The Farmers Mistress — Restaurant in London

I've been to this brunch spot four times so far since August 2022, and it used to be a favourite that I’d recommend to family and friends. The first three visits until December were excellent; the food and plating were spot on, along with the customer service. However, I visited the restaurant for mothers day this year and was left very disappointed with the food and overall experience. We were a group of 3 people which meant we couldn't book in advance as the restaurant only accepts four people and above for bookings. This policy has always been in place, and we were quite happy to wait in a queue for 30 minutes. We ordered hot drinks and the waiting time was 20-25 min; then we ordered the food, which took about 30 min extra to come on top of what we had already waited for the drinks. I had to ask the waitress serving us whether the food would take any longer, she had a quick check and it seemed like the plates were already there. The waitress then brought the plates, which were room temperature at the time; two of the poached eggs were overcooked, and the salmon in the mistress royale was also overcooked; instead of the usual smoked salmon slice, the salmon was served cooked and shredded in a non-toasted sourdough bread instead of the usual buns (which used to be amazing). Three things I'd note in my most recent experience are the reduced food quality, plating and customer service. I did mention the overcooked eggs to another waitress who seemed to be in charge, she did offer to swap them and apologised but having waited for nearly 40 min for the food, we didn't send the plates back. I understand it was a busy day; however, I've always attended the restaurant on busy weekend days and never had such...

The food is simply stunning. Innovative, healthy, well portioned and full of flavour. Timing from ordering to food arriving was good. 5 stars for the kitchen. Sadly service wasn't up to the same standard. The first staff member we saw had a vacant look in all interactions. Not sure if it was lack of sleep or simply new to service industry. No eye contact, grunted rather than spoke clearly. The place is clearly popular and absolutely packed with a huge queue. We were seated quickly as had a reservation. Order taken about 10 mins after we were seated. Food arrived however the table had no cutlery for us to use so had to ask for it. Once we were all finished, waited for about 15 mins before we could get attention of staff to pay the bill. We asked if we could pay by cash... Told we couldn't. So put it all away, then a different server said cash was fine but they had no change? It's rather confusing for customers? A couple of other things we noticed, the menu outside didn't match the one given at the table. As customers are lining up to get in they choose something to only find its not available? They offer the bar to be seated at. Sadly this means for both staff and customers getting through easily is near impossible. Not comfortable for anyone. Although we would always leave a service charge... Its good to have the option. I understand on larger tables service should be included, but for 4 people when it's not been great, it should be discretionary. For one drink and one average meal for 4 our bill was just shy of £80. That seems a little steep for breakfast. We will return, but maybe on a quieter day....

Absolutely appalling service and customer treatment. I had my lunch, and decided to stay to work a little bit, the waitress came and demonstratingly put the bill infront of me, even I didn’t ask for it yet and wasn’t leaving yet. After I asked if they were closing on what she said we are closing at 5pm, which is in half an hour.. Then in 5 mins came a new waiter and asked if I was ready to pay their bill.. I have paid but it’s made me really furious that they were so pushy. I asked if they do this to every client? On which she said 1 moment I ask the owner to come. The owner came and said we are closed now so leave now because she decided to close early today!!! “I’m the owner and decide when to close” she said! When she said it she was yelling like crazy at me!

Avoid this place, they are absolutely horrible and rude and have to respect to the clients. I wish I didn’t pay for such services…

The owners response - is that I was rude toward the waitress, but it’s absolute lies! I have only asked them why are they suddenly doing this to me, I was sitting quietly eating my lunch and if they do this to others!

This is absolutely shocking that they treat people like this,...