BarItalia — Restaurant in London

One simple word ... AVOID!

If you only read one review this should be it. i will try to be as subjective and give both pros and cons of my experience. Ready...? Bar Italia has worn many hats, jumping hot spot, strip club and now Italian bar and grill. On 25th August me and close friends decided to attend Bar Italia to commemorate the death of our best friend 4 years ago. We choose Bar Italia as we used to go to the venue in one of it previous guises (Hot spot not strip club) whilst in our mid 20s and every single week! So where better than raise a glass and share fond memories of our departed friend. We were advised to wear smart casual and no trainers plus book table as it gets busy. So i booked online and also had a very courteous call from venue to confirm the booking I felt was excellent customer service. So I was looking forward to the evening and just before 8pm on 25th I found myself walking up the street to venue to see my friends, I noticed from they had a door security gentleman standing guard and as I approached immediate felt him eye me up and down. NOW i train the Police, door security and military in fighting and self defence so I know the difference between good cook staff and bad - and although I have short hair and tattoos I knew I was dressed smartly and should have no reason why this guy would have an issue. So I approached the door and went to enter, but the doorman - still eye balling me - stood half across the door semi blocking me and then asked in very firm tone without any greeting first (door staff should always greet and welcome customers - well good ones).

"got a booking?" Him "Yes I have" Me " I don't have your name" Him "do you know my name? Me "Im just saying I have no name" Him

"do I need a booking just to go in and have drink?" "no its good" Him

I then showed him my confirmation and went in. Now that may not seem a big deal BUT training door staff and Police I know a little about it. This very ancient and out-of-date technique is one of a few most modern door staff now don't adopt. Let me explain... if a doorman see a very large intimidating customer on entry they will try find common ground to form a connection "bro you do MMA? What you pressing etc etc" it put the customer at ease and a temporary bond is formed, if they see someone they feel is not so physically intimidating but looks like could be a handful they try to establish dominance (this is perfect example of it in action) so that the customer knows he is being watched and to behave. there are hundreds these out-of date techniques (including race and gender ones) but most modern door staff realise you can never judge a book by its cover!! BUT low and behold when my friend (big black guy) turns up to join the door man asks him if he is a doorman too or does security LOL when my mate said No he said "you should" you see forming a bond based on size and colour in this instance.

Anyway onto the evening, we had all arrived and the place was no even a third full very empty tbh for a Thursday evening.We all sat down the the service was fairly swift, the waitress very polite and we ordered. The speed of service and quality of food was very good if the selection very limited basically its 85% pizzas. BUT OMG the place was BOILING even a third full it was nearly unbearable and we asked several times for AC to be put on, even with all doors open it was horrid I would hate be in there on a busy night.

As night went on they had a band play which was ok and played some old classics - I love live band - but again wasted as so empty. The venue does have a garden area but people just use it to smoke and as they stand by the door anyone eating anywhere near the door gets huge gusts of smoke for their entire meal. The services was excellent but you do pay for it as THE SERVICE IS INCLUDED IN THE BILL AT 12.5% so please read bill as this is your tip and no need to leave more - unless you...

Had a horrible experience tonight.

We had a table booked for 7.30pm, we arrived and were informed that the table was not ready yet and if we can wait for 5minutes whilst the table is getting cleaned/prepared. This was not a problem as we understand its a very busy time and we informed a bar waiter we would wait outside to avoid crowding the area especially given the current pandemic we are in. After 15min we came back inside and another waiter Eddie took my name and checked my booking and seated us at a table, I had asked if this was our table for which the reply was yes. We had ordered our drinks and food and after 30min a lady comes to the table stating we must move as our table is ready. At this point we are 30min into our night and we are seated and comfortable enjoying our drinks and I am quite perplexed. I had asked why, and the lady mentions our current table is temporary and we must move now as a larger party is arriving and requires the table. Honestly this wouldn't have been a problem if she had come and apologised for the inconvenience about having to re-seat us. However her approach was rude, abrupt and nothing I have witnessed before with her shouting 'you will move'. I had explained calmly that this was quite an inconvenience to us as we are seated and settled and had asked prior to be seating if this is our table. Unfortunately, she storms off and brings back the first waiter who stated he told us that he would be getting our table ready. So what I am failing to understand is why has it taken 30minutes for the team to sit us at our correct table. Of course there seems to be a miscommunication between the Bar Italia team.

I had guessed the lady with the ill manners was prob the manager at this time as she was dressed differently to other staff, nevertheless I had to ask as she never introduced herself. She definitely needs a refresher on common courtesy and how to talk to people. If there is miscommunication in her team she needs to look into the system failure instead of talking with such disrespect to customers. She truly ruined my evening.

To make the matter worse, the table which we had been removed from had not been occupied at all by any customers and was left vacant even until we left the premises at 10.30pm.

The only plus is Eddie, he was lovely and had brought the morale up. Perhaps the Manager Tatiana could learn a few customer service skills from him.

Reply to Bar italia response: Thank you for your reply, the events have been accurately reflected from my perspective and the series of events that my party an I had encountered with the multiple staff members at your premises. I dont feel it is quite fair for you to say that these events are not accurately reflected as you are only looking at it from your singular perspective. I do have quite an eye for attention and detail just like how I have noted you have spelt my name incorrectly (Kiran not Kira) in the reply to my initial feedback. Yes, I would be very grateful if you could reach out so we can discuss this...

Went in on a Tuesday lunchtime (yesterday). Was me and a couple of friends and Thier visiting mother. Was quite quiet. The service we received was immediately exemplary. Lyle greeted us and immediately made us feel totally at ease. He offered us the choice of seating, and showed us outside, after being seated he went through the menu with us answering questions we had. He got our drink orders and recommended cocktails for us to try. Within a few minutes, Andrew the bar manager had made us some gorgeous cocktails and then Lyle came to take our food order. The calamari was lovely, the chicken wings amazing. The pizzas we ordered were delicious and authentic. The only downside is thy have only a few vegetarian options but honestly, I feel like if we had asked for exceptions or alterations they would have accommodated us. The decor is fantastic, if a little dark inside but the vibe was very relaxed and comfortable. The mural on the back wall a fantastic touch. We thoroughly thoroughly thoroughly enjoyed the visit and without a doubt we will be coming back, probably weekly 😂

Thankyou to Lyle and Andrew and the chef for a brilliant time. Absolutely wonderful little gem in the heart...