Iron Buddha
Darcie May Green

Darcie May Green

Sheldon Square, London I-W2 6DS, United Kingdom

Vegan • Desserts • Australian • Vegetarian


"My boyfriend and I had an absolutely brilliant evening here for our anniversary last week (mid October). The staff were so friendly and welcoming, and the ambience was just delightful. We arrived an hour earlier than our booking and enjoy some drinks on the roof of the boat. As it wasn't busy, we were able to be seated 15 minutes earlier than our booking which made the night go more smoothly. The food was served quicker than expected (about 15 mins if that), and was all presented very nicely. We ordered several small plates to share. Everything was divine! I would just like to point out for other guests, in case they skim over the menu as we did; the sweet potato chips are HUGE. You only get about 4 or 5 and it looks like the entire sweet potato has been slices long ways with the skin. Yummy but we didn't even eat half so I wouldn't order if you're not absolutely starving. ALSO: the regular chips are cooked in duck fat. As a vegetarian I didn't order this, but I did pinch some of my boyfriend's chips, as every girlfriend does, only to realise a few moments later what I had consumed... again still yummy, but I wish I had known beforehand. Could not boast enough about how amazing all the food was!! The cocktails were delicious. I enjoyed a french martini and a rosemary rush, the latter had a particular kick I'm still mouth watering over even a few days later!! The dessert was impeccable. We got the chocolate ball as did everyone in the restaurant, and it did not disappoint! That was plenty between two people. It's also quite romantic to share too. But being us, we also ordered the yogurt meringue delicious!! As we had such a great conversation with the manager and mentioned it was our anniversary, he didn't charge for our desserts! We were so touched, we are hoping to take some friends back with us soon. Would definitely 1000% recommend this fun little find. Also it is only maybe 10 footsteps from Paddington Station! Definitely a date night to remember."

The Chinese Whispers Afternoon Tea At Kai

The Chinese Whispers Afternoon Tea At Kai

65 South Audley Street, W1K 2QU, London, United Kingdom

Tea • Wine • Asiatic • Desserts


"I was very disappointed with our experience at Kai. A friend and I booked the 4pm afternoon tea upon our arrival in London and because of the Michelin star, were excited with high expectations. Now the food overall was very good, although a few pieces felt like they had been sitting under a heat warmer or something. Some dishes didn 't taste the freshest. Overall, again the good was pretty good, my real disappointment fell with the ambiance and service. We sat in the basement which was empty except for 1 table, which is not their fault but would have been nice to know that we were basically the only booking. It was very quiet since the music wasn 't turned on until 1/2 way through our meal. Our server either went on break or disappeared 1/2 way through our meal as well and no one helped out in her absence. After our server brought the first round of hot plates, she said the kitchen was closing soon which made us feel rushed through we had only been there 35 minutes. We ran out of water, were never offered our 2nd pot of tea (included in our prix fixe menu), and no one came and checked how our food was during our meal, which would have been nice because we had some questions and wanted to order more champagne. At the end of the meal, we had to find someone to ask for our bill and when we went upstairs to get our coats, no one was there. We went to the back seating area of the restaurant where staff was eating and asked if someone could grab our coats. It felt like we were disturbing them as everyone just looked at us. One woman helped us with a mouth full of food with not much of goodbye or thanks for coming. This was our first experience at a London tea as well as a Michelin star restaurant and I wish I could have a redo. I design brand experiences as a profession and there was such a disconnect between the food and service which made the entire experience feel disjointed. Someone at Kai needs to read the book Unreasonable Hospitality."