The Cyclist — Restaurant in London

Came here on a Wednesday lunchtime when the pub was virtually empty, and was immediately made to feel completely unwelcome as we came with two well behaved babies in prams. The staff were rude about us having prams with us, and the waitress (without asking) grabbed and pushed one of the prams to try and move it, despite there being a sleeping baby in the pram. She commented that the prams were in the way of her bringing food to us, despite us picking a large table with lots of space exactly for this reason. Ironically this didn’t end up being an issue as we left before we could eat.

While we were waiting to order, both babies were out of prams, quietly feeding and making normal baby noises. Neither baby cried at all. However a customer came over to us and very rudely told us to shut the babies up as they were making too much noise. When we explained that they weren’t crying but there was little we could do to keep them silent, she told us to get out and go elsewhere. We were both quite shaken as new mums just trying to have lunch with our babies. We explained what had happened to the waitress and she simply shrugged and said that the lady was a regular and she “hates kids”. At no point did she try to reassure us that we were welcome, or tell the lady that her behaviour was inappropriate.

All in all, we found the staff, customers and environment hostile and unwelcoming, so we left and went to the Devonshire which welcomed us with open arms.

Frankly we’re appalled at the treatment we received. Balham is full of young families, and while we understand the pub might not want children there when it’s busy at the weekend, midweek when the pub is deserted, it feels like this attitude is cutting of your nose to spite your face.

Will not be returning - and will be warning other families they would...

Went in for a drink on Sunday, after I had finished the LLHM. Started to order, and I was eating a roll purchased in Pret. The server told me to STOP EATING the roll. I told her I was hungry and I had just run 13.1 miles, and hadn't had time to eat, as I was very tired and exhausted. She said "NO, you cannot eat that in here"! I repeated that I had just run 13.1 miles for charity. Still, I was told I could not eat inside: you can go outside and eat that!! I said I could take my business, about £100, elsewhere: she just shrugged, and said "OK, then"!! Very dismissive of me. I repeated I was exhausted and I needed something to eat and drink! Still, she would not agree. I said I could ask for the manager: but, I am the manager, she replied. I said I'd ask to see the senior manager; I am the senior manager! I'd report it to the area manager, then: "you can email him", was the response. Again, very dismissive attitude and unbending! I told her I was Type1 diabetic, requiring food at regular intervals (for which they did not cater), and had coeliac: again, "you can eat outside but not inside". Even for people with Special Dietary requirements, there was no bending of the policy: UNBELIEVABLE!!! Stupid, really, as I could just have taken ONE step outside, taken a bite, walked back inside with the food in my mouth and continued eating! What's more, there was SMOKING area outside affecting my lungs! Later, I noticed a couple of tourists had brought inside, and were drinking from, a Pret coffee cup; this same server saw this, looked at them, and walked away!!!! I CANNOT recommend at all this place; VERY UNHELPFUL, and a totally DISMISSIVE attitude, and UNWILLING to accommodate health issues, probably against the Law. I will NOT be returning! Will go to the Firefly next...

Have to be honest here and say that i have been to the Cyclist quite a few times both for drinks and to eat and yesterday sadly was not the usual experience that we have come to enjoy..... Booked for 4 people at 2pm called ahead to say that we would only be 2 and was told it was fine , asked if we could bring 2 dogs and was told Yes ! Arrived just before 2 and once the chap had found the reservation, pointed to 2 tables at the window and said "Either one of those " i asked if it was possible to be seated on the back row , higher tables and less cramped for the dogs , was told " NO" when i said ' Ok " he then said we have a group of 8 coming in and a group of 6. We were there for 2 hours and no sign of the table of 8 and instead was sat with tables x 2 . I understand the allocation of tables has to change to accommodate passant and bookings , but would of been good if he had bothered to ask if we were still wanting to move knowing the 8 were no where in sight. We eventually moved close to the bar and once there all signs of service disappeared. A lot of waving arms to get anyones attention. We were told 30 minutes for food as were super busy , no problem, ordered a bottle of Malbec, very good , the starters were both very good and came within 10 minutes , the 2 Roasts ( Pork and the Beef) Not so good, Tough and Luke warm, tried to get someone to come and have a look but no eyes on our table. Dessert came within literally 2 minutes LOL and we asked various staff for the bill which eventually came and was £ 137 x 2. Not cheap and not sure what has happened, i hope they were just having an off day maybe as its a great buzzy place and usually spot on...