Pho Battersea — Restaurant in London

We went on a Thursday night and at first it wasn’t crowded but was packed by the time we left. The service was fantastic: swift, very friendly and helpful. Service alone gets 10 stars.

The atmosphere is warm yet vibrant. The seating varies depending on which part of the restaurant you’re in. Unfortunately we sat on the stools which weren’t that comfortable and there was no room to put anything. There are a few coat hangers throughout but not enough for all the customers on stools.

The food was the big letdown for me. I had the Pho Ga (chicken pho) which was very bland and it came with the wide rice noodles which wasn’t made clear. I prefer the thin rice noodles because they’re easier to eat. The broth was pretty tasteless so I had to keep adding sauces — including the Hoisin sauce which isn’t on the table but they’ll gladly bring it out. The ingredients were fresh and the chicken was obviously cooked there with thick pieces which was nice but unfortunately it was dry, rubbery and difficult to eat. I would chew and chew but couldn’t swallow it because it wouldn’t break up. Had to spit it out. The huge wooden ladle was fun to use. The chopsticks were wooden which I actively prefer because they grasp better.

My spouse had the vegetable fried spring rolls which were freshly made and very deep fried and greasy (according to him). He however did really enjoy the taste and would get them again. He also had the spicy beef Pho which looked spicy but he said it wasn’t very spicy so he added peppers, more chili oil and lots of sauces. He’s been to Pho Battersea before and said it was bland the first time and wanted to take me to get my opinion. Sadly I agreed. Because the service and atmosphere were excellent we’d return but won’t get...

My husband and I love Pho, we go to different branches to try and compare the quality of food. Out of all these, the one in Battersea stood out, everything we’ve ever ordered has exceeded expectation. However, today evening, after a long hard day at work we thought we’d go to Pho to relax and enjoy good food. Tonight went terribly wrong and more than likely we will not visit this establishment again. First of all,the waiter that served us, was not very nice, his attitude, the way he was talking to us had a hint of condescension, it felt like he did not want to serve us. We tried to give him benefit of the doubt as he had a thick accent but we watched him with other customers and he was not like that with anyone. Secondly, our food took so long to get to our table, people who arrived much later were served before us. During this time no one came to check whether we got our food or not. The waiter who took our order came to clear the tables next to us, not even once did he enquire whether we got our food or not. It was getting quite late, I was hungry and tired and it seemed like we were never going to get our food, I asked the same waiter for the bill and pointed out how everyone who came after us were served before us, he happily gave us and without a word of apology. I have never met anyone so rude and unprofessional. The only reason I could I think why we were met with this kind of treatment is because of the way we look. We felt discriminated and also felt our food did not reach our table because our waiter did not want to serve us. I understand sometimes it gets busy but tonight was not busy. We watched everyone got served and sadly had to leave without food close to 2100...

The food is acceptable, but the fact they’ve started adding a 12.5% service charge to bills is not cricket.

This is a fast-dining restaurant chain like Wagamama or Nando’s (neither of which mandate a ‘service charge’) and the service is the same. Paper on the table, bowl of noodles brought to you, you eat and then leave. It’s not a ‘dining experience’. No one comes back to check on you or bring you extra dishes etc, it’s quick fast cheap dining. No other restaurant chains of this type add service charge.

I was shocked when after stopping in for a quick bite to eat alone that lasted 15 mins, I had a service charge added to my bill. When I asked to have to removed the waiter (who had said about 5 words to me during my entire visit) was shocked and kinda rude. Classic example of how ‘mandatory tipping’ removes any motivation for staff to actually give good service as they know the tip is automatic. If the service had been good then maybe I would when voluntarily tipped.

You need to remind yourself that you’re not a fine dining experience, you’re a fast food noodle joint and your service matches that. I wouldn’t recommend this place based on this, there are plenty of other good quick dining chains in the vicinity which don’t force...