The Lighterman

Had a great time. Always better to be served Guinness in the proper glass though, rather than in a tall pint glass.

Great food and service... bit chilly outside but there were heaters. Terrace at back was closed unfortunately

We sat outside under a heater which kept us perfectly warm with a nice view of the square. Lovely.

It was great, always is. We'll be back. Merry Christmas!

Love it!! I keep on going back for more:) Fantastic location!

Portions a little on the small side, particularly the fries.

I attended the Lighterman last Sunday evening for a date night. We were disappointed with the service, it was slow and the waitress was always in a rush to get away. We both ordered the burgers but they arrived cold and tasteless. We had high expectations as I have eaten at The Lighterman twice before in the last 4 years and had great meals. The chips were stone cold, it was like eating cardboard. We barely ate our meals and we quickly asked the waitress for the bill. She took our payments with out asking what could have possibly wrong with our unfinished meals. Not once were we approached to ask how our meals were through out the evening. A meal we were looking forward to turned out to be incredibly poor.

We privately emailed the restaurant so we didn’t have to write a bad review however we haven’t had a response.

This restaurant doesn’t seem to have the time or staff to fully care and give time to there customers.

Really nice Christmassy ambience, quite loud but didn’t mind! Waiters were attentive and the food (Sunday Roasts) were absolutely delicious. Would definitely go back!

The service was exceptional, it is definitely value for money with generous portion sizes. Despite unprecedented times, the staff were cheerful and it made us feel welcome. We would definitely book here again.

Was good however felt constantly pressured by the waiter that we had to leave by a certain time. I know it’s busy because of covid but one reminder is fine, not five.

Rude and unhelpful staff. Overcharged, wrong drinks, cold (but tasty) food.

We had a lovely time! Thanks to all staff who braved the cold to make this night so fun!

Whilst it was very busy being a Saturday night in December, I was left disappointed by our visit to The Lighterman. Service was slow, and we waited over 45 minutes for our food (one starter never arrived). After finishing our starters we were told they would need the table back in 20 minutes to which we said we hadn’t even had our main courses so that won’t be possible.

We were sat outside and whilst there were plenty of heaters, they were more like glorified lamps that gave our zero warmth!

Beautiful restaurant- all spaces were great. We ate by the canal and it was cold outside and had to keep pressing the shared button to keep the lamps on.
Food looked and tasted great- I just wish there was slightly more to eat.

I would definitely come back here.

Great evening and lovely ambience thanks to all the staff

Waiter we had was pushy and rude
I usually go here and service and food are excellent.

Overall disappointing. The food was average and expensive for what it was. We were overcharged for drinks when the bill arrived.
We asked to move inside after our meal and was told we had to buy more food, even though we were still drinking . This may be the house rule, but given the restaurant was not that busy, it felt unnecessary and just profiteering.
The staff were not that friendly or accommodating.
This is a nice restaurant but the staff demonstrate a level of arrogance presumably based on its popularity and it's prime location. I would not rush back there.

Very impressive - good food, great atmosphere and reasonably priced.

Completely understand it’s difficult for staff during these times but poor welcome from staff at the door.
Was offered a miserable table just inside the door or a table at the window. It was 12.30 on a Friday & empty, why not offer people the best tables when you’re empty?
Had a salad which was fine but the chicken I ordered to accompany it was not a fresh chicken breast but sliced reformed meat. The menu is poor & needs updating.
Have visited The Lighterman a number of times now, mainly because in Coal Drop Yard it’s a cheaper option to the other hugely overpriced restaurants.
Would recommend but would warn what to expect and watch out for extra drinks being added to the bill.

Modern stylish venue overlooking Granary Square and canal. A good place to go in the current restrictions with plenty of covered outdoor seating. Good selection of food. Not super cheap but good quality and nice presentation. Side dishes not always necessary but menu could be clearer on this.

Staff helpful and although booking limited to two hours found us another table for coffee after the meal. Layer up for cold weather but you won't regret coming.

Good easy option in kings cross. Nice atmosphere in the downstairs bar. Staff were nice, but not terribly attentive. Had to wait a bit for food (about 25/30 mins) but was good when it came. Would recommend the flatbreads!

Really warm heaters, excellent small plates/sharers and our waiter was really friendly and helpful

Was pleasantly surprised by our lunch given we had to sit outside in December due to restrictions. However, the heaters were effective and the canopies ensure a homely atmosphere. The food was excellent and the the service attentive. Faultless.

Very dog friendly! Lovely food and excellent service!

It was a cold, cold night and we were seated right at the very edge of the external seating area so only just covered by the outer limits of the heaters but it was plenty warm enough to sit for a couple of hours.
The service was outstanding - fast, polite and upbeat. The social spacing was managed brilliantly well and I felt totally safe.

Visited for lunch with a friend so sat outside. All staff were great: food not good. We ordered artichoke and chestnut soup which arrived tepid, sweet potato chips which were old, cold and soggy and a 'flat bread' with sausage and tomato. It was in reality a very thin pizza base with an oily/slimy and wartery topping which meant the majority of the base was soggy. Sent the soup and chips back for new which then we're fine. But why should be have to? Gave up on the wet pizza.
The best part of lunch was a Guiness and the house white which was ok. Not good value for not a good lunch experience.

Excellent we sat outside but I felt the tables were too close together. The sausage pizza was excellent

Heaters could work a bit better but this is a great place with lovely food and good staff.

Great bar! I've been here a few times and loved it every time. Food is amazing too!

Lots of outside space, with umbrellas and heaters for when it's cold and raining.
Good food and quick service, would go back again.

Had a really good experience here. The staff were really friendly and helpful, and the food was delicious. Overall a great venue with a great atmosphere.

Unfortunately the night we went to The Lighterman the outdoor heaters and electricity kept having issues and turning off. At one point we were sitting in the freezing cold and dark. We eventually had to move indoors which was not what we wanted to do due to covid.

The restaurant was slow to check on us and we had to take measures into our own hands to move tables. Poor service without any compensation for apologies from the staff.

Food was only okay, as half of it was eaten in cold dark atmosphere outdoors.

Very disappointed in how The Lighterman handled things for us. May be dining elsewhere this winter.

Very friendly welcoming staff and a nice ambience. Reasonable prices but the food was disappointing. I ordered a burger which was very dry.

Really good service and atmosphere, recommend it to anyone.

Great margheritas, had a good if chilly evening with 5 friends.

Great- keep on coming back as i love the location , the food and the ambiance.

Always wanted to try this place and it didn’t disappoint! It would be even better in the summer

Very nice Sunday roast, in the outside terrace with heaters. Staff very fast and super attentive.

A lovely setting - we were seated on the upstairs terrace under a heater and overlooking the canal. Service very attentive, food was good but not amazing for the price. Would recommend.

Amazing Sunday roasts in a fantastic location with lovely views of Granary Square! The nut roast was excellent . Staff were a little hurried as it was getting busy, so weren't as attentive as they could have been.