Annie's — Restaurant in London

What on earth has happened to Annie's? Had a really disappointing Lunch experience last Saturday. The table I had requested in advance had been given away to someone else, even thought the restaurant was pretty empty. It was obvious my request wasn't noticed until I arrived, and the lame excuse of the place being 'busy' and there was nowhere else to put them, was just that .. a lame excuse and an insult to my intelligence. The prawn cocktail starters were truly awful, and clearly had been pre-made up in advance, and kept in the fridge. It was tasteless and bland, and there were brown bits on my lettuce. When I was asked on leaving how the food was, I informed the waitress that the prawn cocktail had come straight from the fridge and was made up well in advance, (maybe even the day before). It was obvious because of the state of the lettuce, and how cold it was! There are plastic flowers on the tables, and If anyone remembers how Annie's used to be, don't bother going because you'll be very disappointed. I thought the place must have changed hands, because the original owner Lorraine had great standards and they always had professional staff, and a proper chef. You can tell everything is heated up, and not cooked from scratch. After not fulfilling my table request and serving below par food, you'd imagine the waitress would think to offer us our 2 glasses of wine on the house, but of course they wouldn't think to do this. Annie's needs a good shake up, a re-think on the menu and quality of food and a professional chef and waiting staff. Definitely won't bother with this place again, it's just not worth the disappointment.

FURTHER UPDATE: in response to your comments: Firstly, your unprofessional response says it all. I am in no way trying to damage your reputation. Secondly I am not angry. I was disappointed at the poor quality of food, and the fact that my table request was ignored when the restaurant was empty! Of course prawns are kept in the fridge !, but the lettuce was old/limp and had brown marks on it had clearly been made up in advance. My comments are purely based on facts which is my past experiences vs my experience on last Saturday. It's good to know how you handle feedback and your very rude response to my experience and factual comments is very telling. If I feel your establishment is not to the same standards as in the past, then you should take the comments in a professional manner, rather than responding in this immature way. You have my assurance that I will never be...

Annie’s has two wondrous outlets, one in Barnes and one in Chiswick. Chiswick is our choice for GLP as it was the first one. Nothing’s better than the original. Ask Westlife if you don’t believe us. Annie’s in Chiswick is set in a lovely little quirky house just by the river, bare brick walled and full of ornaments and flowers and shabby chic stuff. A veritable cocktail of kitsch and antique, there are chandeliers, gilt mirrors, cosy tables, purple velvet cushions that Prince would be proud of and candlesticks galore. Plus there are non-matching chairs, so you know it’s good. A tad girly in places but for the gents in the house there’s nothing wrong with getting in touch with your feminine side. Ask Westlife again.

Warm and welcoming, the first thing that hits you is that it feels like a home from home; a proper neighbourhood nest. As you walk in, the theme tune from Cheers starts playing in your head and ‘they’re always glad you came’. It would be an exaggeration to say that everybody knows your name but they look like they do.

Annie’s describe their food as ‘modern Brit-erranean’, which sounds like something you might put down in the census, but it certainly is delicious; comfort food to comfort the hungriest of hippos amongst you. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, eat inside or al fresco, upstairs or downstairs. Whatever takes your fancy. But make sure you try their signature cocktail, the Blush Royale: Champagne + rose syrup + crystallised rose petal = a bubbly treat for the taste buds.

If you happen to be considering dining here on a date à deux, pick the table by the window. It’s très romantique. The candlestick in the middle of the table won’t be the only thing melting if you do. Team that up with a walk down the river; west to Kew or east down to The Dove in Hammersmith, and you’ll be in good shape for some Barry White later.

Thanks for the tip off:...

I am extremely disappointed by the service of this restaurant. We arrived at 12.00pm today 3rd April 2022 to have a nice experience at this highly rated restaurant. We sat outside at the table, beautiful weather sun was glorious. We were greeted by one of the staff members, we placed are order of hot drinks soon after. We then waited & waited, the time was now 12.30 no drinks had arrived, my wife then went inside to see what was happening. The drinks were standing on the bar waiting to be served to our table - going cold ! We then received are hot drinks which were Luke warm, no sugar was accompanied by the drinks ! No serviettes either ! We had previously ordered our starters - this was not forthcoming! My wife then chased up the staff at the bar to say, When are we likely to receive our starters, she was told they were busy - and was shouted at by the lady in charge “the manager” We then received our cold starters - which were unacceptable! We complained once again, at the very poor service we were receiving. We decided to leave, as the management, were unprepared to apologise for the lack of service from start to finish. I would strongly recommend anyone who has not visited this restaurant, not to do so - given our very poor experience today ! One star rating is too good for...