Latest reviews in London, United Kingdom

Silks & Spice - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:07:25 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0871 200 0999

Website: http://www.silksandspice.com

Tags: thai, vegetarian dishes

CLOSED DOWN!

Now a good Thai restaurant called 'Boys'.CLOSED DOWN!

Now a good Thai restaurant called 'Boys'.

Budsara - This "Bud's" for YOU! by AliZebu

AliZebu — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:04:46 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8995 5774

Tags: thai, good value, cheap eat

'Budsara' have two branches, one in Fulham Road and one on Chiswick High Road. I have never eaten in this branch but have had food delivered a number of times.

Firstly, it is a few doors away from another good Thai restaurant called 'Boys' - which I rate slightly higher overall than 'Budsara'.
If you were going in and getting a takeaway (I am too lazy and usually just have it delivered!) the SMART option may be to get a couple of dishes from each place as they both do certain things better and have some variance in the menu.

The Fish Cakes served here are good compared to the rubbery ones at 'Boys'.
The "Phad Kra-Praow" is a nice spicy dish I usually have with Chicken.
The Green Curry is certainly good but always seems lacking in sauce and does not have the depth of flavour I crave.
The "Phad Mhee" - stir-fried egg noodles with beanspouts are done better here than in most of the chinese restaurants in the area.

Service has always been fine on the phone, from the delivery person and on the one occasion I went in for a takeaway.

RECOMMENDED!'Budsara' have two branches, one in Fulham Road and one on Chiswick High Road. I have never eaten in this branch but have had food delivered a number of times.

Firstly, it is a few doors away from another good Thai restaurant called 'Boys' - which I rate slightly higher overall than 'Budsara'.
If you were going in and getting a takeaway (I am too lazy and usually just have it delivered!) the SMART option may be to get a couple of dishes from each place as they both do certain things better and have some variance in the menu.

The Fish Cakes served here are good compared to the rubbery ones at 'Boys'.
The "Phad Kra-Praow" is a nice spicy dish I usually have with Chicken.
The Green Curry is certainly good but always seems lacking in sauce and does not have the depth of flavour I crave.
The "Phad Mhee" - stir-fried egg noodles with beanspouts are done better here than in most of the chinese restaurants in the area.

Service has always been fine on the phone, from the delivery person and on the one occasion I went in for a takeaway.

RECOMMENDED!

Boys - "Boys, Boys, Boys - are looking for a good thai!" by AliZebu

AliZebu — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:35:49 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8995 7991

Tags: thai

I had avoided 'Boys' for a while mainly due to the silly name that sadly evokes British homosexual paedofile's visiting Thailand for nefarious purposes.

When I did finally try the food I found SOME of their dishes to be of a high standard and authentically made.

The menu is not that varied, with a lot of dishes being similar to each other so I miss some foods you can get elsewhere. However, there are some excellent versions here.

The "Keng Kiew Wan" or Thai Green Curry is easily the best I have thus far had in Chiswick and is among my top 5 versions of the dish I have had anywhere, here & abroad.

"Pad Kee Mau" is another standout at 'Boys'. Spicy rice noodles fried up with a choice of meats OR two vegetarian options including Tofu. They always ask how hot I want it on a scale of 1-10.

The vegetable spring rolls are always lovely & crisp - you can tell they are fresh.
The "Tod Man Pla" or spicy fishcakes are NOT quite right, it must be said. They taste like rubber.

Service is always great, both to eat in and when I phone and have it delivered.
Overall 'Boys' is the better choice over 'Budsara' which is only a few doors away, although BOTH do certain dishes better than their competition.

RECOMMENDED!I had avoided 'Boys' for a while mainly due to the silly name that sadly evokes British homosexual paedofile's visiting Thailand for nefarious purposes.

When I did finally try the food I found SOME of their dishes to be of a high standard and authentically made.

The menu is not that varied, with a lot of dishes being similar to each other so I miss some foods you can get elsewhere. However, there are some excellent versions here.

The "Keng Kiew Wan" or Thai Green Curry is easily the best I have thus far had in Chiswick and is among my top 5 versions of the dish I have had anywhere, here & abroad.

"Pad Kee Mau" is another standout at 'Boys'. Spicy rice noodles fried up with a choice of meats OR two vegetarian options including Tofu. They always ask how hot I want it on a scale of 1-10.

The vegetable spring rolls are always lovely & crisp - you can tell they are fresh.
The "Tod Man Pla" or spicy fishcakes are NOT quite right, it must be said. They taste like rubber.

Service is always great, both to eat in and when I phone and have it delivered.
Overall 'Boys' is the better choice over 'Budsara' which is only a few doors away, although BOTH do certain dishes better than their competition.

RECOMMENDED!

You Don't Bring Me Flowers - by Uplifted

Uplifted — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:51:08 +0000

Review by Uplifted

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8297 2333

Website: http://www.youdontbringmeflowers.co.uk/

Tags: cultured, good brew, quiet & relaxed

Superb in every way. My first visit with my husband will be one of many. It's November now, and it's cosy and welcoming; we're looking forward to the summer months and the sun terrace.Superb in every way. My first visit with my husband will be one of many. It's November now, and it's cosy and welcoming; we're looking forward to the summer months and the sun terrace.

Fifi Wilson - by smith25

smith25 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:20:14 +0000

Review by smith25

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7240 2121

I knew I was onto a winner when I stepped into Fifi Wilson in Covent Garden when I walked past Sharleen Spiteri on her way out.
Apparently, they have quite a large celebrity following! Luckily, you don't have to have the bank account of a celeb to shop there though. The shop is filled from ceiling to floor with beautiful gift ideas and absolutely gorgeous clothes. Their website fifiwilson.com is just as good.I knew I was onto a winner when I stepped into Fifi Wilson in Covent Garden when I walked past Sharleen Spiteri on her way out.
Apparently, they have quite a large celebrity following! Luckily, you don't have to have the bank account of a celeb to shop there though. The shop is filled from ceiling to floor with beautiful gift ideas and absolutely gorgeous clothes. Their website fifiwilson.com is just as good.

Fifi Wilson - Fifi Wilson by smith25

smith25 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:21:06 +0000

Review by smith25

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7352 3232

Tags: helpful staff, exclusive boutique, stock

What a fab little boutique! I have just discovered Fifi Wilson's Chelsea store, just off Kings Road and I am kicking myself that I have only just found this little treasure box. I am so pleased, I have managed to find the perfect dress for my Christmas party and for Christmas Day. The Disaya faux fur dress for my Christmas do will guarantee to be a show stopper and the Gabby Harris black and cream dress for Christmas Day is elegant yet still fun with the cute bow on the front. I am now looking forward to Christmas more than ever!
Thank you Fifi Wilson!What a fab little boutique! I have just discovered Fifi Wilson's Chelsea store, just off Kings Road and I am kicking myself that I have only just found this little treasure box. I am so pleased, I have managed to find the perfect dress for my Christmas party and for Christmas Day. The Disaya faux fur dress for my Christmas do will guarantee to be a show stopper and the Gabby Harris black and cream dress for Christmas Day is elegant yet still fun with the cute bow on the front. I am now looking forward to Christmas more than ever!
Thank you Fifi Wilson!

Ariana - by Limehouse_Larry

Limehouse_Larry — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:57:47 +0000

Review by Limehouse_Larry

Rating: 4.00

Tags: good value, middle eastern, cheap eat

I visited Ariana on the weekend with family and was pleasantly surprised. We had seen the menu before going and it although it seems slightly basic, try not to be put off by it, we tried a sharing platter to start, which also accommodated a vegetarian. They cook the bread on a large hot plate on the premises which is extremely tasty, and although we weren't sure exactly what we were eating, the waiter was happy to explain the dishes. The main courses are plentiful and everything seems to be handled with a a bit of care and attention. Very relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, bring your own alcohol and a heated patio to enjoy hookah pipes. Well recommended and we'll certainly visit Ariana again.I visited Ariana on the weekend with family and was pleasantly surprised. We had seen the menu before going and it although it seems slightly basic, try not to be put off by it, we tried a sharing platter to start, which also accommodated a vegetarian. They cook the bread on a large hot plate on the premises which is extremely tasty, and although we weren't sure exactly what we were eating, the waiter was happy to explain the dishes. The main courses are plentiful and everything seems to be handled with a a bit of care and attention. Very relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, bring your own alcohol and a heated patio to enjoy hookah pipes. Well recommended and we'll certainly visit Ariana again.

The Legless Tup - Great Fulham Pub for a private party by Chasman99

Chasman99 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:38:01 +0000

Review by Chasman99

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0207 731 1832

Website: http://www.massivepub.com

Tags: relaxed, friendly, beer garden

This new Fulham pub is great for small private parties. I hadn't been there until a friend recommend i try it as a good venue for my birthday.

I reserved a table for 12 of us which i thought might be a bit of a problem but it wasn't. The Rose pub is deceptively large and they were able to give us a lovely long table round one side of teh very cool circular bar which was perfect.

The pub was quite busy on Sunday (not as busy as other Fulham Pubs though) but they treated us really well and the food was great - really traditional Sunday lunch with big portions and brilliantly cooked.

I spoke to Emily who runs the Rose and she explained that they poached a couple of chefs from other West London pubs and how good they were. I can only agree having wolfed down my lunch in double quick time and followed it up with a sumptuous chocolate brownie cake and cream. delicious.

The staff were really friendly and made us feel very welcome - more so that the family next to us but i can't blame them as we were pretty rowdy.

I relly recommend The Rose pub and will be making a return trip shortly.This new Fulham pub is great for small private parties. I hadn't been there until a friend recommend i try it as a good venue for my birthday.

I reserved a table for 12 of us which i thought might be a bit of a problem but it wasn't. The Rose pub is deceptively large and they were able to give us a lovely long table round one side of teh very cool circular bar which was perfect.

The pub was quite busy on Sunday (not as busy as other Fulham Pubs though) but they treated us really well and the food was great - really traditional Sunday lunch with big portions and brilliantly cooked.

I spoke to Emily who runs the Rose and she explained that they poached a couple of chefs from other West London pubs and how good they were. I can only agree having wolfed down my lunch in double quick time and followed it up with a sumptuous chocolate brownie cake and cream. delicious.

The staff were really friendly and made us feel very welcome - more so that the family next to us but i can't blame them as we were pretty rowdy.

I relly recommend The Rose pub and will be making a return trip shortly.

Tootsies - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:28:20 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8747 1869

Website: http://www.tootsiesrestaurants.co.uk

Tags: american, lively, crowded

CLOSED DOWN!CLOSED DOWN!

Gourmet Burger Kitchen - GBK: Good but NOT great! by AliZebu

AliZebu — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:27:43 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8995 4548

Website: http://www.gbkinfo.co.uk

Tags: lively, burgers, good value

I have been to a few GBK's in London and the Chiswick one is large & lively.

The Burgers are obviously good quality but NOT the best I have ever eaten. If I point out one flaw it would be they lack the succulence of some the very best burgers I have had in London.

'Ground' on Chiswick High Road is very similar but ever so slightly better to my tastes.
GBK's chips are BIG and chunky, if you like them that way they are good.

There is a variety of sauces available to put on the burger but they mostly seem to be very COLD which is not a good mix for the hot burger. A little less chilled or preferably room temprature sauces wouls go a long way to improving my opinion of GBK's sandwiches.

Overall this a nice addition to the High Street and well worth at least one visit to check it out.I have been to a few GBK's in London and the Chiswick one is large & lively.

The Burgers are obviously good quality but NOT the best I have ever eaten. If I point out one flaw it would be they lack the succulence of some the very best burgers I have had in London.

'Ground' on Chiswick High Road is very similar but ever so slightly better to my tastes.
GBK's chips are BIG and chunky, if you like them that way they are good.

There is a variety of sauces available to put on the burger but they mostly seem to be very COLD which is not a good mix for the hot burger. A little less chilled or preferably room temprature sauces wouls go a long way to improving my opinion of GBK's sandwiches.

Overall this a nice addition to the High Street and well worth at least one visit to check it out.

Exhibition Court Hotel 4 - A very nice hotel by antilope83

antilope83 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:51:15 +0000

Review by antilope83

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7370 2414

Website: http://www.exhibitioncourthotel.co.uk

The hotel is in a very beutiful area, within easy reach of 2 metro stations, the Earl's Court and the Gloucester Road. It's managed by affable and helpful people, The rooms are not so big but very comfortable and have all you need, even the phon and the iron with its ironing board! The cost for a day is not very expensive comparative to other hotels (also in worse areas),
Very recommended!!!The hotel is in a very beutiful area, within easy reach of 2 metro stations, the Earl's Court and the Gloucester Road. It's managed by affable and helpful people, The rooms are not so big but very comfortable and have all you need, even the phon and the iron with its ironing board! The cost for a day is not very expensive comparative to other hotels (also in worse areas),
Very recommended!!!

The Catch - Chiswick's best Fish & Chips outlet! by AliZebu

AliZebu — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:04:48 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8747 9358

The Catch is simply the BEST place for Fish & Chips in Chiswick.

It has only been around for a couple of years but has easily established itself the superior outlet to the more basic 'Chris's Fish Bar' on Turnham Green Terrace.

The chips are good old fashioned chunky ones. The choices of fish are excellent and I have ended up trying some different ones rather than wait for a fresh batch of my faves, Cod & Haddock, to be fried up.

Everytime I have eaten fish from here it has been filleted properly so no surprise bones!

If you did want to eat in the atmosphere is quite pleasant and NOT a brightly lit "chav" style one you might expect from a chippy.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!The Catch is simply the BEST place for Fish & Chips in Chiswick.

It has only been around for a couple of years but has easily established itself the superior outlet to the more basic 'Chris's Fish Bar' on Turnham Green Terrace.

The chips are good old fashioned chunky ones. The choices of fish are excellent and I have ended up trying some different ones rather than wait for a fresh batch of my faves, Cod & Haddock, to be fried up.

Everytime I have eaten fish from here it has been filleted properly so no surprise bones!

If you did want to eat in the atmosphere is quite pleasant and NOT a brightly lit "chav" style one you might expect from a chippy.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Eat 17 - perfect image for local food, but snobby serivce by shecanta

shecanta — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:41:52 +0000

Review by shecanta

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 8521 5279

Website: http://www.eat17.co.uk/

Tags: lively, british, good value

I would have to agree with comments on he arrogance of the staff, very unfriendly unless you like you have Â£Â£Â£ to spare.

I found the food fair and relatively good for the area, but then I pay for a meal as a whole package, and I have to say some staff members + even shockling managers were far too snobby + judgmental for my taste.I would have to agree with comments on he arrogance of the staff, very unfriendly unless you like you have Â£Â£Â£ to spare.

I found the food fair and relatively good for the area, but then I pay for a meal as a whole package, and I have to say some staff members + even shockling managers were far too snobby + judgmental for my taste.

Skin Health Spa - Operating lasers illegally by katybaty

katybaty — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:53:25 +0000

Review by katybaty

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7935 3366

Had a treatment here, not happy about the reaction and when I complained it turns out after some investigation they are not even registered for using lasers now and have been prosecuted for this.

Checkout the link if you want...

http://www.cqc.org.uk//newsandevents/pressreleases.cfm?cit_id=35528&FAArea1=customWidgets.content_view_1&usecache=false
Had a treatment here, not happy about the reaction and when I complained it turns out after some investigation they are not even registered for using lasers now and have been prosecuted for this.

Checkout the link if you want...

http://www.cqc.org.uk//newsandevents/pressreleases.cfm?cit_id=35528&FAArea1=customWidgets.content_view_1&usecache=false

Pets Clinic - serendipity1 by Serendipity1

Serendipity1 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:12:01 +0000

Review by Serendipity1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8928 9999

I would highly recommend Pets Clinic to everyone.The staff is very kind and courteous,they are very professional and reasonably priced. Explains everything from medical terminology to medications....affordable and is a doctor that ACTUALLY takes out time to LISTEN and understand
Thank you Pets clinic for all the care!I would highly recommend Pets Clinic to everyone.The staff is very kind and courteous,they are very professional and reasonably priced. Explains everything from medical terminology to medications....affordable and is a doctor that ACTUALLY takes out time to LISTEN and understand
Thank you Pets clinic for all the care!

Brunswick Farmers Market - Peggy's Cupcakes by lulu58

lulu58 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:40:52 +0000

Review by lulu58

Rating: 5.00

Website: www.peggyscupcakes.co.uk

Tags: delicatessen, rare finds, helpful staff

Peggy's Cupcakes are the best cupcakes I've found in London. They are beautifully decorated and presented and taste heavenly, not dry like most others. They have a range of seasonal flavours alongside favourites like vanilla, lemon and chocolate. The carrot, ginger and walnut was to die for! Fantastic!Peggy's Cupcakes are the best cupcakes I've found in London. They are beautifully decorated and presented and taste heavenly, not dry like most others. They have a range of seasonal flavours alongside favourites like vanilla, lemon and chocolate. The carrot, ginger and walnut was to die for! Fantastic!

Taste Of India - JJ - Taste of India Covent Garden by Jacquij

Jacquij — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:35:04 +0000

Review by Jacquij

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7836 6591

Tags: indian, vegetarian dishes

This restaurant is a rip off! They advertise a 3 course meal and the third course is tea or coffee! Chicken wings starter came as 4 miniscule pieces of what was no bigger than a quails wing, then to add insult to injury they tried to charge Â£5.99 instead of Â£3.95 which was still a rip off what I was given. All portions are tiny and not worth the money. The staff are abrupt and rush you through the meal. This place is a tourist trap and not for the seasoned diner. I would not recommend this place. An after theatre dinner which then wiped out the joy of the theatre with it's shoddy food and terrible service. This was the worst dinning experience I have encountered.This restaurant is a rip off! They advertise a 3 course meal and the third course is tea or coffee! Chicken wings starter came as 4 miniscule pieces of what was no bigger than a quails wing, then to add insult to injury they tried to charge Â£5.99 instead of Â£3.95 which was still a rip off what I was given. All portions are tiny and not worth the money. The staff are abrupt and rush you through the meal. This place is a tourist trap and not for the seasoned diner. I would not recommend this place. An after theatre dinner which then wiped out the joy of the theatre with it's shoddy food and terrible service. This was the worst dinning experience I have encountered.

Sariyer Balik - by gecko

gecko — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:27:05 +0000

Review by gecko

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7275 7681

Tags: turkish, takeaway, family & home feel

VERY BADDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!VERY BADDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Franco's Ristorante Pizzeria - Frozen pizza's and sleazy waiters by tomaplaw

tomaplaw — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:18:41 +0000

Review by tomaplaw

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7734 9415

Tags: italian, expensive, crowded

My girlfriend and I first went to 'Franco's Ristorante' about 8 months ago when it was called 'Biagio's'. The food was at an OK standard, which made us not worry too much about the waiters bad service.
Since the restaurant under the name of 'Biagio's' received so many bad reviews they decided to change the name. We thought we'd try the place again, and what a mistake that was. The pizza's were not fresh, and were nearly cold when they came to our plate. The waiters kept touching my girlfriend, and make sleazy remarks. At the end of the meal I told the waiter we were not happy with the meal, and he was rude, and decided to ignore us. It took up 15 minutes to get the bill.
This truly is a horrid restaurant, and I warn you not to eat here, there are plenty of other great Italian restaurants in the area!My girlfriend and I first went to 'Franco's Ristorante' about 8 months ago when it was called 'Biagio's'. The food was at an OK standard, which made us not worry too much about the waiters bad service.
Since the restaurant under the name of 'Biagio's' received so many bad reviews they decided to change the name. We thought we'd try the place again, and what a mistake that was. The pizza's were not fresh, and were nearly cold when they came to our plate. The waiters kept touching my girlfriend, and make sleazy remarks. At the end of the meal I told the waiter we were not happy with the meal, and he was rude, and decided to ignore us. It took up 15 minutes to get the bill.
This truly is a horrid restaurant, and I warn you not to eat here, there are plenty of other great Italian restaurants in the area!

Foyles Cafe - One of my favorites in London by tomaplaw

tomaplaw — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:00:14 +0000

Review by tomaplaw

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 5660

Tags: quick bite, cultured, crowded

Foyles Jazz Cafe is the perfect place to take a classic novel and relax into your chair absorbing the atmosphere around you. I often go there to write, as they offer everything from tea and cafe to red wine and olives - all at a reasonable price.
The cafe does get busy between 5 - 7, so finding a chair can be tricky. They often have live bands come to play, which can actually be too noisy at times, but it's something you get used to. One thing that does annoy me, is the amount of red wine you get for 3 pounds - especially at the end of the day (mind you only one of the staff members does this, so stay clear of the skinny 30 - 40yo guy with black hair lol).Foyles Jazz Cafe is the perfect place to take a classic novel and relax into your chair absorbing the atmosphere around you. I often go there to write, as they offer everything from tea and cafe to red wine and olives - all at a reasonable price.
The cafe does get busy between 5 - 7, so finding a chair can be tricky. They often have live bands come to play, which can actually be too noisy at times, but it's something you get used to. One thing that does annoy me, is the amount of red wine you get for 3 pounds - especially at the end of the day (mind you only one of the staff members does this, so stay clear of the skinny 30 - 40yo guy with black hair lol).