Randall & Aubin — Restaurant in London

TLDR: I do not recommend this place unless they change their seating.

I went here for the birthday dinner of a family member recently. My first experience was immediately negative, as I had to really struggle to get into my seat. I am a young, skinny woman with no mobility issues... The owners have just decided to get these really high 8 top tables with high chairs for "casual" dining style. (And presumably as a rubbish strategy to not let people get too comfortable to encourage higher table turnover.) They are cramped so close together that my skinny a** couldn't get out to go to the toilet! Literally, struggled for so long to get out as the back of my chair was touching the person behind me's chair, when both tucked in! It would've been incredibly embarrassing if someone in our group to have been plus-sized; we would've had to leave.

Having looked around the small venue, all the seating options were bad, unfortunately. Nowhere comfortable for an intimate date, not for a group to not be fighting for elbow space. I understand trying to maximise space in a high-rent area but honestly, I have never ever been so uncomfortable in a restaurant seat. When another showed up to share our 8-top, I swear we were almost elbowing one another. That is NOT the atmosphere you want for those prices, or any 😬

The food itself was good. The moules marinière was better than most - I felt that the mussels used were clearly of high quality as they were super meaty. Simple, but well executed. The tempura rock shrimp had interesting flavours, but was let down by the batter which we felt could have used some improvement. Bouillabaisse soup was very good. The Hake was excellent. 5* The spaghetti Alle vongole was also excellent. So simple, so yummy. 5*

The service was pretty good, as you'd expect from a place like this. However, given that it was ridiculously hot, I did get annoyed having to repeatedly wait to try and flag someone down to get some more water with ice... And both times we did ask, we just got water, no ice, in 30⁰C weather 😅 it's a small mistake, of course, but still a let down when you specifically ask twice and it's very hot.

Overall: if it weren't for the layout (I know it sounds ridiculous but honestly - it's that bad) I would come back because the food is good. My plea to the owner is to change the tables up, as we all agreed that they were crazy uncomfortable! I would come back and spend more on extra cocktails if that...

Poor. Very suspicious oysters.

We ordered 6 of the Poole oysters for £24. When they arrived …… there was no meat and the shells were full to over flowing with liquor, which I suspect was done to mask the fact there was little meat.

I complained that the condition of the oysters was poor, so they agreed to swap them for 6 lindisfarne at £18:50.

Now the problem, what was served up was 3 lindisfarne and 3 of the old Poole oysters. I queried this when they were brought to the table but was assured they were all lindisfarne. How do I know they were mixed? One of the oysters had already been lifted from its muscle (by me before sending back) so it was definitely one of those I returned. The taste is totally different. The lindisfarne are meatier in texture and buttery in taste. The Poole - thin slimy texture, poor taste. The shells are different when turned over. When we left, the guy shucking the oysters would not look at me when we said “bye” - everyone else did

When the plate was removed I mentioned to the waiter that they were different and he summoned the manager. He offered 3 more lindisfarne, but I declined as I should have had 6 to start with. He offered a free dessert, again I declined as I had gone for oysters not dessert. He offered a free drink - which I accepted. However he was adamant I had been served 6 lindisfarne…..

And

When presented with the bill, after multiple discussions with the manager and waiter as detailed above …… it included a discretionary service charge at 12.5% which I had to ask to be removed !!!

In summary, after going to this restaurant several times a year for multiple years I will look for somewhere else. It is mainly for tourists who are not repeat business and probably could not tell the different types of oysters. I am not a connoisseur, but when different oysters presented on the same plate - I can tell the difference.

Very disappointed.

On a positive side, the calamari and zucchini were nice (albeit identical to Wagamama so I am guessing frozen not fresh) but still tasted good.

I would not recommend...

Sooo(ho) Fishy!

After being a newly converted sea food lover, I have been asking friends to recommend me their favourite sea food place. My hair dresser recommended this little gem.

We were celebrating a birthday, out in London for the day. You know how it goes. We decided to try Randall & Aubin, keeping in mind its 8pm on a Saturday evening, so most places are booked or you have to wait over an hour.

Thankfully we only waited 20mins. Very friendly staff, asked us if we wanted drinks outside while we waited. We had already peaked the menu online and were certain this is the place to eat! We sat down, it’s a very intimate seating arrangement (perfect for a date ladies 😉). The vibe was very chill with up beat old school funk, classics like Earth, Wind and Fire.

We weren’t waiting long to be served, I ordered the rock shrimp tempura as hors d’oeuvres and the lobster roasted in garlic butter with pommes frites (French fries to the layman). My friend ordered the Tuna carpaccio and zucchini fries. The portions were rather generous, we didn’t feel stuffed but we felt we ate well. If you’re looking for a light meal then this is the place. The quality of food has kept my mouth salivating as I remember the crunch of the freshly battered shrimp tempura or the meaty garlic roasted lobster.

The meal was worth every penny and the service charge is well earned. The staff are very welcoming and attentive. It might be a small intimate restaurant but it feels warm and welcoming. It is a must visit if you love sea food and good vibes!

Eagerly waiting in anticipation for another venture to...