The Shell — Restaurant in London

We bought a groupon voucher for a meal here but it was an experience not to be repeated. The service was appalling. We were willing to pay extra for the oysters which was on offer for £1 each but was told the offer was until 5 pm. So we pointed out that we were seated before 5pm but no one came to take our order for over 10 mins, so it wasn’t our fault. The manager agreed to let us have the offer price. We had to ask 4 times for water before we got it and my friend ordered a glass of wine which never materialise. We had to wait nearly an hour for our main course and heard another table complaining that they had waited over an hour (the restaurant was not that full). We ordered the seafood grill which didn’t require that much cooking. Most of it was ok but the prawns were not fresh. We had to ask them to clear the table so that we could have our dessert as no one came to clear the table. I told them I was lactose intolerant when we ordered and the manager breezily said he would make sure I had a dairy free dessert. They gave me ice cream!! I told the waiter that the manager said he would order a dairy free dessert for me and he just walked away. I had to go and find the manager who said he ordered sorbet for me. I asked him to come and look at my dessert as it’s clearly not sorbet. They took it away and my lemon sorbet finally came when my friend had already finished hers. We had to ask twice for the bill and when it came it was wrong as they charged us again for the mains and desserts which we had already paid for through Groupon. We were so frustrated by then, I told my friend to pay cash for the oysters and not to pay the service charge as we didn’t get good service. While she was sorting it out with the manager, the tight came to our table. We left it there as my friend had sorted it with the manager and left the restaurant but the waiter came running after us demanding payment and my friend had to go back in to sort it out. The whole experience was like dining at Fawlty Towers and needless to say, we will not be returning however...

Revisit edited review:

Revisited this restaurant after a year and was slightly disappointed with the foods I received. Their menu has expanded considerably which may not be a good sign (restaurants tend to lose focus on their best dishes when they expand their menus).

The gratin mix platter seemed smaller and there were definitely less chips. The shell fish did not taste fresh and were overcooked, especially the langoustines, mussels (they shrank!!) and gratin oysters.

I still enjoyed the octopus though it was slightly over-seasoned with salt.

The sea bass was the worst dish of all. They were not fresh and tasted unpleasant. Wouldn't recommend.

I think their vent system might be malfunctioning as the entire dining area was very smoky, not very pleasant for diners. The service was still pretty good but I may not come again as the food quality has dropped.

Very sad as I was hoping to impress my friends with their foods but was let down.

Fresh seafood with generous portions! The seafood platter in the image is meant for one, can you imagine...These mixed hot seafood were sat on top of a bed of chips too. I'd have thought the chips would be soggy sitting underneath all that hot seafood but to my surprise, they weren't! Absolutely loved the chips!

The manager told us that they use good quality frying oil and potatoes, and they change the oil frequently. That's why they're so good!

The service was speedy, friendly and attentive. Love the whole experience.

I guess the only thing that the restaurant could improve on is their Covid secure measures - we weren't asked to leave our contact details and there's no protective screen between tables.

Would recommend the food though, it's definitely...

I recently had the pleasure of dining here and it was an experience worth sharing. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance was warm and inviting, setting the stage for a memorable evening. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the food. Every dish I ordered was a masterpiece, crafted with precision and care. The Creme brulee was a standout, bursting with flavors that danced on the palate. Definteley the best brulee I've ever eaten.

The staff at elevated the dining experience even further. From the friendly greeting at the door to the knowledgeable recommendations provided by the server, the service was top-notch. The staff's genuine passion for hospitality was evident in every interaction.

Ambiance: Cozy and Elegant The restaurant's interior was tastefully decorated, creating a cozy yet elegant atmosphere. Soft lighting and comfortable seating made it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. The attention to detail in the decor reflected the same meticulous care evident in the food and service.

Overall Experience: Unforgettable The shell exceeded all expectations, providing an unforgettable dining experience. The combination of extraordinary food, exemplary service, and a charming ambiance makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable meal. I will certainly be returning soon and recommending it to friends and family.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In conclusion, if you're looking for a restaurant that delivers on every front, this one is the place to go. Whether for a special occasion or a casual night out, it promises to leave you thoroughly satisfied and eager for...