I ordered a £12 salad that looked wilted and suspicious the moment it arrived. I almost sent it back, but I came that day specifically to relax and avoid stress during my pregnancy, so I chose not to create a scene. I haven’t finished the salad only ate a little but it was enough. I did not stay there long and left pretty immediately. An hr later after finishing the salad I was violently sick!!! Relentless vomiting, fever, and dehydration so severe that I missed both my outgoing and return flights for a week long holiday in Spain. What followed were three consecutive days of hospital visits, and the recovery dragged on far longer than anyone should endure because of one bad meal l. So simple meal salad with no meat or fish eat was contaminated …. I will attach the picture of the salad so you can tell it was not fresh even from look …
Management’s response was appalling. Instead of a simple apology they pushed a generic incident form at me, brushed off any responsibility, and have remained silent ever since! Not sure what for to make me use my time to filling this useless form that they just ignored ! despite receiving proof of my missed flights. Not an apology even given or a token gesture like a day pass to the pool during the heatwave that I’m enduring instead of being in Spain in my holiday home villa with 2 swimming pools!
£12 might seem insignificant to them, and for me especially but yet that salad was the only thing I managed to eat that day, and this is not about the money; it is about the complete disregard for guest safety and well-being. I had planned to re-book a weekend at the Art Hotel, that I had previous booked but not used.my booking. Im sure now after witnessing how effortlessly they dismiss a 5 month pregnant guest’s legitimate complaint makes it clear I will never return. A rooftop view does not give any venue the right to serve questionable food, endanger its patrons, and then ignore them. Guests deserve fresh meals, accountability, and basic respect—none of which JOIA Pool Terrace provided.
Thank God there is enough places with roof top pools in London. But somehow they think because of this they will always have customers and they don’t need to have standards like hotels do…
The facts are simple: I washed my hands before and after using the restaurant bathroom; I hadn’t eaten anywhere else that day; the only food I’d consumed in the previous days was home-cooked and fresh.
What stays with me the most is not just the physical pain, but the fear. That night, I sat in my flat utterly drained, terrified, and alone , struggling to breathe through constant, violent vomiting that wouldn’t stop no matter what I did. I genuinely feared I might lose my baby. I had nothing left in my body, and the fear was real. 3 days running to hospital wasn’t great either.
What makes it even worse is how dismissed I felt. The manager, Bogdan, offered no apology, no reassurance and all the proof of what I was writing like it all did not matter. 0 acknowledgment or response. only a cold form to fill out, that got ignored! as if what I had endured was an inconvenience to them and making me feel like I was making this all up!!!!
Now the memory of this will stay forever and each time when passing and seeing this building I am having this terrible disgusting feeling on how they mistreated me. I feel a wave of sadness. It no longer looks like a place of enjoyment or relaxation !!! Just a painful reminder of how vulnerable and alone I felt, and felt like me and my baby...
Read moreRestaurant Review: Jaia - A Taste of Portugal and Spain with Breathtaking Views
Located in the iconic Battersea Power Station, Jaia is a Portuguese-Spanish restaurant that offers a delightful culinary experience coupled with a mesmerizing view. From the moment you step onto the rooftop terrace, you are greeted by a panoramic vista that captures the essence of London's beauty.
The restaurant's decor exudes an inviting and contemporary ambiance, blending elements of Portuguese and Spanish design seamlessly. The interior features warm earthy tones, rustic wooden accents, and intricate tiles that pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of both nations. The stylish furnishings and tasteful lighting create an atmosphere that is both chic and comfortable.
The true star of Jaia, however, lies in its stunning rooftop view. As you take your seat, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Thames River, with its gently flowing waters and the bustling cityscape beyond. The sight of Battersea Power Station itself, now transformed into a modern marvel, adds a touch of nostalgia and historical charm to the experience.
Now, let's dive into the main attraction: the food. Jaia specializes in traditional Portuguese and Spanish cuisine, taking diners on a culinary journey that showcases the flavors and traditions of these vibrant Mediterranean regions. The menu is a harmonious fusion of delectable tapas, fresh seafood, succulent meats, and heavenly desserts.
Start your gastronomic adventure with a selection of tapas, each bursting with authentic flavors. The piri-piri prawns, marinated in a tangy blend of spices, are a standout dish that ignites the taste buds. The melt-in-your-mouth Jamón Ibérico transports you to the sun-kissed hills of Spain, while the bacalhau fritters offer a crispy yet delicate taste of Portuguese cuisine.
For the main course, indulge in the seafood paella, brimming with plump prawns, tender calamari, and juicy mussels, all resting on a bed of perfectly seasoned saffron-infused rice. Alternatively, the tender grilled octopus, drizzled with a zesty lemon and garlic dressing, is a true delight for seafood lovers. Carnivores will relish the succulent Portuguese-style grilled chicken, served with a medley of roasted vegetables and creamy potato puree.
To complete your culinary journey at Jaia, don't miss out on their heavenly desserts. The traditional pastel de nata, a Portuguese custard tart with a crispy shell and velvety filling, is a sweet indulgence that transports you to the streets of Lisbon. The churros with rich chocolate dipping sauce provide the perfect ending, adding a Spanish flair to your meal.
Service at Jaia is impeccable, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who are passionate about the cuisine they serve. The waitstaff is happy to guide you through the menu and suggest perfect wine pairings, enhancing your dining experience further.
In conclusion, Jaia is a hidden gem nestled within Battersea Power Station, offering an enchanting combination of Portuguese and Spanish flavors, a mesmerizing rooftop view, and a captivating ambiance. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner, a gathering with friends, or simply a memorable culinary adventure, Jaia is a must-visit destination that promises to transport your taste buds and elevate your dining experience to...
Read moreMy friend and visited For lunch. To be fair, the view of the restaurant was really nice and the service was really good as well. The staff were really helpful and caring. However, food wise, I must say This restaurant Had the worst tasting food I’ve ever tried in a restaurant in London. We ordered Iberico ham cheese, and croquettes for our appetizer. Nothing wrong with these items, but they were really basic and the presentation was not thought through. The cheese choice was somehow awful because the texture was really mushy and the flavor was not it. But that was not the worst part. We ordered their aubergine dish and it was bitter. The only flavor we could taste was bitter and it had so many seeds in it. I believe that’s the reason why it was so bitter. We also got the octopus salad. Not necessarily awful or flavorless it just did not taste nice neither my friend nor I liked it. For our main dish, we got the Bamba rice with shrimp and clams. That was the only good dish of the night and I must say it was very nice and we were so satisfied with it. For dessert, we got the basque cheesecake and crema catalana. The Basque cheesecake was salty to the point that I don’t even consider that a dessert. It was more like a savory appetizer to me. And the crema catalana Was so bitter. The burnt sugar on top combined with the orange flavor was just bitter and was not a pleasant taste. I’m not a picky eater and Besides this experience, I don’t even remember the last time I did not like a food I could literally eat anything and this was one of the only times that I genuinely did not enjoy eating the food and I would prefer not to. I also believe the chef is a Michelin star chef or at least I have heard that so that gets the hopes high as well. We told the staff we did not like the desserts and the octopus salad. We forgot to tell them we did not like the eggplant either but they kindly removed those items from the bill so I appreciate that. But genuinely from all the many items we ordered only one dish was good and the other ones were so bad we could not eat them so I would not consider this place a good restaurant and I will definitely not recommend. We left this place feeling drained because we had a bit of hope in the dessert, but that disappointed us as well so we were genuinely so disappointed and sad after we left the restaurant and we believe it was a waste of...
Read more