Latest reviews for Food & Drink in London, United Kingdom

China Cottage - really good food by hinasol

hinasol — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 19:45:43 +0000

Review by hinasol

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 83493259

You will never taste any food like this. They take so much pride in their food and its really tasty. Forget any other take away. This place is value for money and really good fresh food. The kids and i love it.You will never taste any food like this. They take so much pride in their food and its really tasty. Forget any other take away. This place is value for money and really good fresh food. The kids and i love it.

Oriental Delight - Fantastic variety of snacks and grocery by MartinBlue

MartinBlue — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:46:09 +0000

Review by MartinBlue

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7439 1183

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

Tags: chinese, rare finds, delicatessen

Found some delicious spicy sauces and biscuits in there. My little girl back home absolutely loves those Hello Kitty's snacks.

They do offer special offers for a range of products with some of them are on buy-1-get-1-free bargain, though those are about mostly 3-6 months from expiry. Tried a few and they are reasonably nice.

Service is unbeatable, in terms of a chinese grocery store. Amazingly, they have an English-speaking manager running the place!

Surely will be back there (and also the chinese restaurants around) when I'm on my next business trip.Found some delicious spicy sauces and biscuits in there. My little girl back home absolutely loves those Hello Kitty's snacks.

They do offer special offers for a range of products with some of them are on buy-1-get-1-free bargain, though those are about mostly 3-6 months from expiry. Tried a few and they are reasonably nice.

Service is unbeatable, in terms of a chinese grocery store. Amazingly, they have an English-speaking manager running the place!

Surely will be back there (and also the chinese restaurants around) when I'm on my next business trip.

Borough Market - I love this place by mark56

mark56 — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:37:37 +0000

Review by mark56

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7407 1002

Website: http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk

Tags: cheap, expensive, food

I first went to Borough Market when I moved to London about 8 years ago now and it has expanded a hell of a lot since then. The quality of the food on offer is brilliant and varies a lot with a lot of come along and cook it stalls offering sausages, venison burgers and other home-made stuff.

There are a lot of pubs and restaurants around or inside the market which are also pretty good like Feng Sushi and the Tapas place around the corner.

The fish is probably the star of the show for me where you can get some good stuff like monk fish cheeks.

My recommendation? Good first date material...no obligation, during the day and open ended.

I first went to Borough Market when I moved to London about 8 years ago now and it has expanded a hell of a lot since then. The quality of the food on offer is brilliant and varies a lot with a lot of come along and cook it stalls offering sausages, venison burgers and other home-made stuff.

There are a lot of pubs and restaurants around or inside the market which are also pretty good like Feng Sushi and the Tapas place around the corner.

The fish is probably the star of the show for me where you can get some good stuff like monk fish cheeks.

My recommendation? Good first date material...no obligation, during the day and open ended.

Brindisa - Fantastic independent Spanish deli by Niamheen

Niamheen — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:11:15 +0000

Review by Niamheen

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7713 1666

Website: http://www.brindisa.com

Tags: spanish, delicatessen, rare finds

I have a mild obssession with Brindisa. Ok, it's not so mild, it's a full on bona fide obssession. I start to think about it, and I can't think about anything else, I want to go there. This happens several times a week.

It all started quite innocently with a hunt for judion beans many years ago, those giant butter beans used in Spanish cooking. Even in a great sprawling city like London they are hard to find. Until you find Brindisa that is. A quick dash around the shop revealed many types of pulses, spices, meats, cheeses, chorizo, morcilla, even paella pans. I was hooked.

Then I discovered the stew and the sandwiches, the homemade tortilla and the gazpacho and for a while it was game over for all other lunch options. The staff are so friendly and knowledgable, it's a pleasure to shop there. Some of the produce is very expensive, but it's a worthwhile spend for most of it. For lunch you can't really go wrong with takeaway options like a fabulous roll with jamon iberico & *good* tomatoes for Â£3.95, or, chorizo & chickpea stew with bread for Â£4. They also support small time independent producers, ethically they've got things covered.

It's worth going for their cooking chorizo alone, it's my favourite by far and delis in the know also stock it. I love it there and I'll continue to go there as often as is reasonable. I'll probably be explaining it to a heart surgeon in years to come, but it will have been worth it*.

* Disclaimer: I hope this doesn't happen and if my future heart surgeon is reading this, sincere apologies and feel free to slap me around the head.I have a mild obssession with Brindisa. Ok, it's not so mild, it's a full on bona fide obssession. I start to think about it, and I can't think about anything else, I want to go there. This happens several times a week.

It all started quite innocently with a hunt for judion beans many years ago, those giant butter beans used in Spanish cooking. Even in a great sprawling city like London they are hard to find. Until you find Brindisa that is. A quick dash around the shop revealed many types of pulses, spices, meats, cheeses, chorizo, morcilla, even paella pans. I was hooked.

Then I discovered the stew and the sandwiches, the homemade tortilla and the gazpacho and for a while it was game over for all other lunch options. The staff are so friendly and knowledgable, it's a pleasure to shop there. Some of the produce is very expensive, but it's a worthwhile spend for most of it. For lunch you can't really go wrong with takeaway options like a fabulous roll with jamon iberico & *good* tomatoes for Â£3.95, or, chorizo & chickpea stew with bread for Â£4. They also support small time independent producers, ethically they've got things covered.

It's worth going for their cooking chorizo alone, it's my favourite by far and delis in the know also stock it. I love it there and I'll continue to go there as often as is reasonable. I'll probably be explaining it to a heart surgeon in years to come, but it will have been worth it*.

* Disclaimer: I hope this doesn't happen and if my future heart surgeon is reading this, sincere apologies and feel free to slap me around the head.

Zelas - Wine Of Course - by wine

wine — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:10:22 +0000

Review by wine

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8347 9006

Website: http://www.wineofcourse.com

The only place in London with a good selection of natural wines. Good service.The only place in London with a good selection of natural wines. Good service.

Biggles - Über Sausages by bellaphon

bellaphon — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:02:25 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7224 5937

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

Tags: sausages, sandwich, rare finds

Weather permitting, this is what I suggest for a full blown satisfying lunch without denting the budget. Drag yourself to Biggles, the sausage specialist â¬ÜÃ¼ber allesâ¬", and grab one of their Sausage Torpedo sandwiches at Â£2.50. The quarter pound sausage is indeed huge (for the Imperially challenged itâ¬"s at least 20cm in length) and served simply with a freshly baked baguette. The sausages offered daily are generally restricted to two choices, Bigglesâ¬" hallowed Cumberland and a guest star variety like Toulouse, Boerewors, Cajun, etc. Thereby with the sandwich on tow, now proceed to Paul Rothe & Son the delicatessen on the same road and grab a cup of one of their homemade soups or Cha. The perfect location for this cheap and delicious lunch can be found on a bench just outside the Wallace Collection in Manchester Square. Perfect bliss.

The Bigglesâ¬" sausage sandwich quite simply questions the validity of The Banger Brosâ¬" efforts, in terms of quality, quantity and value.

NB Mr Biggles is not the sort of man who engages in small talk.
Weather permitting, this is what I suggest for a full blown satisfying lunch without denting the budget. Drag yourself to Biggles, the sausage specialist â¬ÜÃ¼ber allesâ¬", and grab one of their Sausage Torpedo sandwiches at Â£2.50. The quarter pound sausage is indeed huge (for the Imperially challenged itâ¬"s at least 20cm in length) and served simply with a freshly baked baguette. The sausages offered daily are generally restricted to two choices, Bigglesâ¬" hallowed Cumberland and a guest star variety like Toulouse, Boerewors, Cajun, etc. Thereby with the sandwich on tow, now proceed to Paul Rothe & Son the delicatessen on the same road and grab a cup of one of their homemade soups or Cha. The perfect location for this cheap and delicious lunch can be found on a bench just outside the Wallace Collection in Manchester Square. Perfect bliss.

The Bigglesâ¬" sausage sandwich quite simply questions the validity of The Banger Brosâ¬" efforts, in terms of quality, quantity and value.

NB Mr Biggles is not the sort of man who engages in small talk.

Oddono's - And I thought Carte Dor was good! by carolinebee

carolinebee — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:06:59 +0000

Review by carolinebee

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7052 0732

Website: http://www.oddonos.com

Tags: rare finds

Everyone who's visited this ice cream shop has always seemed very impressed - and quite rightly, because the stuff they serve in here goes beyond ice cream.

Before I tasted Oddono's, I thought supermarket-bought Carte Dor ice cream was good... but boy, was I wrong! A tub of, say, chocolate chip from this place will change your ice cream palate forever.

Rich and creamy, but with real flavours that you can actually taste, literally every variety I've had from here has been excellent. Unfortunately the prices have risen (like everywhere else) but the quality has stayed the same. It can be an expensive habit to break at Â£2 per tub, but it is most certainly worth it to satisfy your sweet craving on a dull weekend night.

I usually carry out my ice cream but you can also sit in on one of their modern looking chairs, and enjoy a moment of cool Italian bliss in an otherwise ordinary London shopping day.Everyone who's visited this ice cream shop has always seemed very impressed - and quite rightly, because the stuff they serve in here goes beyond ice cream.

Before I tasted Oddono's, I thought supermarket-bought Carte Dor ice cream was good... but boy, was I wrong! A tub of, say, chocolate chip from this place will change your ice cream palate forever.

Rich and creamy, but with real flavours that you can actually taste, literally every variety I've had from here has been excellent. Unfortunately the prices have risen (like everywhere else) but the quality has stayed the same. It can be an expensive habit to break at Â£2 per tub, but it is most certainly worth it to satisfy your sweet craving on a dull weekend night.

I usually carry out my ice cream but you can also sit in on one of their modern looking chairs, and enjoy a moment of cool Italian bliss in an otherwise ordinary London shopping day.

Crussh - Great food, ouchy prices by messydesk

messydesk — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:39:16 +0000

Review by messydesk

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7489 5916

Website: http://www.crussh.com

Tags: sandwiches, juice bar take away healthy, soups

I go to Crussh a lot for my breakfast, but only for the first week after payday. They're a small chain, primarily of juice bars but with a small selection of ultra-healthy food. The smoothies really are awesome, not too thick, not to apple-juicy, unusual and tasty combinations with interesting ingredients, I can't get enough of them. The other thing that really draws me to them in the mornings is their porridge. They sell two varieties, normal hot porridge (made with soya milk, but not actually vegan at last asking although they told me they were considering changing the recipe) and 'summer porridge' which seems to be made with yoghurt rather than milk. They are both really excellent and you can have toppings such as honey or fresh banana to go with it. It's so good and just what I need to start the day.
The rest of the food is very good, they have good salads, wheat-free sandwiches and some noodle meals. All taste really good but are shockingly expensive. The superfood salad is about Â£8 for example, it's a good dish with fresh tasting, varied ingredients but my god, there's just no need for that sort of price tag.
Alas, I keep going back. Healthy food is my biggest weakness and it seems that I will pay for the privileged.I go to Crussh a lot for my breakfast, but only for the first week after payday. They're a small chain, primarily of juice bars but with a small selection of ultra-healthy food. The smoothies really are awesome, not too thick, not to apple-juicy, unusual and tasty combinations with interesting ingredients, I can't get enough of them. The other thing that really draws me to them in the mornings is their porridge. They sell two varieties, normal hot porridge (made with soya milk, but not actually vegan at last asking although they told me they were considering changing the recipe) and 'summer porridge' which seems to be made with yoghurt rather than milk. They are both really excellent and you can have toppings such as honey or fresh banana to go with it. It's so good and just what I need to start the day.
The rest of the food is very good, they have good salads, wheat-free sandwiches and some noodle meals. All taste really good but are shockingly expensive. The superfood salad is about Â£8 for example, it's a good dish with fresh tasting, varied ingredients but my god, there's just no need for that sort of price tag.
Alas, I keep going back. Healthy food is my biggest weakness and it seems that I will pay for the privileged.

Persepolis - Persia in Peckham by FoodStories

FoodStories — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:27:17 +0000

Review by FoodStories

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7639 8007

Tags: rare finds

Entering Persepolis, (owned by Sally Butcher - writer of 'Persia in Peckham' cookbook) is like opening the door on an Aladdinâ¬"s cave. You are greeted with bright colours, floor to ceiling excitement, exotic ingredients crammed into every nook and cranny. Intoxicating smells waft across from the huge selection of sweets and baklava in the window display.

The shelves are absolutely jam packed with all manner of spices, herbs and exciting jars of undiscovered foodstuffs. I spied some smoked sturgeon minding their own business in a quiet corner. The shopkeeper, explained that this Iranian delicacy is traditionally eaten at New Year, fried or steamed and served with herbed rice (usually dill).

There are dried fruits, including sour cherries (SO delicious), sour orange peel, figs, limes and seeds, including roasted and salted and black melon seeds, which I shall be rushing back to get my grubby little mitts on (visiting the day before pay day, perhaps not the best ideaâ¬¦.).

I also want to stock up on some of the exotic teas, along with dried flowers - chamomile flowers, rose buds and â¬Ügreen flowersâ¬".Time to start working out what to do with them! You can also buy all manner of legumes, lentils, dried herbs (sabzi) and mixes for falafels, pasta for ash-e-reshteh (a kind of soup) and reshteh polo (Iranian noodles).

Food isnâ¬"t the only reason to visit Persepolis though, you can find tagines, rugs, hookahs, tea sets, books, â¬ÜI love Peckhamâ¬" stickers, shoppers, t-shirts and even greeting cards. Yes, greetings cards, specially commissioned with a unique Peckham stamp.

Persepolis is special, not only because the owners keep their shelves stocked with the most dizzying array of ingredients but because they are a true local shop. Sally is a passionate and active member of the Peckham community, hosting story-telling evenings, promoting local events and artists and even producing a newsletter to keep us up to date on the whole lot. Yes, Peckham has its problems but Sally does what many others donâ¬"t and that is highlight the positives. The community is a proud, diverse and vibrant one and Persepolis is right at the heart of it.

Entering Persepolis, (owned by Sally Butcher - writer of 'Persia in Peckham' cookbook) is like opening the door on an Aladdinâ¬"s cave. You are greeted with bright colours, floor to ceiling excitement, exotic ingredients crammed into every nook and cranny. Intoxicating smells waft across from the huge selection of sweets and baklava in the window display.

The shelves are absolutely jam packed with all manner of spices, herbs and exciting jars of undiscovered foodstuffs. I spied some smoked sturgeon minding their own business in a quiet corner. The shopkeeper, explained that this Iranian delicacy is traditionally eaten at New Year, fried or steamed and served with herbed rice (usually dill).

There are dried fruits, including sour cherries (SO delicious), sour orange peel, figs, limes and seeds, including roasted and salted and black melon seeds, which I shall be rushing back to get my grubby little mitts on (visiting the day before pay day, perhaps not the best ideaâ¬¦.).

I also want to stock up on some of the exotic teas, along with dried flowers - chamomile flowers, rose buds and â¬Ügreen flowersâ¬".Time to start working out what to do with them! You can also buy all manner of legumes, lentils, dried herbs (sabzi) and mixes for falafels, pasta for ash-e-reshteh (a kind of soup) and reshteh polo (Iranian noodles).

Food isnâ¬"t the only reason to visit Persepolis though, you can find tagines, rugs, hookahs, tea sets, books, â¬ÜI love Peckhamâ¬" stickers, shoppers, t-shirts and even greeting cards. Yes, greetings cards, specially commissioned with a unique Peckham stamp.

Persepolis is special, not only because the owners keep their shelves stocked with the most dizzying array of ingredients but because they are a true local shop. Sally is a passionate and active member of the Peckham community, hosting story-telling evenings, promoting local events and artists and even producing a newsletter to keep us up to date on the whole lot. Yes, Peckham has its problems but Sally does what many others donâ¬"t and that is highlight the positives. The community is a proud, diverse and vibrant one and Persepolis is right at the heart of it.

China City - Eastern Experience by carolinebee

carolinebee — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:16:31 +0000

Review by carolinebee

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 84725744

Tags: chinese, soup, chicken

I'm not normally one for Chinese food, as my past experiences have all been with unfortunate, vinegary, MSG-laden dishes. However, the food from China City was really different. I have to be honest, I wasn't really impressed with the look of the place... it had a bit of a tired, getting-old kind of air about it, but one of my friends said she swore by it, so I gave it a go.

I started off with a chicken soup, which was a bit small for Â£3 but was very nice, anyway, with good sized pieces of chicken. For the main course, it was another chicken dish, with black bean sauce. Unlike the past Chinese experiences, this was really nice and fresh, with a lovely, rich sauce, and definitely did not taste too vinegary or MSG-ish. The side dish was fried rice, which was nice and fluffy and was clearly freshly cooked. Finally there was a banana fritter, which was a little bit soggy but I did leave it a while before I could bear to eat it!

All in all, it was a very nice meal, and was much cheaper than going to a big and fancy restaurant. I'd happily recommend the place to anyone after a foreign experience.I'm not normally one for Chinese food, as my past experiences have all been with unfortunate, vinegary, MSG-laden dishes. However, the food from China City was really different. I have to be honest, I wasn't really impressed with the look of the place... it had a bit of a tired, getting-old kind of air about it, but one of my friends said she swore by it, so I gave it a go.

I started off with a chicken soup, which was a bit small for Â£3 but was very nice, anyway, with good sized pieces of chicken. For the main course, it was another chicken dish, with black bean sauce. Unlike the past Chinese experiences, this was really nice and fresh, with a lovely, rich sauce, and definitely did not taste too vinegary or MSG-ish. The side dish was fried rice, which was nice and fluffy and was clearly freshly cooked. Finally there was a banana fritter, which was a little bit soggy but I did leave it a while before I could bear to eat it!

All in all, it was a very nice meal, and was much cheaper than going to a big and fancy restaurant. I'd happily recommend the place to anyone after a foreign experience.

Ottolenghi - by michael_k

michael_k — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:38:41 +0000

Review by michael_k

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7288 1454

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

Tags: seating area / eat in, hot food - takeaway

This is one of my favourite restaurants in London. Small portions (meze- or tapa- like)of excellent dishes based loosely on Mediterrannean cuisine. The experience starts with a most wonderful selection of home baked bread with olives (try the one with cheese and chillies... simpoly delightful). I usually go with my partner and we chose dishes each -one starter and one "main". For a more hearty dinner go for 3 dishes each. There is a sharing mentality in Ottolenghi's. Most people sit on the shared long tables (great opportunity to overhear interesting comversations :) and the food is to share with your partner... delightful. It's not a cheap night out, but definitely worth it. By the way, don't miss their breakfast on Sunday morning... one of the best in London.This is one of my favourite restaurants in London. Small portions (meze- or tapa- like)of excellent dishes based loosely on Mediterrannean cuisine. The experience starts with a most wonderful selection of home baked bread with olives (try the one with cheese and chillies... simpoly delightful). I usually go with my partner and we chose dishes each -one starter and one "main". For a more hearty dinner go for 3 dishes each. There is a sharing mentality in Ottolenghi's. Most people sit on the shared long tables (great opportunity to overhear interesting comversations :) and the food is to share with your partner... delightful. It's not a cheap night out, but definitely worth it. By the way, don't miss their breakfast on Sunday morning... one of the best in London.

Ginger Pig - The Scotch Egg that's worthy of a grace. by bellaphon

bellaphon — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:36:50 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7935 7788

Website: http://www.thegingerpig.co.uk/our-shops/marylebone-butchers-charcuterie/

Tags: rare finds, meat, delicatessen

I implore you to look at the photo of the Scotch Egg.

Now, go and treat yourself. 'Tis stupendous.I implore you to look at the photo of the Scotch Egg.

Now, go and treat yourself. 'Tis stupendous.

Tesco - Enormous Tesco by seconds

seconds — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:40:12 +0000

Review by seconds

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0845 677 9067

Website: http://www.tesco.com

Tags: delivery service, newspapers / magazines

Tesco are a large, good value supermarket, and this is one of their biggest outlets in London. Here you can shop, stock your house with kitchen essentials, eat, buy your camping equipment for the summerâ¬¦â¬¦

Itâ¬"s a good idea to check the Tesco website before going to identify the special offers you want to look for. There is definitely a point where the supermarket gets so big that (if you donâ¬"t know it) the layout will waste you time. On the other hand, it is good to experience serendipity and see what bargains there are for the finding, without having any preconceptions.

One big plus in shopping at this store is its proximity to IKEA. Once you know your way about, you can find the pedestrian shortcuts to the furniture store. This is invaluable, as the queues to get your car into and out of IKEA can take a very long time. Visit after your Tesco trip and you can avoid the car park nightmare!

Tesco are a large, good value supermarket, and this is one of their biggest outlets in London. Here you can shop, stock your house with kitchen essentials, eat, buy your camping equipment for the summerâ¬¦â¬¦

Itâ¬"s a good idea to check the Tesco website before going to identify the special offers you want to look for. There is definitely a point where the supermarket gets so big that (if you donâ¬"t know it) the layout will waste you time. On the other hand, it is good to experience serendipity and see what bargains there are for the finding, without having any preconceptions.

One big plus in shopping at this store is its proximity to IKEA. Once you know your way about, you can find the pedestrian shortcuts to the furniture store. This is invaluable, as the queues to get your car into and out of IKEA can take a very long time. Visit after your Tesco trip and you can avoid the car park nightmare!

Subway Kingsbury Ltd - Excellent value lunch on the move by seconds

seconds — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:19:06 +0000

Review by seconds

Rating: 5.00Subway are consistent in quality and value, and are still (at the time of writing this review, September 2008) doing a â¬Üsub of the dayâ¬" for only Â£1.99. For those who havenâ¬"t tried Subway yet, the name refers to the submarine roll in which the sandwiches are made. These are available in a 12â¬

Lidl - Quality! Yes, really! by seconds

seconds — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:09:41 +0000

Review by seconds

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8450 9282

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

Tags: frozen foods, cosmetics, groceries

Lidl is normally thought of as a supermarket for (not to put too fine a point on it) pikies and the unemployed. The shops are generally poorly presented, with a new range of special offer household items twice a week, and the chain is known for its low prices. Traditionally, Lidl do not give carrier bags (of course, this strategy is now becoming more trendy!) and encourage shoppers to recycle used packaging lying around the shop to transport their shopping â¬ and Lidlâ¬"s rubbish â¬ from the store.

What is far less widely appreciated is the fact that Lidl is a German store which carries a wide variety of continental items. These seem to be consistently produced to a far higher standard than normal British fare, and real bargains can be found. Excellent quality extra virgin olive oil is available for less than half the lowest price of our standard supermarkets, for example. Washing powder works, and costs (again) about half the price of ordinary, heavily advertised powder. Lovely continental hams and meats are another bargain.

It is strongly advised that you visit and check out your own favourites! Not every line will please everyone, but real savings can be made here.

Lidl is normally thought of as a supermarket for (not to put too fine a point on it) pikies and the unemployed. The shops are generally poorly presented, with a new range of special offer household items twice a week, and the chain is known for its low prices. Traditionally, Lidl do not give carrier bags (of course, this strategy is now becoming more trendy!) and encourage shoppers to recycle used packaging lying around the shop to transport their shopping â¬ and Lidlâ¬"s rubbish â¬ from the store.

What is far less widely appreciated is the fact that Lidl is a German store which carries a wide variety of continental items. These seem to be consistently produced to a far higher standard than normal British fare, and real bargains can be found. Excellent quality extra virgin olive oil is available for less than half the lowest price of our standard supermarkets, for example. Washing powder works, and costs (again) about half the price of ordinary, heavily advertised powder. Lovely continental hams and meats are another bargain.

It is strongly advised that you visit and check out your own favourites! Not every line will please everyone, but real savings can be made here.

Sainsbury's - Good place to shop on the way home by seconds

seconds — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:02:48 +0000

Review by seconds

Rating: 4.00

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

Tags: bakery, deli counter, newspapers / magazines

This supermarket is well located on the main drag from the North Cicular (Hangar Lane) back into Wembley and Harrow, and so thousands upon thousands of people pass it every day. It has the benefit of being one of the few local Sainsburyâ¬"s where the location of the car park actually relates to the shop (what IS it with Sainsburys? All too often the car park seems deliberately designed to give the shopper exercise, and force them to drag their shopping several hundred unnecessary yards!) This car park is large and well provisioned. The shop is hardly worth visiting on foot, as nothing else is very nearby!

This is one of the larger local stores, and is well stocked with a variety of dry goods and household necessities as well as standard groceries, fruit and vegetables. It is open until 10pm most evenings (at the time of writing). Sainsburyâ¬"s still believe that people want to start shopping at 10am on Sundays, and so the Sunday opening lasts only until 4pm.

This supermarket is well located on the main drag from the North Cicular (Hangar Lane) back into Wembley and Harrow, and so thousands upon thousands of people pass it every day. It has the benefit of being one of the few local Sainsburyâ¬"s where the location of the car park actually relates to the shop (what IS it with Sainsburys? All too often the car park seems deliberately designed to give the shopper exercise, and force them to drag their shopping several hundred unnecessary yards!) This car park is large and well provisioned. The shop is hardly worth visiting on foot, as nothing else is very nearby!

This is one of the larger local stores, and is well stocked with a variety of dry goods and household necessities as well as standard groceries, fruit and vegetables. It is open until 10pm most evenings (at the time of writing). Sainsburyâ¬"s still believe that people want to start shopping at 10am on Sundays, and so the Sunday opening lasts only until 4pm.

Waitrose - Great fresh food by seconds

seconds — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:55:57 +0000

Review by seconds

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7935 4787

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

Tags: bakery, deli counter, newspapers / magazines

If Waitrose hadn't been invented as an alternative to Marks and Spencers food, it would have been necessary to create it. Waitrose ready meals give M & S a good run for their money (although it is not QUITE M & S food, as the adverts state), and there is a far wider variety of other goods.

Traditionally, Waitrose has been one of the most expensive supermarkets, but they have responded well to the price-conscious consumer and the need for more price competition in the current market, and they now do good special offers each month, and publish a leaflet giving details of the monthâ¬"s bargains. They have yet to match the glories of Marks and Spencers Â£10 dining for two, however.

Very good venue for excellent fruit and veg, a good variety of groceries, flowers and small kitchen items.

If Waitrose hadn't been invented as an alternative to Marks and Spencers food, it would have been necessary to create it. Waitrose ready meals give M & S a good run for their money (although it is not QUITE M & S food, as the adverts state), and there is a far wider variety of other goods.

Traditionally, Waitrose has been one of the most expensive supermarkets, but they have responded well to the price-conscious consumer and the need for more price competition in the current market, and they now do good special offers each month, and publish a leaflet giving details of the monthâ¬"s bargains. They have yet to match the glories of Marks and Spencers Â£10 dining for two, however.

Very good venue for excellent fruit and veg, a good variety of groceries, flowers and small kitchen items.

Cadenhead's Covent Garden Whisky Shop - whisky drinkers paradise by clubby2

clubby2 — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:01:49 +0000

Review by clubby2

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7379 4640

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

Tags: rare finds, helpful staff

Whisky lovers every where should check out Cadenheads.
TheCovent Garden Whisky Shop is the only shop in London that sells true malt whiskies. They said that they usually have over 170 or so malt whiskies in stock,so when I went gift hunting I was really spoilt for choice. That did make it hard to pick some thing but the staff were helpful.
If you are looking for some thing individual and unique then this is the place for you.
They never add any artificial colouring to their whiskies to enhance the colour and it is not usual for more than one whisky to be bottled at a time. This means that each malt even from a from particular distillery can offer different flavours. I chose the cambletown malt for my gift and it went down a treat. Will be back to buy a few xmas gifts here very soon, but need to budget for this as it is not cheap here.Whisky lovers every where should check out Cadenheads.
TheCovent Garden Whisky Shop is the only shop in London that sells true malt whiskies. They said that they usually have over 170 or so malt whiskies in stock,so when I went gift hunting I was really spoilt for choice. That did make it hard to pick some thing but the staff were helpful.
If you are looking for some thing individual and unique then this is the place for you.
They never add any artificial colouring to their whiskies to enhance the colour and it is not usual for more than one whisky to be bottled at a time. This means that each malt even from a from particular distillery can offer different flavours. I chose the cambletown malt for my gift and it went down a treat. Will be back to buy a few xmas gifts here very soon, but need to budget for this as it is not cheap here.

Thorntons - yum by clubby2

clubby2 — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 20:33:53 +0000

Review by clubby2

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 2173

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

Tags: truffles

Thorntons at the piazza , covent garden are a good place to top up on all you chocolate favorites. The small bars like the truffle bar are a nice lunch time treat when you are on the go. There is a new selection of chocolate bars which have unusual flavours to them, such as the dark choc and balsamic vinegar bar, which is very good and nothing like you would imagine, the orange and cardemon bar is equally moorish and tasty. I think they have an offer on those right now which is 3 for Â£5, which is really great value. Thorntons are very good value and go down well when you give them as presents too. On the whole a good little shop in a busy location.Thorntons at the piazza , covent garden are a good place to top up on all you chocolate favorites. The small bars like the truffle bar are a nice lunch time treat when you are on the go. There is a new selection of chocolate bars which have unusual flavours to them, such as the dark choc and balsamic vinegar bar, which is very good and nothing like you would imagine, the orange and cardemon bar is equally moorish and tasty. I think they have an offer on those right now which is 3 for Â£5, which is really great value. Thorntons are very good value and go down well when you give them as presents too. On the whole a good little shop in a busy location.

L'Artisan Du Chocolat - Naughty but nice by clubby2

clubby2 — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 20:27:29 +0000

Review by clubby2

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7824 8365

L artisan du chocolat which is located on sloane street is easily reachable form the sloane street under ground station and boy is it worth it. The selection of delights on offer are unrivalled and addictive. One of the shops best sellers and my favorites too, are liquid salted caramels, ( I know they sound odd) which have a dark chocolate shell which is filled with a lovely liquid caramel, that has a hint of sea salt, they are really good. There chocolate bars such as the fusion bars are a must buy. The artisan min taster box is good value and gives you a little taste of different styles. Pricey but adorable what lovely gifts this place sells.L artisan du chocolat which is located on sloane street is easily reachable form the sloane street under ground station and boy is it worth it. The selection of delights on offer are unrivalled and addictive. One of the shops best sellers and my favorites too, are liquid salted caramels, ( I know they sound odd) which have a dark chocolate shell which is filled with a lovely liquid caramel, that has a hint of sea salt, they are really good. There chocolate bars such as the fusion bars are a must buy. The artisan min taster box is good value and gives you a little taste of different styles. Pricey but adorable what lovely gifts this place sells.