Latest reviews in Barbican, London, United Kingdom

Abacus Bar - What a big change!!! by Rafa_Angela

Rafa_Angela — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:07:06 +0000

Review by Rafa_Angela

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7337 6767

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

Wow... since I last went here so much has changed!
All for the better.
At first I was hesitant, having had a medium service before.
But I was never more surprised, we were welcomed by a lovely hostess who came by every so often to see how we were doing.
The food has definitely improved and the service was impeccable. Speed, cleanliness and quality. Everything I need in a fabulous night out!!
Def returnWow... since I last went here so much has changed!
All for the better.
At first I was hesitant, having had a medium service before.
But I was never more surprised, we were welcomed by a lovely hostess who came by every so often to see how we were doing.
The food has definitely improved and the service was impeccable. Speed, cleanliness and quality. Everything I need in a fabulous night out!!
Def return

Vertigo 42 - An experience everyone should do once... by oogywawa

oogywawa — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:04:32 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7877 7842

Website: http://www.vertigo42.co.uk

Tags: posh, expensive, bar

Want to impress someone? Then V42's your place.

Yes it's expensive, full of liggers on expense accounts and has the atmosphere of a corporate office but that pales into insignificance the moment you peer out of the glass.

If you pick the end of the day when the light is fading from a hazy sunshine through that glorious transition period from day into early evening and finally night you get 3 experiences in one.

Once you get used to the sheer height of the place (the lift covers 42 floors in 20 seconds or so...) and that indefinable feeling of being slightly unsettled and heady then you can enjoy the panoramic view of London and the horizon for as far as you can see.

You have to book well in advance and you get your own amount of space at the window, which depends on the size of your party. Drinks are mainly Champagne, with Wine & Cocktails available and snacks such as peanuts and olives. Service is attentive and the bill attention grabbing !
Want to impress someone? Then V42's your place.

Yes it's expensive, full of liggers on expense accounts and has the atmosphere of a corporate office but that pales into insignificance the moment you peer out of the glass.

If you pick the end of the day when the light is fading from a hazy sunshine through that glorious transition period from day into early evening and finally night you get 3 experiences in one.

Once you get used to the sheer height of the place (the lift covers 42 floors in 20 seconds or so...) and that indefinable feeling of being slightly unsettled and heady then you can enjoy the panoramic view of London and the horizon for as far as you can see.

You have to book well in advance and you get your own amount of space at the window, which depends on the size of your party. Drinks are mainly Champagne, with Wine & Cocktails available and snacks such as peanuts and olives. Service is attentive and the bill attention grabbing !

Santore - AMAZING PIZZAS. THE REAL ITALIAN DEAL by tough

tough — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:08:39 +0000

Review by tough

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7812 1488

Tags: italian, good value, family & home feel

If you are passing in Exmouth Market you have to stop at this amazing italian restaurant and try their pizzas. In a time where London is full of clones and bad replicas of the real italian pizza, this place definately stand out as one of the best italian restaurant in London. They shipped over one of the best pizza maker guy directly from Naples and you can find him working his magic on the Pizza oven every day and night. Ask for their specials of the day, always, as most of the times they have this incredible buffalo mozzarella imported fresh from Italy which is a real delicacy. Great atmosphear, relaxed and professional service make this place amust and a very, very good night out, or just a pre-night out heading in the swinging Shoreditch.

Deninately my favourite place in London.If you are passing in Exmouth Market you have to stop at this amazing italian restaurant and try their pizzas. In a time where London is full of clones and bad replicas of the real italian pizza, this place definately stand out as one of the best italian restaurant in London. They shipped over one of the best pizza maker guy directly from Naples and you can find him working his magic on the Pizza oven every day and night. Ask for their specials of the day, always, as most of the times they have this incredible buffalo mozzarella imported fresh from Italy which is a real delicacy. Great atmosphear, relaxed and professional service make this place amust and a very, very good night out, or just a pre-night out heading in the swinging Shoreditch.

Deninately my favourite place in London.

Moro - too noisy by kerry_r

kerry_r — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 13:42:10 +0000

Review by kerry_r

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7833 8336

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

Tags: spanish, good value, lively

love the food but it's just so noisy that it's impossible to speak or have a conversation. that's what spanish tapas and the like is about--food, sherry and conversation.

but alas just not possible at moro. shame!love the food but it's just so noisy that it's impossible to speak or have a conversation. that's what spanish tapas and the like is about--food, sherry and conversation.

but alas just not possible at moro. shame!

The Ambassador - Great evening by lenalouise

lenalouise — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:30:45 +0000

Review by lenalouise

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7837 0009

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

Tags: good value, friendly, relaxed

I came here with the Trusted places gang for the Christmas party last year. We pre-picked from a Christmas set menu so I ended up having:

*Foie gras and fig ballontine with sourdough toast
*Braised Galloway veal breast, creamed parsnips and wild mushrooms
*Cheeseboard

All 3 courses were delicious but I don't really remember much of the details as I was pretty drunk when I got there (got lost on the way aswell!) but that just means I have to go back again :DI came here with the Trusted places gang for the Christmas party last year. We pre-picked from a Christmas set menu so I ended up having:

*Foie gras and fig ballontine with sourdough toast
*Braised Galloway veal breast, creamed parsnips and wild mushrooms
*Cheeseboard

All 3 courses were delicious but I don't really remember much of the details as I was pretty drunk when I got there (got lost on the way aswell!) but that just means I have to go back again :D

Kipferl - Best coffee in London? by subterranean

subterranean — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:15:07 +0000

Review by subterranean

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7796 2229

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

Tags: rare finds

If you've ever spent any time in Vienna (or Austria for that matter) you will no doubt have sampled and enjoyed the tremendous cafe culture that abounds - the scent of fresh roasted beans emanating onto the back streets, the customers - packed in with newspapers and paperbacks at the ready. Never rushed, never intimidating - just places to sip amazing coffee and relax with an equally inspiring read...

Kipferl perfectly captures that tradition - whilst integrating some of the key features of it's West Smithfield postcode. It's small, it's a tight fit, but it's perfect. Nestled between a few French brasseries and takeaway sandwhich joints, Kipferl offers more than just coffee - including a fine selection of handmade sandwhiches (try the salmon bretzel or Austrian pate sandwhich!), cakes, and even takeaway beers and wines.

But the coffee - that's the real gem here. The authentic grosser brauner and melange are not to be missed. Leave the lattes and cappucinos for Costa or Nero's - at Kipferl authentic Austrian coffee is on exhibit...and the melange in particular may just be the best coffee in the city.

So bring a book, bring a paper - savour a salmon bretzel sandwhich, a grosser brauner - and enjoy a true cafe find in the heart of the city. If you've ever spent any time in Vienna (or Austria for that matter) you will no doubt have sampled and enjoyed the tremendous cafe culture that abounds - the scent of fresh roasted beans emanating onto the back streets, the customers - packed in with newspapers and paperbacks at the ready. Never rushed, never intimidating - just places to sip amazing coffee and relax with an equally inspiring read...

Kipferl perfectly captures that tradition - whilst integrating some of the key features of it's West Smithfield postcode. It's small, it's a tight fit, but it's perfect. Nestled between a few French brasseries and takeaway sandwhich joints, Kipferl offers more than just coffee - including a fine selection of handmade sandwhiches (try the salmon bretzel or Austrian pate sandwhich!), cakes, and even takeaway beers and wines.

But the coffee - that's the real gem here. The authentic grosser brauner and melange are not to be missed. Leave the lattes and cappucinos for Costa or Nero's - at Kipferl authentic Austrian coffee is on exhibit...and the melange in particular may just be the best coffee in the city.

So bring a book, bring a paper - savour a salmon bretzel sandwhich, a grosser brauner - and enjoy a true cafe find in the heart of the city.

Little Bay - cute by LuzabelleSalter

LuzabelleSalter — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 21:22:55 +0000

Review by LuzabelleSalter

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7278 1234

Tags: romantic, international, cheap eat

Little Bay was cute with nice food that was reasonably priced. I must say the low funky lights did get caught in my hair a few times though!Little Bay was cute with nice food that was reasonably priced. I must say the low funky lights did get caught in my hair a few times though!

Gaucho City - When only a steak will do by bigal76

bigal76 — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 18:51:39 +0000

Review by bigal76

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7626 5180

Website: http://www.gauchosgrill.com

Tags: argentinian, toptable, vegetarian dishes

It's nice when you're invited to a red lunch on the company. Red meat. Red wine.

12 of us were seated in reasonable comfort at an oval table opposite the bar in the centre of the restaurant. We were granted the fixed price menu and some nice bottles of Red.

From the fixed menu on offer I chose the prawn ceviche to start. The prawns were large and meaty, but didn't suffer from tasting plain like some large prawns at chain restaurants do. Tasty.

Main was a wisely chosen steak - a lovely cut with enough, but not too much fat, cooked to medium perfection as requested. Yummy potato sides too.

Dessert choice was the chocolate truffle cake, which was extremely rich, so much so that I had trouble finishing it, but some may see that as a really good thing.

The service in particular was impressive without being intrusive. All staff have an earpiece and collar microphone to communicate the whims of their whingey clients. The 3 girls attending to our table remembered all the orders of waters, wines, beers, and food for everyone without having to ask twice.

Be warned - one trick they do pull at Gaucho is to appear at your tables with a boxed bottle of their fine wine, recommending it for your choice of food. Be sure to check the price before accepting - friends had a very nasty surprise on the bill after falling for this one.

Despite the place being rammed with pre-chistmas business lunchers, we ate in good time, and all were able to chat to their third of the table without yelling.

I'd go again - especially if the company offers to pick up the tab.It's nice when you're invited to a red lunch on the company. Red meat. Red wine.

12 of us were seated in reasonable comfort at an oval table opposite the bar in the centre of the restaurant. We were granted the fixed price menu and some nice bottles of Red.

From the fixed menu on offer I chose the prawn ceviche to start. The prawns were large and meaty, but didn't suffer from tasting plain like some large prawns at chain restaurants do. Tasty.

Main was a wisely chosen steak - a lovely cut with enough, but not too much fat, cooked to medium perfection as requested. Yummy potato sides too.

Dessert choice was the chocolate truffle cake, which was extremely rich, so much so that I had trouble finishing it, but some may see that as a really good thing.

The service in particular was impressive without being intrusive. All staff have an earpiece and collar microphone to communicate the whims of their whingey clients. The 3 girls attending to our table remembered all the orders of waters, wines, beers, and food for everyone without having to ask twice.

Be warned - one trick they do pull at Gaucho is to appear at your tables with a boxed bottle of their fine wine, recommending it for your choice of food. Be sure to check the price before accepting - friends had a very nasty surprise on the bill after falling for this one.

Despite the place being rammed with pre-chistmas business lunchers, we ate in good time, and all were able to chat to their third of the table without yelling.

I'd go again - especially if the company offers to pick up the tab.

Valente's Wine Bar - Valente's but only if you can get upstairs by mazphd

mazphd — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 04:59:51 +0000

Review by mazphd

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7702 1123

Tags: bar, seating area, happy hour

Something really odd about Valente's. Right bang in the middle of the cities financial district this bar is more trendy then any real substance of style.

The bar itself is split over 2 floors. Usually not an issue, but this particular evening I was out with a friend who needed wheelchair access. The key word here being 'access'. So as a relatively 'new' and 'trendy' bar supposition was that this would not be a problem. And Valente's does have disabled facilities - just on the first floor. See where i am going (or rather not) here.

So we envisaged a lift that would whisk up to the 'trendier' bar above. And yes there is a lift - lets face it Valente's would be in grave danger of having a law suit on their hands if they did not provide such 'access'. But there's that word again 'access'. So the lift is in the neighbouring building, that closes after 7pm. And here lies the problem. Essentially no lift, no access, and no offer of any other kind of help. So you can see why i am having a tricky time giving Valente's anything more than 2 stars.

Other info, menu is the usual bar food, nacho's, steak sandwiches etc all straight out the packet and microwave. convenience eating is all about quantity not quality. much like the bar area itself; which is long , glass (a lot of glass) and not much else. The wine menu is limited, which is surprising for a venue so close to the rich list of banking world, and their recommended champagne is poss only recommended by the staff so they can get rid of it. I can only assume that the 'good stuff' is hidden somewhere else, or like their disabled facitilites theyve overlooked to thoroughly invest in this too.

So why 2 stars ? well you know what you are going to get and that is something that we British like to rate! In sum a 'too trendy' bar, that offers bar snacks and somewhere to admire the beautiful people as they walk past (and keep going if they have any sense!). oh and did i mention the glass floor that when you are downstairs means that you can 'admire' the footware of those standing on top you. remember i said trendy not classy.
Something really odd about Valente's. Right bang in the middle of the cities financial district this bar is more trendy then any real substance of style.

The bar itself is split over 2 floors. Usually not an issue, but this particular evening I was out with a friend who needed wheelchair access. The key word here being 'access'. So as a relatively 'new' and 'trendy' bar supposition was that this would not be a problem. And Valente's does have disabled facilities - just on the first floor. See where i am going (or rather not) here.

So we envisaged a lift that would whisk up to the 'trendier' bar above. And yes there is a lift - lets face it Valente's would be in grave danger of having a law suit on their hands if they did not provide such 'access'. But there's that word again 'access'. So the lift is in the neighbouring building, that closes after 7pm. And here lies the problem. Essentially no lift, no access, and no offer of any other kind of help. So you can see why i am having a tricky time giving Valente's anything more than 2 stars.

Other info, menu is the usual bar food, nacho's, steak sandwiches etc all straight out the packet and microwave. convenience eating is all about quantity not quality. much like the bar area itself; which is long , glass (a lot of glass) and not much else. The wine menu is limited, which is surprising for a venue so close to the rich list of banking world, and their recommended champagne is poss only recommended by the staff so they can get rid of it. I can only assume that the 'good stuff' is hidden somewhere else, or like their disabled facitilites theyve overlooked to thoroughly invest in this too.

So why 2 stars ? well you know what you are going to get and that is something that we British like to rate! In sum a 'too trendy' bar, that offers bar snacks and somewhere to admire the beautiful people as they walk past (and keep going if they have any sense!). oh and did i mention the glass floor that when you are downstairs means that you can 'admire' the footware of those standing on top you. remember i said trendy not classy.

Dollar Grills & Martinis - Burgers for the fan by Cedric

Cedric — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 11:06:06 +0000

Review by Cedric

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7278 0077

Tags: american, cocktails, good value

Sometimes you can be tempted by some unsofisticated meal. And for me a burger is part of that kind of league. The no brainer choice. Two piece of bread, a juicy steak in the middle, and fries to get along. When we stepped in this restaurant we were not expecting what we found on the menu. A great diversity of burgers with some interesting twists. Overall this was a great surprise. The deco is nice with the neon signs and the stone walls, and there is a lounge like-bar downstairs. A bit boho, but that is to be expected from a restaurant that serves above-Â£10 burgers, otherwise go to McDonald's.Sometimes you can be tempted by some unsofisticated meal. And for me a burger is part of that kind of league. The no brainer choice. Two piece of bread, a juicy steak in the middle, and fries to get along. When we stepped in this restaurant we were not expecting what we found on the menu. A great diversity of burgers with some interesting twists. Overall this was a great surprise. The deco is nice with the neon signs and the stone walls, and there is a lounge like-bar downstairs. A bit boho, but that is to be expected from a restaurant that serves above-Â£10 burgers, otherwise go to McDonald's.

Union Tavern - Gastro Pub by walid

walid — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:43:27 +0000

Review by walid

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7278 0111

Tags: food, bruschetta, good value

I'm wondering whether or not the Union Tavern is to be considered as a Gastro Pub or just a pub? I would lean more towards the gastro side for the following reasons. It has a lot of tables with bottles of wine for being just a simple pub. But it's the food that makes it different.

The food has an international slant to it, for example my starter dish was a kind of bruschetta with some chorizo, halloumi, rocket salad and tomatoes (picture). I was very happily surprised both by the quality ingredients used this starter dish but also how well they all mixed. Feeling very happy to the beginning of this experience I looked forward to my lamb steak with fries. As you can see by the picture the large lamb steak does look quite appetizing. Whilst it was pretty well cooked and the fries where tasty and crispy it wasn't enough to set it apart as being very good.

For dessert I had a creme bruler that wasn't quite what I'm used to (I'm French) but wasn't bad. The Union Tavern has a lunch menu for Â£6.95 which includes a starter and a main dish. At that price it's a real bargain even if I had to add an extra Â£4 for the lamb steak. Will be coming back againI'm wondering whether or not the Union Tavern is to be considered as a Gastro Pub or just a pub? I would lean more towards the gastro side for the following reasons. It has a lot of tables with bottles of wine for being just a simple pub. But it's the food that makes it different.

The food has an international slant to it, for example my starter dish was a kind of bruschetta with some chorizo, halloumi, rocket salad and tomatoes (picture). I was very happily surprised both by the quality ingredients used this starter dish but also how well they all mixed. Feeling very happy to the beginning of this experience I looked forward to my lamb steak with fries. As you can see by the picture the large lamb steak does look quite appetizing. Whilst it was pretty well cooked and the fries where tasty and crispy it wasn't enough to set it apart as being very good.

For dessert I had a creme bruler that wasn't quite what I'm used to (I'm French) but wasn't bad. The Union Tavern has a lunch menu for Â£6.95 which includes a starter and a main dish. At that price it's a real bargain even if I had to add an extra Â£4 for the lamb steak. Will be coming back again

Ortega - Fun and lively by anise

anise — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 19:05:27 +0000

Review by anise

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7623 1818

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

Tags: lively, restaurant/bar, tapas

This place is great for group nights out (office parties I think make good use of it) - tapas is obviously suited to this sort of night and Ortega's location in the heart of the city means it is easy to get to, and there is plenty of activity (bars and taxis!) about the place.

So very hard to choose the best things to recommend from the menu here, the spiced potato was very good, as were the chicken kebabs and fish dishes. First place however goes to the blue cheese and mushrooms with garlic and cream, which caused general rolling of eyes and blissful countenances from all present. I would not hesitate to recommend this place if someone was looking for a loud, buzzy night out after work.This place is great for group nights out (office parties I think make good use of it) - tapas is obviously suited to this sort of night and Ortega's location in the heart of the city means it is easy to get to, and there is plenty of activity (bars and taxis!) about the place.

So very hard to choose the best things to recommend from the menu here, the spiced potato was very good, as were the chicken kebabs and fish dishes. First place however goes to the blue cheese and mushrooms with garlic and cream, which caused general rolling of eyes and blissful countenances from all present. I would not hesitate to recommend this place if someone was looking for a loud, buzzy night out after work.

Acorn House - The Squirrel would have preferred Acorns by squirrel

squirrel — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 17:21:32 +0000

Review by squirrel

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7812 1842

Website: http://www.acornhouserestaurant.com/

Tags: organic, british, friendly

Maybe we were disappointed because we were expecting so much? Maybe we are just way too critical and everyone else who has given The Acorn 4 or 5 stars is right and we are wrong? Hmmm.

The Squirrel and her worse half thought long and hard about where to take the worse half's parents. The aim was to find great food, a comfortable, cozy, quiet place.

The Squirrel arrived late, partly because The Acorn doesn't have a proper sign on it's door. For the optically challenged, who wear badly fitting contact lenses out of sheer vanity, this must be annoying.

The Squirrel arrived to find Mrs P sitting on a bizarre church pew type seat and Mr P Sr and Jr sitting on very uncomfortable looking, designer, plastic chairs, drinking beer that they hadn't really ordered, but they didn't want to make a fuss.

The menu is minimalist, as one would expect, given The Acorn's ethics. The bread and butter was nice, but we had to hold our bread in our hands, since the Acorn doesn't appear to do side plates.

The starters were fine. The soup in particular was very hearty and filling, Mrs P said.

The mains were also fine. Well prepared, but just not particularly extraordinary.

Then the tables next to us started filling up and we lost any desire to continue with a dessert; the dining room is strangely designed and the tables are too close together. So you struggle to hear your own conversation as you listen in on the private conversations of your neighbours.

We left without ordering dessert or coffee or tea. To be honest, we just wanted to go somewhere comfortable where we could have a proper bottle of wine, or a wider choice of beers, and where we could settle down for a good chat.

The staff were lovely, and you could definitely tell that there was some training going on. It was also nice to see into the kitchen, so to speak.

We paid about Â£35 a head - given that there was no dessert and we each had a small bottle of beer, this seems unjustified.

All in all we couldn't understand the hype and we regretted our choice. The Squirrel hates to be so down on a place that has received such great reviews, but in this case it can't be helped.

Maybe we were disappointed because we were expecting so much? Maybe we are just way too critical and everyone else who has given The Acorn 4 or 5 stars is right and we are wrong? Hmmm.

The Squirrel and her worse half thought long and hard about where to take the worse half's parents. The aim was to find great food, a comfortable, cozy, quiet place.

The Squirrel arrived late, partly because The Acorn doesn't have a proper sign on it's door. For the optically challenged, who wear badly fitting contact lenses out of sheer vanity, this must be annoying.

The Squirrel arrived to find Mrs P sitting on a bizarre church pew type seat and Mr P Sr and Jr sitting on very uncomfortable looking, designer, plastic chairs, drinking beer that they hadn't really ordered, but they didn't want to make a fuss.

The menu is minimalist, as one would expect, given The Acorn's ethics. The bread and butter was nice, but we had to hold our bread in our hands, since the Acorn doesn't appear to do side plates.

The starters were fine. The soup in particular was very hearty and filling, Mrs P said.

The mains were also fine. Well prepared, but just not particularly extraordinary.

Then the tables next to us started filling up and we lost any desire to continue with a dessert; the dining room is strangely designed and the tables are too close together. So you struggle to hear your own conversation as you listen in on the private conversations of your neighbours.

We left without ordering dessert or coffee or tea. To be honest, we just wanted to go somewhere comfortable where we could have a proper bottle of wine, or a wider choice of beers, and where we could settle down for a good chat.

The staff were lovely, and you could definitely tell that there was some training going on. It was also nice to see into the kitchen, so to speak.

We paid about Â£35 a head - given that there was no dessert and we each had a small bottle of beer, this seems unjustified.

All in all we couldn't understand the hype and we regretted our choice. The Squirrel hates to be so down on a place that has received such great reviews, but in this case it can't be helped.

Goodenough Club - more than Goodenough by mazphd

mazphd — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 21:16:38 +0000

Review by mazphd

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7837 8831

Website: http://www.goodenough.ac.uk

Tags: rare finds, exclusive boutique, helpful staff

This place is a real 'gem' - a home away from home and when i stay in london one of the few places that offers centrality, proximity to Waitrose (which lets face it IS important!), trendy bars and the like of Russel Square, and all on the Piccadilly line and walking distance of Covent Garden, the British Museum and Oxford Street.

As a postgraduate student the value for money for a place to stay in london is really rather good. Ok not the cheapest compared to hostels , but for a space that is in central london, safe , clean , hospitable and a mere stumble from the British library and decent night life you can't go wrong.

Rooms are always clean, with fresh towels, free wireless, access to private gardens opposite the town houses of the Good Enough and more than enough room to swing a cat. Only once have i been 'disappointed' by the room selection with a room that was on the small side of tiny, but still with its own ensuit and fresh linen i'm splitting hairs.

In short if you are looking for convenience that does not cost the earth this is the place to stay. book in advance though as room seem to be booked way ahead , espcially during the week. If you have the opporutnity to go on the 'wait list' for a room its well worth a shot as conference goers tend to book far in advance and en mass and so there are often mass cancellations that one can take advantage of.

There is a slightly annoying phone system to navigate to get to talk to the front desk and reservation line, but persevere you will not be disappointed! This is a classy and cleanly establishment well worthy of the name 'good enough'. Stay and enjoy! This place is a real 'gem' - a home away from home and when i stay in london one of the few places that offers centrality, proximity to Waitrose (which lets face it IS important!), trendy bars and the like of Russel Square, and all on the Piccadilly line and walking distance of Covent Garden, the British Museum and Oxford Street.

As a postgraduate student the value for money for a place to stay in london is really rather good. Ok not the cheapest compared to hostels , but for a space that is in central london, safe , clean , hospitable and a mere stumble from the British library and decent night life you can't go wrong.

Rooms are always clean, with fresh towels, free wireless, access to private gardens opposite the town houses of the Good Enough and more than enough room to swing a cat. Only once have i been 'disappointed' by the room selection with a room that was on the small side of tiny, but still with its own ensuit and fresh linen i'm splitting hairs.

In short if you are looking for convenience that does not cost the earth this is the place to stay. book in advance though as room seem to be booked way ahead , espcially during the week. If you have the opporutnity to go on the 'wait list' for a room its well worth a shot as conference goers tend to book far in advance and en mass and so there are often mass cancellations that one can take advantage of.

There is a slightly annoying phone system to navigate to get to talk to the front desk and reservation line, but persevere you will not be disappointed! This is a classy and cleanly establishment well worthy of the name 'good enough'. Stay and enjoy!

Threadneedles - by TheMoth

TheMoth — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 14:19:57 +0000

Review by TheMoth

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7657 8080

Website: http://www.theetoncollection.com/content.aspx?pageID=430

Tags: restaurant, luxury, hotel

During the week, this is a ridiculously pricey stopover for those with expense accounts to burn. During the weekend, however, business customers flee to their Surrey estates leaving the hotel open to plebs like me. For not too much money, then, ordinary folk can marvel, goggle-eyed at how the rich do live.

As a birthday treat for my girlfriend, I booked the Romance Package - champagne (good champagne, too), rose petals scattered on the bed at turn-down, candle-lit bathroom (again with the rose petals), what may or may not have been Molton Brown toiletries and breakfast in bed.

The room we were in was well-designed with a lounge area at one end, separated from the bedroom by the bathroom (good news if one of you wants to watch some TV while the other sleeps). The furniture was modern and very comfortable, a bit Conran but not quite as crisply designed.

The only problem we encountered was a minor one - we ordered their "Movie Deal" package, consisting of popcorn and ice-cream to go with one of the pay-per-view movies on offer. This arrived after the movie had finished and it was obvious that there was only a skeleton staff at weekends. Having said that, the staff that were there were very apologetic and assured us that we would not be charged. The ice cream was delicious and went very well with the popcorn. Yes, this was truly the sophisticated lifestyle one reads about in Harpers & Queen.During the week, this is a ridiculously pricey stopover for those with expense accounts to burn. During the weekend, however, business customers flee to their Surrey estates leaving the hotel open to plebs like me. For not too much money, then, ordinary folk can marvel, goggle-eyed at how the rich do live.

As a birthday treat for my girlfriend, I booked the Romance Package - champagne (good champagne, too), rose petals scattered on the bed at turn-down, candle-lit bathroom (again with the rose petals), what may or may not have been Molton Brown toiletries and breakfast in bed.

The room we were in was well-designed with a lounge area at one end, separated from the bedroom by the bathroom (good news if one of you wants to watch some TV while the other sleeps). The furniture was modern and very comfortable, a bit Conran but not quite as crisply designed.

The only problem we encountered was a minor one - we ordered their "Movie Deal" package, consisting of popcorn and ice-cream to go with one of the pay-per-view movies on offer. This arrived after the movie had finished and it was obvious that there was only a skeleton staff at weekends. Having said that, the staff that were there were very apologetic and assured us that we would not be charged. The ice cream was delicious and went very well with the popcorn. Yes, this was truly the sophisticated lifestyle one reads about in Harpers & Queen.

Whitecross Street Market - Monthly food market by andreams

andreams — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:16:35 +0000

Review by andreams

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7378 0422

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

Tags: mediterranean, cheese, delicatessen

The sun was (finally) shining when I visited this bustling market/food festival which takes place on the first Friday and Saturday of every month, 11am-6pm, on the site of one of London's oldest street markets,dating back to mediaevel times. There are fantastic local and regional food producers (Neal's Yard Cheeses, Burnt Sugar fudges, Crumbs and Doilies cupcakes and more), and some from further afield. Lots of lovely things to sample or buy to eat as you browse - stuffed chillies, pies and tarts all looked great, but it was the gorgeous aroma of wild mushrooms cooking on Sporeboys mushroom stall that decided us - cooked with a little parsley and held between two slices of sourdough bread with some parmesan and a drizzle of oil, this was probably the best sandwich ever, and a recipe I'll definitely try at home. You can take home cheeses, meats and pickles, and chat to the makers - the Bendgate pickles and preserves people from Yorkshire were particularly friendly and had lots of helpful recipe suggestions. Definitely worth a visit - and in September there's an extra 3 day market (21,22,23)to celebrate Islington car-free day. Sporeboys are also at the Covent Garden night market, but this is currently Bendgate's only London market, so worth a trip to EC1.The sun was (finally) shining when I visited this bustling market/food festival which takes place on the first Friday and Saturday of every month, 11am-6pm, on the site of one of London's oldest street markets,dating back to mediaevel times. There are fantastic local and regional food producers (Neal's Yard Cheeses, Burnt Sugar fudges, Crumbs and Doilies cupcakes and more), and some from further afield. Lots of lovely things to sample or buy to eat as you browse - stuffed chillies, pies and tarts all looked great, but it was the gorgeous aroma of wild mushrooms cooking on Sporeboys mushroom stall that decided us - cooked with a little parsley and held between two slices of sourdough bread with some parmesan and a drizzle of oil, this was probably the best sandwich ever, and a recipe I'll definitely try at home. You can take home cheeses, meats and pickles, and chat to the makers - the Bendgate pickles and preserves people from Yorkshire were particularly friendly and had lots of helpful recipe suggestions. Definitely worth a visit - and in September there's an extra 3 day market (21,22,23)to celebrate Islington car-free day. Sporeboys are also at the Covent Garden night market, but this is currently Bendgate's only London market, so worth a trip to EC1.

Carnevale - by MichaelWilson

MichaelWilson — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 15:58:33 +0000

Review by MichaelWilson

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7250 3452

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

Tags: mediterranean, vegetarian, cosy

Lovely vegetarian restaurant with a diverse menu. Its quite small but have never struggled to get in (although only go after work so that might explain that). As I travel in from Chelmsford on the train just to go to this place it must be pretty good :)Lovely vegetarian restaurant with a diverse menu. Its quite small but have never struggled to get in (although only go after work so that might explain that). As I travel in from Chelmsford on the train just to go to this place it must be pretty good :)

Brill - Local record shop with a difference by walid

walid — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:42:28 +0000

Review by walid

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7833 9757

Tags: music, coffee, friendly

Jeremy Brill runs the cool Brill in Exmouth Market. Brill stocks hand picked records, with great CDs in the Jazz and Soul collection. Jeremy quickly realized that having a simple record shop wouldn't be enough to survive in a challenging economy where people buy records more and more on an online basis. So he decided to look at the shopping experience and transformed his shop with a cafe aspect to it where you can get coffees, bagels from brick lane and even free wifi which is awesome.Jeremy Brill runs the cool Brill in Exmouth Market. Brill stocks hand picked records, with great CDs in the Jazz and Soul collection. Jeremy quickly realized that having a simple record shop wouldn't be enough to survive in a challenging economy where people buy records more and more on an online basis. So he decided to look at the shopping experience and transformed his shop with a cafe aspect to it where you can get coffees, bagels from brick lane and even free wifi which is awesome.

Medcalf - by elliemoff

elliemoff — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:30:08 +0000

Review by elliemoff

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7833 3533

Tags: friendly staff, good value, terrace

Medcalf is great as it does not just serve as a restaurant, it is a great place to go for a drink as well - I recommend the jugs of Caipirinha's!Medcalf is great as it does not just serve as a restaurant, it is a great place to go for a drink as well - I recommend the jugs of Caipirinha's!

Old China Hand - by gilka

gilka — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:36:58 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7278 7678

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

Tags: food, chinese, real ale

Credit to my friend Dimitra who told me about it!
Bar which serves dim sum is a genius idea! I was there about 3 month ago.
The dim sum were good- you can obviously find better one in places like royal china and dimT but considering that this is a pub, you are very lucky to have this food around... The atmosphere is a bit strict maybe it is the black tables and chairs. There were many people smoking and that was quite disturbing- I am sure the smoking ban did this place a favour. Staff were great in the bar! Go upstairs to see where the magic happens.Credit to my friend Dimitra who told me about it!
Bar which serves dim sum is a genius idea! I was there about 3 month ago.
The dim sum were good- you can obviously find better one in places like royal china and dimT but considering that this is a pub, you are very lucky to have this food around... The atmosphere is a bit strict maybe it is the black tables and chairs. There were many people smoking and that was quite disturbing- I am sure the smoking ban did this place a favour. Staff were great in the bar! Go upstairs to see where the magic happens.