The Thamesmead Social — Restaurant in London

We have really wanted to like this place as a decent cafe is so needed in the area. Sadly despite two visits nothing has lived up to the glowing reviews we have seen.

The venue is great, but the food, coffee and service were dreadful. Some basic hospitality skills missing from staff who don’t acknowledge you or make you feel welcome. Utter confusion at the till ordering and lack of basic serving skills. Felt awkward and sorry for younger members of staff who were clearly trying but not being properly trained or mentored by a domineering and unfriendly older woman.

When coffee did arrive basics like sugar and milk forgotten. A bizarrely long wait for the simple brunch plates and then again basic stuff like cutlery forgotten. Plates dropped onto the table as if to emphasise “we are so busy” although the place was practically empty.

This would all have bearable and slightly amusing if the food had been worth the wait. Cold plates, cold food with overcooked eggs and bacon. The vege breakfast cold, but the wilted spinach at least tasty - nothing else though.

Waved out to staff and thanked them as we left, but completely ignored. No effort to make us feel welcome or want to come back.

Real shame as we really want to like this place and encourage it. Maybe if we try a third time we will see what previous...

Sadly had the same experience as Ant Davison, waited what felt like forever to get our food, (not busy) when it arrived my daughters pasta was cold and the sauce was not a Bolognese sauce but some kind of diluted tomato juice, sparing spread over cold pasta. My veggie burger however was tasty (lovely garnish/salad/sauce), the sweet potato fries were far too salty (on a previous visit they were very good and tasty). I too want to like and support a local enterprise, Thamesmead desperately needs a good café with a sociable atmosphere that is inviting and cosy. We visited on a previous occasion and the food was quite good, however the most recent visit did drastically change my opinion, you cannot make people wait so long for food when the place is almost empty and a smile goes a very long way to encouraging people to return to your establishment, being pleasant kind and friendly is a free gesture that can go a long way to ensuring your customers return. Please step up and make changes and we will all fully support you as we want this place to work for you and everyone..... with kindest heartfelt wishes you take note, as this is all written with a heavy heart as I don't want to dissuade people from going somewhere that might turn the tide and be wonderful...

Went to this hidden gem with my family. We had a lovely lunch with staff who were so accommodating! With 2 children at tow the venue was super spacious and child friendly. I personally cannot stand feeling like I'm on top of other people when I'm eating with my babies so this spotaround but still be friendly with families around. The food is fresh, perfectly proportioned with wonderful coffee. In fact, my husband and I have returned to grab a coffee as I write this. The venue kitchen is open to see the chef making our meals which is lovely! And the view gives you that sense of escapism. I also look forward to visiting when it's warmer so we can sit outside. Glad to have found a local spot we can visit when we want to eat out not to far from home and also bring friends and...