We chose this venue as a last minute NYE Dinner and Dance, it was pricey for what we had at £125 pp. where do I start?.. The bouncers were unfriendly at 21.45!!.. Got in, the coats were taken.. Fine, escorted to our table, the decor and ambiance was lovely..

Then we had our Waiter/Host, we had a set Menu so only an option of 2 to choose from. Waiter didn't introduce himself and couldn't even pronounce half the menu.. i.e. Langoustine, and made a complete cock up from the start. The starters were ok, when it came to dinner, our plates were taken away from under us.that is still putting a fork full into our mouths, to have our plate taken away before us!!

My Dinner was cold, i didn't want to complain as i knew nothing would be done.. from the dinner to the desert of which we requested 4 or 5 times, took 50 minutes!!! and then we were not even given the coffee that was inc the set meal..

Of which was requested sooooo many times.The Toilet attendant in the ladies was so fakely OTT with her happy new years greeting, in one visit she wished us happy new year like 6 times and was focusing on her tip tray.. Which put all visits to the ladies uncomfortable almost forced to pay for the visit itself.

They put an optional charge of £66 on the bill, had we been totally sloshed anyone would had paid for the Crap service that we got.. I'd say listen to these review and take note.. I didn’t, and learnt from an expensive mistake.. I have to say between our group of diners we had visited Buddha bar around the globe, and never had we experienced such horrendous service..

Buddha Bar - definitely not comparable with the Paris restaurant. Now the food offered many different tastes which all combined together gave many flavours which were amazing. When you pay £22-32 for a main meal you would expect a certain level of service to accompany the meal, however we found the service to be clumsy, unprofessional, non personal and in the end shameful.

I must highlight the following points, upon entering the restaurant we found the front desk who basically did not even look at us, eventually we gave our booking name and the lady pointed to the cloak room. Upon waiting 10 minutes for the cloak room person to process the garmets we waited too many few minutes for us to find our host.

We were walked to the table and sat down, within 10 minutes literally 5 different waitors/ waitresses asked us what we would like, I remember one of us asked the waitor how many dishes we should order and the smirk reply was five followed by rushing off, considering there was five of us and there is many different options on the menu we felt that this was not very warming. By the time the meals came (by the way we took the order for food 15 minutes before we were shown the alcoholic menu) there was a real sense of clumsiness, lots of dropping cutlery etc).

As I said the food was exquisite and the surrounding were great, by in all the experience was extremely hampered by the poor quality of service. The last point of evidence was when we were paying the bill, the waitor accidently put a 1 in front of the total bill of the payment machine and it was not until we pointed it out just before entering the pin, now that topped it off - shoddy customer serive.

In disgust we decided to check the bill and ofcourse we were overcharged for something we did not order, considering all of this, I agree with the other reviews spread all over the net. Surely management must acknowledge there own pitfalls

Good food, nice decor, shame about the terrible service.

After dinner, we ordered some drinks from the waitress at the table in the bar upstairs and as the amount we paid was £1.25 short (which was part of the "optional" service charge), the waitress demanded payment, was given £2 to cover it and never returned with any change.

I won't be in a rush to return.

A such wonderful place!!! A good location, open for late, amazing food and an excellent service. I will come again for sure !!!!

I think this place was great - great ambience, service, food, location, music...and most of all was actually very well priced for all of that...ignore the reviews that dish it - it's definitely worth a visit esp before too many people know about it.

On booking our 7.30 table we were told that we needed to vacate it by 9.30. Upon arrival we were shown to a poor table away from everyone else in the middle of the room. Only on the third attempt were we allowed to sit in the main area.
The wine was very expensive for what it was (a passable sauvignon blanc for £27 and an acidic pinot noir from Oregon for an absurd £53).
Most of the food was OK, but tempura was awful and all of it was very pricey. Asian-hotel-chic vibes were underwhelming. I will not rush back.

On booking our 7.30 table we were told that we needed to vacate it by 9.30. Upon arrival we were shown to a poor table away from everyone else in the middle of the room. Only on the third attempt were we allowed to sit in the main area.The wine was very expensive for what it was (a passable sauvignon blanc for £27 and an acidic pinot noir from Oregon for an absurd £53).Most of the food was OK, but tempura was awful and all of it was very pricey. Asian-hotel-chic vibes were underwhelming. I will not rush back.

Unfortunately I can't give this 0 stars. I haven't even been yet and like a couple of the other reviewers, have experienced APPALLING customer service before I've even managed to visit the place. I'm having my hen night this Saturday and wanted somewhere glamorous to start the evening. Having been to the Paris Buddha Bar, and a fan of the music for many years, I could think of nowhere better. Well I've been emailing their "door host" team for over a week now and still haven't had a response to confirm my reservation. Obviously I've tried to call them, but the only number given anywhere is the "reservations" number - only restaurant reservations though. And of course, they were totally unwilling to help. They simply kept telling me that I would have to email the address I've already emailed (THREE TIMES!). I did point out to the woman that this was totally unacceptable service.I've just had a look at these reviews, and frankly they can stuff it. With that kind of arrogance, they certainly don't deserve ANY business. Shame on you Buddha Bar - your entry onto the London scene could have been phenomenal, but you've blown it quite spectacularly.

After reading about this place in the paper I decided to give it a whirl and I have to say to anyone thinking of going here - DON'T BOTHER!We arrived at 8pm and after being given the once over by the bouncers, sat at a table at the bar for drinks. At 10pm a member of staff came around and told us that now the DJ was on everyone was no longer allowed to sit at our table unless we bought champagne (£100) or a bottle of spirits (£100). I pointed out that we'd already spent well over £150 whilst sitting there, but that didn't seem to count.We were then asked to leave our table, without even being given the opportunity to finish the drinks we'd bought.The music was crap and the crowd distinctly chavy.To be honest for the kind of prices they're charging (£10 a cocktail, £5 a beer, plus 12.5% service charge) I'd rather go somewhere where I'm treated with common decency and there is some form of customer service.

On the next series of the Apprentice, could Sir Alan Sugar please take on the challenge of running this terrible bar/ restaurant? I don't think people new to the restaurant industry could much worse than the guys running this shambles.

I have a close friend who runs a London bar near this place and he never looks people up and down and always welcomes b'day guests. Also on looking at other reviews, I don't know how the manager of this place can turn business professionals people awayin this current climate and expect to make a profit. I think the CEO of this place should wake up and smell the coffee as it doesn't look like they are making any profits with the customers they do have.

BTW if you're looking to have a fabulous birthday meal, go to Shanghai Blues in Holborn. The manager, Andrew, is fantastic and my friends and I had a fantastic b'day meal! Thanks Buddha Bar for being so snooty and judgemental when I tried to book a party at your bar as you saved my friends and I from a terrible evening.

In summary: a major let down for the Buddha Bar reputation. After waiting so long for Buddha Bar to reach London, it has been such a major disappointment.

Good points: great location, fantastic decor and good music.

Are the reviews exagerating the poor service? NO

Reservations: We had a table for 7 at 8:30. We were served our first drink at the table at 10p.m.: our table was not ready, then they set 7 places on a table for 4 and finally we moved to a table for 7. Absolutely forget any requests being honoured, they do not even attempt to give you an excuse.

Service: Whilst some of the staff were trying hard, their mis-placed arrogance and rudeness absolutely starts from the management team. Lots of examples but this incident is difficult to beat. One of our party asked for a glass of white wine (twice) as it was warm. When he made a complaint to the floor/bar manager, he was accused then of being "a liar" and asked to "shut up or leave"!

Quality of the wine: Their choice of wine is shameful. We ordered 2 bottles of red: Burgundy and Rioja and both were very poor, at >£35 per bottle, this was a rip-off!

We went on a Sat night and obviously their poor reputation is getting around, as it was half empty. Stay away till they get their act sorted out!

This place is a joke.I attempted to join my friend for her bday celebrations last sat.The birthday girl and her group were refused entry as they couldn't find her on the guest list. Even though she went personally to the place to book a table, she had to e-mail twice and spoke to the manager.But the robot on the door wouldn't help.We were all very presentable, a mixed group of approx 12.Whilst we were waiting I witnessed the same situation.A well-dressed guy turned with his group and although his first name was on the list the surname didn't match - believe me his name was very unusual so it was obviously a typing error.Robo cop with his clipboard was not going to help.He also stood outside with us waiting hoping for a manager to appear and resolve the situation..It was 9pm!We didn't hang around too long especially when we saw backpacking tourists leaving the bar.I look forward to reading about its closure and will be happy to return when something else appears in its place.

First of all...the venue is amazing...the food was great...particularly enjoyed my passionfruit cocktail...

And secondly...i've tried hard but really can't seem to understand why this place has been getting so many poor reviews...i went with my fiance for our birthday's; her 22nd and my 23rd.

I do feel certain orders took a short while to arrive but, that just made it better for me and the mrs to chat and enjoy eachothers company.
Maybe, all these poor reviews are from people who have gone Buddah Bar with friends, or alone...hence they want their food and drinks ASAP without the pleasure conversating with their company, instead, to stuff their faces and get out of there.
In fact, my fiance and I were approached by waiters on many occasions asking if we would like to order or, and this is the first time i've ever heard this from a waiter, whether we would like to sit back and enjoy the venue and our chat for a bit, this i feel was a very nice touch.
I would also like to add...the waiter requested the chef's that our desert order (warm chocolate cake) be decorated for our birthday...which it was, and rather beautifully. Given I only mentioned this when ordering, they still delivered. Much appreciated buddah bar.

I would definately go again...

From: Gurdip Singh

Gorgeous venue but terrible terrible service! We had to wait for our orders for up to 50 minutes each time. Staff kept forgetting what was ordered. One waitress overheard me making a comment about poor service and said (interrupting my conversation with a friend) "you can make jokes if you want but I am telling you....."
And what with the manner to call customers "darling"?

I had high hopes when I heard about the launch of the London BB.

Sadly it's not a touch on Paris. I went with a group of eight other people last Saturday. The staff at the entrance are all very attentive and last count there must have been at least 10 staff at the reception area, this was about as good as it got. We were led to the bar area before our dinner. I've heard of subdued lighting but can I just say one word - dark.

Finally about half an hour later after our original dinner booking we were led to our table. One keen waiter was keen to point us to the Budda Bar £55 special and wanted to explain this sales package. A bit too hard sell and dare I say tacky.

It must have taken at least one hour for the starters to come, no sorry I mean just one person's starter to come. The rest of the starters (they forgot most) arrived at 15 minute intervals or maybe it was half an hour. I forget. All I know is that nearly two hours after we had sat down for dinner, the main courses arrived. Not bad for post midnight munchies.

So yes the service is a shambles. It's a shame because the food itself isn't bad. And some of the staff are polite and understanding, including one head waiter.

You get the impression that Budda Bar lures many with the expectation of a cool London haunt like its Paris sister. Now this brand is suffering from owners who think they can recreate a smattering of ambient music and asian fusion food in a different city. Instead what we get is a rather tacky and themed restaurant desperate to appeal to a new clientele.

Why even the large gilded Buddha a at the foot of the restaurant has been become victim to the vapidity. It seems his Buddha belly has been reduced- perhaps been on a detox, had a tummy tuck or given up waiting to be fed. I bet the real Budda is turning in his grave and telling everyone to head to the nearest KFC.

If you're the type of person who is happy to...

a) wait 45 minutes after the booking time for your table to be ready
b) wait 50 minutes for your drinks to arrive at your table...with half the order missing
c) enjoy eating tasteless food
d) pay far too much for the tasteless food
e) get charged for drinks you didn't order (after waiting 50 minutes for your first drink, there's very little desire to want another)
f) like to be patronized by the management when you make a complaint about the above
......then you'll love this place.

I've given it 1 star for the interior, which is quite impressive.
I personally wouldn't recommend the Buddha bar to anyone.

You have actually proved my point in that the Buddha bar consistently discriminates against ordinary, hardworking people trying to book a table. I've never said "Do you know who I am?." I just don't want to be judged when I try to book a table. Looking at all other negative reviews on this site, I am not alone in this opinion. Everyone feels Buddha Bar is a snobby place, where people are looked up and down. The service makes McDonalds look fantastic and the food is average.

Also my reference to the fact that the majority of workers are not English speakiing, was not to complain about where they come from but to highlight the communication issues I found when ordering. The Buddha bar employees struggled to understand my basic order for a mojito, a cosmopolitan or even the Sushi menu. By the way, ethnically I am not British, I'm Asian but I do speak English.

A truly appalling place.. and that not us being a snob (I hope)

I have visited this bar once and to be frank the service is absolutely appalling. However the venue is quite unusual and I decided to try to book this place for my birthday drinks, giving it the benefit of the doubt. I was really shocked to get a snooty email from a lady called Nicole who turned my offer of hiring a table for 12 people with the view to bringing in an additional group of 20 people to the bar later. Our group consistents of 30 something of down to earth bankers and business professionals and I cannot comprehend why a bar would want to turn people away who are willing to spend a huge amount of money drinking at the bar. If you're the CEO of Buddha bar - be warned! You have idiots like Nicole and Maurice working at your bar who really don't have a clue about improving your profits. I predict this bar will be closed in a year's time. Also you have so many non- English speaking immigrants who've never made a cocktail in their life and to be honest it really is very, very comical. Go there if you're bored and want to watch how stupidly a bar can be run.

Why do I get the feeling that the kitchen is being run like McDonalds; topping up the dishes when they need to rather than cook to order? Staff and decor great but a bit expensive for fast food!

Went to the Buddha Bar last week. Have to stay lovely location and superb inside, absolutely stunning! (Very similar to the Paris one!) The service was actually very good, a bit too much at one stage we had 4 waiters at our table pouring drinks and serving food! When we came in we were asked nearly 5 times by different people if we wanted to leave our coats in the cloak room! The food was lovely, especially the sushi and the salmon for main course. The ambience was very nice and buzzy. All in all I would definitely recommend...

The original parisien Buddha Bar truely was wonderful to visit a couple of years back, an innovative concept, and well tuned from appropriate music levels, sultry ambient lighting and a fantastic atmosphere. There is also something quite nice about it being in france, seeing as in places like morocco, french is spoken as a natural language.

Buddha Bar London has pretty much got it all wrong, it appears to be a second rate clone to the Paris version, the food is below average in terms of quality and the cost is extortionate. One would be better saving money and ordering every item off the menu in one of Chinatowns good chinese resturants instead.

The wine list is good, if the wine was served at the correct temperature. We ordered a £40 bottle, and it felt like it had been kept in a hot cupboard for a few days prior.

The atmosphere is imbalanced, yes the decor is nice, but the music is too loud and intrusive.

My rating would be 0 starts if it wasnt for the pretty decor, but as its a clone with no identity of its own it deserves 1 star. Pizza Express even manager to change their stores a bit when opening a new one, it adds to the excitement of visiting a new resturant, but i feel now this has marred my experience of Paris by having visited a poor quality rip-off.

I visited the venue earlier this week and whilst the decor is indeed delightful and oppulent the over tanned door host is quite possible one of the most rude, smug and condescending individuals I've ever had the misfortune of meeting. My friends and I are 30-ish happy smiley, sane and solvent London proffessionals. Whilst I don't proclaim to be an oil painting, we're all relatively easy on the eye and dress well. However, said door host looked me up and down at least 3 times, whilst sighing, before decreeing me worthy of entering (can I also point out this was at 6.30pm on a weekday evening when the bar area was quiet with the exception of a few Suited types). you'll know when you meet him - he has the appearance of a tangerine dipped Craig Revel Horwood chewing a wasp (apoloiges Craig).I shan't be returning at any time soon, pity as once inside the other staff were charming and the venue itself rather beautiful.

I went last week with a friend extremely excited having already been to the Buddha bar in Paris and Dubai which are both superb! Despite having booked the table over 6 weeks ago we arrived on time and had to wait a half hour for our table, and then the greatest disappointment of all is where we were seated, behind the buddha, with absolutely no view of the restaurant! Having booked weeks ago I had expected better seats. Our view was a wall and a statue.

The food was extremely disappointing, we waited over nearly an hour overall and due to the policy of bringing food out as it was ready my friend had completed her dish whilst I had to wait another half hour before mine arrived. The food was awful, tough meat, hard to chew, I had the same in Paris and it melted in my mouth, dishes were barely lukewarm and the portions were ridiculously tiny! Whats going on? I was in the Paris bar 2 weeks ago and could not fault the food, the staff or the service.

The London bar has really messed up, the service was atrocious, just not attentive and with seemingly no concern about the diners needs. So overpriced, we had a starter and main, one glass of wine each and our bill was £160, so not worth it. The management need to seriously improve the food and service, you have let down the good name of the Buddha bars abroad. (perhaps a good lesson learnt will be visiting the Paris bar, see how it should be done).

After being so excited at the prospect of going I now know I will never go to the London bar again. I wouldn't recommend Buddha Bar to anyone!

A good place for a quick drink but wouldn't really spend the all night there.
Quite expensive considering to the standard of service (we waited an hour to get some food) and a bit boring really compared to other London venues.

Saturday 6th, we had a table booked for 7pm for a friends birthday. Having read some appalling reviews it was with a sense of trepidation that we went there. However, we were met by incredibly polite door staff, escorted to a reception area, advised where the coat check was, taken to our table and treated with friendly, polite efficiency that befits a paying guest.
The waiting staff were very friendly and polite although a bit mob handed that early in the evening. We had the set menu for 6 and the food ranged from very good to superb and there was plenty of it.
It is expensive and I really feel the drinks were over priced for what you got but I can not fault the food, the decor (once your eyes adjusted to the dim light), the staff and the facilities. Maybe it's better early on as by the time our table was due to be cleared at 9, the place was heaving and one of the senior waiting staff asked us very nicely if we could finish up. The upstairs bar was really not for us but as a special occasion, eating at the restaurant was a fabulous experience. I think the trick is to get there early! I would most definitely go back if I could be guaranteed the same level of service, but not until I have saved up!

the decor/ambiance was excellent - its just such a shame that the food was horrible. Not only was the food horrible but they bought the food out to us at different times. Everything came out to us "wagamama style" i.e whenever it was ready. This meant that we didnt receive the rice until the end after we had finished the mains. Very strange. The waitress was very nice and did whatever she could to help but the food was just horrible. The dumplings had a funny taste to them, the noodles were very spicy even though it did not say they were spicy in the menu, the vegetarian spring rolls tasted horrible - how can you make spring rolls taste horrible is beyond me! Anyway, it is a shame because like i said earlier the decor is fantastic would love to go there again just wish the food was nice as it is not cheap!!

Visited last night with a group, and had prebooked a table for a 9pm sitting at the mezzanine bar. I had been in touch with the organisation earlier in the week to update my guest list. The evening started off badly due to an very arrogant doorman, and an extremely long wait in the queue outside. Although we arrived on time for our 9pm table, we did not get in until 10.15pm having been told that there was no email from me to reserve a table, that not all names I had sent were on my guest list, and that we would have lost our reservation anyway as it was past the 'supposedly' booked time. I should have known we were on to a loser...but we decided to go in anyway. Desperate for a drink, and a sit down, it was a confusing struggle to find a table, and difficult to read the menu in the very atmospheric, but too dim candlelight. I spoke to the floor manager about our experience so far, and he promised to make things up to me - after all - it was supposed to be a birthday celebration . An hour later our drinks arrived, and another hour on , as some of my guests were leaving, our table food came. The loos were a great design, but no way of telling male from female, and no facility for wiping hands. There was no sign of an apology from the floor manager, and no attempt made by him to rectify the situation. On checking our bill, there was an extra bottle of wine on there, and a service charge which was laughable. I had such high expectations of the Buddha Bar - being a great fan of the music. The music WAS the only saving grace (and maybe the upholstery). I would not recommend this bar yet - they need to get their act together big time and focus on improving service levels, the organisation of staff and communication between door hosts, floor managers and the reservations team. I wonder what the managers in the Paris bar would make of this all...........unacceptable I would say.

I went last night with a group of about 10 people. We were first met by a moody doorman and the night ?went downhill from there. Our waitress had so much attitude and we waited ages for drinks - which ?were overpriced and the cocktails disgusting. The worst bit was when the bottom of my sister’s glass ?just broke, drenching her and covering her with glass and ice. The waitress just shrugged her shoulders ?to this, which was unbelievable! When I asked to speak to the manager, he said that there was a fault ?with the whole batch of glassware they have, that this isn't the first time this has happened, and that ?they would be keeping the glasses until they can be exchanged - so be warned!!! They are obviously ?not worried about breaking health and safety regulations!! When we were settling the bill, the waitress ?said we hadn't paid it in full, when I explained we were not paying the service charge for obvious ?reasons she shrieked "after everything I have done for you"! When we attempted to speak to the ?manager at the end of the night, he just laughed and walked away! Needless to say I won't be returning.

A warm welcome followed by excellent food and wine combined with superb service by a very talented young bulgarian lady, made my first visit to Buddha Bar a refreshing change to the usual fare on offer close by. I will certainly be back!

Was looking forward to a night out at the Buddha Bar with a group of work colleagues yesterday evening. I can live with the fact that this bars decor is about a decade behind most of its competition. What I cant stand is the below average/poor cocktails at premium prices served by an abundance of arrogant/rude and slow staff wearing pyjamas. We were easily their target customer, however, left after one drink with no intention of returning – shame really.

Buddha Bar was to me a huge disappointment for the following reasons:-Overpriced drinks and food - suited mainly to those on expense accounts or foolish enough to pay such prices for slightly above average products.-Dull design and atmosphere - there seemed to be little in the way of excitement - the venue is essentially a large basement restaurant with a balcony level bar - the same as in Paris, but nothing new in terms of the ethnic /oriental theme in London where there are several similar and more exciting venues which are more easlily accessible, busier and less expensive. The venue is not conducive for dancing or even mingling - the fact that tables in the balcony are reserved for high minimum spends (500 pounds and upwards) creates an insular environment.-A lack of interesting punters - there was a distinct lack of slick looking gents and sassy ladies, rather staid suited bankers and corporate types, interspersed with the odd perma-tanned prima donna and WAG (not that there's a huge difference between the two) lingering around the bar presumably in anticipation of Mr Right to buy them their next drink-Average music - the DJs were playing commercial lounge grooves and later slightly more uplifting house that can be heard at most average bars, nothing particularly unique, exhilarating or inspiring.-Poor location - it's situated in an area with little else in the way of great bars, restaurants or nightclubs, so a no-no for would-be bar/club-hoppers and for those venturing there, an expensive and time consuming cab ride back into the West End, Chelsea or Shoreditch.

despite the poor reviews (i think ppl only feel the need to write a review if it was particularly bad and not otherwise!), i went on a thurs night and had a great time. stunning decor (although toilets need to be marked a little more clear - i ended up wondering into the men's by mistake!), beautiful cocktails - although slightly pricey , but that was to be expected. we had some sushi which was good enough, although could be better for the price. Overall, the staff were more than helpful and we got v.quick and friendly service. definitely worth a look, if only for a drink.

After frequenting the sister bars in both NY & Paris I was really looking forward to the London bar opening. I had booked a large table for my birthday party and when confirming my reservation with my credit card details we added our names to the guestlist for that evening. When we arrived we were refused entry by the extremely rude bouncer who told us we had to wait in line. Its a pity they are so arrogant and strive to be so uber exclusive as I think this will prove to be their downfall.

I took a group of friends to the Buddha Bar after having travelled to a few globally. I have to say I was extremly dissapointed at the manager who I had the unfortunate run in with at the Buddha Bar London. My evening started off with having a few cocktails in the Bar upstairs. My group was shown to a table where I was welcomed by a beautiful supervisor who introduced our waitress to us and chased up the drinks from the bar upstairs. I thought the service was good by the waitress, Aga, she explained the menu very well and had a very good understanding of the menu. We had a problem with the drinks we orrdered which the supervisor, Heena, attended to. Both the waitress and the supervisor gave great service. With good attention to detail. Unfortunatly one of the waiter's dropped wine on one of my guests. The supervisor was very apologetic and sympathised with my friend having wine poured over him. She was great and went out of her way to help us. one person from our group asked to see a manager. The manager came over offered us a bottle of champagne and rushed off again. I know that managers can get busy but I'm sure he could have taken a couple of min's to speak to us and sound genuine. It really is not alot to ask for. His management skills were poor. The meal was lovely, the service from the waitress and supervisor was outstanding. Shame about the quality of the manager. Are they really the right person?