Bordelaise Tooting — Restaurant in London

I visited the Tooting branch on Sunday, 21st September, just before 6 PM with my son, and unfortunately, the experience was far below the standard I expected — especially from a restaurant I’ve supported regularly in the past.

We were seated and then ignored for quite some time. I had to chase a staff member just to place our order. I ordered a children’s meal and the £10 roast promotion, only to be told by the manager, Jay, that I couldn’t combine them due to a “multiple promotions” policy. This made no sense — the children’s menu isn’t a promotion, it’s the only option available for kids. The lack of flexibility or understanding was frustrating.

The children’s starter — vegetable sticks — was also disappointing. We were told cucumber wasn’t available, and what we received instead was parboiled carrots (likely leftover from the roast prep) and cold snap peas. These were clearly not fresh or appealing for a child, and my son barely touched them.

Despite the restaurant being quiet, we waited over 30 minutes for our mains. Another table seated after us was served first. I was told mains aren’t brought out until starters are finished — but no one had even checked in with us. The lack of basic attentiveness was very noticeable.

When the food finally arrived, it was underwhelming. The dauphinoise potatoes were cold in the centre, and the Yorkshire pudding was lukewarm. I mentioned this at the end of the meal, but there was no real apology or attempt to make things right.

When I asked to remove the service charge due to the poor experience — which is my right — the manager did so, but again, without any acknowledgment or goodwill gesture. Just a shrug, essentially.

Following this, I submitted a formal complaint, hoping for a more thoughtful response. Unfortunately, I received a defensive reply with zero empathy and no accountability for the issues raised. It felt dismissive, as though customer feedback is an inconvenience rather than an opportunity to improve.

As someone who has dined here often — including for birthdays and special occasions — I’m genuinely disappointed. The food, service, and attitude toward customers have clearly declined. Based on this experience, I won’t...

Stepping into Bordelaise is like a mini-vacation to the delightful bistros of the south of France. This hidden gem tucked away in Tooting Broadway Market offers an authentic French dining experience that I absolutely cherished. Now, what made my visit to Bordelaise a memorable one? Delectable Deals: First off, let's talk about their fantastic deals. Tuesdays are a steak lover's dream – buy one, and you get one free! On Wednesdays, they serve up a kilo of mussels for just £15. And, if you enjoy a leisurely Sunday meal, the Bottomless Sunday for £35 is a must-try. Outstanding Mussels: The mussels at Bordelaise are an absolute revelation. Plump, succulent, and bursting with flavour, they come swimming in a broth that's nothing short of spectacular. It was so good I couldn't resist sopping up every drop with some crusty bread. Bourguignon Brilliance: On my visit, the cut of the day was Bourguignon, and it was exquisite. The tenderness and the robust, hearty flavors transported me to a cozy French kitchen. Don't forget to leave room for dessert! Bordelaise offers a delectable selection of French cheeses, which is a delightful ending to a French meal. The Blueberry Crème Brûlée, in particular, is a sweet symphony of flavors and textures, a perfect conclusion to your dining experience. Bon appétit! Charming French Ambiance: The ambiance at Bordelaise is authentically French and delightful. Despite getting busy on deal days, it's all part of the charm. Laughter and conversations fill the air, creating that unmistakable French atmosphere. Exceptional Service: The service here is genuinely exceptional. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing their love for French cuisine. Wonderful...

Revisiting Bordelaise was a pretty sub-optimal experience. We were seated at a corner table next to stacked chairs, reminiscent of dining in a storage area. The table was covered in a sticky substance, causing glasses, my phone, and paper napkins to adhere to it. The stickiness of the surface made dining both unhygienic and uncomfortable. The waitress explained it was due to some sort of moisture issueafter the tables are cleaned but did not offer a solution or even bother to bring a new napkin, which had stuck to the table. She expressed her own dislike for cleaning the tables and then she left us to it to eat in a sticky mess.

The starters, particularly the duck egg with mushrooms and the snails, were good as was the duck confit main course. However, of the two steak mains, one was not prepared as requested - cooking a steak properly should be a minimum requirement - no?The accompanying frites were overcooked but both soft and soggy which rendered them inedible. When mentioned, the waitress attributed this to them being 'homemade'. The desserts were satisfactory. We were also overcharged when paying our bill and once this was pointed out, it was rectified.

I've attached some photos for reference. I wouldn't expect a restaurant where I'm paying £70 per head to fail both in terms of food and service delivery. This is a shame because it would have been nice to have somewhere local to go regularly but it won't be...