Review of The Horniman at Hay Restaurant As a seasoned restaurateur with decades of experience in building and operating restaurants across the U.S., my expectations for a dining experience, especially one centered around my favorite dish – steak – are understandably high. Unfortunately, my recent visit to The Horniman at Hay fell far short of those expectations. Upon my arrival, I was optimistic, drawn by the restaurant's ambiance and a vested interest in supporting local venues during my stay in London. However, once I placed my order for steak, my anticipation quickly turned into profound disappointment. The quality of the meat was, to put it kindly, subpar. I’ve had the privilege of sourcing and serving high-quality cuts throughout my career, and it's clear that this establishment has no understanding of what constitutes quality in meat selection or preparation. The cooking process was equally mishandled. I won't dive deep into specifics, as no mere detail could encapsulate the depth of disappointment I felt. It's clear to me that if I were the owner or operator, I would promptly remove the steak from the menu entirely. The deficiencies evident in this dish indicate that, at this stage, there’s little hope for salvage. In my professional opinion, feedback is a critical aspect of growth, and I submit this review with the hope that the owners take it to heart. A restaurant can thrive only if it consistently delivers quality food and an exceptional dining experience. Regrettably, The Horniman at Hay did neither during my visit. I truly hope that with a serious reevaluation of their meat sourcing and cooking techniques, they can elevate their offerings in the future. Until then, I cannot recommend this establishment, especially to fellow steak lovers seeking the...
Read moreWe have visited The Horniman before and booked late lunch as we have been happy before. However, this visit was not great and we would reconsider coming to you again and recommending you to others. We ordered 2 starters and mains. After 35 minutes and other tables around us getting their meals, I asked a waiter if our starters would be out soon. He said he would check. " minutes later he returns with our starters and mains together. We explained that we didn't want them together and he said that is how they come out as there is an hour wait between starters and mains. He then walked off. My main was cold and my husband went to the bar to complain and a bar staff member said he would get someone. After 5 minutes, no one arrived so I told another waiter that most of my meal was cold. He apologised and left with my meal to only return a minute later with my fish (that was from my original meal) on a clean plate and explained that my chips and peas will be out when they are cooked. I was so stunned, I went and asked for the duty manager. He was very surprised by my issue and refunded me my meal and very kindly gave my husband...
Read moreAnother Hidden Gem in London!
I recently visited The Horniman at Hays in London and was thoroughly impressed! This charming pub is tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, but don't let its location fool you - it's a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and authentic experience. The moment you step inside, you'll be struck by the warm and cozy atmosphere. The decor is eclectic and quirky, with vintage artifacts and curious trinkets adorning the walls. The dim lighting and comfortable seating areas make it the perfect spot to relax and unwind. The menu is a delight, with a range of traditional pub fare and more adventurous options to suit all tastes. I opted for the fish and chips, which was cooked to perfection and served with a side of crispy batter bits (a nice touch!). The beer selection is impressive, with a range of local ales to choose from. The staff are friendly and attentive, with a clear passion for the pub and its history. The Horniman at Hays is a hidden gem in the heart of London. Whether you're a local or just visiting, it's a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and authentic experience....
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