Nam Long

User rating 

StarStarStarNo StarNo Star

 11 reviews

Venue Image
159 Old Brompton Road,
London,
SW5 0LJ

0872 148 1312
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.

Add a User Review for

Nam Long
Add user review button
Add your own review of this restaurant
Sort By:
User icon
StarStarStarNo StarNo Star
Reviewer Edwardbrink
02/02/2012
The boss has been running this place for over 25 years and a great salute to him! My family have been living in this area for over three generations and I remember when this tiny stretch of Old Brompton Road wasn't bombarded by the Spaniards or any other bar. Nam Long has put this road on the map and should be recognised as an institution, its a welcomed bar/restaurant to the area, and has been very familiar to the Chelsea swingers for years. I've seen the boss in action and its all very amusing to be honest-along with a green laser he shines to command orders! You should come for that alone- its like nothing you have ever seen! This place has real personality, you can feel it bleeding through the walls, cant think of anywhere in London what compares to this uniqueness. A very welcome change to all the airport lounge bars all over town.
Reply to this review
User icon
StarStarStarNo StarNo Star
Reviewer Murdoch70
13/11/2011
What an extraordinary place. We were having an ok time but started to get tired of being moved around. 'You can't stand there, nor there, nor there.' When we secured three stools at the bar the waitress immediately took one away. Then the tiny owner bloke ordered us to stand in a certain place and when we objected he said: 'We'll get the f**k out of my bar.' We were happy to, even though we'd spent a small fortune in there. I actually gave him my full drink back, suggesting he needed it more than I did. He just threw it to the ground with an almighty smash and then told my Irish wife to 'go set off some bombs'. It was actually quite amusing, watching this 4th lunatic in action. The doorman, meanwhile, was so embarrassed he apologised. 'I wouldn't spend your money here mate, he's a nutter.' After that experience, and the racist remark he then made about the Spanish at the superb tapas place across the road, I won't be rushing back.
Reply to this review
User icon
StarNo StarNo StarNo StarNo Star
Reviewer WUTANGCLAN
28/07/2011
The worst bar/restaurant I've been to in my 6-years in London. The owner is little Vietnamese nut case that won't let people stand at the bar neither sit down on stools. The place is empty cause the owner kicks everyone out for no reason by pointing his green laser at them and getting his bouncer who's on horse tranquilisers to kick his customers out right after they pay for the drinks. This place is a scam and needs to be shut down ASAP.
Reply to this review
User icon
StarStarStarStarStar
13/01/2010
i love this place- its been around forever and its clientele is the right kind. Its somewhere you bump into an old friend who left for st tropez years ago. Always something nostalgic about this place as it never changes. I come back to see the owner, to have the braised prawns in ginger and spring rolls and my long time friend the frozen strawberry daiquris. The art takes my attention every time- unfortunately none are for sale. You can feel the character of this place and it comes alive as the night goes on, ive seen many things here and if the walls could talk, this place has real history. An institution!
Reply to this review
User icon
Reviewer William09
14/01/2010
Are you on drugs when you're there? This place has to be the worst food, worst service and worst management i've ever experienced. The place is run like a Mafioso money laundering restaurant. Have heard the owner is renowned for assaulting customers as well.
User icon
Reviewer keevaoc
28/02/2010
I have to agree with William, this is one of theeeee worst places I have been to, we were verbally abused by the owner who was using a green laser to point people out and then start swearing at them. In trying to get out of his way we were then accosted by some other customers and as for the bouncer. For the prices of drinks and paying to get in only to be abused, these people should be ashamed of themselves
User icon
StarStarStarStarStar
Reviewer GMchelsea
13/01/2010
Nam Long is amazing, go to Nam Long and expect to spend money, Nam Long is an institution. I recommend the grilled prawn pancakes and beef fillet cubes! Tas-ty! Its not the street food you find backpacking in Nam - so if you are looking for pho go to Bethanal green! The owner is unmissable, doesnt take any crap- well if nam Long has been to Nam Long 23 years he must be doing something right! Decor is charming, wall filled with collective pieces of art- makes a refreshing change from sterile walls and interiors. A must- go. Think of it as an experience! Viva Nam Long le Shaker!
Reply to this review
User icon
StarNo StarNo StarNo StarNo Star
Reviewer William09
14/08/2009
Do not even bother. This place is the worst bar i've been to ever. The owner (Hitler) treats his staff so badly, which in turn is why people receive bad service. AVOID this place at all costs as this place should be closed down. Purely to ensure that people should never be treated in such an appalling way. Also to avoid been smacked in the back for speaking up about they way he treat his staff.
Reply to this review
User icon
Reviewer GMchelsea
13/01/2010
the owner is magnificant- been a regular for years and he treats his staff fairly and well....the staff are always friendly and helpful and happy! This place has been here for decades so he must be doing something right. William i just dont think its your place...but for many around the globe its a treasure and institution in london. wonderful food, great crowd, never know who you may spot, from the young royals to celebs. Lighten up honestly!
User icon
StarStarStarNo StarNo Star
Reviewer Anonymous
01/03/2009
I went here the other night for drinks and would say that the main reason I'd recommend anyone else to go is for novelty.

The place is owned by a little, old Vietnamese man who kicks anyone who he doesn't like out. Usually something along the lines of, "You get the * out!".

He's the resident human chihuahua. It provides some comic entertainment while you stand in the barely-there queu.

Oh and there was also the incident with our waitress. When we asked her for another two minutes (further to the 5 we'd already requested) as we hadn't chosen our drinks yet, she replied, "Why you always want 2 minutes!".

That was bizarre. But yes: seedy decoration, dodgy music, strong and expensive drinks, rude staff, and an upright that piano that you must NOT sit on. Why not.
Reply to this review
User icon
StarStarNo StarNo StarNo Star
Reviewer kbishkin
03/07/2007
Don't eat here. The average, expensive food was served in tiny portions. Not the Vietnamese cuisine advertised (they didn't even have Pho).



The waiting staff was apathetic at best. They tried to clear before we were finished and after we had finished they took a half hour to get the bill.



And the most outrageous... they had a mandatory service charge of 15% for a party of two that we tried to get taken off but nobody spoke English well enough to discuss it. Overall, horrible value for money.
Reply to this review
User icon
StarStarStarStarNo Star
Reviewer Anonymous
20/12/2004
I have always loved Nam Long. You need to take it with a large pinch of salt. Go for fun, for a good time, to drink fabulous cocktails and eat lovely food. Go to people watch. Just don't take it or yourself too seriously. Don't go if you are easily offended, it is often loud, smoky and full of boisterous people feeling rather full of themselves. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em - with tongue firmly in cheek.
Reply to this review
User icon
StarNo StarNo StarNo StarNo Star
Reviewer Jihane
29/10/2004
The Nam Long is one of the worst restaurants I have been to. The staff are very rude and unfriendly, very impatient and pushy. The place is over decorated with Vietnamese/Chinese art, too dark, too loud and too smoky.


There is no non-smoking section available, which makes it very uncomfortable for non-smokers to eat in this place.



Apart from the Staff, the Manager as well is very rude and the drinks and the food are overpriced. There is no comfortable atmosphere in the restaurant and the space is not efficiently used, making it too crowded and one is almost sitting on the neighbouring table, as it is so densely packed.



Personally, being native Vietnamese, I woulnd't recommend anyone that wants to experience the great Vietnamese cuisine to eat at the Nam Long, but go to smaller, and maybe less posh restaurants, where they can be sure though to get good service and good food.

Reply to this review
User icon
StarStarStarStarStar
Reviewer Anonymous
29/10/2004
I loved Nam Long! The moment you set foot inside the door you feel as though you enter a different world. The Nam Long is alive with all types of people, celebs includued! The gorgeous aroma from the kitchen makes sure you dont leave with out sampling one of the amazing dishes!

The infamous 'flaming ferrari' cocktail at about £13 a glass is expensive but it's definitely worth it. The room echos as the ferrari engine revs and the many diners drum against their table in anticipation, it's set on fire, you drink, then you feel like you're actually on fire!
GREAT PLACE! You must try it!

Reply to this review
The views contained in these user reviews are not endorsed by ViewLondon in any way and are provided by users who wish to publish their independent views of the respective establishment.

Most Read Today

image
01 Queens Jubilee Bank Holiday Events

Celebrate Her Majesty's 60 year reign with a four ...

image
02 Thames Diamond Jubilee River Pageant

See over a thousand boats sail the Thames to celeb...

image
03 Queens Diamond Jubilee London

Celebrate the Diamond Jubilee in 2012 as the capit...

image
04 Queens Jubilee Thames Flotilla

Cheer on the Queen as she leads a thousand boats a...

image
05 Summer in London

Free music festivals, arts and culture, pools, par...

Content updated: 30/05/2012 14:38
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

Restaurant Hire

Planning a party?

Find a special restaurant to make your party special here.

.

This Week Try With A View® Card

Khanage

2-4-1 food courses Sunday to Thursday with View® Card.

Latest Restaurants User Reviews

  • Planet Hollywood
    this isn't a review but I don't know where else write or ask for ...
    StarStarStarNo StarNo Star
    Dally9 on 30/05/2012 @ 11:16
  • Standard Balti House
    SBH is the best, every occasion that we are there it has been a v...
    StarStarStarStarStar
    Anabanna on 30/05/2012 @ 00:22
  • Roadhouse
    Went here on Saturday to celebrate my sisters 30th. We got in ear...
    StarStarNo StarNo StarNo Star
    allybear on 29/05/2012 @ 23:23
  • Sushi des Artistes
    Everyone must try! Went there with my girlfriend last weekend. ...
    StarStarStarStarStar
    philip.green on 29/05/2012 @ 18:33
  • Takari
    Wow as i return from a party booked at Takari I must write a note...
    StarStarStarStarStar
    susan_binder1 on 29/05/2012 @ 00:21