Slug & Lettuce

Canary Wharf, London E14 4QQ

On Saturday 10th April, my partner and I ventured to Canary Wharf in search of a brunch to suit the balmy weather - al fresco dining preferable! A hub of corporate energy during the working week, combined with the civilised ambience of City living, Canary Wharf boasts a vibrant array of eateries and retail delights, the choice being diverse and suitable to many tastes.

By the time we arrived, brunch was not on the menu, so we settled for a setting next to the river, courtesy of the Slug and Lettuce. Having frequented other branches of this well known chain we settled for a window seat overlooking the outside area with the intention of moving outdoors as soon as a table was vacated. The fact that there were no available outdoor tables boded well not only for the sun, but for the popularity of the venue. The service was efficient and polite, our waitress eager to ensure that we were made to feel at ease. A drinks order was taken promptly, and being in morning mode, we opted for an Americano coffee and herbal tea, along with two glasses of iced tap water. The hot drinks arrived quickly, and apologies made for there being no milk jugs - an espresso cup was used to dispense the milk, but nevertheless, the excuse made for it more than compensated!

The menu at the Slug and Lettuce has always catered to many tastes - from pasta to salad, burgers to fish and chips. Whilst our desire had been to have a traditional English brunch, the time factor disallowed us by the matter of an hour (breakfast is served until midday), we initially spent a while poring over the menu, unable to discern whether or not it would be able to fulfill our dietary requirements. I opted for the Mexican Burger, billed as being a beef pattie topped with Mexican chilli and served in a seeded bap along with fries and other Mexican accompaniments. When my order was taken, I asked that the burger was served minus the bap and chips, and instead extra salad and coleslaw. The waitress happily obliged and showed no qualms about my request. My partner opted for the Chicken Souvlaki, a traditional Greek skewered chicken with vegetables, houmous, tzatziki and flat breads. Our waitress was most obliging and again asked if everything was ok with our experience thus far.

Just after ordering our food, we noticed that a table outside had become free, and moved to take advantage of the sun. Another waitress assisted us in the move outside, happily escorting us. Literally minutes afterwards, our food arrived - fresh looking and nicely presented. We had yet to receive our iced water so had to request that this was done (which it was, promptly).

The quantity of food was more than acceptable, especially in light of my request. The burger was cooked well, with a tasty chilli and melted cheese topping. The salad accompaniment was of a good size and was already dressed - in hindsight, dressing on the side would be preferable, yet it did not detract from the overall taste and presentation. A generous helping of coleslaw and guacamole served to ensure that the meal was hearty, sustaining and palatable. My partner's dish came very presented, with two skewers of marinated chicken and red onion. There were a couple of sliced peppers, but, contrary to the menu, the onion and chicken was more in abundance to the expense of other vegetables. Served with warmed flat breads and tzatziki, it again appealed in both taste and satisfaction. Whilst each dish wasn't cheap, comparatively it was good value for money and we were not left feeling either hungry or mis-sold to.

The Slug and Lettuce was a bustling choice, but one which we would happily visit again due to the friendly and efficient nature of the staff and their ability to accommodate our dietary requirements. When we asked for the bill, it was refreshing to see that a 'discretionary service charge' had not been automatically added - this was left up to us entirely, and did not go unnoticed as we left our attentive waitress a gratuity.

Overall, our experience of this particular branch was acceptable, and though never going to rival a top London restaurant, certainly portrayed an air of professionalism and customer service that is all too lacking in many chain pubs and restaurants. The enthusiastic and friendly nature of the staff, ability to modify the menu and attractive surroundings served to ensure that for a reasonably priced and quick meal, the Slug and Lettuce Canary Wharf would be of consideration in the future.

DEL
April 2011

THE BILL

2 large americano 3.50
1 chicken souvlaki 6.95
1 mexican burger 8.95

Total £19.40