Le Pain Quotidien reviews
Went to the one in South Kensington on a couple of occasions. Agree with the remarks about the fresh orange juice - it was very watered down and not worth the price. Second time around, I asked for a crumble. It came out cold. When I asked for it to be reheated, it was obviously microwaved, as when I got it back all the crumbly bits had almost melted away. Not impressed and won't be returning.
by vickyo1 (3 reviews), 10 Mar 2008Absolutely awful. The service at the Marylebone High Street branch was forgetful and inattentive. The 'tartine' we ordered is a glorified sandwich (and not good at that) and the bread was mediocre. It may be good for pastries etc, but I would avoid at all costs for main meals.
by em2008, 31 Jan 2008Again, London rip-off prices and poor service! Would the Belgians be prepared to pay £3.00 for a small glass of undrinkable orange juice, £2.20 for a medium luke-warm coffee served in a mug without handles, and £2.30 for a crumbly almond croissant? Total: £8.44 (£7.50 + service 0.94). The staff were hopeless and refused to refund me for the undrinkable orange.
by dpcdpc1, 09 Aug 2007I had a fanatstic dinner at the Festival Hall branch. The sea bass was perfect and the desserts and cheese all top quality. I thought the service was very good too. I would recommend it to anyone.
by critic, 01 Jul 2007I was served a fish pie that smelt like a corpse. It was so off I couldn't believe the kitchen staff hadn't noticed. They then brought me a second pie that was also off. I spent the rest of the evening feeling sick and wondering if I had food poisoning. And to make matters worse, the staff were totally inexperienced and no one seemed to be managing them.
by alim, 21 Jun 2007Had lunch and dinner in the Marlborough Street branch last weekend, while on a visit to see the Sound of Music (just around the corner). Loved it! Food fab and the wine not bad either. Would visit again.
by mary masterson, 11 May 2007I've tried this place about 4 times and I am never happy when I leave. You wait a long time for a table, then the latte always comes cold, the food is not that great, and it's quite expensive too for a cafe.
by vspira (2 reviews), 30 Mar 2007I've visited the Great Marlborough Street branch three times and each time the bread and cakes were excellent but the service amateur. Brought different cake, different tea, forgot a plate, spilled water on me... I know why they add the service charge to the bill - because no one would give any tips! But the bread is fantastic and I will be going back. I'd rate 5/5 if it were not for the service.
by Anonymous, 26 Mar 2007Went there for breakfast 3 mornings on the trot, plus one lunchtime. The baguettes are to die for and everything else we had was great - food tasty and fresh and excellent coffee. On all 4 occasions the place was really busy but each time the service was spot on and we had no complaints. Perhaps a little pricey, but this is London and the food was good!
by Anonymous, 14 Mar 2007The food is great but the service is the worst I have ever come across. You get some sour look from the shift manager when you ask for 2 more slices of bread for your salad. Such a shame as it really spoils the experience. Reading through the other comments I see that I am not alone in this impression.
by Gideon (2 reviews), 13 Mar 2007I've been to the High Steet Ken branch numerous times and although the food never fails to disappoint, the service always does. It's invariably slow, sporadic and inattentive. Even though the food is good enough to make me go back, they should attempt to address this other aspect, since with good service my rating would be a 5.
by Lavina (3 reviews), 27 Feb 2007Good cappuccino, bad service! We had to wait too long to order, to be served and even to pay! I understand they are very busy but they should be more organized.
by Anonymous, 13 Feb 2007Visited the South Bank/Royal Festival Hall branch at lunchtime. It wasn't busy but I was ignored for 5 minutes before eventually asking to be seated, waited another 5 before asking for the menu. A glass of tap water requested in addition to my latte never arrived, my companion's request for camomile tea was met with peppermint and no explanation. £6 for tuna on toast. I don't know what it is the staff would rather be doing but it's certainly not making customers feel welcome! Agree with others here that adding 12.5% to the bill for service which was at best reluctant is a cheek.
by petal2, 18 Jan 2007I still can NOT believe this is a chain. I have been to other locations and they were so average. But this Marylebone location is so quaint. The basket was delicious, with all the yummy toppings. It's always crowded but the staff are very nice and willing to please.
by charlielondon (7 reviews), 08 Jan 2007Although it's got nice decor I'm not that impressed. They are a little overpriced and the staff are not that attentive.
by Anonymous, 17 Oct 2006I went in to the Great Marlborough Street branch and wanted to eat in and have a baguette (which was on display). The woman behind the counter told me I had to take a seat first. I was then told I was "not allowed" the baguette as they are take-away only. Needless to say, I left the building. I don't like being dictated to as to what I can and cannot eat. Not impressed.
by Lunch Lady, 11 Oct 2006I have visited their branch in Kensington, just off the High Street. The food is excellent and, for London, very good value. We went at an 'off' time - mid afternoon - when they were not so busy. Service was a little slow but this was probably more the kitchen than the waitstaff. Overall you won't do much better than this for high quality food in a pleasant atmosphere at a reasonable price.
by joetr, 14 Sep 2006I enjoyed my tuna with olive tapenade tartine (open-faced sandwich) and large hot chocolate (although it tasted a tad Cadbury-esque)... A bit pricey, but then London's a bit crazy. Overall though, we (friend and I) enjoyed our experience though a bit noisy and yes, they should have some tables for 2!
by Anonymous, 07 Aug 2006Food and atmosphere is great but the service is horrid. I've been there at least 5 times and I've lost count of how many times I've had to get up and get someone's attention to order, to remember to bring the food, to get the bill, etc. On two separate occasions we waited 30 min for a croissant to be brought to the table!
by Anonymous, 19 Jul 2006Not enough tables for 2. The big table shared takes up a fine amount of space, just would like space to be available for 2 people (as I like to sit opposite the person I am talking to without a huge table surface in between).
by h15t0r1an, 03 May 2006Have we missed a great cafe in London? Let us know.
Photograph © Le Pain Quotidien
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