Forum Topic

Overpriced food in TW8

Does anybody else thing that it's great being in a developing area ... that is until people get delusions of grandeur.  Look at these new "eateries":Grounds was good when they opened but then they recently hiked their prices, so it's just not worth it.  Prezzo is fairly good food and the manager is great (other staff a bit surly) but it's all desperately overpriced as is the Weir for food that is only average.With the exception of O'Brien's (excellent sunday lunch - great value) seems like all these places "wannabe" in Chiswick!  Brentford will never get it's own personality, until someone caters a bit more for us "ordinary people" (i.e. the ones who live here)...

Carey Gunn ● 6840d42 Comments

Oliver, I am not opposed to anything new.I AM opposed to your general tone of snottiness and condescension toward the locals.I wonder how we ever managed before you came along to enlighten us...

Keith Iddon ● 6826d

Come on Oliver - some of us are dying to know what the future of Brentford looks like! (By the way, I'm neither a dinosaur not a Canute).

James de Vivenot ● 6828d

exactly, they are a vindicative lot on here

Click here to enter name ● 6828d

That's an unfair question (commercial suicide).

The Pseudometer ● 6828d

Which restaurant do you run Oliver?

Justin Harris ● 6828d

Ah shucks, I may have to gatecrash the get-together.

The Pseudometer ● 6828d

no confusion here colin. (no projection either! -- have you been mainlining Oprah?). through the majority of your posts you seem to be aligned with the flock of brentford dinosaurs led of course by stegoLAWrus.

Click here to enter name ● 6828d

Methinks you are confused and are projecting. Here are your words: "happy that at least for now I am not exposed to the Brentford market where there is such a suspicion of all things new".That said, I think you're bang on the money about the obstruction to re-development.

The Pseudometer ● 6828d

Have you considered for one second Colin that not every 'local' matches your stereotype. Just imagine that Colin, not everyone in Brentford is an embittered, suspicious luddite such as yourself.

Click here to enter name ● 6828d

Local shops for local people?

The Pseudometer ● 6828d

Hi Sarah....we'll get the Chai Latte's ready for you.Hope all works out well with your family member's illness?Bob

Bob Chadda ● 6828d

I have to say I think Grounds has great coffee and a nice atmosphere, I havent been in for a while for my morning coffee due to a family members illness, but I do miss my Chai lattes!!!!!

Sarah Baker ● 6828d

Keith you are mistaken, my establishment isn't in Brentford where I am merely a resident. Of course your reaction makes me happy that at least for now I am not exposed to the Brentford market where there is such a suspicion of all things new.

Click here to enter name ● 6828d

So Oliver...some of your potential customers are 'Brentford dinosaurs' are they...you've a strange way of trying to entice local folks(who have been here a lot longer than you and will still be here a lot longer after you I'll wager)into your establishment.I'll probably give your place a go someday,but I'll be surprised if your coffee is as good as the espresso at Joseph's in Old Isleworth,your service as prompt and the friendliness of your staff as effusive.

Keith Iddon ● 6829d

Many thanks for your support Oliver. Please do say hello when next in.RegardsBob

Bob Chadda ● 6829d

Looking forward to seeing you soon and do let us know what you think.RegardsBob

Bob Chadda ● 6829d

I think we should congratulate and thank Bob Chadda for making the investment of time and money in Grounds and contributing something fresh and new to a tired area. I have been to Grounds on a couple of occasions for coffee which i found to be of high quality. as a restaurant owner myself i know how difficult it is to make a profit, especially as an independent entity. there is a general ignorance amongst the punters about the extent and array of outlays involved in running an operation like this; staff, heating, electricity, water, business rates, rent, cleaning materials, stock purchase, all on top of initial outlay on furniture, glassware etc etc etc. The beer prices quoted here seem entirely reasonable for the environment provided. Keep at it Bob and don't let the Brentford dinosaurs put you off.

Click here to enter name ● 6829d

Hurray for independent coffee shops! I haven't been in, but I will do at some point soon. What's a PORK?

Rashmi Chavda ● 6829d

Thanks Jim....Menu is not on the web at the moment....the site...as you so often hear these days is "under construction" and sincerely it is so, just trying to put to bed the 3 or 4 areas that I wish to get up and running here at Grounds but will surely let you know when we are up and running.See you soonregardsBob

Bob Chadda ● 6830d

Try the Lord Nelson in Enfield Road.Food is great and atmosphere also.Small enough to care etc.Hosts Di and Pete are brilliant.Regards,Ian.

Ian Silver ● 6830d

BobThanks for your comments..yes of course I'll call again...and I understand the problems of finding ideal staff.I wouldn't have mentioned a word to anyone until that "troll" arrived on the scene and say what he said...about "us"!The location there is a knock-out..and I hope you thrive.Remind me ..is your menu on the web somewhere?

Jim Lawes ● 6830d

I'm not sad to see the back of it (the beer, that is), 'cause that was one deal guaranteed to screw you up. We had a lot of fun for 2 years...ahh

The Pseudometer ● 6832d

Colin,  I remember the days of Holsten Export...I started drinking it when I came down here in '77 as I couldn't find a decent cask beer (everywhere seemed to be Ben Truman,Watneys's or Courage).Whatever happened to Holsten,don't seem to see it any more?How did the rest of the date go?;-)

Keith Iddon ● 6833d

Ladies & Gentlemen,I believe that this is becoming a bit unconstructive. Everyone is indeed entitled to their opinion, and certainly opinions that are worthy of helping my business grow.Jim I can only apologise for the poor quality of service you rec'd, it certainly is not acceptable. I am very hard on the staff for providing the service that is demanded of an establishment such as ours, to include the greeting of customers, and of course saying goodbye.It is hard for a new business to get this right from the begining, and one of the biggest issues I have is of finding the right kind of individuals who will fit in with the business and work to the levels that I desire of them. Naturally it is a process of trial & error, and yes, I have had to lay off staff members because of them not coming upto scratch. I cannot be here 100% of the time and do at times rely on staff members to provide a consistent level of service.I don't quite have the luxury of Prezzo's who have staff brought in from other stores to help get this new restaurant off the ground. I have had to start from scratch and naturally i am as keen as any business owner to ensure that desired expectations are meet as quickly as possible.As a side note, in terms of the beer, we have always priced a bottle of our 'house' beer at £2.50, which I still feel is a very good price considering the environment that one has it in.Jim, I would appreciate it if you would give us another shot, see if the service levels are more to those that one would expect. Please do ask for me, and if around, it would be my pleasure to meet with you.Mike, I also take your point on board, it is just that sometimes I do get a touch overprotective about Grounds and do not appreciate postings on the forum that do not hold any truth and of course which are postings that are read by many who have an interest in Brentford.Mike, again,please do come in, have a coffee and hopefully meet with me too.Again, to all I welcome your feedback comments and suggestions, and look forward to seeing you here soon.RegardsBob Chadda

Bob Chadda ● 6833d

Good luck Bob. I'm new to Brentford and find the food there generally good. As for the location, you're right it's fantastic. Good luck.Kim

Kim Vignitchouk ● 6833d

""as my mate says you can't educate PORK the little clique you get on here aint worth worrying about""DanielWelcome to the BrentfordTW8 forum.Your message above was possibly your first posting on here...and the style doesn't bode well for the future. That's not the way to enter a room...I would suggest! My report on Prezzo was because I actually went there last Sunday. I paid the bill..and I got the food and service I liked.    On an earlier occasion, I went to Grounds for the first time I stood at the counter for a full 5 minutes whilst the Manager checked some happenings ..on his own..at the till..and which I didn't mind.  When the waitress brought my meal to the table her performance was poor..she looked away from me and my table nearly all the time...then I had to go to the counter for an implement she'd forgotten about. I didn't complaint and just paid the tip. Noboby said goodbye..see you again!When an Island resident said to me the other day that the beers had gone up to £2.50 a bottle at Grounds..I thought nothing of it.Your objectionable interjection however has caused me to re-act...and support my fellow posters.  They have their opinions..so please consider and respect them.Of course I'll go to Grounds again..as you say ..it's an asset. But enough of the rudeness please!

Jim Lawes ● 6833d

Actually Bob that is a bit unfair. The main reason I first visited your place was the glowing references you got here. They were far too numerous to be described as coming from a clique.

Mike Hardacre ● 6833d

Appreciated!

Bob Chadda ● 6833d

Bob take no notice, i've been in your place, asset to brentford ; as my mate says you cant educate PORK the little clique you get on here aint worth worrying about,good luck to you .

Daniel Fenton ● 6833d

From Bob Chadda, Owner of Grounds Cafe & Wine Bar.I cannot understand how you came to the conclusion that we recently hiked our prices, as apart from the opening offers (for 2 weeks only) we did when we first opened, we have not increased our prices at all, despite us having hikes in rent, rates & utilities.Grounds has always been a destination Gourmet Coffee Bar, and will always remain so. We have been evolving our offering over the past 6 months, and will continue to do so.I have spent a great deal of time, effort & finances in bringing something like Grounds to Brentford. I am here for the long run and from the feedback we get every day, our customers appreciate having something like Grounds very much in Brentford.If I wanted to be in Chiswick ( although I have nothing against Chiswick ) I would have certainly set up shop there in the first place. Far easier, do you not agree?Brentford is certainly getting it's own personality, but a new regenerated one, and one that certainly caters for the "ordinary people" who live in Brentford both old and new. Maybe you don't recognise this?Where Grounds is situated, Brentford Lock, is an asset to Brentford, it is an amazing location and you'll be hard pushed to find anything quite like it in London.I am an independent business and every day is a struggle, unlike the Prezzo's of the world who are corporate run, and so appreciate the support from the community of Brentford for their local independents. I hope too that you can see to doing the same.I welcome your thoughts and those of others, it is the only way a new business will florish and look forward to an open dialogue.RegardsBob Chadda

Bob Chadda ● 6833d

The Magpie does pretty good Thai grub Tues-Sat or Sun(better than the vastly over-rated Iron Bridge imho)at reasonable prices(main course about £5.50-£7.00.)If you want very good Thai food try Butlers in south Ealing,opposite the College.Best I have had outside Thailand and about £15 per head for a good load up,excluding drinks.

Keith Iddon ● 6834d

Ah, la Rosetta. My first meaningful dinner date was there, when life was uncomplicated and a good night out was 5 pints of Holsten Export in the Magpie...

The Pseudometer ● 6834d

Hello Marlo..And good to see that Brentfordians overseas never forget TW8!Glad to read your comments about La Rossetta and the special Pizza. I must go there again soon as I haven't been there for 5 years or more..as I used to enjoy it too much and often got pickled! (non licenced cafes are a safer bet for me!)My regards to Ciro and Pietro if they read this..and hey there's a webpage around with their photo and menu!http://www.placetoeat.co.uk/larosetta.htm

Jim Lawes ● 6835d

I lived in Brentford for 8 years and La Rosetta was my local haunt.  The food was always amazing and great prices - I also like that it is owner run.  Their Rosetta Pizza is amazing!  I visit whenever I'm back in town and have found no place comparable since moving back to Canada.

Marlo Hale ● 6835d

O'Briens is just over the canal bridge, opposite the Holiday Inn and Pets Win Prizes.

Rashmi Chavda ● 6835d

i've eaten at la rosetta (the cafe side) and you can get an OK pasta dish for quite cheap ... the meals aren't out of this world but for a quick bite it's just fine.  the guy waiter is always friendly and i've had no complaints thus far.  :)that said, where is o'brians?

Matt Thompson ● 6836d

If anyone is looking for low priced but nicely presented food for under £6.50...I'd recommend Nell's Cafe in Northfields Avenue..up on the left side. I believe that he purchases most of his food from Waitrose.Sometimes I have a light snack there..!ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooAnd on occasions that I am dreaming about roast potatoes..I go for something else!..still less than £6.50!Your meal is on its way yound man!ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooAm surprised to hear that La Rosetta has been a bit diappointing..it was once a knock out..and a Musical Hall Theatrical venue..with great party evenings..including Lonnie Donegan RIP in the audience having a meal on several occasions.

Jim Lawes ● 6837d

We went to La Rosetta a couple of times a while ago and weren't particularly impressed.  Aside from the location being a bit grim the food was very bland.  Maybe it's changed since then though?As for the Fire Station.  Go for the bar rather than the food!

Carey Gunn ● 6837d

Went to Prezzo's Italian Restaurant last night with Nigel ...after his epic week on the Canal.. and the ambience was most comfortable...and the food and service very pleasant.Sadly the Polish waitress is returning home for her studies today..and she will already be on the coach from Victoria Station. The view from balcony was a treat. The two of us had starters, a main course, a dessert,coffee and tea,2 mineral water bottle, and a bottle of Valpolicella..and including VAT the bill came to...see after picture!..ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooJust over £50...which was accepatble because of the occasion.Isn't La Rosetta, in Market Place, a top spot at reasonable prices?

Jim Lawes ● 6837d

patricia prezzo is at unit 2 brentford lock near grounds coffee bar

Steve Fulham ● 6840d

Where is Prezzo ?

Pat Kingham ● 6840d

I regard myself as an ordinary person and like most people every now and again there will be a special occasion - birthday, anniversary etc. that warrants splashing out a bit on a nice meal. Therefore I'd welcome good quality restaurants coming to the area so that we didn't have to schlep up to Chiswick or Kew. The sad fact is that we are starting to get the prices of these places without the quality. With the possible exception of San Marco there isn't really anywhere that justifies the higher prices now seemingly everywhere. I haven't been to the Fire Station yet so I'll reserve judgment on that one. A good restaurant around the High Street would do really well.

Mike Hardacre ● 6840d