Latest reviews in Bermondsey, London, United Kingdom

Gaucho Tower Bridge - Very disappointing experience. . . by satsu

satsu — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 19:28:00 +0000

Review by satsu

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7407 5222

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

Ate here with a large party (~20) for a business do. We arrived at 7, and had been warned in advance that they would be looking for us to finish by 9:15-9:30, which we were all happy with, as we were planning a drink afterwards.

Things started off ok, with two waitresses introducing themselves, telling us that they'd be "looking after us for the evening". They explained the Signature menu, where you order a starter and dessert, and get 3 mini-main courses of fillet, sirloin and rib-eye.

The intro was promptly followed by drinks orders being taken and bread baskets brought out. The cheesy bread-balls were very nice, and I had a good few slices of the granary as well.

As it turned out, this was a very good thing because it took a while for the starters to arrive and they were very small. I had gone for the scallops, not realising that this meant a scallop, sliced up and covered in dressing. I was a bit disappointed, but thought "ah well, this is a steak restaurant, so the mains should be good".

After the starters were cleared, our 2 waitresses pretty much vanished, bar the odd visit to top up wine glasses. After about 40 minutes, warm plates were brought out which got us all quite excited. Unfortunately the first main didn't arrive for another 20 minutes, by which time the plates were stone cold.

The steak was mediocre - we had been promised that the fillet would "melt in our mouth" but mine needed some quite hefty chewing. The side dishes were nice, but at that price I was shocked that I had to share a small bowl of fries with the person next to me.

After rushing through the other 2 main courses, the staff disappeared for about another 30 minutes. They then came back in and told us that those of us who had ordered cheesecake for dessert would have to order something else as it had run out. There was no apology. Now I'm no expert on restaurant logistics, but I thought that the point of taking dessert orders up front was so that they could put them on one side and have them ready to bring in promptly after mains.

Eventually, the desserts were served. They also brought out bowls with packs of sugar, but apparently gave up on serving coffee. By the time we had eaten dessert it was already 11pm.

I didn't see the total bill, but at Â£55 a head, plus a fair amount of wine, I expected good food and good, attentive service. We got neither of those. I would certainly not eat there myself, and would probably not go again even if work was paying the bill.

As for our drink afterwards, well we had a quick fizzy water in the hotel bar and then went straight to bed as it was already 11:30 by the time we got out of the restaurant. . .Ate here with a large party (~20) for a business do. We arrived at 7, and had been warned in advance that they would be looking for us to finish by 9:15-9:30, which we were all happy with, as we were planning a drink afterwards.

Things started off ok, with two waitresses introducing themselves, telling us that they'd be "looking after us for the evening". They explained the Signature menu, where you order a starter and dessert, and get 3 mini-main courses of fillet, sirloin and rib-eye.

The intro was promptly followed by drinks orders being taken and bread baskets brought out. The cheesy bread-balls were very nice, and I had a good few slices of the granary as well.

As it turned out, this was a very good thing because it took a while for the starters to arrive and they were very small. I had gone for the scallops, not realising that this meant a scallop, sliced up and covered in dressing. I was a bit disappointed, but thought "ah well, this is a steak restaurant, so the mains should be good".

After the starters were cleared, our 2 waitresses pretty much vanished, bar the odd visit to top up wine glasses. After about 40 minutes, warm plates were brought out which got us all quite excited. Unfortunately the first main didn't arrive for another 20 minutes, by which time the plates were stone cold.

The steak was mediocre - we had been promised that the fillet would "melt in our mouth" but mine needed some quite hefty chewing. The side dishes were nice, but at that price I was shocked that I had to share a small bowl of fries with the person next to me.

After rushing through the other 2 main courses, the staff disappeared for about another 30 minutes. They then came back in and told us that those of us who had ordered cheesecake for dessert would have to order something else as it had run out. There was no apology. Now I'm no expert on restaurant logistics, but I thought that the point of taking dessert orders up front was so that they could put them on one side and have them ready to bring in promptly after mains.

Eventually, the desserts were served. They also brought out bowls with packs of sugar, but apparently gave up on serving coffee. By the time we had eaten dessert it was already 11pm.

I didn't see the total bill, but at Â£55 a head, plus a fair amount of wine, I expected good food and good, attentive service. We got neither of those. I would certainly not eat there myself, and would probably not go again even if work was paying the bill.

As for our drink afterwards, well we had a quick fizzy water in the hotel bar and then went straight to bed as it was already 11:30 by the time we got out of the restaurant. . .

Champor Champor - Simply divine by ilovelucy

ilovelucy — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:59:27 +0000

Review by ilovelucy

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7403 4600

Website: http://www.champor-champor.com

Tags: romantic, thai, good value

Had dinner last night at Champor Champor and it was so good I can't wait to go back again. I had read up about this Malaysian-fusion restaurant beforehand and as the reviews were outstanding, I couldn't wait to try it.

We had our table booked for 6.45pm and although it was quiet at first, it was full and buzzing by the end of the evening, an impressive feat since the restaurant being in its quiet and desolate location surely does not get much passing trade. The restaurant is indeed beautiful - plenty of asian artifacts adorn the mustard coloured walls and complimented by gentle asian music - it certainly felt like a million miles away from London Bridge.

We were not let down by the food. Every course was magnificent, ingredients were fresh and the flavours worked together wonderfully but were distinct in their own right. But the mains dishes were the stars of the evening. I had the Negeri Sembilan spicy king prawns, turmeric and bird eye chilli curry; julienned Asian herbs; lemon rice whilst my friend chose the Pan fried red snapper fillet; Penang prawn laksa bisque; soba noodles. My prawn curry was probably the best curry i've tasted ever followed closely by my friend's curry. The prawns were fresh, massive and juicy and the curry combined with the asian herbs was ever so moreish. My friends noodles were much more spicy - the prawn bisque had such depth of flavour and the snapper was cooked perfectly. I was really disappointed when we finished the mains but thankfully we still had the dessert to go. I had the guava and sichuan pepper parfait with the passion fruit coulis. This dessert was genius - the sichuan pepper slightly offset the sweetness of the guava and with the tartness of the passion fruit.
the flavours constrasted beautifully.

I would definitely reccommend it for a romantic evening to impress the other half. The waiters were helpful yet not intrusive and i liked the fact that water was provided and so were the little amuse bouche and home made banana bread which were complimentary. Three courses for Â£31 does not break the bank and all in all it sums up one of the best meals i've had in a long time. I can't wait to come back to taste the other dishes.

Had dinner last night at Champor Champor and it was so good I can't wait to go back again. I had read up about this Malaysian-fusion restaurant beforehand and as the reviews were outstanding, I couldn't wait to try it.

We had our table booked for 6.45pm and although it was quiet at first, it was full and buzzing by the end of the evening, an impressive feat since the restaurant being in its quiet and desolate location surely does not get much passing trade. The restaurant is indeed beautiful - plenty of asian artifacts adorn the mustard coloured walls and complimented by gentle asian music - it certainly felt like a million miles away from London Bridge.

We were not let down by the food. Every course was magnificent, ingredients were fresh and the flavours worked together wonderfully but were distinct in their own right. But the mains dishes were the stars of the evening. I had the Negeri Sembilan spicy king prawns, turmeric and bird eye chilli curry; julienned Asian herbs; lemon rice whilst my friend chose the Pan fried red snapper fillet; Penang prawn laksa bisque; soba noodles. My prawn curry was probably the best curry i've tasted ever followed closely by my friend's curry. The prawns were fresh, massive and juicy and the curry combined with the asian herbs was ever so moreish. My friends noodles were much more spicy - the prawn bisque had such depth of flavour and the snapper was cooked perfectly. I was really disappointed when we finished the mains but thankfully we still had the dessert to go. I had the guava and sichuan pepper parfait with the passion fruit coulis. This dessert was genius - the sichuan pepper slightly offset the sweetness of the guava and with the tartness of the passion fruit.
the flavours constrasted beautifully.

I would definitely reccommend it for a romantic evening to impress the other half. The waiters were helpful yet not intrusive and i liked the fact that water was provided and so were the little amuse bouche and home made banana bread which were complimentary. Three courses for Â£31 does not break the bank and all in all it sums up one of the best meals i've had in a long time. I can't wait to come back to taste the other dishes.

Zizzi - Great food, nice venue by taryneast

taryneast — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:27:25 +0000

Review by taryneast

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7367 6100

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

Tags: italian, romantic, takeaway

I was mightily impressed by this place. Good food, nice ambience, attentive, but not intrusive service. Even good prices. We spent a good long time there chatting, and felt great.
Heartily recommend!I was mightily impressed by this place. Good food, nice ambience, attentive, but not intrusive service. Even good prices. We spent a good long time there chatting, and felt great.
Heartily recommend!

Lovage Indian Restaurant & Bar - Deserves to be busier by Bowgreave

Bowgreave — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:36:17 +0000

Review by Bowgreave

Rating: 4.00

Tags: indian, good value

This place has recovered from a bad start in our eyes and one thatâ¬"s nothing whatsoever to do with the food and drink.
My wife and I were strolling past as they were fitting it out last year when we got waylaid by the owner and quizzed about our foodie habits. Having recognised our potential as customers (mineâ¬"s vast), he insisted on noting our email address and said he would be inviting us to his opening night party. Hardly the Oscars but we were looking forward to it so you can imagine our disappointment when it didnâ¬"t come off and weâ¬"ve never heard from him to this day. With a slightly less than mature approach to such rejection, we vowed to avoid the place, even though it is just round the corner from our local pub.
Well that resolve finally cracked a few weeks ago when the need for spicy food finally got the better of our so-called principles and we decided to darken their door.
Four visits later is probably testimony both to their food and my love of an Indian, particularly after a visit to the pub.
We havenâ¬"t spent any time in the very chic-looking downstairs bar but we have been well pleased with our meals in the first floor restaurant. A good plate of mixed starters, marinated lamb chops and a curry of some description, all eaten with the really nice mixed breads selection is our usual order, with all the food served together banquet-style.
It isnâ¬"t as expensive as it looks, the bill coming in at around Â£50 with drinks, and they donâ¬"t disappoint. For us, it is the best local Indian, certainly within walking distance, and worth making the effort to visit. Just don't get over-excited if they ask for your email address.
This place has recovered from a bad start in our eyes and one thatâ¬"s nothing whatsoever to do with the food and drink.
My wife and I were strolling past as they were fitting it out last year when we got waylaid by the owner and quizzed about our foodie habits. Having recognised our potential as customers (mineâ¬"s vast), he insisted on noting our email address and said he would be inviting us to his opening night party. Hardly the Oscars but we were looking forward to it so you can imagine our disappointment when it didnâ¬"t come off and weâ¬"ve never heard from him to this day. With a slightly less than mature approach to such rejection, we vowed to avoid the place, even though it is just round the corner from our local pub.
Well that resolve finally cracked a few weeks ago when the need for spicy food finally got the better of our so-called principles and we decided to darken their door.
Four visits later is probably testimony both to their food and my love of an Indian, particularly after a visit to the pub.
We havenâ¬"t spent any time in the very chic-looking downstairs bar but we have been well pleased with our meals in the first floor restaurant. A good plate of mixed starters, marinated lamb chops and a curry of some description, all eaten with the really nice mixed breads selection is our usual order, with all the food served together banquet-style.
It isnâ¬"t as expensive as it looks, the bill coming in at around Â£50 with drinks, and they donâ¬"t disappoint. For us, it is the best local Indian, certainly within walking distance, and worth making the effort to visit. Just don't get over-excited if they ask for your email address.

Village East - Stylish gem with excellent cooking by Bowgreave

Bowgreave — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:06:06 +0000

Review by Bowgreave

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0207 357 6082

Website: www.villageeast.co.uk

Tags: lively, crowded, international

Not really a gastro-pub, nor a restaurant or just a bar, it's a little different and has become one of our favourites. We've dined there three times recently and called in a couple of other times for a quick drink.
The place itself is stylish and atmospheric, with two attractive bar areas. All the staff know what theyâ¬"re doing and do it with a refreshing enthusiasm.
The food is up to a good restaurant quality standard, as opposed to the many pub/bars with cooks that are springing up charging for food skills their staff don't possess. The food here has impressed us every time, regardless of whether we opted for a simple burger and (hurray for non-frozen) chips to the Sunday roast, lobster, guinea fowl or whatever else weâ¬"ve enjoyed sampling.
The Trusted Places Taste London card gives 2 people on a phone booking a 50% reduction on their food prices except for Fridays and Saturdays, which makes for excellent value. Can only comment on the beer and wine prices, which are normal enough.
And sympathetic as we of course are to the first reviewers grumble about it being a bit out of the way and a trail from London Bridge, itâ¬"s just walking distance for those of us who live around here mate!
Not really a gastro-pub, nor a restaurant or just a bar, it's a little different and has become one of our favourites. We've dined there three times recently and called in a couple of other times for a quick drink.
The place itself is stylish and atmospheric, with two attractive bar areas. All the staff know what theyâ¬"re doing and do it with a refreshing enthusiasm.
The food is up to a good restaurant quality standard, as opposed to the many pub/bars with cooks that are springing up charging for food skills their staff don't possess. The food here has impressed us every time, regardless of whether we opted for a simple burger and (hurray for non-frozen) chips to the Sunday roast, lobster, guinea fowl or whatever else weâ¬"ve enjoyed sampling.
The Trusted Places Taste London card gives 2 people on a phone booking a 50% reduction on their food prices except for Fridays and Saturdays, which makes for excellent value. Can only comment on the beer and wine prices, which are normal enough.
And sympathetic as we of course are to the first reviewers grumble about it being a bit out of the way and a trail from London Bridge, itâ¬"s just walking distance for those of us who live around here mate!

Tower Paintball - Cesspit by robby

robby — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:12:12 +0000

Review by robby

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 0845 643 9568

Website: http://www.towerpaintball.com/

Tags: paintball, tower painball london

Awful, smelly place. Not worth the money. You end up stinking from wearing the shoddy overalls they provide and from the wet floor which is full of old paintballs and condensation. The marshall we had was really ignorant, and they don't make you feel welcome (apart from the woman on the front desk). If you want to go paintballing try somewhere else.Awful, smelly place. Not worth the money. You end up stinking from wearing the shoddy overalls they provide and from the wet floor which is full of old paintballs and condensation. The marshall we had was really ignorant, and they don't make you feel welcome (apart from the woman on the front desk). If you want to go paintballing try somewhere else.

Butlers Wharf Chop House - Dinner 9.5.2009 by davies

davies — Fri, 15 May 2009 08:57:38 +0000

Review by davies

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7403 3403

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

Tags: british, lively, expensive

Meal was a dissappointment. Menu choice great, staff excellent but they managed to get our order wrong on each course even though it was not busy. Portions also on the modest side, calves liver was a small potion with twice as much back bacon. Asparagus was hi-lighted but the portions were small. Great shamMeal was a dissappointment. Menu choice great, staff excellent but they managed to get our order wrong on each course even though it was not busy. Portions also on the modest side, calves liver was a small potion with twice as much back bacon. Asparagus was hi-lighted but the portions were small. Great sham

The Garrison - My favourite pub with my favourite waiter by aimeealewis

aimeealewis — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:57:22 +0000

Review by aimeealewis

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7089 9355

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

Tags: friendly, relaxed, gastro pub

I love love love the Garrison. Everyone we have taken there has been really impressed by the food and felt really comfortable. They also do great beers and ales. It is always really busy so it is best to reserve a table. On Sunday they do a cinema downstairs showing new releases. Have yet to go but it sounds great. The decor is shabby chic, making it a little bit shoreditch but softer.

The staff are really friendly too. We especially like David who is very chatty. So if you meet him say hi from me!I love love love the Garrison. Everyone we have taken there has been really impressed by the food and felt really comfortable. They also do great beers and ales. It is always really busy so it is best to reserve a table. On Sunday they do a cinema downstairs showing new releases. Have yet to go but it sounds great. The decor is shabby chic, making it a little bit shoreditch but softer.

The staff are really friendly too. We especially like David who is very chatty. So if you meet him say hi from me!

Le Pont De La Tour - Another good find on Butlers Wharf by Bowgreave

Bowgreave — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:52:00 +0000

Review by Bowgreave

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7403 8403

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

Tags: romantic, french, expensive

As big fans of the booked-up neighbouring D & D (ex-Conran) place, the Butlers Wharf Chop House, we decided to try Le Pont and weâ¬"re very glad we did.
Lovely crisp battered squid strips, fresh Oysters and a roasted goats cheese made us all happy. It is more geared to fish fans but my carnivorous son enjoyed a tasty piece of rump with nice chips whilst we washed down a lovely seafood linguine and a crispy duck confit leg on lentils with a bottle of my new Argentine discovery, Torrontes.
Like its Chop House neighbour, it knocks the spots off similarly priced local gastropubs and the bill came in nicely under the £100 mark with beer and wine included. Very smart decor and our waitress was very nice and pretty efficient; an added bonus was that she was able to advise that each dish we ordered was just like her Hungarian grannie used to make â¬ things must have been better under the commies than they let on.
You tend to get a bit blasÃ© about it when youâ¬"re lived here awhile but the view should get a mention; night and day one of the cityâ¬"s best. I donâ¬"t think any of it will disappoint you.As big fans of the booked-up neighbouring D & D (ex-Conran) place, the Butlers Wharf Chop House, we decided to try Le Pont and weâ¬"re very glad we did.
Lovely crisp battered squid strips, fresh Oysters and a roasted goats cheese made us all happy. It is more geared to fish fans but my carnivorous son enjoyed a tasty piece of rump with nice chips whilst we washed down a lovely seafood linguine and a crispy duck confit leg on lentils with a bottle of my new Argentine discovery, Torrontes.
Like its Chop House neighbour, it knocks the spots off similarly priced local gastropubs and the bill came in nicely under the £100 mark with beer and wine included. Very smart decor and our waitress was very nice and pretty efficient; an added bonus was that she was able to advise that each dish we ordered was just like her Hungarian grannie used to make â¬ things must have been better under the commies than they let on.
You tend to get a bit blasÃ© about it when youâ¬"re lived here awhile but the view should get a mention; night and day one of the cityâ¬"s best. I donâ¬"t think any of it will disappoint you.

The Fort - For Lovers of Gay Slease. by rupertrogue

rupertrogue — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:08:27 +0000

Review by rupertrogue

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7237 7742

Tags: sexy, cool, relaxed

Dickensian type prmises which have not been decorated since his time. The place is dedicated to gay fun and cheap to get in. Everything is painted black--or has turned black now, anyway! Features include a large horse shoe shaped bar with lockers on one side and cruise area on the other. This recedes into a large blacker than black dark room. There's a much smaller dark room which squashes the customers up to ensure they get friendly. The seedy loos to the rear provide more general activity space. I went on a 'boots only' evening and had a great time. There is only one sling and you have to stand for most things, which limites activity a little. Yes, its grotty to an outrageous extent-but that's what 'dives' like this are all about-if it's not for you-don't go!Dickensian type prmises which have not been decorated since his time. The place is dedicated to gay fun and cheap to get in. Everything is painted black--or has turned black now, anyway! Features include a large horse shoe shaped bar with lockers on one side and cruise area on the other. This recedes into a large blacker than black dark room. There's a much smaller dark room which squashes the customers up to ensure they get friendly. The seedy loos to the rear provide more general activity space. I went on a 'boots only' evening and had a great time. There is only one sling and you have to stand for most things, which limites activity a little. Yes, its grotty to an outrageous extent-but that's what 'dives' like this are all about-if it's not for you-don't go!

The King's Arms - Nice pub serving honest food by Bowgreave

Bowgreave — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:36:15 +0000

Review by Bowgreave

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7407 3207

Tags: different pub food, gastro pub, cosy

Despite what previous reviewers say, the King's Arms is not a gastropub; well not by our definition anyway. It has an open kitchen with activities in there on view to punters and the food is freshly cooked to order as well as being presented piping hot.
We reckon the previous three reviewers went for Sunday lunch together and we have certainly witnessed big plates of food on the sabbath, when some large family parties seem to gather there for a lazy afternoon.
We did the evening service and my spatchcock piripiri chicken and her ladyship's ribs were delicious and both accompanied by good (non frozen) jacket chips and a green salad. Simple food, decent ingredients, properly cooked; not rocket science but nevertheless refreshing all the same. Prices for food are generally 20% higher than we think would be the right mark but what they do, they do pretty well.
They've just started doing 'Kings of Comedy' nights with four comics for £5 admission. Great value, all well organised and some real talent on stage.
Despite what previous reviewers say, the King's Arms is not a gastropub; well not by our definition anyway. It has an open kitchen with activities in there on view to punters and the food is freshly cooked to order as well as being presented piping hot.
We reckon the previous three reviewers went for Sunday lunch together and we have certainly witnessed big plates of food on the sabbath, when some large family parties seem to gather there for a lazy afternoon.
We did the evening service and my spatchcock piripiri chicken and her ladyship's ribs were delicious and both accompanied by good (non frozen) jacket chips and a green salad. Simple food, decent ingredients, properly cooked; not rocket science but nevertheless refreshing all the same. Prices for food are generally 20% higher than we think would be the right mark but what they do, they do pretty well.
They've just started doing 'Kings of Comedy' nights with four comics for £5 admission. Great value, all well organised and some real talent on stage.

The Angel - A great little pub by ONscotland

ONscotland — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:06:47 +0000

Review by ONscotland

Rating: 5.00

Tags: relaxed, friendly, mature

Found this pub while on a Thames-side walk.

After a very warm welcome from the landlady we found our seats and ordered a selection of Sam Smith's drinks.

The place was spotless, and clearly looked after. The main bar was divided up into different areas, each one accessed by a little door where major ducking was required to get through.

There's a small function room upstairs overlooking the river, and the seats we found (downstairs) also had views of the river.

As it's Sam Smith's prices are cheap, although that does mean a limited range (don't expect famous brand names) but I happen to like Sam Smith's and what they offer.Found this pub while on a Thames-side walk.

After a very warm welcome from the landlady we found our seats and ordered a selection of Sam Smith's drinks.

The place was spotless, and clearly looked after. The main bar was divided up into different areas, each one accessed by a little door where major ducking was required to get through.

There's a small function room upstairs overlooking the river, and the seats we found (downstairs) also had views of the river.

As it's Sam Smith's prices are cheap, although that does mean a limited range (don't expect famous brand names) but I happen to like Sam Smith's and what they offer.

Suchard - Top value Thai food by MrWindUpBird

MrWindUpBird — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:36:44 +0000

Review by MrWindUpBird

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7357 6381

Tags: thai, lively, vegetarian

Suchard is one of our favourite lunchtime haunts - It might not be beautifully decorated but the food is great, the service is quick and the prices are very reasonable indeed.Suchard is one of our favourite lunchtime haunts - It might not be beautifully decorated but the food is great, the service is quick and the prices are very reasonable indeed.

The Old School Yard - Hmmmm by tedford

tedford — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:54:04 +0000

Review by tedford

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7357 6281

Website: http://theoldschoolyard.com

Tags: live music, cool, friendly

I went here on 23rd Dec and it was empty. This certainly isn't fair to judge it on how popular it is as it was the Monday before Xmas so fair enough.
WHat I can judge it on are the cocktails, and I only had 1. It was a so called 'happy hour', and a cocktail that tasted of cheap booze and acid, having looked at the website I think it was a Hemingway martini.
Leaving aside what is subjective personal taste for the cocktail, the big gripe is that the drink was served in the TINIEST cocktail glass I've ever seen. At a happy hour price of Â£4 something it wasn't great, but if I paid full price for that well, I wouldn't, I'd just walk out. It's definitely not a cocktail bar no matter what the reviewers say below. Interesting that all of them have only ever put one review on this site, and it's all effusive praise for this bar. Coincidence? I think not!
Having said all that, it might be a great laugh and you won't care if it's full on a Saturday night, but it is in a bit of an awkward spot to get to so if you don't like it then it'll be a hassle to go elsewhere.I went here on 23rd Dec and it was empty. This certainly isn't fair to judge it on how popular it is as it was the Monday before Xmas so fair enough.
WHat I can judge it on are the cocktails, and I only had 1. It was a so called 'happy hour', and a cocktail that tasted of cheap booze and acid, having looked at the website I think it was a Hemingway martini.
Leaving aside what is subjective personal taste for the cocktail, the big gripe is that the drink was served in the TINIEST cocktail glass I've ever seen. At a happy hour price of Â£4 something it wasn't great, but if I paid full price for that well, I wouldn't, I'd just walk out. It's definitely not a cocktail bar no matter what the reviewers say below. Interesting that all of them have only ever put one review on this site, and it's all effusive praise for this bar. Coincidence? I think not!
Having said all that, it might be a great laugh and you won't care if it's full on a Saturday night, but it is in a bit of an awkward spot to get to so if you don't like it then it'll be a hassle to go elsewhere.

Tower Tandoori - Average curries but decent tandoori dishes by Bowgreave

Bowgreave — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 11:48:41 +0000

Review by Bowgreave

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7237 3126

Tags: indian, takeaway, vegetarian dishes

If you need a curry fix after a few pints, its okay. Perhaps the good reviews on Toptable built it up a bit too much but our views, based on three visits, is that it ranks as an average high street Indian curry venue, with the tandoori dishes being amongst the better dishes they offer.If its a nice meal from the sub-continent you are after, there are plenty of better places not too far away.If you need a curry fix after a few pints, its okay. Perhaps the good reviews on Toptable built it up a bit too much but our views, based on three visits, is that it ranks as an average high street Indian curry venue, with the tandoori dishes being amongst the better dishes they offer.If its a nice meal from the sub-continent you are after, there are plenty of better places not too far away.

RSJ - Excellent food and service by Jeroen

Jeroen — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 13:16:22 +0000

Review by Jeroen

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7928 4554

Website: http://www.rsj.uk.com

Tags: british, lively, french

I have been here twice now, and on both occassions been very impressed by the quality of the food and service. It sepecialises in French style modern cuisine, the fish dishes are particularly good, I had a superb lobster linguini starter and one of the best rare fillets of beef Ive ever tasted as a main, deserts are also a highlight. My only complaint would be that they dont have any French Cidre's to compliment the very good wine list, a slightly more comprehensive selection of beers would also be nice! Mains are about Â£18, and starters about Â£9. A little steep, but actually good value for the quality of the food !I have been here twice now, and on both occassions been very impressed by the quality of the food and service. It sepecialises in French style modern cuisine, the fish dishes are particularly good, I had a superb lobster linguini starter and one of the best rare fillets of beef Ive ever tasted as a main, deserts are also a highlight. My only complaint would be that they dont have any French Cidre's to compliment the very good wine list, a slightly more comprehensive selection of beers would also be nice! Mains are about Â£18, and starters about Â£9. A little steep, but actually good value for the quality of the food !

Shahi Tandoori Indian Takeaway - Deceptive looks but food is good by Bowgreave

Bowgreave — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:54:49 +0000

Review by Bowgreave

Rating: 4.00

Tags: rare finds

This place is our local take out and, despite looking more like a down at heel taxi office than a take out, it does deliver....in every sense.
We have used it half a dozen times and it beats all the other locals we have tried. Good food at reasonable prices with decent portions that arrive hot and usually ahead of their advised delivery time; so warm up your oven and stick in your plates early.This place is our local take out and, despite looking more like a down at heel taxi office than a take out, it does deliver....in every sense.
We have used it half a dozen times and it beats all the other locals we have tried. Good food at reasonable prices with decent portions that arrive hot and usually ahead of their advised delivery time; so warm up your oven and stick in your plates early.

Bengal Clipper - Can see why it's quiet by Bowgreave

Bowgreave — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:33:11 +0000

Review by Bowgreave

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7357 9001

Tags: indian, takeaway, good value

Tried this place twice, the second time being quite a bizarre experience. They had a large sandwich board directly outside the front door, advertising 2 courses for Â£10 so we thought we'd give it another chance, having felt it was pretty average the first time.
We were given the a la carte menu with no mention of the two course special. When we asked, they rather disapprovingly delivered the set menu, and the food was was okay-ish. My wife eats very little and had hardly touched her curry so I asked for a doggy bag. The food was taken away and then a message came from the manager saying that they did not allow doggy bags on the set price menu. I demanded to see him and said it was my food which, by then, I'd bought and paid for. After long faces and dark mutterings, our doggy bag appeared. Based on some knowledge of what can go on behind closed kitchen doors, I told them to keep it and do with it whatever they had intended to do with it in the first place.
Its a local restaurant but we've never been back since then.....so you might have eaten my wife's leftovers (its okay - she's a very hygenic type of girl) because I can't think of any other reason they were so reluctant to part with it!Tried this place twice, the second time being quite a bizarre experience. They had a large sandwich board directly outside the front door, advertising 2 courses for Â£10 so we thought we'd give it another chance, having felt it was pretty average the first time.
We were given the a la carte menu with no mention of the two course special. When we asked, they rather disapprovingly delivered the set menu, and the food was was okay-ish. My wife eats very little and had hardly touched her curry so I asked for a doggy bag. The food was taken away and then a message came from the manager saying that they did not allow doggy bags on the set price menu. I demanded to see him and said it was my food which, by then, I'd bought and paid for. After long faces and dark mutterings, our doggy bag appeared. Based on some knowledge of what can go on behind closed kitchen doors, I told them to keep it and do with it whatever they had intended to do with it in the first place.
Its a local restaurant but we've never been back since then.....so you might have eaten my wife's leftovers (its okay - she's a very hygenic type of girl) because I can't think of any other reason they were so reluctant to part with it!

Vervena - Hair stylist and beauticians by alexajoy

alexajoy — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:41:52 +0000

Review by alexajoy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7064 9100

Tags: hair beauty salon sytlist

I happened upon this lovely little salon in my locale where not only did I get some fantastic highlights and a great trim, where the hair stylist actually listened to what I wanted. The price was quite reasonable too.

I was impressed thought I'd try some beauty treatments as well, including Microdermabrasion. My skin now feels so smooth - I left the salon feeling Super Glam - which is really the ultimate aim for me for a salon visit :-)I happened upon this lovely little salon in my locale where not only did I get some fantastic highlights and a great trim, where the hair stylist actually listened to what I wanted. The price was quite reasonable too.

I was impressed thought I'd try some beauty treatments as well, including Microdermabrasion. My skin now feels so smooth - I left the salon feeling Super Glam - which is really the ultimate aim for me for a salon visit :-)

The Bridge Lounge - Stunning View: Drinks & Food by thatguy

thatguy — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:45:03 +0000

Review by thatguy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7403 4112

Tags: relaxed, trendy, different pub food

When you have to choose a location for some drinks, in London that won't be busy, reasonably priced and a central location you can sometimes have a dilemma!

Thats exactly what happened last week!

So, the venue is split over two floors, all which have a stunning southbank view of towerbridge; and only a stone through away from MoreLondon.

Food wise, its around Â£8-11 for a main, the quality of which did vary, though that may be because we had about 20 people eating at the venue.

Drinks, all a reasonable price and a good range of bottle drinks and some rather tap beers that you might not find elsewhere. If you are into your 'standard' lager choices you may have to pause to find something fresh that you like.

I don't goto London Bridge/Tower Bridge much, but I can see it being a nice summer stroll venue.

Enjoy!When you have to choose a location for some drinks, in London that won't be busy, reasonably priced and a central location you can sometimes have a dilemma!

Thats exactly what happened last week!

So, the venue is split over two floors, all which have a stunning southbank view of towerbridge; and only a stone through away from MoreLondon.

Food wise, its around Â£8-11 for a main, the quality of which did vary, though that may be because we had about 20 people eating at the venue.

Drinks, all a reasonable price and a good range of bottle drinks and some rather tap beers that you might not find elsewhere. If you are into your 'standard' lager choices you may have to pause to find something fresh that you like.

I don't goto London Bridge/Tower Bridge much, but I can see it being a nice summer stroll venue.

Enjoy!