Forum Topic

Avanti Bistro Bedford Corner

After wanting to try it fro quite a while, this  evening we ate at Avanti for the first time. I am so disappointed. Four tapas dishes and a bottle of water cost over £50. No eat out to help out here. Apart from an abundance of salt that has left me very thirsty the food was tasteless. Each of the dishes promised so much and each was disappointing. I know we all have different tastes but I wouldn’t want to eat there again. Was I just unlucky? What have others experienced? My dinner companion gave it 1/5.

Tim English ● 2257d74 Comments

Either unlucky or very fussy! We have eaten at Avanti at least half a dozen times since it opened and love it. We also have many local friends who also rate it highly. Maybe not the best tapas restaurant in London, but certainly a great addition to the Chiswick restaurant scene.

Mark Edwards ● 2257d

There is nothing I like more than supporting local. I love living in Chiswick.  I don’t think I’m ‘fussy’, but, thanks to work, I am lucky enough to eat in restaurants all over the world. This one is poor quality and poor value.

Tim English ● 2257d

So your not asking if you were  just unlucky then?

Julian Pavey ● 2257d

Hopefully I was. But I won’t push my luck and try again. However I’m happy a local business is thriving. I’ll just go somewhere else.

Tim English ● 2257d

What an odd series of posts, initially asking if you were just unlucky (and seemingly miffed they weren't part of the Eat Out to Help Out promo), then stating the place is poor quality and poor value (whilst 'bigging yourself up') and then saying you're happy a local business is thriving.

Adam Beamish ● 2257d

‘Bigging myself up’ seems an odd interpretation of my post. I’m lucky to travel with work and experience food worldwide. Perhaps you’re not  as fortunate..As I said, I realise we all have different tastes but this evening I found Avanti to be poor quality and therefore not worth £50+. ‘My comment about the promo was simply of a statement of fact.

Tim English ● 2257d

I love the Chiswick forum I do honestly ....and I dont need no £10.00 off my broadband voucher to experience that Joy..Poor old Tim just got chiswick forumed

Mick Collins ● 2257d

I'll say! I did briefly  think about saying how nice the weather had been today in Chiswick, but on second thoughts that's probably a bit too provocative.

Bruce Hammal ● 2257d

Watched this the other evening very enjoyablehttps://youtu.be/2VROthD8P54

Mick Collins ● 2257d

Probably a safer choice than "The Naked City"...

Bruce Hammal ● 2257d

Eaten a couple of times in Avanti and always enjoyed our meals there. Maybe they had an ‘off’ night which is a real shame, but if the food really isn’t up to much people will stop going. Having said that I think they’ll do ok.

Andrew Jones ● 2257d

Ever get the feeling that 'travel and eating all over the world' gets worked into any conversation (on any subject) he has?Although it was ramped up to 11 with the 'perhaps you're not so fortunate' line.Jesus, how tedious.

Matthew Acton ● 2256d

This is awful, Tim.  Far too much salt!!!Avanti is possibly Chiswick's most in-demand restaurant at the mo.  Packed full of locals enjoying the summer, all well used to eating worldwide.  And one thing I can't bleedin' stand is self-opinionated, destructive threads like this that can only have one purpose - to damage a growing private enterprise (especially at this fragile moment in time).No excuse here Tim..Couldn't you have written your review and placed it where personal opinion reviews belong?  Not bellow it out on a popular public forum signed-off by you (“an experienced foodie expert”) as if you and your “dinner companion” have the authority of top restaurant critics.  You asked for the kick-backs of last night.  Here's another.The bottom line here is, do you “want” restaurants like this to survive in Chiswick?All restaurants have “off nights”.  But look at the Avanti (come in) reviews and the large majority are positive.  With a very small minority (over 2 years) in your camp.As it happens I've eaten there half a dozen times and found it pretty damn good, considering it's in the heart of Bedford Park and miles from the sea.  Perhaps not as consistently stunning as some of the top places  across Andalusia - but well up there and certainly worth a fun visit in W4.This is a miserable, unnecessary, unfair and undeserved thread.It sucks..

Stuart Kerr ● 2256d

Tim is allowed his own opinion, as we all are. No need to be rude.

Georgina Flint ● 2256d

Yes Georgina -Even complete and utter twerps are allowed an opinion about anything - including having an opinion.But even in your world, twerp opinion can occasionally be plain destructive.  As it is in this case.So it's not at all “rude” as you say to crush that sort of damaging nonsense.  It doesn't disallow it.  Just puts it back where it belongs..Before it does real harm.

Stuart Kerr ● 2256d

Geogina, I sort of agree with you however it's often about how you express that opinion.Here's a tip, use a 'sandwich'.First say something pleasant, then put the boot in followed by something pleasant.For example;The other day we had lunch at Joe's. The sun was shining so we sat on the terrace overlooking the river.What could be better?Unfortunately the service was very slow and when it finally arrived it was over cooked and tasteless. Very disappointing! Joe's is in a great location and always seems to be busy so I do hope my experience was just a one off and it will continue to thrive.

Adrian Irving ● 2256d

You mean like this - I like living in Chiswick. It has plenty of green open spaces, some wonderful views along the Thames riverside and great pubs, restaurants and shops.Unfortunately LB Hounslow, the local council, seem to be one of the worst run boroughs in London. There is also a great deal of aircraft noise which will only get worse if the new runway is built. Chiswick is conveniently located for accessing Central London and Heathrow Airport and hopefully will continue to be a popular area to live in.

Richard Greenhough ● 2256d

Adrian – you miss the point pretty much entirely.As you so lightly brush off the damage being caused to a struggling local business.  And completely ignore what I wrote about where to place criticism – on the Avanti site along with all the other reviews...Georgina accused me back there of being “rude”..Whereas, in my view neither of you seem able to separate the difference between being rude to someone - from coming accurately yet harshly down on that same someone.  I believe I was very proportionate.And I found her choice of word (which you have now endorsed) very offensive and very misplaced..In other words, I take both these ever so sensitive accusations/suggestions of me being rude as being an example of busybody rudeness of the daftest kind...

Stuart Kerr ● 2256d

Adrian your teacher  post for Georgina on how  to construct an "oven ready" post  just proved to me how two faced Estate Agents can be....fnar fnar.....

Mick Collins ● 2256d

All I'm say Tim is that I dread to think how you express yourself when you are "bigging yourself up" then...And I guess I should feel 'honoured' that you took the time to reply to little old me, it must have been a big step down for you from that pedestal you're on ;-)

Adam Beamish ● 2256d

OMG – Forum rudeness alert!!!Adam's just popped back and been very rude to lovely Tim..(well said Adam)

Stuart Kerr ● 2256d

Stuart, you have misunderstood.My point and my only point was that there are better ways of making a negative point.It has nothing to do with Avanti or any other business and yes, I agree with Georgina, people are allowed to express their opinion but how they do it is another matter.That's all.

Adrian Irving ● 2256d

Absolutely. I enjoy the Mick and Kerr luv in show....mostly.

Adrian Irving ● 2256d

Er, no that's not quite all Adrian...QUOTE ADRIAN:- “I agree with Georgina, people are allowed to express their opinion but how they do it is another matter.”You're plain wriggling there Adrian..Can't have it both ways old son – and there's a million miles between the first half of that sentence and the second half (after the “but”).Nobody is arguing about the first half.  It's a given.  Almost a modern cliché.It's the second half where you've come over all flimsy.  And won't disseminate beyond your extremely rude, albeit shared, accusation of me being rude.So where are you with this opinion stuff?  Because it still appears to me that you agree with Tim for doing his public hit job on Avanti.  And consider me rude for taking him to task.In other words, you cannot be a straight down the line faint-hearted, lily-livered chap of extreme sensitivity  AND an interesting bloke with a proper point of view - both at the same time...IMHO

Stuart Kerr ● 2256d

I just wanted to say how much me, my family and friends enjoy eating at Avanti.We eat there frequently and generally have great food and service. Never any reason not to go back! Yes, it can get a little busy, and occasionally slow as a result, but it's a great enterprise, in a local area trying to thrive against all the PE backed chains. Four tapas dishes and a bottle of water cost over £50? I can see what you're getting at here, but let's be transparent... it's not the standard tapas on their menu- 16 out of the 20 "standard" tapas offerings are under £8. Five slightly more interesting/exotic dishes are still sub £12. There are 2 sharing plates at £14/15 which also seem reasonable.How you managed to spend almost £50 on 4 dishes is quite an achievement!That being said, I really do hate to see people sh*ting on independent traders after the first visit- especially so publicly.Living nearby, I see the pride the owners take in the restaurant, constantly cleaning in the morning, updating and bettering the surroundings- we need more places like Avanti, where the food is very good, and very keenly priced.FYI: next time you visit, why not have 4 tapas dishes, share the delicious paella, and have 2 beers and some tap water for under £50!

Will Griggs ● 2256d

Stuart, I have no wish to be rude not had any intention of doing so.Sorry but you have misunderstood  my drift.The 'sandwich' is a well recognised method of putting an opinion over in a less offense way. That is the one and only point I am making. How you construe it is up to you but I trust it is clear to other readers.

Adrian Irving ● 2256d

Adrian old chap..As it happens I already know your intentions weren't malignant.  Whereas I've only been twirling you about in mid-air for the sake of exploring an interesting angle.One thing though.  I wouldn't be so sure about what things are and are not clear to other readers...Anyway let's just look on this as a lesson to us all - be very careful who and what one agrees with..no harm done..

Stuart Kerr ● 2256d

Completely agree with you Will, we frequent Avanti regularly and the staff are fabulous  and go the extra mile, the food is excellent if you like tapas and sharing time with family and friends. We spread our order accordingly so everything is hot, some dishes can be a bit salty but that’s a personal taste issue. We don’t cook with a lot salt preferring to add more once plated if required. They have done an excellent job of creating a gorgeous environment and is a much loved local addition 👏👏👏👏

Jayne Thorburn ● 2256d

Stuart I am disappointed that you have such a low opinion of me however you are free to express it I guess.

Adrian Irving ● 2256d

So ..the dishes are salty but thats a personal taste issue...Tim doesnt like salty food....You could take Tim to any restaraunt in the whole of the world if it's salty he ain't gonna like it...nothing changes then.

Mick Collins ● 2256d

Shhh!  I ain't psychic.So I don't know if this is a subtle joke or a scream from the soul..Nah - it's a joke..I presume..But (just in case) I actually hold you in the highest regard old boy.. so there..

Stuart Kerr ● 2256d

I didn't think the OP was being especially unfair or rude about Avanti and as for relating eg his experience of food abroad etc, rather than boasting, that seemed to me to be merely defending himself the torrent of abuse he received.Which is sad to read, since it should be possble to take exception to another person's opinion without trolling him/her especially when he/she hasn't been rude or personal when posting.As for myself,  I've eaten once from Avanti - a takeaway order. I thought the food was fine, but also thought it pretty expensive for what it was.However, since it was during lockdown, I didn't resent paying it and besides, I believe restaurants must be entitled to charge whatever they can get.In future? I may go back occasionally if/when things finally settle down after Covid-19, but I doubt it will become my "neighbourhood bistro", even though it's only 3 or 4 minutes walk away.

Richard Cathcart ● 2256d

The original post was mean spirited and unnecessary

Carl Wynne ● 2256d

Just to add the menu looks really reasonable and if Tim could possibly Telex in from The Gambia/LoS Angelas/Romford or wherever he is at the moment it would be intersting to see how the bill came to a nifty unless he is a product of GCSE maths inflation https://avantichiswick.com/menu/

Mick Collins ● 2256d

"Torrent of abuse" - that would be when one person posted a contrary view and the response was about how Tim is lucky enough to eat and travel the world.And then the "perhaps you're not so fortunate" response to me.I've never eaten at Avanti so for all I know Tim may be right, and I'm sure he has eaten all over the world.  But his succession of 3 posts went beyond someone just saying "I went to x for dinner tonight, I wasn't very impressed, perhaps it was just a one off and I might give it another chance, interested to hear the experiences of others".Frankly I couldn't care less, but if someone writes "perhaps you're not so fortunate" then that's the height of condescending arrogance.

Adam Beamish ● 2256d

Mmmm....interesting thread.So Avanti serves salty food but that doesn't matter because it "is possibly Chiswick's most in-demand restaurant at the mo.  Packed full of locals enjoying the summer, all well used to eating worldwide." But then just ONE opinion is totally DESTRUCTIVE because it is likely to "damage a growing private enterprise" even though it was affirmed as " possibly Chiswick's most in-demand restaurant at the mo. Packed full of locals" In fact this restaurant serving food, which allegedly may be too salty for some people's taste, is doing so well that it doesn't even need to subscribe to the taxpayer funded 'eat out scheme' So the snowflakes get all iffy and get their knickers in a knot because this restaurant has now been utterly destroyed by one person's opinion, so when another expresses an opinion of the opinion, it is being 'rude'.You couldn't make it up. In the meantime Stay Safe, Stay Home, Save the NHS and for God's sake don't eat out. It is self destructive and you risk destroying a thriving business if you express an opinion. 

Steve Taylor ● 2256d

"The original post was mean spirited and unnecessary"What nonsense. Next you will be saying that any negative comments on Trip Advisor are mean spirited. This is a forum where people express opinions and we have Freedom of Speech.

Steve Taylor ● 2256d

Well said!

Richard Cathcart ● 2256d

There's a chasm of difference between any opinion on Trip Advisor or any review in a list of reviews - and starting a headline thread on a public forum.But I doubt you've ever noticed that..

Stuart Kerr ● 2256d

On a local forum to give an opinion about a local restaurant is a perfectly sensible use of the forum.Back to the subject of the Avanti restaurant. I have not eaten there so I cannot comment on the ambiance or service, but I have had a takeaway from there during lock down and it was not that good - not awful, just not as good as I like.  However, I do believe in giving a restaurant a second chance and I will try them.The only problem for Avanti is that Los Molinos (between Shepherds Bush & Hammersmith) is a truly exceptional Spanish tapas restaurant.  For me that is who they have to compete with.Finally on pricing, I have noticed that the meals out are a bit more expensive than pre-lockdown.  Restaurants were still liable for rates & rent during lock downso they do need to charge a bit more now.  I understand and as long as it does not get out of hand, I am happy to pay a little more

Justin Stephenson ● 2256d

Even at the best of times, threads like this trouble me.Any venue can have a bad night for any number of reasons. If it is a good night and simply not to your liking, then no harm no foul so why not just keep it to yourself?But now, there are any number of reasons why things might go awry. From normal suppliers not trading, or trading without their usual selection, shortage of staff, temp staff filling in, a mechanical failure in the kitchen moments before your order goes out, not being able to forecast rhythm or pace of turnover, reservations not showing up and lacking the courtesy to let you know - any of these as a singular issue or worse when they all come simultaneously - all contribute to an off night or an off meal.Any negative comment will not be helpful to the industry at this moment in time. Those on Trip Adviser, etc. tend to be the most spiteful simply because those posting feel empowered by the audience they can reach (a bit like this forum). We've tracked this over the years as you can often predict those circumstances and personalities that will pursue that path. I can't imagine any venue not doing its level-headed best merely to survive. As for being liable for rates and rents that would mean trade would have to surpass what is normal year-on-year in order to make up for the recent shortfall. I doubt that is likely to happen. So please folks, have a bit more patience, compassion and understanding. Otherwise all you will end up mediocre private-equity backed venues, If that.

David Lesniak ● 2256d

"But now, there are any number of reasons why things might go awry. From normal suppliers not trading, or trading without their usual selection, shortage of staff, temp staff filling in" The restaurant should be in a position to warn customersthat things may not be perfect on a particular day if things have gone somewhat awry for any particular reason.  Surely that is better than allowing customers to think that what they experience is just the norm?I would also think that businesses trading in high density communities would take an interest in community forums and offer some response to any criticism.

Steve Taylor ● 2256d

Many of the reviews on TripAdvisor are fake, some from competing establishments trying to eliminate their competition. "In September 2018, a high-profile investigation by The Times of London found that one in three (33%) of TripAdvisor reviews are fake."

Claire Moran ● 2256d

Yes, would rather try a place myself than take notice of any negative reviews.

Janice Evans ● 2256d

JaniceThat's a fair and sensible view, and something I would do and comment, based on my own experience, of the venue. This thread, sadly, has become toxic.

Loraine Pemberton ● 2256d

"Yes, would rather try a place myself than take notice of any negative reviews."But if you have a bad experience would you tell others or just keep it to yourself?

Steve Taylor ● 2256d

Blooming heck Have a short doze and its all kicked off 😂 How about tim tells us the great local places to eat and then we can say for cetain if he is a one night food critic with a point or just to many bottles of ribena.

Julian Pavey ● 2256d

I don’t particularly like Harveys Best Bitter - there are plenty of other ales I considerably prefer. I’ve had it on multiple occasions so I know it wasn’t just  one pint that didn’t quite do it for me.But I know that Harvey’s bitter has won plenty of awards and been voted Beer of the Year on occasion. So I know it’s not to my taster but I also know the beers actually quite good. There’s no contradiction.Avanti may serve food that isn’t to Tim’s taste, or it may have had a bad night - it can happen. But pleased to see that the majority of posters here think it’s worth a punt.Unlike Platinum Prestige ...

Andrew Jones ● 2256d

Sorry if I've kept anyone waiting.  Am a bit back and forth at the mo - to and fro from West Mid Hospital...One at a time:- How on earth can anyone on here fail to take full notice of David's excellent post.  A quiet yet fully informed word from an active W4 trade professional concerning the current fragility of every entrepreneurs baby.Cue forum all-round expert Steve with his usual nonsensical expert advice.Beyond that, allow me to pass on Loraine's edict that this thread's gone toxic.  Blatant OTT exaggeration m'dear....often your way of choice - usually your weakness...  There is actually some sort of legitimate debate going on here.  Including an interesting fact from Clare that I hadn't realised and says much on the theme of  internet 'opinion' : where it's often from and it's potential effect.Anyways -  Has anyone else noticed how this sweet little forum is increasingly being colonised by seismic bores.  What's already happened is that seismic bores have attracted other seismic bores and before our very eyes the whole place is now hanging in the cobwebs of utter twerp boredom. Read the Ministerial Accountability thread and cringe....Everyone but them.  Particularly politicians and council officers, is a complete moron whilst (taste the irony) they get to live out their completely unproductive days posting unreadably dull opinionated opinion to a tiny audience of fellow twerps...Which is, of course, their given right...Back to Steve, with whom I now have a minor issue...What you've been saying this afternoon Steve (and often before) is a twerp interpretation of Thomas Paine's “Rights of Man” mixed and mashed with article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights..As against what I've sort of been saying today, even as a democrat, is that I'm far from convinced that you twerps have any right whatsoever to plonk a grey wig on your head and deliver your ill-informed opinions dressed-up as if it was coming from some comic book High Court judge.I really don't hold all opinion as sacrosanct.  And if I occasionally express that harshly I don't expect some twerp to bungle in and say I'm being rude..  I'm being rude because – wait for it and cue the music - we're all entitled... etc etc etcThat said, the vast majority of twerp opinion, even on this forum, is eminently harmless and sublimely ignorable.  So carry on regardless....Except.....  Except when anyone needlessly and callously does purposeful harm to somebody's creative effort.Like in this case with Avanti.Do that and I can assure you that, besides me, there are lots on here who will come down on you like a ton of bricks..

Stuart Kerr ● 2256d

Steve, I would leave others to judge for themselves.

Janice Evans ● 2256d

There’s nothing in my post that says I think I’m  better than you or anyone else. That’s your somewhat unusual interpretation. Has someone called Tim been nasty to you in the past. Poor chap. My post is giving my opinion which this forum allows.

Tim English ● 2255d

Thanks Georgina. I do feel that some of these comments are quite rude.

Tim English ● 2255d

I won’t be visiting again. I didn’t like it

Tim English ● 2255d

That’s made me smile. Thanks

Tim English ● 2255d

Thank you Richard. I am a bit shocked by the personal insults and assumptions about me with which some people responded.

Tim English ● 2255d

Delivered ex cathedra. There's nothing more to be said!

Robert Fish ● 2255d

You seem to be saying both that I am entitled to my opinion and that I’m not entitled to my opinion in the same post and I take issue with your words ‘needlessly’ and ‘callously’. I didn’t enjoy my meal. That’s my opinion. Most everyone else who replied loves it at Avanti and so do all of their friends. Please don’t end your posts with threats.

Tim English ● 2255d

I agree, It really is quite average, not sure what the fuss is all about. Eaten there twice. Thought it was ok the first time, second time I realised the food is possibly bulk produced. I.e. sourced somewhere else and thrown together. Not freshly prepared each day. If I'm wrong, it certainly has that feel to it if you know what I mean. Also the main waiter there is very rude, twice he scoffed at us when we asked for a table (no booking, pre-covid) raised his arms and walked away like we were crazy to even think we could get a walk in table. First time we gave it a pass, second time I realsied he's a prick, never going back.

James Cavalera ● 2255d

"Except.....  Except when anyone needlessly and callously does purposeful harm to somebody's creative effort."Some twerps may call adding loads of salt "creative effort" - normal people concerned with their health may call it make irresponsible and warn people!

Steve Taylor ● 2255d

"raised his arms and walked away like we were crazy to even think we could get a walk in table."Best to avoid places like that.

Steve Taylor ● 2255d

Sorry - I've been out all morning.Steve – Brilliant sub-heading that.  You should put your talent to better use.  Hi Tim,Nobody, least of all me, is suggesting you're not entitled to your opinion.  I can't even imagine how you've muddled that up.  Or managed to “feel” threatened in any way whatsoever.But just to clarify:-    I haven't a clue what you do for a living that takes you around restaurants the world over.  As for me - I'm a simple useless creative.  But I've made a few things in my time.  I know what it's like to have a “baby”.  To carefully nourish and rear a project.  To take risks and develop something all the way through from a dream to a reality.  And yes, my stuff's felt the weight of professional critical opinion.  Mostly positive.  Occasionally with reservations.  Which is all fair enough and part and parcel of the game we play...So in one way it's a straightforward mea culpa from this end.  I simply don't appreciate anyone taking advantage of the freedoms our internet provides to clobber any truly creative project.  As you did.Let me simplify what I mean by “taking advantage of freedoms” :-  What I mean (as an analogy) is that instead of publishing your perfectly valid review/opinion of Avanti at the bottom of page 14 where it rightly belonged along with all the other reviews - you decided to make it a Page One headline.That (perhaps to me alone) was an unfair and unnecessary trick to play on a passionate businessman already struggling through covid to rescue and cultivate his business. Most threads on here don't matter one iota.  But review do.  And review headlines matter hugely.  To me your headline had “controversial” written all over it. To me (an ex-journalist) it was overblown, even in the August silly-season.  To me it was below the belt and misplaced.  Sorry - but you hit the sore spot.Hence - as if I haven't already spelled this out in detail - nobody is challenging your right to this or any opinion.  Rather – as Frank Carson so beautifully said - “it's the way you tell em.”We live today in a world awash with wholesale opinion.  But in many ways we're still struggling to learn how best to cope with that - consume it or reject it but above all live with it positively...In the real world there are editors who sort all that out - what's said and where it goes.  Here on the local forum everyone is his or her own editor.  It's up to us to do the thinking.  To try and make the right decisions.Thus I'm pretty much sure how and why you didn't expect any of this.  Or think through all the potential consequences.  I'm also sure you're a lovely chap.  I only hope some good comes out of it somewhere - somehow..And I wish you well.

Stuart Kerr ● 2255d

Hes not actually a waiter thats Davy well known he used to put a coppers uniform on and pull you over till he was threatened with jail time.Now he dresses like a waiter and acts it all out accent and everything quite convincing

Mick Collins ● 2255d

I wonder if the food is bulk produced. That could explain the fast delivery, the almost uncuttable Wild Boar and the bland pasta dish. I must say the staff were very friendly on my visit. I didn’t meet your main waiter guy.

Tim English ● 2255d

Thanks Stuart. I published my perfectly valid review the only way we can on this forum. New subjects go at the top of the list and my review headline is the name and location of the restaurant. Surely that’s not ‘controversial’? I appreciate your post though. All the best to you too

Tim English ● 2255d

"I published my perfectly valid review the only way we can on this forum"And many thanks for doing so, Tim.  Much appreciated.

Steve Taylor ● 2255d

I can only concur that this place is average at best. However, what I particularly dislike is the very personable owner recommending wine "not on the menu" when we were considering a £20ish one, stupidly trusting him and then getting bill for a £45 wine.I'm sure the forum sages will tell me it's all my own fault - but I do expect to trust a recommendation from a restaurant to pitch in at the price I was looking at not at the highest on offer.I am not alon,  a couple of other friends have had this sell up treatment here. It's pushy and has pushed my custom away.A place I would recommend where the food is excellent and the owner actually recommends what is best not the most expensive is Chateau.

Richard Potts ● 2255d

Morning Tim,You're a good sport.  Thanks.Only as a sign-off can I throw a nibble of general advice on your line -  “I published my perfectly valid review the only way we can on this forum.” You're right of course.  But actually there is and was ONE other route available.In the days before computers and word processors took over from the electric typewriter (not so long ago) all journalists and all editors had on their desk a thingummy, known in the business as “the spike”.That's where we withheld stories.  For various reasons.  Sometimes legal.  But including stories deemed possibly not in the best interests of society.  Perhaps not for the greater good.Of course that would never have included reviews like yours and reviews like it.  They'd have all gone (if sufficiently well written) along with others on the bottom of page 14.  But not (obviously) anywhere near page one.  Or even page 3 if it was The Sun.All I'm saying (suggesting) is that this internet of ours doesn't have to mean we all publish and be damned - every last word and ever last thought.  I don't.  I use my own media 'spike' and often write stuff which, on reflection, ends up going nowhere.Have a good Bank Holiday..

Stuart Kerr ● 2254d

In recommending the more expensive wine I think he should have also told you the price. When I gave my opinion of my experience, you’ll see I received quite a few nasty comments from other forum users. Stand by ...

Tim English ● 2254d

On having this thread selected on the Sunday newsletter as one of the week's most interesting.  And it honestly did develop into a lively debate didn't it -  looking at the balance of choice we all have on a free and open forum, especially whether to publish or not publish.  And also the very nature of opinion itself (see back there on the thread).Anyway, I've got one more thought to throw into the mix, which may or may not interest a few..Going back to Tim's original post/review which I thought (and still do personally) was unnecessary and potentially damaging....  Well that's all irrelevant water under the bridge now.  So, moving onwards in positive mode, I'm now musing on the ancient wisdom of one of Britain's foremost wits - Oscar Wilde : - “There's only one thing worse than being talked about and that's not being talked about.”So – Is all publicity good publicity?  Is there no such thing as bad publicity?    Should Mr Avanti actually be going down on his knees to Tim and thanking him for all this free exposure?I don't know the answer to this.  Haven't a clue..It's probably for one of our PR gurus or someone in advertising...Anyone....?

Stuart Kerr ● 2253d

Tim, you made the fatal mistake of hinting that you have a good job. The nasty bullying that you received was nothing about your mild criticism of Avanti but rather a couple of people's small minded envy.

Richard Potts ● 2253d

I’m in neither advertising nor PR but personally I can’t believe that comments on this forum have much effect on local restaurants‘ success or failure or that of any other business.  I could be wrong but based on my own local friends and acquaintances I’d suggest that only a tiny minority of Chiswickians actually read this forum and an even smaller number would count as regular followers.But I think the reverse is true.  If a local business is outstandingly good or appallingly bad, then we get to know about it here but again, that will only have a marginal effect on those businesses because there are so few of us.If forum bile had real world consequences then Platinum Prestige fka Soni Jewellers would have bitten the dust long ago.

Alastair Banton ● 2253d

I think envy is a misrepresntation Richard given you (presumably) don't know the context of other people's employment?The content of the post I don't necessarily have an issue with, however the subsequent reference by the OP to his overseas work coupled with the 'perhaps your not so fortunate' line made Tim come across as bordeline narcissistic.

Matthew Acton ● 2253d

The OP cannot win.When challenged to prove his "qualifications" to judge Avanti (express an opinion, actually), he pointed out that he's eaten in a lot of different places around the world.Had he left it at that, then people would undoubtedly have accused him of boasting at their expense.Yet when he qualified the comment to acknowledge his good fortune etc, he gets slammed for that, too.Of course no-one should be above challenge, but it is notable that in this case, much of the criticism is "playing the ball" rather than the "man".I suspect that this in this case, some people didn't like what he said, but couldn't take issue with it, since it was a mere expression of opinion following a disappointing experience and to offer a different opinion/experience wasn't enough for them.So they went for him instead.Which "sucks", as someone or other said.

Richard Cathcart ● 2253d

Sorry, meant to post that the OP's critics are "playing the man", rather than the "ball".(Bit of a balls-up on my part lol)

Richard Cathcart ● 2253d