Riverside Terrace Cafe - Lambeth

Claimed it closed at 6pm. Perfect, we thought, as we had a dinner booking next door at 6. We arrived at 5.40 and ordered 3 coffees. At 5.45 they unceremoniously threw us out as they were closing. No 5-minute warning, just LEAVE. Hadn't even been able to start the coffee as it was too hot. Other customers received the same treatment. If you close at 5.45, say you close at 5.45. Don't lie and say you close at 6.

I wanted a snack before the concert I had come to see, and ordered a ham hock and cheese toastie. I really wish I hadn't. It was made with the cheapest white bread there is so glutinous that it stuck to my teeth. The toastie was barely half full, with dry shredded pieces of ham, and cheese I could barely taste. It cost £6, and I felt cheated that I had paid that much for what was effectively two slices of white toast. The tables were dirty, and full of other people's abandoned meals. I love the Royal Festival Hall, and often go to concerts there. But I won't ever eat again at the Riverside Cafe. Shame ... the cafe overlooks the river, and could be glorious. What a missed opportunity.

On family trip out to London we stopped for lunch, the food was good but the people serving were so unpleasant it spoilt experience. The lady that served me said about 2 words despite me having a question, she looked fed up and off putting, another lady was the same too. Shame, would not go back. :

Up in town for a family day out we were looking for somewhere that wasn't till crowded. Came across the Riverside Terrace cafe and wished we hadn't. Stood in line and waited almost ten minute while the server made someone a coffee at snail's pace. Good choices were extremely limited, ie non-existent. There were a few small sandwiches and wraps, but one of our party complained that the bread was stale. The pizza slices looked interesting, but when I bit into mine I realised there was no pizza made, just bread, and it was stale. All that for a £6 slice! The two serving staff appeared not to have the benefit of the power of speech, which made the experience more unpleasant. I'd rather be ripped off at one of the tourist burger stalks than eat this muck again. Drinks are served from a kiosk out on the terrace. Much better and the ale was lovely, but not cheap.

The owners HMG have just spent zillions refurbishing this landmark complex. What about this Cafe? Glorious position, so disappointing. After a long day walking the streets and enjoying Tate Modern it was a convenient place to collapse before dinner Brasserie Blanc. I queued for ages to be served despite at least 7 staff behind the counter running the kitchen. The Pain au Raison was delicious and appeared to be fresh at 3.00pm. But the Coffee, a Cortado, was really disappointing. Both served in cardboard this isn 't a roadside 'greasy spoon '. The coffee was far too hot almost Tea temperature! Coffee made too hot ruins the flavour irrespective of the quality of the beans you start off with. SOOOO crowded. I could not find a table so just managed a Chair by the window. Rummaged around for a second one when my wife joined me. Disappointing. Hayling Seagoon