London's best review, food and drink news
A couple of recent meals (one lunch, one dinner) at this bare, modern restaurant in the new part of Spitalfields Market confirmed last years first impressions. That is, it all looks spiffy three walls of glass, big oak tables and booths, an open kitchen, an outdoor space at the front but food and service dont match up. Staff are smiley but dopey, and much of the pleasure drains from a meal when you keep having to ask for things. The menu is a great read; dishes range from a bacon sandwich or hot buttered arbroath smokie (breakfast is served all day) through to smoked haddock with spinach and mash, or pie of the day (always a meat and a veg option). Some dishes work a treat: a moreish special of grilled skate with spiced shrimp butter, and a zingy watercress and fennel salad, for example. But there are too many off-notes: fish and chips that resembled old-style canteen fare, or uninspiring roast beef, or gloopy mash served with the smoked haddock. Prices are reasonable, yes, but with more attention to detail, Canteen could do much better. It will be interesting to see how the newer South Bank branch fares.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008
|
|
London's best review, food and drink news
|
|
The best of London in your inbox
Up to the minute picks of the best things to do in London, delivered to your desktop.
|
|
This visit was dire.
Starter pea and ham soup was very good as was the accompanying bread but the main fish and chips was tasteless. Who serves up soggy chips and the fish was crumbed not battered.
The service was poor, lack of communication meant the order had to be changed hastily and the staff were more concerned with the in house joke rather than serving the customers.
Very disappointing!