Raan Take Two
Folks - I hereby give formal notice of the withdrawal of my original review of Raan restaurant in the O2.
What's happened to change my views? Certainly not the way it looks - it is, in decor, pretty much exactly the same as ever. But appearances are deceiving and Raan is very much not what it was.
Just a few months ago, this was one of the very, very few restaurants in Greenwich included in Time Out's Top Fifty eateries in the capital (I'm looking forward to trying out the intriguing Deptford Project, btw). The North Indian food was excellent, the service immaculate and the feel quirky and independent.
When Greenwich Inc bought it out, I assumed that they would keep the winning formula that had catapulted the place into being regarded as one of the best places to eat in London. After all - it looked exactly the same. No name-change, no outward difference at all.
It just didn't occur to me that all Greenwich Inc seems to have been after when acquiring this accolade-winning restaurant was that coveted corner-position in the Dome at the end of Entertainment Avenue.
Gone is the fabulous Indian cuisine. In comes bog-standard basic Pan-European-American food - steak and fish, cheesecake and pie.
I should mention that this is NOT bad food. It's perfectly ok - averagely cooked,averagely presented and averagely served. Everything's ok. There were no complaints from our table. But there were no murmurs of appreciation either. This was fuel - perfectly edible, perfectly nice - but a disappointment after eating in the old Raan.
I can't find Raan mentioned in its new capacity anywhere. Not even on Greenwich Inc's own website. Could it be that they are trading on old reviews? Or is the truth more depressing - that stadium-goers don't really care what they're eating and Greenwich Inc knows this?
What's happened to change my views? Certainly not the way it looks - it is, in decor, pretty much exactly the same as ever. But appearances are deceiving and Raan is very much not what it was.
Just a few months ago, this was one of the very, very few restaurants in Greenwich included in Time Out's Top Fifty eateries in the capital (I'm looking forward to trying out the intriguing Deptford Project, btw). The North Indian food was excellent, the service immaculate and the feel quirky and independent.
When Greenwich Inc bought it out, I assumed that they would keep the winning formula that had catapulted the place into being regarded as one of the best places to eat in London. After all - it looked exactly the same. No name-change, no outward difference at all.
It just didn't occur to me that all Greenwich Inc seems to have been after when acquiring this accolade-winning restaurant was that coveted corner-position in the Dome at the end of Entertainment Avenue.
Gone is the fabulous Indian cuisine. In comes bog-standard basic Pan-European-American food - steak and fish, cheesecake and pie.
I should mention that this is NOT bad food. It's perfectly ok - averagely cooked,averagely presented and averagely served. Everything's ok. There were no complaints from our table. But there were no murmurs of appreciation either. This was fuel - perfectly edible, perfectly nice - but a disappointment after eating in the old Raan.
I can't find Raan mentioned in its new capacity anywhere. Not even on Greenwich Inc's own website. Could it be that they are trading on old reviews? Or is the truth more depressing - that stadium-goers don't really care what they're eating and Greenwich Inc knows this?
Labels: Eating Out
posted by The Greenwich Phantom at
13:33
8 Comments:
What was the Millenium indian restaurant in Colomb St. now has new owners and has been renamed Gurkha's Inn ! I think these are the same guys associated with Himalaya at Westcome Pk station and Mogul in W.Greenwich which are Nepalese style so definitely worth checking out.
So it's actually opened now then? When I went past it wasn't open. I'll arrange a posse to test it out asap...
The grand opening was yesterday (Wednesday) complete with new clay oven...
The guy that's running it has been around these parts (as a waiter) for many years and it's his dream-come-true to have his own place.
I'll support it - assuming the food is good!
well I hope they have sterilised the place on Colomb St. When I went as Millennium I found mouse droppings all over the furnishings. never went back.
I'm guessing the stadium-goes don't really care what they eat, esp. if it tastes OK.
I ate there yesterday, it is superb and very reasonably priced. Try the momo (nepalese steamed dumplings) in particular, and the vegetarian dishes are as good if not better than the ones at the place in Westcombe Park. Yes, it's one of the guys from Himalaya, starting out on his own - well worth supporting!
We went to eat at the American Bar and Grill at the o2, also owned by Greenwich INC and the whole experience was grotty. I've chalked that up to experience and won't do any more INC eateries.
The Latin American place looked good in the o2 and provided that it's not owned by INC it will probably be the next on the list to try.
Bloody Inc, the really do ruin everything.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home