Bistro Union

We had a fantastic three course meal for a very reasonable price. The wine list was extensive, and the service was outstanding. We will be comming back to try out the new menus. Bistro Union had a good vegetarian range in their 3 course option.
Apr 27th, 2023

Ok so I had been meaning to go to this local restaurant for a while and i went yesterday for lunch at around 1 pm. This is not a 5 star review from 5 years ago. Ill start with the good things. The space is nice and the food is ok. My issue starts with the staff.. When you arrive they emit a cold, clinical and non welcoming atmosphere. They act like you are entering a Michelin star establishment when even the best of the lot are more welcoming. They seem like they absolutely dont want to be there and frankly it made the entire experience uncomfortable and pompous. Were in Clapham here, on a family middle class street. Make it feel like that. When you have a 3 course menu that you charge 45 which is 35 under what a 3 Michelin star restaurant like the Bernardin in NY Manhattan charge, you explain the menu. You guide the client through it. However they were responsive every time I asked for water, bread, etc. The food. It was clean, light and not overdone. However it felt very thrown together and the non-overdone approach makes it feel bland and underwhelming. Its not giving at all. If youre going to go minimal to add focus on the ingredient, thats one thing, but it shouldnt feel disappointing or restrained. The smoked salmon was a joke. 3 pieces that are the size of a pinky and 5 thin slices of cucumber. Come on. No play with textures, platting was boring If you go rustic, go with more. If you go minimal, be creative and surprise the client. The dumplings with pistachio. Again, light and home-y. However the dumplings tasted soapy and the minestrone like broth with chickpeas tasted bland and the presence of salt and carrots was way too overpowering. All In all it felt like a dinner one could cook at home. It wasnt an experience. If you do a tasting menu, make it an experience. Especially when its for 45 and when the staff acts so pretentious. Lastly, the terrace. Give it some more life. It deserves more than 6 chairs and two tables. Ill be coming back with a notepad in a couple months, with a hopefully second chance that results in more positive publications. Thank you
Apr 29th, 2023

Nice friendly staff and food was OK. But my gripe is the overpriced wine rip-off. 50 for a "bottle" of Macon. The wine arrived and was poured straight into our glasses, it wasn't opened in front of me and there was no label. The waiter told me it was on tap. I can't believe that it was on the wine list as a bottle, and for 50
Apr 10th, 2023

One of the only places Id happily get a regular roast lunch from. Their other dishes are also often delicious and interesting. Good desserts and cocktails. Perhaps a little pricey.
Apr 10th, 2023

Great food and very friendly and helpful staff
Apr 9th, 2023