The Refinery in Southwark

Went for brunch on a Saturday. The place was not full but it felt busy. Great choice of drinks and cocktails. Some of the cocktails garnish was interesting. The food was good but it was let down by the service. Staff was not rude but service was a little slow. We ordered our drinks first but got them after we got our food and this was the theme for the rest of the meal. Staff was not super attentive. We kept on having to try and get their attention for extra drinks. I would not have minded but felt like we were bothering them when we asked for something. They had plenty of staff on as well so not sure what was going on. Shame as it is a nice place and everyone enjoyed their food. The only thing people did not like was the cornbread which was very dry.

We use to drink here regularly as our office was nearby. Last Friday we came and was happy to get a nice seat in the window. However we did sit a bit too close to the door so each time it opened I felt a bit chilly. I was too hungry to move to another table down the back. So if it’s cold outside try and get a table more further in. In summer nice and shady and cool inside or you can catch some sun rays outside. Food generally burgers etc, they have really extensive wine lists and their drinks are cool too! We shared chicken kofta and some chips and a bottle of Malbec was £27 if I remember correctly! Always has a nice vibe and staff friendly, was going to give 5 star but held back due to us having to order at the bar. As there weren’t enough staff to cover the busy Friday night and we didn’t want to stress them out. So we ordered at the bar and this was much quicker than waiting for someone to take our order. Still love it and will return by summer, thanks to all staff involved!

Bemused why the average rating is 3.9 stars. Ok it’s not the cheapest place but you can look at the menu before going.. the food and drinks are decent, it’s spacious, and the service is great. Booked a table (would suggest doing this for a party) and had a lovely evening.

Lovely place. Very spacious. Super super dog friendly. Our pups were treated like royalty. Staff were very friendly. Would definitely go again

My Colleagues and I booked in for our work Christmas dinner here. The staff were very lovely, service was excellent, and they were very patient while we decided on drinks. Honestly can't fault them.I really appreciate that the manager was flexible with our booking considering how last minute everything was.Unfortunately, the let down was the food. It was so bland/tasteless... And just "edible". We definitely won't be going back next year. The cheesecake dessert was the worst for me. It was soggy and seemed soaked in water? Again it was just very bland... I can't speak on their regular menu as I haven't tried it but the Christmas dinner didn't leave a good impression on us.The other issue we had is that the restaurant has a deposit system in place where the deposit is forfeited in case of cancellation which is understandable. We found out on the day that a couple of colleagues could not make it due to contracting covid. The restaurant was informed of this but said that we had to pay the full price for their meals as they ordered food in. This didn't make sense to us as they'll be serving christmas dinner throughout December so surely it was a case of not cooking it?... (Maybe we're missing something tbf).This just felt very insensitive given the current climate. Obviously our colleagues couldn't just attend and put everyone, staff and customers at risk so what were they expected to do? I would just be mindful of this if you decide to do a group booking.The ambience was lovely. The restaurant was decorated in a warm festive way that felt really homely. Some of the chairs were crooked which we had a laugh about.Ultimately wouldn't recommend this restaurant's Christmas menu due to the tasteless food and experience with their booking conditions.

Really nice place, love the deco, food really tasty, well balanced and presented. Staff was professional and friendly.

We went here for a brunch after visiting Tate Modern on the weekend. I liked the interior and a service was nice. Dessert and cocktails tasted better than the chicken with waffles. Probably won’t come back for the food here.

Had a lovely evening here..Lovely atmosphere and the food was tasty 😋 The waitress was so nice even though she was rushed off her feet bless her

We visited last week and was very impressed. The food was excellent and our waitress was super friendly and accommodating. The restaurant itself is also in the perfect place to be near the heart of london but also tucked away to give a nice relaxed feel :)

The ambience was pleasant. However everything thereafter is a disappointment.The chairs were broken, the food was extremely bland and dry. This is not a place you want to go to if you desire a good food experience.The waitress felt entitled that the service charge was paid for, and was visibly complaining and discussing with her colleagues about the matter.Not professional nor welcoming to be made to feel this was as a paying guest visiting a restaurant.Do not get the buttermilk chicken burger — absence of flavour, coating was over cooked and the meat was dry!Unfortunate waste of money.Will not be visiting again.