Canteen

Canteen? More like Can't-een

03 Jul 08, 13:53 Well below expectations

On the hottest day of the year this year we headed to Southbank for something to eat and could only find a table at 'Canteen'.

We asked for a table for 2 and were told by the 'meeter-greeter' that we could only have a shared table and that it would be inside. We said that would be fine and then enquired about a vacant table for 2 in the window.

The manager (who had up until now not looked at us, smiled or even said hello) quickly snapped it's reserved. Then carried on scribbling in his little note book.

After 15-minutes I had to grab a waitress and ask if we could order. 5-minutes later our waiter came and was surprised to find we'd already ordered our food. He didn't apologise or say anything else - he just walked off.

The 2 of us had just ordered a main (sausage and mash and the daily special - pork pie). After 40-minutes I had to go and look for our waiter to find out where our food was.

When it arrived, they were measly portions, already cooling down (probably from standing out for so long) and tasted no better than you could do yourself at home.

As we were eating the 2 girls next to us noticed they'd been overcharged on their bill (which they had had to ask for a couple of times).

Halfway through the meal our waiter came to our table, but instead of asking if everything was alright he took out a dish cloth and wiped the table down.

We ate up quickly, got the bill, crossed of the 12.5% gratuity, paid and left.

I'll never go back and would never recommend it. There are lots of much better places on Southbank - in better locations (with a great view) and that are much better value.

Crap when crowded

14 May 08, 08:52 Below expectations

What is it about the southbank in the summer which makes every eatery unable to provide a decent service. After passing the masses of queues out side wagamama's, strada and giraffe we felt a little smug for knowing that Canteen was just around the corner. But we were left to stand for too long while waiting to be seen to, and was then told that we would be waiting over half an hour as the empty tables were all reserved and there was already people waiting at the door. The staff seemed harassed and unable to cope. The seating plan is a little unusual too - you could end up sharing a table with randoms. Fine if you are in a noodle bar where you don;'t expect much from the food, but i was looking forward to tasting this menu. The place was sparsely decorated and noisy - so noisy in fact that it didn't take me long to decide this is not a place i want to dine in, in the evenings. Read other reviews to see what the food is like - i didn't bother to find out.

Delish Macaroni Cheese...

08 May 08, 18:06 Above expectations

I know it's not the sexiest dish ever, however this was just one of the wonderful dishes on offer when I went here for a girly lunch. It's a great buzzy atmosphere, with great service and really not too pricey considering the fantastic food and central location.

Good real food

15 Apr 08, 15:09 Above expectations

A real cafe amongst a load of wanna-be's

get real cafe grub here like a proper fry up and a cuppa!

some great sarnies and lasagne here also

but save room for the banoffe pie! its the best

the prices are fair and the staff are friendly calling you "boss"!

The photos on the wall also add the the cosy london atmosphere

simple. I like.

11 Apr 08, 13:06 Beyond expectations

A more spacious version than the original in Spitalfields with cosy seating areas, Canteen offers unfussy and hearty British food. A great place to have breakfast/brunch/dinner with an all day menu (yay!), a different pie (mmm) and roast (also mmm) for each day. Puddings are all old school favourites such as apple crumble and treacle tart (if you have the room). If you’re going for cake try the chocolate and beetroot or the guinness cake. Service can be quite casual but this is a good thing if you are not in a hurry. On a completely random note, the toilets have those new Dyson handryers which are worth the visit alone (honestly).