Cezanne's Reviews

I have to say overall it was a disappointment … I was there for lunch – everything was mediocre from the dining room to the food and i won't be back and won't be recommending …

DETAILS – I was dining with a companion and we had looked forward to a long lazy afternoon of chat and wine but it was pretty obvious to us both from the start this would be lunch and out … Another restaurant with no area for an aperitif … the restaurant was quite full which meant it had a nice buzz … i had requested a round table and indeed we did get what seemed to be only one available so I was grateful for that .. however it was not in the best spot .. just inside the door .. and the chairs were facing an odd direction .. I know this sounds picky but being comfortable means you forget the outside world and stay too long …Do restaurants ever put thought into the importance of seating arrangements for the overall enjoyment of the dining experience and which usually means in turn the diner does not want to leave and spend more money … every time I go to Marcus Wareing the afternoon is written off as is such a comfortable and embracing room .. you will spend any money just to stay there … it does not surprise me it is a sister restaurant to the Square which must be one of the worst dining rooms in London ( after Hibiscus! ) … it has the same hollow floor -board feeling as the Square .. its also very very bright having windows all round which again keeps one too alert …

Anyway to the food …we were asked if we had any allergies before the chef sent out our amuse bouche .. which was a tiny tiny canape the size of a sixpence ..we found this quite funny … Have to particularly mention the bread as it was without doubt the best I have ever had …(Helen Darozze in Paris has held this accolade up this this ) something for everyone .. a fantastic onion bread that was almost like a pie … an incredible chestnut mini loaf and sourdough … I choose the lunch menu while my friend went for the a la carte …and I have… More

As disappointment is relative to expectation I suppose that is one reason why I would have to say my biggest let down yet. I did have high expectations.. and Hibiscus had been on my list of restaurants to go for for some time … if it is food only you are interested in then do go but if you want the package don't. you can pick out from below what you need from your dining experience and make up your own mind – a brief overview -the service was dreadful and grudging. the room was grim, the food was superb but very small servings, and lunch was very good value but as a single diner it was the first time i ever felt uncomfortalbe in a restaurant

To start ..the room is like an airport lounge .(had thought The Square was the worst dining room in the city) reception reminds me of the waiting hall at my local garage .. certainly one would not feel like a pre lunch drink there …however the receptionist was wonderful … A single diner I was seated at a small table for two right beside another couple .. making them feel very uncomfortalbe . note to restaurants .. don't do this .. its not fair on them .. they feel listened to . and its not fair on the single diner .. they are trying not to listen. there were several nice big round tables ( at least 4 ) vacant for the duration .. it was another example of the grudging service I was to experience not to have given these tables either or both of us.

I really don't know if this was an off day but from the start the head waiter seemed to resent having to come near me … A Kir for my aperitif which was one of the best i have had .. and was really surprised to see on my bill later was only £6 ;.. I settled for the lunch with a glass of wine which is £ 39 and excellent value … a small amuse bouche a pineapple drink ..nothing to write home about .. an amazing starter of a fois gras terrine . a main course of superb partridge .. and a lovely dessert … the wine that came with the lunch was in fact ia very good french red and indeed I stuck with… More