The Grosvenor Hotel

Yesterday, as I have done for over twenty years when travelling to London for a social event, I popped into the Grosvenor Hotel at Victoria station for a drink.

The bar was closed (it was 11:45), and the bistro fully booked for a private function. However, I was advised by reception staff to go to the lounge for a drink.

No problem, or so I thought.

I was about to sit down by a small coffee table in the lounge when I was told by a member of staff there that there was a minimum table charge of £30!

Suffice to say I said no way, and went back to reception to raise the issue.

The response?

"The law allows us to charge a minimum £30 cover charge."

I needless to say walked out.

I have used that place for over twenty years (eating and drinking), and have never been treated so badly there (or indeed anywhere else) before.

The sheer greed and arrogance of an institution that treats a loyal customer, of over twenty years standing, in this way beggars belief.

I urge you all to boycott the place until they come to their senses!

Thistle Grosvenor Brasserie Bar Revisited

Thistle Grosvenor Brasserie Bar Revisited

In November I wrote about the decline in service standards at the newly renovated Thistle Grosvenor Brasserie Bar, which was once a very decent and customer focused bar.

Sadly, despite having been assured by management that my concerns would be addressed, standards have not improved.

I went there last night for a quick drink on my way to the West End. The Brasserie Bar had been hired out for a party (the old bar had two rooms which allowed parties to be held without inconveniencing regular customers), therefore I had to go to the lounge next door. I was advised by the "head man" that there were no tables available and that I would have to sit in the corridor (on ridiculously small and uncomfortable seats).

I asked for a gin and tonic and "meekly" took my seat. Ironically, some 30 seconds after I had been told that there were no seats in the lounge, I saw a couple (who had just come in behind me, and had not reserved a table) being promptly shown to a "free" table by the same member of staff.

Needless to say, having waited for a couple of minutes without any sight or sound of my drink appearing, I left.

On my way out I spoke to another member of staff about the issue, she was very apologetic but honest enough to admit that the new bar and service arrangements were not good.

Until the management of the hotel sort this out, I am very sad to say that I most certainly do not recommend this venue to anyone.

The Thistle Grosvenor Brasserie Bar

The Thistle Grosvenor Brasserie Bar

I have been a regular at what was the Harvard Bar in the Thistle Grosvenor Victoria for many years. It provided a welcome sanctuary from the hurly burly of the station, and was a delight to visit.

Sadly, Thistle undertook to redesign the bar and have turned one part into a brasserie and the other part into a small, soulless bar which lacks the space, character and comfort of the Harvard.

Even the toilets have been moved further away and downstairs. Hardly convenient!

I was in the bar on Monday and, I and another regular, had to hunt down a member of staff from elsewhere to come in and serve behind the bar.

Aside from the other regulars (who I have spoken to about the new design) some of the long serving staff are none to happy about the change, and are leaving.

The Harvard Bar, and loyal staff, will be much missed!