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Chef and co-owner Anthony Demetre oversees a consistent kitchen and an enticing menu strong on hearty British fare, accented with continental flavours. Seasonality matters here. Our visit in early spring featured some of the first English asparagus and wild garlic leaves in a dish of roast organic chicken and a risotto of garlic leaves, spring onion and courgette. The risotto, however, had only the merest whisper of said garlic. A starter of squid and mackerel ‘burger’, surrounded by pieces of succulent, sea-scented razor clams and scatterings of parsley, was the star of the show. The Spanish-influenced main course of pollock featured macaroni, chorizo and octopus, piquillo peppers, capers and tomato sauce. A former winner of ourBest New Restaurant award, Arbutus is very popular, and its renown is likely to spread further with the publication of Demetre’s first book. Be sure to book ahead and expect the place to be full to bursting at dinner (service may be rushed as a consequence). Prices at dinner are not a bargain in the way that lunchtime set menus are, but value is ably delivered by the wine list. It’s not too long and there are plenty of good bottles, all of which are available by 250ml carafe, which are not marked up from bottle price.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009
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London's best review, food and drink news
I live by the premise that you should make the most of everything and seize all the opportunities you can. I am generally a very happy, optimistic...
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Very nice atmos in this pleasantly decorated restaurant. Staff were delightful and also knowledgeable, not scared to past their opinions in regards to the menu. They all seemed to work with the confidence of knowing that the food was good and they certainly weren't wrong. Tasted as good as it looked and the portions were ample to satisfy a 1.94cm male appetite. Wine was reasonably priced as was the meal. On the contrary, I like the idea of adding the service charge on my behalf. One can always deduct it if they feel it was not deserved, but somehow I doubt this will happen. Highly recommended
Went for a pre-theatre meal. Food was very tasty but incredibly small portion. Lamb was all fat and no meat. Left feeling very hungry.
Beer £4.50
Didn't appreciate having the service charge included.
Excellent food delivered with quick charming service. I found my waitress to be very educated about the food and wine. Excellent option to have carafes available, would recommend to all.
We took my parents here on a busy Thursday evening. We hadn't booked but they found us a table with no problem. Service was quick and attentive; the waiter was lovely. And the food was simply delicious - we ate off the pre-theatre menu, so the choice was limited, but everything we ordered was fantastic, and great value for money. Would recommend to anyone
We went for pre-theatre and my steak was a disappointment. My wife's pollock was without flavour. The service was poor. I would not recomment Arbutus
Friday 26th Sept: pre-theatre meal for two. Excellent food, friendly and efficient service and lovely atmosphere. Everything I wanted from the visit and affordable too.
In the company of 3 friends, we all had something different and we were all disappointed with our meals - mediocre at best. We asked for a second bottle of wine 3 X before giving up. We would have tried the cheese for desert, if the wine ever came. We are truly surprised Arbutus has received positive reviews and would not go back or recommend it to anyone
We went to Arbutus after reading positive review from time out ie. best new restaurant in 2006, still positive reviews in 2008. It was awful. The meals and the service for 4, was below par. I'd rather eat at nando's. How utterly disappointing. Not recommended.
Excellent food, very rude and condescending waiter. A real shame. Actually over heard him being rude about customers to other staff. Not a good feel about the service in general. Decor bland and brown...however great food.
19 July 2008 Saturday Dinner for 2. My friend ordered a cocktail to start but it wasn't made right, he had to send it back. Service was quite basic and slow. We had the smoke eel as start which was excellent, Basvett of beef as main which was a little tough. ice cream with cherry as dessert which was good. The bill came to £126 inc service for 2 which was reasonable.