Food & Drink 1
Service 0.5
Atmosphere 2
Value 0.5
Disgusting service
I'm sorry to say that I had the most disgusting service I've ever received at The Waterway. I had ordered a vodka soda, a very simple drink that I've been drinking with regularity for over 15 years. I was not served this drink (it was far too sweet and different to my husband's, who ordered the same), so I politely asked for it to be changed. The same glass was brought back to me not once, but twice, after being sampled by the bartender and the general manager, Paolo. In the age of COVID-19, this is highly dangerous conduct. After I asked, for the third time, to receive the drink that I ordered, I was shouted at by Paolo (the General Manager), who insisted that I drink the first drink as another would taste exactly the same. Paolo finally brought me another drink, but sarcastically brought it in 3 glasses so I could "make it myself". He then insisted we pay for the incorrect drink because it was "left on our table". I've lived in London all my life and frequently eat out in restaurants all over the city - especially now, as I'm keen to support the hospitality industry in this difficult period. I can confidently say that I have never experienced such revolting service. My guests and I were absolutely shocked at Paolo's conduct. We weren't offered so much as an apology. I'll never be returning to eat at The Waterway; a shame as, although the food is average, it was a convenient local spot that I'd often visit.
Food & Drink 2
Service 1
Atmosphere 2
Value 2
Three of us ordered food and drinks at the Waterway tonight, the local pub near where I live. We sat down at a table, a waiter took our order and returned after 10 minutes with it. While we were enjoying the drinks and food, a waitress came to our table and ordered us to move, telling us that the table was reserved. If the table was reserved, why did the other waiter serve us, we asked, and she repeated rudely, we should move because the table was reserved. There were no free tables, so where should we move to, we asked. To this, the waitress suggested that we stand with our drinks and food. When we protested, and we were polite, the manager ordered us out. When we asked, what should we do with our unfinished drinks and food, he replied, he did not give a damn what we did, if we did not vacate the table straight away, he would get security to throw us out, and he got a burly security guy to show that he meant it. And when we asked if he was going to refund the money for our unfinished drinks and food, he said of course not, and shouted that if we did not want to stand, hold our food plates and drink glasses in our hands and finish our drinks and food, we should get out. At this point the security guard started pushing us out. A friend of ours, an American, of Indian origin, who works with NASA, whom we had invited, asked the manager if his rude attitude was related to racial prejudice, because all the time the manager was threatening us, he was particularly starring down my American Indian friend. Feeling extremely humiliated by the managers rude attitude, we walked out. Though this is the closest pub to where I live, I for one will never return. If my American, Indian friend is not welcome, and is treated rudely and we are all treated rudely, this is not the pub for me to come to and invite friends, and this is not the service and attitude we expect in the Britain of today.
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 4.5
We have been to The Waterway a number of times now and it really is fantastic. The quality of the menu and drinks is always very high and the atmosphere is always great (nice, buzzy, cool crowd). Service is always quick, efficient and very friendly. Live Music on thursday nights is also really fun. Undoubtable one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in West London (if not the whole of London). Perfect for a great meal or just for a fun drink or cocktail. Highly recommended
Food & Drink 2.5
Service 0.5
Atmosphere 3
Value 2
We went to this pub on the hottest day of the year so far and what a disappointing experience! The general atmosphere was pleasant, the food was good but very average – nothing amazing considering the steep prices – but the staff were forgetful, really unfriendly and incredibly unhelpful. Not to mention having to ask for our drinks over and over again as our waitress would just forget to bring things!
We started off by ordering the brunch, served till 1pm. At 12.50 we called the waitress over to place the order and were told that no more orders for brunch were being taken. Firstly it was not yet 1pm and secondly if they were so busy they couldn't cope then it would have been nice to have been informed about brunch orders closing so we could have made the order in time. We were a large group and spent a lot of money with the restaurant. After being there a good couple of hours we asked if we could move to a free table in the shade as we had one of the only tables in the blazing sun and were all getting sun-burnt. The rather unaccommodating waitress told us she couldn't move us as the table was reserved. (all she needed to do was move us, clean our table and have another free table?!) You would think after the business we had given them they may have been slightly more friendly and accommodating but I guess this was just too much to expect from a place trying to establish a new, better image.
Shall not be going back or recommending The Waterway to anybody.