Al Hamra — Restaurant in London

I never ever gave 1 star rating for a food venue in London. Here is why this is ONE STAR ONLY.

Number one in any hospitality venture is the location, so we give five stars for it. Then comes the concept: five stars as well. I have never met anyone who did not like Lebanese food. I am happy to assume that there a few people in this category.

Number 3 on the list is management. And here is where it all starts. The food was good, it is so difficult to mess up Mediterranean food. I would say you have to be a fool to make a mess in the kitchen. It is not a cuisine as such, it is good quality homely type family food.

To resume: a very good location, great concept for food. It was a nice day in the summer, I enjoyed every second of it. What was interesting, was the bill, £70 for two - in 2017 prices. No drinks, even soft drinks. Lunch was made of two portions of humus, one falafel dish and some green leaves. I was charged some ‘imaginary’ table cover! But I was not imagining, it was on the bill, ‘table cover’. What is this about? Do you think you are in Roma, or Paris? You are not serious, are you.

I could have challenged the management and not pay it. I am not the type. Web 2.0 gives the power to ‘the people’. Therefore, I would like to share my story with ‘the people’, I believe that it will be fair. This is for those who actually do take the time to read the reviews.

If you want to feel disappointed and cheated rather than elated and happy when you leave the food place after a meal. This is the place to go.

(Went back to ‘review my review’ a few months back, no comments from...

visited Al Hamra for the first time in over 15 years. Back then, it was known as a high-class Lebanese restaurant with excellent food, service, and atmosphere. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case.

Few days ago and as we visiting London we decide to dine at Al Hamra , arrived around 9:45 p.m. and were immediately disappointed. One of the staff members was standing outside trying to attract customers with very poor English, which set a negative first impression. The terrace was filled with people smoking hookah, giving the place a rather low-quality feel. We were seated at a very small table decorated with a dusty artificial flower.

Another disappointment was the staff — none appeared to be Lebanese or Syrian . I only noticed Egyptian and South Asian (likely Indian) some of them wearing trainers rather than suited booted like before . customers were even eating sandwiches, which felt out of place for a restaurant that once prided itself on authentic Lebanese fine dining.

After a long wait, our food arrived. Unfortunately, it was tasteless and dry. When we complained about the chicken, we were told we would need to wait another 30 minutes for a replacement.

Overall, Al Hamra no longer represents a high-end Lebanese dining experience. What was once an elegant restaurant now feels more like a...

Staff were extremely rude - we felt very unwelcome. They tried to take away food before we had finished and even after saying we were not finished (plenty of food left on the plates) still tried to take it away. The food was mediocre, especially for the price and the house red was a disgrace - like vinegar. You can always tell the quality of a restaurant by it's house wine and this says it all. Never again. I've never written a restaurant review before but felt compelled due to the utter arrogance of staff, mediocre food and overall really poor value at £80 for 2 x starters, 1 x main, 1 x rice, 4 x cover charge, 1 x water, 1 x coffee. We asked if we could go in for a snack (at 10.30 pm - I could see it wasn't full) and were told yes, followed by an dismissive waiter telling us they don't normally do this but since it wasn't full they would make an exception and there was a cover charge - as he looked down his nose. The restaurant wasn't even 1/4 full at this point - we would not have gone in otherwise. Dreadful! The little Iranian restaurant next door is much better value and sweet. I'd rather give business to people who are welcoming and appreciate you...