Solus Restaurant & Bar - Holborn London — Restaurant in London

Well, where shall we start: Booking I wasn’t aware what “bottomless surf and turf” meant. So when we came across the board they placed on the pavement outside the restaurant, I’d taken a mental note. When I phoned to book it was not explained to me. I was told that food was set and that only drinks were unlimited. When we arrived we discovered the only beer, Prosecco and water were unlimited. Also, the set menu given as part of the “bottomless” fixed price was very limited and chose the cheap unattractive options. As a non-alcohol drinker everything I drank had to be paid for. If I don’t like bavette but wanted a rib-eye steak instead I’d have to pay. None of that had been explained to me when I had made the booking. The restaurant advertises itself as wheelchair friendly venue. But when we arrived we were told there was no ramp to help wheel the chair in. Luckily, the nice waiter offered to help lift the chair inside. Service We were served by a pleasant young man who tried hard but seemed a little out of sorts sometimes (he was the one who helped lift the wheelchair inside. I really liked his service but I was annoyed with his reaction when I complained about my steak (see below). Food Below standard. The steak I ordered was medium. The fat was chewy and far from rendered. When I complained about it, the waiter suggested that if I ordered well done perhaps it could have been more rendered. Well I stand corrected! Sorry, but any chef will tell you that even when preparing steak rear the fat should be treated first and should not be chewy. The lobsters we ordered were criminally overdone and dry. The green pepper sauce and the chips on the other hand were delicious. But the poor quality of the stars of the show clouded the quality of fries and sauces. The cocktails were good but expensive. Value for money We felt that paying £78 pp for this below the par experience was way too much. I personally will never go back to this...

I am delighted to provide a glowing review for the modern European restaurant that I recently had the pleasure of dining at. From start to finish, my experience was nothing short of exceptional, and I wholeheartedly give this establishment a well-deserved 5-star rating.

First and foremost, the food was absolutely outstanding. Each dish was expertly crafted, showcasing a perfect blend of flavors and innovative presentation. The menu offered a diverse range of options, catering to various dietary preferences and restrictions. Every bite was a culinary delight, leaving me eager to try more.

The atmosphere of the restaurant added to the overall enjoyment of the evening. The contemporary and stylish decor created a sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance. The attention to detail in the design, from the elegant lighting to the comfortable seating, truly set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant's tasteful background music also added to the pleasant atmosphere, allowing for relaxed conversations without overpowering the conversation.

Equally impressive was the impeccable service provided by the staff. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was greeted with genuine warmth and hospitality. The waitstaff were highly knowledgeable about the menu and offered excellent recommendations tailored to my preferences. Throughout the evening, they remained attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that my dining experience was seamless and enjoyable.

In conclusion, I cannot recommend this modern European restaurant enough. The exceptional food, inviting atmosphere, and attentive staff combine to create an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you are looking for a special occasion spot or simply want to treat yourself to an exquisite meal, this establishment is a must-visit. I wholeheartedly give it a well-deserved 5-star rating and look forward to...

Racist staff. I visited the restaurant last Friday night for a happy celebration with my friend which was sorely ruined by a very uncalled for, racially motivated remark by the middle aged male sever with slightly curly hair. When my friend and I were attempting to change the settings on the table lamp, the server noticed and came to our table to assist, but made the following remark “This lamp is made in China. You’re from China, you should know how to use this!” Although he tried to mask it as a playful remark, it was nonetheless racist and thoughtless. Firstly, we are asian but very much not from China. There was absolutely no need to assume or stereotype. Secondly, even if we were from China, I don’t suppose we looked fresh off the boat, straight from the factory in which the lamp was manufactured. So no, I do not know how to operate the lamp just because I look oriental.

Even if his remark may seem innocuous to some, it was not. It felt targeted and made my friend and I feel very uneasy throughout the rest of our dinner (this comment was made at the very start while we were waiting for our food, so we sat through the rest of the meal rather unnerved and could not enjoy). In a diverse city such as London, and in a restaurant as posh-looking as Solus, it is disturbing and disappointing to know that such subtle yet deeply-felt racist sentiments exist and are even verbalised. Especially shocking when you are a paying customer and your sever talks down to you like this. I seriously hope Solus Bar looks into the quality of your staff and customer service....