The Natural Philosopher — Restaurant in London

My original comment was ""Very pricey. Check the prices before you order any food or drinks"", and my response to their reply is below. I originally gave two stars, but I DOWNGRADED THEM to one star after their reply below.

Let me start by quoting your reply, and then I will answer with inline comments.

”Response from the owner a day ago Hi John,

Struggling to believe you've actually been to our bar as we're the cheapest cocktail bar in the area and also we don't serve food aside from some olives and nuts. Not to mention you've said check the prices when the prices are clearly written on the menu.

Its sad that's your only comment also. Nothing about the service, the drinks, the atmosphere of the bar.

Our small business doesn't even make a profit and last year we lost £20,000 so in fact we should be charging double what we do to even continue operating with any longevity. But there's always someone such as yourself who decides in a sea of 5 star reviews to bring the mood down and make comments on something they have no clue about.

If you want whetherspoons prices and whetherspoons quality, go to whetherspoons.”

My reply

Struggling to believe you've actually been to our bar as we're the cheapest cocktail bar in the area and also we don't serve food aside from some olives and nuts. Not to mention you've said check the prices when the prices are clearly written on the menu.

I most certainly have been. My friends suggested meeting there. Also Google Maps asked me to contribute and write a review after I left, which I have done.

I'm sorry I did not do a price comparison survey like the large supermarkets do before going into your premises, maybe you should put that on your terms and conditions.

My friend and I both had a toasted sandwich, so I find it very strange that you think that you do not serve food. We both remember eating there. Next time I will take a photo.

I did not look at the drinks menu as I only ordered “a glass of house red” to drink.

It seems like I can quite easily dismiss you reply.

Its sad that's your only comment also. Nothing about the service, the drinks, the atmosphere of the bar.

Pardon me, I didn't realise I had to comment on everything. If you want me to add something, then the toilets work and were clean.

Our small business doesn't even make a profit and last year we lost £20,000 so in fact we should be charging double what we do to even continue operating with any longevity.

Might I suggest you go into a different business.

But there's always someone such as yourself who decides in a sea of 5 star reviews to bring the mood down and make comments on something they have no clue about.

If you'd care to look at my Google reviews, I actually leave five stars for most places. I do have a clue about prices! Would you like me to dig out my credit card receipt?

If you want whetherspoons prices and whetherspoons quality, go to whetherspoons.

If you want to engage in a written discussion, I suggest you go away and read a grammar book first.

Looking forward to your reply, but not expecting one as you don’t have any substance to your argument.

My review has already got two likes...

Overpriced cocktails, rude staff and way too packed for such a small space. No idea how they’d safely evacuate 60 odd people in the case of an emergency which makes me nervous. This bar is not for me but many well wishes to visitors and owners.

My edit following a response from The Natural Philosopher: I just wanted to make a note that you have misidentified me. I did not attend your bar last night and I wasn't in a group of 14. I also didn't at any point have a member of your team ask me to move a bag or anything of the kind. It's disappointing that you are trying to undermine my review by suggesting I was a problem customer in any way. It's also interesting to see that you were expecting a bad review from a different unhappy customer, as I was actually putting my experience down to a one off bad day (we all have them) rather than a systemic issue. The culture of your organisation is set from the top, and it's no surprise that your staff feel they can treat customers with contempt if that is the example you are setting. As for the safety point, there was 60 people, so if this should not be the case then I suggest you look at this with the utmost urgency. Anyway, still many warm wishes and good luck for 2025. :)

Original response from The Natural Philosopher: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience didn’t meet your expectations.

To address some of the points you’ve raised: our cocktails are priced at £12, which is standard for London. We understand that prices can feel high these days, but as a small independent business, this pricing allows us to cover our costs, including rent and fair wages for our staff (and even then, just barely). That said, we aim to make our menu as accessible as possible, which is why we offer a daily happy hour with 2 cocktails for £16—£8 per drink. We noticed you enjoyed this offer, and we’re glad you could take advantage of it!

Regarding the capacity, we take the comfort and safety of our guests very seriously. While yesterday was indeed busy with birthdays and festive celebrations, the main bar area where you were seated accommodates 35 people, and last night we had 26 guests in total at any one time. This includes your party of 14, so we’re confident the space wasn’t overcrowded. We strictly follow all fire safety regulations to ensure everyone’s well-being.

As for your comment about our staff, we strive to provide friendly and professional service at all times. In this case, we needed to ask you to move your belongings from a table so we could seat other guests. We apologize if this interaction came across as abrupt after asking numerous times, but it was important to ensure everyone could enjoy the space. We would have appreciated your understanding the first time we made the request to avoid any tension.

We’re a small, independent venue that works hard to create a welcoming experience for everyone, and it’s always disappointing when someone leaves feeling otherwise. That said, we truly wish you and your loved ones all the best this holiday season and hope your new year is filled with happiness...

I only stumbled upon The Natural Philosopher recently—and almost in the same breath learned it will close forever at the end of August 2025.

The news landed oddly, like being told a dear friend was moving away just moments after meeting them. Within seconds of stepping into its subterranean embrace, I knew this place was something rare. It carried that elusive bourgeois-bohemian charm—warm, layered, intimate—where every detail seemed quietly considered.

The menu read like a love letter to craft itself. Behind the bar, Mateo worked not from recipes, but from conversation. I offered only half-formed ideas, vague sketches of flavors I craved, and he somehow distilled them into three of the best cocktails I’ve tasted in years.

Its closing is a reminder that magic is fleeting. The places that make a city feel alive are never permanent; they appear for a time—and are gone.

If you can, go. In these final weeks, descend those steps, sit at that bar, and let someone who cares deeply about their craft create something just for you. Some losses can’t be prevented. This one, at least, can be savored...