buffbeenie1's Qype profile

Ship Wrecked indeed... I used to frequent this takeaway on a regular basis when I worked locally and have always enjoyed the food despite the hit and miss service.

After a late night at work my friend and I decided to stop off to pick up a bite to eat for us and my son. 

Upon walking in we weren't even so much as looked at let alone greeted by the rather miserable looking lady (I didn't recognise) at the counter. When we were ready to ask about what was available on the menu, said lady didn't even bother to look at my friend as she reeled off what was available almost as if offended by our presence. Okay, so this we took in our stride as unfortunately poor service is not all that uncommon in Caribbean establishments. 

My friend placed her order for a regular curried mutton and rice and peas, I ordered stewed chicken with rice and peas for my son. Without a word the lady went out to the back and returned with two styrofoam containers and asked if we required the food to be heated. I am not keen on microwaved food at the best of time but in styrofoam? I asked her if the food was not already warm. My response was 'What time is it now?' Stunned I replied that wasn't what I asked to which she seemed to thaw a little and proceeded to explain that all the washing needed to be done prior to the shop closing (published as 11pm, though we were being served at 9pm) and therefore everything had been cleared away.

When I enquired about the complimentary side salad I was told it was too late and that I should have said something earlier as not everyone wants it and it depends on whether the food is heated or not. Hmmmm.... I suggested she put some in a small container as was informed that it would usually cost extra but I would get a 'bligh' as she could see I was expecting.

I made a request for half ackee and half callaloo portion and was informed that wasn't possible due to the difference in price. I pointed out I was willing to pay for the more expensive portion and was told I would get another 'bligh'. I also ordered a portion of plantain and a festival which she explained was a little hard as it was made that morning but a zap in the microwave should sort it. 

Away we went with our food which I heated in the oven at home. The main meals were fine. Generous portions and well flavoured I was told. My plantain was so tough I couldn't eat it; obviously stale, the festivals were very greasy and as hard warm as they were cold, the ackee and callaloo were passable but to be honest I was left wishing I had made my own food at home.

A thoroughly disappointing experience.

3.5 years after telling my boyfriend about the wonder that is the Londesborough Sunday Roast we finally made it there today. The last time I ate here was probably 6 years ago but the memory of having to ask to take half of the huge and very tasty dinner home stuck with me vividly.

My return was a let down. As it seems with most eateries in Stoke Newington since becoming a happening  place to be the food has got worse. With a clientèle who are too British to complain restaurants get away with peddling substandard food at rip off prices. As a vegetarian I went for the spinach, mushroom and squash welliington which on paper sounded lovely. The other half and my son went for the Chicken. What a pricey disappointment.

The 1/2 chicken looked anorexic, roast potatoes were like bullets of which there were only 3, the overwhelming taste of the wellington was nutmeg, the veg was particularly on the crunchy side and the yorkshire puddings Aunt bessie-sized and cremated. My illusion of the past shattered spectacularly. I refused to pay the service on the basis of such a poor meal. I will either be doing DIY roasts or travelling to Angel's Mem and Laz or Le Mercury for similar portions at almost half the price.

The Pub does have a lovely atmosphere and the staff are nice so it is shame the food was not up to scratch.