Susan's review of Almeida

I don't know when your reviewer went to the Almeida last but we went (four of us) this week, on Tuesday evening, and although overall it was a good experiences I do have some quibbles. For a start your reviewer mentions amuse bouches. These were not offered. Whether they had them I don't know. (Incidentally we were not on the set pre-theatre menu, which possibly might preclude amuse bouches. But I suspect they don't offer them any more at all). We have been going to the Almeida for years, right from it's heyday when it was Conran owned and made fabuous chips (huge square ‘girder’ like chips heaped up in an architectural tower shape) and when the trolley of chacuterie was interesting, well stocked and generously served. I realise they have to make a profit but we did find the portions of vegetables very mean and tiny. Ditto some of the starters. The rest was good but we ordered a bottle of Champagne which was poured once and then put to the side in an ice bucket. We waited… and waited… finally had to request refills, which we waited so long for that the starters arrived at the same time. The white wine received similar treatment. It is infuriating if the wine is removed from the table and then you are at the mercy of the staff to keep an eye out for when a refill is required.
We will continue to go, nevertheless.