The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms — Restaurant in London

I’m literally sitting at their table writing this review because I genuinely don’t understand how this place has such high ratings. Maybe I was just unlucky today, or there’s a different chef working, but we came specifically to try their roast lunch/dinner after my boyfriend did a lot of research based on the glowing reviews.

The bar staff were friendly and the drinks were fine, but everything went downhill when the food arrived. The waiter brought out the dishes, but the plates were so hot it was obvious the food had been reheated—plates and all. Not only that, but the waiter didn’t even bother to warn us about the temperature, and I ended up burning my hand.

Now, about the roast beef… The meat was okay, but the gravy tasted like it came straight from a packet—one of those pre-made powder mixes, definitely not fresh. The roast potatoes were the biggest disappointment. They were soggy, bland, and clearly not freshly made—tasted like they’d been sitting around since at least the day before.

Overall, this was such a letdown. I would never come back here, and I definitely wouldn’t recommend...

This is by far the best pub in North London. The drinks are nicely varied, the food exceptional, and it is also incredibly cheap for anywhere in London *. The food comes in adult sized portions, changes all the time but is always good, and is not being mass-produced somewhere else. It always feels as though you've stumbled upon the only place in London you are not going to get ripped off! The owners work there themselves and are very attentive to peoples' having a great time when they are visiting. The bar staff don't change often, which is a sign of a good place to work, and are good at their jobs. The big, big bonus is that there are no kids. No sound of a poor bored child being entertained in an adult space. I almost don't want to post this review, because I don't want more customers to compete with me for space here! It's busy because it is good. I'm posting because I wish more pubs were...

Go for drinks, bar staff are lovely and nice vibe in the pub but SKIP THE FOOD. Mac and cheese was ok. The roast is tasteless do not get it but regardless we stomached it. The thai green curry was inedible, not one fresh ingredient or vegetable in it, tasted like gravy.

Politely went to the bar to explain, we never usually say anything but we had to complain about the curry as it was that bad. The chef overheard then called my boyfriend over to the kitchen where he argued with him directly and refused to do anything. Very confused why we were speaking to the chef directly, this is something for front of house staff. He had to bargain for a drink WITH THE CHEF as compensation as a refund was refused despite not eating it. The most uncomfortable experience with customer service I have ever had. Complaints happen but it is how you respond which...