Lazy Chef — Restaurant in London

Arrived almost 45 mins before closing today, but we were still welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm.

We were given a choice for seating which is always lovely. They advised right away that although the kitchen would close soon as they shut at 4.30pm, they’d ensure our food orders were taken in good time so that we could sit and eat at our own leisure.

Before our waiter arrived with our plates, his colleague kindly cleared the table so that we had sufficient space and the food arrived soon after.

There is a large selection on the menu and the additional bits are priced really fairly!

We ordered 2 vegan breakfasts and some plain maple syrup pancakes. Portions were generous and everything was a good temperature.

I have to be honest - this is probably the only place where a simple side of spinach has been so tasty and well seasoned! Pancakes we nice and fluffy and the maple syrup was of a really good quality. Each individual component of the breakfast paired really well with the rest of the meal. Also want to highlight the delicious sourdough toast and the loose chamomile tea which was served in a cute little pot!

We weren’t interrupted or rushed in any way considering it was their closing hour and when the waiting staff did check in, they were hospitable and attentive.

At the point of payment we were fishing out extra change for the service fee and the gentlemen who served us kindly said he was happy to take what was on the table and told us to enjoy the rest of our day.

The service fee was well deserved and we will definitely be returning to enjoy another good meal and leave an overdue tip!

Beware that you will likely need a nap after a meal here as it is truly...

This has been a long-overdue review of my experience at the Lazy Chef Restaurant, in case you'd want to try a Brunch in Forrest Hill.

Considering that I'm only on this side of London twice a month, as my friend lives here, I've been to this establishment twice, and here were some key things that stood out to me on arrival every time.

Although it is a family-run business, the owner, whom I believe is named Ali, greeted us upon our arrival. The setting was very jazzy and extremely clean.

Before taking any orders, he wanted to learn more about us since I was not from the area and my friend had recently moved here, which I found impressive. He demonstrates outstanding attention to detail and knows his customers personally.

The food variety was excellent, well portioned, and the quality was fresh, tasty, and decently priced.

The lead times for the wait were quick.

The staff team is very polite, professional, and welcoming.

Again, I'll stress that the place is impressively spotless, with a nice ambience in terms of the music and decor.

Even with limited space, the toilets are something everyone should take note of in every establishment as a litmus test to anticipate any level of service because theirs are immaculately clean.

I knew this wasn't a one-off, as when I next visited Forrest Hill, the service remained optimum and efficient, and Ali also has a very charismatic way of picking up where we left off, as we have been long-time friends.

I highly recommend visiting, and I will definitely make this my regular spot whenever I am in Forest Hill.

(Anthony...

UPDATE* So, I approached the waiter and asked politely if I could sit inside.

His response: "you can, but not with THAT" His eyes pointing to my cup of peach tea from Costa (great service no worries there)

No smile, no welcome by the way

I then asked if I could order a sandwich

His response (no smile and sarcastic tone): "we don't do sandwiches, if you want to order you order on the side"

At this point I was not about to spend my money here, we as people need to know when to not spend at a place that gives little to no customer service.

The gaslighting here is astronomical and quite frankly I'm not surprised.

From the response of this review you can see the attitude seeping through the text. That is what I had to deal with. To gaslight and say I had an attitude is quite laughable, but whatever you have to do to save face I guess.

As I said there are plenty ofother cafes in Sydenham and Forest Hill, where you are better received.

The response speaks for itself really.

-- Original Review:

Very poor attitude when I asked if I could eat inside.

Then lied and said they don't do sandwiches and that I must order outside whilst people were sitting inside.

Spent my money at B & B friends further up. Friendly, family run cafe.

If you're of colour you may be treated differently at this particular cafe.

Won't be spending my money...