Beotys

Come back in time with me to when restaurants were seen as a special night out, with silverware in rows and glassware that sparkled; a bar that would make you whatever you wanted, a wine cellar to be proud of and a dessert trolley to tempt you.

Sumptuously cushioned chairs and banquettes that you sink into, that cushion you and catch you at exactly the right height. Chairs that are so comfortable you don’t feel any rush at all to leave.

Candles on each table, white linen tablecloths, dusky pink napkins and quiet, observant waiting staff dressed in black and white that attend to your every need should you but raise an eyebrow. Staff who do not rush you to finish, but leave you instead to enjoy the post prandial conversation. This is where I have just been.

Beotys restaurant. A small oasis of blue and white in a sea of grey and neon. I had to go in. They seated me in a lovely chair, pulling the table out for me, bringing the menu and offering me a drink.

It’s like being inside an exclusive mens’ club that allows women. Dark wood panelling and serious desserts. They still have a dessert trolley! Rhum babas, baklava, with additional black forest gateaux and chocolate trifle.

Grilled halloumi to start, which was perfectly done. Juicy and succulent with a nice hint of the chargrill but none of the blackened bits. Served with wafer thin slices of cucumber and radish, with crisp iceberg lettuce and cherry tomatoes on the side.

A basket of assorted breads turned up – real, properly done melba toast, rye bread and sliced baguette - with a bowl of piquant black olives and small radishes as well. My main course was tender chunks of lamb and aubergine in a rich, tomatoey, cinnamon scented sauce with plain potatoes. It was more than ample for lunch time, and the taste was excellent. Home cooking served in elegant surroundings.

It was so nice not to have background music. Just a nice bit of silence, with no interruptions and damned fine food.

Awful! Cannot understand positive reviews.

Had no idea about the place. Did not mind that it had seen better days.

It was the food...which was hideous and hideously overpriced.

Anaemic olives, dolmas that looked the aftermath of a bad vindaloo the night before. Tzatziki on a plate slopping over the sides, stale bread...

Bless the waitressing staff as they were very professional but the 'manager' hovered about us staring continuously.

When the final bill came it had increased 'mysteriously' and was not disaggregated - they were extremely rude when I chased this up.

Feel sorry for the front of house staff but AVOID!

Beotys is a charming, family run Greek Restaurant well situated for pre theatre and evening meals. Staff are welcoming, attentive and efficient, food fresh and good -excellent value.