Goodman City — Restaurant in London

Fairly upscale steak restaurant with the typical characteristics. What I wanted to comment on was how the waitress handled my nut allergy. The approach was irritating and shows a lack of training.

What you need to understand is that if someone has an allergy, they have lived with it for a long time, and they know how to manage it. They are experts with their allergies. When I go to a restaurant, it is always reassuring to hear the waiting staff ask if you have an allergy. In a good restaurant, all that should follow is, firstly, a general reminder that the restaurant has an open kitchen and that they can't guarantee that any dish is completely free of the allergen, and secondly, that they will go and check if the allergen is included in the ingredients of the dish. That is it. Simple. It is the second point that is the important one. Every allergy sufferer knows that in a restaurant, they can't be sure there won't be cross contamination, but what they need to know is, is this allergen included in the ingredients? What that means is, does the chef purposefully put this ingredient in the dish?

I do not want to field questions on how severe my allergy is and handle any anxiety the waitress has about the topic. I do not want to have a tedious conversation about allergies with the waitress imagine if you had to do this in every restaurant you went to, it would be annoying! This is the first time I have been asked by a waitress, in a mumsy-line tone, if I have my EpiPen with me, and then to be told about other diners that don't bring them. You must ask your waiting staff not to make allergies an issue. The person that has the allergy is a responsible adult, and all they need from the waiter is a small piece of information. Fine, if you feel the need to give the 'traces of nuts' legal disclaimer, then do it, but what we want to know is, is the allergen included in the ingredients of the meal. That's all. A simple question with a simple answer.

Some restaurants handle this perfectly, but I have to say that for this meal, the waitress really did get it wrong. This is a steak restaurant, why I am even having to write this is beyond me, but also, don't tell me that if I have a nut allergy, you won't bring me bread because you're not sure if it has nuts in. Don't be lazy. These days chefs endlessly boast about knowing where their produce comes from. Check where your bread comes from and ask the baker to tell you which loaves, if any, have nuts in.

I have to say, my experience here wasn't good enough and I hope you will take onboard the comments that...

My experience at Goodman was disappointing. Like a well-produced film trailer, the reviews on Tripadvisor, Opentable, and Google Local promised a sophisticated setting, succulent meats and an expensive dining experience worthy of five stars.

Like an expectant moviegoer that paid good money for The Louge experience, I arrived at Goodman around 5:30PM on a Tuesday with a friend for a relatively early dinner. The hostess was attentive and immediately took my jacket and bag, handing me a ticket for the coat check. While the place was relatively empty we were sat at the back of the restaurant which is not the restaurants' best side. While the front of the restaurant is graced with a lively brass lined bar, large windows and inviting leather seats, the back of the restaurant feels more like a Cafe Rouge than a sophisticated steakhouse in The City.

Our service attendant was the highlight of the Goodman experience. He was attentive, bringing over a board with the special cuts available ranging from USDA Poter cuts to English fillets. While the prices are definitely on the high side, with a 450-gram steak priced at £38.25, a 500-gram steak at 42.50 and a Porter steak at £90, there is an expectation that comes with gladly paying that amount. Sort of like popcorn at the cinema - it is expensive for what it is but it is worthwhile for a good film experience.

Once the food arrived, the Goodman described in the reviews became the equivalent of a badly written script, which irrespective of good actors, failed to deliver any satisfaction. The meat we ordered while nicely sliced, was overcooked and dry. Not what you expect from a top steakhouse. When the sauces provided taste better than the steak they are meant to complement, there is a problem. Furthermore, while the attendants came over to our table regularly to ask how things were, they completely disregarded the topping of the drinks or replacing the empty bottle of water.

With the bill totaling £100.25 (without the discretionary £12.78 tip) we left Goodman still hungry and utterly unsatisfied. Compared to other steakhouses such as Hawksmoor, Smith & Wollensky and Tramshed, that offer a more sophisticated environment, better-prepared meats without the hype, Goodman is not worth a nomination for an Oscar, Golden Globe or BAFTA of steakhouses. It might just have been a bad expensive...

Went here last week, just before all the Business folk turned up, the place has a rustic feel to it, nice wooden benches and alcoves to meet with friends.

Chose to have the USDA 750g Porterhouse (T-Bone) steak looked jaw droppingly amazing when served, asked for medium to well-done, we slightly over to the well-done, but seasoned okay.

Have been here before where they bring the steak to you just before your sides, which personally I prefer everything to come together, don't get me wrong it's not a complaint as such but just a preference, to me I like to tuck into everything the eyes seeing the impending banquet, but the feeling I'm trying to describe is common to the feeling like you've had your plate arrive before everyone elses has and you're having to wait to tuck in, if this makes sense.

The steak being the pride of place imparts a succulent flavour as you take the first bite, always I like that instant moment to savour.

As I tucked into the steak, I did have to add more salt as a personal preference.

My sides were great, creamy mashed potato, spinach creamed with gruyere cheese, and the most utterly to die for mushrooms with garlic butter...lush!!

The place and company were great, the staff were REALLY friendly and professional, we had time to chat to them which was an added bonus, conversation didn't feel forced, so it added to the feeling of the place.

Goodman's is a classic, location is central, closest to Bank tube station, I'd recommend getting here before 5pm...