Giant Robot, Clerkenwell, London

Great for a few sliders and beers with some mates. Nice atmosphere and crowd.

Went here for a late lunch last Sunday and had a delicious hamburger – Cooked perfectly. My daughter loved her salad too – So all yummy1

This is just around the corner from my office so I'm not sure why I haven't gone sooner. Located on Clerkenwell Road you could easily pass it by. I'm not sure how the place works in the winter time for lunch as when it's warm they open it up completely which makes it a lot less dark and more airy.

I can't agree more with the other reviewers that the ambiance is better than the actual food. Going for a light lunch I had the slider selection which comes in a set of three. I wish I could remember what they were but I suppose that's how memorable they were. I'm not saying they're bad, actually quite tasty, but didn't leave a lasting impression.

On food alone, I'd say this place was a 3-star. There's nothing to shout about on the menu and they have a "when the food's read, we'll deliver it" policy, but for some reason this didn't extend to my brother's fries and tuna arriving at the same time. The meatballs and starter were pretty good, however.

Based on cocktails and ambiance, it's much better. There's a great menu of cocktails, including the classics and some unusual twists. And the decor and music give it an energetic feel.

So, all in all, a case of style of substance - but it is pretty stylish.

I'd heard great things about Giant Robot, and so this was our next stop on our Great Brunch Quest. I liked the layout and feel of the diner - all exposed steel beams, cutlery in jars, mezzanine dining space - and while the menu wasn't extensive, it offered an invitingly flexible DIY option, which I love in a breakfast menu.

Sadly, on this occasion the service was abysmal, which let the whole thing down. I can only think, given the good reviews I've read before, that we arrived on A Bad Day. Perhaps most of the wait staff were off sick. Perhaps those who came to work were in training. Something was amiss, and it meant that every table around us had cause for complaint. Meals never arrived, sides never arrived, people were having to get up from their tables to chase their drinks. Everyone was seething and all conversations seemed to be centered on how everything was going wrong.

To be fair, we didn't have it quite so bad - our meals turned up, but we waited 45 minutes for the privilege, and watched other tables arrive and be served before us. We had to chase for menus, for water we'd ordered, and the only thing that did arrive on time was our Robot Juices which the waiter, in his hasty delivery, spilt over my shoe. At £2.60 for a small tumbler of juice, it wasn't a cheap spillage in my mind, although I didn't say anything, given the pressure the two wait staff were clearly under. I actually felt sorry for them, as it was clear they knew they were in over their heads.

The food itself was rather good though. The cotechino hash was very tasty (although a little dry), the eggs florentine was good and the tap water was infused with cucumber, which I personally like. It was just a shame that everything was so chaotic, and that the tension coming from the people around us who didn't get their orders was almost audible. I like to think that this was just a one-off, because I've only heard good things in the past. Whether I dare to go back, though, is another story... I think for now the Great Brunch Quest shall continue elsewhere.

Chanced upon here a couple of Saturday nights ago and enjoyed an hour or two of post-midnight drinking.

Decent tunes, subdued lighting, pleasant staff and a reasonable selection of cocktails make for a winning combination.

Really good food, but take advice how to order, or go with someone who has been before. The meatballs are all delicious. It isn't cheap, but it won't break the bank either. The wine is good and reasonable too.
Oh, and it's a bit cool too!

Love this place. Only reason it's got 4 instead of 5 stars is because the cocktails -- whilst yummy -- are on the weak side and I think the bartender could be more generous with the alcohol.

The space is industrial-cosy, with perfect lighting and retro bits and bobs around the joint. The Italian food is very reasonably priced and definitely does the job. Staff are friendly. Music is at a perfect volume.

Definitely unique and more fun than the area offerings, from the stuffy, only slightly-more-upscale-HoJo-like Bistro Bruno Loubet/Zetter bar across the street to the tired/scuzzy bars nearby.

Word on the street was that this was a pretty decent joint, so I took the plunge on a Saturday afternoon and trekked over. I say trekked because you all know that Clerkenwell is like a shut down zone of London outside of Monday to Friday (tube works don't help).

Naturally I arrive tuckered and thirsty, to a welcoming bar, with soem great options. I know a lot of the staff left the burnt out husk of the East Rooms to work here, and with that kind of high level of cocktail experience you know you can relax without worrying that you'll be served soem kind of adult slushie masquerading as a cocktail.

We decided to settle in and have Bellinis, and then the magic happened. Instead the three of us got a bottle of bubbly and our own little squeeze bottles of peach puree to make a table mix, cheeper and more fun :)

They seems to have a fab food menu, and I would be keen to try out a few of those dishes I saw coming out.

All in all a fab experience, now I have to seek out their new venture... Tiny Robot!

Some time ago an American friend was complaining about the lack of decent brunch spots in London. Well, if compared to New York every other city in the world suffers from a lack of decent brunch spots, but still she had a point.
Now, places like Giant Robot are trying to make up for it, with a (not extensive) brunch menu, a quirky décor and comfy chairs that encourage long chats while sipping on a white Americano.
We had a veggie English breakfast, which was good but would be maybe too light for a really hungry/greedy person.
I loved it though, especially the potatoes, and will be back for the pancakes.

(I also want to try Look Mum No Hands, which is just down the road)

Giant Robot is quite simply incredible. In an area awash with generic upper-middle-market watering holes, this laid-back American diner and bar is breath of fresh air. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the combination of exposed brick and dark wood exudes a chic but by no means pretentious air. With soft background music from the likes of Death Cab, Giant Robot is the perfect spot, whether you're after a relaxed lunch or a few post-work drinks.

The food was excellent without exception and the enormous Brooklyn breakfast left me struggling to fit in dessert. Rather foolishly I missed out on the Baked Alaska dessert, which I understand is served aflame. Certainly one to try on my next visit.

Much like the food, the drinks menu offers great variety at reasonable prices. The cocktail menu deserves a special mention, and I heartily recommend the Moscow Mule - one of the best I've had, weighing in at just £6.

Expect five-star service from enthusiastic and bubbly waitresses who are as fast as they are friendly. I was pleased to find that service isn't added to the bill, so you can be confident that your tips will go directly to the staff.

I would encourage you all to visit Giant Robot - you will be sure to return again and again.

I visited Giant Robot this morning for a Sunday brunch, and was instantly blown away. With the exposed brick walls and wooden tables, it almost feels that you're somewhere in Brooklyn enjoying a fashionable American brunch. They were even playing Death Cab for Cutie, who are one of my favourite bands ever!

With such an incredible ambience, I'm pleased to report that the food was pretty fantastic too. I had the Eggs Benedict with pancetta and a buttery Hollandaise sauce placed on top of a foccacia bread and my partner choose the Brooklyn breakfast - which was huge! Sadly the ice-cream sandwich that I ordered for dessert wasn't particularly memorable and the ice-cream could have been a little more defrosted.

Although we were having brunch it was after 1pm, so we got stuck into the cocktail menu. If like me you're a sucker for a themed cocktail you must try the Greyhound which is served in a brown paper bag! The Giant Robot Ice Tea was also really good and came served in a large glass.

Service was quick and efficent and I'll definitely be returning. Next time, I want to try the baked alaska to share which the restaurant is famed for.

Despite Giant Robot only opening recently I have managed to find myself in there twice already and am planning my third trip.

The atmosphere is brilliant, the staff attentive and the drinks excellent. The giant prawns are now my favourite thing in London, and the biggest I have ever seen here with excellent flavour.

The first time I went we had the sharing steak, which is expensive but delicious.

But the second time we went I tried the (meat) balls, for which the restaurant is attempting to become famous for. You chose your balls, your sauce and your pasta. Unfortunately I was not blown away by these and our food was late and the pasta was cold. The balls themselves weren't exciting and tasted a little synthetic, but I had had quite a lot of wine while waiting so that could have been my tastebuds.

This was a shame as the first time everything was perfect and the steak is fantastic.

The staff are always helpful and sunny, great for the end of a long working day.

So sort out your balls Giant Robot, you can be so much more! In the meantime I'll have the prawns.

As per usual for the Rushmore Group, the owners of the late fabled East Room, Milk and Honey, etc etc Giant Robot is spot on. The place has just opened, but it shows they are still on form. The bar tenders know their game, the drinks are awesome, and the interior exudes understated luxury and welcome.

In a world where you need to stand out, Giant Robot does perfectly, with amazing ambience, pretty young things, and awesome drinks. The only gotcha at this point in time is the food, which needs brushing up, and is a tad over priced. Apparently the GIANT prawns are the best value on the menu, so I am told.

That aside, well worth every drop of rum, vodka, or whatever your fave drop of tipple is.