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Little Bay

171 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3AL Full details & map

Bistro: European

Time Out says 5 Users say 4/5 Rate it

By Time Out Editors Posted: Oct 24 2011

The folk at Little Bay are pretty clever. Last year, this budget chain caused some furore by letting diners pay as much (or as little) as they wanted. On our most recent visit, all dishes were slashed to half their usual price.

A starter of crab choux burst with a spicy seafood filling; however, the puffs were so hard, they seemed like rocks covered in hollandaise sauce. Our burger tasted nicely chargrilled, and so did the lamb steak, but the goose-fat chips were limp and puny.

So, the cooking is not at all perfect, but at such cut-throat prices it's easy to forgive the odd shortfall. Decor at this Farringdon branch is flamboyant; red walls decorated with baroque frescoes and golden mirrors make for a kitsch boudoir atmosphere.

Tags: European, Romance, Central, Farringdon, Budget, Restaurant, Bistro

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Little Bay details

Address

Little Bay

171 Farringdon Road EC1R 3AL

Transport Farringdon tube/rail

Telephone

020 7278 1234

Little Bay website

Meals served noon-midnight Mon-Sat; noon-11pm Sun

Main courses £7.95-£11.95

Credit cards MC, V

Facilities

Babies and children welcome ( high chairs ), Booking advisable, Separate room for parties ( seats 120 ), Disabled ( toilet )

Little Bay map

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Comments & ratings 4/5 (Average of 5 ratings)

By Shrew77 - Apr 12 2012

5/5

Surprised at negative reviews here. This place is amazingly good value, lovely food and ambience. I prefer the Kilburn branch but think the Little Bay restaurants are absolute gems in a city where prices are usually so inflated. Paid £16 each for 2 courses, sides and a bottle of wine. Food delicious and way better than the likes of Le Mercury in Islington. Incredible! Will be back very soon!

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By Local - Jan 29 2012

2/5

The service was awful. The food is good for the price, while it is 50% off, but there are far better French restaurants locally once the prices go back to usual.

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By Francesca - Dec 16 2011

1/5

After having 2 waiters separately shout at us and our plates cleared away whilst we were still eating we decided not to leave a tip. Consequently our table then got a further telling off with the waiter screaming ‘I am not rude’… which if anything was just slightly ironic. The food was alright considering how cheap it was, but the staff really have to work on their people skills.

In summary: shockingly bad service – will definitely not be returning!

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By foodloverN1 - May 11 2011

5/5

They are doing a great job - good food, friendly service and unbelievable value (and they are HALF PRICE on all food until September - starters about £2, mains around £4!!).

Just don't miss it...

And no, I am not connected with them, I'm just an enthusiastic local!

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By James Richard - Mar 15 2011

Little Bay is a treasure trove of luxury hidden away in Farringdon, Central London. The food and drink, whilst cheap in cost, are anything but cheap in quality. They use the finest ingredients and present the dish spectacularly. The service is impecable and you really build up a close friendship with the staff. You will want to take them home with you at the end of the evening. If you are feeling happy or sad, calm or mad, Little Bay will always make sure that you have fun. Surely, that is the most important thing when dining: enjoying it and having fun!