CUT at 45 Park Lane — Restaurant in London

Dining at CUT restaurant naturally comes with high expectations, not just in terms of food, but also the overall experience.

Unfortunately, my recent visit left me quite underwhelmed on both fronts.

While the ambiance was elegant, the service fell noticeably short. From the outset, it was clear that our table didn’t receive the same level of attentiveness that others around us did. When placing our order, the staff member appeared distracted, frequently glancing over to other tables mid-conversation. We had to request water twice before it was brought to us, which set the tone for what became a rather detached and impersonal service throughout the evening.

There was a neighbouring table that was significantly louder and appeared to be receiving service from multiple waiters. It was evident they were considered high-priority guests, and while it’s understandable that some diners may receive more tailored attention, it did raise a question: should excellent service be selective? At this level of dining, consistency in customer care should be a standard, not a privilege.

As for the food, it was, regrettably, average. While presented beautifully, the flavours did not leave a lasting impression, and the overall dining experience did not justify the price. I’ve had far more satisfying meals at restaurants without the Michelin starred accolade, especially when it comes to steak, where other establishments have truly outshined what was offered here.

This review isn’t written with bitterness, but rather with honest reflection. I believe in giving credit where it’s due, but also in highlighting when a place falls short of the reputation it holds. Unfortunately, in this instance, the evening left me extremely disappointed. I had chosen this restaurant to celebrate a special occasion... my wedding anniversary...but left feeling deflated due to the overall experience. The inconsistency in service suggests that staff may benefit from further training to ensure that every guest, regardless of status or visibility, receives the attentive and respectful service expected at this level.

Sadly, because the occasion was meant to be memorable for the right reasons but was overshadowed by poor service, I feel compelled to give a low...

Sadly it was a humiliating and plain sad experience at a supposedly top? steak restaurant at a 5 star hotel. I was fortunate to receive a gift card from work to enjoy what my colleagues said serves really good steak in London. To be fair, the steak, the food was really good. However the whole fiasco with the voucher was handled so badly and super awkwardly. Treating my parents to this meal, I was hoping this would be smoother. I had confirmation of the voucher on three occasions- messaging by online reservation, emailed the restaurant and spoke with the hostess about it. The bill came and my parents insisted paying for it (hence why I wasn’t able to check the bill), to which I realised after payment the voucher was not accounted for. I asked the waiter to try rectify this, another staff, the assistant manager came to ‘apologise’ and try to persuade us to spend the voucher in future (as if?!? only if I want to pay for more displeasure and disregard). When I expressed my dissatisfaction and explained why, he went defensive and tried to shift to blame onto us for not checking the bill. Like most insincere apologies it always ends with buts, and as 'apologetic' as he was, we also had the longest staring contest (I was fuming of course). How hard is it to refund right away for a mistake the staff members made by lack of communication, instead of trying to be 'smart' about it. Another managerial figure throughout the whole incident was seen walking back and forth, dismissive and not keen to engage.

The condition of the restaurant wasn't great- there was no? air conditioning. Quite stuffy and super hot in there with flies constantly hovering over the food, the curtains are grease stained etc.

Ps we were also seated by the entrance, not the most desirable table I guess but that is hard to argue, and later realised we were grouped with all Asians in one area. Perhaps really a pure coincidence with how the restaurant likes to seat their guests by ethnicity. Again, food was really good and on the...

Honestly, not sure about the hype.

Upon entrance the staff were friendly.

1 - We had water poured into our glasses without being asked the whole evening. We were not made aware that we were being charged for this. The bottles did not remain on our table. Nor were we asked if we wanted it or the cost of it. So my assumption was it was free, like the bread and butter. Unfortunately we were charged a ridiculous fee for two bottles. Which I wasn't happy about. No communication from staff, it felt very scammy as it feels awkward as a newcomer about what is going on, we were also asked if we were new here. So I guess it's just a way to get a bit of extra money for bottled water.

2 - the waiter recommended us to cook our steaks a certain way, we refused twice. The waiter than made a speech that the steak here is only good cooked in that manner. I made sure to confirm with him the steak would not be pink if cooked this way. He confirmed it wouldn't. We received our steak, it was pink inside and tasted exactly how I expected it to and that is why I did not want it cooked that way. Your servers should suggest once not force people into how they want there food cooked. I was to hungry to bother to wait to get it cooked again, my wife had to get hers cooked further which just meant I had to watch her eat her food at the end of the meal which is just awkward. I did not enjoy my £100+ steak. You shouldn't mess about with people's food when they are hungry and paying so much.

Good points:

Friendly staff, they gave us dessert on the house for our special occasion, the bread and butter tasted better than the steak.

I wouldn't come back and don't feel I got to try the steak how I...