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Fabulous Pre Theatre Dinner
Wonderful pre theatre dinner at this iconic welcoming restaurant. Seafood was stunning Great food and very attentive staff.
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Set lunch menu is good value
Sunday lunch with a friend visiting from overseas. We opted for the set menu. For £33 for two courses or £39 for three courses it’s an excellent value. The soufflé Suisse was excellent but the hot smoked salmon was rather disappointing: only a very tiny bit of salmon. The hake and sea bream were very good. The service was rather “aggressive” to start with: various waiters were circling our table in one minute intervals to see if we finished our appetisers and trying to get the bread away. Eventually they calmed down. The wine is extremely expensive for what it is. We were surprised to see a cover charge of £2 per head on the bill. The waitress didn’t know what it was for and she asked the manager to come and explain. He was very friendly and apologetic and said that it was a rather very old fashion charge for bread and linen! Rather ironic as they tried few times to remove the bread from the table. He did, however, remove the charge from the bill.
Our first visit, we would normally go to Scott’s or the Ivy but decided to try something new. It was excellent great wine and service and they coped with my wifes allergies perfectly Highly recomended !
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Best for seafood, in my experience
Beautiful sea food is the norm here. Starts and ens with fresh clean tasting sea food. I like to sit at the bar and admire the hard work of the staff.
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A very disappointing experience especially as it was for Mother's Day
A very disappointing experience on Mother's day. This restaurant was recommended. The fish batter was very oily, the chips were either overcooked or had been left for some time before serving. The waitressing service was slow and we were not even asked if we wanted a second glass of wine when our glasses had been empty for some time. The food when served, was delivered from one end of the table, the servers leaning across the other plates to place the other dishes, not very hygienic. For a Mother's day meal where the prices had been increased specifically for Mother's day compared to when we made the booking, this felt very impersonal. You would have thought they would have acknowledged the Mother in the group. I would certainly not recommend this restaurant or return based on the quality and standard of service from my first experience.
So sad to go to a restaurant that used to be so good. Arrived at 9.15pm the food was good but the staff seemed more slack than usual and during our meal three different people with mops walked past our table and someone else with the kitchen bins. We were told at 11.30 the bar was shut maybe that is normal now but it was my birthday at 12 and it would have been lovely to have had the option of a nightcap. We won’t be going again so sad when we’ve been so many times over the years. Sadly no theatre buzz now ☹️
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Enjoyed my meal - seafood platter is to die for!
I got the seafood platter and it was AMAZING! I couldn’t believe when they brought it out that it was for one person (although I think the intention is for it to be shared, I thought they assumed 3 people were paying for it and adjusted it accordingly). Got the chianti and it was a nice wine too. The staff were extremely friendly and accommodating, so big props to them. Only thing I thought was really disappointing was the cheeseboard - possibly the most disappointing cheeseboard I’ve had in a nice restaurant, and I had such high hopes with the rest of the experience it was a little disappointing. Overall, it was a nice visit. Not the cheapest place, so that (plus, and mostly, the cheese board) knocks off a star, but it’s certainly not the most expensive place either. Worth a visit if you like seafood.
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Delicious meal with a variety of seafood options -
Delicious meal with a variety of seafood options - vegan/vegetarian menu upon request. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Price was very reasonable for the quality of the food. Glad we made our way there this trip!
After a couple of disappointing visits to seafood restaurants recently it was a joy to return to Sheekey's. The dishes were cooked to perfection and, despite the restaurant being very busy service was very good (although there was a slight mix up over cutlery for one course). Very enjoyable experience, many thanks.
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Expensive but highly recommend for a one off celebration meal.
This is an expensive restaurant but well worth the trip for an anniversary or special day. The decor was incredible and it’s exciting to watch the chefs work with the seafood from your table. The food was impeccable and the menu was wide ranging and exciting. The service was very good and professional.
Yesterday on March 10th we were allocated table for our 5pm meal before going to the theatre. Having been to Sheekeys many times before we were looking forward to the experience. Our expectations were not met by a long way and from the moment we sat at the table at 5pm prompt we were made to feel that time was of the essence and all aspects of the meal were against the clock. We were well aware of policy of 1hour 45 minutes for the table and had planned accordingly. The waitress was unable to answer effectively questions about the menu but I don't blame her for that as she had obviously not adequately been trained. There was a table vacant next to us for the whole of the meal so there was no need for any pressure. As the owner of a significant conference and meetings business I am well aware of how fickle the public can be but this occurrence showed up some serious issues for Sheekeys business moving forward. Key points would be staff recruitment/training and mentoring on the job by a manager We had just arrived a few days before from Melbourne and were looking forward to a great evening- fortunately the MOUSE TRAP lived up to our hopes but Sheekeys did not.
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Fantastic seafood in a wonderful setting.
The service offered was as always phenomenal. A delight.
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Worth experiencing once, perhaps.
Our visit to Sheekey’s owed more to a desire to experience this London institution at last than pursuit of a relaxing lunch, especially since we were so close to Christmas. The restaurant was, inevitably, packed, though spacious enough not to feel too cramped. All our fish dishes were indeed excellent, and perfectly cooked, as its reputation had suggested they would be. Service was efficient and unhurried. There was unfortunate confusion at the end of the meal when, in an entrance area bursting at the seams with patrons, the checked coat of a friend couldn’t be found, until it was located by the friend herself, after ten minutes of staff confusion, by her advancing into the depths of the coat-check area and finding it herself, in a corner on the floor, where it had fallen from the hanger on which a staff member had clearly deposited it somewhat carelessly. Such things shouldn’t happen in the best-run restaurants in this price range. The bill for three was around £270, for lunch, which the dining experience itself didn’t really justify. But we were glad to be able to say “Been there, done that” even if we do have no plans to return.
Slow, impersonal service. After asking for 1 minute before ordering, we waited 6 or 7 befoe the waitress returned. Our starters (tempura prawns and mushroom risotto) were good, but my slip sole took ages to arrive - and, when it did, it had obviously bee sitting under a heat lamp for 10+ minuted - the tails were shrivelled and dry and the tops were hard. And when we asked for our coats, they seemed to ahve gone astray and took another 5+ minutes to arrive - after we had to say what type they were. After 40+ years of thinking Sheeky's about the best fish restaurant in town, this was a huge disappointment.
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The hostess and coat check attendant were both very lively
The hostess and coat check attendant were both very lively and warm from the moment I arrived. My reservation was for the bar area and several servers attended to me. I started with the shellfish bisque, which was delicious and the portion was very generous. I then ordered pan fried slip sole and mashed potatoes for my entree. Overall everything was prepared nicely and the service was excellent. I will definitely return on my next trip to London.
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Disappointing for a actual fish restaurant
I visited ….. fish restaurant in London with my partner for lunch today and I have to say it wasn’t a particularly good experience the staff were absolutely delightful however the food was really quite poor the tempura prawn starter was served with a very ordinary dipping sauce and the prawns had no flavour However the worst disappointment was really poor quality cooking of the monkfish and tiger prawn tikka masala in fact it was this dish that I actually travelled to the restaurant for the prawns were not tiger prawns and the monkfish had not been prepared properly and was still covered in membrane they immediately changed my dish and did not charge me for the main but I just feel that their menu reads an awful lot better than the food they deliver
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Lovely Food but rushed to the point of a takeaway
Lovely food but for £125 a head didn’t expect this kind of service. Booked this for my daughters birthday for just mum and daughter at 2.30 for Sunday lunch. Thought this a reasonable time for London, but apparently not. They said when we arrived there was no rush on the table and ok until 5pm. We were brought still water whist we looked at drinks menu and I then chose a wine. They came over twice more for our order even though we had only been there a matter of minutes. The waitress then came over whilst I had a mouthful of bread. Big fail I would say. We ordered oysters and were finishing when our starters arrived and they then backed off waiting in the wings for us to finish. Our starters then got put in front of us seconds later. After finishing I asked if I could have a 10 minute break as I was really full. This prompted the manager to appear and say they could only hold off for 3 minutes tops as the kitchen was closing at 3pm. We were so rushed and full. The waiters and waitresses seemed eager to get rid of us even though the restaurant was still full of customers. My daughter went to the toilet whilst I was eating my main and a lady came out moving the table next to me with a broom collecting debris, which reminded me of being at McDonald’s. Still while I was finishing my main the waiter appeared to ask if I wanted coffees as the kitchen was closing at 3pm. London and the kitchen closes at 3??? Has London turned into a village in Timbuktu??? Very disappointing as would of been lovely had not felt completely rushed.
4/5 by
Sam R on 02/12/2023
Good bits - food was really good. Delicious lobster, scallops and prawns. Can’t fault this at all, although was slightly unimpressed at the speed at which everything came out, they really want to turn round tables here. Bad bits - few of the staff were REALLY inexperienced. Couple of errors with the food we ordered vs what we got. Ordered deluxe fish platter for two with an extra lobster on the side, this blew the poor lads mind and he asked for clarity several times. When it came we got the platter for one and half lobster on the side. Also neither he nor one of his colleague knew what Armagnac was so gave up on that and ordered a brandy instead, this arrived in a frosted straight glass (had to laugh). Most annoying thing, is the layout of the restaurant. We had an awful table squished between the bar and about 50cm of corridor. My drink was knocked over TWICE and I felt closer to three people at the bar than I was to my wife. Really, really cramped, reminded me of the Caprice when it was still around. All in all, great food but hell of a lot to work on. Don’t think I’ll be heading back in a rush. Our three course meal with a bottle of house champagne was £400. It’s the same price as Scott’s in Mayfair l, which I have had several flawless meal at (way more spacious and no one will be handing you a chilled brandy there!!).
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Came here with my coworker and we were not disappointed!
Came here with my coworker and we were not disappointed! The ambience is lovely, and the food is excellent as well. The scallops had this amazing sauce that was so flavorful and my burger was juicy and filling. The portions were plentiful as well. Definitely recommend!
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I do not know quite what to put on this review.
I liked J. Sheekey OK but would I probably go again probably not. The food was good and the service was OK but I just wasn't sure what to get. I got food and it tasted OK it's just I wasn't thrilled. My friend got the grilled platter and I got the Seabass. My Seabass was cooked OK and there was flavor the potatoes were OK I just wasn't thrilled. I got the soup and there really wasn't anything in the soup it was just the soup more like an emulsion. My drink that I got it was just OK as well. So I'm not saying not to die in here because it was good but I guess I just was left feeling like I wanted more. It was very busy and it was in a part of town that appeared to be like the theater district or some thing. But I would say try it and see it if it's your thing.
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Really great seafood options.
Everything was cooked to perfection, and the mussels were stand out. The place is a little pricey but worth it if you're in the area looking for good fish.
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So fantastic in every way.
The oysters were fantastic and they were expertly prepared and presented. Crab and avocado salad delicious. The caviar under the house name was nice though it seemed a bit lower grade than advertised. Only short coming was the ice cream was not quality, more ice milk than cream.
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Fantastic seafood, but very overpriced wine
Having lived in London for 21 years, and walking past this restaurant on countless occasions, I finally got to dine here as a visitor, 6 years after leaving the city. I knew it would be expensive and it certainly was, but the quality of the food and the excellent professional service certainly matched the price tag, however I did feel ripped off with the Wine list. I fully appreciate wine mark ups are high but selling below average wine for more than £60 a bottle is a joke. There were few options below £50 a bottle and none of these options matched the price tag. Our Muscadet was average at best which, at £59 a bottle, left me feeling a bit robbed. With regards the food, I started with Lindisfarne Oysters which were divine. This was followed by an exceptionally delicious sea bass with potted shrimp. Dessert was a beautifully creamy crème brulee but the brulee crust was very thin and soft. Had the crust been thicker and brittle I think it could have been the best Creme Brulee I have ever tasted. The search goes on.. Overall a very pleasant 3 course meal with wine coming to just under £90 each. I regret not trying this restaurant years ago!!
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Great fish, as expected; expensive though.
We ate after a matinee just after 5pm, so no pe-theatre rush for us. We were seated outside on the patio, under an awning, which they pulled out on request to avoid direct sunlight. After a cocktail (G&T - £14), we had starters of dressed crab and salmon tartare, both well presented. Then grilled sea trout in sauce and the special - brill - a good piece of fish for one, but they didn't say it was £50(!). A good crisp bottle of Picnic Riesling (£66). A tasty dinner, presented at the right pace; but no change from £250 for 2.
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Best Chinese restaurant
Hot & Sour Soup... awesome. Dumplings... awesome. Singapore style vermicelli... awesome. An authentic Chinese restaurant with fantastic, helpful staff and delicious, affordable dishes. My noodles were spicy, fragrant and there was so so much. They have both an authentic Chinese style menu and an English style menu for more local variety. You will not be disappointed.
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I will start with the positives, the cocktails we had were
I will start with the positives, the cocktails we had were good and some of the staff were very curious and attentive, unfortunately the waiter we had wasn't very helpful, the starters came quickly although not all at one time, the main course took almost an hour to arrive. The food wasn't good, I had shellfish bisque, which I was expecting to be more like lobster bisque, but was brown and not very rich in flavor, I also had Monkfish and King prawn Tikka Masala, which I was expecting to be like Chicken Tikka Masala, but with fish instead of chicken, but no such luck, again was brown and the flavor was not what I was expecting. My wife had the lobster which also was disappointing. The waiter suggested we take some side dishes including potatoes, despite the fact the main course already came with fries, which also didn't taste good.
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Overpriced and poor quality
Had been looking forward to a friends lunch at J Sheekeys for 4 people. Unfortunately, the starter dressed crab was dry and tasteless. Main courses were small and also instantly forgettable ! The service was also very amateurish as if they were all trainees learning. The bill with drinks for starters and main course only was £104 per person. Will not be returning, far better restaurants to choose from in this area of London.
Back in London after 3 years, this was my first stop. Even though I was alone, I was seated at a nice table,always better than the bar. Happy to say that the food was as good as ever and I was very well looked after. Sheekeys will remain one of the first stops on every visit.
Dined at the bar on a solo business trip. Service was great, had the roast mixed shellfish and greatly enjoyed it. Would definitely come back.
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Great but expensive food; weak service; VERY crowded
3/5 by
Rob C on 07/12/2022
The food is pretty good but you pay for it - everything is pricey. That is fine, but six of us were seated at a tiny table very close to others - there was hardly room to move even an inch. And the service is very rocky - confusion over what was ordered by whom and several misunderstandings. The restaurant has agood reputation but this risks being lost if customers - who are paying a lot of money - are taken for granted.
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GREAT FOOD, SHAME ABOUT THE INCOMPETENT SERVICE!!
A good friend took me to lunch, I'd never been before, first impressions were good, shown to our table, lovely. Shame it all went a bit down hill from there! I know you guy's are struggling for staff but you're a top restaurant and to be honest there's no excuse for poor training! We tried to order a couple of beers as we sat down, so our waitress went to find out what beers they had! Awkwardly when she came back we couldn't understand her! In the end we looked at her order pad where she had written the beers down and pointed to what we wanted. I'm sure she felt as awkward as we did but we just couldn't understand her. In truth I'm not sure she fully understood us either! Not a good start! But hey food ordered and we're off! Can't fault the food it was lovely. The real shame is why do the kitchen porters bring the food out and not your waiter/waitress!!! Three courses, three different people bringing the food out, on each course the food was put in front of the wrong person so had to be switched. Appalling!! Thank God it didn't happen to us but I saw one salad taken to three different tables before being served to some poor unexpecting customer!! Food delicious, service needs a lot of work. You really can't have what looks like your kitchen porters serving the food, better service in JD Weatherspoons!!!
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Fantastic British Food & Seafood
5/5 by
kzlh on 07/05/2022
Sophistication in the middle of the super busy Covent Garden tourist area. Elegant takes on British classics, such as Welsh Rarebit soufflé (note: the traditional Welsh Rarebit is on the dessert menu as a cheese course! Which is what I was looking for, but the soufflé was in-credible). The portions are solid, perfect after a full day of walking. The seafood towers are generous sized as well. Great quality. I’m from NYC if that gives any perspective, we have many fantastic restaurants, so this was a good find. Lots of Brits as well as some tourists. Make a reservation in advance
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Quality selection of "as fresh as it gets" fish in London.
I had some local plaice and it was pretty nice. They kept the accompanying ingredients light with a hint of savory olive oil / butter sauce over the filet. Oysters on the half shell were out of this world - had 2 from each source. Incredible! I'd go back for the oysters alone. The ambiance was quite pleasant as well. The place itself has an elegant but not stuffy appeal with no modern decor. So it's like you're stepping back into the pre-2000s. I loved that. It felt very comfortable. No complaints about the service - our waiter was well kept and very attentive.
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Just so average and lazy
Been coming here on and off for absolute years. Went to Francis Bacon exhibition and in in homage and in a very good mood just ate 2 x dozen oysters and drunk a nice white. It was all just so average. Service pretty non-existent really. All very looking upwards to please the m d but customer wise barely average. Expensive and tbf experience doesn’t match anymore. Shame.
5/5 by
BigG on 04/04/2022
We have been here many times over the years. It’s fantastic.
Visit was on a Sunday evening:
Fantastic atmosphere
Fantastic service- engaging, welcoming and very professional.
Fantastic food, wine and cocktails.
And price wise - well it’s not the cheapest but given the quality, service, presentation and atmosphere- it’s worth every penny.
If you want a fish restaurant in London- this is the best.
We like the restaurant but the terrace looked fun too.
Looking forward to being back again.
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Last Reply by CelebratedStreet63 (03/15/2023 4:29 pm)
5 Replys, 2 comments
It can be under your name or a name you choose! Some reservation offers already include the AppointmentTrader Transfer Service which will transfer the reservation in to your name. If its not included you can add it on after buying the reservation for a small fee. One thing on that though: As many reservations become available at last minute, taking a reservation in someone else name is quick and great for privacy. Most reservations on AT are listed with a virtual phone number, so all you need to do is present the phone number at the hostess stand and you are good to go!
Best answer by ColorfulRod45 (07/09/2021 5:17 pm)