Bistrotheque

Hidden, spacious, trendy loft-style restaurant, Bistrotheque is the perfect example of what one may nowadays define as “Shoreditch-style” dining. There are no flashy signs nor trendy boutiques around, which confirms why this place is marketed solely by ‘word of mouth” as our barman stated. But this is for the better! One feels rather cosy inside as the tables and benches are perfectly arranged next to the bar and the open kitchen. There is no music, which is an extra, because it makes Bistrotheque a relatively quiet but at the same time buzzy place. The most important of all: the food is of excellent quality. We loved the bread. Our lamb rump was perfectly “pink”, the fish and the chips in the fish & chips dish were – seriously – one of the best we have ever had in London. The cod just needs to be poked by the fork and it falls apart; that is how tender it is. There is a good variety of well-priced desserts, snacks, and bar food, too. Bistrotheque is recommended for people who want to spend a casual evening with a partner or friends, who want to avoid the “trendy crowd” and don’t mind taking a good stroll from either Bethnal Green station or Cambridge Heath railways.

I wanted to give Bistrotheque zero out of five but one is the minimum rating. We went there for brunch on a Saturday morning. This establishment sums up everything that I dislike about the so-called "trendy" London food scene: pretentious, terrible service and very average food - not to mention overpriced. I think we waited about 30 minutes for a coffee (even though we checked with our waitress more than once for the coffee's whereabouts). There were perhaps three other tables there so they were not busy. When our food came, the portion size was so small as to be ridiculous. When our bill arrived, they had, of course, added the usual "discretionary" service charge of 12.5% - despite the long wait. There are so many better places to have brunch/breakfast in London - don't waste your time with this place.

First time went this saturday, but its going to be last. Not impressed!! Saying that The front of the house Staff was very good and attentive! Have to give them 5 stars! And most important Food was ok-ish, nothing special, and on top my ray wing was overcooked! My boyfriend had steak tartare with chips and salad (chips was soggy, the ones you get from freezer, strange that it wasn't hand cut). I really wanted to like the restaurant because its local ,but sorry people I go to Palmers on Roman road and never dissapoints!!! The food is fantastic!!!! Great reviews with 4stars is propably for atmosphere. Food is 2 stars!

Very attentive and friendly service, not at all "perfunctory and disengaged" as the review claims. Poached egg on asparagus with hollandaise was simple, but each component was executed with care, resulting in a lovely starter on a sweltering evening. Cod with cockles and beurre blanc was a bit over-salted, but the cod was buttery and perfectly cooked. Again; a few simple ingredients prepared with care, and simply presented. The deserts with the highlight, though. A soft, creamy vanilla cheesecake was served completely unadorned, matching the whiteness of the walls, the ceiling and almost everything else. Not too sweet, not too cheesy; it was the platonic ideal of cheesecake. A salted butter caramel tart was among the most decadent deserts I have ever had. Not cloying, just salty enough, a gooey as all good caramel should be, with a lovely sweet crust that balanced out the smooth filling. It was so good that I asked the (very friendly, albeit very trendy) maitre d' for the recipe, and he kindly obliged.

Ignore the reviews from those who seem to be intimidated by "trendy" staff and desperate to portray east London as more interested in vapid style than honest substance - the waiters and waitresses have never been anything other than friendly and helpful on the numerous occasions that I've visited. The food's good too, and there's always a good atmosphere. This place has been busy and successful for several years, and you don't get that by offering bad service or poor food.

Have been here twice, the first was brunch. We paid £5 for a small sized Eggs Benedict and boy was it small! One half-muffin with the usual, and no salad. It was however quite delicious. Service on this occasion was frosty. The 2nd was for a dinner with friends and service was lovely. Ordered the pork belly but this was chewy and not at all tender. I really wanted to like this place based on reviews however I think it's more hype than substance. The food is ok but not for the prices they are charging. The interiors are great though, quite minimal and I like that it's tucked away from the hustle and bustle.

I've loved it every time i've been there. never disappoints.

Amazing place. you constantly ask yourself 'why do i like this place?' all the ingredients seem that it's a recipe for disaster but it's great.