The Jasmine - London

The food was nice and good value, but the whole experience was a bit of a farce. There was one poor man working the whole restaurant by himself. He had to greet people at the door and seat them, take orders, make and bring the drinks, clear plates, and take payments. He also had to deal with the takeaway orders. Some people left a while after being seated because they had not been seen to. It was also freezing cold in there, and people were complaining and keeping their coats, hats and scarves on.

This Thai restaurant is fantastic with delicious food that I highly recommend. The atmosphere is very peaceful, which was a nice change after being in the busy Westfield area. It's just a 5-minute walk from Shepherds Bush station, right across from the park. We tried the CHUCHI PLA (Crispy salmon in red curry coconut milk) and the ROASTED DUCK CURRY, both served with egg fried rice and Jasmine tea. Both dishes were outstanding, I'm even thinking about trying to recreate the Chuchi Pla at home. The prices are reasonable, especially considering its proximity to Westfield. They only accept cash, but there's a cash machine just a minute away outside Tesco.

...because this place used to be great and I'm worried it's going downhill. We often visited this place and got takeaways regularly and it was one of our favourite restaurants. But we went recently having not been back for a while and it really was not a good visit. It was a Friday night, we were the second couple in there. First change was that they no longer have a wine menu, the choice is red or white though we were quite relieved it hadn't gone dry! . Later a table came in and were allowed to bring their own bottle- I wish this had been advertised as we would definitely have done that! The food menu was much reduced from what it used to be- some of the main dishes we used to enjoy are no longer on there. My sister ordered a salmon dish for main- the staff member had to come and explain that she only had enough salmon for one portion and the table next to us had ordered that too- so both parties had to settle with half salmon, half some other fish. Low stock levels on a small menu is a concern. And note these were the two tables who were the first ones in that night. As the restaurant started to fill up the service became slower and slower. We sat with our finished starters for a long time. When the mains came my sister's fish dish was a very small amount- and we think maybe one small piece of salmon! As we were being served I pointed out that I had also ordered some sticky rice- she said it was just coming but I didn't see her go and check- I never got my sticky rice : So my sister of the small main portion then had to share her rice with me. I tried to get the server's attention but by that point the restaurant was full and it was impossible to even catch her eye. The table next to us had to physically get up and try and catch the person to get their bill and we also had to wait a long time to try and get ours. There were two takeaways while we were there- they also seemed to have to wait ages for their food. I did point out I didn't get my sticky rice so she removed that from the bill, but no concession for the change in fish dish. It's such a shame as it's best this place is great but they just need some help. They did not have the capacity for a full restaurant and takeaways. Despite clearly struggling they kept seating people. The food is really good but your experience is ruined by the service and constantly having to chase someone for something missing. It's also cash only- but they do warn you of this.

Long time visitors to Jasmine Thai perhaps 15 years in all, moved away from the area now so a rare treat. Had the Jasmine Platter mixed starter which was really good and nice to have the variety without the quantity. The Chu Chi Pla (Red thai Salmon) has to be tasted to be believed and my wife had green chicken curry. All good, just sublime original traditional thai cooking. A couple sneaky take aways returned with us to the midlands. Will definitely be back when we're next in London. Nothing local to us half as good. It's clearly not easy to do it right, but they do it right here.

Went here based on the excellent reviews. First thing that hits you is the terrible smell of urine and damp followed up by cheap airfreshener. Large group in that staff could not cater for. Watched them bring out all their courses in dribs and drabs. Our food arrived and was pleasantly surprised at quality of the soup, although the spring rolls were comparable to Iceland. Needs a major refurb. Heating turned off in November and single glazed windows. Toilets and staircase to them are dreadful.