Le Pont De La Tour reviews
Utterly disappointing. Spent the entire evening facing a corner of mirror and wall (despite the windows and location!). The overall atmosphere is that of a business hotel in anytown - bland. Dishes small and overpriced. If you are going to go, stay in the bar area - not worth venturing into the restaurant.
by jamesbartholomew, 12 Feb 2008I took my sister here for her birthday - what a disappointment. Another overrated Conran restaurant and massively unimpressive. It had the atmosphere of a business hotel restaurant, practically non-English speaking staff (OK OK, typical London) who did not have a clue what was going on and thus gave bad service, food was very average and I could have made it myself as it was simple. Sometimes simple is great but this was just plain. I definitely wouldn't recommend it and won't be returning. Nice touch was the piano being played in the bar area. Bar was the best bit of the whole night.
by lyddie (2 reviews), 24 Jun 2007I really do not understand why this Conran restaurant is so popular. Having been to at least five of his restaurants in the last decade, I have not found anything that special about them. I have had lunch here twice, once in 1993 and once last month. On neither occasion was the seafood at all memorable (roast cod with new potatoes last month), yet this place always seems to be packed with a certain clientele.
Admittedly, the wonderful view of the Thames is an attraction, along with Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the Gherkin, and sitting outside in the sunshine was very pleasant. However, both the food and wine were heavily overpriced, and I could have eaten far better quality food at several Michelin-starred restaurants in London for the same price or less. The lunch menu was confusing and even though the waitress informed us that we did not have to order the full three courses from the set menu (at which point I ordered just the main), I was still charged for all three courses - around £30 or so!
All in all, an outrageous rip-off. One would be better off buying an expensive wine and taking it to the Golden Hind to wash down some of the freshest fish and chips in the UK.
We had the seafood platter, and I was very disappointed to find that the food was not fresh but had obviously been frozen. I grew up with fresh seafood available on my doorstep, and there is no comparison. And when I actually had to order bread separately, my mind was made up. That should be included in the seafood platter - THAT'S HOW YOU EAT IT!
by Thule, 16 Feb 2007This restaurant is simply the cracking best. This is the setting where my fiance proposed.
by Jodz, 18 Oct 2005Incredibly over priced, terrible service, mediocre food. The only thing it has going for it is the setting. Yet again, Conran lets us down.
by Anonymous, 10 May 2005I have found Pont De La Tour a little bit hit and miss as far as the food goes, not to mention the fact that it is very expensive and the expense does not really reflect the food. The ambience is always great and very romantic, however a little snobbish. Nice place but could think of others that are just as nice but more reasonably priced.
by Rachel Mingo (2 reviews), 25 Jan 2005I have been several times over the past year.
OUTSIDE at lunch time is perfect in the summer when the sun's shining. You can admire the views, people watch and get smashed by the river. ;-) Service can be variable but food usually satisfactory to good.
INSIDE in the evenings can be romantic if you are out to impress your special date. You can be ejected from your table at 21.30 if you have an early booking which sucks. It just means finishing off in the bar with another bottle of champagne! David G.
I went here on Valentine's night last year and liked the fact that the restaurant helped make it a special evening.
There's quite a formal atmosphere, but the food is lovely and the view of Tower Bridge lit up outside is beautiful.
Have we missed a great restaurant in London? Let us know.
Photograph © Le Pont De La Tour
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