The Wolseley

lovely place and lovely cucumber sandwiches the place to be

I had been postponing dining at The Wolseley, waiting for a special occasion. I finally went for dinner last night and I don't think I have ever been so disappointed for a restaurant that is so well known and recognized. The food really does not live up to its expectations, it was not fresh and it felt like it was mass produced. I compare it to being in a big cruise ship, where the atmosphere is nice but food has to be pre-prepared and cooked for 1000's of people, so it has to compromise on quality and freshness. Having been to many restaurants in London, I can think of hundred better places to spend more than 100 pounds on a dinner. In addition, I left a shopping bag under my table and called the restaurant next day and a very unhelpful lady said they had found nothing and hanged up the phone. At least, I won't be making the same mistake again.

I agree with other comments. The evening food I had the other day was quite disgraceful. I regret not having the courage to send my dish back. Still a fantastic place for afternoon tea though.

Having only been to the Wolsley once (and having been hugely disappointed the first time), I trusted that my second visit would remove any doubt in my mind that this was to be one of London's finer restaurants. Where do I begin… Having seated my party of 8 on two different tables (again), 5 were served soup for starter which, if the menu had not stated otherwise, I would have assumed to be a discoloured salt water. While I can cope with slightly salty food, this was somewhat vulgar, and the dry bread helped very little. Not 1 of the 5 could stomach it. My main, a “rare” fillet came out without the slightest hint of pink, which I was then told by two waiters was rare and that I was in fact wrong to claim otherwise. Eventually, having finally spoken to the Manager, I received a nicely rare steak which, second time round, was actually very nice. My companions were however less fortunate than me. Having complained about the starters, they were in no mind to stir up a fuss over their own mains, but to the last, each was highly disappointed. Three had opted for a beef sandwich which looked like it was fresh out of a tin and highly unappetising. Needless to say we did not hang around for desert, but sadly the food was not actually my biggest problem. The rudeness of seemingly every member of staff was outrageous. I believe the term, ‘the customer is always right’ had been misconstrued, and a simple apology over the travesty of a dish they served for starter and main was too much to ask for. I will never return.

Had a farewell late lunch here on 30 Jan, great service, seperate veggie menu and lovely bottle of wine. Would defintely go back.

I agree completely with previous comments. I took my mum for Afternoon Tea at the Wolseley's and both of us couldn't have been more disappointed. The food was very average and certainly not worth the money. The service was appalling and rude. The building itself is nice but there's nothing relaxing about the experience - it's overcrowded and stressful. Needless to say that we will not be going back.

Overpriced and massively overrated. Food has been poor every time I've visited, both at breakfast and dinner. Cold eggs benedict is unforgiveable at these prices, and the other dishes I've eaten there are completely unmemorable. The 'experience' isnt particularly impressive either, with service generally being scatty and inconsistent whenever I've visited. The room is nice. That's about the only positive thing I can say about it. Don't get what all the fuss is about, sorry.

Nothing relaxing about our dinner here this evening - they did not hide the fact that they wanted our table back as quickly as possible - service impersonal and peremptory, verging on rude. Will not hurry back .

Time Out's review is accurate based on my own experience here. However, I'd avoid the cream teas as I think they are overpriced and portions small --better off going for a meal.