in fact, he was above even speaking to them it would appear as he then proceeded to turn his back on me and shout and swear in Italian in front of the restaurant for the next ten minutes.

I find it quite incredible that this man would even consider a career in the service industry, let alone proclaim to be a manger in what actually has the makings of being a great restaurant, save for the presence this arrogant fool.

I am only grateful that we were able to walk away safe in the knowledge that we would never have to return and endure this treatment again, I just feel sorry for the poor staff that are stuck working with him. From the looks on his chefs' faces, we were not the only ones whose patience was wearing thin and as for the poor waitress, I hope for his sake that she finds a way out soon before he ends up with eggs benedict on his face.I had the misfortune of visiting J's for lunch yesterday with a party of colleagues and I can safely say that I have never received such abysmal service anywhere - it was like a scene out of Ramsay's 'Kitchen Nightmares'.

The menu at J's is inviting, offering authentic Italian pizzas and pastas and a selection of grills in addition to all-day breakfasts. However, this goes little way to making up for the appalling attitude of the man they call their manger.

Having waited for over an hour for our food, we gently reminded the staff that we were still awaiting two dishes. Half way through the rest of the partyâ¬"s meals, these two dishes appeared only to be practically thrown at the table by the so-called manager without any recognition, let alone an apology, for the delay of any of the dishes.

To their credit, some of our party's dishes were very good but this was completely overshadowed by the horrific service. When I quietly explained to the manager that we were disappointed with the service that we had received, his response was nothing less than absurd, and I quote:

"I know your food was slow. Do you want to embarrass me by making me apologise?"

Apparently this man was above giving any form of apology for the terrible service he was providing to his customers (if you can call it service, we were not the only dissatisfied customers), in fact, he was above even speaking to them it would appear as he then proceeded to turn his back on me and shout and swear in Italian in front of the restaurant for the next ten minutes.

I find it quite incredible that this man would even consider a career in the service industry, let alone proclaim to be a manger in what actually has the makings of being a great restaurant, save for the presence this arrogant fool.

I am only grateful that we were able to walk away safe in the knowledge that we would never have to return and endure this treatment again, I just feel sorry for the poor staff that are stuck working with him. From the looks on his chefs' faces, we were not the only ones whose patience was wearing thin and as for the poor waitress, I hope for his sake that she finds a way out soon before he ends up with eggs benedict on his face.