The Somerstown Coffee House, Euston

What a brilliant place! A proper smoking garden, a great wine list, a wonderful selection of food. The decor is great and the French staff are cheekily Gallic without being downright rude. It's nicer later in the evening once the braying post-work drinkers have moved on.

26 Jul 2010 16:46

The White Hart, Waterloo

Filthy and sad on a Sunday evening. One lonely staff member left to do everything. Tables stuffed full of uncleared meals and dirty glasses. Menu looked great but we were put off ordering by the barman. When he eventually served us he shook his head and shrugged at our choice, warning us it'd take ages to prepare and suggesting nachos instead. So, we ate elsewhere.

The pub was busy-ish but not crowded - there's no excuse for dumping all the work on one poor guy. I think they know there's a problem as they've left out cards for their "customer satisfaction survey", but it's a woefully designed website. Kind of like the pub - good idea done badly.

26 Jul 2010 16:35