We visited Moro on a weekday, early afternoon, and were there 20 minutes before the kitchen opened but the manager was kind enough to find us a table (we hadn't booked). The first impression was of a plain but wonderfully decorated restaurant with a carefully selected menu. As people started coming in for lunch it became really noisy due to the open-space room with closely-situated tables though.

Our one-course meal arrived on time and it was fantastic. The lamb was amazing and the oven-grilled chicken with chickpeas delicious. However, we were feeling very cold due to the bad insulation of the entrance door and the service was unacceptable. No one ever asked us whether everything was fine (as you would expect from a restaurant of its reputation), our meal was just thrown onto our table with no politeness.

The price was not bad though but combined with the service it was overpriced. We paid, deciding to get the change and tip afterwards and they didn't bother bringing any change back! We were sitting just in front of them, and waited and waited but had to go because our parking ticket ran out. My friend was very disappointed but decided to just not make a fuss. Their arrogant behaviour was unacceptable and they don't deserve their reputation. Obviously their fame made them less fussed about the service they provide. Big mistake Moro...

I've been going to Moro for years and the time I like best is the in between, say 4pm to 6pm. I like to have some tapas (a slightly limited range but pimentos de padrone -- apologies re poor Spanish - and the tortilla and chorizo are totally reliably great) and at that time of day the waiters are having their own 'lunch' -- or doing food prep -- but easily amenable to serving. It's kind of like being behind stage in a theatre before the curtain goes up. Yes, Moro is hugely busy for lunch and dinner and the two sitting rule can seem a bit mean but this is just seriously good food up and down, meat, fish, vegetables. Where else can you get peeled broad beans in season - not just the beautiful vibrant green colour but minus hideous overcoat? Noise is the only real problem at Moro: it's not good for groups, sometimes it's a bit difficult for only 2 people.

We arrived at 7:10 on a Thursday and asked if they had a table for four. The first waitress said a table was free until 9:15 and so we decided to stay. Then the tattooed manager weighed in, insisting we order immediately and said we must leave by 9 p.m. We decided to stay despite his rudeness, but what a mistake! Food took forever but we raced through it and at 8:40 were ready for dessert.

"Coffee anyone?" the rude manager with the tattoos asked. "Yes, I might have a dessert", said the man who was paying our bill. "No, no dessert, you don't have time. Coffee?" the manager replied. Stunning. I have eaten in London restaurants which render Moro a fastfood joint. After this run-in with the tattooed ass, I suspect McDonalds would be offended by comparisons to this place.

Good food. A wine list with both Spanish and Spanish wine. But not a place I suggest anyone visit unless masochism is high on your list of needs. Service? They don't know the word. Pity they don't fire the tattooed ass and find people that deserve to front a place with such great potential.