Las Iguanas - London - The O2 — Restaurant in London

I was extremely disappointed with the service during my visit today at the o2 branch particularly with the attitude of the female manager, which was unprofessional and unwelcoming. Instead of offering solutions, she seemed more interested in giving excuses making us feel like we were better off dining elsewhere.

Here is the backstory, I saw on Instagram that the £15 bottomless tapas was back, so I called the restaurant at 11:15 AM to confirm its availability at this branch. The call was handled by an AI bot, which misunderstood my query and immediately tried to make a booking. When asked if I preferred the bottomless or à la carte option, I selected bottomless for 3 PM.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a staff and shown to our seats. However, the menu provided did not match our expectations. We clarified with the staff, who then informed us that this was the bottomless brunch, not the bottomless tapas we had come for. I politely asked if we could switch to the bottomless tapas option, as that was the sole reason for our visit.

The staff consulted the manager, who approached us and bluntly refused, stating: (1) she never spoke to me this morning; (2) the system had us down for brunch; and (3) there was not enough stock for the tapas. Firstly, I never claimed to have spoken to her as I was interacting with the AI bot, which I can verify through my call log and the reservation text I received. Secondly, if stock levels are checked each morning, why continue to accept bookings or walk-ins after the morning? Lastly, at 3 PM, the restaurant was nearly empty, with only 3–4 diners, and considering there was an event at the O2 today, stock forecasting should have accounted for increased demand. Especially with the additional advertisements for £15 bottomless option. These are basic principles of supply and demand.

After approximately 10 minutes of back-and-forth, we were finally permitted to order from the bottomless tapas menu. However, from that point on, the manager kept her distance and avoided our area entirely, which made us feel quite uncomfortable. Given that only the manager and one staff member were working at the time, service was extremely slow, and it was difficult to get their attention. Fortunately, additional staff arrived midway through our visit, and their positive energy helped lift the mood and improve the overall atmosphere.

The second half of our visit was much better thanks to one male staff member who was cheerful and attentive. However, towards the end of our meal, we ordered a salad, and during service, a cucumber slice fell onto the serving board. The staff member quickly picked it up with his hand and placed it back on the plate without a word. Although it may seem minor, from a food safety perspective, this is unacceptable. Once food touches an unclean surface, it should not be served to customers.

I hope this review encourages the restaurant to reconsider its training approach particularly for management to ensure future guests receive a better experience...

Reason: Cross Contamination

As I, and two others, enter the restaurant we spoke to the man at the counter regarding allergies that one of my friend has, (allergies that are strong enough to kill him), this man then tells us to speak to the manager and points to his co worker standing at the middle on the restaurant below the stairs to discuss whether the food is safe to eat and whether cross contamination does occur in this restaurant. As soon as we approach him, this man rudely cuts us off at the beginning of our sentence stating ‘if this is about working here you’ll have to speak to me later’ whilst ushering us to move. After numerous attempts, We manage to tell him that we are here to discuss whether the food has any cross contamination and if it’s safe to eat. He proceeds to ask my friend to list what allergies to which my friend tells him. He then tells us it’s ‘no worries’ and ‘not to worry’ and ‘it’ll be fine’ and ‘he (my friend) can eat’, reassuring us that there are no problems. After hearing this we decide it’s best to order, we order food to go and wait outside. After waiting a few minutes the man at the counter approaches us, telling us that there is cross contamination. This is a problem as we had already gone to 2 restaurants before this who had told us straight that there is cross contamination but this restaurant here decided to waste time. We go back to the manager asking why he told us everything’s fine and that our friend will be safe with nothing to worry and even allowing us to go forth with the order. Upon asking him this he continuously cut off our sentence, stating the same words over and over: ‘I understand’ ‘it doesn’t matter’ (it doesn’t matter, he says, when regarding the chance of my friend’s death from his own actions) then saying ‘I apologise’ in a snarky manner before ushering us to leave. We weren’t shouting nor speaking disrespectfully, I assume maybe he just never learn his mannerisms or how to treat anyone humanely. This man was thin, bald and had rectangular framed glasses. Only good side was that his co worker was kind enough to acknowledge how dangerous it would have been for our friend to eat food that’s cross contaminated and that we manage to...

The Worst Meal I’ve Had in Over a Decade

I visited Las Iguanas at the O2 today, completely unaware it was an event day. As soon as we sat down, I noticed how shockingly high the prices were — starters around £10–£12.95, and mains all over £18. For the type of food Las Iguanas serves, that’s incredibly overpriced.

When I asked why, I found out it was an “Events Menu”, which I think is very unfair and misleading, especially for customers who aren’t even attending the event.

The drink prices were equally ridiculous. I ordered non-alcoholic drinks, and even those were extremely overpriced. A mocktail was £11.95 — nearly £12 — for a non-alcoholic drink! How disgusting is that? The raspberry crush I usually get for around £3–£4 (normally two-for-one) was suddenly £15 for two, which is absurd for soft drinks.

I only ordered a starter — the chicken quesadilla — just in case the food wasn’t great. Unfortunately, it was awful. The chicken had a strange metallic taste, the salsa was bland, and overall it was disgusting for £10.95. My brother’s chicken wings and fried chicken were cold and tasteless, and my sister’s tacos (with beef steak, prawns, and chicken) were equally bad — the steak tasted like liver.

We were all incredibly disappointed, angry, and still hungry. I haven’t had food this bad in maybe a decade. This was, without a doubt, the worst food I’ve had in a very long time.

Las Iguanas has completely gone downhill, especially for the prices they now charge. If you’re going to ask for high-end prices, at least provide high-quality food. Honestly, you’re better off spending just a little more and going to a proper restaurant where you’ll actually enjoy a satisfying meal.

I would not recommend...