Crazy Bear

I've had a little bit of a Crazy Bear Marathon recently having quite by accident eaten in the Beaconsfield and Whitfield Street restaurants in the same week although it's been a very long time since I eat there. It's good to see the decor is still the same – very extravagant and not at all subtle (in a good way) and it was fun to see the reactions of my guests who had not been previously. The food was as good as I remember it – the Shanghai Hot and Sour soup particularly brought a big smile to my face as did the braised pork smoked ribs. Mains were excellent, Wok fried Lobster with red chillies and coriander an expensive and decadent choice but so good although the sample of my guests red duck curry also hot the spot. Back to my old habit I've again forgotten the wine we had with dinner – I must remember to keep the receipts although I'm sure I'll need an Enigma machine to work out the abbreviations. Prices are good for what you get, obviously some dishes are very expensive and could throw you off budget but go with an open mind and wallet. Overall it's a great place – very in your face and the downstairs bar excellent for after dinner. Would be ideal for a date or just for some fun with friends… More

Visit on Sat 08/03/09. A mixed and disappointed experience. We were a group of 12 celebrating a birthday. They were very accomodating in providing us a table. The decor is fastasic. The drinks were good, although for the same price we've had better at numerous venues. The waitress we had was the real downfall. The service was slow and on we had to chase them on drinks after waiting 15-20 mins after the order was taken. This resulted in one drink being brought over twice. The waitress then decided to have a go at us for their mistake. After which we recieved no service at all. When we'd had enough and wanted the bill she seemed to intentionally ignore our looks and gestures and even when I walked over to speak to her she turned and walked away and I had to ask another waiter to bring the bill. Definitely not one that I'll go back to.

I was very impressed by Crazy Bear – I was a little nervous when we went having heard many good things, but lived up to everything. The food was absolutely mouth wateringly incredible, some different twists to classics and some excitingly tempting different choices, I went with 4 friends and every dish we had was superb. The service was efficient and discreet, though perhaps could have been slightly friendlier. The ambience is second to none, very intimate we all felt we had a really special night. It is no wonder Crazy Bear was voted as the No.1 place to take a date – it is an absolute hands down winner that shows class, imagination and originality.

One of the coolest bar/restaurants in London, Crazy Bear oozes sophistication and sex appeal with the sultry decor. It is no wonder it was rated best place for a date by GQ magazine.

Upstairs is the main restaurant area which serves up some pretty damn good Thai food, and one of the hottest and most authentic thai green currys you'll ever try.

Downstairs is the bar area with lots of initimate little nooks to curl up with your loved one or date and enjoy the many extremely well executed cocktails on offer.

While some may feel the price of cocktails are pricey, for the atmosphere and ambience of the venue and quality of the cocktails, they are well worth it.

All in all an amazing central London cocktail bar/restaurant to spend a relaxing evening indulging.

ps… also worth a visit for the pure novelty of the toilets and the amusement of watching people try and find them.