Victoria & Albert, a few questions

[Tiggerific2018]

We will have a family-free evening and thought we would go to V&A. A few questions:
1. How easy/hard is it to get reservations?
2. Is the chef's table worth doing?
3. We don't drink - is this likely to be an issue? I know we can refuse the wine pairing, but will they be sniffy if we both stick to soft drinks or water?
4. I'm vegetarian - is this likely to be a problem if we did the chef's table?

I have read lots of reviews of it but I'm still not terribly clear on these points. We are both quite foodie but within our own limitations, and in a prix fixe menu this often means I end up paying far too much for some mushroom risotto or pasta in tomato sauce. 🙄 Thanks for any input.

[Tiggerific2018]

Anyone? I can't imagine that nobody here as been to V&A, so any comments (yes, we know it's expensive) are welcome. Thanks.

[Posiesmum]

1. How easy/hard is it to get reservations?
Relatively easy at 180 days - they also ring you to confirm.

2. Is the chef's table worth doing?
No idea, didn’t do it

3. We don't drink - is this likely to be an issue? I know we can refuse the wine pairing, but will they be sniffy if we both stick to soft drinks or water?
No, it won’t be an issue, they actually have a water ‘menu’!

4. I'm vegetarian - is this likely to be a problem if we did the chef's table?
We didn’t do the chefs table, but there is a vegetarian option at every ‘level’ of V&As. I have a shellfish allergy and as I said they rang after we booked to clarify exactly what I could/couldn’t eat.

Hope that helps

[Mental Minnie]

I can't answer but just keep bumping, someone will come along. I have read on here of peoples experiences. It is said to excellent. I don't know when your trip is but 'Cintebelle' (I think that's the name) is going in November and doing a trip report.
Hope you get the info you need.

[Tiggerific2018]

Thanks so much, Mental Minnie! I struggled to find anything with the search facility so I will definitely keep an eye on the trip reports. 😀

[Tiggerific2018]

Originally Posted by Posiesmum

1. How easy/hard is it to get reservations?
Relatively easy at 180 days - they also ring you to confirm.

2. Is the chef's table worth doing?
No idea, didn’t do it

3. We don't drink - is this likely to be an issue? I know we can refuse the wine pairing, but will they be sniffy if we both stick to soft drinks or water?
No, it won’t be an issue, they actually have a water ‘menu’!

4. I'm vegetarian - is this likely to be a problem if we did the chef's table?
We didn’t do the chefs table, but there is a vegetarian option at every ‘level’ of V&As. I have a shellfish allergy and as I said they rang after we booked to clarify exactly what I could/couldn’t eat.

Hope that helps

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This is hugely helpful - thank you very much, Posiesmum! Would you recommend doing it?

[Bob_and_Dawn]

We have dined here a number of times with and without wine pairings. We prefer the main dining rather than chefs table, purely because in the kitchen with the chef I found it too close to them and I wasn't as comfortable.

Food is fabulous in both and as has been said they phone you to confirm a few days before. This is an opportunity to state your dietary requirements and they will definitely accommodate them.

Neither of us are vegetarians but I don't like fish so have always been presented with a menu with other choices on. Even when not on the menu the chef has prepared some of my favourites that I have had there over the years.

Dawn

[Posiesmum]

Originally Posted by Tiggerific2018

This is hugely helpful - thank you very much, Posiesmum! Would you recommend doing it?

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Absolutely! But go hungry - we had to be practically rolled out of the dining room at the end. Loved it and would love to do it again. The service is second to none and you are made to feel very special.

[Tiggerific2018]

Originally Posted by Bob_and_Dawn

We have dined here a number of times with and without wine pairings. We prefer the main dining rather than chefs table, purely because in the kitchen with the chef I found it too close to them and I wasn't as comfortable.

Food is fabulous in both and as has been said they phone you to confirm a few days before. This is an opportunity to state your dietary requirements and they will definitely accommodate them.

Neither of us are vegetarians but I don't like fish so have always been presented with a menu with other choices on. Even when not on the menu the chef has prepared some of my favourites that I have had there over the years.

Dawn

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Thanks so much, Dawn! This is all really helpful. I appreciate your reply about the chef's table in particular - I did wonder whether we would be uncomfortable and feel like we are supposed to talk to the kitchen staff rather than each other for most of the meal. My husband is not very sociable, so having to make polite conversation with strangers all evening is his idea of hell! 😉

[Tiggerific2018]

Originally Posted by Posiesmum

Absolutely! But go hungry - we had to be practically rolled out of the dining room at the end. Loved it and would love to do it again. The service is second to none and you are made to feel very special.

See more...

Brilliant, thank you. And I will take your advice to make sure we are ready for a big meal!