Sticks'n'Sushi Kingston — Restaurant in London

Utterly Disappointed: A Birthday Celebration Turned Sour at Sticks’n’Sushi Kingston

We have been long-time fans of Sticks’n’Sushi. It is our daughter’s favourite restaurant, and for good reason. We have dined countless times at the Wimbledon branch, enjoyed unforgettable meals in Copenhagen (where my wife is from), and even celebrated special occasions at the King's Road location. Naturally, when our daughter turned seven, we trusted the brand and booked a table at the Kingston branch for a special birthday dinner.

This turned out to be a mistake.

Despite highlighting in the booking via the app that it was our daughter's birthday – something your system specifically asks for – we were shocked to see that other nearby tables with celebration flags received complimentary cakes with sparklers, while our daughter was completely ignored. There was no acknowledgement, no gesture, nothing. Try explaining that to a seven-year-old who had been excited all week to celebrate her birthday at what she considers her favourite place. It was deeply disappointing and left us, as parents, feeling incredibly let down.

Unfortunately, the disappointment did not end there. The ambiance at the Kingston branch was flat and lifeless, lacking the warmth and atmosphere we have come to associate with Sticks’n’Sushi. Still, we hoped the food would lift the mood. It did not.

The salmon sushi roll tasted off, and the fish did not appear fresh – something we have never experienced at any other branch. To the team’s credit, they did remove it from the bill, which we appreciated, but the damage was already done. The cauliflower dish was absolutely swimming in oil, which completely overpowered any flavour it should have had. The fried chicken balls, another of our regular favourites, were also overly greasy and felt carelessly prepared.

These are dishes we order regularly at other locations, and they are usually excellent. However, what we were served in Kingston was substandard at best and felt like a disservice to the usual quality of the brand.

The service was equally poor. Staff seemed disengaged and inattentive, which added to the overall feeling of disappointment, especially considering the occasion that we had made very clear when booking.

We left the restaurant with a heavy heart and a bitter taste – not just from the food, but from the sense that our daughter’s birthday, and by extension our family, did not matter. We sincerely hope this is not indicative of deeper issues within this branch, but it certainly raises questions.

We will not return to the Kingston location. While we still have fond memories of the Wimbledon and Copenhagen branches that earned our loyalty over the years, this experience has made us hesitant about the brand as a whole. That should never be the outcome of what was meant to be a joyful family celebration.

We chose Sticks’n’Sushi Kingston because we trusted the name. However, this visit made us question the integrity of the brand. Is the Kingston branch operating under different standards? If this is what the Sticks’n’Sushi experience looks like when management is not paying attention, then it is time to ask whether you are trading on reputation instead of maintaining quality. You did not just ruin a birthday; you have put years of loyalty at risk.

Please do better, Sticks’n’Sushi Kingston....

Disingenuous Customer Care: Sticks’n’Sushi Kingston’s Empty Gestures

Following my recent review detailing a deeply disappointing birthday experience for our daughter at Sticks’n’Sushi Kingston, I was contacted publicly by management expressing a desire to “discuss the visit in more detail.” At first glance, this seemed like a thoughtful gesture. I took it seriously and followed through. I called several times. I left messages. I even spoke with staff members directly and requested a call back.

Nothing. No response. Not a single word.

It has become abundantly clear that the response from management was not a genuine attempt to make things right but rather a well-rehearsed performance designed to pacify the optics of negative reviews. The message was never really intended for me. It was crafted for the public. A calculated move to maintain the illusion of accountability and care without the inconvenience of actually following through.

This is worse than silence. It is disingenuous. It undermines any remaining faith a loyal customer might have in a brand they once trusted.

Let us be clear. My original review was not written out of malice. It was written out of disappointment after years of loyalty to Sticks’n’Sushi. And while no restaurant is perfect, what defines a brand is how it responds when it falls short. That is where integrity lives or dies.

In this case, the gesture to “reach out and discuss” was exactly that. A gesture. An empty one. And it speaks volumes.

So here is the truth. If you are reading glowing management replies beneath critical reviews and assuming they reflect a culture of accountability, think again. Sometimes, it is nothing more than smoke and mirrors.

This experience has not only diminished our regard for the Kingston branch, it has also raised serious questions about whether the brand still values its customers beyond the carefully curated image it wishes to project.

We did not just lose a dinner. We lost trust.

Please do better. Not just in public replies. Do better when no one...

Mixed Experience at Sticks N Sushi Kingston Branch - Great Ambiance, Decent Service, Average Sushi

Recently, I had the opportunity to dine at Kingston branch, and while the overall experience was pleasant, it left me with mixed feelings. The ambiance of the restaurant was undeniably delightful, offering a serene and welcoming atmosphere. Soft lighting, stylish decor, and comfortable seating contributed to a relaxing dining environment, perfect for an evening out.

The service was commendable, with attentive and polite staff members catering to our needs promptly. They were friendly and accommodating, adding to the positive aspects of our visit.

However, the highlight of any dining experience is undoubtedly the food. In this aspect, the sushi, which I had anticipated eagerly, fell short of expectations. Despite having sampled dishes from other branches of the same restaurant and being impressed, the sushi at this particular location didn't quite match up. The quality seemed a bit lackluster, lacking the freshness and flavor I had come to associate with this establishment.

The rolls lacked the vibrancy and finesse I had experienced elsewhere, leaving me slightly disappointed. While the presentation was appealing, the taste didn't quite live up to the standard set by other branches.

In conclusion, Sicks N Sushi Kingston branch offered a pleasant ambiance and commendable service, making it a suitable choice for a relaxed dining experience. However, for those specifically seeking outstanding sushi, this particular branch might not meet the high expectations set by other locations of the same...