All reader reviews by alison

Sevendials Restaurant

I had to write here after reading the last few reviews. I have been to Sevendials three times over the last year or so.

I always think it's amusing how much detail people put into writing bad reviews of places, but most people who have a good experience don't bother reviewing. I have had three completely different experiences - all of them good.

I went speculatively for the first time with my partner. The place was quiet for a Friday night, but the food and service were excellent. We had a very romantic time and were left alone enough to have our own time, but the service was there when we needed it.

The next time I went was with a friend who wanted something on the menu that came with coriander. When ordering she asked if it could come without the coriander. No problem. When it arrived it appeared to have been garnished with coriander. I was surprised that they had got it wrong and tasted it, then had the waitress check with the kitchen. As my tasting had suggested - it was flat leaf parsley - looks similar to coriander but doesn't have the same (in my friend's opinion) "disgusting" taste. A nice bit of thought there - keep the dish looking the same, whilst taking the customer's wishes into account.

The last time I was there was about a month ago. The place was busy, and the atmosphere was good. The service was - as usual - friendly and discreet. My friend had never been before and she was really impressed. We asked - and were given - loads of time to sit between main course and pudding as we were so full. My friend was so inspired by the pudding that she attempted - and succeeded - to replicate it the week later when feeding some friends.

The best part about that night was that I was sitting next to Gok Wan. He seemed happy enough too.

Maybe these "dining for a tenner" things are not such a good idea if (as it would seem from these bad reviews) places have to compromise themselves a bit.

I'll be back - that's for sure :-)

Friday, March 06, 2009
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7