La Rueda Tapas & Cocktail Bar — Restaurant in London

Went out for an anniversary meal. Came here earlier on in the month and had a pleasant meal. The setting is really nice with wine bottles in the roof and flowers on the walls. Tables were small and cramped in which was unnecessary both the times I’ve been but whatever. The table wasn’t dressed so I had to get my own napkins, steal cutlery from the many empty tables and even steal a couple of plates. Not what you expect from a place that markets itself the way it does. Couple that with having to seat ourselves as well as nobody bothered welcoming us upon entry. We ordered the bread and olive oil to start, which was underwhelming as it was served without cutlery and two bread rolls you’d get from the local Sainsburys Bakery. The bread wasn’t cut either.

Outside on the board it said £22 bottomless tapas. It states on the menu 3 orders maximum per person per round and 90mins to complete. I came here earlier in the month with 2 others and ordered bottomless tapas each and we got 9 dishes per round. We finished at 18 in total. We decided this time between two of us to try the paella as it looked nice last time & id get the bottomless tapas. I ordered my 3 dishes, my partner ordered her paella. The tapas came first and it was okay, the food is decent but the reduced menu for the bottomless tapas is noticeable and you find yourself very restricted.

Once I’d finished I went to order my next three and the waitress then said words to the effect of “oh you’re both eating so it’s £22 each just so you know”. I was mid mouthful so didn’t argue and she went away. Me and my partner ruminated on it and decided we didn’t agree but waited for the next tapas to come and obviously the paella ordered over half an hour ago. After that next round of tapas and the paella we were finished and I asked for the bill. I politely stated to the waitress, Chloe, we’re not happy to pay the £22 each for ‘bottomless tapas’ as we weren’t offered the chance to order 6 per round. Chloe said she would see what she could do. I said I’m happy to speak with the manager as she looked quite inexperienced and I wasn’t trying to land anyone in trouble. Chloe stated that there was no manager in but she would consult with her colleague.

Chloe then came back and said that she’s taken the money off but she “really shouldn’t have” and I really “should have paid” in quite a condescending tone. I informed Chloe about the fact that we only had 3 per round (and only 2 rounds at that). I also stated the terms were never made clear and it does not say PP on the menu outside. Chloe doubled down on her point even though it made no sense saying her manager was wrong earlier in the month to let out party order 3 dishes per person at any one time. Eventually after around 5 minutes or arguing (as a paying customer) I said I would like the OPTIONAL service charge removed too given the circumstances. Chloe snatched the receipt from the table and took it off reluctantly. Chloe then came back to argue with me again which was quite embarrassing and at this point was causing a bit of a scene so I asked just to pay so I could leave as my partner was quite embarrassed at this point.

Unfortunately we won’t be returning. We have recently moved to the area and visited the restaurant three times in a couple of months but it’s been spoiled by an encounter with what is describe as a surly waitress. We left the venue quite disappointed which is a shame given it’s our...

Nestled in the heart of Clapham, La Rueda is a hidden gem that brings the vibrant flavors and warm hospitality of Spain to our doorstep. Having recently indulged in a delightful dining experience at this Spanish restaurant, I am thrilled to share my review and recommend it to fellow food enthusiasts.

From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was transported to the lively streets of Spain. The restaurant's inviting ambiance, adorned with rustic decor and warm lighting, created an atmosphere that was both cozy and lively. The friendly and attentive staff, donning traditional attire, further enhanced the authentic dining experience.

The menu at La Rueda is a culinary journey through the diverse regions of Spain, offering a wide array of traditional dishes that capture the essence of Spanish cuisine. From tapas to paella, every dish showcased the skillful execution and attention to detail that are hallmarks of authentic Spanish cooking.

To start the meal, I opted for a selection of tapas, which included classics such as patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and croquetas. Each bite was a burst of flavor, with the perfect balance of spices and seasonings. The tapas were expertly prepared, highlighting the freshness and quality of the ingredients.

For the main course, I couldn't resist trying the seafood paella, a signature dish that La Rueda is renowned for. Served in a traditional paella pan, the dish was a glorious medley of saffron-infused rice, succulent shrimp, tender calamari, and flavorful mussels. The rice was cooked to perfection, achieving that coveted balance between tenderness and a slightly crispy texture at the bottom of the pan.

The beverage selection at La Rueda was equally impressive, with an extensive list of Spanish wines, sangrias, and refreshing cocktails. The knowledgeable staff readily provided recommendations, ensuring a perfect pairing for each course. I particularly enjoyed sipping on a glass of Tempranillo, which complemented the richness of the flavors in the dishes.

The dessert menu at La Rueda presented a tempting array of traditional Spanish sweets. I savored a slice of creamy flan and indulged in churros with rich chocolate dipping sauce. The desserts were the perfect finale to a memorable culinary experience, leaving me with a sweet lingering taste.

One aspect worth mentioning is the attentive and knowledgeable service provided by the restaurant's staff. From explaining the menu with enthusiasm to offering insights into the origins of each dish, their passion for Spanish cuisine shone through. Their warm hospitality added a personal touch to the dining experience, making me feel like an honored guest.

In terms of pricing, La Rueda offers good value for the quality and authenticity of the food. While it may be slightly higher than average, the exceptional flavors and the overall dining experience make it well worth the investment.

In conclusion, La Rueda is a true haven for those seeking an authentic taste of Spain. With its vibrant atmosphere, delectable dishes, and attentive service, it captures the essence of Spanish cuisine and offers a delightful culinary journey. Whether you're a fan of tapas, paella, or indulgent desserts, this Spanish restaurant is a must-visit for a memorable and satisfying...

I will not be going back to this place nor would I recommend it. I was part of a group of about 40-50 people for a retirement party. It was a set menu - 1 starter, 1 main and 1 dessert. 2 long tables were set up. Drinks were not part of the set menu, so we all started ordering drinks and with only 2 bar tenders. We sat down at the table. One of the team took the orders for one of the tables and didn't come to the second long table that I was sitting at. We noticed the other table were getting their starters, and we still hadn't even given our orders. By the time our orders were taken, the other table were getting their mains. After we had given our orders, someone from the team came to tell us that 3 people won't be able to have the sirloin steak as they have run out. It was 8pm by the time I got my starter. It got to 8.45pm and still no mains. 9pm and still no mains. When we questioned it, they looked at us in disbelief. They couldn't give an answer as to why we hadn't received our mains. 9.30pm and I get my mains but others were still waiting. I couldn't even eat the food by the time it came and asked for it to be given in a container to take home. The other people asked for the same thing and that was given to them in 5 minutes. 2 hours after getting starters it was clear they weren't going to get their mains at the table. I asked for my dessert to go as I was so fed up. Took my dessert home only to realise it wasn't even the dessert I ordered. No amount of drinks on the house could hide how truly bad and sub par the service was. They were clearing up the table and we hadn't even gotten our mains. One even took my drinks glass away that wasnt even finished. One of our guests had an allergic reaction to the food she had eaten and had to leave. Another managed to stop herself in time before she had an allergic reaction. No ingredients and allergen information were included on the menu and nothing was said by the team member taking the order. We noticed we weren't the only people in the restaurant to complain about not receiving mains but the restaurant were happy for food delivery to pick up food and we got nothing. Paid £36 for the set menu prices and won't be seeing a single penny...