http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone <b>Fire & Stone</b><br />London, 31/32 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7JS, United Kingdom en http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/trustedplaces.comaPlacePic['name']}.140.jpg http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/193oq8
Review by RR123

Rating: 2.00
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I know people who rave about this restaurant, but whilst I liked that they were trying to do something a bit different, I think they over-did it here.

The pizzas are certainly different and are an intriguing array of ingredients (for instance when did you last have black pudding on a pizza??), but I felt as though there were so many flavours that it was a bit over-powering. It was certainly an interesting experience but not somewhere I would be desperate to go back to.

If you do decide to go there though, do check out their website as they have various deals including two pizzas for £10 if you book via the internet.]]> Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:35:40 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/193oq8470182829 RR123 51.510181828463 -0.12519610504306 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/115of8
Review by Suzieee

Rating: 2.00
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The idea of pizzas with toppings from different worldwide dishes isnâ¬"t very nice; Iâ¬"d recommend you to stick to the sensible choices.

It was a very busy Tuesday night and obviously they were rushing around trying to avoid eye contact with dinners to prevent more work, although they did seem nice whilst serving.
However, when it came to paying! I found it VERY CHEEKY that the OPTIONAL service charge of 12.5%! was included in the total without any subtotals to tell you how much it would be without the service charge.

And to add to this! Before I was able to ask for this to be removed from my payment, the lady took my card and went off with it to their till without a word (a card should never leave its ownerâ¬"s sight as you would never know what they would be doing with it, they could be copying down you card details and you would know until you find money missing from your account! And I wasnâ¬"t too happy about that). I was expecting it was a chip and pin, but she came back with a receipt I had to sign for my card payment with the optional service charged included without asking!

I ask her if the 12.5% service charge was optional and she replied â¬Syes!⬠and turned away!
I was very annoyed with this! And she OBVIOUSLY knew! Giving that we didnâ¬"t want to embarrass ourselves, we noted this down in their comments card and left. She had obviously had a joke with her colleague about it as they were laughing and insisted in getting a good bye from us when we left!

Absolutely appalling that they can be so CHEEKY and RUDE when it comes to service charging at such a high rate! Very annoyed!

If you really want to dine there! Make sure you pay in CASH to avoid being charged so much!
]]> Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:18:13 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/115of8708062027 Suzieee 51.510181828463 -0.12519610504306 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1c7ke7
Review by tapdancingcat

Rating: 3.00
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The new spin on the old classic is great, I had a heisin Duck pizza was lovely, and my partner's traditional pepperoni was superb, so even if you want a normail pizza this place is a winner, the only downside is the size of the pizza - if you have a big appitite this isn't a place for you!]]> Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:40:58 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1c7ke71299049443 tapdancingcat 51.510181828463 -0.12519610504306 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1n5io8
Review by realalelass

Rating: 2.00
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I agree with Tanzanitelilac entirely as we had the same experience at Fire and Stone. The pizza was delicious, the 'fusion' menu inspired, but the service ruined the evening.

I went here with some girlfriends and our waiter was one of the most arrogant people we'd ever had the misfortune of encountering. He was really full of himself and even tried to encourage my pregnant friend to have a glass of wine.

The starters and pizzas were lovely but the service left a bad taste in our mouths. The low point of the evening came with the bill, when we asked him to remoe the 'discretionary' 12.5% service tip, since we felt that we had hd bad service. We were interrogated as to why we wanted to do this, told he was on a low wage and needed the service etc etc.

I would not go back here if I was paid to!]]> Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:59:13 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1n5io81185027993 realalelass 51.510181828463 -0.12519610504306 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/156he8
Review by fakelvis

Rating: 4.00
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Looking for something a bit different than your typical pizza restaurant? Then Fire and Stone is for you.

The typical complaints are that it's expensive and not very 'Italian'. Well off course it's not Italian: it's in the middle of Covent Garden and is a chain! It's about as Italian as Pizza Express. As for the price: I'm not disagreeing on this point, but check the restaurant's website and grab one of there always-on deals: this makes it well worth the money.

So, what about the food? The pizza is well cooked, tasty and is quite extraordinary. Roast potato pieces on a pizza? No problem. More ingredients than you thought it was possible to fit on a piece of dough? No problem. Tasty? Always.

The restaurant itself is quite a sight too, with a large pizza oven coming up from the basement kitchen as the centrepiece, the decor is modern but not generic.

Lovely!]]> Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:50:41 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/156he899089373 fakelvis 51.510181828463 -0.12519610504306 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/138gv7
Review by blondie_wandie

Rating: 5.00
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We went along here with a group of friends for my birthday. Liked the look of the menu and the place itself looked very urban and cool- great location so close to the Covent Garden Bars etc.

The staff were really friendly and the food was amazing- the range of pizzas was so different to the usual pizzarias. I had the Canberra which had roast chicken, roast potatos, rosemary, garlic and sour cream which was absolutely superb, boyfriend had a lamb roast dinner on a pizza which he was really chuffed by. Great range for veggies too which is always great.

Service was excellent, everything arrived quickly. Loads of great offers on their website which helps- the Sunday offer is excellent. Check it out, its a really great place that makes my mouth water just thinking about it!]]> Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:13:05 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/138gv71801187870 blondie_wandie 51.510181828463 -0.12519610504306 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1o6df7
Review by tanzanitelilac

Rating: 3.00
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To echo previous reviews, the service is appalling, yet I keep going back for the pizzas. I love the different toppings available - of course they aren't authentic Italian but that's not what it is about. They are innovative and nice to share with friends as you swap your different choices and argue over who has chosen the nicest topping. I am definitely a sucker for the New Yorker but my favourite is probably the Bombay or the Marrakesh.

The reason I go here is for the frivolity of the food, not the service as I have never experienced anything other than what can be described as indifference as best.

The last occasion that I was there, we had asked for another bottle of wine on several occasions. It finally arrived about 15 minutes after we had finished food. This is one of those restaurants where they will clear your plate relatively quickly but then will ignore you whilst you are trying to grab their attention for the bill. Suffice to say, we didn't really want the wine (after having waited for a long time for our booked table in the first place).

As the majority of us were paying on card, we decided we would ask for the 12.5% 'service charge' to be taken off our bill and we would pay that in cash. However, when the bill arrived the 10% loyalty card discount had not been applied and when we pointed this out the waiter was very rude and begrudgingly recalculated the bill. Asking for the OPTIONAL service charge to be removed from the bill was met with immense hostility and repeated enquiries as to why we did not want to pay it.

As I mentioned before, we were going to (despite the lack of wine, the incorrect bill) but this gave us a reason to not bother and we spent the money saved on a round of drinks.

Still, I am sure this won't put off another visit next time we're in the area but be warned, you are going there for the location and the food, not the service!!]]> Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:32:02 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1o6df7711523839 tanzanitelilac 51.510181828463 -0.12519610504306 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1o3ch8
Review by DanniLou85

Rating: 5.00
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Wow, wow, wow!

Pizzas are amazing and the variety of toppings are fantastic. Try the 'Camberra', 'New York' - they were my favourites! Roast potatoes on a pizza?! Amazing!

We went before the theatre and have gone back several times - each time the service has been quick, food fantastic and really reasonable in price!

Recommended 100%!]]> Sun, 24 Aug 2008 12:01:00 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1o3ch8870597951 DanniLou85 51.510181828463 -0.12519610504306 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1e9bl7
Review by sophiestar

Rating: 4.00
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Reading other people's reviews, I must have been lucky when I went to Fire and Stone.
Lots of people have commented on the service being slow and bad however I did not find this at all. I most certainly would have noticed if it had of been slow as both times we have eaten here before going to the theatre.
I enjoyed the atmosphere of the main restaurant and everything was very clean and modern. I do seem to remember the sloping mirrors in the toilet made me a little bit dizzy though!
The pizzas themselves I found to be good value - we went using one of their offer deals. We didn't go expecting anything amazing but certainly weren't expecting rubbish, we were perfectly satisfied with what we were served.]]> Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:12:38 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1e9bl71191570007 sophiestar 51.510181828463 -0.12519610504306 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/186767
Review by coldclimate

Rating: 2.00
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Everybody seems to love this place except me. It's about as authentic italian as I am. It's about as "gourmet" as Asda's own range.

Putting a mess of silly toppings onto some unspectacular bases and serving them in a funky room does not make for a gourmet experience. Adding a painful service charge without adding the unobtrusive service is not great either. I found the waiters to be cocky and dismissive, unattentive and disinterested.

OK if you want salsa verde with monkfish mouse on a pizza, but give me a thin and crispy base with a scattering of cheese any day.]]> Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:04:23 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/186767136375462 coldclimate 51.510181828463 -0.12519610504306 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1995l7
Review by dloizou

Rating: 3.00
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I have been a regular customer at this resturant and have dined here on many occasions and I can quite honestly say that I only go back because the food is so great.

The service is beyond ridiculous. Never has a phone booking I've made well in advanced been on the bookings list upon my arrival, and if I have booked in for a special deal (£5 lunch special or £10 dinner special) its always a big fuss to get it and you are shown how dissapointed they are that you aren't going to be spending big.

I do also have a Fire & Stone discount card which I have never had trouble with.

Bookings aside, service also lacks in terms of how long you have to wait to get staff attention or get your bill. And the 2 hour time slot rule that they can get ansy about as mentioned in other reviews.

From my experience it is not the staff's fault the individuals are generally lovely - its just that the resturant is generally under staffed and the people on the floor are doing the best they can. But if you are not patient or are ultra starving then perhaps this is not the place for you.

Its a shame really coz the food is divine. I love the atmosphere and the funky interior.

The menu is great and I love what is offered in each and every course. One note however they do not let you alter the pizza toppings so something to be aware of.

If you are asked to wait at the bar the cocktails aren't half bad too.

Its a love hate relationship with this place..


]]> Fri, 26 Oct 2007 11:19:07 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1995l71818180018 dloizou 51.510181828463 -0.12519610504306 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1r24r8
Review by ShinyGemma

Rating: 3.00
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If you're judging Fire and Stone on food alone, it should get five stars...provided you like pizza. They take a tired classic and give it a gourmet twist, whacking all kinds of unusual international toppings onto a pizza base. I've been a few times because of its proximity to work, and even veggie friends and fussy eaters mates managed to find something to suit. From an Aussie pizza with sour cream, sweet chilli sauce, roast potato and chicken to a goats cheese and caramelised onion offering, there's something for everyone.

The restaurant decor is nothing to complain about, though it's a bit cramped and plasticy. Prices are fair with some good lunchtime offers and specials. However, as with all Covent Garden restaurants, it gets super busy and this is where things get interesting...

Service seems to be a constant problem at this place judging by other reviews. When I've been with just one or two friends it's been slow but tolerable. In big groups, it's not so good. On a birthday night out we booked in advance for about 9 people. We were given a 'time slot' during which to eat our meal and got some VERY dirty looks when we continued to sit there past our kicking out time. We were only there because they'd not come to sort out the bill and process our card.

Service charge is added to the bill by default, but of course you don't have to pay it if you don't want to. This particular night, we chose not to. The food may be good for the price but it's not outstanding - it's only pizza after all - and service with a smile costs nothing.]]> Tue, 02 Oct 2007 20:51:21 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1r24r82132421655 ShinyGemma 51.510181828463 -0.12519610504306 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1f44z7
Review by shelo9

Rating: 3.00
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I went there the other night with two friends. I had the canberra which had chicken and cheese on it which was nice. My friends had Melbourne (veggie) and my friend had a meat one but i forget the city name.

The food was good and the atmosphere was nice.
We were too full to eat a full on dessert so had the little bites which were cool and just what was needed for us to continue our girlie chat. We ordered two plates of chocolate mouse and florentines. The florentines were a bit too hard for that time of the day but the mouse was good (hence the two plates).

However i have the same issue with the service as the other reviews. The waitress was ok but not the most friendliest person and at one point she disappeared for 10 minutes and none of the other waiters would come to our area to help us. The bar man finally saw our hand and got the bill for us even though he was quite a distance from us.

I am not a fan of service charges especially when they are 12.5%. If i want to tip i will. I find it very rude when they force it on you!!

It was good, but not amazing, but if you are in covent garden it is one of the better restaurants to go to. ]]> Tue, 04 Sep 2007 21:21:52 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1f44z711900782 shelo9 51.510181828463 -0.12519610504306 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1c04k8
Review by Jimbo

Rating: 3.00
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I was told this place was different, but I wasn't expecting this at all. Basically, if it wasn't for the pizza dough and cheese, F&S would only be a good gourmet restaurant. But that'd be a bit boring, don't you think?! F&S on the other hand was the exact opposite of boring!

There are no fancy difficult Italian names. Everything is named after a city. Paris, Sydney , Cape Town, Acapulco, Napoli, etc. All our four pizzas were delicious. Wines were a bit over priced, but the Merlot we ordered was really nice (£15 a bottle).

Cosy sofas and lighting were also well done and enjoyable. Service was fast, friendly and smart. We didn't order any starters or desserts (apart from the espresso I had), so I cannot really comment on that.

But now, here comes the part I did NOT like at all. My tip policy is to give +15% when I'm happy with the service and +10% when I find it OK. But when the restaurant includes its own tip in the bill, I collect my change to the very last penny! I find it very rude and cheap. F&S includes an "optional" 12.5% tip on the bill. Unfortunately for them, I decided to keep my extra 2.5% and spend it on a neat Scandinavian wooden puzzle I bought from a gadget shop in Covent Garden. They also managed to lose two stars for being rude and cheap! So, there. Happy now?!]]> Tue, 28 Aug 2007 12:52:37 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1c04k81434349610 Jimbo 51.510181828463 -0.12519610504306 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1704k8
Review by jo104

Rating: 3.00
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I have attempted to eat at Fire & Stone several times although it is such a busy place that there is often a waiting list. At the door our greeter anxiously asked us if we had a booking, but managed to find us a table.

We waited a long time to be served & when we did we ordered the house wine which should be good in any restaurant worth its salt. Our waitress said after we had ordered .... and what if I suggest .... we still wanted the house but again she offered her suggestion of a £20 bottle. There is not much selection of reasonably priced wine.

We ordered 2 pizza's which are catergorized by areas such as Europe, Australasia, Africa etc, we chose the Cairo pizza with red & yellow peppers, courgettes, balsamic roasted red onion, mozzerella, goats cheese & pine nuts. Our second pizza is spicy smoked pepperoni, Italian garlic & fennel salami, sun blushed tomatoes, marinated black olives. The pizza's were quite delicious & I felt satisfied. We shared a belgium waffle with summer fruits, lovely although small.

Back to the waitress bad service however as it left a bad taste in my mouth she ignored our request 3 times for water so I had resort to asking another waiter.

What grates me here is that the include a 12.5% service charge on all bills even if the service is bad.

The restaurant layout is well thought out with a large central sofa with tables fitted around, it is vibey & always busy but the accoustics are pretty good.]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:11:01 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o02g73/fire-and-stone/1704k81383753639 jo104 51.510181828463 -0.12519610504306