Banyan on the Thames

Where to begin? Came here on a last minute.com deal for "50 percent off a meal" with my fiance. In quotes as this is what is stated, no asterix involved. At the prices they charge for the meals, it seems half price is about what one would expect to pay anywhere else. The cocktails are vastly overpriced, even by central London standards, sorry, but £9-10 isn't good value. So, we sat down and ordered starters. Scallops for me, nothing special, and it was acceptable. Not great for the price, overcooked and slightly gritty but hey, not bad either. Mains, well... that looks good, lobster tail"S" on a stuffed tomato. Notice the "s" indicating plural. It arrived on my table, one Lobster tail (note this dish had a 4 or 5 pound "supplement". After a few bites, I enquire with the staff and a waitress eventually comes back with an excuse involving different sizes of lobster tails and how the smaller one is included in the filling of the tomato. A lie, but I don't press the matter as I'd rather not make a scene infront my fiance. We order a creme brulee for dessert, the consistency varied from cold rice pudding at the bottom with a couple of berries or fruits thrown in to what approximates creme brullee at the top. Throughout we'd had a few drinks. Finally we come to pay, something which took 40-50 minutes all in all but I digress. I found it interesting that they'd decided to charge 50% off on only the food, and not the overpriced drinks, on inquiring, they simply stated that was policy. Perhaps it would have been useful if they could have told us this at first, or even mentioned it on the menu, or the deal, but it was to be expected. £65 for something that should have cost perhaps half as much (and this is WITH half off... the food). Anyway, after waiting almost 50 minutes to finally get to pay and being lied to by the staff, not even a hint of compensation for their error on claiming multiple lobster tails (you know, even getting rid of that "supplement would have garnered a little good will), and then being lied to, I thought they could suffice without a tip. (An aside, having spent half a year in the US in 2011, you really do learn what customer service in a restaurant environment is about, diametrically opposite to this place) Doubt the message got through though. Don't go here. Please.

Have gone a couple of times now, early this year the food was great but the last two times we went the service and the food has been up to the standard we would expect for the price. Will not be going back!

Amazing

I visited this restaurant with my partner early last November with a groupon voucher..... I can honestly say it was the worst dining experience of my life (and there have been some colourful ones!) The service was disastrous for a start. Then, I noticed some of the food choices on the menu had a small * beside them. Looking at the bottom of the page I realised that these choices had a hefty £5/6 "supplement". Now, had we been choosing from a set menu, this could be expected but it wasn't a set menu it was the full priced a la cart. When I asked the waitress why the pricing was this opaque she didn't have an answer. I suggested it was done to confuse the diner into thinking said items were cheaper than they actually were, otherwise they'd simply state the full price.....she just looked at me blankly. Not a good start. I'm not sure what the eastern influenced food was like but the food on the European side of the menu was delivered by someone who hadn't had any training in how to cook european food (which is pretty basic stuff training-wise!) The starters were passable but my main of duck was rare to the point it was bleeding heavily onto my plate and the skin/fat was very flabby and looked like it hadn't been cooked at all. Similar problems with my partner's Lamb main. The only potatoes they served we're chips. I ordered a creme brullee for dessert. This turned out to be thick custard with berries on top. I asked the waitress to explain and she said "It's a new take on the creme brullee" . I had to tell her that as there was no "Brullee" at all it was infact something completely different which didn't even remotely resemble a brullee and should have been described as such on the menu. I sent it back and got the cheese board which, by this point, seemed the safest option. The whole evening was a farce on pretty much every level from the beginning. The prices are up there with those of some pretty swanky joints (mains well up in the late £20s) but i don't know how they think they can justify this with such bad standards to food and service all round. Only positive I have to offer is they had the decency not to charge us for service!

Such glorious and detailed comments all written within 2 small blocks of time. Things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmm.......

I went their on Sunday 7th November for my wifes birthday - there were17 of us and we all had a three course meal, with our special offer of 50% off the food. The feedback I received from all the family was it was exceptional value for money and when can they return again. On a personal note I couldn't fault any of the dishes I had. Cromer Crab, Rack Of Lamb and Champagne Syllabub, all beautifully presented and so tasty. Very rarely have I eaten out with so many people and not received a single complaint. A huge thanks to all the staff for a memorable day, the views, service, food and ambiance were top class and even the youngest members of the family were kept amused by the boats sailing by and the helicopters landing and taking off next door. We'll be back. David, Tania & family

Banyan on the Thames is a priceless little place on the Thames. My husband and I, who some people label as "gastronomically inclined" were in London a week ago and ventured out to the Banyan. The food is absolutely divine. From starters of the 3 spice chicken tikka, to our main course of duck magret (in delicious mango melon raspberry sauce) and perfectly cooked rack of lamb to a delcious dessert of cheese mousse was an experience we share with all our friends in Kuwait. Notwithstanding the fantastic value offer, the restaurant has cornered quite a nifty place overlooking the river where the view for the diners is superb. The atmosphere is warm and friendly and the service was efficient. Banyan will be our haunt on every visit to London. Highly highly recommended to all.

Absolute gem ,eclectic menu that caters for wide variety of taste that cosmopolitan Londoners have developed. Banyan has a very good taste palette. World number 1 restaurant El Bullis Chef Ferran Adria shreds the rule book of fine dining and present customers with food that often does not meet any gastronomic or culinary elucidation, in a far modest but similar way Banyan follows suit, I sensed that; it is a great feat of gastronomic expertise. It is trendy, stylish on the river, and value oriented, they try to cook food that is filling and very tasty, it defies established culinary practices and brings real life on the table. Their menu especially Angus steak melts in the mouth, so is Monk fish and Chips, the reason being they are able to do it perfectly by wrapping the moisture within the steak and serve fresh fish that has more of fish than batter, both are cooked with all the freshness to perfection. I think with natural ability to eat good, I can pair flavors in food, for me it all goes together like a fine tuned orchestra or a flop. Banyan Chef definitely impressed me and has a taste palette that is both fine tuned and exquisite. Timeout two star rating for this place is travesty the least if not an oversight. I find the streak of genius where the food served is authentic and very well thought about, well done Battersea, who knows this streak of originality in few years may lead them with better reviews and crowds, I would suggest this hidden gem should be fully exploited for its great food and very low price.

I have been to this restaurant before when it was just opened. At that time the menu of incomplete but this time is all ready! An astounding range of starters and mains to choose from. Food is great and very well presented. With 50% off offer, I think it is a grand place. Apart from the 50% off deal, you can also try the special menu at £30 that gives you 4 courses meal. The ambience is first-rate as well especially of sitting next to the windows seeing celebrities being whisked in and out of the heliport..

***Continuation of Review from Piece below**** For the main course,My guest opted for Mongolian warriors Lamb Hot Pot with Basmati Rice.(£12.50) Luscious,tender pieces of Lamb,just cooked to perfection with a beautifully spicy taste,not overpowering,just right. Served with a huge bowl of Basmati Rice. For our side dishes we chose French Fries at £3.75 which were golden and crisp with a deliciously fluffy light inner,not at all greasy and a joy to eat. we also chose Buttered Asparagus at £3.95 which was delicious,not overcooked,just crisp and enjoyable. I chose for my Main Course,a delicious Rack of Kentish Lamb served with a pistachio crust with sweat Gratin Potatoes,Red Pepper Coulis and a White Onion and Fresh Mint Sauce (£18.95) The lamb was outstanding,medium rare,tender,beautiful-The texture of the pistachio and the taste of nuttiness and meat was splendid,an unexpected combination that worked amazingly. The coulis,potato and mint sauce all made the dish perfect. My guest and I were both delighted by the meal and indeed the service was second to none.