Smiths Of Smithfield, Smithfield

My family and I were so excited to get a table on the 2nd floor at Smiths (the Wine Floor) and we have to admit that we had the best red shiraz there ever. We have since been back in touch with Smiths and got the info on the wine, and they have offered to get a case at cost for us.

However, the food and service that evening (Sunday after Notting Hill carnival) was really attrocious. Trying to get a smile from the waitress was like pulling teeth, although she was australian and I thought they were supposed to be friendly. Our starters were inedible; so much lemon on the potted shrimp that we had to leave it. The main courses were very salty. It was perhaps one of the worst meals that we have had ever, and we eat out alot.

When the bill came, it had the 12.5% service charge already on it, which we paid without a fuss (as the staff had glared at us while we paid) but we didn't leave a cash tip which we normally would.

Don't go - there are much better gastro pub places around Faringdon for at lot less money (and litterally about 10 mins walk away). The hostess and the wine staff are ace and should be snapped up.

5 Sep 2010 18:43

The Union Tavern, Clerkenwell

We stayed at the Holiday Inn over the road and ate at Smiths of Smithsfields on night one, the Union Tavern on night two and Bertorellis in Covent Garden on night three.
The Union Tavern was thes best meal by a country mile. The guy serving us was really friendly and helpful with the meal. The chef personally spoke to us about our meal, and even chatted to my 8 year old son about his dessert. If only all service in London was the same. Not only was it delicious, it was also the most reasonable.

[The staff at Smiths were neutral and the food was really average, apart from the starter which was inedible and we all left it].

5 Sep 2010 18:38