Faulty Towers the Dining Experience
Faulty Towers the Dining Experience
4.5
About
Touring over 20 countries a year and with a permanent London West End residency too, this critically acclaimed show has been winning five-star reviews and standing ovations since 1997. It's 'a two-hour eat, drink and laugh sensation!' (Daily Telegraph). The fun starts as the audience wait to be seated and then hurtles along as they become diners in that infamous hotel. Meanwhile, Basil, Sybil and Manuel aspire to be their warring waiters, serving a 3-course meal with a good dollop of mayhem. This is fully immersive, highly improvised, site-specific comedy theatre at its best - and because only a third of show is scripted, performances are always fresh. Expect all the best gags and 'a rip-roaringly hilarious night out' (This Is London). Just don't mention the war! - 'Outstanding! (Fringe Review) - 'Uniquely enjoyable... A worthy alternative to some of the West End's other shows... It will have you raving' (Britain Magazine) - 'Deliciously entertaining from start to finish, this is not to be missed.' (What's on London) - 'Fantastic!' (What's on Stage)
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Bloomsbury
Snuggly nestled within Central London is academic and leafy Bloomsbury, an area that boasts walking distance access to many of London's most popular attractions. It is also home to some of Britain's most celebrated museums, including the must-see British Museum. Despite an understandable popularity with students, tourists and day trippers, vast sections of Bloomsbury retain a quiet, residential feel year round and throughout the week.
How to get there
- Russell Square • 1 min walk
- Holborn • 8 min walk
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Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,802 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- TomBraintree, United Kingdom141 contributionsSimply Brilliant!Brilliant simply brilliant comedy experience! We had our work Xmas do at the President hotel and wow what a faulty towers dining experience! From the moment we arrived having drinks in the bar the show started and Basil, Sybil and Manuel were simply brilliant! Very true to their characters and used so many of the comedy sketches taken from the shows! Food was actually ok to be fair, would defo recommend this experience, laughed all through the dinner!Visited December 2023Traveled on businessWritten December 16, 2023
- Stuart A26 contributionsGreat FunFrom start to finish, an excellent and funny afternoon. The hosting hotel is well staffed, efficient and friendly and from arrival to seating was very smooth. The drinks are reasonably priced for a London hotel and two nice bottles of wine and a pint coming in at around ÂŁ57, so good value too. The show itself starts from the off with lots of with in character jokes and quips, very well played by all the cast. Basil and Manuel are a great double act and Sybil was so good as well.and a great singer. We bumped into them in Reception on leaving, out of character, and they were so warm and friendly and happy to chat. All the staff also deserve a mention from the bar to the tables, very professionally done. We had a drink afterwards and again, very reasonable prices for central London. Would highly recommend the whole package..! Thank you.Visited January 2024Traveled with friendsWritten January 16, 2024
- Rob B1 contributionNothing faulty about thisBrilliant. Great night. Actors superb and kept going all night. Had audience laughing throughout. Food is fine, nowhere near as bad as some reviewers say, think wedding party standard. Forget that though, just a great night out. Tip, get your drinks before you sit down, as others have saidVisited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 17, 2024
- earthtravelllerNorth Shields, United Kingdom1,040 contributionsFull Immersion in the Fawlty Towers Dining Room!The immersive show exceeded my expectations, with all diners included from start to finish as the actors worked the room incorporating many well known lines from the TV series and also including locally referenced jokes. Great mix of scripted and ad libbing, the actors were skilled at thinking on their feet and were very credible doppelgangers of Basil, Sybil and Manuel. Laughed from beginning to end. The three course meal was adequate at best but you really couldn't concentrate on eating with the unfolding storyline and mayhem all around you, the food was really just a prop and not the main reason for attending. I also think the menu was in line with the times and what was actually seen on the programmes. A thoroughly entertaining evening if you are fan of the original Fawlty Towers TV series. We saw the show in Newcastle at the Royal Station Hotel.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,187 reviews
Excellent
2,410
Very good
566
Average
144
Poor
41
Terrible
26
LifeofRiley247365
Leigh-on Sea, UK64 contributions
Nov 2022
The actors make this event and in particular Basil and Manuel. I have seen some reviews that claim that up to 70% is improvised, but I would say that probably 80% at least is scripted. That doesn't mean it isn't a lot of fun, however, as there are laughs galore for fans of Fawlty Towers.
My only problem was that the food was truly dreadful for the price of a ticket. Luke warm, tasteless and insipid broccolli soup to start was followed by roast chicken and veg, which were just about edible. Only one person on our table of 10 finished the soup and perhaps four people finished the chicken dish.
OK, we didn't expect Michelin star cuisine, but for the best part of ÂŁ80 without drinks, we expected better than that.
My only problem was that the food was truly dreadful for the price of a ticket. Luke warm, tasteless and insipid broccolli soup to start was followed by roast chicken and veg, which were just about edible. Only one person on our table of 10 finished the soup and perhaps four people finished the chicken dish.
OK, we didn't expect Michelin star cuisine, but for the best part of ÂŁ80 without drinks, we expected better than that.
Written November 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen
Essex, UK38 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
My husband booked the Fawlty Towers dining experience for my birthday and we had so much fun - fantastic actors and we belly laughed all evening!
Unfortunately the food was a huge let down - cold watery soup followed by a skinny chicken leg/veggie filo parcel served with an over cooked carrot and potato and a school canteen style angel delight desert. Fantastic show which I would highly recommend but for the price they really need to work on improving the diabolical food served.
Unfortunately the food was a huge let down - cold watery soup followed by a skinny chicken leg/veggie filo parcel served with an over cooked carrot and potato and a school canteen style angel delight desert. Fantastic show which I would highly recommend but for the price they really need to work on improving the diabolical food served.
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stuart A
26 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
From start to finish, an excellent and funny afternoon.
The hosting hotel is well staffed, efficient and friendly and from arrival to seating was very smooth. The drinks are reasonably priced for a London hotel and two nice bottles of wine and a pint coming in at around ÂŁ57, so good value too.
The show itself starts from the off with lots of with in character jokes and quips, very well played by all the cast. Basil and Manuel are a great double act and Sybil was so good as well.and a great singer. We bumped into them in Reception on leaving, out of character, and they were so warm and friendly and happy to chat.
All the staff also deserve a mention from the bar to the tables, very professionally done. We had a drink afterwards and again, very reasonable prices for central London.
Would highly recommend the whole package..!
Thank you.
The hosting hotel is well staffed, efficient and friendly and from arrival to seating was very smooth. The drinks are reasonably priced for a London hotel and two nice bottles of wine and a pint coming in at around ÂŁ57, so good value too.
The show itself starts from the off with lots of with in character jokes and quips, very well played by all the cast. Basil and Manuel are a great double act and Sybil was so good as well.and a great singer. We bumped into them in Reception on leaving, out of character, and they were so warm and friendly and happy to chat.
All the staff also deserve a mention from the bar to the tables, very professionally done. We had a drink afterwards and again, very reasonable prices for central London.
Would highly recommend the whole package..!
Thank you.
Written January 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janeykate
Alton, UK8 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Actors were brilliant, food was awful, waiters grumpy. No drinks service at table which meant some friends missed the actors performance as queuing for drinks at the bar which closed early so they had to go through to the hotel bar. Wasn’t made clear on booking. It would have been helpful if either they did drink service at the tables or made it clear when the actors were doing their skits.
Written October 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
earthtravelller
North Shields, UK1,040 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
The immersive show exceeded my expectations, with all diners included from start to finish as the actors worked the room incorporating many well known lines from the TV series and also including locally referenced jokes. Great mix of scripted and ad libbing, the actors were skilled at thinking on their feet and were very credible doppelgangers of Basil, Sybil and Manuel. Laughed from beginning to end.
The three course meal was adequate at best but you really couldn't concentrate on eating with the unfolding storyline and mayhem all around you, the food was really just a prop and not the main reason for attending. I also think the menu was in line with the times and what was actually seen on the programmes.
A thoroughly entertaining evening if you are fan of the original Fawlty Towers TV series.
We saw the show in Newcastle at the Royal Station Hotel.
The three course meal was adequate at best but you really couldn't concentrate on eating with the unfolding storyline and mayhem all around you, the food was really just a prop and not the main reason for attending. I also think the menu was in line with the times and what was actually seen on the programmes.
A thoroughly entertaining evening if you are fan of the original Fawlty Towers TV series.
We saw the show in Newcastle at the Royal Station Hotel.
Written September 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guy T
Beckenham, UK20 contributions
Mar 2020
A great evening from start to finish, went on the 12th March, the actors were brilliant, the improvisation was superb .
Food was good and served brilliantly by the staff in Fawlty Towers Fashion.
Would highly recommend
Food was good and served brilliantly by the staff in Fawlty Towers Fashion.
Would highly recommend
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
happyfrog2018
7 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
A great fun evening. The entertainment was hilarious and non-stop. The food was pretty good too. Everybody seemed to be having a ball and joining in the fun. The actors were superb and true to the original TV show.
The venue’s prices for drinks were rather high
The venue’s prices for drinks were rather high
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne M
United Kingdom1 contribution
Jan 2023 • Couples
From arriving in the main entrance of the President Hotel and through to the bar, set up especially for the occasion. Your evening started here and it was brilliant all the way through.
Very funny, very entertaining and lots of participation. Food was lovely, with soft vegetables, as well.
Main characters were very realistic and make the evening memorable.
Waiters also deserve a credit as they worked exceptionally hard.
Very funny, very entertaining and lots of participation. Food was lovely, with soft vegetables, as well.
Main characters were very realistic and make the evening memorable.
Waiters also deserve a credit as they worked exceptionally hard.
Written January 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Informerer
Wadhurst, UK39 contributions
Jan 2023
It's a very funny show, you become totally immersed with the characters.
They work very hard and you believe in them.
The problem is that the food is so bad, that we wished we had eaten before.
The soup was luke warm, the chicken main dish was poor and also luke warm.
We were not alone in our opinion, the couple next to us said they were going to McDonalds afterwards!
That said, it was a great show and I can't praise the actors enough.
It would have easily been five stars if it wasn't for the poor food.
They work very hard and you believe in them.
The problem is that the food is so bad, that we wished we had eaten before.
The soup was luke warm, the chicken main dish was poor and also luke warm.
We were not alone in our opinion, the couple next to us said they were going to McDonalds afterwards!
That said, it was a great show and I can't praise the actors enough.
It would have easily been five stars if it wasn't for the poor food.
Written January 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom
Braintree, UK141 contributions
Dec 2023 • Business
Brilliant simply brilliant comedy experience! We had our work Xmas do at the President hotel and wow what a faulty towers dining experience! From the moment we arrived having drinks in the bar the show started and Basil, Sybil and Manuel were simply brilliant! Very true to their characters and used so many of the comedy sketches taken from the shows!
Food was actually ok to be fair, would defo recommend this experience, laughed all through the dinner!
Food was actually ok to be fair, would defo recommend this experience, laughed all through the dinner!
Written December 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there price concessions for the disabled?
Written February 4, 2024
I’m sorry , this was bought as a present so not sure of pricing etc x
Written February 6, 2024
Hi is there a kids menu ? My 8 year daughter us a very picky eater (normally stuff with chips !) ?
Written March 27, 2023
I have allergies and they accommodated me perfectly. They were very good. Explain fully about your daughter. They may allow you to place an order to be delivered. If so, just check what time the main meal is served. It saves a lot of discomfort for you. Goid Luck.
Written March 28, 2023
If the weather is warm, can men wear chino type shorts to the knee with a casual shirt?
Written August 14, 2022
Sorry for the late response, but the US family at our table had shorts and t-shirts which was absolutely fine 🙌
Written January 16, 2023
If this was a surprise night out, when would the gift recipient know its a fawlty towers night? Are there large signs outside, or would they only be aware once sat at the table?
Written November 10, 2019
Equally you will be offered your tables by the FT cast once I side the second room. She would know by the time you get to the second bars on the entrance they have programs
Written November 16, 2019
The booking site we are booking through asks us to pick seats numbers. Which seats are best as a lot of reviews say they couldn’t see that well
Written June 20, 2019
Our booking in London did not have assigned seats. Basil assigned seats to everyone. No matter where we would’ve sat we could have seen. I guess it depends what the layout is. Ours were 6 round tables with 10 seats at each table.
Written June 21, 2019
We got emailed the menu a few days in advance so we could give any dietary requirements. We went to the London venue and had tomato soup, chicken for mains and a lemon mousse for dessert. Simple menu but very tasty
Written June 14, 2019
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