PJ's Bar & Grill

I've been visiting PJs since it opened about 20 years ago and it used to be a firm favourite of mine. BUT, what on earth has happened to it? On a recent visit a friend and I were the only two in the bar. The barman seemed stoned and/or hungover and it took him ten minutes to pour two glasses of very mediocre and warm white wine. However, within seconds of sitting a great bear of a waiter was standing over us, ear-wigging on what we were saying and interrupting us. Unfortunately he was unable to pour us a drink. His skin was so thick that even when we told him we were trying to have a private conversation he continued to stand there. Come on PJ's; get a grip!

Tried to give PJs a second chance – see my previous review. Unfortunately, we had the same rude and slow service. I am not going again!

We chose to dine at PJs on a Sunday at early evening. The place was already busy with diners occupying most tables and drinkers sat around the bar casually soaking up a Sunday atmosphere. One of the best things about PJs is the interior, its slightly American brasserie and slightly Parrisienne brasserie. Oaky woods and brass are the main materials found here.
The maître die took our coats from us instantly- brownie points here- and quickly showed us to a table and took our drinks order.
Neither I nor my guest were feeling particularly hungry so i opted for a chicken ceaser salad and my guest the scallop starter. The scallops were 3 king scallops presented perfectly on a long plate. My chicken ceaser, as is standard, in a large bowl-like plate. The salad was nicely dressed but could’ve done with being more flavoursome, and having some more anchovies (which arrived hidden under the chicken breast).
The bringing out of the food was quick however to get a waitresses attention for the bill was much slower. Once the bill had been brought over it was even harder to pay for the thing, and we had to ask for our coats twice- brownie points deducted!
There is nothing special or out of the ordinary about PJs but it’s a good last minute choice for a quick-ish meal with friends.

Ten years ago I was here almost every saturday for brunch. I once even celebrated a boozy girls-only birthday brunch here which lasted from noon until 5 o'clock, so I had really fond memories of this place. But after my last experience, ten Polo horses wouldn't be able to drag me back into PJ's. The surroundings are still nice and I can't complain about the service, but it's the food that has become a joke. After I was served the greyest eggs I have ever seen alonside the beigest smoked salmon on the planet, I suffered severe food poisoning for the next 12 hours! Silly, hungry, greedy me for eating it! Never again.

I was very upset at the treatment I received at PJs past Sunday. We telephoned on Saturday evening to make a booking at 11am for 6 people. After a 15 minute conversation with the person on the phone who struggled to understand the spelling of my name, he confirmed my booking and we were told me we would need to give the table back at 12.30. I assumed my reservation was complete.

We arrived at 11am to an empty restaurant. The bartender asked for my name and checked the reservation list and informed me we were not on it and promptly walked away. After a 15 minute wait, a greeter arrived to again inform me we were not on his list. He scrutinised his list like a bouncer at Boujis and was very rude. No apologises for losing the booking or leaving us standing. After another 5 minute wait, we were squished into a table for 4 in the corner. I asked to be moved to a more appropriate table but he said there were no other tables available. Please keep in mind that the place was empty. We therefore took the table, had lunch and left to again, another empty restaurant.

Food is good but the service is terrible!

Having read rather contrasting reviews of the food here, we thought we'd give PJ's a go with the current 50% off food offer. Service was good although the waitress seemed intent on mkaing us order more food and drink than we wanted! Most of the tables were occupied and the place had a good bustly vibe for a Saturday night (if you want a quieter seat, ask for a table towards the back).
The food was a little hit and miss; a starter of scallops and pea puree was cooked perfectly as was the minute steak main which came with a mound of those irresistible matchstick fries. However, the sea bass, although generous, was rather thrown together and the skinless side raw and inedible. If you have room for dessert, try the ice-cream; there's a decent selection of flavours and those that we had (cinammon, chocolate and vanilla) were very good. I would eat there again but only if I was in the area.

Had a lovely meal at PJs last night. Great atmosphere. The food was delicious, good sized portions, efficient and attentive service. Will definitely go back next time we are in “town”.