Harden's survey result
Summary
“Fancy? No. Value? Yes” – this bustling tapas bar directly opposite the Young Vic theatre offers “tasty, simple, quickly prepared dishes, delivered with energy and charm at a fair price”. Launched in 1987, well before London’s tapas boom, “it has survived for so long, it must be doing something right”. (“The real joy? Absolutely packed and not a single photo being taken!”).
Summary
Many older Londoners tasted their first tapas at this “fun and reliable” Hispanic spot on a prominent corner of the Cut, near Waterloo – back in the days when you “had to queue (now you can book)” for a place in the “cramped interior”. It’s still “excellent before and after visiting the Old Vic” across the road.
Summary
“Top tapas in The Cut” – ‘London’s original tapas bar’ still cuts it after 35 years, providing sterling pre- and post-show service to theatregoers visiting the nearby Young and Old Vic. The “very friendly, helpful owner” ensures there’s a good atmosphere even when the joint is rammed.
Summary
This “long-lived favourite” in Waterloo is packed early most evenings before shows at the nearby Young and Old Vic theatres. “Love the atmosphere” and the “fabulous tapas and wines” – although “the menu hasn’t changed since it opened”. Not everything stays the same, though – “now there are good tables outside and you can book”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Meson don Felipe?
53 The Cut, London, SE1 8LF
Restaurant details
Meson don Felipe Restaurant Diner Reviews
"A mid week lunch time outing for the three of us. We arrived early and were able to choose our own place in the room. We sat at a table rather than at those tall chairs around the bar. It is compact !! but warm and friendly, The tapas portion sizing was just right for 3 people. Small bites and then move onto another tapas...we had nine in total. Cooked and presented beautifully. The staff were attentive and they let us set our own pace. The food was washed down with a couple of bottles of house Crianza's. They went well with those hot spicey bit's you find in Tapa's. For me.. the meat balls and sardines were the highlight of the meal.. even the bread with olive oil and a separate tomato/garlic dip were very special"
"Nothing special in its food or wine offerings, but a reliable and good value local favourite. Service notably friendly "
"Perhaps a little smarter and sharper than the rather fuzzy old days: still an excellent atmosphere and serviceable cooking. Long may it grace The Cut"
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £22.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
53 The Cut, London, SE1 8LF
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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