Time travelling backwards
Entering the restaurant was like travelling back in time to the 1970s. The decor and ambiance is a little past its sell by date, but is obviously well liked by its clientele who are obviously regular and well fed. Several large tables were hosting birthday parties for older members, and I have no doubt, for this kind of event, this place is ideal.
London has moved on a lot since then, however, and food presentation and levels of discreet service have skipped by unnoticed. Portions are substantial, served piping hot and either very well cooked or in the case of my starter and the general assorted vegetables, were too well cooked for my liking. If you have dentures, however, they could have been ideal and possibly this was the intention.
You will not go home wondering what special ingredient made that wonderful dish, or wanting to recreate anything for a dinner party... the chances are, you have cooked it before ( if dietary laws permit ).
Tables are pushed very close together, there is almost no room for a pre-dinner drink at the bar while waiting for your late table to be prepared.
The Maitre-d' and staff try hard to please, but there is a lack of finesse that more than likely goes unnoticed by the clientele of older regulars. Music is played just loud enough to not hear conversation at adjacent tables yet soft enough to be able to talk to table mates.
If this was a cruise ship it would be the old P&O Victoria than a modern Cunard liner. Clientele are more Marbella than St Tropez. Presentation is more Lexus than Aston Martin.
Conclusion: Like my old School reports used to say... Oslo Court tries hard, but could do better with a little more imagination and a little less effort.