Les Deux Salons

Disappointing slide into mediocrity

When Les Deux Salons opened, there was excitement on the floor and ambition in the kitchen. I had several excellent meals there and it was a reliable good night out with some special things on the menu and a great wine list. Imagine my disappointment when I went there recently with an out of town guest to discover it has changed its business model, menu and standards to occupy the quick bistro, value-driven, pre/post theatre crowd. I assume this was a necessary business decision in the current economic environment, but what a disappointment. The place had lost its shine and spark, the French wait staff seemed depressed by the change, and the food only just passed the competent bistro mark.

Specifically: the oysters were poorly shucked, shells everywhere, juice spilled all over the plate. The crab cakes were competent, but very small; the beetroot salad was fine but nothing special. For mains, the steak was chewy and the frites not crisp enough; the duck confit was a very small portion, but adequate. The once grand desserts were shadows of their former glory. The signature Paris Brest was burned, the creme brulee was competent but a bit burned on top. The daily special pineapple tart tatin was underwhelming with soggy pastry. The wine list has shrunk, but continues to have a good selection by the carafe. It also remains a large space, so it will continue to be one of the easier places to get a last minute table.

Overall, I won't be back unless I'm desperate for a pre/post theatre supper – but I'll book Terroirs across the street first before booking at Les Deux again.

Fading, and not gracefully

I've eaten at this place on a number of occasions since it opened. It's never been great but has been relatively reliable. I haven't been for a while, and on returning recently had a very disappointing meal. Compared to how things used to be, less care is being taken over every aspect.

We had an early evening meal and the restaurant was relatively empty, and so when we were seated at one of the worst tables I assumed it was because the better ones were all booked for a bit later – but by the time we left, at about 9.30pm, virtually all of the empty tables were still empty – why seat people at a poor table when many better ones are available? I suspect the raft of tables still vacant as we left tell their own story.

The food looked OK, but was under-seasoned, over-cooked and pretty bland. Sardines were dried out and tasteless, gratin dauphinoise was tiny, and was more like mash – no texture of potato was left at all, and again under-seasoned and no hint of garlic.. Our 600gr beef to share was more like 400g, although it was the one tasty part of the meal. But they had no English mustard – I realise it's a French restaurant but not to stock English mustard, if deliberate, a poor decision (they seem to have no problem serving numerous non-French wines), and if by accident, demonstrative of their casual approach to everything.

The service was OK, but generally off-hand and careless, and while there were as many staff as customers we still felt like we were putting them out. Any message the staff were ever given about customers needing to feel the love faded long ago.

This place is now trading on its location, and it just seems like it's had its time – it needs a major re-think or it's going to dwindle and die.

We've been here several times, and whilst it doesn't climb any culinary heights, this reliable bistro food has never disappointed. In fact we hadn't planned to go last Saturday, but as the Northern Line threw us off at Charing Cross we found ourselves walking through the door. An hour and a half later , after two courses , coffee and a couple of glasses of wine each from a substantial “small carafe” list and we arrived at our nearby theatre. We both enjoyed our mains of coq au vin with dauphinoise potatoes, though I thought my poached egg with mushrooms on a brioche starter trumped my wife's celeriac soup. Decent coffees and breads. Service was pleasant and attentive throughout and we never felt forgotten. A bill for £70 inc service was about right we thought.

I should say also that I got an email two days before from a good friend to whom I'd recommended this place. He was saying that he and his colleagues had had a great time for their reunion and had already determined to return next year. I have to agree. We eat out a lot right up (and down) the spectrum and this place has earned a place on our list.

A very good try at the classic French theme in the heart of the west end. The inside is pleasant, but service can be sketchy during busy times. The food is surprisingly consistent, but waiting times as well as service are hit-and-miss. However, there is an all-day-menu which is good to know in these parts of town.

5th November 2012

I booked a late dinner (10:15pm) for myself and my girlfriend, as we were attending Phantom of the Opera in nearby Haymarket.

The show finished slightly late and, coupled with slight traffic we arrived at LDS a few minutes late.

This was no problem for the staff at LDS, who directed us to our seats in the center of the restraunt.

I had wanted to treat my girlfriend to a romantic French meal before “popping the question”.

LDS is the best French restraunt I have been to outside of France.

The staff were extremely attentive, both the water and wine glasses never becoming empty.

I had the steak, which was cooked to perfection and served with a delicious sauce. My girlfriend had the whole chicken, which she claimed was the best chicken she had eaten, although the generous portions were too much for her, though that is certainly a positive. I would say if top quality ingredients are used it certainly shows on the plate and palate.

LDS close at 11pm, however we were the last 2 diners and it was past closing when we left. With this in mind I had desert, the delicious lemon tart, but I passed on coffee due to the time.

The staff never made us feel rushed even though they wanted to close, and thanks to this excelent service I tipped over the optional service charge.

As for the question I popped, she said yes, making it easily the best meal I have ever had.

Highly recommended and we will definately be back again.

Great place with a lovely French feel. Food was fantastic, steak cooked to perfection. After finding out we were out for a birthday dinner we had cake and candle without even asking. Great service .I will be back soon

A terrific evening at Les Deux Salons on our first visit, classic French brasserie style without Grand Epoch. Our service was excellent from a New Zealand lady who really knew what she was doing. Food was super in quality and choice. My companion had the bacon and snail pie, pronounced excellent plus a main of rabbit casseroled with vegetables. I had a less adventurous green bean salad with smoked duck followed by steak frites all beautifully executed.
This restaurant is superbly run and managed a tour de force in scale up from L'Arbutus and Wild Honey.
Hurrah, a dependable, relaxed, good food, affordable Central London restaurant, not many can live up to this description. Our meal with 4 250ml carafes and coffee came to £110 not cheap but great value.

A nice central location that is more the preserve of the local offices rather than the tourist set.

As a consequence service is extremely fast, as for those of us that are retired and have time on our hands possibly a little too quick.

Food was very good though, my snail and bacon pie was delicious, very rich and very garlicy.

I was less adventurous with my main, but a good burger cooked well.

Lunch was a £122 with the drinks bill being slightly under half of that amount.

Fantastic service on an extremely busy pre-theatre evening. Would definitely go again.

I first visited this restaurant last Christmas and was really impressed, great food, great service and a most enjoyable experience. Came back for dinner last week and things have clearly gone horribly wrong ! Maybe it was an off night but, whilst the food remains good, the service and environment has really deteriorated. We had a pre dinner drink in the bar and had to wait to be seated for over half an hour despite booking a week ahead. Three of us were then led to a table at the end of a banquette that was clearly only meant for two, a real squash. However we were better off than others who could only get out from their tables by physically moving the furniture, really not acceptable in this kind of establishment. Appreciate they are trying to maximise covers in a difficult trading time but it is not a good customer experience. As a result service was hit and miss as the staff struggled to cope with all the tables. A real shame as the food is great and a decent restaurant like this is really needed in this area.