Landmarc

Restaurant does not normally take bookings I believe, and kindly agreed to hold a few tables for a large booking in early December. On the night the tables weren't all free, and many of us were crowded in the downstairs bar trying to avoid being elbowed by customers and wait staff for 45 minutes before being seated. This did afford us a view of an off-on-its-own barbecue/grill station. Did they forget to incorporate it into the main kitchen? Seemed a naff idiosyncrasy which, beyond convincing us that steaks were not deep fried, did little to impress. Not much in the way of an apology for the delay; in fact, there was a distinct feeling that we were lucky to be accommodated. Gee, thanks. If you don’t want groups, say no, don’t accept then subject them to off-hand treatment.

To the food: well, not all that French, if we're going to be picky, but an appealing menu at first sight. I chose marrow bones and then liver. Regretted both. The marrow bones were badly selected for marrow content, and the marrow itself tasted distinctly unpleasant. A similar dish at St John's in London's Clerkenwell is heavenly, this one distinctly earthbound; avoid. The liver was of mediocre quality, and cooling rapidly by the time I received it. Desserts OK.

Ambience: it is well located, very popular apparently, and has an appealing buzz in some ways, but the basics are not solid going by this visit. It is worth keeping an eye on, and not expensive, but not a certain success if you're planning a memorable dinner from the point of view of food quality. Would like to see reviews from those eating in 2s and 4s though.
Comment on this reader review

TF - View all reviews by this user
Sunday, December 18, 2005