Penelope’s

Review summary

1. P

   Paul

   London

   2 reviews

   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   We attended the New Year celebration with an 8:30 pm booking and were initially pleased to be seated early at a lovely corner table. However, the experience quickly deteriorated into a frustrating and rushed affair. Before our allotted time had even started, all of our starters were placed on the table at once, and then, shockingly, the main course (half a lobster) was brought out before we had even taken a bite of the starters. When I asked the waiter to take the main course away, the floor manager arrived and insisted on leaving it at the table. We refused, requesting that it not simply be “kept warm” for us, but the pressure to move us along was obvious—perhaps to accommodate another booking? Whatever the reason, it was entirely inappropriate and undermined the celebratory atmosphere. The lack of attention to timing wasn’t consistent, as other tables seemed to be receiving properly paced service. This left us feeling overlooked and undervalued as customers. An explanation of this inconsistent treatment is warranted. The entertainment, while lively at times, was underwhelming overall. The saxophonist had his moments—most notably standing on the bar—but the dancing space was cramped, and after just a few hours, the show seemed to fizzle out. The dramatic handheld fireworks were a nice touch and impressed the room briefly, but it didn’t make up for the lackluster organization and rushed service. To add to the disappointment, a hot toddy we ordered arrived in a teapot, which was baffling and completely out of place. By the time midnight approached, we had already decided to leave, disheartened by the whole experience. I deeply regret paying the full service fee, especially as it was hidden within the drinks bill. This event was meant to be a memorable New Year celebration, but instead, it left us feeling rushed, ignored, and dissatisfied. I would appreciate an explanation.
   

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2. B

   Bonnie

   London

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   I thought we were getting the New Year menu but apparently not. I also understood we could get to the patio for fireworks but also no. The vegetarian main course was unattractive in how it was served and not enjoyable to eat. Musician was fantastic and created great atmosphere.
   

   Penelope’sResponded 3 days ago

   Dear Bonnie, Thank you for your feedback. We have been offering a New Year’s Eve set menu, which was available to pre-purchase online via OpenTable. We apologize if the booking process was unclear, but the set menu is only served to those who pre-book and pre-pay. . Guests were more than welcome to step outside on the ground floor to view the fireworks. We are sorry to hear you were unable to do so—this might have been due to the large crowds. Please feel free to reach out and share more details with us. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the music and the ambiance created. We appreciate your understanding and your kind words! Best, Penelope's Team
   

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3. L

   Linda

   London

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We were welcomed and offered drinks. When our table was ready we moved to it. The restaurant was decorated beautifully for New Year. The food was fabulous. We had Pao de Queijo and Chicken Pastel for starters between us, followed by Beef Short Rib with a tomato salad. The most delicious meal. Unfortunately, we couldn't sample the desserts as they all had nuts (apart from ice cream) and my husband is allergic. Superb dinner.
   

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   Penelope’sResponded 3 days ago

   Dear Linda, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your New Year’s celebration with us, from the warm welcome and beautiful decor to the fabulous food. We hope to welcome you back soon for another fantastic dining experience! Best, Penelope's Team
   

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4. E

   Edvina

   London

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 28 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 5

   I celebrated my birthday here, the food was superb. Definitely will be coming back it’s only a shame that service wasn’t the best but although food and ambiance of the place was lovely so I can ignore it. Recommend
   

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   Penelope’sResponded 3 days ago

   Dear Edvina, Thank you for choosing to celebrate your birthday with us and for your kind words about our food and ambiance—we are very happy to hear you enjoyed them! We are sorry to hear the service didn’t quite meet expectations, but we truly appreciate your understanding. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for an even better experience next time! Best, Penelope's Team
   

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5. Z

   Zoe

   London

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on 21 December 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great food, beautiful restaurant, amazing atmosphere. A really fun night with live entertainment, a cool DJ & lovely attentive waiter. Thank you James and the rest of the staff at Penelope’s for a great birthday night!
   

   Penelope’sResponded 3 days ago

   Dear Zoe, Thank you for your fantastic review! We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your experience at Penelope’s. It’s wonderful to know the live entertainment, DJ, and attentive service from James and the team made your birthday celebration extra special. We will pass along your kind words, and we hope to welcome you back for more fun nights in the future! Best, Penelope's Team
   

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6. J

   JULIE

   Berkshire

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 21 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   What a perfect restaurant, fantastic location and the service was excellent. We chose the pre theatre menu which was delicious . Great wine list. Would highly recommend and we will definitely be coming back.
   

   Penelope’sResponded 3 days ago

   Dear Julie, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your recent visit to Penelope's. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for another perfect experience. Best, Penelope's Team
   

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7. D

   Dan

   Manchester

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 20 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Beef rib and Lamb cutlets were excellent! Great selection of drinks and the atmosphere was great
   

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8. F

   Florence

   London

   36 reviews

   4.0

   36 reviews

   Dined on 14 December 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Very good experience overall. Good food, good atmosphere. Busier than I expected for an early dinner time. A few disappointments. - The front of the house was disorganised. I was asked to sit down and wait only for 10 people to arrive after me and be attended to before I was. The waitress I flagged that to could not care less and was borderline rude. - The pre theatre menu had to be requested despite the fact I mentioned it in the booking. It is much cheaper than the standard one. Call me a cynic. The rest was good and good value for money.
   

   Penelope’sResponded on 17 December 2024

   Dear Florence, Thank you for sharing your review with us. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the food, atmosphere, and overall value for money. However, we apologise for the lack of organisation you experienced at the front of house and for the way your concerns were handled. This is not the level of service we strive to provide. Your feedback regarding the pre-theatre menu is also noted, and we will ensure our team is reminded to communicate more effectively with guests to avoid such oversights in the future. Your comments are incredibly valuable to us, as they help us to identify areas where we can improve. We hope you’ll consider visiting us again so we can provide you with the seamless experience you deserve. Best, Penelope's Team
   

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9. K

   Karen

   London

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on 10 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Went for the shawarma Tuesday deal which was really nice. Friend had small plates, which were yummy
   

   Penelope’sResponded on 12 December 2024

   Dear Karen, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We are lad to hear you had a good time during your recent visit. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Best, Penelope's Team
   

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10. c

    claudine

    London

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on 30 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Penelope’s a great lively venue. Amazing food and an energetic vibe. A real party night with sparklers, flashing head bands and great music. The food has a Middle Eastern/ Spanish theme…. Well presented and delicious
    

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