They say it’s not the place that makes an evening out - it’s the people you’re with. With this in mind, when going to The Slug and Lettuce in Canary Wharf, you’d better take some really good people along with you.

The Venue
Probably the only asset and high point of The Slug and Lettuce is its locality. Situated nicely among the jostling high rises of Canary Wharf, there is no disputing it is convenient for after work drinks and mid-shopping breaks. A nicely sized bar greets you on entering and inside there is a mix of comfy chairs and proper sit-down-and-eat tables. There is a patio with a good number of tables with outdoor heaters, allowing you to sit alfresco even if the weather is a little cold.

The Atmosphere
Owing to its only asset and high point, The Slug and Lettuce tends to be horrendously busy. There is nothing in the way of a feel good atmosphere here. While the staff are bombarded with food and drink orders, the punters tussle over seating and space. Being part of a chain, it conforms to its branding perfectly, in that respect there is nothing individual or unique to be found here.

The Food
For the quality you receive, and the time you will need to wait, the food is generally overpriced. Their now trademark ciabatta is seen here and a chargrilled chicken and bacon sandwich is just under £7 – with an extra £1.75 to add some chips to your plate. More concerning is the standard of service on the food front. The portions tend to be uneven and, unless you catch the place in a morning, the delivery is very slow. While the actual quality of the food is not terrible, it is not of the standard you might think the area would expect.

The Drink
There’s a genuinely good selection of beers, wines and spirits at The Slug and Lettuce – albeit slightly overpriced. From the Peroni on tap at £3.50 a pint, to their Bel Vino Pinot Grigio Rose at £6.35 for the large 250ml glass. Regrettably, the selection and potential saving grace of the drinks list is let down, again by the service. Whether we put it down to the number of people trying to be served at once or just the quality of staff, a trip to the bar will leave you unimpressed. With silly errors being made, misheard orders and a lack of attention to detail, you would be justified in expecting a higher standard.

The Last Word
A convenient place to go for an after work drink is let down, and potentially ruined, by poor service and low standards. You will find it difficult to recommend The Slug and Lettuce as a place to get value for money.

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