Bar Termini Soho

Bouncer was lovely. But that is where the customer service ended. Initially we stood inside the door as there was no room. We were happy with this as we were happy to be inside out of the rain. When a table became free I asked the waiter if we could sit. The waiter seemed annoyed that I had asked and from then on we were treated like absolute shit and mocked. It was so odd. A complete change in character.

 

I’m a Londoner and a regular to the area and restaurant scene and have never encountered service like it. The waiters were consistently rude to us and belittling. This, despite us being friendly and unsure what we had done to annoy them (except ask to sit down). They seem to have a weird control/ power issues. Drinks were really good and we spent quite a bit of money however after being offered and given another (our last drink) we’re told we had 10 minutes to drink up. Paying £16 for a cocktail and being requested to drink it in 10 minutes is not acceptable. The bill between the two of us came to £90, so not cheap.

 

When I was leaving there was a que outside and I said ‘thank you’ to our server who was outside managing the que. After I had passed the waiter mimicked me making the que laugh at me. Horrid.  I’ve never had to write a review before but this  experience was shocking. Friendliness and politeness should be a given.

As someone who has always thought Italians do it better, Bar Termini beautifully perpetuates this belief. This is the closest thing to stepping in to an Italian cafe cum aperitivo spot I have ever come across. The batch Negronis are consistently excellent and kick off an evening nicely, especially in those sensibly-sized and neat glasses. The staff are always welcoming and courteous, all of which makes for an early evening experience which took me back to days of sundowners and snacks in Milan. Be sure and book a table though as it gets full quickly!

Everything in Bar Termini is small, from the space itself the drinks list. Which is great, if you do it very well. Unfortunately this wasn't our experience. With only one choice of red and one choice of white, you would expect a great bottle. But at £34, the Valpolicella was insipid and disappointing. They also ran out! Only one bottle was to be had. There is a reasonable prosecco as an alternative, but again at a £34 price tag and so it requires, champagne pockets for a lemonade lifestyle. The staff are lovely and do their best to be charming and engaging, but it really isn't enough to redeem the other elements. Additionally, Bar Termini, feels just that. A bit like you are on your way to somewhere else, not necessarily inviting you to linger. I won't be going bac.