The Botanist Sloane Square

Not happy about the service at all. The Botanist's reputation is sinking. Years ago it used to be the pearl of Sloane Square...now it's the place where you DON'T want to be. Locals and regulars are usually the ones who bring the good vibe (as well as the money) but we are not treated as such so we prefer go elsewhere now.

The Botanist is as close to its competitor Colbert as it can be without becoming a tube station. Colbert buzzes indefatigably morning, noon and night. I like Colbert, and very much too as my increasingly dated review shows. But I also like The Botanist as it is in keeping with one's more restful moods. The Botanist does not buzz. It hums. It is pleasantly full without ever feeling crowded and noisy. The food is very good indeed if in a dependable kind of way. It could do with a more differentiated menu, perhaps with odd Los Angeles-type ingredients like fennel pollen and such. In short, I would like it to live up to its name with odd green things in it. That would also set it apart. The wiener schnitzel pales somewhat by comparison with its neighbour's - it is ever so slightly soggy - but the sea bass in sauce gribiche is nothing short of outstanding. As with the hum so is the service. I have reviewed Colbert separately and written of its tendency for service to verge on the hysterical. No such handicap for The Botanist. Service is impeccable, quick and attentive but relaxed, even if the restaurant is full. If you are lucky to get Victor you will receive all of those traits and more. Victor is a wiener Holstein of a waiter as you get a great sense of humour on top. In short, Sloanes and everyone else, go to The Botanist. It has every right to stand proudly next to Colbert and, unlike Colbert, you needn't book your retirement lunch when you are only twenty one.

I go here very regularly! Always a great buzz, food is good, drinks are good, staff are friendly and you will always meet cool people here.

The two of us both chose the roast beef. It was excellent. I particularly liked the selection and amount of vegetables which are so skimpy in many restaurants. Despite my misgivings I also enjoyed the lavender ice cream with the cheesecake. The staff were attentive but patient when we kept failing to address ourselves to the menu. This was much appreciated as the two of us hadn't seen each other for at least two years and had a lot of catching up to do! The restaurant had a good buzz but not so we couldn't hear ourselves talk – another bonus. Will definitely go back.

Good food and good ambiance, Slow service which could be improved upon.

Poor quality meat wasbadly cooked – it was tough and unappetising. I had to leave it. Really poor value for money and quality. Staff have no awareness of different types of coffee and lacked training. Couldn't wait to leave and have no intentions of going back