Latest reviews in Blackfriars, London, United Kingdom

Tate Modern - by NJohns69er

NJohns69er — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:49:26 +0000

Review by NJohns69er

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7887 8008

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern

Tags: modern art, sculptures, photographic exhibition

I was eager to visit this place. And upon first glance i thought it would be a great gallery. But once inside i was massively disappointed. I covered most of the place in an hour or two, which some say may be quick but the art was of a poor standard. One painting looked like a paintbrush was planted in the anus of gorilla and he rubbed his bottom over a canvas. I would not visit again.I was eager to visit this place. And upon first glance i thought it would be a great gallery. But once inside i was massively disappointed. I covered most of the place in an hour or two, which some say may be quick but the art was of a poor standard. One painting looked like a paintbrush was planted in the anus of gorilla and he rubbed his bottom over a canvas. I would not visit again.

Club Mangia, The Punch Tavern - Great friendly pub! by KellyMcAuley12

KellyMcAuley12 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:56:27 +0000

Review by KellyMcAuley12

Rating: 4.00

Tags: breakfast, good value, cheap eat

Lovely British Food!Lovely British Food!

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese - love it.. by CityCat

CityCat — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:20:19 +0000

Review by CityCat

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7353 6170

Website: http://www.yeoldecheshirecheese.com

Tags: cosy, lively, crowded

Most of it has been said by others, but what a great old pub! You feel like you're going to bump into some Dickensian characters as soon as you enter and start wandering through it. Loads of fun.Most of it has been said by others, but what a great old pub! You feel like you're going to bump into some Dickensian characters as soon as you enter and start wandering through it. Loads of fun.

Leon - Fast food but not as we know it by Sarah_W

Sarah_W — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:36:46 +0000

Review by Sarah_W

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7489 1580

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

Tags: lively, cheap eat, takeaway

A colleague recently introduced me to Leonâ¬"s, a fun and healthy variation on the fast food concept. This is a small but growing chain, with currently eight branches in central London â¬ we went to the one at Ludgate Circus. As it was lunchtime on a working day (this particular branch is only open Monday to Friday, by the way), the place was heaving, but we joined the queues at the counter and were soon served briskly but with a smile. We were able to find somewhere to sit towards the back of the restaurant â¬ there is a lot more space than you might realise so do hunt around.

The atmosphere here really appealed to me. OK itâ¬"s not a place for a romantic dinner for two, and probably not the place to bring an elderly aunt up from the country, but for good food in a hurry itâ¬"s great, and the eclectic mix of seating and different vibes in different parts of the space works very well. Youâ¬"ll find squishy chairs for relaxing over coffee (well, perhaps not relaxing exactly during the lunchtime rush!), old wooden tables, bright stools and odd chairs. The walls are adorned with the same fun mixture of old and new, and it all works really well.

But the food is what Leonâ¬"s is mainly about, and itâ¬"s good â¬ both tasty-good ad good for you! Their ethos is all about healthy eating and sustainability, so they source their seasonal, organic ingredients from trusted farms, and the menu changes accordingly, but some items are staples. Everyone raves about the Moroccan meatballs, which Iâ¬"ve yet to try, but I can recommend the excellent hummus and accompanying flatbread, and the soups, which are packed with flavour. Check out the website to see whatâ¬"s on offer for this season.A colleague recently introduced me to Leonâ¬"s, a fun and healthy variation on the fast food concept. This is a small but growing chain, with currently eight branches in central London â¬ we went to the one at Ludgate Circus. As it was lunchtime on a working day (this particular branch is only open Monday to Friday, by the way), the place was heaving, but we joined the queues at the counter and were soon served briskly but with a smile. We were able to find somewhere to sit towards the back of the restaurant â¬ there is a lot more space than you might realise so do hunt around.

The atmosphere here really appealed to me. OK itâ¬"s not a place for a romantic dinner for two, and probably not the place to bring an elderly aunt up from the country, but for good food in a hurry itâ¬"s great, and the eclectic mix of seating and different vibes in different parts of the space works very well. Youâ¬"ll find squishy chairs for relaxing over coffee (well, perhaps not relaxing exactly during the lunchtime rush!), old wooden tables, bright stools and odd chairs. The walls are adorned with the same fun mixture of old and new, and it all works really well.

But the food is what Leonâ¬"s is mainly about, and itâ¬"s good â¬ both tasty-good ad good for you! Their ethos is all about healthy eating and sustainability, so they source their seasonal, organic ingredients from trusted farms, and the menu changes accordingly, but some items are staples. Everyone raves about the Moroccan meatballs, which Iâ¬"ve yet to try, but I can recommend the excellent hummus and accompanying flatbread, and the soups, which are packed with flavour. Check out the website to see whatâ¬"s on offer for this season.

Roxy Bar and Screen - Space Oddity by gilka

gilka — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 21:35:36 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 4.00

Tags: relaxed, lively, bar

I went there for a friend's birthday after failing to enter to the Shunt... My first impression when I entered was that I am going to hate it but after a while I noticed that the screen was displaying slides about galaxies which was great and there were a group of people dressed as Aliens. We had some really funny conversations with them and the atmosphere was lovely. It was £2 to get in.I went there for a friend's birthday after failing to enter to the Shunt... My first impression when I entered was that I am going to hate it but after a while I noticed that the screen was displaying slides about galaxies which was great and there were a group of people dressed as Aliens. We had some really funny conversations with them and the atmosphere was lovely. It was £2 to get in.

Oxo Tower Brasserie - Definitely a premium for the view, but nice! by dmlarose

dmlarose — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:14:58 +0000

Review by dmlarose

Rating: 3.00

Tags: lively, expensive, brasserie

We got reserved a table with a great view (although make sure you ask for a window seat, otherwise half the fun will be spoilt!). The food was nice, service was fine but overall better can be had for the price - however, the view caps it all off and for that, you should try this place at least once! And it's a lot better value than the restaurant!
Was busy on a Saturday, so book ahead.
The only criticism was around their vegetarian menu, where 2 of their 3 options were not fully vegetarian! If you're going to go to the effort of a separate vegetarian menu, get it right at least!We got reserved a table with a great view (although make sure you ask for a window seat, otherwise half the fun will be spoilt!). The food was nice, service was fine but overall better can be had for the price - however, the view caps it all off and for that, you should try this place at least once! And it's a lot better value than the restaurant!
Was busy on a Saturday, so book ahead.
The only criticism was around their vegetarian menu, where 2 of their 3 options were not fully vegetarian! If you're going to go to the effort of a separate vegetarian menu, get it right at least!

Founders Arms - Good food, good service and great location / views by sharon77

sharon77 — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:12:56 +0000

Review by sharon77

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7928 1899

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

Tags: beer garden, pub chain, different pub food

A modern Young's pub on the south side of the river very close to Blackfriars bridge. Its location is what makes this place popular, with a large terrace and seats overlooking the river, even provides its customers with blankets in the winter for anyone mad enough to want to sit outside. No major roads nearby, and it's less crowded, has much better beer and is better value for money than the Tate cafÃ©...A modern Young's pub on the south side of the river very close to Blackfriars bridge. Its location is what makes this place popular, with a large terrace and seats overlooking the river, even provides its customers with blankets in the winter for anyone mad enough to want to sit outside. No major roads nearby, and it's less crowded, has much better beer and is better value for money than the Tate cafÃ©...

Oliver J Benjamin - by dyim

dyim — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:20:54 +0000

Review by dyim

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7353 3322

Simply fantastic. I have a couple of bespoke suits from OJB - the cut is clean and stylish. Oliver is a pleasure to deal with - it's obvious he has a real passion for his work!Simply fantastic. I have a couple of bespoke suits from OJB - the cut is clean and stylish. Oliver is a pleasure to deal with - it's obvious he has a real passion for his work!

Chilango - Speedy service, good fresh food - spot on... by oogywawa

oogywawa — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:25:51 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7353 6761

Website: www.chilango.co.uk

Tags: mexican, good value, lively

When a company fulfills a mission statement then that's good for me. Fresh, fast food is what they boast and when I popped into their Fleet Street eatery for a takeaway Chicken Burrito that is exactly what I got.

A soft supple warm tortilla was swiftly dispatched through seemingly more sets of hands than "that" Barbarians try against the All Blacks. Each added an ingredient - be it "Hot Chicken", "Black Beans", "Sour Cream", "Cheese", "Rice", "Salsa"...try in the corner by Gareth Edwards - er no - where was I...!

This Burrito was the size of a loose head prop and what better manner to devour it than watching a lunchtime concert in the tranquil surroundings St Dunstan's Church just 100 yds away. Bliss.When a company fulfills a mission statement then that's good for me. Fresh, fast food is what they boast and when I popped into their Fleet Street eatery for a takeaway Chicken Burrito that is exactly what I got.

A soft supple warm tortilla was swiftly dispatched through seemingly more sets of hands than "that" Barbarians try against the All Blacks. Each added an ingredient - be it "Hot Chicken", "Black Beans", "Sour Cream", "Cheese", "Rice", "Salsa"...try in the corner by Gareth Edwards - er no - where was I...!

This Burrito was the size of a loose head prop and what better manner to devour it than watching a lunchtime concert in the tranquil surroundings St Dunstan's Church just 100 yds away. Bliss.

The Albion - Great Party Venue by jrinka

jrinka — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:04:18 +0000

Review by jrinka

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7583 0227

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

Tags: friendly, young professionals, cool & smart

I had my 30th at the Albion last week and had a blast!

The team were friendly and laughing which made for a great atmosphere. My friends had a great time and kept coming up to me saying how great the party was.

We were able to play our own music and had the upstairs bar to ourselves which was a bonus. The food selection was good too.I had my 30th at the Albion last week and had a blast!

The team were friendly and laughing which made for a great atmosphere. My friends had a great time and kept coming up to me saying how great the party was.

We were able to play our own music and had the upstairs bar to ourselves which was a bonus. The food selection was good too.

The Rising Sun - Fan-thai-stic by ilikegoingout

ilikegoingout — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:18:24 +0000

Review by ilikegoingout

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7248 4544

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

Upsatirs a great thai chef cooks up some amazing specials alongside your standard menu of thai favourites, but I urge to try one of the specials, they are very good. Ambience can be a bit lacking some evenings but if there are a few people in the restaurant
it suddenly warms up.
Downstairs is a traditional family run pub and its a gem.
The bar staff are all up for a laugh an dplay some great tunes intot he night
Upsatirs a great thai chef cooks up some amazing specials alongside your standard menu of thai favourites, but I urge to try one of the specials, they are very good. Ambience can be a bit lacking some evenings but if there are a few people in the restaurant
it suddenly warms up.
Downstairs is a traditional family run pub and its a gem.
The bar staff are all up for a laugh an dplay some great tunes intot he night

Tate Modern Cafe - Nice food in a nice setting by chrismac

chrismac — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:07:54 +0000

Review by chrismac

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7401 5020

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

Tags: cultured, good brew, quiet & relaxed

If you get a seat by floor to ceiling window onto the Thames and grassy area outside the gallery, this is a lovely place for a spot of lunch and a bit of people watching. The coffee and pastries are OK. The lunch menu is shortish, but often has something interesting and surprising on it, bringing favours from all over. There are both 'light bites' which are big enough for lunch, or full mains. I have alway enjoyed it and never been disappointed. Plus you are close to the main Turbine Hall and can take a stroll in the gallery after you've eaten.If you get a seat by floor to ceiling window onto the Thames and grassy area outside the gallery, this is a lovely place for a spot of lunch and a bit of people watching. The coffee and pastries are OK. The lunch menu is shortish, but often has something interesting and surprising on it, bringing favours from all over. There are both 'light bites' which are big enough for lunch, or full mains. I have alway enjoyed it and never been disappointed. Plus you are close to the main Turbine Hall and can take a stroll in the gallery after you've eaten.

The Japanese Canteen - Basic japanese by misstravelbug

misstravelbug — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:17:24 +0000

Review by misstravelbug

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7329 3555

Tags: japanese, takeaway, vegetarian dishes

Ok Japanese food, it's mainly for the lunch crowd wanting a quick take-away. Menu consists of basic japanese, though not done particularly well. The sushi leaves something to be desired. The ordering process is frustrating during peak hour as people crowd around waiting for their number to be called. I don't think its worth the wait, so much for the express canteen.Ok Japanese food, it's mainly for the lunch crowd wanting a quick take-away. Menu consists of basic japanese, though not done particularly well. The sushi leaves something to be desired. The ordering process is frustrating during peak hour as people crowd around waiting for their number to be called. I don't think its worth the wait, so much for the express canteen.

Fresh Italy - Fresh Italy by kranti

kranti — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:52:01 +0000

Review by kranti

Rating: 3.00The Fresh Italy take-away/restaurant is part of a small chain selling pasta and gnocchi in takeaway coffee cups.

The branch on Ludgate Hill is a short walk from St Pauls or Blackfriars tube stations. The restaurant provides both eat-in and take away options (similar to the Pret a Manger or Eat chains). Once you have chosen what to order, it is prepared freshly in front of you in an open kitchen behind the pay counter. There is a 'meal deal' option if you want more than just the pasta (e.g. fruit, drink, bread, salad). The food is good and is served hot. The queues are large but move quickly. Quite often there is no space to sit and eat at lunchtime. Fresh Italy provides relatively good value for money in the area with a change from the usual sandwich.The Fresh Italy take-away/restaurant is part of a small chain selling pasta and gnocchi in takeaway coffee cups.

The branch on Ludgate Hill is a short walk from St Pauls or Blackfriars tube stations. The restaurant provides both eat-in and take away options (similar to the Pret a Manger or Eat chains). Once you have chosen what to order, it is prepared freshly in front of you in an open kitchen behind the pay counter. There is a 'meal deal' option if you want more than just the pasta (e.g. fruit, drink, bread, salad). The food is good and is served hot. The queues are large but move quickly. Quite often there is no space to sit and eat at lunchtime. Fresh Italy provides relatively good value for money in the area with a change from the usual sandwich.

Bengal Tiger - Stable by kranti

kranti — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:39:59 +0000

Review by kranti

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7248 6361

Tags: indian, good value, vegetarian dishes

Bengal Tiger is located in between Blackfriars and St Pauls stations. Tucked away in a small lane, you might not get to eat here unless you knew where it was.

I have eaten here a number of times and the quality of food and service has been similar on each occasion. The menu is varied, has an extensive drinks menu including mango lassi, and caters for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The food is good, not too greasy or oily, and appears fresh. Presentation is not their strong point though. The service is polite though could be sharper. Meals are relatively good value for money given the location. This is a great venue for a working lunch or a meal after work with colleagues or friends.Bengal Tiger is located in between Blackfriars and St Pauls stations. Tucked away in a small lane, you might not get to eat here unless you knew where it was.

I have eaten here a number of times and the quality of food and service has been similar on each occasion. The menu is varied, has an extensive drinks menu including mango lassi, and caters for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The food is good, not too greasy or oily, and appears fresh. Presentation is not their strong point though. The service is polite though could be sharper. Meals are relatively good value for money given the location. This is a great venue for a working lunch or a meal after work with colleagues or friends.

Crowne Plaza - Nice Hotel, Good location by djw

djw — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:01:41 +0000

Review by djw

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0870 400 9190

Website: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com

Tags: restaurant, air conditioning, bar / lounge bar

We stayed at this hotel over the New Year to watch the fireworks in London, it is great for the location, we walked to and from the London eye. The hotel itself is nice, modern and stylish and delivered its promise of 4 stars. We did have a slight problem when we went in â¬ we were told the check in time was 14:00 and we arrived shortly after this only to be told the room wasnâ¬"t ready. We had to wait around in the hotel lobby with our bags for an hour before the room was ready. This obviously dampened our spirits a bit but the room made up for it, spacious and comfortable I would definitely recommend this hotel!We stayed at this hotel over the New Year to watch the fireworks in London, it is great for the location, we walked to and from the London eye. The hotel itself is nice, modern and stylish and delivered its promise of 4 stars. We did have a slight problem when we went in â¬ we were told the check in time was 14:00 and we arrived shortly after this only to be told the room wasnâ¬"t ready. We had to wait around in the hotel lobby with our bags for an hour before the room was ready. This obviously dampened our spirits a bit but the room made up for it, spacious and comfortable I would definitely recommend this hotel!

The Blackfriar - by ram1992

ram1992 — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:43:07 +0000

Review by ram1992

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7236 5474

Tags: food, friendly, traditional pub

A real shame that a pub which had promise is let down by its pub goers. They were just plain rude and ignorant towards anyone who wasnâ¬"t local and one nearly bit my head off when I asked him to move so I could get to the toilet. The staffs just donâ¬"t seem to care. Donâ¬"t let that put you off though because the interior is really nice and pleasant and comfy. The sculptures though are what really get you. The amazing metal sculptors are situated around the pub and really bring life to the pub. The wooden ceiling and walls all the way round which have encarved metal sculptures in them are amazing and give the pub a real traditional feel. The Australian bar staff are also really friendly and calm. Definitely a traditional English pubA real shame that a pub which had promise is let down by its pub goers. They were just plain rude and ignorant towards anyone who wasnâ¬"t local and one nearly bit my head off when I asked him to move so I could get to the toilet. The staffs just donâ¬"t seem to care. Donâ¬"t let that put you off though because the interior is really nice and pleasant and comfy. The sculptures though are what really get you. The amazing metal sculptors are situated around the pub and really bring life to the pub. The wooden ceiling and walls all the way round which have encarved metal sculptures in them are amazing and give the pub a real traditional feel. The Australian bar staff are also really friendly and calm. Definitely a traditional English pub

The Evangelist - Another really good place for lunch by LukeG

LukeG — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:18:10 +0000

Review by LukeG

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7213 0740

Website: http://www.massivepub.com

Tags: food, international, excellent pub food

The food is very good - it is fresh and well prepared in an open kitchen (not what one might expect from what is essentially a trendy bar). The menu is varied and it seems to please everyone in my office when we all lunch together. The service can, however, be a bit hit and miss. In particular, there is one waiter who seems to sleep walk and is, therefore, prone to make mistakes. Apart from the one fly (or should I say waiter) in the ointment, I would recommend this bar/restaurant to anyone in the vicinity.The food is very good - it is fresh and well prepared in an open kitchen (not what one might expect from what is essentially a trendy bar). The menu is varied and it seems to please everyone in my office when we all lunch together. The service can, however, be a bit hit and miss. In particular, there is one waiter who seems to sleep walk and is, therefore, prone to make mistakes. Apart from the one fly (or should I say waiter) in the ointment, I would recommend this bar/restaurant to anyone in the vicinity.

The Apostle - In a word: cynical by catfordbetty

catfordbetty — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:19:56 +0000

Review by catfordbetty

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7489 1938

Website: http://www.jamiesbars.co.uk/the-apostle

I was very disappointed by the food here on a recent visit. My partner and I ordered the meze sharing board (not cheap at Â£15.50) and were provided with minuscule portions of very ordinary ingredients. I'm not surprised the waitress avoided asking us if we had enjoyed our lunch. In a word: cynical. Avoid eating here.I was very disappointed by the food here on a recent visit. My partner and I ordered the meze sharing board (not cheap at Â£15.50) and were provided with minuscule portions of very ordinary ingredients. I'm not surprised the waitress avoided asking us if we had enjoyed our lunch. In a word: cynical. Avoid eating here.

The Tipperary - The Tipperary by dartwolf

dartwolf — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:41:34 +0000

Review by dartwolf

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7583 6470

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

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

One of London's hidden gems, well not so hidden as it's right on Fleet Street.

A traditional pub with no prententions, Bill and Wendy the licensees make everyone feel welcome whether you're stopping for a quick 1/2 or maybe a couple more.

Always a great place to pop in for a quick beer and chat with people at the bar.

The food is down to earth pub grub not gastropub nonsense,
you order bangers and mash that's what you get
.... not hand reared gloucestershire caviar fed pork sausages with mashed shiatsu massaged potatoes.....

All in all a great traditional pub, the only thing that detracts from the experience is the ridiculous smoking ban which means you can't enjoy a smoke with your pint.

One of London's hidden gems, well not so hidden as it's right on Fleet Street.

A traditional pub with no prententions, Bill and Wendy the licensees make everyone feel welcome whether you're stopping for a quick 1/2 or maybe a couple more.

Always a great place to pop in for a quick beer and chat with people at the bar.

The food is down to earth pub grub not gastropub nonsense,
you order bangers and mash that's what you get
.... not hand reared gloucestershire caviar fed pork sausages with mashed shiatsu massaged potatoes.....

All in all a great traditional pub, the only thing that detracts from the experience is the ridiculous smoking ban which means you can't enjoy a smoke with your pint.