Great Queen Street

Come for the atmosphere, not the food. I've been to Great Queen Street a few times now, and each time I return, I'm reminded of how disappointed I was on my last visit. It’s a great alternative to the touristy and theatre joints nearby, the bar downstairs as fantastic, and I've always received terrific service - friendly and attentive. But the food....oh the food - it’s just not good. The menu reads like a great adventure into local, seasonal cooking, and the specials continually sound as if they belong in the best of London restaurants, but when the food arrives it’s just one dreary disappointment after another. At my most recent visit, the locally-cured ham arrived looking apologetically pale and unappetizing, and then proved itself so by being far too salty to eat more than a few bites, and leaving what I can only describe as a "stank" in ones mouth. The blood orange, chicory, and ricotta salad sounded fantastic, and had much potential as a jewel-toned, sweet-and sour palate freshener. Instead, it was a sad pile of flavorless, beige-toned chicory and fennel - blood orange barely to be found. Supposedly it had “spicy” breadcrumbs on top; the breadcrumbs I saw, but the spice was nowhere on the plate. Our entrées were similarly blah: a nicely cooked piece of Hake, but served with a tasteless (and broken) cream sauce and cooked-to-death veggies, along with a “pumpkin cake” that reminded me of something I’d cook at home with cupboard of leftovers (mostly onions) on a night I’m too lazy to go to the supermarket. I really want to like this place, but will be coming for drinks only in the future, if at all (there are plenty of other places to grab a drink near by, afterall). Chef, you need to step up your game.

One of the better 'modern British' restaurants in London by a long way - and certainly one of the best in central. The menu is seasonal, and serves some of the best meat and game around, at affordable prices. The rabbit and suet pie, if it's on - is an absolute must - as is the grilled mackerel. The puddings are always sumptuous and the staff polite and smart and, more importantly, local. The decor is dark, but not gloomy; cosy, without being too soft. The bar downstairs is also a great spot for a drink before or after dinner, and the music is always one of the highlights. The barman may be slightly mad, but he makes sure you have a good time (whichever poster below intoned he has bi-polar should be ashamed of themselves). Opinion is certainly subjective: one person's genius is another person's catastrophe. But from past experience and speaking to a lot of Londoners, this establishment is a must-visit - as is its sister restaurant the Anchor & Hope in Waterloo. Great location, cool staff, delicious food (and what portions!) all at a decent price.

food is great but the service is poor

fabulous meal in this very busy restaurant last night but service professional, attentive and friendly, food is inspired -good sized portions very reasonable prices and great house wines. just love it!

LOVE IT. Huge portions, great food, they have their own cured meat platter which is amazing....

I really don’t see what people see in this place. After booking a table for 8pm and arriving a bit early we were finally seated at 8.45 (we waited in the bar where the barman was friendly – the only positive part of the night) and by this time half the food had been taken off the menu. We ordered a roasted duck crown and were advised it would take 40 mins and would come medium rare, a friend order the hare ragu. Over and hour later or ‘roasted’ duck arrived and was unceremoniously dumped on the table by our waiter who swiftly walked off. The ‘roasted’ duck was barely warm, thoroughly over cooked, the skin was soggy and flaccid and the fat definitely hadn’t been rendered off. The accompanying chips were over salted and luke warm and our side of greens must have fallen into the mustard pot and left on the side to chill before serving. Quite frankly all unacceptable and revolting. After being asked to speak to the manager (in took 5 mins to get any attention) we were told this is how it was served and if it was a problem we would have to wait another hour before our food would be ready. She also gave the excuse of ‘were busy’ (it was a Saturday night surely you would expect to be busy!!) The manger then walked away and returned to tell us that duck was always served cooked and pretty much told me I don’t know what I am talking about. What every happened to the customer being right?? On top of this my friend that ordered the hare was also given food was luke warm. This time the hare ragu basically tasted like it had been mixed with Cadburys drinking chocolate. Disgusting. Needless to say our plate went back to the kitchen basically full no apology given and we then were charged top whack for the pleasure. I wouldn’t recommend this place if you paid me, and I DEFINITELY won’t go back, in fact I just want to warn London not to eat here, there are so many fabulous places that are better and cheaper.

Went in for a quick after dinner drink Friday in the basement bar and ended up staying for a couple of hours. Excellent downstairs bar, where you can get good food, good cocktails and great barman

Went in for a quick after dinner drink Friday in the basement bar and ended up staying for a couple of hours. Excellent downstairs bar, where you can get good food, good cocktails and great barman

I went to 23 Great Queen Street last night, not expecting much - but it was easily the best meal I've had in a restaurant. The food was incredible - and very cheap for the quality. Atmosphere was good as well. Everyone I was with agreed. It was the kind of meal you think about long into the next day (and I still am!).

Superb food, service and atmosphere... five stars