Harden's survey result
Summary
“OK, but I have always thought it too expensive” is sadly one of the more enthusiastic reports we received this year on this South Bank landmark, whose “great views” over the Thames and St Paul’s are less of a rarity than when it first launched in 1996 with the opening of so many rooftops nowadays. Over three-quarters of feedback here are nominations for either ‘most overpriced’ or ‘most disappointing’ meal of the year in our annual diners’ poll. The modern British menu is too often judged “expensive and tasteless”, which it shouldn’t be when a bowl of chips costs £9. “It’s so disappointing because its great views and location should make it a fantastic restaurant”. “A tourist trap if ever I’ve seen one”.
Summary
“The view is incredible, especially in the evening” from the posh section of this South Bank landmark – “anything with a view of St Paul’s wins high marks in the romantic stakes”. But too many of those acknowledging the “wonderful location” feel it “needs a revamp”, or find the experience “very overpriced for the quality of food and service… One can’t help but feel that OXO Tower trades off of its name and outlook rather than the actual virtues of its offering”.
Summary
“Great view… shame about the restaurant”. This South Bank landmark provides “stunning views over the Thames to the lights of the City of London, bound to impress your date”. But it remains “a pity that such an iconic location serves canteen-standard grub” that’s “waayyyyyyy overpriced” (“the night would have been too expensive if it was free! But as it was we paid a hefty sum for a crushing disappointment”).
Summary
“A bit of a let-down…”, “still not worth it…”, “so disappointing…”, “far too expensive for the view” – few restaurants are as consistent as this South Bank rooftop, which has topped our list of London disappointments for as long as we can remember.
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 Oxo Tower, Restaurant?
Barge House St, London, SE1 9PH
Restaurant details
Oxo Tower, Restaurant Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Great view, pleasant staff, disappointing food"
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £38.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £5.50 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Barge House St, London, SE1 9PH
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑9:30 pm |
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