Locale Southbank — Restaurant in London

Server tried to force us to pay the service charge after we had said we didn't want to and demanded to know why we did not want to pay.

Was very disappointed after a good meal that the server then tried to force the 'optional' 12.5% service charge on us. We said we wanted to just pay for the food, not the service charge. The reason, which I didn't feel we needed to explain, is because this is not America and service is included in wages and the bill for the food. However the server tried to make us pay the service charge pointing to the total bill and saying the total owed included the service charge. We explained we just wanted to pay for the food and he agreed and then tried to get my friend to pay everything without showing her the amount he was inputting on the card machine. We said we didn't want to pay the service charge and he said it has already gone through and nothing could be done. It hasn't gone through so we then said we wanted to check the calculations because he was still pressuring us to pay the bill including service charge, saying I could just pay my friend back later.

I again said I didn't want to pay the service charge and he became very offended and demanded to know why not, and accused me of not thinking he was working hard, and saying we needed to pay it. I said it was optional. He then let us pay but was very abrupt. It was a shame because the service has been fine, but this is an Americanisation that isnt needed in this country because tips don't make up part of the wage and frankly the server tried to make us pay by not showing us the charge and putting a lot of pressure on us. We should not have to say why we don't want to include an optional service charge and certainly the server should not be adding it when we have said we don't want to pay it.

The tables are too small for the plates so not everything can fit on.

The food was genuinely fantastic except for the focaccia which was very dry, and I would have given it five stars, the service has been good up til that point. So would have given far more stars had it not been for the way the 'optional' service charge was handled. the server had worked hard and service had been good but just felt this was not ok..it was loud so there may have been misunderstanding about whether we wanted the service charge or not at first, but from my point of view, once we had been very clear, it felt like it was being forced on us and deliberately being put in the machine or pointed to as something...

Family Lunch Before Our Trip to the Life Aquarium Museum

We were looking for a place to eat with my family, and we decided to give your restaurant a try. Unfortunately, we were a bit disappointed with some of the food and the lack of attention from the server. It also seemed like the team didn’t fully understand what “dairy-free” means.

Our Experience

• The Positives: We ordered two pizzas, which were absolutely delicious. My dad had the pasta carbonara with extra chicken and said it was really good. The only thing we forgot was to request that the pasta be cooked a bit longer, as he’s not a fan of al dente—my mistake. My niece had the kids’ tomato pasta, and that was excellent as well. • The Issue with My Mom’s Meal: My mom, who is a fussy eater, ordered the chicken schnitzel (listed as “Chicken Milanese” on the menu). I specifically told the waiter that we didn’t want any dairy or white sauce on her plate because she doesn’t eat dairy—not an allergy, just a preference. The waiter assured us it wasn’t a problem and even brought out an allergy guidebook to double-check. Despite this, when the dish arrived, it was completely wrong: Parmesan on the Salad: The lettuce came topped with Parmesan, even though I had clearly requested no dairy on the plate. This was frustrating, especially after the waiter emphasized that they “take this really seriously.” Clearly, that wasn’t the case. We had to send the plate back for the lettuce to be replaced. Tough Chicken: The chicken schnitzel was tough, which suggested it hadn’t been tenderized properly. Broccoli Coleslaw: The broccoli coleslaw was surprisingly good—probably the best part of the dish. The Price: Charging £20 for one piece of schnitzel, a small portion of lettuce, and a side of coleslaw felt like a rip-off. Overall, the experience was just okay. Some dishes were great, but others were overpriced and poorly prepared. One thing I found particularly disappointing was the lack of transparency about the service charge. I always leave tips when dining out, but I believe it’s important to inform customers about any...

We have just finished having a great evening at Locale, we found Locale using google maps and thought we’d try it as we love Italian. We have two young girls, 5 and 3 whom can make things difficult when dinning out. The entrance to Locale is more of a bar type look but we were greeted by a friendly and accommodating front of house, despite not pre booking ( which i would advise to do as it is very busy ) we were seated in the main dining area which has an excellent buzz about the place, the children got some crayons and a colour sheet to entertain them, the atmosphere is great and made this restaurant feel very authentic rather than the usual dross of todays family places.

The food is excellent, we have travelled and eaten in many different cultures around Europe with the girls and Locale offers some of the best cuisine we have had, the girls had a few starter platers and shared for their meal as they do tend to eat a varied meal. I had the linguini seafood which was by far the best i have had.

The service is great, fast, at tentative and friendly.

I think this is a fantastic restaurant with great chefs and staff, it is impossible to find fault.

If you are wanting a swanky cocktail bar with amazing food then look now further, if you want an atmospheric romantic meal for two then stunning, if you want a family friendly restaurant with amazing food for all ages then you will not beat it.

I would gladly recommend Locale and will be visiting each time we are in London. We are staying in the Premier inn

Thank you Locale for a fantastic...