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Forgoing the ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ approach of the Ivy, this self-described ‘American brasserie’ is happy to talk up its celebrity clientele. Its website is lined with cuttings documenting visits from the likes of David Beckham, Elijah Wood and the Duchess of York. Head here at noon, though, and you’ll eat alongside a less starry crowd of businessfolk, fashion-industry refugees and a few ladies who lunch. The handsome, low-lit diner-style section is perfect for an evening meal, while the airy, tiled back room is at its best during the day. Regardless of the time, the straightforward food will be unspectacular yet reliable, served at prices reflecting the elevated postcode. We didn’t resent the expense for the lovely, tender crab cake served with faintly peppery guacamole, or for the perfect pecan pie. But £22 is plainly too much for an agreeable if unmemorable dish of roast cod with shrimp hash; and a generous yet slightly tough rump steak was also priced above its station. Still, this isn’t the kind of place where people worry about the size of the bill. Also the service was lunch-hour efficient, it was also devoid of charm and enthusiasm.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009
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London's best review, food and drink news
I am liberal, educated and have a great sense of humour. I love to socialise, travel, laugh, eat, sleep, watch TV, play sport (not so much watch...
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Why on earth possessed you to go to Automat and have a macaroni and cheese? I will never know. Why not write a review about the fantastic steaks and burgers there? Or the pancakes they serve, what have to be about the best damn ones I've ever tasted. I didn't go to star spot, I went for the food, and the environment is good, obviously just not to your taste. I even celerated a birthday there earlier in the year and we were at the table next to the kitchen, and it was brilliant.
So there!
Loved it had a great time! food must be good
my wife ate 3 courses & she is fussy.
The guys had the burger & the ladies had the fish no complaints what so ever.
Not over posh so can relax & enjoy with mates.
My overall opinion of Automat is mediocre. The food was tasty, but some came out cold, and the service was atrocious. To begin with our order was hurriedly taken. We weren't given a wine list, then one of our party was brought the wrong meal which when we finally got the attention of the staff, they switched for the correct meal fumbling clumsily with the plates. The waitress dropped a steak knife in one our laps, she never came back to check whether we were satisfied with our meal, my brother had to actually get up and find a waitress to ask for another drink and we sat there for fifty whole minutes without our plates being cleared and being offered the bill. Appalling. Automat has potential, but need to work heavily on customer service