wagamama hammersmith

£11 - £25 / Japanese, Asian, Vegetarian options

The Old Fire Station, 244 Shepherds Bush Rd, London

Awards

Excellent Soup 2024

Opening hours

11AM-11PM

Sunday 11AM-10PM
Monday 11AM-10PM
Tuesday 11AM-10PM
Wednesday 11AM-10PM
Thursday 11AM-10PM
Friday 11AM-11PM
Saturday 11AM-11PM

Iconic Flavor in Historic Setting Shines

In an era where every old building is reincarnating into a chic dining hub, Wagamama Hammersmith stands as a prime exhibit of this trend. The restaurant, cleverly nestled within an old fire station, flaunts its architectural quirks with aplomb. Steel beams peer from under high ceilings, whispering stories of soot-covered bravery to your senses, and the whole setup feels like a veritable homage to resilience — an apt habitat for a Kirin Ichiban or two. Upon arrival, there’s an aroma that invites you, even if the gusty draft might have you reaching for your coat once inside.

But let’s talk about the food, shall we? Wagamama stays safely tethered to its celebrated menu basics, albeit with slight adjustments each season which lend unexpected surprises – sometimes delightful, sometimes befuddling. My udon was imbued with vigor, while the elusive prawn nori seemed to have taken a misguided tumble with the Gochujang bottle. Service hovered somewhere between delightful enthusiasm and orchestrated chaos, much like a mischievous child trying earnestly to navigate the serious intricacies of adulthood. While my dessert precariously tangoed in alongside the starter ploughing headlong into modern efficiency (an evolving perfection they might say) – none dare call it dull! If nothing else, thank them generously, for leaving just one more book bargain on the shelves with their recipe tomes – you’d be excused for devouring both tales and dishes alike. — Penelope Savory