Restaurants

It is a shame that one has a less than satisfactory experience on one's first visit to a restaurant especially when it has come highly recommended, but last night we felt we had to leave even before selecting a starter. Having dropped off our wives outside the restaurant we found ourselves trapped in a one-way system due to roadworks which required us to drive across Tower Bridge, through the City and back across London Bridge! Then we needed to park and walk to the restaurant. All in all, some 15 minutes later we arrived back at the Magdalen to find that our wives had not yet even been offered a drink! My wife then mentioned that she had asked if the long velvet curtain around the front door could be closed because she could feel a cold draft every time the door opened. She was told it could not be closed "until everybody had arrived"! Anyway, we ordered some drinks including a 2004 Urbina Rioja, an estate with a good reputation, at £33 a bottle. The bottle was opened and a glass sniffed. It was not a good aroma. Then it was tasted. Not good either, and quite possibly because the wine was not at room temperature, but at the temperature of a warm bath. Clearly, the wine's character had been compromised; it was simply dead. We mentioned our opinion to our waitress and, instead of bringing over a clean glass from the bar, she took my glass away for a tasting! She thought the wine was OK. We said we did not agree so she took my glass away for another member of staff to taste. She returned and this time said she would exchange the bottle for another of the same. We said we thought we should select a completely different wine (for fear of finding fault with the same one again). During this episode, we had been looking at the interesting menu and selecting our meals. A different waiter came over to ask if we were ready to order. We said yes, but had one question. He answered the question and then walked off never to be seen again! So, by then, we were getting a bit fed up and, sometimes, when your waitress is giving you those peeved waitressy looks, I think you just have to cut your losses and move on. From the look of pleasure on her face, I don't think our waitress was sorry to see us go. We ended up at the new Hix in Soho. Now that’s a good restaurant.

This is a relatively small intimate restaurant. Beware of going as a couple, if you are seated next to a large group you can't hear your self think!
This restaurant has made its name serving a traditional and unusual menu. It features items such as pigs head. The menu changes seasonly and there is emphasis on the importance of sourcing individual items for high quality.
I found it very hard to find food on the menu which sounded appealing to me. I am a meat eater but would not eat items such as foie gras or kidney. I had a crap terrine to start which was nice. The main course however was forgettable, and very small.
Magdalen produce small portions of extremely rich food ( especially the desserts). It can leave you feeling a little sick rather than full. At an average of £17 for a main course there are many more appealing london restaurants.
The can be praised for their extensive wine list, which can be viewed through their website.
Do not consider this restaurant if you are dining with a vegetarian, they will feel a bit excluded with one menu choice. And perhaps a bit bitter at the price. £13.50 seems pricey for a shallot tart.
The type of place you would only go once.

Great food in a cool space, not noisy yet not like a library. Service is pleasant and unintrusive although a little streched at lunch time.
Very interesting menu with seasonal focus and very high quality ingredients.
Wine list is eclectic.