The Paddington — Restaurant in Sydney

We were there on a footy day, hadn't booked but were found a space on the balcony at the top overlooking the bar and chicken cooking area. Atmosphere was buzzing the decor is very cool. It was busy and the service, or rather lack there of certainly reflected this. We got there, ordered a drink and then waited ages to get our food ordered - the person that delivered our drinks was not able to do it and said they'd get someone, that someone took ages. Finally got to place the order, couple of us has a selection of starters to share, and one got a main. We specifically asked for it to all come at once so we could eat together. We waited, and waited, the people next to us that arrived after us got served, then the people to the other side. We kept trying to get the attention of someone but no one was paying any attention to those sitting around the narrow part. When we were able to ask, we were assured it was on its way. Still nothing, asked again - this time it did turn up...just the starters though! By this time, we had been waiting over 1/2 hour, those around us (arrived after us) had been served and finished. Finally the chicken turned up - the 2 of us having starters had now finished our meal. The poor chicken eater had to eat so fast so we could make the start of the footy game. Then, just to top it off, in the salad, metal filings of some description. Highlighted this to staff, but we had to go as we were going to miss the start. On the way out, were approached by the manager offering us a drink after the game. nice gesture, but when we did pass after the game, it was packed and they weren't letting anyone in! Overall very pricey for what it is, and our experience of service was...

I have to preface this review by saying I LOVE THE PADDINGTON. I seriously LOVE it. I’ve been there countless times and have taken multiple groups there. The chicken is ridiculously good - beyond any chicken I’ve ever tasted. Their banquet menu - a celebration of all their signature dishes - is sublime! The simplicity yet flavour and texture of the edamame dip and fried wontons is genius. Gosh, even their baguette with whipped butter is next level!

However, today I experienced the utter disappointment, gag worthy, pork belly Sunday Roast. Their potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and gravy were amazing. The green vegetables were desperately undercooked. Raw even. But the greatest disappointment/catastrophe was the pork. Though the crackling just made it past acceptable and the meat was moist and tender the fatty component of the pork was well undercooked. Almost raw. The wonderful thing about eating pork belly is usually the combination of textures and flavours - the moist succulent meat and flavoursome rendered fat. They got the moist meat right but the fat was barely cooked and was presented as solid fat, barely warm. Inedible. Given that the ratio of meat to fat in both our serves was somewhere between 30:70 or 40:60 the pork was tedious to extract from the fat and wholly disappointing. I wanted to enjoy the flavours and text of the meat and fat but found myself gagging at what was on my plate.

Despite recommending The Paddington to countless people, I could never recommend the pork belly. It was hideous. Hours later I still feel ill from the fatty meat. Always choose their signature rotisserie...

ATMOSPHERE: Very nice Atmosphere with warm dim lights and rustic decor. Welcoming and comfortable. We had a great time. The service and food is however the reasons why i wont be going back any time soon.

SERVICE: This is so terrible. Had to laugh at how serious and evasive the staff were. Like playing cat and mouse even though we were in the middle of the room. They are zipping and darting around like they are busy yet everyone is waiting to be served. It took us 3 hours from seating to leaving during banquet with a few drinks and I think similar tables were in same boat. Didn't get the option of choosing my tip as they decided it upon themselves.

FOOD & DRINKS: We got the banquet for $65ea which ending up being a very standard home-cooked chicken and vegetables type meal so felt very ripped off. We all joked about the food (thank god for the decent atmosphere) to make the best of it anyway. Won't be eating here again! For desert we all ate out of the same bowl with our spoons, it just felt weird, like no one has thought this through. The food was totally disjointed and there was no theme to it all. For drinks, didn't end up getting cocktails because the food was so standard. You'll find the usual selection of beers spirits and wines here.

Overall, for your money, better off going to 10 williams, freds, or saint peter, which are all a stones throw from...