EL&N London - Westfield London — Restaurant in London

Overhyped and Underwhelming

We visited EL&N London at Westfield and unfortunately, the experience didn’t live up to the hype. The place looks stunning—no doubt, it’s an Instagrammer’s dream—but when it comes to taste and service, it falls short.

We tried several items: • Mango & Passion Fruit Bubble Tea – 9/10: Refreshing and well-balanced. Definitely a highlight. • Passion Fruit Drink – 8/10: Tasty but hard to enjoy properly due to the excessive ice so couldn’t eat the passion fruit seeds. • Pistachio Cheesecake – 5/10: Visually appealing, but lacking in flavour and richness. Part missing when served (see picture). • Strawberry Cake – 7/10: Light and fresh, but nothing memorable. • Pistachio & Rose Cake – 5/10: Pretty to look at, average to taste. • Pistachio Round Croissant – 2/10: Disappointing. Tasted stale with barely any filling. • Pesto Focaccia – 7/10: Okay, but again, nothing special.

Service was where things really went downhill. Food sat on the counter for 10 minutes before it reached our table. The staff seemed irritated and dismissive. The service experience was incredibly frustrating. The app’s contactless payment declined five times. I explained that my card had been playing up and I needed to insert it to use my PIN. Instead of helping, the waiter insisted I try the iPad again. After yet another decline, he finally brought over the card machine once I really pushed for it but still pushed for me to use contactless—even after I clearly explained the issue. It declined again. It wasn’t until I insisted on using my PIN that the payment went through. Throughout, he was visibly annoyed, huffing and puffing in front of us. It was not only unhelpful, but also quite embarrassing.

To top it off, there’s a 12-13% service charge added automatically through the app, even though service is minimal and the interaction we had was frankly unpleasant. I don’t mind tipping for good service, but this felt forced and undeserved. For a place that prides itself on a premium experience, the attitude was anything but.

The 12-13% service charge added through the app feels steep, especially when actual service is minimal. If I’m ordering through an iPad and only getting food brought over (late, no less), that kind of charge is hard to justify.

In short: great aesthetics, underwhelming food, and poor service. If they could make their cakes taste as good as they look, this place would be a winner. But for now, it’s overpriced and not...

Extremely bad experience. High price, low quality, bad service. This is my first complaint about restaurant.

First, the food tastes terrible. We ordered pancakes. It’s supposed to be sweet with fresh strawberries but the one we had was not sweet at all and with sour berries, which is totally not expected for a dessert. Terrible! And we also ordered a lotus croissant. The texture of the whole bread was so hard, like a stone. The paste inside is extremely hard as well. Obviously the croissant was not fresh and the staff didn’t heat it up at all. It made me feel disgusting. And the amount of ingredients was ridiculous as well. Pancake was small with fews berries and a thin layer of yogurt. Never thought about a large cafe would be so stingy to customers. Totally bad taste and also disappointed food quality. I cannot believe such a big chain restaurant would sell this low quality food. And the price cost expensive, which is extremely disappointed and not worth to try. Randomly pick a local small cafe, it would do far better than your company.

Second, the staff in the store were inefficient and careless. We ordered the food and waited for 15 mins. And finally we saw our food was ready on the kitchen table. But there was no staff to deliver the dish for us for 10mins. Instead, the staff including the manager, they walked around and talked and played, totally ignoring the ready-croissant dish. When I asked for the croissant order eventually, he asked if I had ordered it. He even didn’t notice there was already a ready-croissant on the kitchen serving table. That’s was ridiculous and unprofessional. And then we asked for another cutlery, he said no problem and then after a second, he totally forgot and chatted with other people again. Is he really capable of being a manager? What a terrible experience!

We were exhausted and hungry after shopping in Westfield, the largest shopping mall in London. We expected we could have amazing food from a restaurant located inside Westfield. Instead, however, we experienced such a disappointing service and food.

After this time, I will never come to your restaurant again and never recommend to friends as well. I will share my bad experiences to my friends and on social media.

High price, low quality, bad service.

That’s how EL&N treats their customers. Truly...

EL&N at Westfield: A Feast for the Senses (and Instagram!) EL&N at Westfield London is more than just a cafe; it's an experience. From the moment you step inside, you're transported to a world of pink hues, floral displays, and neon lights, making it a haven for those who appreciate aesthetics and a perfect backdrop for your Instagram feed. But EL&N offers more than just a pretty picture.

Service with a Smile:

The staff at EL&N are incredibly welcoming and friendly. Their attentive service and genuine smiles enhance the overall experience, making you feel valued and welcomed from the moment you walk in.

Coffee and Treats that Delight:

The coffee at EL&N is truly top-notch. My friend and I sampled a range of their offerings:

Latte: Perfectly balanced and smooth, with a beautiful latte art design. Tea: A fragrant and flavorful selection, served in elegant teacups. Americano: Strong and bold, just the way an Americano should be. And let's not forget the desserts! We shared a slice of their strawberry cake, and it was absolutely divine. The flavors were fresh and well-balanced, and the presentation was stunning.

A Visual Masterpiece:

The decor at EL&N is simply breathtaking. Every corner is thoughtfully designed with Instagram-worthy details. From the flower walls and neon signs to the plush velvet seating and quirky artwork, there's a photo opportunity at every turn. It's clear that EL&N has mastered the art of creating a visually captivating space.

More Than Just Coffee:

While EL&N excels at coffee and cakes, they also offer a wider menu with brunch options, salads, and savory dishes. This makes it a great spot for a light lunch or a more substantial meal.

Overall Impression:

EL&N at Westfield is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates beautiful surroundings, delicious coffee, and delectable treats. It's the perfect spot to catch up with friends, enjoy a solo treat, or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Just be prepared to queue, as its popularity means there's often a wait – but trust me,...