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An all-white warehouse space, with louche cabaret and a classily funky bar downstairs, Bistrotheque hit Hackneys new demographic on the head when it opened in 2004, blending sophistication with a dash of streetwise cool. Its stood the test of time, making remarkably few changes along the way: the service is still commited and friendly, the clientele relaxed and happy and the menu crafted to their whims, with a cocktail list, grazing dishes (croque monsieur, moules) and a good prix-fixe that extends to weekend lunch, when theres brunch too. The kitchen is characterised by bold flavours: roasted vine tomatoes, black pudding, steak, foie gras and chunky, no-nonsense chips give the idea. Thats not to say the cooking is primitive: apart from a couple of lapses with I-could-do-that-better assemblages (such as apricot, stilton and baby gem salad), the flavours and presentation are well realised. Our half roast chicken was fabulously garlicky, while lemon tart with blood orange sorbet teetered satisfying on the sweet/sour edge. The open-plan space can be a disadvantage if theres a large party dining: just ask to move.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008
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I visited this restauant last night, it may have been the company but we had a great experience. On reading previous reviews, I completely agree with the arrogance of the owner, upon asking where the bathrooms were he didn't even look up when giving directions...
However, we had a brilliant waiter who made sure we got everything we wanted, how we wanted. He was also very helpful when choosing wine.
Both courses were to satisfaction, but think it confusing that this restaurant refers to themselves as French as so much of the menu is modern british...
Took awhile for us to get the bill and then pay for it, but they happily ordered us a cab, all in all was a prety good evening.
I was looking forward to a Sunday brunch with friends which ended up being a total disaster at this restaurant. Overall it seemed to be a nice place until you made contact with the “maître d' ” who in turn was the restaurant owner. As the Chefs and Waiters I would feel that this owner is letting me down. I didn’t even get to taste the food due to this owners attitude and neither did I leave a tip or recommend the food, instead I will discourage patrons to visit them. .
As a party of 8 which could not be seated together even though the website clearly state “We are unable to do tables larger than 10 during Sunday brunch service.” we booked two table for four people each. As a group we were happy not to share the same table but with a little common sense you will at least expect to be seated close to each other. With arrogance that we receive from the owner we were seated on two tables on opposite ends of the room even though there were tables available closer to each other. When we asked to be seated closer to each other we were denied a move. We left because clearly the customers wishes could not be accommodated due to this owners own ego.
Luckily there are many places in this area to enjoy a meal with friends, therefore I would never recommend this restaurant. I would encourage everyone to rather move on!! Other restaurants are far more accommodating with far less attitude from the owner!!! What a disappointment!!!!
I didn't even have a chance to try the food! Bistrotheque had been highly recommended by a friend, who arranged for us to have a Sunday Brunch there. Even though their website says that tables can be booked for up to 11 people, we could not book a table for eight. Understanding that the place might be too busy to cope with such a large group, we were happy to be split into two tables, thinking that management would be kind enough to seat us close to each other. Not only did this not happen, the manager placed us in opposite sides of the restaurant, even though there were free tables all over the place. When we asked again, he said he would not do that, and that if we weren't happy, we could leave - which is precisely what we did. Bear in mind, we were not a loud or disorderly group, just a bunch of friends who wanted to have a nice meal together. The manager's attitude was arrogant, rude and inappropriate - and it seemed to me that at Bistroteque the client is always wrong. Dreadful.
Horrible restaurant. The white room is empty without any character. Worst is the staff and especially the Manager with less character than the empty space of the restaurant. I will not recomend this restaurant to anyone nor will I be returning there!!!!