• Added: 6th of September 2008
• Area: Islington
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

London N1 8ED

DulcieBurt said
Macondo N1
Don't go here for coffee and cake. The slabs of cake may be huge but I'd prefer quality than quantity at £4.30 a go. It may be a case of being busy, but we had to ask three times to get our full order. There was no hint of regret or apology, but they do add 10% service to bills, and then have a jar for tips. They didn't seem surprised when I said that I wasn't paying.

Perhaps OK if you like posing -- otherwise give it a miss.

• Added: 8th of December 2007
• Area: Islington
• Category: Restaurants

London N1 8BL
020 7833 9083

DulcieBurt said
good value but some service problems
NCR isn't the most glamorous place, but it's definitely good value and the food is normally of a good standard. You wouldn't come here for a whole evening, but rather to get in and out quite quickly -- not that I mean that in an off-putting way. I'd recommend the place.

Many reviews of this chain focus on poor service. I find it generally rather variable, but the Duncan St branch currently seems to be employing perhaps the most inept waiter of all time. Don't tip; it'll only encourage him. And look out for that 12.5% added to the bill -- I fear that they do that sometimes to make up for people not tipping the occasional very poor service. I should be a bit more specific about his training needs -- it's not normal to greet a customer with an announcement of how soon the place is closing (45 minutes is more than enough time to eat here at lunchtime), he tends to "forget" what you ask for or parts of your order (and when there's only one of you that's quite an achievement) and he tends to disappear at great length when you're ready to order or to pay. I have tried to alert him to his challenging approach but he doesn't seem to pick up on it. It's a pity because -- once again -- this is a nice, convenient place, especially for lunch.