7Days 7Ways

7Days 7Ways was the first English restaurant and pub to open in Luxor. The Englishmen who ran it, John and John, became almost as famous as their Luxor enterprise. So much so that the restaurant was often referred to as "The two Johns". The restaurant developed an enviable reputation for good English food and was especially famous for its Sunday roasts.

Another couple, Carol and Billy, were very well known and respected Luxor restaurant managers. They earned the Jamboree restaurant, in its original location near the northern end of Luxor temple, a huge reputation during their tenure of nearly 7 years.

Carol and Billy took over the running of 7Days late in 2006. The combined reputations of 7Days and its new management promised something special but Carol and Billy didn't really stay long enough to make a mark. For a while after they moved on the very English 7Ways was largely Egyptian.

Early in 2007 our first impressions after all these changes were that everything was much the same. The walls were still painted brick; the tables in the rather narrow restaurant are still lined up along the walls and dressed in crisp clean cloths; there are still buy-one-get-one-free deals on alcoholic cocktails, the menu was pretty much the same as far as we could recall.

However, the food and ambience were less good. We found the food disappointing and expensive compared with the nearby competition. Non-smokers were irritated by smoking and in such a small restaurant there was really no escape.

Later in 2007 the management changed again. New Manager Laura made the restaurant non-smoking and reduced prices by around 20% to compete more closely with other restaurants, of which there are a growing number at this end of town. Laura and her job-share Theresa provided an English presence virtually all the time in this restaurant known for its Englishness. Hopes were high for the restaurant in this interlude.

Then management changed again. The prices went back up and once more the restaurant allows smoking. If you are a smoker, you may welcome this liberalisation. However, the restaurant really is too small to allow smoking without affecting non-smokers. Even some smokers say they find it uncomfortable.

Following pricing changes all over Luxor, especially through 2009, some meals are now a little more competitive, but not compelling. Steaks are LE55 with a sauce, which is at the high end for Luxor, although soft drinks are nearer the average at LE7.50. A meat-based tagine is from LE38, quite a bit more than several nearby restaurants. Overall, the pricing is in tune with the better restaurants, and a little too high, we think, for a one that is upstairs and a little cramped.

For a long time 7Days has been able to depend on two things for its custom. First, there is the reputation - almost fame - that has built up over many years. They promote the fact that they have been there since 1996, but don't mention that, apart from the building and the name, there is no real connection with the original. Second, there is the comfort factor. It is an English haven in a bustling Luxor street and ideal for people who don't want to stay in the hotel to eat, but do not want to venture too far or try anything too different.

The fame and Englishness benefits are somewhat outweighed by the smoky atmosphere, the prices and the food, which we found to be pretty average. Some people report that the food is OK, but others not, so lets just call it inconsistent.

Unfortunately for 7Days7Ways, whilst the restaurant has been going through its transformations, other excellent restaurants have opened up all around and several have English proprietors. As a result, visitors who are new to Luxor have more options than in the old days. Even loyal John & John followers have their allegiance split between 7Days, the original John & John restaurant, and the remaining John's newer creations.

Review last updated March 2010
Prices at March 2010