The Garrison reviews
Just horrible! Chalky, half-raw risotto and microwaved food that was cold in the middle. Our waiter was nice, which is more than I can say for a stony-faced waitress who stared over frostily after we sent back uncooked food. Don't go!
by carolyn c, 23 Mar 2008Don't go there! Looks can be deceiving indeed. The cosy decor and friendly-ish staff do not make up for the diabolical food.
I took my pregnant friend to have a comfortable, lovely lunch. We were seated in a nook, which was charming and pleasant enough. Service was also pleasant until the hamburger arrived for my friend. She asked for it to be well done, it came dripping in fat and red on the inside. It was sent back. When it returned it looked as though it had been zapped in a microwave, looking drier and retaining its pink fleshy interior. It was sent back a second time. When it returned this time it looked like a dark, dry, decomposed mound of cement and mud. The 'chef' would not even get a job at McDonald's with this! I had macaroni cheese and it was made with a cheese that was too heavy; (go to Automat for the best macaroni cheese).
Don't bother with the Garrison. There's far better food up the road in Borough Market or, dare I say it, McDonalds!
I have to completely disagree with the last four reviews. It's almost as if they visited a different place. Admittedly, we arrived at an indecent 6.30pm on a Saturday night (the only table available at late notice) but the service, given by largely Australian staff, was charming, prompt and attentive.
The meal itself was the best I have had in some time, with a fantastic starter of savoury chicken livers and bacon in a rich dark sauce with corn bread. The portion was enough for two and was eagerly finished by my husband after his own excellent starter of scallops and rocket salad.
The mains, of Charolais beef and slow cooked pork, were equally memorable and left little room for a dessert, but we managed to squeeze in fantastic homemade pistachio ice cream.
The decor is quaint and quirky and I would recommend this little gem to anybody. The Bloody Mary was also excellent.
The staff are all from a Friday night out in Shoreditch. Way too much attitude, overrated, fashion conscious and no idea about good service. We had 'the guy with the low low slung jeans' - we could see his underpants, how that gets past mangement is beyond me. Also 'the girl with the high waisted jeans and high strung attitude' - she refused to let our group of five sit at a table designed for four. And, 'the guy with the flouro pink t-shirt' - who must have been distracted by its brightness, because he forgot our orders of more drinks and failed to order our desserts.
What finally got me was the lack of any kind of management. Staff were more concerned with standing at the end of the bar talking about themselves, rather than having any kind of genuine interest and concern for their customers. I'm pretty sure Mr. Pink T-shirt was eating our thawed-out brownies...
I don't know what has happened to this place but the food has definitely gone down hill. Every dish of every course with every diner in our party had a problem (undercooked asparagus and risotto, overcooked beef wellington, quite frankly awful desserts). The atmosphere remains good but they really need to sort the food out.
by DanL (3 reviews), 22 Aug 2006This has got be the WORST pub I have ever been to in London.
Do not be fooled by its beautiful décor. The food (if you can call it food) is something they should be extremely ashamed of. I'm surprised they can dish the stuff out and charge money for it.
Especially don't order their "pea & ham soup" which is basically boiled carcass and meat fat with lumpy half mushy peas.
There was one nice person who worked there but the rest were arrogant, sarcastic and damn right rude.
I am so appalled by this place to the point where I cannot say one good thing about it and will most definitely never be going back there and will tell all my friends not to waste their money or time there.
I really like it here - the atmosphere is relaxed and the food is well cooked. It's always busy and so necessary to book a table.
by fussy (15 reviews), 19 Apr 2006The best little cosy stylish pub/restaurant south of the river. Always got a good atmosphere. Very busy weekdays and nice and relaxed on Sunday mornings for breakfast (have to book a table in advance though).
by Anonymous, 22 Feb 2006Absolutely fabulous. Friendly and prompt service, gorgeous food, beautiful decor, 3 courses with a bottle of wine and water for £70, including service. Just great.
by Anonymous, 06 Jan 2006Very friendly waiting staff, fantastic food and a nice pint! Great value £80 for 2 x 3 courses, bottle of wine, water, liqueurs and service. Looking forward to a return visit for Christmas.
by James Molloy, 15 Nov 2005Kitchen opens and closes at will, with no regard for published opening hours. Shabby service - however the food is good.
by Anonymous, 11 Jul 2005Have we missed a great gastro pub in London? Let us know.
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