Arbutus (63-64 Frith Street, London, London, W1D 3JW) NEW REVIEW: Oh dear what has happened? The service was appalling last night. I received bread but my friend didn't. After asking, I was told the bread was ‘being baked’. Everyone around us was receiving it? I had to ask for someone to take our main course order and our dessert order. Bit disappointed to see the ‘country terrine’ on the set menu, incidentally its was on the Les Deux Salons menu last week. The terrine was being sent back in both establishments, I wonder why they are still serving it. Not good to see food being sent back by the table right next to you. Tables all around were uncleared; the table next to us had to wave for someone to come and clear the plates away. The food was very mediocre, one of the worst bouillabaisse I have ever tasted. The cheese portions £3.25 per portion were miniscule. I am very disappointed. Total rip off. They were clearly short staffed. I asked the maitre'd who was ‘standing around’ whether I could place a dessert order, she wandered away saying she would get our waiter (who was everyone elses waiter it seems). On leaving, our coats were pretty much chucked at us. I took a dear friend for his birthday after raving about the place. I was embarassed last night and I'm still quite angry. Does not deserve 3 stars at all. OLD REVIEW: I had the fixed price for lunch. Excellent. Pork cheeks and cornish gurnard and some brie de meaux – £16.95. Absolutely outstanding for lunch. The restaurant was nice and busy and had loads of atmosphere. Service was outstanding. Very helpful – even down to helping with my eau de vie choice. Have the plum not the mirabelle. I thought I knew better. I didn't!
Link to this reviewMarch 2011 | 
Tarah M.30s, Female, United Kingdom