Thai on the River reviews
The restaurant had a contract to provide 50% off the total food bill, which they refused to honour. When I phoned the restaurant to make my booking, the whole conversation resembled an episode of Fawlty Towers involving Basil and Manuel.
Allow me to explain...
When I rang, the receptionist took my booking. This took over 3 mins due to a language barrier. I cannot understand how the manager can put someone with very little English in charge of manning the phone. This got worse when I mentioned the Viewcard offer over the phone, at which point she seemed to understand nothing. Only instead of passing the phone to someone who spoke better English, she kept replying "No understand you say". I only got passed on to the manager after effectively trying to spell out the word 'BOSS'.
Where the receptionist resembled Manuel from Fawlty Towers, the 'boss' could only be described at Basil, although a little more insulting. She stated that she refused to give 50% off. I asked why, to which she replied "None of your problem". Whilst keeping as calm as I could, I explained that she was misrepresenting her restaurant by advertising an offer and not honouring it.
Next day I get a phone call asking why I never showed up at the restaurant. I explained the booking didn't really go through. I also explained that if the restaurant doesn't honour the offer, why should the customer honour their booking. At which she insulted me and put the phone down on me. I would rather not explain the words used to insult me.
I have since read other reviews of this restaurant and can only advise they change name and management, as the name has seriously been tainted by this poor customer service.
by nolan8213, 22 Jun 2010
Allow me to explain...
When I rang, the receptionist took my booking. This took over 3 mins due to a language barrier. I cannot understand how the manager can put someone with very little English in charge of manning the phone. This got worse when I mentioned the Viewcard offer over the phone, at which point she seemed to understand nothing. Only instead of passing the phone to someone who spoke better English, she kept replying "No understand you say". I only got passed on to the manager after effectively trying to spell out the word 'BOSS'.
Where the receptionist resembled Manuel from Fawlty Towers, the 'boss' could only be described at Basil, although a little more insulting. She stated that she refused to give 50% off. I asked why, to which she replied "None of your problem". Whilst keeping as calm as I could, I explained that she was misrepresenting her restaurant by advertising an offer and not honouring it.
Next day I get a phone call asking why I never showed up at the restaurant. I explained the booking didn't really go through. I also explained that if the restaurant doesn't honour the offer, why should the customer honour their booking. At which she insulted me and put the phone down on me. I would rather not explain the words used to insult me.
I have since read other reviews of this restaurant and can only advise they change name and management, as the name has seriously been tainted by this poor customer service.
by nolan8213, 22 Jun 2010
If you enjoy foreign cuisine you should try this place. Believe me, with the beautiful setting and view you are in for a treat whatever the occasion.
by Timmy, 01 Nov 2006
by Timmy, 01 Nov 2006
I was invited for a friend's birthday dinner. Thai food is my favourite and the food here was fantastic, one of the best I have tasted, with great presentation. What's more, we had a table with a stunning view overlooking the river... Great all round!
by Anonymous, 09 Oct 2006
by Anonymous, 09 Oct 2006
The food and service was very bad, such a waste of money. The manager and staff were bloody rude to customers. I really wonder how can this place call itself a restaurant. The owner of this place must have no brain.
by Jimmy2007, 19 Jul 2006
by Jimmy2007, 19 Jul 2006
I DID like this place. On Saturday my partner and I took his mother for what we expected would be a fantastic evening. We know the food and the venue are great, we've eaten here many times.
BUT... We booked for 8pm and arrived on time. At 8.10, despite every table on the patio being empty, we were still not seated. We asked why and were told our table was being laid. We waited some more, and then when we complained that we were still waiting we were told that our table was the one - the ONLY one - looking out the side of the restaurant on to the road. The waitress was rude and surly (she clearly didn't have the time to use good manners) and we eventually walked out, our evening ruined.
My advice: avoid this place, despite the great venue and the good food, because the staff are clearly not interested in keeping good customers. I certainly won't be returning.
by timr, 10 Jul 2006
BUT... We booked for 8pm and arrived on time. At 8.10, despite every table on the patio being empty, we were still not seated. We asked why and were told our table was being laid. We waited some more, and then when we complained that we were still waiting we were told that our table was the one - the ONLY one - looking out the side of the restaurant on to the road. The waitress was rude and surly (she clearly didn't have the time to use good manners) and we eventually walked out, our evening ruined.
My advice: avoid this place, despite the great venue and the good food, because the staff are clearly not interested in keeping good customers. I certainly won't be returning.
by timr, 10 Jul 2006
Just go, and enjoy the best Thai meal and atmosphere. Thai restaurants in secluded riverside locations are rare in London.
by Anonymous, 23 Dec 2005
by Anonymous, 23 Dec 2005
I am not sure we are in Thailand or England? This is truly Thai food at its most authentic. It is excellent, fresh and superbly presented! What can I say about the stunning riverside view.
by vince, 02 Aug 2005
by vince, 02 Aug 2005
Have we missed a great restaurant in London? Let us know.
Photograph © Thai on the River
