Clos Maggiore — Restaurant in London

Where do I start : The table we were given was right in the middle of the room which was very uncomfortable, we were left sitting for few minutes without menus or at least a cocktail list only a serviette and one set of cutlery. By the way the table was rocking back and forward the whole time we were there. One of the waiters placed something underneath it but with no success. 5 minutes later the waiter brought the menus and we ordered couple of cocktails straight away to start with. The waiter who came to advise us about the wine had a horrible smelly breath as he was so close to my face. I asked for a bottle of Bollinger rose and that it must be very cold. The waiter who was looking after us brought the champagne showed it to me than took it away back to the bar. When we asked for someone to take our order, no one bothered to asked for allergies or intolerances. Had to point out what we don’t eat. When the starter came I asked where my champagne was then the waiter said that he will go and get it back from the bar. The champagne bottle was already open ( not in front of me) and when he poured it out there was hardly any bubbles which means the champagne was flat or he showed me a new bottle but changed it with one that was married behind the bar as it didn’t taste of Bollinger rose more like a sparkling wine that gone flat. I tried to be polite and asked nicely numerous times that the champagne is flat and the waiter kept on insisting that it is fine that I have to drink a bit and he will fill it up again to show me that it is fresh and bubbly he then said it could be the glass and changed glasses but no success. The thing that really pissed me off is that he slaps me on the back every time he comes to talk to me. I asked him to bring me a bottle of Sancerre but he ignored me instead on bringing 3 different wines to taste which I didn’t ask for. I just wanted a bottle of Sancerre. He insisted that I have one glass, seen every one looking at us I just said that I’ll have a glass because I was no longer prepared to sit there and endure this dreadful experience. The starters were very salty and I never seen scallops served as a soup. The steak tartare was served without any crostini or at least a toasted French baguette slices. I had to ask for bread rolls!! The mains were bellow par, the halibut was anaemic and dry almost like it was from a packet to the frying pan served with garnish and a watery milky salty sauce (at that price ?!) The lamb looked good but blue instead of pink that was advised, in turn was very salty. We were told that we might like some vegetables so we took her on the offer and got the green beans, once again over cooked and very salty. When opening my booking I mentioned it’s my partner’s birthday and if we can get a cake with a candle. This never arrived and when I mentioned it when I was paying the bill he said that it is coming. He brought a leftover cupcake without a candle when we were leaving, it was just adding insults to injury. Once I took a look at my bill after we left I found out that the bottle of champagne that we had one single flat glass from was over charged by £20. On the wine list for £145 on my bill £165. Not just a horrible time but been ripped off too. Michelin star guide? My foot.

Dreadful service , salty food, overpriced café food, extremely overpriced...

RACISM ALERT specifically against East Asians. AVOID if you are one, and if you are not accompanied by a white person.

When I visited with a friend (both of us Asian), we were sat right in front of the entrance. Then we noticed that every table around us was filled with East Asian. We thought “why is this place so popular among Asians?” - shortly found out popularity wasn’t the reason. Ironically, the food was mediocre, decor looked cheap, the lighting was dim, so overall experience was really sub-par.

After the meal, I went to the bathroom. That’s when I realised this restaurant intentionally discriminates East Asians.

Inside, it was beautifully decorated (I didn’t even know for the whole meal because I didn’t make the booking) and was occupied purely by white people with one or two non-white skin colours. Upstairs where the bathroom is, again, beautiful and sunny and completely packed with white people only.

Both my friend and I started having questions as we also saw empty tables inside. It wasn’t a busy time for a fine dining restaurant. Why is the entrance tables packed (with Asians only) when there are tables kept empty inside? Isn’t it restaurant operation basics to fill up nicer tables first?

When we were leaving, we saw more Asians visiting. They were kept in the waiting area when other White ppl just arriving were being brought to their tables immediately. The waiting Asians also have made a booking (I overheard them) and they were waiting past their booking time. They were then guided to our table by the entrance when we left. There were still empty tables inside.

This “strange coincidence” got confirmed as an intentional act when I shared my experience with friends and colleagues. ALL of asian descendants have been sat by the entrance, whereas NONE of the white people were sat by the entrance. I asked more than 20 people altogether. Most of them live in London, some were from the US, meaning that they are all fluent in English and some raised in western countries.

Funnily enough, two of the Asians that I asked were accompanied by a White partner who made the booking and they were granted the privilege to sit at a nicer table.

Please go ahead and say this is all just a coincidence, and that the nicer tables are given on a first reserved first served basis.

Unfortunately this place is still very popular and works as a nice tourist trap. Please avoid if you see this, as the food is really not worth it either. There are so many amazing restaurants in London that actually give you a special cullinary experience, but...

Came here with a friend to have a Pre-Theatre menu dining experience at what looked to be an iconic French Dining venue in the heart of Covent Garden.

I booked well in advance for 5:30pm. I arrived slightly late and they were super chill about it. Upon arrival my coat was taken away to be safely stored and was led to my table where my friend was already seated. What instantly blew me away was the interior decor, I felt transported to a traditional old-style brasserie in Paris with the dark wood bar and cabinets to the maroon coloured walls and chairs. The ceiling flowers may have been a bit tacky but we weren't complaining.

We took the time to absorb the menu. If you are into your wine, this is certainly the place to go because their wine list was less of a list and more of a tome! From the Pre-Theatre menu we both opted for the Mackerel Tartare for starter, my friend has the Cod for Mains and I the Pork. Complimentary bread and butter was provided which we nibbled on once our drinks arrived. The Pre-Theatre menu came with a glass of prosecco which we swapped out for glasses of house white and red. Both the wine and the bread were great and could've eaten / drank more!

The Mackerel starter was somewhat underwhelming. The pieces of mackerel themselves were great however the accompanying elements were not leaving the Mackerel do to all the heavy lifting. The beetroot wasn't pickled or flavoured in anyway leaving it a bit bland. The same goes for the pickled cucumbers, they tasted of water and only provided texture. All they needed was some salty, sweet and/or sourness to counter the fattiness of the Mackerel.

The pork and cod however were both excellent and almost made up for the disappointing starter. The pork was perfectly cooked with a lovely crisp and chewy crackling which complemented perfectly with the apple, radish and greens. My friend loved the cod saying it was cooked just the way they liked it and the caviar provided that lovely pop in the mouth feel.

The service at this place was as you'd expect for a venue of this stature - 11/10. Just one look at a passing waiter and they would be instantly attending you. The napkin test was also passed.

All in all a great dining experience that was sadly let down by one of the courses which is why I will be giving it 4 and not 5 stars. Which is why I will still be recommending this place as it is definitely one of the more unique places I've had the...