Shoddy, shocking service (London Hong Kong Restaurant (Heathrow))

Member Name: HeathrowFlyer

Product:	London Hong Kong Restaurant (Heathrow)
Date:	31/05/09 (248 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Reasonable quality of food

Disadvantages: Service is appaling; staff disinterested; countless examples of overcharging

The London Hong Kong profits well from airline/airport workers looking for somewhere relatively local to enjoy a night out. It also does well from those travellers staying in one of the many nearby Heathrow hotels, who are looking for something a bit different from the average hotel dining experiences, (and perhaps something more fairly-priced, too).

We were a group of twelve who fitted into the first category - airline staff visiting the restaurant for a leaving 'do'. I had heard mixed reviews of the place anecdotally - generally, the opinion seemed to be that the food was good, but very overpriced compared to other Chinese restaurants. I expected the prices to be inflated a little - no surprise that they succumbed to the temptation of taking advantage of 'stranded' travellers with few other options! - but the prices for individual dishes did seem expensive, especially when, as is often the case, you then pay extra for rice etc. Everyone in our party opted for a set menu of sorts, (I shared a vegetarian set menu with a colleague; I am not actually veggie but the contents of that particular menu appealed more than any of the others!) The quality of the food was generally OK, with some particularly good dishes. Where this restaurant lets itself down is in terms of service, which is erratic, clumsy and at times nothing short of rude.

Dishes were served haphazardly; a main would arrive minus any rice to accompany it, one couple were left to wait for their food while the rest of the table had been tucking in to theirs some twenty minutes earlier, drinks orders were incorrect and slow in coming. There did not appear to be any concern on the part of the waiting staff or the managerial-looking types, (who spend most of their time muttering into mouthpieces like bouncers outside a suspicious club!) When it came to paying the bill, which we did individually as had been agreed, there was a lot of audible tutting and sighing from the staff. A hefty service charge had been added - of which there had been no mention, either in the menus or verbally - and there were countless errors and examples of overcharging. The staff were reluctant to provide us with an itemised copy of the bill, which makes one immediately suspicious, and what had been a pleasant, albeit expensive evening, almost descended into anarchy when arguments ensued over the charges! As other reviewers have said, I will be sure to spread the word over this place. The staff should put more effort into the service they provide, (especially if they think they're worth the service charge!) - they knew we were airline staff and should have been a little more forward-thinking, (bad news travels fast, after all!)

If you're in the Heathrow area and looking for something different to eat, head to the Thai restaurant in nearby Colnbrook. Cosy, relaxed and good food.

Summary: Options close to Heathrow are admittedly limited..try the Thai in Colnbrook!