It is almost quite impressive. The Refinery has managed to export the soulness nature of many a city bar all the way south of the river. Remarkable. read more

Horrible! First, the service was terrible. Second, when you have a design like this restaurant (contemporary, open to ventilation ducts, etc.) you need to pay attention to things like dust. If they would drop the cuteness and concentrate on what matters, it might be a decent place -- drop the clothes-pinned menu and simplify things; drop the cutting boards and clay pots for food and get proper plates, drop the books used for delivery of checks. Just one gimmick after another, and none of them work and together they REALLY DON"T WORK. read more

I just had brunch at The Refinery yesterday by chance (were supposed to go elsewhere but the queue was pretty long). I must say, I'm glad I got to check this place out, as it wasn't on my radar. The food is delicious and the ambiance is really fun. I especially love the decor, as it is lively and energetic. Additionally, although it does take reservations, there were quite a few tables available, which for a Sunday at noon is pretty hard to find. I would absolutely come back! read more

So I was back here last night for a few post work pints and it was busy, with a capital BI. I was put straight on the fact the deck chairs and outside screen are not actually provided by the Refinery but rather Southwark Council. In my original review they sneaked an extra star because I thought they were responsible for the outside entertainment, since they're not it only seemed fair to do a quick update and knock them back down to a 3. All other observations stand. I thank you. read more

I really like this place... mostly because the one cocktail I had was so great! I had the Cuban spritzer... which is a mojito strained and topped with prosecco... very refreshing and nice but at £8 for a tiny glass it made me sad because I would have taken another 3 of them. I love the innovative cocktails here and I tried a small table bar appetizer and it wasn't bad... I haven't had a full meal there yet. I also like the arty and classy decor along with the clientele. I say if you are in the area why not try it... read more

The bar service generally takes forever, so slow and inefficient. Food is a-ok, nothing I would take a date or my family to and say "great food and service", more a place for lunch with workmates and the rain keeps you to stay close to work... read more

So I've been here a few times for different events and have always had a good time. Mainly with work, we're always looking for places to go that are a bit away from our usual drinking spots, so the Refinery (a 5 minute cab ride away) is perfect. I came here last night for a friend's birthday drinks - table/ one of those bar stool sized benches was reserved in perfect stumbling distance to the bar! Good drinks (a bit overpriced) but service was nice and it's never too busy. I've also been here for a Sunday brunch. We were seated at a long table - the staff were really understanding about our constantly changing numbers. But we were put right next to the door which was cold when it kept being left open. I had the full English breakfast (nice touch serving it in a cast iron pan), all very tasty and filled me up. For about £8 that's not too bad either. Also a chemex filter drip which was filled with really nice coffee! My friend (not the scientist like me) had real fun filtering the hot water through - just like high school science! The waitress could NOT figure out how to do this properly, awkward.. There were two other issues - a friend ordered crumpets that were stone cold in the middle. NOT GOOD. also we couldn't get hold of the waitress to pay and leave... side not, why is it SO DIFFICULT in restaurants to pay and leave, especially if you're in a hurry!! I don't get it, do they not want our money... hmm. read more

This experience was rather mediocre. I escaped the rain with a friend for some brunch, but their brunch menu was not on. Ordered a club sandwich, which was not great as the bread was hardly toasted. We also ordered coffees that took entirely too long to arrive considering how few people were in the restaurant. The worst part was the fire alarm went off, which happens but it delayed everyone's food. They at least told us this, but for ordering a sandwich and a salmon salad our food still came late and was so unmemorable I doubt I will go again, especially as it overpriced. You are better off across the street at The Table! read more

Wooden floors, shiny surfaces and nice big high ceilings. The food at lunch is really great value (£8 for a stacked Salmon burger, chunky chips and salad). Good wine and nice bustling place. read more

What a great place for brunch (lunch, dinner, drinks whatever)! Located right behind the Tate Modern, The Refinery is a swish place with dark wood, high ceilings and an all around slick interior that nevertheless feels comfortable. I had a baked three egg omelette with mushrooms, tomatoes and cheddar, served with crusty toasted bread. My dining companion had delicious looking eggs Benedict. Service was friendly and quick. There weren't too many people there on a Saturday afternoon, but that was a nice change of pace. I would certainly return. read more

The Refinery did our xmas lunch and I have to say it was very good. The food quality was miles better than you normally get for a group xmas booking and the service was great. No Christmas music :-( but it was still the end of November (dont ask!). The menu choice was great, turkey, lamb, cod and pumpkin for the veggies. We pre-selected so no fussing over the menu on the day. I had duck pate for my starter, very meaty and served with pears and toasted bread, yummy! Turkey dinner for main, a big thick slice (like 2 inches!!!) of turkey breast with all the trimmings, really good qulaity. And a chocolate torte to finish ot all off...divine. As the host I asked the other diners what they thought of the other dishes and they all loved it. They set up a bar tab for us so we washed it all down with superb beer and prosecco. Couldn't fault it at all, def. a contender for next years outing. We had 25 of us and even though some people turned up very late no fuss was made by the staff they just rushed off and brought them whatever food they wanted. I have also eaten lunch here several times as its opposite my office, and the food has always been great, you'll pay around £15 for lunch including drinks). Have also organised evening drinks here too and the staff are so helpful will tailor the night to whatever you want. Def worth a visit, any time of day read more

Great food, innovative and fresh presentation of all dishes from the drinks to the entrees to the desserts. And even the bill was presented in an old book with a London Oyster pass cover as a gift. :) The wait staff was a little slow and not exactly friendly and it took a very long time to receive our food (1 dish was sent back because the waitress placed the order wrong in the kitchen), but once received, we really enjoyed our meal and beverages. You have to check this place out and give it a try. read more

Pleasant atmosphere, friendly staff and delicious food and drinks! We felt very comfortable during the dinner and the music and decorative interior laid the foundation for a cozy evening. read more

This was a let down. I found this a shame and surprising being as the decor was appealing and the food wasn't half bad. However, the service was some of the worst I have seen and it really soured my entire impression of The Refinery. Sadly, I will not be returning. read more

I went here for dinner one night with a couple of friends as I live right next door. The food was good but the portions were rather small for the prices. However, it does have a cool vibe and gets very crowded, especially on weekend nights. read more

Visited after a day of sight seeing. The vibe was great there were a lot of people there socializing near the bar. While the bar area was very crowded the seating area for dinner was pretty spacious. The waiter was friendly and brought out our food and drinks within a timely manner. While there I had a burger and it was okay but the drinks were amazing! read more

Asparagus was good despite being really heavy on the oil. My son's burger was decent. Fries were a bit nasty. Top fries were edible, but those at the bottom were dripping in oil. read more

A decent enough bar from the same people who brought you the Parlour at Canary Wharf, Folly in the City and a couple of other bars dotted around. Food is excellent and attractively served. Drinks are a bit expensive and perhaps unsurprisingly the place is best avoided in the evening owing to the presence of toffy City-types throwing their money around in typical vulgar fashion! It's nicest at the weekend, and between lunchtime and clocking-off time during the week. read more

I had lunch here, we had no problem getting a table for two. This place is very appealing it's a large restaurant, nicely decorated and can accommodate everyone from couples to families to large groups. The menu has a lot of choice and variation. Although the food tasted nice, I was slightly disappointed with the service it wasn't very busy but service was still a bit slow, albeit very friendly. One of our drinks was left behind by the waiter and this took about 15 minutes to catch up, and the time between sitting at the table and taking our order was a bit too long. My only other gripe and you may have read similar comments in other reviews I've posted I'm not a fan of the fashionably pretentious way of serving chips/fries in strange objects it's most restaurants stick them in little buckets these days but the Refinery put mine in a cup and my wife's in a flower pot. Just stick them on the flippin' plate! Oh and my bill arrived tucked in to an old paperback book overlook all these silly things and you'll enjoy lovely food and drink. read more

The Refinery - Wine Bars Near Me - London, XGL

Food is poor for them money; oyster is bland, lobster is dry, steak is almost unchewable. But chicken satay starter is good, and the cheese box dessert is creative. Service is fine as well read more

Basically the only reason that this survives is that it is convenient for the suits who work above it. Without this monopoly the overpriced drinks and amazingly s l o w service would mean that they are out of business. There is no reason for the slow service there are plenty of staff, plenty of taps however the staff are never in a hurry despite having a packed house or maybe they are just not competent enough. Unlike many people in London I do however like the modern decor that the place has and the staff are friendly enough. read more

This was one of the first meals I had in London, and probably the 5th review I've written. After trying a few other places around town, I downgraded my 4 star to a 3 star. The service was good and the chef looked like he meant business. I ordered the swordfish special since it sounded awesome. Unfortunately, the portion size was literally 4 bites (which I stretched into 8 by kinda nibbling on small bites). The other people with me had bigger portions (the crayfish pasta looked good) and the fish and chips I heard was pretty good. I'll probably give this place another shot and order something else. read more

Good ambience. Packed. Seated quickly and coffee order taken. I like the groove of this place - beaten up but comfortable furniture, cool lighting and such. Coffee takes ages. Arrives finally but waiter darts from the table before taking breakfast order. Manage to coax him back. Latte is lukewarm. Notice now that others sat around me don't have food and are starting to look over at the kitchen with worried expressions on their faces. Food arrives prompty despite this. Looks good. Benedict has spinach, they must be confused. Spinach extracted and the flavours are ok. But again, lukewarm. All is perched on some woefully under-toasted muffins that turn doughy and heavy as time wears on. Need to be hot and crunchy. Hash browns prove to be highlight overall, which is a shame, as they were just a side. I think a plate of those next time. Want another coffee but wait staff doing their best at flying around looking incredibly busy. Don't think I'll bother coming back, plenty of better options in this area. Want to pay the bill. Think I might have to send up a flare... read more

This place is great for a Saturday brunch! The fish and chips were delicious. We also had the the duck flatbread. Yum!!

Great place for drinks and food especially in the summer! Nice cocktails although a little pricey! Great location and fun and friendly staff! read more

Service was terrible! Unfriendly atmosphere together with arrogant attitudes from the staff. Never going back there again.

The food in this place is amazing but the service is so bad it is almost funny. We arrive and have to find our own menus then we eventually are allowed to order and the bring out my meal which I end up eating in full as my friend's meals did not come out for another 40 mins. We order four drinks and only received 3 .. I thought I was going to die of dehydration as had a massive hangover so this was not good. We then get left to use the credit card machine ourselves when the bill eventually came another half an hour after we asked for it. All this beautiful service with a snarl from the surly waitress who made us feel like we were a hindrance to her.. It was actually making us all laugh as the service was appalling almost like we were part of a tv show where someone jumps out and says SURPRISE only a joke! .. Food is soo good though although was quite curious as to what made the chef add the fish heads with no body to make my meal look like I had more than three prawns. read more