Visited this restaurant with high hopes - but it was dreadful. Ordered Cobb salad with burnt ends. It’s was very basic - cut up salad veggies like your grandma would have made - just big chunks of tomatoes, lettuce, avocado and hard boiled eggs - the yolks were totally white so clearly very unhappy hens. All this was plastered in a huge amount of thick white dressing - so much that you couldn’t even see the salad. Just horrible. ? Daughter ordered wings - clearly reheated about ten times as dry and totally meatless. They took them off the bill - fair enough - but no apology, waitress just looked bewildered and obviously not well trained as she barely spoke a word to us. All in all pretty dreadful.
john77rose
My son spotted the sign for Bodeans BBQ, and said he fancied it. Inside the staff were very nice and the atmosphere was good. The food was so nice, and juicy.
Garrymp13
I had booked a table before Xmas for January 2024. We went to the theatre and then to the restaurant for dinner. I am a keen home BBQ cook and was really looking forward to the meal as I had heard good things about the chain, unfortunately it was an incredible disappointment. The food was just bland, bland, bland and so greasy! We had the Bodeans platter (for 2) and the baby back ribs and pulled pork. Honestly, I dont understand how the meat could be cooked and taste so bland. I could detect zero smoke flavour, which I was really hoping for. There are no rubs applied, and the sauces at the table are just sugar filled. Finally, both the platter and the other plate were swimming in grease! WHY? (see pic). One of the party felt ill afterwards because of the amount of grease she had eaten. For the cost of the meal, but mostly for the flavourless bland beige meat and grease, don't bother.
williambX7141FF
I haven’t been to Bodean’s for years as I don’t live in London. 2 adults and 2 kids went there yesterday for lunch before the theatre and it was a real disappointment I’m sorry to say. I should have looked at the reviews before going as I assumed it would be great BBQ. I had ribs and brisket, my sister a Caesar salad and the two kids had a burger each. Due to a finger injury it was easier for me to use a knife and fork but I really struggled to get the rib meat off the bone so not smoked long enough as all, barely any sauce and no real smoke or meaty flavor. The brisket was dry and chewy and with no real flavor either. My sister’s salad was uninspiring and dry. I was concerned that I would not be able to finish my dish from the description, turns out I wasn’t at all full as you will see from the mediocre portion sizes. The burgers were fine, not amazing, just fine. Drinks were ok but then how wrong can you go with lager and cokes. £112 including a 12.5% service charge was eye watering given the portion sizes and very average and unenthusiastic service. The restaurant was full so they are not without trade, it’s a real shame as BBQ is so popular now and this used to be great. There are loads of far better places to go these days. I’m sorry to say I won’t return or recommend.
Liang Congyao
I study at kcl and come at least twice a week. The food here has always maintained high quality, and I used to bring my friends to eat together, and they also enjoyed it very much. I will continue to patronize this store as long as we are still in the UK.
T H
The decline of Bodeans continues as this chain struggles to keep a couple of branches open after several branch closures over the years. I have known this brand since 2009 when it was something special. My last visit of a birthday with my son was a massive dissappointment. Draught coke come came flat “that’s how it comes from machine” er no it doesn’t. No offer to replace, nothing - just took it back from me. Had the second down platter which was an absolute dissappointment. I do texan bbq myself using a smoker and I can catagorically say the burnt ends were some of the worst I have never made - nowhere near smoked or rested for long enough and tough as old boots. The ribs and baby backs were mean and small and cold, highlight was the chicken but chicken is by far the easiest and quickest meat to smoke generaly so no big achievment there Judging by the other recent reviews I am glad I did not go for the more expensive platter with Brisket as it looks like an inevitable dissappointment. I took service off - as apart from bringing our food our we were not serviced at all. Shame as the brand has been in decline for more than five years and I don’t see anything improving any day soon.
Landsil
Great food, generous size, not too loud.I will definitely try to visit again if I'm around.
rebeccasY5415ZI
We found Bodeans when looking for somewhere for lunch before going to the theatre and the external menu looked great. We were greeted by friendly and helpful staff and the quirky interior reminded us of an olde tavern. They have a good selection of drinks and food and we were excited for the choices we made. The drinks were great, lovely cream soda and larger beers but the food was very disappointing. In fairness the size of the burger patty was generous, the chips on all plates were crispy in a way that they were brittle, almost as if they had been cooked and then reheated and then left under a warmer they were also heavily seasoned with pepper on 2 of the plates but not the others. The pulled pork came served in a pool of oil and the burnt ends were cold in the middle and tough as if they had either been sitting for a while to go cold or had been microwaved and not checked for temperature. All meals were warm at best and the only thing that was hot were the onion rings which I am guessing were cooked to order as they are only available as a side. This was really disappointing as the venue, staff and options available all set out for a little gem of a place however the quality of the food let it down and did not justify the price tag that was attached.
Sir Stilton
Food was delicious but much less than I'd expect (had to split 2 portions of 1 lot of ribs between 3 - left a little hungry). Service was POOR... kinda begrudged the mandatory 12.5% service charge.
CHELSEA1905
Had high expectations of this place… but unfortunately was poor quality and a small plate for such a cost of their flagship Pit Boss Platter £28 per person)…Ribs were underwhelming and lacking meat.. the chicken thigh was very small and no fries or slaw or pickles of any kind to accompany a plate of just meat…they are included in Bodeans Platter.. so if you took them off that platter at £4 per person you are basically paying £16.50 for a sausage and 3 slices of Brisket (didn’t even get 2 pieces each)…waiter asked if all was ok but seemed a bit put out when I expressed my thoughts adding that we were getting the brisket... I said I was just giving my feedback to his question.. obviously used to most people saying nothing..there was some gratitude payment added to the bill which we asked to be removed but was still on the bill when it arrived..so I will unfortunately not be returning.. it’s a shame really as I thought I may of found a new go to for my love of this kind of food.. sorry.. just being honest…
Really disappointed - had the top sharing pit boss platter @ £28 pp - overpriced & underwhelming. Literally a mediocre tray of meat for £56 - no garnishes - no fries - no slaw. Ribs not meaty - the burnt ends were fatty & not what I’d consider ‘burnt’ The 3 slices of brisket & one overcooked sausage between two … not worth the £8.50 a head price increase especially as losing fries & slaw in comparison to the lesser priced Bodeans platter. Definitely had better & more in cheaper venues. No atmosphere- staff pleasant enough but just doing a job. Service was quick … not sure if that’s a pro or con … was out in 45 minutes & wasn’t rushing ?♀️
Lisamarieellis
Really disappointed. We arrived at 5 for our table. The food was nice but the service was not very good. We ordered cocktails and food. The food came before our cocktails. Only 1 person was serving the whole restaurant! 1 person was behind the bar making cocktails and lending a hand when she had time. More staff are needed. I had to get up to ask for the bill because I was waiting for so long! On the whole I wouldn’t go back and that’s a shame. The reason I chose Bodeans was because I often went to the Towel Hill restaurant years ago, it had great personality. This Bodeans was missing that.
Johnny Clingham
It was a really great place, it wasn't busy that night when I arrived here. Staff was great, food was served fairly quickly. I had been to another bodeans and this one lived up to its name. I am in the area often and would consider returning here again. I really enjoyed my meal here and would recommend it if this is your sort of cuisine.
Snowplough3
First time we have ever been in a bo/deans restaurant. Great food Nice atmosphere Good value for money. Will definitely ho back again.
Stefan-Vlad Ionescu
Delicious food and nice atmosphere. Good portion sizes and lovely service.
Visited this restaurant with high hopes - but it was dreadful. Ordered Cobb salad with burnt ends. It’s was very basic - cut up salad veggies like your grandma would have made - just big chunks of tomatoes, lettuce, avocado and hard boiled eggs - the yolks were totally white so clearly very unhappy hens. All this was plastered in a huge amount of thick white dressing - so much that you couldn’t even see the salad. Just horrible. ? Daughter ordered wings - clearly reheated about ten times as dry and totally meatless. They took them off the bill - fair enough - but no apology, waitress just looked bewildered and obviously not well trained as she barely spoke a word to us. All in all pretty dreadful.
My son spotted the sign for Bodeans BBQ, and said he fancied it. Inside the staff were very nice and the atmosphere was good. The food was so nice, and juicy.
I had booked a table before Xmas for January 2024. We went to the theatre and then to the restaurant for dinner. I am a keen home BBQ cook and was really looking forward to the meal as I had heard good things about the chain, unfortunately it was an incredible disappointment. The food was just bland, bland, bland and so greasy! We had the Bodeans platter (for 2) and the baby back ribs and pulled pork. Honestly, I dont understand how the meat could be cooked and taste so bland. I could detect zero smoke flavour, which I was really hoping for. There are no rubs applied, and the sauces at the table are just sugar filled. Finally, both the platter and the other plate were swimming in grease! WHY? (see pic). One of the party felt ill afterwards because of the amount of grease she had eaten. For the cost of the meal, but mostly for the flavourless bland beige meat and grease, don't bother.
I haven’t been to Bodean’s for years as I don’t live in London. 2 adults and 2 kids went there yesterday for lunch before the theatre and it was a real disappointment I’m sorry to say. I should have looked at the reviews before going as I assumed it would be great BBQ. I had ribs and brisket, my sister a Caesar salad and the two kids had a burger each. Due to a finger injury it was easier for me to use a knife and fork but I really struggled to get the rib meat off the bone so not smoked long enough as all, barely any sauce and no real smoke or meaty flavor. The brisket was dry and chewy and with no real flavor either. My sister’s salad was uninspiring and dry. I was concerned that I would not be able to finish my dish from the description, turns out I wasn’t at all full as you will see from the mediocre portion sizes. The burgers were fine, not amazing, just fine. Drinks were ok but then how wrong can you go with lager and cokes. £112 including a 12.5% service charge was eye watering given the portion sizes and very average and unenthusiastic service. The restaurant was full so they are not without trade, it’s a real shame as BBQ is so popular now and this used to be great. There are loads of far better places to go these days. I’m sorry to say I won’t return or recommend.
I study at kcl and come at least twice a week. The food here has always maintained high quality, and I used to bring my friends to eat together, and they also enjoyed it very much. I will continue to patronize this store as long as we are still in the UK.
The decline of Bodeans continues as this chain struggles to keep a couple of branches open after several branch closures over the years. I have known this brand since 2009 when it was something special. My last visit of a birthday with my son was a massive dissappointment. Draught coke come came flat “that’s how it comes from machine” er no it doesn’t. No offer to replace, nothing - just took it back from me. Had the second down platter which was an absolute dissappointment. I do texan bbq myself using a smoker and I can catagorically say the burnt ends were some of the worst I have never made - nowhere near smoked or rested for long enough and tough as old boots. The ribs and baby backs were mean and small and cold, highlight was the chicken but chicken is by far the easiest and quickest meat to smoke generaly so no big achievment there Judging by the other recent reviews I am glad I did not go for the more expensive platter with Brisket as it looks like an inevitable dissappointment. I took service off - as apart from bringing our food our we were not serviced at all. Shame as the brand has been in decline for more than five years and I don’t see anything improving any day soon.
Great food, generous size, not too loud.I will definitely try to visit again if I'm around.
We found Bodeans when looking for somewhere for lunch before going to the theatre and the external menu looked great. We were greeted by friendly and helpful staff and the quirky interior reminded us of an olde tavern. They have a good selection of drinks and food and we were excited for the choices we made. The drinks were great, lovely cream soda and larger beers but the food was very disappointing. In fairness the size of the burger patty was generous, the chips on all plates were crispy in a way that they were brittle, almost as if they had been cooked and then reheated and then left under a warmer they were also heavily seasoned with pepper on 2 of the plates but not the others. The pulled pork came served in a pool of oil and the burnt ends were cold in the middle and tough as if they had either been sitting for a while to go cold or had been microwaved and not checked for temperature. All meals were warm at best and the only thing that was hot were the onion rings which I am guessing were cooked to order as they are only available as a side. This was really disappointing as the venue, staff and options available all set out for a little gem of a place however the quality of the food let it down and did not justify the price tag that was attached.
Food was delicious but much less than I'd expect (had to split 2 portions of 1 lot of ribs between 3 - left a little hungry). Service was POOR... kinda begrudged the mandatory 12.5% service charge.
Had high expectations of this place… but unfortunately was poor quality and a small plate for such a cost of their flagship Pit Boss Platter £28 per person)…Ribs were underwhelming and lacking meat.. the chicken thigh was very small and no fries or slaw or pickles of any kind to accompany a plate of just meat…they are included in Bodeans Platter.. so if you took them off that platter at £4 per person you are basically paying £16.50 for a sausage and 3 slices of Brisket (didn’t even get 2 pieces each)…waiter asked if all was ok but seemed a bit put out when I expressed my thoughts adding that we were getting the brisket... I said I was just giving my feedback to his question.. obviously used to most people saying nothing..there was some gratitude payment added to the bill which we asked to be removed but was still on the bill when it arrived..so I will unfortunately not be returning.. it’s a shame really as I thought I may of found a new go to for my love of this kind of food.. sorry.. just being honest…
Restaurantji Recommends
Really disappointed - had the top sharing pit boss platter @ £28 pp - overpriced & underwhelming. Literally a mediocre tray of meat for £56 - no garnishes - no fries - no slaw. Ribs not meaty - the burnt ends were fatty & not what I’d consider ‘burnt’ The 3 slices of brisket & one overcooked sausage between two … not worth the £8.50 a head price increase especially as losing fries & slaw in comparison to the lesser priced Bodeans platter. Definitely had better & more in cheaper venues. No atmosphere- staff pleasant enough but just doing a job. Service was quick … not sure if that’s a pro or con … was out in 45 minutes & wasn’t rushing ?♀️
Really disappointed. We arrived at 5 for our table. The food was nice but the service was not very good. We ordered cocktails and food. The food came before our cocktails. Only 1 person was serving the whole restaurant! 1 person was behind the bar making cocktails and lending a hand when she had time. More staff are needed. I had to get up to ask for the bill because I was waiting for so long! On the whole I wouldn’t go back and that’s a shame. The reason I chose Bodeans was because I often went to the Towel Hill restaurant years ago, it had great personality. This Bodeans was missing that.
It was a really great place, it wasn't busy that night when I arrived here. Staff was great, food was served fairly quickly. I had been to another bodeans and this one lived up to its name. I am in the area often and would consider returning here again. I really enjoyed my meal here and would recommend it if this is your sort of cuisine.
First time we have ever been in a bo/deans restaurant. Great food Nice atmosphere Good value for money. Will definitely ho back again.
Delicious food and nice atmosphere. Good portion sizes and lovely service.