http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon Beach Blanket Babylon - London, 45 Ledbury Road, W11 2AA, United Kingdom en http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/ldc_1l02b8.140.jpg http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1i0u28
Review by missynm

Rating: 5.00
Tags: romantic, pretentious, expensive, french
WE chose to have our Valentine's meal here due to the beautiful interior and the set menu on offer looked great. On arrival we entered the bar, which was beautiful, shame about a lack of seating. However the meal itself was fantastic. I had raw oysters with an onion relish to start which were beautifully fresh, and my partner had a fillet of beef for the main which was not only a lovely peice of meat but also perfectly cooked. I would definitely praise the freshness of their ingredients and delicacy of flavours. Overall it was a perfect evening however at a pretty hefty price. Also a shame that the bar is full of young 'daddy funds my lifestyle' ponce's. Otherwise a faultless evening!]]> Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:28:47 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1i0u281716549756 missynm romantic pretentious expensive french 51.513152664836 -0.20001789598876 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/197s57
Review by ellisian1893

Rating: 1.00
Tags:
Please see our spoilt WEDDING ANNIVERSARY list below:
- Paper table linen and toilets smelly.
- watch out for the 12.5% service charge added to the bill.
- On arrival staff were all smoking outside the main door.
- whilst eating a grocery supplier proceeded to pass our table on at least 5 occasions with produce directly above us and they were drilling walls while we eat.
- The pear and stilton salad did not have any stilton on it and by the time it had been rectified the other members of my party had finished their food.
- The waiter bombarded our table and did not allow us to finish.
- The female manager didnt care - no offer of a discount even though I never pursued this avenue-Customer soft skills extremely poor]]> Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:08:36 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/197s57326360131 ellisian1893 51.513152664836 -0.20001789598876 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1s1n18
Review by Browners

Rating: 1.00
Tags: unhygenic
Beach Blanket Babylon is one of London's trendiest bars and has a buzzing restaurant. It is beloved by the Notting Hill set and typifices the idea of style over substance. Which is why we went there in the first place!

Your senses are blown away by the over the top decorations - it couldn't be more rococo if it tried.

No matter how trendy or posh you think your restaurant is... there are some basic catering rules that you can't break. Such as don't swear at the customers. Don't serve unhygenic food. Make sure there aren't any mouse-traps on show... etc. Common sense basically.

3 plates of perfectly good sushi arrived at our table along with some sets of chopsticks. The light wasn't great... but it was bright enough to detect a luminous green glow. On closer inspection we realised that the chopsticks were covered in a furry green mould. Gross! The elegant waitress simply took them back and didn't even consider apologising for it!

Our next course was very tasty... but sadly undermined by such a major lapse.]]> Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:22:04 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1s1n18875389540 Browners unhygenic 51.513152664836 -0.20001789598876 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/153m88
Review by pindulgence

Rating: 1.00
Tags: expensive, international, pretentious, crowded
I really wanted to love the Beach Blanket Babylon, it has a reputation for the decor which is most definately deserved. However once you get past the spectaular decor, you are left with a bar and restuarant which loves itself so much it literally has its head where the sun doesn't shine. When we first arrived it was packed. It took ages to served by an obnoxious and quite literally rude member of staff. We were seated for our meal by an equally obnoxious and rule waiter who unfortunately continued to get rude throughout the evening. To top it off, we were forced to pay the service charge for that rudeness. You will NOT be allowed to get away without paying the automatically added charge. An utter disgrace.]]> Sun, 14 Sep 2008 16:34:27 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/153m884926572 pindulgence expensive international pretentious crowded 51.513152664836 -0.20001789598876 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1s9ic7
Review by WB1

Rating: 2.00
Tags: expensive, pretentious
I had heard great things about this venue and went to the bar on a Saturday night with some friends for a treat. We were disappointed to say the least! The decor was as spectacular as I had been led to believe with chandeliers, nook and crannies, cabinets with jewels, ornate tables and chairs etc and really has to be seen to be believed. Unfortunately that was as good as it got. The bar was packed and it took an age to get served. When we eventually did get to the bar we almost wished we hadn't - the prices are astronomical. The crowd around the bar were snooty, pretentious and often downright rude. The staff seemed rather harassed (unsurprising) but were pleasent enough. Having got our drinks we squeezed ourselves into a little nook between two tables (I think you would have to get there very early to find somewhere to sit) and spent an unpleasant couple of hours being jostled by the crowds. I will not be going back. I have not visited the restaurant so cannot comment on that area.]]> Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:37:57 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1s9ic7187132236 WB1 expensive pretentious 51.513152664836 -0.20001789598876 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/189bl7
Review by rusty83

Rating: 5.00
Tags: romantic, expensive
I went here with my partner after winning a dinner voucher with work.
I was definitely not disappointed.
We sat downstairs, the walk to our table was impressive, and we went down a spiral staircase below the ground. The stairs were lit up by candles which added to the atmosphere! Itâ¬"s almost as if youâ¬"re in caves.
Our waiter served about 4 tables altogether so that felt quite personal, the menu had a lot of choice to suit a variety of tastes. Meat, fish, veggies.
Overall I was very impressed with this restaurant, the food is brilliantly cooked, the wines are very palatable and the décor and atmosphere adds to the experience.
I would definitely come back here!
]]> Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:45:04 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/189bl71476409237 rusty83 romantic expensive 51.513152664836 -0.20001789598876 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1p77o6
Review by shelo9

Rating: 3.00
Tags: expensive, pretentious, crowded, brasserie
The venue is amazing as people may tell you. There are lots of little alleys and rooms with different themes which are fab. We were in one small level which was overlooking the kitchen. Unfortuantely the chefs thought that it would be great to stare at us all night which was not nice.

There is a great choice of food and the food was good. The burger which i had was a bit difficult to eat so i had to use the knife and fork which is not normal burger behaviour.

The desserts were also good. Unfortunately we only had a small amount of it as the waiter dropped the sugar bowl on my glass which shattered all over us! We had to get away from the table as we were covered in glass. We thought we would stand by the bar (which had been empty before) but was now rammed. The waiter wanted us to stay at the table have extra dessert and pay the bill there which was not happening in our shocked state. We eventually got to pay the bill. The manager had taken off the desserts (which we had not really eaten) but found it difficult to remove the service charge which we thought should be removed. Eventually we got to pay what we wanted to pay and ran out of the place as fast as we could.

The place is a very cool looking, and i think what happened to us (is hopefully) a one off situation. If you want to get out of central and be somewhere different this place is a good choice, but just dont go to the bar after eating as its full of the normal pretentious nonsense. ]]> Sun, 16 Mar 2008 22:50:49 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1p77o61927764591 shelo9 expensive pretentious crowded brasserie 51.513152664836 -0.20001789598876 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1u15t7
Review by Cedric

Rating: 4.00
Tags: romantic, international, pretentious, expensive
A brilliant location for a dinner out of the normality. Lost in the middle of Notting Hill, it attracts, well... bohos. But if you get through the crowd of glamourous girls stuck at the bar, you will discover an astounishing venue. I was invited there for my birthday and really appreciated the little niches where you can get some privacy. The deco is inspired by Gaudi, which add to the charm. About the food: this is a nice menu with some appetizing dished throughout. Portions are fine, and delicate. The prices are aligned with what you would expect from a fancy restaurant in Notting Hill. I would recommend this for a romantic evening where the food would add to the charm of the night.]]> Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:32:15 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1u15t71107469395 Cedric romantic international pretentious expensive 51.513152664836 -0.20001789598876 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1g75n7
Review by jminich

Rating: 4.00
Tags: african & caribbean
Ive been to this resto and its very good]]> Thu, 08 Nov 2007 02:06:54 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1g75n7429452291 jminich african & caribbean 51.513152664836 -0.20001789598876 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1v93k8
Review by ivailo

Rating: 5.00
Tags:
Now that this has become my newly found local, I seem to end up there a few times a week. I find the staff very friendly and helpful.

The atmosphere is great the cocktails are well mixed though not cheap at all. Would definitely recommend a taste of the pineapple mojito.

I have not eaten in the restaurant, but it seems to be common knowledge that the food is not great, even some of the staff have confirmed that, though the decor of the restaurant is lovely.

I would definitely recommend this place.]]> Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:58:26 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1v93k8581342806 ivailo 51.513152664836 -0.20001789598876 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1a2208
Review by joel

Rating: 4.00
Tags:
Excellent escapism!]]> Thu, 26 Apr 2007 17:04:19 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1a22081245001037 joel 51.513152664836 -0.20001789598876 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1832z8
Review by Hugo

Rating: 3.00
Tags: lively, stuffy (possibly), surreal, classic, notting hill, crowded, quirky, expensive, trendy, bar

If I have folks staying from out of town then this is somewhere I take them. Beach Blanket Babylon is a classic and longstanding Notting Hill Bar. If you have not been then it is worth it for the fun and slightly surreal decor that is well worth seeing.

I note there are a ton of reviews for this, so I won't bang on.

I did eat here a few years back and it was not that memorable. The unique and quirky bar seems to me to be the main event here.]]> Tue, 24 Apr 2007 05:59:02 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1832z8261711465 Hugo lively stuffy (possibly) surreal classic notting hill crowded quirky expensive trendy bar 51.513152664836 -0.20001789598876 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1572e7
Review by fluffy_cat_girl

Rating: 1.00
Tags: french, pretentious, expensive
BBB is a big waste of time. They treat you like scum and think that anyone who enters through its grand doors is not worthy enough to stay. The hostess completely ignored me and looked through me when I came in. Walked off and then came back and casually said, "I'll be back in a minute". Couldn't find my booking and plonked my cousin, brother and I on a table which would've barely fitted 2 people let alone 3. Frosty service. Utter nightmare and severely overpriced!

It may look nice but it's definitely a place to avoid!]]> Thu, 12 Apr 2007 23:56:21 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1572e71840968402 fluffy_cat_girl french pretentious expensive 51.513152664836 -0.20001789598876 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1452o8
Review by belinda

Rating: 1.00
Tags: expensive, pretentious
Just wanted to update my review as I had not been here for quite some time.

Since my previous post it has had a facelist (OK but nothing dramatic or even that noticable except it is brighter).

Since my previous post it appears the menu has turned into a diner so it you like burgers or sausages and mash at exorbinate prices than look no further.

If you like inattentive service and waiters that give you the impression that they are way too cool to be serving tables than this is the place for you.

If you like 2 maiins, 1 dessert, 1 glass of wine and 2 coffees costing £90 than look no further, you have found your ideal restaurant!

And to top it off they no longer take American Express - IN NOTTING HILL! hello anyone home? they look the money but they are definitely only pennies.

Previous post below:

I agree with alot of the posts, the place looks fantastic but its not the type of place you would visit often.

I have always found the staff friendly and have not have any problems with the other customers in the restaurant (except smoking). For me the decor is the winner here, it is a place we often take overseas visitors to see simply for its original look.

Being a vegetarian I am VERY sick of eating the canneloni which has been the only vegetarian meal for about a year now so I probably will not be going again anytime soon. They do have some nice bar snacks if you want to sit upstairs and have a drink although I agree you can find some swanky wanky people here.

All-in-all I think it is a place to see and although it is a bit on the expensive side, the food and atmosphere is worth at least one visit.]]> Wed, 11 Apr 2007 15:13:08 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1452o81870353268 belinda expensive pretentious 51.513152664836 -0.20001789598876 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1442g8
Review by stellalitou

Rating: 3.00
Tags:
Great atmosphere!! Unfortunately, full of pretentious customers, which goes hand in hand with overpricing !]]> Tue, 10 Apr 2007 13:31:06 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1442g81126458488 stellalitou 51.513152664836 -0.20001789598876