Marlborough Arms — Restaurant in London

My husband and I are arguing over the atmosphere of this place. I thought it was good, (even though completely empty at the time) it’s nicely decorated with an olde worlde London pub vibe. Husband thinks there was no atmosphere and not impressed the bored barman was reading a book. I’m fine with that bit but I wasn’t fine with the food. Don’t bother eat here. Obviously our orders were deep in the freezer as it took ages to arrive (which I mistakingly thought was a good sign) but when it turned up it was all cold and either tasteless or just plain bland. My salt and Pepper squid was pitiful thin strips of cold cardboard batter, disappointingly not even enhanced by the very mean drizzle of sweet chili sauce. The excuse was the chef was apparently new. I’m sure he didn’t make this stuff from scratch so maybe he was new but he found the freezer and the microwave but couldn’t find the bell to let the one bar staff member know it was ready. After complaining, the bar tender was very quick to offer a refund with a resigned expression like this might be a regular occurance. We haven’t received the refund yet but I’m sure it will come along with the strengthening thoughts that I’ll never eat at...

Very poor service! Went there just before Christmas with a whole department of staff (around 18 people from the nearby establishment). It was not too busy so waited patiently by the bar to make a large order for everyone but it seemed that the bartender (white male, usually wears an earring) was intent on serving everyone first, even though I was at the front of the bar soon and it was obvious I had to be served at some point. But he seemed to very sluggishly aim to serve everyone around me before acknowledging me. At about the 12mins of waiting and when there were no others to be served on the other side of the bar, he comes to where I was waiting, and asks the people behind me what they would like for a drink! I asked him why he was ignoring me even though I had been waiting there for over 10 mins. Even the customers behind me were embarrassed and begged me to order before them. And the bartender's response? "If you don't like it here you can go somewhere else". So I did not order and we went to one of the many other pubs nearby. Oh, and the whole department and large organisation will be encouraged not to attend this poor place...

Courtesy and a genuine concern that customers needs are satisfied. Often people don't rate courtesy or politeness. Staff come & go in the food+beverage business. It's a shame that publicans often fail to recognise the significant impact that a pleasant smile and a courteous word can have on repeat business. The Marlborough is (I would guess) reliant on student and tourist trade. Yet, EVERY MEMBER OF STAFF i encountered was polite, courteous and helpful. The (often habitual) "did you enjoy your meal" was sincerely expressed. These people really made me feel welcome and important. The food is greene king menu style. Reliable with taste. The selections of beers whiskies and gins is good (whiskey - my favourite - particularly good). Large space that doesn't feel isolating, yet still supplies adequate privacy for those fortunate enough to have intimate moments.

Most of the staff smile most of the time.

Airy, traditional decor, music pleasant but not overbearing.

I rarely give a 5 out of 5. But would like to be able to award...