Old Bank

This place is now closed!

The only reason to go here is for the comically bad service — it’s almost Fawlty Towers eque. We arrived to be told that none of the specials advertised on the chalk board outside were on, then the two choices I made were sold out too (we booked for 8 I think — hardly late!). They didn’t have any of the (middle-​menu priced) wine we chose because ‘there’s a big party tonight that we’re saving it all for’ and the rest of the service followed in this manner. So long as you go expecting to be treated badly it’s quite funny, and having read a few reviews I knew what to expect. My dessert was just completely different to the description of what I’d ordered, but it was still nice.
The food was fine, nothing fancy, but not too pricey either — unremarkable. The building is impressive and the restaurant has a nice local feel.

We’ve admired this restaurant from the bus many times, so it was nice to finally get to try it. It’s a shame that when you arrive, you have to enter by a side door which opens onto the kitchen — it could be a little more welcoming.
On a Friday night the atmosphere was good, full of locals, a mixture of ages, and quite warm and cosy. The open kitchen does make for a bit of smoke though, but it wasn’t too bad, and at least it means you can smell all the lovely food.
Speaking of which, it was very nice indeed — considering that the prices are so reasonable. The starters, mainly Italian classics, were large and well presented. The mrs’ main of linguine with king prawns was excellent at £8, the prawns meaty but fluffy. My £12 lamb shank was well cooked, moist and with a lovely herb gravy. You do need to buy sides though, which are about £2.50 a pop.
I wouldn’t say the service was a let down, but it was in line with what I’ve read in reviews elsewhere — a bit of a mixed bag. They were very relaxed, taking their time with anything (which some people like, some hate). And the two staff had completely different styles. Go along and see for yourself!
All in all a decent local, and we’ll probably be back.

This is a local restaurant for me, but I’m ashamed to say that I only recently tried it out despite living in the area for five years or so. I was very pleased I did. It’s an impressive looking building, having once been (as its name suggests) an old bank, and the food, modern Italian but with traditional roots, is really very good — much better than its suburban setting would suggest. I had a better meal here than I have had in many a central London Italian restuarant. Their gnocchi was to die for — I was literally moaning with every forkful (happily we were seated away from the other diners). The wine list was good, with some reasonably priced options, and the atmosphere was relaxed and authentic. We’ll definitely be going back. They seem pretty child friendly too, and the prices were very reasonable.