Having been a diner at both the Hampstead and O2 branches of Gaucho I decided to book the Piccadilly branch for my Fathers Birthday / My Parents Anniversary – The food has always been excellent and Saturday was no exception.
HOWEVER
The service was ridiculously over the top and rather than feeling personally cared for we were passed from individual to individual who clearly were following a very strict training regime (and I would not be surprised, script…)
From the moment we entered the restaurant until we left we were served by at least 9 people.
Having reserved a table and at the time of booking and highlighted it was a special occasion, we shown the small round table next to the wash basin and grill area: Most certainly the least attractive table in the restaurant. I understand restaurants like to release their less favourable tables first but to do so on a reservation is disappointing.
The waitress was polite, however overly attentive when we just wanted to relax and enjoy the dining experience. Clearing away plates when other parties on the table are still eating is irritating. We had to twice ask her to stop clearing the table until we had finished our main courses.
When we decided to take our coffee down in the bar she failed to order them for us so we were sitting downstairs for over half an hour until they realised the order had not been passed on.
Of the two ladies cubicles available to customers, one was out of order and the other has no toilet roll. I and others had to resort to using the thicker hand wipe towels. This is certainly not what I have come to expect from a restaurant that appears on all other levels to aim for optimal comfort and appealing to the needs of the client.

I understand that the concept of the restaurant is experience and attention to detail but they should also consider that not every client will require that same level of attention. I have never been one for too much interference by waiting staff at dinner – excellent service should… More