Latest reviews for Restaurants 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!

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

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.

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.

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 !

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!

The Yellow House - by yetta70

yetta70 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:58:10 +0000

Review by yetta70

Rating: 5.00

Tags: italian, lively, romantic

Excellent food at reasonable price. One of the best meals I've had in a long time. Menu changes on a weekly basis. Make sure you have one of the fantastic desserts.Excellent food at reasonable price. One of the best meals I've had in a long time. Menu changes on a weekly basis. Make sure you have one of the fantastic desserts.

M Manze - A dying tradition by RR123

RR123 — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:32:59 +0000

Review by RR123

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7407 2985

Tags: cheap eat, british, pies

If for no other reason, you should visit this pie shop because it is a part of history. It has been in business for over 100 years and has seats and decor to suit.

It's a pie and mash shop and serves big portions even if you only got for one pie and mash. Personally I would avoid the liquor (which is a kind of parsley gravy rather than alcohol), but if you want a more authentic experience then give it a go.

The only disappointment was that they had run out of vegetarian pies and the friend I was with was a vegetarian so she looked on as I ate, so that wasn't ideal. Worth a visit though.If for no other reason, you should visit this pie shop because it is a part of history. It has been in business for over 100 years and has seats and decor to suit.

It's a pie and mash shop and serves big portions even if you only got for one pie and mash. Personally I would avoid the liquor (which is a kind of parsley gravy rather than alcohol), but if you want a more authentic experience then give it a go.

The only disappointment was that they had run out of vegetarian pies and the friend I was with was a vegetarian so she looked on as I ate, so that wasn't ideal. Worth a visit though.

Magdalen - "Maw-delin" or "Mag-de-lin" by Browners

Browners — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:12:13 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7403 1342

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

Tags: british, expensive, good value

My parents are obsessed with Mark Rothko. A bit like how Peter Stringfellow is obsessed with girls in plastic high heels and bikinis. It's a sort of pseudo-sexual thing. All encompassing and fascinating. So it was with great excitement that we went on a Brown family outing to the Tate Modern for their hugely anticipated "Rothko - the late years" exhibition on Friday for a private viewing. It didn't disappoint. It just served to reconfirm, if that was needed at all, that Rothko's work is as moving and haunting as Bach and Mozart. It was more like an existential philosophy exhibition than a gallery of paintings.

We returned on Saturday to be in the audience for the all afternoon seminar connected to the exhibition. We were surrounded on all sides by people with even more emphatic Rothko fetishes than Mum and Dad! Not that I thought this was possible. I guess it's a bit like thinking your pretty good at football having scored a few goals for your school side and then going off to the regional trials - only to see all the other boys can kick the ball miles and have all the kit! But I am pleased to say that the Brown family held their own. Mum has vowed never to wash her right hand again having shaken hands with Mark Rothko's son, Christopher!

Still buzzing from 4 hours of in depth intercourse about the ins and outs of the world of Rothko, we strolled along Bankside up towards Tooley street where we were delighted to find Magdalen. It's from the Anchor and Hope school of cookery. Or if you are from Bristol, it's similar to The Albany. The deep maroon walls made us feel like we were eating with the Seagram Murals hanging around us!

The menu excited me more than the others. I loved the 3 part simplicity of it all. But on the downside it means that it reads less flamboyantly than menus tended to a few years ago. Beds, jus, tranches and so forth are gone. Now it's all about guess work and trust. It's the sign of a confident restaurant.

I was in two minds about what to have. The devil inside me was whispering in my ear... telling me to have the grouse... but at Â£26 I couldn't. Instead I was delighted with my choice of potted crab which was as silky as a silkworm's sleeping bag, followed by an unctuous combination of shoulder and leg of pork - served with a mustardy sauce and the lightest crackling I have ever had. This was top class cooking. And brilliantly British.

The others had a very good cauliflower soup with walnuts and other earthy autumnal bits and pieces... and Dad had a Rothko coloured maroon on black seared haunch venison. The fish soup, slow cooked shoulder of lamb and halibut that followed were equally memorable. All bore the hallmark of a kitchen that is at ease with itself. Don't get me wrong - it was all very good food. But I wonder what they are capable when they push things a bit further?

I shared a blindingly good lemon tart with a burn sugar crust which was top class The pastry was thin and crumbled at just the right moments when you showed it the spoon. And the lemon custard was still warm and silky.

Our only criticism concerns 3 embarrassments.

1. The step at the bottom of the stairs is not the same depth as the other stairs... I almost tripped over twice in the middle of the dinning room.

2. I had to queue to get into the gents in full view of the restaurant. It didn't really feel right.

3. Dad had an altercation with the manager about their policy of automatically adding a gratuity of 12.5%. Our waitress had been fantastic all evening - so we wanted to give her a tip... but we disagreed severely with their tipping policy. Surely if the gratuity is at the discretion of the person paying... it is not up to the restaurant to behave like this. It leaves a very sour taste in the mouth and we hope that Magdalen changes their policy.

Tremendous food. The perfect place for a Rothko inspired dinner. O... and how are you supposed to pronounce the name?My parents are obsessed with Mark Rothko. A bit like how Peter Stringfellow is obsessed with girls in plastic high heels and bikinis. It's a sort of pseudo-sexual thing. All encompassing and fascinating. So it was with great excitement that we went on a Brown family outing to the Tate Modern for their hugely anticipated "Rothko - the late years" exhibition on Friday for a private viewing. It didn't disappoint. It just served to reconfirm, if that was needed at all, that Rothko's work is as moving and haunting as Bach and Mozart. It was more like an existential philosophy exhibition than a gallery of paintings.

We returned on Saturday to be in the audience for the all afternoon seminar connected to the exhibition. We were surrounded on all sides by people with even more emphatic Rothko fetishes than Mum and Dad! Not that I thought this was possible. I guess it's a bit like thinking your pretty good at football having scored a few goals for your school side and then going off to the regional trials - only to see all the other boys can kick the ball miles and have all the kit! But I am pleased to say that the Brown family held their own. Mum has vowed never to wash her right hand again having shaken hands with Mark Rothko's son, Christopher!

Still buzzing from 4 hours of in depth intercourse about the ins and outs of the world of Rothko, we strolled along Bankside up towards Tooley street where we were delighted to find Magdalen. It's from the Anchor and Hope school of cookery. Or if you are from Bristol, it's similar to The Albany. The deep maroon walls made us feel like we were eating with the Seagram Murals hanging around us!

The menu excited me more than the others. I loved the 3 part simplicity of it all. But on the downside it means that it reads less flamboyantly than menus tended to a few years ago. Beds, jus, tranches and so forth are gone. Now it's all about guess work and trust. It's the sign of a confident restaurant.

I was in two minds about what to have. The devil inside me was whispering in my ear... telling me to have the grouse... but at Â£26 I couldn't. Instead I was delighted with my choice of potted crab which was as silky as a silkworm's sleeping bag, followed by an unctuous combination of shoulder and leg of pork - served with a mustardy sauce and the lightest crackling I have ever had. This was top class cooking. And brilliantly British.

The others had a very good cauliflower soup with walnuts and other earthy autumnal bits and pieces... and Dad had a Rothko coloured maroon on black seared haunch venison. The fish soup, slow cooked shoulder of lamb and halibut that followed were equally memorable. All bore the hallmark of a kitchen that is at ease with itself. Don't get me wrong - it was all very good food. But I wonder what they are capable when they push things a bit further?

I shared a blindingly good lemon tart with a burn sugar crust which was top class The pastry was thin and crumbled at just the right moments when you showed it the spoon. And the lemon custard was still warm and silky.

Our only criticism concerns 3 embarrassments.

1. The step at the bottom of the stairs is not the same depth as the other stairs... I almost tripped over twice in the middle of the dinning room.

2. I had to queue to get into the gents in full view of the restaurant. It didn't really feel right.

3. Dad had an altercation with the manager about their policy of automatically adding a gratuity of 12.5%. Our waitress had been fantastic all evening - so we wanted to give her a tip... but we disagreed severely with their tipping policy. Surely if the gratuity is at the discretion of the person paying... it is not up to the restaurant to behave like this. It leaves a very sour taste in the mouth and we hope that Magdalen changes their policy.

Tremendous food. The perfect place for a Rothko inspired dinner. O... and how are you supposed to pronounce the name?

Frankie & Bennys - A great meal out by carolinebee

carolinebee — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:00:23 +0000

Review by carolinebee

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7064 9810

I really love Frankie and Benny's restaurants. They have consistently impressed me, and this one just down from Canada Water tube station didn't dissapoint, either.

I went with a few friends after visiting someone in the area, and found it really enjoyable. The first thing about Frankie's you will notice is the unusual surroundings - it's like an old-time diner, with lots of random items on the walls, from bicycles to portraits of Frank Sinatra. The music also blares 50's type jazz swing as you enter, which is really great and sets the tone nicely.

The food is wonderful - I'm sure a lot of it will be frozen, due to the volume of customers, but it's all cooked freshly and not re-heated for you. I usually have the garlic ciabatta to start which always tastes really fresh and is utterly different from normal, frozen stuff.

For the mains you can get a huge selection of American/Italian stuff - pizzas, pastas, burgers, wonderful steaks, sandwiches, baguettes, etc. etc. It's all fresh, hot, and you can see the kitchen staff cook it since it's open plan!

The desserts are the last thing - and they're amazing! Big portions of spongey and syrupy cakes, tall glasses of ice cream sundaes and a general mishmash of sugary delights await you.

The prices can be higher than your local takeaway but trust me - it's worth it!I really love Frankie and Benny's restaurants. They have consistently impressed me, and this one just down from Canada Water tube station didn't dissapoint, either.

I went with a few friends after visiting someone in the area, and found it really enjoyable. The first thing about Frankie's you will notice is the unusual surroundings - it's like an old-time diner, with lots of random items on the walls, from bicycles to portraits of Frank Sinatra. The music also blares 50's type jazz swing as you enter, which is really great and sets the tone nicely.

The food is wonderful - I'm sure a lot of it will be frozen, due to the volume of customers, but it's all cooked freshly and not re-heated for you. I usually have the garlic ciabatta to start which always tastes really fresh and is utterly different from normal, frozen stuff.

For the mains you can get a huge selection of American/Italian stuff - pizzas, pastas, burgers, wonderful steaks, sandwiches, baguettes, etc. etc. It's all fresh, hot, and you can see the kitchen staff cook it since it's open plan!

The desserts are the last thing - and they're amazing! Big portions of spongey and syrupy cakes, tall glasses of ice cream sundaes and a general mishmash of sugary delights await you.

The prices can be higher than your local takeaway but trust me - it's worth it!

Parrilladas Del Sur - Small south american restaurant on Old Kent Rd by chodura

chodura — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 22:02:49 +0000

Review by chodura

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 77012367

Tags: lively, cheap eat, family & home feel

We discovered Parilladas del Sur while walking to big Tesco. We went there few times and both times were stuffed full for Â£15 worth of food per person. We would usually go for the Argentinian churrasco for 2 people, a big dish with lots of grilled meat: large steak, chicken leg, sausage, fried plantain, salad, and beer. The restaurant is small and is frequented by south americans who would come either in large groups or lonely men. There is also an outdoor seating area and it has upgraded its sign and outside area. It's a good place to go if you are very hungry.We discovered Parilladas del Sur while walking to big Tesco. We went there few times and both times were stuffed full for Â£15 worth of food per person. We would usually go for the Argentinian churrasco for 2 people, a big dish with lots of grilled meat: large steak, chicken leg, sausage, fried plantain, salad, and beer. The restaurant is small and is frequented by south americans who would come either in large groups or lonely men. There is also an outdoor seating area and it has upgraded its sign and outside area. It's a good place to go if you are very hungry.

Yun Hai - Great Chinese takeaway by Jongleur

Jongleur — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 21:55:00 +0000

Review by Jongleur

Rating: 3.00

Tags: chinese

I'm afraid I can only review this restaurant as a takeaway, but it's a good 'un. Very local to me on Rotherhithe St and provides excellent Chinese food â¬ the menuâ¬"s got plenty of variety and although it doesnâ¬"t stray outside the standard Chinese takeaway selection, the qualityâ¬"s good and the portions are plentiful. Iâ¬"ve passed by the restaurant and it looks pleasant.

The staff take orders with terrifying efficiency on the phone and delivery never takes anything like as long as they say, so meets all my definitions of a good takeaway! I recommend the Mandarin spare ribs which are the tastiest of the lot...I'm afraid I can only review this restaurant as a takeaway, but it's a good 'un. Very local to me on Rotherhithe St and provides excellent Chinese food â¬ the menuâ¬"s got plenty of variety and although it doesnâ¬"t stray outside the standard Chinese takeaway selection, the qualityâ¬"s good and the portions are plentiful. Iâ¬"ve passed by the restaurant and it looks pleasant.

The staff take orders with terrifying efficiency on the phone and delivery never takes anything like as long as they say, so meets all my definitions of a good takeaway! I recommend the Mandarin spare ribs which are the tastiest of the lot...

Cantina Del Ponte - Get your boss to take you by natster

natster — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:58:20 +0000

Review by natster

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7403 5403

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

Tags: mediterranean, vegetarian dishes, toptable

If you work in near by London Bridge or the City then by all means head to the lovely, fashionable enclave of Shad Thames for a nice meal and a great view of the River Thames and Tower Bridge. My overall impression of Cantina del Ponte was good, but it is rather expensive (not as pricey as Pont de la Tour another of Conrad's restaurants just down the Thames path). I had the calf's liver. I started off enjoying the unusual texture and flavour. After chomping away on this really rather huge organ for awhile, I started to think more about the fact I was eating cow insides than enjoying the taste sensations it offered up. This slightly unpleasant recollection sits upper most in my memory of eating here, although like I said previously, overall I did enjoy my lunch time (and the red wine which my boss also paid for)

The view would certainly persuade me to go again....If you work in near by London Bridge or the City then by all means head to the lovely, fashionable enclave of Shad Thames for a nice meal and a great view of the River Thames and Tower Bridge. My overall impression of Cantina del Ponte was good, but it is rather expensive (not as pricey as Pont de la Tour another of Conrad's restaurants just down the Thames path). I had the calf's liver. I started off enjoying the unusual texture and flavour. After chomping away on this really rather huge organ for awhile, I started to think more about the fact I was eating cow insides than enjoying the taste sensations it offered up. This slightly unpleasant recollection sits upper most in my memory of eating here, although like I said previously, overall I did enjoy my lunch time (and the red wine which my boss also paid for)

The view would certainly persuade me to go again....

Browns - It's mostly about the view by natster

natster — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:48:50 +0000

Review by natster

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7378 1700

Website: http://www.browns-restaurants.com

Tags: british, lively, bar

if you want a knock out view of Tower Bridge and the river Thames then head to this restaurant for a meal. It's located right on the river front only 10 minutes walk from London Bridge Station. The walk from the City or from London Bridge is a pleasure and then to sit out on a nice day and enjoy the view from the large decked terrace is fabulous. The food - hum, I'm not sure about this, It's OK I'd say. I've eaten at Browns in Oxford and Bristol and enjoyed what I ate there (i remember years after the event that I ate a burger in one and a caesar salad in another). I've eaten at Brown's Shad Thames three times and my overall recollection is of vague disappointment with the nosh, but a visual smorgasboard. I'd go again...for a drink maybe!if you want a knock out view of Tower Bridge and the river Thames then head to this restaurant for a meal. It's located right on the river front only 10 minutes walk from London Bridge Station. The walk from the City or from London Bridge is a pleasure and then to sit out on a nice day and enjoy the view from the large decked terrace is fabulous. The food - hum, I'm not sure about this, It's OK I'd say. I've eaten at Browns in Oxford and Bristol and enjoyed what I ate there (i remember years after the event that I ate a burger in one and a caesar salad in another). I've eaten at Brown's Shad Thames three times and my overall recollection is of vague disappointment with the nosh, but a visual smorgasboard. I'd go again...for a drink maybe!

Blue Print Cafe - Great views by hollowlegs

hollowlegs — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:46:28 +0000

Review by hollowlegs

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7378 7031

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

Tags: lively, terrace, international

We got a last minute table here in Saturday evening. Located above the Design Museum on Shad Thames, it has stunning views over the river.

The waiting staff were very courteous and pleasant. To start, the Arbroath Smokie salad with potatoes and parsley crumbs was lovely. Well dressed, and a high fish to potato ratio. The star of the show was definitely the razor clams though; 3 meaty beasts with the same parsley crumbs.

Next, the 'Onglet'. I haven't had this cut of beef before and we were told it was from the diaphragm, and would be served rare. Wikipedia says it's also called hanger steak. It was a hefty plate of meat, paired well with mustard and horseradish dressing. It was also served with a bush of watercress, which added a great peppery hint. The meat was rich and tender, cooked perfectly.

The only quibble I would have is that the great big windows that made up the facade of the building were open, for the best of the views. It may be the middle of August, but it isn't warm, and we had to eat with our jackets on.We got a last minute table here in Saturday evening. Located above the Design Museum on Shad Thames, it has stunning views over the river.

The waiting staff were very courteous and pleasant. To start, the Arbroath Smokie salad with potatoes and parsley crumbs was lovely. Well dressed, and a high fish to potato ratio. The star of the show was definitely the razor clams though; 3 meaty beasts with the same parsley crumbs.

Next, the 'Onglet'. I haven't had this cut of beef before and we were told it was from the diaphragm, and would be served rare. Wikipedia says it's also called hanger steak. It was a hefty plate of meat, paired well with mustard and horseradish dressing. It was also served with a bush of watercress, which added a great peppery hint. The meat was rich and tender, cooked perfectly.

The only quibble I would have is that the great big windows that made up the facade of the building were open, for the best of the views. It may be the middle of August, but it isn't warm, and we had to eat with our jackets on.