The SeaShell of Lisson Grove — Restaurant in London

There are moments in the hospitality industry that stand out, where service goes from being just "good" to exceptional, creating lasting memories that beckon you to return. Alina, a young lady working at Seashells, personifies this level of service, turning ordinary dining experiences into exquisite memories.

My initial encounter with Alina was in the takeaway area of Seashells. It was then I experienced firsthand her impeccable service. She attended to my order with such professionalism and warmth that it instantly lifted my mood. Her attention to detail, her genuine smile that seemed to light up the space, and her swift service were noteworthy. I left thinking that if this was the standard at Seashells, they had certainly won me over.

Last night's experience, however, elevated my impression to new heights. Celebrating a special occasion, my partner and I came in for dinner, and our excitement doubled when we saw Alina. The anticipation of having her as our waitress again was like looking forward to meeting an old friend. True to form, Alina greeted us with her radiant smile and an enthusiasm that felt both refreshing and genuine.

Alina’s presence at our table was discreet yet attentive. She had an uncanny ability to appear at just the right moments, ensuring our glasses were always full, our plates promptly cleared, and any additional requests were met with promptness and a gracious attitude. It's rare to find someone who performs their role with such effortless grace and who anticipates your needs before you even realize them yourself.

Her knowledge of the menu was impressive. She made recommendations that were spot-on, enhancing our dining experience with her culinary insights. She celebrated with us, bringing a level of personal touch to our celebration that made the night truly memorable.

Words seem to fall short when trying to encapsulate the level of service provided by Alina. It was not just the food or the ambience of Seashells that made our night special—it was her exceptional service that added that indescribable sparkle to our celebration. She is an asset to Seashells, and we are beyond thankful for her dedication to not just meeting, but exceeding the expectations of every customer she encounters.

I am not just looking forward to my next meal at Seashells; I am looking forward to the delight of being served by Alina again. It is not every day that one encounters such a dedicated and personable professional, and it is safe to say that Alina has not just raised the bar, she has set it. Thank you, Alina, for making our special night even more spectacular with your...

My review from 2018-ish: "This is a good place in many ways. The ingredients and quality of preparation are of a high standard, but I have found a few times that the kitchen is a bit disorganised, and you might, say, get one diner's food fifteen minutes before the other's, so one ends up eating it in the shop, and the other ends up taking it home, or you might get your main in five minutes, and then wait ten more minutes for a side like scampi or something. This isn't really how it should be. It's good if you live nearby, but there are better places to go out if you want the best."

My review from 2023: Fancied a fish and chips one Friday evening and as this is my local, I went round the corner and popped in. The atmosphere was pretty ropey but Friday nights in central London are what they are and I don't mind a bit of rowdiness anyway. The woman behind the till was pretty basic in terms of customer service and interacted with everyone like the whole thing of her being there was an inconvenience. I knew what I wanted to order and simply said it and got the old Monzo out, not wishing to spend a lot of time near her. She chucked my receipt at me rather than hand it to me. Actually chucked it at me. Fine. Whatever. I stood aside where the other people were all standing waiting for their dinners.

I waited a long time for my order, which was for a large cod and chips. Other people who came in after me got theirs ahead of me and blah blah blah I was getting a bit stale standing there. Eventually the lady at the other end of the counter, who was more advanced in terms of customer service, handed me my dinner with a professional smile, and I went back round the corner to devour it while watching Hammer Horror's classic 'Dracula' from 1958 starring Christopher Lee. Sort of the perfect movie to watch while having fish and chips. Anyway. They'd given me a piece of haddock instead of cod, and a pretty dry one at that. The chips were strange: there were about eight or nine decent ones, and the rest of them were all tiny end-bits of chips - the little bits and pieces that you can't eat with a fork because they're small and hard and basically more like fat crisps by that point.

For £15.50 I could have had a far better experience elsewhere. I reckon I'll not be going back. It's a shame, because they have this reputation as being really good, and they're just round the corner, but nah.

Oh and my lemon...

I rarely find myself compelled to write a review, but my experience at Seashells, courtesy of a young lady named Alina, was one that I believe truly deserves recognition.

From the moment I walked into Seashells, I met Alina on my return visit, and to merely say that her service was good would frankly be an insult. Her service was exceptional, far surpassing the high standards one might expect at such a reputable establishment.

As a Black male in an affluent area, I've grown uncomfortably accustomed to the subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle, undercurrents of bias that can taint the experience of dining out. It's not uncommon to feel the weight of unwelcoming stares or to receive service that feels begrudging at best. This unspoken tension can transform what should be a relaxing meal into an exercise in restraint. However, Alina's service shone like a beacon of warmth and welcome. Her unbiased, anti-discriminatory approach to her work was not just refreshing, it was uplifting. Her professionalism didn’t come across as a mere obligation but as a genuine commitment to excellence.

Alina made me feel seen, heard, and valued. Her attention to detail, her engaging conversation, and her ability to make every guest feel like the most important person in the room were nothing short of remarkable. She provided not just a meal but an experience – one that has been sorely missed. She has a gift, a real talent for turning a simple dinner into a memorable occasion.

The ambiance of Seashells was enhanced by her radiant personality, making my dining experience one that brightened my entire day. This is the kind of service that builds not just repeat customers, but loyal advocates for the business.

I find myself not only looking forward to dining at Seashells again but specifically to enjoying Alina's exceptional service. It is not just the craving for the exquisite food but the anticipation of that feeling of being genuinely welcomed and appreciated that draws me back. Alina, you have truly set a new standard, and I hope your employers realise the gem they have in you.

To those considering a visit to Seashells, ask for Alina. You’ll understand what it means to have a meal transformed into an experience. Thank you, Alina, for reminding me what true hospitality feels like. See...