Jimmy’s World Grill

I recently had a buffet experience at Jimmy’s World Grill and Bar at the O2, and I have to say, it was quite a disappointment. The restaurant is located in a busy area with many other dining options, but I was drawn in by the idea of an all-you-can-eat buffet. At lunchtime, it costs £15, which seemed reasonable, but for dinner, the price jumps to £21 or £23, depending on the day. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t live up to even the lower price point.

When I walked in, the place seemed promising—it’s quite spacious and easily accessible for everyone, including those in wheelchairs. I arrived early to avoid the crowds and have a good look at what was on offer. The selection initially seemed varied, with curries, Chinese dishes, Mexican options, pizzas, and even sushi. But looks can be deceiving.

I decided to start with the Chinese selection, and right away, I was let down. The squid was rubbery and cold, and the Thai red curry sauce was thin and watery. The sweet and sour chicken? Bland and also cold. I’m not having much luck on buffets!

Moving on to the Indian section, things didn’t get much better. The chicken tikka was tender, but the sauce was tasteless, and the lamb curry was gristly and fatty. The Bombay potatoes were overcooked, and overall, the Indian options were just not up to standard. The naan which was freshly made in front of me, was a rare highlight—soft, warm, and actually enjoyable.

The one saving grace of the meal was dessert. I tried the strawberry mousse, and it was surprisingly delicious—light, sweet, and creamy. The strawberry jelly was decent too. However, the velvet cake was dry, which was disappointing given how much I was hoping for something to end the meal on a high note.

Overall, I’d give the experience 1.5 out of 10. The cold food, lack of flavour, and poor quality throughout most of the meal were major letdowns. If you’re considering visiting Jimmy’s World Grill and Bar, especially in the evening when the prices are higher, I’d recommend looking elsewhere. You’ll find better value at other spots in the O2.