Happy London — Restaurant in London

Dear Happy London,

I am writing to express my deep disappointment with my recent visit to your restaurant, which took place on the 3rd of October at 4:00 pm. I had made an online reservation well in advance, clearly requesting a table in the inner section of the restaurant — near the tree and lights — as it was a birthday celebration for my friend.

Upon arrival, we were seated in a completely different area, despite my special request being clearly stated in the booking. When I politely asked about sitting in the “tree area” that we had specifically requested, I was told that section was “closed” and that we should stay where we were because “it’s a bigger table.” The waiter then quickly walked away.

However, I could clearly see that several tables in the requested area were free. We decided to move ourselves to one of them, but before we could, another waitress approached us and told us those tables were only for “online reservations.” I explained that our booking was made online — well in advance — and that I had included a special request for that exact area. The waitress then contradicted herself by saying those tables were “closed,” yet somehow also “for online reservations.”

At that point, the whole situation became embarrassing. I found myself having to argue just to sit at the table we had originally booked — on my friend’s birthday, in front of her, which was humiliating and completely unnecessary. Eventually, and only after insisting, we were “allowed” to sit at the requested table, as if we were being done a favor.

This entire interaction made me feel as though customers are seated based on some unspoken hierarchy — that certain guests are treated as more “important” than others. It was degrading, and it left me and my friend feeling unwelcome and uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, the disappointing experience did not end there. Once seated, the service was extremely poor. We had to call the staff three separate times to place an additional order, and nobody came. Only after waving our menus did someone finally notice us.

The food itself was decent, but certainly not what it used to be. As a regular customer, I’ve noticed that the prices have gone up while the portions have noticeably shrunk. For example, the cheeseburger platter is illustrated with five sliders, but we received only four. The steak dish — once an excellent choice — now comes with forced sides instead of letting guests choose, and the portion size has significantly decreased.

What disappointed me the most, however, was that despite the note in my reservation clearly stating that this was a birthday celebration, no one acknowledged it. In the past, when I visited Happy London for birthdays — including my own — the staff always brought a small dessert and sang “Happy Birthday.” This time, nothing. Yet, when paying the bill, I noticed on the payment terminal “Happy Birthday 1x £0.00,” which proves that staff were aware of the occasion — they just chose to ignore it.

Overall, this visit completely failed to meet expectations. It left me feeling disrespected and embarrassed in front of my friend. I requested to remove the service charge from the bill, as I believe the level of service we received did not deserve it.

This experience has genuinely changed how I see Happy London — a place I once loved and recommended to others. What was meant to be a joyful birthday celebration turned into an upsetting, frustrating evening that completely ruined the mood.

I have attached a few photos — the first from my most recent visit, and several from previous ones — to show that I am not a first-time visitor, but a regular customer who has always appreciated and supported your restaurant until now.

Sincerely, A very disappointed former...

First time visiting this establishment. Having been assured of quality given the posters recognising awards for best restaurant, I thought this should be a good afternoon.

Having spoke to staff member at the door who kindly advised me of some of the dishes, he was really good at sorting a table for myself and my companion. Inside was not hugely busy but plenty of tables occupied. We were seated along a side partition on a table for two. Chairs were comfy though set back to back meant that it was hard to get in and out of my seating. Table was clean and looked organised. The waiter was pleasant and welcomed us and gave some suggestions for drinks and food and introduced us to the little button on the table that is used to call the waiter. A novel idea. Atmospherewise, was loud, music was at a level that is generally uncomfortable for normal socialising in a restaurant setting. So like others we had to chat louder to be heard. Using the loos, can't answer for the ladies but the gents looked really untidy and neglected. Looked on the board and it was signed as checked post timed my arrival. Clearly hadn't checked as the cubicle I needed to use was well below standards.

Food wise. We ordered a mushroom chicken and a tagliatelle. Mine came with truffle fries which I was advised will have a bit of a pinch to it spice wise. Chicken was well cooked and was rather pleasant. The dusting on the fries was the only thing pleasant with the fries. The potato was really dried out and cold, was cut thinly making it taste chewy and really didn't taste like fries at all. I mentioned to the server who was kind enough to supply me with fresh. Being hotter the fries were slightly better but still very much the same as before. I can only assume either on the pass far too long or reheated after a long time standing.

Prices usually for the area. The food is not in any way relative to the pictures supplied in the menu. Dishes are smaller and not to the same full was as the pictures would lead you to believe. Great selection of drinks available so would suit some people.

As part of my afternoon there were birthday celebrations. I felt really embarrassed for the individual but might suit some people but felt it was a bit tacky.

Upon our leaving we were asked to do a survey and the server was really upset by my findings. I like to feel I am generally very positive to the workings of the restaurant however where there is scope for improvement, I don't want to feel like I had just sacked a person. The call for service was lacking. Had to press a couple of times to get attention with no acknowledgement after the first. Was told that they are busy and can't respond immediately. Was not expecting that but just a "two secs and I will be with you" wouldn't go amiss.

All in all I was a little disappointed with the venue. I felt it focused far to much on the fact they won awards rather than the reasons why they won it. The ambience too loud. Food not as fresh as they claim and poorly described. Seating a bit of a squeeze. Restrooms neglected. I just feel this place could be better but for reasons unknown seemed to just lose it on this occasion.

I won't say don't go here however there are much better places to go. I'm not going to recommend this establishment however my view may not sit in line with...

THE BEST RESTAURANT IN LONDON! I went to Happy in Piccadilly Circus on my birthday (19th Feb) and had a wonderful time with my friend. Where do I start from?! I had a booking at 6:30pm and although there was a very long queue ahead of us, me and my friend were given the opportunity to jump up the queue and get a table straight away. The hostess that greeted us and sat us down (the lovely Bulgarian girl with dark brown hair) was incredibly welcoming and friendly, and had the prettiest smile and aura. The moment we were sat down another waitress with very long brown hair (forgot to ask about her name) came to the table and took our orders. She was very nice and had very good customer service skills. She looked very happy and made us feel very welcome and at the right place. It took us 4-5 days ahead of our reservation to choose the meals we wanted to have as their menu is very big and has literally everything you can think of. (A little advice - check their menu online before the day of your booking.) I ordered the Greek salad as a starter, and my friend ordered the garlic cheesy bread, as well as another type of bread (photos have been attached) and we were both very impressed by the taste and how easily they could fill us up. For our main course my friend ordered the black Angus Cuban sandwich as well as a side of mac and cheese which both left him speechless as they looked and tasted amazing. I ordered the beef skirt fillet in their signature sauce with a side of truffle mashed potatoes. Oh my god! It was so yummy!! After I ate it all, I had no space for dessert. Awesome value for money! Drinks-wise we ordered two lemonades that we weren’t a fan of as well as the dragon daiquiri and ‘the tall one’ which were quite nice. The presentation of the drinks was immaculate! Last but not least, I wanted to mention that the atmosphere was very unique and made me feel at home as I am from Bulgaria which as we were told by the hostess - 90% of the staff actually were too. I love how their staff played some Greek music and started dancing which I’ve never seen before at a restaurant and which I think is a very interesting entertainment concept.They also put a lot of effort into birthday celebrations - they play birthday music, and a bunch of their staff gathers around the table singing a song to you which I find to be very fun and memorable. The food arrived very quickly and our waitress as well as the runner were very professional and friendly at the same time. Shout out to the hostess for making us feel welcome and taken care of. Me and my friend will definitely come back! 10/10...