Hare & Tortoise
Restaurant - Chinese in London
11-13 Brunswick Centre
London
Greater London
WC1N 1AF
Contact Numbers
Reviews
Rude staff and blatant liars!
We had an appalling dining experience at Hare and Tortoise on the weekend!They first brought out the mains before our starters. When we said we'd asked for the starters first they took back the mains but then proceeded to place our mains at the service counter and left them there while we ate our starters.When we finished our starters (after 15 minutes) they then offered us the same mains that had been sitting at the service counter for over 15 minutes. When I asked whether they were going to re-cook the mains the waitress offered to reheat them for us. We said no and asked that the mains be freshly cooked again. They took back the food and then brought them out again after only 5 minutes and it was quite clear that the dishes had merely been reheated! When we asked the waitress whether the food had been re-heated she flat out lied and claimed that they had been freshly cooked.When we asked to speak to the Manager she didn't even apologise for the incident but proceeded to tell us not to disrespect the staff and to lower our voices!We will never be returning to this establishment again. It's quite clear that they have no consideration whatsoever to ensure customer satisfaction and have no qualms at all about being rude to their customers or are even concerned about customer welfare because of potential food poisoning from eating reheated food!
A User - 11/11/2008 | report this review
Cheap eat!
As previous posters have already mentioned this place is extremely busy and it's often difficult to get a table, with queues of people waiting by the door. But when you do get a table the food is truly delicious and extremely good value. The portions are more than generous and very tasty. I too have found the service to be somewhat lacking, with staff seeming disinterested and not particularly friendly. Thankfully, the food makes up for the service and that's what keeps people going back for more! Also does a take away service. Try going on a lunchtime if you don't fancy the queues!
A User - 01/11/2008 | report this review
Cheap tasty food
As a previous reviewer has already stated, this place is always busy. It used to be that you had to queue on the weekend, but since the Brunswick Centre was done up you have to queue most nights it is so popular.The service is not overly friendly, and sometimes staff can be rude. I was once questioned as to why I was sending my vegetarian meal back when it had a scallop hiding amongst the noodles! However, the quality and price of the food makes up for this and makes me keep going back for more. There aren't many places in this part of town that you can get a huge meal for under a fiver.
A User - 10/09/2008 | report this review
Brilliant food
Some of the best Asian food I have had in a long time, but I have always ordered takeaway so can't comment on the service.
A User - 03/03/2008 | report this review
Excellent value for money
I'd have to disagree with the previous reviewer in that I don't think it is particularly like Wagamama. It has wooden furniture and you can see what they're doing in the kitchen, but the similarities end there. For one, the service couldn't be more different. The staff are surly and inefficient but it makes a refreshing change from the sickly faux-friendliness of Wagamama staff. It feels a lot less corporate. The meals are big and tasty, but you have to watch the hot dishes. One week it could be perfectly managable, the next week it could rip your tongue to shreds. But its part of the fun.They've added to sushi to the menu now, I've not tried it but it looks good and you seem to get a lot for your money - which is theme of this place. This place is hugely popular and I don't think I've ever walked past and seen it empty. Be prepared to queue on Friday and Saturday nights!By the way, I can't fault Annika's suggestion to combine it with a visit the Renoir and the Perserverance. The shops in the Brunswick now are pretty decent too.
A User - 09/07/2007 | report this review
Cheap and cheerful
This is the perfect place for someone who cherishes great Thai food at super-decent prices without caring too much about the athmosphere. The food is absolutely amazing and surprisingly cheap - a menu with something for everyone, huge portions, beautifully presented, very tasty (definitely try the seafood and/or the curry laksa!). But admittedly the place feels a little too 'wagamama' if you know what I mean. Anyway, an evening with friends combining dinner at the H&T with an arthouse movie next door at the Renoir and a drink afterwards at 'The Perseverance' is difficult to beat.
A User - 05/09/2006 | report this review
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