Côte Sloane Square — Restaurant in London

A Disappointing Experience at Cote Sloane Square – No Follow-Up from Management

I’ve been a loyal Cote customer since 2010, having visited locations across London including the City, West End, Highgate, Wimbledon, Reigate, St. Katharine Docks, Hays Galleria, and more. I’ve often spoken highly of the brand and enjoyed bringing friends and family along, including my son who has special needs and finds comfort in familiarity.

Unfortunately, my recent experience at the Sloane Square location left me deeply disappointed — not only by how I was treated by the host who claimed to ber the manager but also by the lack of response from Cote’s customer service.

The issue began with a simple request: the LED lighting in a particular area of the restaurant gives me a headache, and table across from the host desk is uncomfortable for my son, who can become agitated in certain environments. On February 3rd, I had lunch at this Cote for my 50th birthday, and while we were initially seated in that problematic area, I understand - and said we could return later. But I wasn't going to spend my 50th birthday getting a headache from LED lights that are too bright! The staff kindly moved us to our preferred table — which made a big difference. At the end of that meal, I asked the host if we could book that same table again for a visit two weeks later. He assured me - very clearly - that we absolutely could. I left feeling taken care of.

However, when we returned on February 15th, we were again seated in the back, under the bright LEDs. When I explained that I had been promised a specific table, the host — who later claimed to be the manager — spoke over me, raised his voice, and told me that tables can only be requested, not booked. His tone was rude and dismissive, as though I had done something wrong by even asking.

I calmly returned to speak to him again, hoping to ask whether we could come back a little later for the right table, but once again he interrupted, wouldn’t let me finish a sentence, and continued speaking to me in a condescending tone, even telling a colleague, “You deal with her,” while I stood there. As a woman and a long-time customer, I found this incredibly upsetting.

He also contradicted himself, saying that “regulars” get their preferred tables. Well, if 15 years of dining at Cote doesn’t make me a regular, I’m not sure what does.

Despite the rocky start, our server that evening was excellent, and we stayed for dinner. But the experience left a sour taste. I emailed Cote to share what had happened. They responded initially, saying they’d look into it and follow up, but they never did. I followed up again weeks later and received no reply.

It’s disappointing that a brand I’ve supported for so long couldn’t even be bothered to respond to a customer who was treated poorly. I fully understand that specific tables may not be guaranteed with online reservations. But when a member of your team promises a guest that a table is guaranteed, the expectation is set. It’s not unreasonable to be upset when that promise is broken and the response is rudeness, not empathy.

Even now, my son keeps asking to return to that Cote location, but I’m hesitant. The Sloane Square restaurant is conveniently located for us, but I’m not sure I want to go back unless this is properly addressed.

A final note: I know that Cote would never treat someone poorly for having a food allergy or dietary restriction; so why should light sensitivity be any different? I wasn’t being difficult. I was simply trying to avoid a migraine and help my son feel comfortable. That said, I want to be clear: the serving staff that evening were absolutely lovely - kind, accommodating, and brilliant throughout the meal. The issue lies solely with how I was treated at the...

Disaster dinner I have ever had in my entire life. First of all is the food, the salad didn’t cut the root, the beef cheek got some black unknown part in the middle and the filet we ordered two of them with medium rare but one of it is as rare as it not been cooked. The odd the thing is you can tell from the black and bitter surface it is cooked by the kitchen for 40 minutes which is how long we’ve been waiting for our main course while we can see the other table come after us is already finished their desert.

By the way, the reason I didn't have the filet's picture is they are taking away our plates in the fastest speed during the whole dinner service when we reflecting to them about the food issue. This leads to the second point I want to mentioned is the service is much worse then before. Can you imagine that you need to open the water bottle and pour the water as well for your self, also the plate for starter is pile together we need to do it by ourself. No matter is the food and service questions, the answer you can only get from their waiter and manager : they are all suppose like that, they are all doing that way, their restaurant is just like that. What is even more ridiculous is that when we respond, including saying that other guests' tableware is set or that lettuce with salad has never been seen before, it is not rooted. The manager either said that the lettuce was oxidized, and the answer was as pale and tasteless as the wine mixed in their shop, or he was dead silent and didn't answer your question.

Their solution is also very intriguing, and the waiter's eyes and attitude are like we are looking for something on purpose, without saying an apology. You may want to ask, why can't you reflect these problems in time? If, like us, you serve yourself by yourself all the time and wait for the main course for 40 minutes, you are too hungry to discuss with them. I don't want to spend another 40 minutes waiting for the new main course to be served.

To put it mildly, the food quality and service attitude of this restaurant are very unprofessional. We visited this restaurant many times last year. At that time, the service, dishes and atmosphere were really good. Now I can only say that I will never set foot in this restaurant again and I will not recommend this restaurant to anyone I...

While staying in London 🇬🇧 to visit family we dined at cote as we’ve all been before and had a great experience apart , spoke about eating together there so perfect opportunity as it was round the corner from the hotel

Situated on Sloane Square a lovely setting in the evening all lit up , due to the location can get busy so recommend booking 🗒️

They had a special menu featuring the apres ski but we opted for prix fixe menu that featured 3 courses for £23.50 ( great value for London )

I also had a voucher for a free round of drinks 🍸 which came in handy ( recommend signing up or keep an eye on offers / deals )

Overall everything was lovely , great service for a special occasion

What I had :

Starter 🎃 Me and my dad shared the pumpkin soup Drizzled with herb oil and pumpkin seeds, served with toasted sourdough baguette 🥖 this was warming , creamy and great with crusty bread

Main ( I had a la carte) Warm Baked Beetroot 💜 Dressed beetroot wedges on lemon & herb aioli with julienned pear, pistachio dukka and pickled shallots, topped with crispy panisse Such unique flavour combinations and things I’ve never tried before , a great plant based option 🌱 Plus stole some of my dads chips 🍟

Dessert Chocolate Praline Tart 🍫 With a berry coulis and vanilla ice cream you wouldn’t believe was vegan the perfect balance not to sickly and great sweet note to end the meal with

Drink 🥂 I tried the Limouzy, Crémant Rosé that was light , fresh Frothy pink, full of summer fruits and cherry blossom

The rest of the party had white bait , patê followed by seabass and steak , along with ice cream , crepes and chocolate mousse with wine 🍷 which they all spoke highly of and enjoyed

Vegan options ✅ Price ££ Would I...