Golden Empire Chinese Restaurant — Restaurant in London

Arrived with a group of friends at the end of a great day. The images above look nothing like reality, certainly no table cloths. We placed our orders including drinks and about 10 minutes later were presented with ‘the bill’ but this was to check the order was correct. We also asked again for the drinks; and then again about 10 minutes later.

After about 40 minutes the duck starter came out but no squid or ribs, they’d been forgotten but would be ‘down now’. However, before they arrived and whilst we were still eating the duck, 3 of the main course meals arrived but without plates to serve them in and no room to put it anywhere as the starter was still there. I complained and the lady said sorry but still did nothing the correct things. I even asked her if it was her first day as she appeared to have no idea how to deal with the situation. Other main courses came out but were just thrown on to the table with no attempt to find the ‘owner’ of each dish. The crispy beef turned up cold and the beef curry was congealed. The chips which had been ordered for a couple of main courses had turned up before the starters. We thought they were just nibbles to tide us over until the starters.

Eventually, enough was enough. We paid for what we’d eaten and drank and then left.

I feel sympathy for the lady at front of house. She was clearly out of her depth even in the basics of...

This place is the worst place I have ever experienced. With the same group of three friends we have eaten here many time over the years, and it was usually fairly acceptable. I'm guessing it must have changed hands recently. Quite honestly, if the new owners don't do something about it they'll not be getting much custom. Should have realised as soon as we entered that a group of women left with most of their food still on the table. We were the only people in when we sat down, so not exactly rushed off their feet. One of our group asked why the lady taking the order looked so down. She said she was very tired. Eventually took the order., asked for drinks. Ok so far. Waited a while, some of the main course arrived. When we asked what had happened to the starters it had somehow been "forgotten". She said she would re order, even though some main course was on the table already. We said not to worry about it, but could the rest of the main courses be served. Told it was on the way. Ten minutes. Still not arrived. Food on table going cold whilst the woman and man behind the counter talked to each other and generall ignored us. Decided to try some of what had been delivered (chicken). Cold!! Became apparent that we weren't going to get anywhere. Paid for drinks and left. The man and woman looked gobsmacked that we said that the service was...

I honestly don’t understand how this place is still in business. Not only was the food terrible, but the way the staff (and especially the owner) handled our complaint was downright appalling. Here’s what happened:

You’re forced to pay before you even get the food. We were told this is “because the boss wants it that way.” That alone raised red flags. Why would a restaurant demand full payment up front if they’re confident in what they serve?

When the food arrived, it was a disaster. The duck looked like it had been blown apart, the rice was a sad grey mess, and everything just looked and tasted stale. Not even close to fresh or appetizing.

We didn’t eat it and asked for a refund – they refused. Despite clearly expressing our concerns and not touching the food, the staff flat-out declined to take any responsibility.

And then came the worst part: the chef. He came out, closed the restaurant in front of us, and started screaming at my partner. No apology, no professionalism – just pure aggression and disrespect.

It’s one thing to serve bad food. But to handle feedback with this level of arrogance and hostility? Completely unacceptable. Do yourself a favor: spend your time and money...