A number of people might have been inspired to visit on the basis of Grace Dent's review in The Guardian, but my experience of the place was not the same.
Yes, the decor is wonderful, with a gorgeous bar as the centerpiece, and you can easily imagine it being the venue for a long, lost afternoon, a first date, or a relationship rekindled.
It all started pretty superbly. The oysters were superb, the tuna skewers excellent, the old fashioned reasonable.
But what was missing were some of the basics. A main course that took 90 minutes to arrive. The sight of an empty glass should be an invitation to ask if you would like another. An adjoining table being told that broccoli had run out at 7pm. A fried fish sandwich which, perhaps informed by my increasingly sour mood, seemingly resembled a more elaborate Fillet o' Fish, accompanied by excessively salted fries.
Credit to the serving staff - including the very sweet Mihaela, a delight - who at the very least recognised the issues and wiped the main course from the bill and added a free glass of wine for the inconvenience.
Nonetheless, it's such a pity. This could be one of London's best destinations, or given the location the launchpad to a fabulous trip elsewhere. But until they sort out service, an issue which clearly seems to have been a problem given the reviews, cancellation might instead be the recommendation.
Michelle Najera186 days ago
What a beautiful place! The environment is amazing and restaurant is gorgeous. We had dinner. Our waiter Francesco was so nice, we had the grilled fish he recommended which was delicious and and aperol. I had the half chicken roasted with the martini. Everything was great.
Lesmallcheese309 days ago
Celebrated a friend's birthday in a large booth on a Thurs evening.
The renovations really opened the restaurant up - what was once pretty classic though maybe a bit wooden & drab, became airy & somewhat tropical.
The menu is pretty limited, but I enjoyed the fried chicken starter.
Good selection of cocktails.
Liza Kobylash1 year ago
That is a great restaurant for any dine in experience and special occasions. The atmosphere there is so unique, so beautiful. I love dimmed lights, high ceiling and nice architecture of this place. Service is great, very attentive and friendly people. Food is good, really enjoyed it. Dessert is my favourite, trifle was just amazing. Will recommend it to all.
Lorna mclellan1 year ago
Housed in the original 19th-century ticket office hall of the station, they have done a remarkable job of making a vast space feel intimate and welcoming. They have made most of the space too, fitting in a bar that just goes on and on, speaking of bars I started with a glass of champagne whilst browsing the menu. I went for the burger which was tender and juicy to finish a rich and delicious chocolate mousse paired with a dessert wine. I relaxed and didn't feel rushed by the friendly staff
Thomas Maufer1 year ago
Honestly an excellent meal. A very important aspect to me is that this restaurant is dog-friendly. We actually were turned away by another restaurant in the building, which was great because we really enjoyed our meal at Booking Office 1869. The room was lovely, the servers were friendly and efficient, and the price was in-line with the quality of the overall experience.
Alex2 years ago
The place is a sight to behold. It's not as bright as in the pictures, but still, those tall ceilings and palm trees look absolutely amazing. The service was super attentive. I was looking for cocktails in the wine menu, and one of the members of staff noticed this and brought the right menu without even asking. We ordered the lamb shoulder for two, and it was well prepared, and frankly, would be enough for 3 persons. The blackberries trifle dessert was lovely as well. So what the Malbec wine.
Betti Miszlay2 years ago
Such an enchanting place! Being there definitely feels like in a movie. The staff is amicable, and the dishes are incredible. If you want to celebrate something special or take your SO on a fancy date, I recommend this lovely spot.
Yes, the decor is wonderful, with a gorgeous bar as the centerpiece, and you can easily imagine it being the venue for a long, lost afternoon, a first date, or a relationship rekindled.
It all started pretty superbly. The oysters were superb, the tuna skewers excellent, the old fashioned reasonable.
But what was missing were some of the basics. A main course that took 90 minutes to arrive. The sight of an empty glass should be an invitation to ask if you would like another. An adjoining table being told that broccoli had run out at 7pm. A fried fish sandwich which, perhaps informed by my increasingly sour mood, seemingly resembled a more elaborate Fillet o' Fish, accompanied by excessively salted fries.
Credit to the serving staff - including the very sweet Mihaela, a delight - who at the very least recognised the issues and wiped the main course from the bill and added a free glass of wine for the inconvenience.
Nonetheless, it's such a pity. This could be one of London's best destinations, or given the location the launchpad to a fabulous trip elsewhere. But until they sort out service, an issue which clearly seems to have been a problem given the reviews, cancellation might instead be the recommendation.
We had dinner. Our waiter Francesco was so nice, we had the grilled fish he recommended which was delicious and and aperol. I had the half chicken roasted with the martini. Everything was great.
The renovations really opened the restaurant up - what was once pretty classic though maybe a bit wooden & drab, became airy & somewhat tropical.
The menu is pretty limited, but I enjoyed the fried chicken starter.
Good selection of cocktails.
The service was super attentive. I was looking for cocktails in the wine menu, and one of the members of staff noticed this and brought the right menu without even asking.
We ordered the lamb shoulder for two, and it was well prepared, and frankly, would be enough for 3 persons.
The blackberries trifle dessert was lovely as well. So what the Malbec wine.
Being there definitely feels like in a movie. The staff is amicable, and the dishes are incredible. If you want to celebrate something special or take your SO on a fancy date, I recommend this lovely spot.