Troubadour — Restaurant in London

Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing a night of live music at The Troubadour in Chelsea, and it was nothing short of fantastic. The anticipation built as I secured tickets for just £10, a reasonable price for what turned out to be an incredible evening of entertainment.

The Troubadour, with its rich history as a legendary music venue, lived up to its reputation. Nestled in the heart of Chelsea, the venue exudes a unique charm that blends nostalgia with contemporary vibes. Upon descending into the basement club, I was immediately captivated by the intimate atmosphere—a perfect setting for a night of live music.

The upcoming band night showcased emerging talent, and I was pleasantly surprised by the caliber of performers. The diverse lineup presented a musical journey, each act contributing a distinct flavor to the overall experience. From indie rock to soulful ballads, the range of genres added a dynamic and engaging dimension to the night.

The sound quality was impeccable, highlighting the musicians' skills and allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the live performances. The intimate space fostered a connection between the artists and the crowd, creating an electric atmosphere that resonated with the spirit of The Troubadour.

The £10 ticket price felt like a steal for the quality of entertainment delivered. The affordability, combined with the venue's historic significance, made the evening even more memorable. The Troubadour Chelsea has successfully maintained its status as a hub for live music, offering a platform for both established and up-and-coming artists to showcase their talents.

Whether you're a music enthusiast or simply looking for a vibrant night out, The Troubadour Chelsea delivers an unforgettable experience. The blend of historic charm, live music, and an atmospheric basement club setting makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the pulse of London's...

I called at 10PM on Friday to ask how late the restaurant served food. “We serve until 11PM” I was told. So we made our way from Leicester Square to Earl’s Court (where we were staying) planning to get drinks and a late dinner. When we arrived, service was a bit slow, but we weren’t in a hurry so didn’t really mind. When our server showed up we asked for a food menu…”the kitchen is closed” we were told. As it was only 10:40PM I queried this, explaining I had called specifically to ask and was told it was open until 11PM. The server didn’t seem too happy but said he would check. When he returned he reiterated that the kitchen was closed. I asked why I had been told it would be open until 11PM if this wasn’t the case…”I don’t know, maybe you misheard”. Of course, it was clearly my fault. The server’s attitude was entirely unhelpful and we opted to leave. At which point he walked away and immediately went to a colleague, looked in our direction and started to laugh. Not wanting to be left out of the joke I went back over and asked to speak with the manager…unfortunately my inner “Karen” had been unleashed.

The manager eventually appeared and I asked what time the kitchen closed. He said “11PM, but there wasn’t much going on, so we closed it down, but we can make you food.” While I appreciated the sentiment, given the attitude of our first server, the inconsistency, and not wishing to inconvenience the chef(s) in an establishment that clearly doesn’t prioritize customer satisfaction, we still opted to leave. Fortunately there were plenty of other good establishments willing to accept paying customers, whose kitchens actually stay open until 11PM, and don’t make you feel like an inconvenience. I highly recommend La Parppadella a...

Overpriced

I came here to see a gig. The place is basic but that's fine. The sound was good and the music was great. The problem for me is the bar. After paying for a round of drinks, I was surprised by the price and asked to see the bill. A pint of Pilsner at £4.95 and a half of the same for an amazing £3.00 is very expensive in my opinion. A portion of fries at £3.95 was also the dearest I've ever bought, even considering this is a bar, and finally being charged service at 12.5% is ridiculous, especially when I ordered the drinks at the bar, carried them to my own table and went to collect the chips from the bar where they were left sitting while the manager cleaned some cutlery! I queried the service charge and was told that it was optional.

Here's the thing - if it is added to the bill, then it is NOT really optional, is it? The manager also defended the charge by saying that the Troubadour is a cocktail bar. This is true, but the cocktails on the menu are all made with basic spirits (e.g. Gordon's, Grouse etc.) and not a particularly imaginative selection either.

The last straw was being charged 12.5% extra on one pint of beer ordered and paid for at the bar. This is not normal practice in any bar. It may be typical in a fancy hotel, but the Troubadour is not fancy - it is basic. Stick to what you do well guys - good music - and you'll always have a willing customer base, but you really need to look at your pricing policy and try to understand that a service charge is for providing exceptional service and given at the discretion of the customer. It's not a right, just because you happen to be in Earls Court, or because you were standing behind the bar and...