La Petite Maison (LPM) London — Restaurant in London

It's with a heavy heart that I pen this review of LPM London, a restaurant that has, for years, held the distinction of being my favorite French establishment in the capital. As someone who has witnessed the restaurant's journey from its inception - having dined at the opening nights of LPM locations in London (when it was still La Petit Maison), Nice, Dubai, and the now-closed Manhattan outpost - I feel uniquely positioned to chronicle its evolution. Our recent December visit, traditionally a highlight of London's magical winter season, served as a stark reminder of how much has changed. While the kitchen continues to produce exceptional dishes that showcase the pristine simplicity of Niçoise cuisine, the soul of the establishment has undergone a profound transformation. The most striking change lies in the atmosphere. Where once there was an intimate charm that made every meal feel like a private celebration, now there's a palpable shift toward something more commercial and less distinguished. The service, once characterized by its warmth and sophistication, has lost its personal touch. The dining room, which used to buzz with a refined energy, now feels like it's chasing a different kind of acclaim - one that prioritizes scene over substance. This metamorphosis is particularly noticeable in the clientele and overall ambiance. The restaurant seems to have traded its understated elegance for a more ostentatious approach that feels at odds with its culinary heritage. It's as if the restaurant is trying to be something it never needed to be, forsaking the very qualities that made it exceptional in the first place. The food, it must be said, remains outstanding. The kitchen continues to deliver dishes that showcase the best of Mediterranean ingredients and French technique. For this reason alone, LPM still merits a visit, particularly for lunch when the atmosphere is more reminiscent of its former self. However, the magic that once made LPM feel like London's best-kept secret has dimmed. What was once a sanctuary of sophisticated dining has become something more ordinary - still excellent in its culinary execution, but lacking the special quality that previously set it apart. The transformation feels emblematic of a broader trend in high-end dining, where authenticity and intimacy are sometimes sacrificed in pursuit of broader appeal. For those who never experienced LPM in its golden era, the restaurant will still impress with its superb cuisine and prime location. But for long-time patrons who remember the subtle charm and refined atmosphere that once defined the experience, dining here now carries a note of nostalgia for what has been lost. It's a reminder that sometimes success can change the very essence of what made a place successful in the first place. While LPM remains a competent restaurant, it has relinquished its position as a truly special destination - a transformation that feels particularly poignant during the magical December evenings when London's restaurants should be at their most enchanting. Verdict: Still recommended for the consistently excellent food, but arrive prepared for a different experience than the one that earned LPM its sterling reputation. The cuisine deserves 4.5/5 stars, but the overall experience has slipped to 3.5/5, marking the end of an era for what was once London's most charming...

I booked a table for 5 people for my family and I to celebrate my sister’s birthday who loves LPM. Our reservation was at 10 my father then asked if we could make it a little earlier so he can go home to sleep. We called the restaurant and kindly asked if it was possible they told us no. We said okay its fine well go 30 minutes prior amd check if anyone cancelled or didnt show up we can take their table if not we can go sit at a nearby cafe until then. We arrived 30 minutes earlier and we very politely asked if we can have the table earlier. The manager was the one speaking to my mother. He was very rude and unwelcoming we were annoyed since we have never been treated that rudely at any restaurant before but we didnt say anything since its my sisters birthday we didnt want to ruin her night. We sat at a nearby cafe. When it was LITERALLY 9:57PM 3 minutes till our reservation we approached the reception and the same rude manager was talking to us he said “Your reservation is at 10 its still not 10 yet” my mother told him there are kiterally 3 minutes remaining. He still refused. She told him fine then I expect my table to be ready at 10 by the minute. It was 10 and the table wasnt ready till 10:11. We were annoyed and he was rude about it. We sat and then my brother called and surprised us telling us hes in town and wanted to come celebrate my sister’s birthday with us. We told him to come to LPM he told us hes 5 minutes away. We didnt want to talk to the manager wo we talked to the waiter politely asking her instead and she was very polite but then the manager stopped her and approached us and told us no we will not be given an extra chair. My mother was angry and he told my mother that she and her daughter me are rude. Why? Because we told him that if hes going to be punctual to the point of not allowing us our table 3 minutes prior to our reservation then we expect our table to be ready at 10:00 not a minute later. My mother was arguing with him for his lack of mannerisms and basic hospitality, my brother arrived and saw the scene and said he doesnt want to cause my parents trouble and will leave. My mother told him not to leave. After like 15 minutes of making my brother sit on the edge of the couch area barely sitting on one leg, my mother furious, my sister uncomfortable, my dad wanting to leave. The waiter came and said you know what alright I am trying to be nice and offer you a table of a group who said they were going to be 6 but now they are 3. My mother was angry with him she got up and left, my dad followed her, my sister’s birthday was ruined, and as a frequenter at LPM I can definitely say its no longer a favorite and I dont think ill be coming back anytime again. There are many fine dining restaurants in london that ive visited with good food and better hospitality and better management that are worth visiting and...

It greatly pains me to articulate the profound transformation I have observed at this once esteemed establishment, which, regretfully, has experienced a drastic decline in the quality of service over the past eighteen months. Formerly a beacon of culinary excellence and sublime hospitality, it now stands as a shadow of its illustrious past, characterized by the unfortunately disdainful and conceited demeanor of its waiting staff. There appears to be a pervasive and deliberate neglect, seemingly born from an air of superiority, leading to guests feeling not just ignored , but actively scorned and devalued, akin to being treated with the contempt reserved for refuse.

The poignant sting of disappointment lingers with me, as the cherished memories of what once was clash with the stark reality of what now is. It is my earnest belief that urgent, comprehensive interventions are paramount, necessitating the implementation of extensive training programs to enlighten the wait staff on the fundamentals and nuances of customer service and human decency. The essence of hospitality revolves around respect, kindness, and a willingness to exceed guests’ expectations, fostering an ambiance of warmth and welcome.

Currently, patrons are not merely subjected to subpar service but are paying a premium to endure insult and humiliation. This is a travesty and stands in stark contrast to the principles of hospitality. A restaurant’s success is invariably linked to the symphony of flavors it offers, combined with the grace and courtesy extended to its guests. It is imperative that this establishment reevaluates its ethos and operational standards to restore its tarnished reputation, ensuring that guests are embraced with the respect and dignity they inherently deserve, reinstating the restaurant to its rightful standing of reverence and acclaim. The current circumstance is not merely a disservice to the patrons but a disheartening deviation from the noble tradition of...