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Home » Wild Honey, 12, St. George St, London, W1S 2FB

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Wild Honey, 12, St. George St, London, W1S 2FB

Wild Honey, 12, St. George St, London, W1S 2FB

12, St. George St, London, W1S 2FB

020 7758 9160

Well I'll start by saying a very big 'Sorry' to Jim. It was my friends birthday celebration, and I talked him out of going to Langans (which has less than favourable reviews - food is naff and it's all a bit 'old boys club' for me - plus once told 'footballers eat there', I was convinced to avoid it like the plague) to go to much talked about Wild Honey, in London's Mayfair. It had, incidentally, just won a Michelin star and I was very anxious to try it out. Unfortunately, the only thing it had in common with Michelin is that it left me 'tyred'.

Upon arrival, 10 minutes early, we were asked, neigh, TOLD to come back in ten minutes when our table was ready. Before I could object, we were told we could stay (oh thanks...) if we squeezed into the gap beside the window. Half our party were then offered drinks, still in our coats, whilst the other half stood perplexed by the bar. We were then left to stand at the bar perusing menus. Thankfully, a far more charming waiter picked up on our immediate dissatisfaction, and our table was quickly prepared. However, they had decided that the best place to put six diners celebrating a birthday was in a dingy booth beside the stairs to the toilets. Even then I had to ask for our coats to be taken. It was NOT going well - they certainly didn't win any stars for the service. Our party were asked several times in a patronising tone whether we needed any 'help' with the menu (IF I was unfamiliar with any of the terms or ingredients, I'll ask, thankyou), and were generally treated as accidental walk-ins rather than serious diners. At one point, an incredibly rude waiter asked one of our party, quite forcefully whilst delivering his main course, 'do you want this or not?'. I am quite glad he hadn't addressed me in that manner, because he would have received a graphic and detailed answer of what he could have done with it.

Still, onto the food. I started with gurnard, in a ceviche style, on a tomato and blood orange salsa, in reflection of the skin of the fish, a nice touch. This was fine, delicate and sweet. However, the salsa was reminiscent of the tomato sauce on a cheap frozen pizza, and I found this to be offputting. Haunch of venison with sweet potato and kale was perfectly cooked, but very delicate in flavour - I had expected a certain 'highness' which was entirely absent and far too safe for Michelin standard. I then chose from an uninspiring but tasty cheese selection, with an Epoisse-style cheese coming out the winner, and a signature 'Wild Honey' ice cream with honeycomb, which was admittedly very good, only to be superceded by a Sainsburys Taste the Difference offering a day later. Saving grace? Very good wine list; it would have been hard to pick a duff drop - the Sauvignon blanc and Viognier I had were fantastic. So, I would be lying if I were to say that it was a total disaster. The food was well cooked and thought out. However, nothing on the plates put in front of me had anything nearing the Wow Factor you would expect from a Michelin Star. My beloved Bildeston Crown in Suffolk (near Hadleigh) is a far better restaurant food wise, and knocks Wild Honey into a cocked hat (Do go if you get the chance, as their once lapsedaisical service has improved of late). But what really marred the evening was the condescending, dismissive, indifferent and downright rude service we were subjected to, aside from one waiter who did his best to maintain a cheerful veneer over his disdainful visage. We did not leave a tip, as they did not deserve it. The only thing about that restaurant that was wild was me on my exit. HitchamGentleman


www.wildhoneyrestaurant.co.uk/
By admin at 06/02/2008 - 10:45 | 2008 | Central/West End | London | Modern British | Rejected | Review | ££££/$$$$ | add new comment | read more | 154 reads

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