The Bird in Hand — Restaurant in London

Ok so it saddens me to have to place such a low score and normally I wouldn't, but expectations and what I received was so polar opposites I feel I have to.

So the Mrs (she is Italian) and I came to London for the weekend, found this place on Google and thought let's go.

We arrived at about 8:30pm on a Saturday, no table, not a problem we can wait at the bar and enjoy a drink and we did, the drinks were lovely. A table came free quickly and we were seated within 15 minutes, great. And so far so good.

We both ordered a margarita it's reasonably priced, nice staff and still all good.

Then the pizza came, well here are our faults with it. The taste there was none, I made a comment saying I might be able to taste a little but of basil but that could of been left over from lunch. The sauce was just bland. Then the cheese we have no idea what it was it seemed like the packet cheese was layed over it it had no taste at all and certainly was not mozzarella.

The base, the crust was far too thin, nothing wrong with a thin base but it was just far too thin, the crust was too compact like the dough wasn't proved properly it had no room to breath which also meant the crust was over crispy and the bottom / centre of the pizza was almost undercooked. It was a little cool in the middle.

So to sign this off, I'm sorry guys, your place looks lovely, the staff seem really nice and I can't fault them, your drinks taste great and prices aren't insane. But your pizza needs to be looked at I am sure there are loads of people dissagreing with me but when you have chance to try pizza all over then you realise what works. I hope you guys can take this as constructive and look to fix the simple things.

And if you need a day trip to see how things can be done then visit Bournemouth and try out Elmurinio and Via-roma to see what can be done with pizza. (Maybe a cheeky plug for places I've visited but in all honesty do check them out and take on...

A table for two was booked for 7pm. The service was poor from the outset. A starter of mixed bread with an olive oil based dip apparently did not warrant side plates, so an involuntary mess was made on the table. There were two glasses on the table but tap water was not offered. Indeed, the pre-ordered drinks did not materialise for a good 10 minutes, so there was nothing to wash the starter down with. The draft beer, it must be said, was excellent (Tribute). When the main course eventually arrived, it was immediately apparent that my Margheurita was virtually cold. The base was very dry and the toppings of tomato and cheese were coagulated. When I indicated this to the manager he simply whisked my plate away, without proper apology. He returned a few minutes later informing me that the same pizza had been reheated! Unsurprisingly, it was still barely hot, and the crust had merely further hardened etc. No check was made to see if the meal was “fine”. When I indicated my dissatisfaction to the manager on exit, he shrugged his shoulders and made no offer of apology. On this basis I would strongly not recommend this establishment for anyone expecting decent food or service. The tables are bunched very close together and the atmosphere was very noisy. Avoid...

DO I REALLY HAVE TO BOYCOTT THIS PLACE ??? I'm really worried about this cashless situation that has continued after Covid. The Havelock across the road doesn't either. Same at Italian and Serpentine cafes in Hyde Park. I'm really uncomfortable . Why can't i use my money ? SO disappointing . I think it's so important. I want to be able to use cash. There are many people who can't have a card for obvious reasons, as well as those we don't know about. What about that money kids might get in their birthday card . Or when you start to encourage then to go up to the counter to pay for the first time and then show them what the change is . Every place I go the staff say they agree but can't do anything because they are not the decision makers. EVERYWHERE ! Well I've spoken to the manager at The Bird in Hand where I get my guilty pleasure of the very best Pizza in town (and I'm not even a fan of Pizza) and he says he'll pass it on but I'm not feeling positive. I said I'll give them a month and if it doesn't change i won't be going back. I'll really miss my rare treat enormously but I'm not sure what else I can do to make my point . I don't think they will care, but I will. Not good to have bad feelings in...