The Alchemist Canary Wharf — Restaurant in London

Visiting The Alchemist was supposed to be a special outing, something to look forward to—a bottomless brunch experience with a touch of their signature flair. Something for my sister's special, 20th birthday. Instead, what we received was a mixed bag of frustration, disappointment, and outright aggravation.

Wait Times: A Comedy of Errors

First, let’s talk about the service speed. Or rather, the lack of it. With a bottomless brunch, you expect to indulge in as many drinks as you can within the allotted time, like, that's the whole reason to go, right?Wrong! At 'The Alchemist', you’ll spend more time waiting for your drinks than actually enjoying them. It took 40 minutes from the time we ordered our first drink to the time the second one arrived. Forty minutes. If you’re lucky, you’ll get through five drinks in the entire session, which is hardly “bottomless” by any reasonable standard. It's pathetic that they decided this was a reasonable business model.

Let’s do the math here: you pay for a boundless experience but end up with a mere five drinks due to their sluggish service. Sure, it saves you £20 compared to buying the drinks individually, but is it worth the aggravation of constantly craning your neck, wondering when your server might actually deliver what you ordered? Never. Never. NEVER.

Staff: A Mixed Bag

Speaking of servers, the staff at The Alchemist could use a serious overhaul in training and attitude. Some of them were perfectly lovely—friendly, helpful, and clearly trying to make up for the shortcomings of their colleagues. Unfortunately, for 'The Alchemist' others seemed to lack even the most basic understanding of customer service. Forget a smile or a courteous demeanor; a few of them seemed actively annoyed by the presence of customers.

What made it worse was the inconsistency in their knowledge. Some staff members were well-informed about the menu, the bottomless brunch package, and what it included. Others were clueless, fumbling their way through our questions, and giving contradictory answers. You would think they’d have a consistent protocol or at least ensure everyone knows the basics of what’s being offered, but no. The lack of cohesion among the staff made an already frustrating experience even worse.

Atmosphere: Fitting, but Not Enough to Save the Day

If there’s one thing The Alchemist has going for it, it’s the atmosphere. The rustic, moody decor is undeniably fitting for a venue with such a name. It feels like a place where something magical might happen, and for a moment, you might even believe that the frustration is worth it. For one singular, fleeting moment, I had thought that this atmosphere was enough to save the day.

However, ambiance can only carry you so far, especially when the service is this poor. The novelty of the setting quickly wears off when you’re left staring at your empty glass (with ice still left in it), wondering if your next drink will ever show up.

Food: A Tiny Silver Lining

The food, to their credit, was decent. It was cooked well, and I appreciated that they provided salt and pepper so you could season it to your own taste—because trust me, you’ll DEFINITELY need it. While the dishes were executed competently, there was nothing particularly memorable or extraordinary about them. It’s solid, but not enough to justify the price tag or make up for the failings in other areas.

The Final Straw: Hidden Charges

What really pushed this experience into the realm of unacceptable was the bill. We were presented with charges for items that were supposed to be included in the bottomless brunch package—things we were explicitly told would be free. There was a discrepancy, once we added everything in the bill up, between what we should have been charged.

It’s one thing to deal with slow service or uninformed staff, but being discharged for certain items? That’s not just disappointing; it’s outright dishonest. It left a sour taste in our mouths and ensured that this would be the last time we ever...

I recently visited “The Alchemist” in Canary Wharf, and let me just say this. It was hands down the coolest, booziest experience I’ve ever had. I went there alone for a quick drink and some food but it was so much more. From the theatrical cocktails to the delicious food and impeccable service, every moment was an absolute treat. This isn’t just a bar; it’s a full-on sensory adventure.

I started off with their oyster shots (Yes, you “eat” them like oysters), which were an absolute blast to drink. I tried two “Cosmic Oysters” (gin-based with passion fruit pearls) and two “Aperitivo Oysters” (Aperol-based with orange butter and grenadine pearl). They were super fun, and the presentation was amazing. These shots paired perfectly with the “Ultimate Bao Buns with Chicken”. The sweetness and richness of the bao buns, combined with that little kick of chili, balanced the sour and slightly bitter notes of the oyster shots beautifully.

Next, I tried the “Pipe Dream” cocktail, which was as fun as it was delicious. This whisky-based cocktail is served in a glass pipe, and you literally suck and sip it like you’re puffing on a pipe. It’s quirky, smoky, sweet, and absolutely divine. 10/10 for creativity and flavor. The perfect food pairing for this drink is the “Cuban Pork Bon Bons”. The smoky, salty richness of the pork works so well with the sweet and smoky elements of the whisky. It’s a match made in heaven.

One of the most hilarious and creative cocktails I tried was “The Legal One”. It’s a gin-based cocktail, fruity and tropical, served in a glass bong. Yes, you “smoke” your drink, and it’s such a fun and playful experience. Beyond the humor, the cocktail itself was top-notch, and I highly recommend pairing it with the “Tempura Prawn Lollipops”. The crispiness of the prawns and the sweet chili sauce complement the tropical vibe of the cocktail perfectly.

I also tried the “Hipflask Margarita”, which comes in a sleek flask you can take home. You pour it into a glass with fresh grapefruit, and the cocktail itself is a refreshing, zesty delight. The coolest part? You can bring the flask back for a discount on your next drink, and they’ll give you a brand-new one. Such a fun idea! Pair this one with the “Chorizo and Cheddar Dough Balls”. The cheesy, salty, and slightly spicy dough balls, with that gooey center, pair wonderfully with the tangy, citrusy margarita.

The staff were absolutely incredible. They were fast, efficient, and so friendly. The entire experience felt seamless, and their enthusiasm and attention to detail really added to the atmosphere.

Overall, this place is a must-visit in Canary Wharf. Whether you’re going solo or with friends, this place offers an unforgettable mix of fun, flavor, and flair. The drinks are works of art, the food is fantastic, and the vibe is second to none. I’ll definitely be back to try even more of their creative...

I recently had the opportunity to visit The Alchemist Canary Wharf and enjoyed a generally pleasant dining experience. The food was delightful, showcasing the culinary expertise of the kitchen staff. However, my overall impression was marred by the behavior of the lady manager upstairs in the restaurant. Her treatment of the waitresses was unprofessional and disheartening, especially considering the restaurant's bustling atmosphere.

Let's start with the positives. The Alchemist Canary Wharf undoubtedly delivers on the culinary front. The food served was delectable, with each dish showcasing a blend of flavors that left my taste buds satisfied. From the starters to the main courses, the quality was consistently impressive. The presentation was also commendable, adding a touch of creativity to each plate. It's evident that the kitchen staff are skilled and dedicated to their craft.

Unfortunately, the negative experience with the lady manager upstairs cast a shadow over an otherwise enjoyable visit. Witnessing her disrespectful behavior towards the waitresses was both shocking and disappointing. It's completely unacceptable for a manager to berate and swear at their staff, let alone in front of customers. This unprofessional conduct not only creates an uncomfortable environment for the employees but also reflects poorly on the restaurant as a whole.

Considering the restaurant's high level of busyness, it's understandable that there may be moments of stress and pressure. However, it is the responsibility of management to handle these situations with grace and respect. The lady manager's treatment of the waitresses was unfair and uncalled for, tarnishing an otherwise pleasant dining experience.

It's important to highlight that the issues I encountered were specific to the behavior of the lady manager. The wait staff themselves were friendly and attentive, working diligently to ensure a smooth dining experience. Their professionalism in the face of such adversity is commendable.

In conclusion, The Alchemist Canary Wharf offers a satisfying culinary experience with its delightful and flavorful menu. However, the presence of an unprofessional manager who mistreats the wait staff detracts from the overall experience. I hope the management addresses these concerns promptly to ensure a positive working environment for their staff and maintain the high standards that the restaurant...