Amy's review of Chiswell Street Dining Rooms

We visited during the “soft launch” as a party of 6 and, having visited the Botanist before, came with expectations that were largely met. Housed in an old pub, it is more dining room than gastropub with a lovely bar area for drinks. Service was very attentive, but this was to be expected as the staff numbered customers almost 1 to 1 and had clearly been told to try and impress during the soft launch phase (we were bizarrely asked if we were enjoying the service during the meal!). The food has a traditional Britain meets bistro France feel and overall whilst very good there were mixed reactions to some of the dishes. The starters of scallops, snail & bacon pie, smoked eel and cheesy tart were all excellent, but the mains of lamb and steak didn't meet expectations (steak was well cooked but we've had better quality at the Rivington and Smihtfields nearby for less; lamb was billed as a cassoulet but came with spring greens and was lacking in flavour) and whilst I was happy with my dover sole, I could imagine others being less satisfied with a small piece of well-cooked fish being served with a tiny portion of broccoli on the side . With 50% off food, we thought the food was very good value but weren't sure we'd be as happy without the deal. I'll be popping back for a drink once it opens but expect I'll head to other places nearby for better value cooking.