Very disappointed with this new Balham local that has the right vibe and what potentially could be a fantastic menu but failed to deliver on the food front.
Our party of five had starters & mains, and between 10 dishes not one person had a good thing to say about their meal (lacklustre chicken & risotto with the taste and texture of rice pudding to name but 2) and in some instances were missing various accompaniments - we didn't dare ask as service was so slow.
We decided not to order desserts as the first 2 courses did not leave us with much optimism.
Hopefully this is just opening jitters!
This new addition to Balham is still finding it's feet, but as it's gets steadier it gets better and I can see it turning into a popular place for brunch on the weekend. On first appearance it feels as if it hasn't quite worked out what look it is going for. The heavy tables with slate tops, and massive mirrors speak rustic chic. However the lampshades and bizarre red feather wall hanging from the wall shriek burlesque.
The food is good and well priced, what feels like authentic french cooking without pretension. The rustic feel is carried through with many dishes coming straight from the hob to the table in the same cook pot. A bit more attention to detail is required. Our croque monsieurs were delivered to the table despite being decidedly brown around the edges, but apart from that there were no complaints.
The lemon and sugar crepes are delicious especially with extra lemon. One plate shared between two was quickly shared amongst seven and another seven orders placed.
I can't wait to go back again, I just wish they'd get rid of the red feathers...
Walked in at 8.30pm having booked a table. The staff seated us and then proceeded to ignore us for 15 minutes while handing menus to other people who arrived after us. We asked why the four of us were being ignored and the sniffy staff just shrugged. We walked. There are plenty of places in Balham which appreciate one's custom so why visit one that couldn't care less?
I was really annoyed to arrive at Gazette and find that the special offer that I had booked through the Time Out website was not valid and that despite having the confirmation email and text the manger felt no inclination to honour this.
I understand that opening a restaurant is expensive but with the mark ups on alcohol and the need to breed good will in a newly opened neighbourhood venue I feel that he should have honoured the reservation.
An altogether disappointing experience. A menu that looked classic French proved a huge disappointment that even the pleasant venue and well meaning staff could not overcome. Food turned up lukewarm and took a long time. Side orders were forgotten or arrived after the main courses were already eaten. The puddings that sounded so delicious on the menu were a greasy apple pie and thick, oily chocolate mousse.
On a very dull Bank Holiday weekend I was very excited to read on Time Out that we had a new local open in Balham.
Overall the experience, unofrtuatly was quite a disappointment.
The service was very, very slow and quite incompetent (We asked for sparkling water...when reminded about water we got tap..etc) When we visited the restaurant was 2/3 full but the two waiting staff were running around like headless 'poulet'!
It is such a shame, I had such high hopes for this place. Blaham and the surrounding area really needs a laid back, good nosh restaurant - but unfortunately at the moment Gazette is not that - by a long stretch.
I kept willing it to improve but after the lack of service to start, lack of drinks and then a very small portioned Terrine for £8 with bread extra (£2) things were not looking good.
My cockrill was very good to follow, once finally received after waiting 20 mins for our starters to be cleared and then another 20 mins for 2nd course. My partner's cod was also quite good, although the description could have been a little better.
We were both very satisfied after our main meals and so chose not to have a pud but were also pretty tired of the very poor and frustrating service.
To make matters worse - 10% service was included in the bill!
I would love to say I will give this place another go but at £75 for a 1 and 1/2 course Sunday dinner for two this is an expensive mistake to make again.
I would love it to prove me wrong...
I've had several meals here and each one has been great. The french onion soup and crepe suzette are particularly delicious. If you are starving, try the "French full breakfast" which is the most delicious but filling brekkie in Balham.
A really nice place!
