The Reading Room

Update! After a horrible experience celebrating my B-day here, me and my friends have been invited for the complimentary afternoon tea, to re-celebrate my birthday. The Manager has assured, that something what we have experienced isnt up to their standards. Re-celebration happened 4 months later (due to our busy life commitments). The sandwiches and deserts were really tasty (not too much sugar) and there was a large variety of teas. The service was good this time. We enjoyed spending time together and my friends were happy. Just very sad, that my first experience during my B-day wasnt as good. However, despite that I will still probably visit again for special occasion. *** I wanted to visit this place for a long while. Finally, I have booked a table for my 36th Birthday to celebrate with my girlfriends. To say that I was so disappointed and frustrated is to say nothing. From beginning ato the end, we experienced a very bad customer service. I booked a table at 3pm for a la carte menu. When we sat, we have been told that a la carte menu is closing at 3 pm and we have to order asap. (Why do you give option to book a la carte, if you dont serve it after 3?). We been served by at least 5 different people in a very slow way, some of the staff did not speak English or spoke it in the way non of us could understand. Despite I left the notes, that it was my Birthday - no one even said Happy Birthday, nothing at all. I was very disappointed to pay for a top restaurant and experience appalling customer service. No one asked us if everything was ok, it looked that non of the staff is interested in caring for their customers. The food was nice, but it does not pay off for the service and experience I received. I was ashamed in front of my guests, that we experienced this. In my opinion in place like that and with prices like this, the customer service has to be a top priority. The staff has to be friendly, polite, smile and know how to go an extra mile if needed (or at least make an impression that they go extra mile). Non of this we have experienced. The way of communication with the guests (us) was appealing. On arrival we have also asked if there was any chance to change for the afternoon tea and very rudely been answered: No. - without any explanations. We have also been asked in a quite rude way out of the restaurant: Sorry, I need the table - that was the indication for us to leave. The waiter did not offer us to move to the bar area. Jus told that he needs a table. I was shocked. At that moment we were waiting for a taxi and actually had to stand outside for 10min in the cold, because we have been kicked off. Many little things have combined in a horrible experience with a high check I have paid. I was so shocked, that I couldnt sleep at night and thought about our experience and why it was like that. My B-day with my friends was ruined this year. My girlfriends advised me not to pay the service charge and one of them told during the payment that we wont pay a service charge because there was no service. The waiter was not interested at all in what we have said and did not ask any questions about it. When we paid the bill, there was someone coming again to take the payment second time. There were so many things, which have combined into an appalling experience and ruined my special day.
Apr 23rd, 2023

Recommended dishes Cocktail Choices, Pumpkin Soup, Rabbit and Chicken Roulade More
Apr 20th, 2023

Recommended dishes Rabbit and Chicken Roulade, Vanilla Panna Cotta More
Mar 20th, 2023

Food : 5/5 | Service : 5/5 | Atmosphere : 5/5 Recommended dishes Afternoon Tea More
Mar 19th, 2023

My Mother and I visited yesterday for an early Mothers Day treat. We had afternoon tea and the whole experience from start to finish was faultless. Food was amazing and the staff are so helpful and friendly. Highly recommended!
Mar 15th, 2023