Fawlty Towers The Dining Experience at the President Hotel, London Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Dee Ryz

Looking for a night of nostalgia and nonsense? Step right into the world of Fawlty Towers at the President Hotel in London’s Bloomsbury. Just minutes from Russell Square tube and a short wander from King’s Cross, this central spot is the perfect place to dive into the mayhem that is Torquay’s favourite fictional hotel. Whether you are a die-hard fan of the classic comedy or simply in the mood for dinner served with a side of slapstick, the Fawlty Towers Dining Experience promises an evening of farce, food, and familiar faces.

As we waited to be seated, we were treated to a rollcall of the table plan by Mr Basil Fawlty himself, calling out our names – and occasionally a few insults – along with the table numbers. Once inside, the hotel’s restaurant had been transformed into the infamous dining room of the Fawlty Towers hotel, complete with slightly dated décor and that distinct air of controlled chaos, with tables arranged banquet-style, encouraging diners to embrace the community spirit, much like the original TV series setup.

Once seated, the ‘staff’ launched straight into service – and shenanigans. The three-course set menu was firmly in the spirit of the show: modest, mildly unpredictable, and ripe for comedy. First up was a butternut squash soup – pleasant enough, though a few of our fellow diners discovered more than they bargained for. I won’t spoil the joke, but let’s just say Basil might want to check what the chef’s been drinking…!

The main course of lemon and oregano roast chicken with vegetables and gravy was fine, if unremarkable. Though frankly, with Manuel loitering nearby, we half-expected to be told it was duck. The true highlight was dessert: a tangy and tasty berry cheesecake – a rare moment of calm amidst the chaos. All this was washed down with a glass (or two) of Chenin Blanc, which certainly helped smooth over any culinary hiccups.

But I must say, it’s the cast who truly elevate this experience. Nerine Skinner as Sybil was sensational – clipboard in hand, cackle at the ready, and the queen of cutting remarks. Lawrence Watling channelled Basil with twitchy brilliance, all flailing limbs, raised eyebrows, and exasperated sarcasm. And Leigh Kelly’s Manuel was pure joy – full of energy, slapstick flair, and even a triumphant rendition of Viva España that had the whole room in stitches (and singing along).

The show is packed with classic references – the infamous Siberian hamster, flying bread rolls, health and safety nightmares, misheard musings – along with some newer material that fits right in. There’s plenty of improv and audience interaction, making the night feel a little different.

At £74 per person, it’s certainly not a cheap meal – but then, it’s more about the immersive theatre than the three courses. Don’t expect fine dining or subtlety. Expect laughs, absurdity, and enough throwbacks to keep Fawlty fans smiling throughout.

A fun, frenzied experience for anyone wanting to relive the madcap magic of 1970s Britain’s most dysfunctional hotel – I do hope you enjoy your stay!

Rating: 3/5 

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.londontheatredirect.com