Latest reviews in Bloomsbury, London, United Kingdom

Square Pie - Decent feed by greedoe

greedoe — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:20:33 +0000

Review by greedoe

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7837 6207

Website: http://www.squarepie.com

They do pies, mash, peas and gravy.

All sorts of pies, really nice mash (with the skins on) and nice thick gravy.

Not the cheapest place for lunch - it'll set you back a tenner with drink - but you're pretty much guaranteed not to need anything else to eat for the rest of the day.They do pies, mash, peas and gravy.

All sorts of pies, really nice mash (with the skins on) and nice thick gravy.

Not the cheapest place for lunch - it'll set you back a tenner with drink - but you're pretty much guaranteed not to need anything else to eat for the rest of the day.

Ciao Bella - favoloso by mazphd

mazphd — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:45:06 +0000

Review by mazphd

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7242 4119

Tags: italian, lively, crowded

favoloso as the Italians say. This place is a great little venue in such an upcoming and 'trendy' part of town. Overspill onto the street to people watch. But best of all before you even set sights on this eaterie as you turn down Guilford Place there's a wonderful aroma in the air, spices, garlic and tomatoes. All the best of home cooked Italian.

Best of all the menu's a sweet treat of the mostly sterotypical made just like mama dishes. Pasta and Pizza feature heavily and everything is freshly prepared and with such zeal ! I saw one waiter so charming with his service that the couple who had come only for coffee stayed for a three course luncheon, complete with a bottle of wine. If only we were all so easily swayed.

Wine here could be better. But prices are so reasonable that one can overlook this.

I'm looking forward to being in this part of the city again, so i can follow my nose and catch the real italian spices in the air again. Yum favoloso as the Italians say. This place is a great little venue in such an upcoming and 'trendy' part of town. Overspill onto the street to people watch. But best of all before you even set sights on this eaterie as you turn down Guilford Place there's a wonderful aroma in the air, spices, garlic and tomatoes. All the best of home cooked Italian.

Best of all the menu's a sweet treat of the mostly sterotypical made just like mama dishes. Pasta and Pizza feature heavily and everything is freshly prepared and with such zeal ! I saw one waiter so charming with his service that the couple who had come only for coffee stayed for a three course luncheon, complete with a bottle of wine. If only we were all so easily swayed.

Wine here could be better. But prices are so reasonable that one can overlook this.

I'm looking forward to being in this part of the city again, so i can follow my nose and catch the real italian spices in the air again. Yum

myhotel Bloomsbury - Poncy and pointless bar by coldclimate

coldclimate — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:58:04 +0000

Review by coldclimate

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7667 6000

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

Tags: bar, rubbish, expensive

I've no idea what the hotel is like, I hope it's lovely, but I went into their bar for a few drinks at an event and was horrified. Â£4.50 for a bottle of larger form the fridge, plus a 12% service charge. Thats 12% covers the cost of having a for a quiff touting failed male model who ignores you, finally takes your order, sniffs at not getting to show off his bar flair because you only ordered a beer and then opens the bottle and places it on a napkin on the bar top.

The actual room itself (sorry - two rooms - there is an annex at the back for events) are about the size of my hotel room, brightly lit with low hanging lightbulbs, and amazingly noisy because the walls are paneled. There was food available, but given that a gin and tonic was nearly a tenner all in, I couldn't have afforded the petit-pois on ryetoast, or whatever nu-cuisine rubbish they were selling.I've no idea what the hotel is like, I hope it's lovely, but I went into their bar for a few drinks at an event and was horrified. Â£4.50 for a bottle of larger form the fridge, plus a 12% service charge. Thats 12% covers the cost of having a for a quiff touting failed male model who ignores you, finally takes your order, sniffs at not getting to show off his bar flair because you only ordered a beer and then opens the bottle and places it on a napkin on the bar top.

The actual room itself (sorry - two rooms - there is an annex at the back for events) are about the size of my hotel room, brightly lit with low hanging lightbulbs, and amazingly noisy because the walls are paneled. There was food available, but given that a gin and tonic was nearly a tenner all in, I couldn't have afforded the petit-pois on ryetoast, or whatever nu-cuisine rubbish they were selling.

Salaam Namaste - Great food by Jhonson

Jhonson — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:45:01 +0000

Review by Jhonson

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7405 4636

Website: http://www.salaam-namaste.co.uk/

Tags: indian, lively, good value

Went to Salaam namaste after reading a review by Charles Campion,
I must admit, that the food was fantastin especially the Dumpukt Biryani served in a sealed pot.
The menu has some fantastic selection from the sub-continent.
I really had a good time and the service was friendly.Went to Salaam namaste after reading a review by Charles Campion,
I must admit, that the food was fantastin especially the Dumpukt Biryani served in a sealed pot.
The menu has some fantastic selection from the sub-continent.
I really had a good time and the service was friendly.

All Star Lanes - Bowling Revolutionised by Nathan

Nathan — Sun, 11 May 2008 18:19:45 +0000

Review by Nathan

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7025 2676

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

Tags: american, cool, bowling

I have always loved bowling but have not done it enough because most of the venues are like going to Wimpy. All star lanes absolutely combines having a lovely drink with bowling and id happily go to do either or both. On top of all that the food and the restaurant itself is top quality. And the private lane function is brilliant for corporate events. I have always loved bowling but have not done it enough because most of the venues are like going to Wimpy. All star lanes absolutely combines having a lovely drink with bowling and id happily go to do either or both. On top of all that the food and the restaurant itself is top quality. And the private lane function is brilliant for corporate events.

The Lamb - Shocking by greedoe

greedoe — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:36:53 +0000

Review by greedoe

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7405 0713

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

Tags: traditional pub, food, great atmosphere

Had probably the worst pub experience for a long while here.

They decided about 15 minutes after we placed our order that the kitchen was backed up. Thus, instead of getting our lunch in a timely manner we got one meal quickly and then waited about 30 minutes for the rest.

The fish was bland, tasted like frozen and was sent back. The burgers were burnt, and nuclear hot in the middle.

Bad, just bad.Had probably the worst pub experience for a long while here.

They decided about 15 minutes after we placed our order that the kitchen was backed up. Thus, instead of getting our lunch in a timely manner we got one meal quickly and then waited about 30 minutes for the rest.

The fish was bland, tasted like frozen and was sent back. The burgers were burnt, and nuclear hot in the middle.

Bad, just bad.

Hare & Tortoise - Brilliant food by ChloeBuxton

ChloeBuxton — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:05:34 +0000

Review by ChloeBuxton

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7278 9799

Website: http://www.hareandtortoise-restaurants.co.uk

Tags: thai, oriental, cheap

Some of the best Asian food I have had in a long time, but I have always ordered takeaway so can't comment on the service. Some of the best Asian food I have had in a long time, but I have always ordered takeaway so can't comment on the service.

Bea's of Bloomsbury - New cake shop by bagelfairy

bagelfairy — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 11:14:34 +0000

Review by bagelfairy

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7242 8330

Website: www.beasofbloomsbury.com

Tags: cosy, top food, amazing brew

Cool Shop.Cool Shop.

La Porchetta - Great authentic food by greedoe

greedoe — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:25:35 +0000

Review by greedoe

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7242 2434

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

Tags: italian, friendly staff, great pizza

Great, authentic Italian food at really decent prices.

The pizza was massive, tasty and full of wonderful toppings. They even left the chilli oil on the table. The diet coke was a bit flat, but you expect that at restaurants.

I would definitely go here again over any of the chain pizza places. Great, authentic Italian food at really decent prices.

The pizza was massive, tasty and full of wonderful toppings. They even left the chilli oil on the table. The diet coke was a bit flat, but you expect that at restaurants.

I would definitely go here again over any of the chain pizza places.

Hummus Bros - Tasty and incredibly filling by greedoe

greedoe — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:58:27 +0000

Review by greedoe

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7404 7079

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

Tags: mediterranean, good value, middle eastern

When you think of hummus you naturally think of some pre-dinner snack... as I did the first time I went and ordered a large bowl of chicken covered hummus, extra pitta and some salad.

Warning. It's incredibly filling. Something about the blended chickpeas together with the topping and the bread means you won't need to eat again for many hours.

It's relatively cheap as well (unless you're used to buying 85p pots of the stuff in Sainsbury's), and they have a really excellent mint lemonade drink as well.

Recommended if you're sick of sarnies for lunch, just get the medium bowl and if you're a student you get a free high-five!When you think of hummus you naturally think of some pre-dinner snack... as I did the first time I went and ordered a large bowl of chicken covered hummus, extra pitta and some salad.

Warning. It's incredibly filling. Something about the blended chickpeas together with the topping and the bread means you won't need to eat again for many hours.

It's relatively cheap as well (unless you're used to buying 85p pots of the stuff in Sainsbury's), and they have a really excellent mint lemonade drink as well.

Recommended if you're sick of sarnies for lunch, just get the medium bowl and if you're a student you get a free high-five!

Cannons Health Club - let there be light! by mazphd

mazphd — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:42:20 +0000

Review by mazphd

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7813 0555

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

Tags: yoga, massage, physiotherapy

I'll confess i am an avid gym goer. So when i am on the move (literally) and out of my main city of York i make sure that i have access to various gym facilities.

Cannons, despite its rather small size from the outside, does indeed have it all: Pool, sauna (his n her's), fitness 'suit', spin classes, squash courts, cool down area, bar and even a very compact cafe.

The staff are super friendly and on the day that i went were nice enough to give me a good 20 minute tour. There's an in house Elemis beauty spa for massages etc.

so this all sounds well and good. Except there is one formidable draw back. Mostly underground the gym floor feels like you are working out in a darkened claustrophobic strobe lit environment. And whilst the equipment is well maintained and facilities clean I can't give more than 2 stars to a fitness centre that deprives me of Vitamin D fuelled daylight and rewards your work out with a sun deprived induced headache.

One of the pool and sauna only. For the rest you would be better off using their lockers and taking a run round the blockk and nearby parks!

:-)
I'll confess i am an avid gym goer. So when i am on the move (literally) and out of my main city of York i make sure that i have access to various gym facilities.

Cannons, despite its rather small size from the outside, does indeed have it all: Pool, sauna (his n her's), fitness 'suit', spin classes, squash courts, cool down area, bar and even a very compact cafe.

The staff are super friendly and on the day that i went were nice enough to give me a good 20 minute tour. There's an in house Elemis beauty spa for massages etc.

so this all sounds well and good. Except there is one formidable draw back. Mostly underground the gym floor feels like you are working out in a darkened claustrophobic strobe lit environment. And whilst the equipment is well maintained and facilities clean I can't give more than 2 stars to a fitness centre that deprives me of Vitamin D fuelled daylight and rewards your work out with a sun deprived induced headache.

One of the pool and sauna only. For the rest you would be better off using their lockers and taking a run round the blockk and nearby parks!

:-)

Alara - what both you and your body want! by mazphd

mazphd — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:28:02 +0000

Review by mazphd

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7837 1172

Tags: rare finds, healthy food, delicatessen

A little known treasure in the BLoomsbury area and all within walking distance of russell square, kings X and the british library. My favourite thing to do it to drop on by and pick up a little something 'naughty' , yet surprisingly healthy for breakfast, the selection of freshly made 'healthy' muffins are a must! And as the other revieer mentioned, you shall be well on your way to being healthier from the inside out...

So there's a small counter for freshly made muffins, breads etc. and the rest of Alara is take over by what is best described as a health food shop. But holland and barratts this isn't - thank goodness! Whilst there are an array of surprisingly wide ranging vitamins etc, where this place shines is in the provision of a tempting selection of healthy eats and treats. If you cannot be bothered to cook, or are too busy brokering those deals over power lunches, then this is the perfect place to buy a power dinner. Even the convenient food is super healthy, and super tasty! Microwave dinners that are actually good for you, and retain full falvours that make you want more - well who could ask for more!

So next time your in the area drop on by to Alara , check out and pick up something a little healthy, your body and tast budes will thank you for it.

A little known treasure in the BLoomsbury area and all within walking distance of russell square, kings X and the british library. My favourite thing to do it to drop on by and pick up a little something 'naughty' , yet surprisingly healthy for breakfast, the selection of freshly made 'healthy' muffins are a must! And as the other revieer mentioned, you shall be well on your way to being healthier from the inside out...

So there's a small counter for freshly made muffins, breads etc. and the rest of Alara is take over by what is best described as a health food shop. But holland and barratts this isn't - thank goodness! Whilst there are an array of surprisingly wide ranging vitamins etc, where this place shines is in the provision of a tempting selection of healthy eats and treats. If you cannot be bothered to cook, or are too busy brokering those deals over power lunches, then this is the perfect place to buy a power dinner. Even the convenient food is super healthy, and super tasty! Microwave dinners that are actually good for you, and retain full falvours that make you want more - well who could ask for more!

So next time your in the area drop on by to Alara , check out and pick up something a little healthy, your body and tast budes will thank you for it.

St. Giles Hotel - great location by barbeta

barbeta — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:58:27 +0000

Review by barbeta

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7300 3000

Website: http://www.stgiles.com/london

Tags: wifi, hotel

St Giles is located near almost everything you need to get around.

The rooms arenÂ´t very big, and also donÂ´t have snack bars.
The only place where you can use wifi is on the reception floor... and isnÂ´t free!!

breakfast is ok, but you have to go and get it early or you will find just the basicsSt Giles is located near almost everything you need to get around.

The rooms arenÂ´t very big, and also donÂ´t have snack bars.
The only place where you can use wifi is on the reception floor... and isnÂ´t free!!

breakfast is ok, but you have to go and get it early or you will find just the basics

The Intrepid Fox - Louder by ross

ross — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 23:21:28 +0000

Review by ross

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 8956

Tags: live music, black, music

That rating's two for the booze, five for the atmosphere, clientele.

The Intrepid Fox is a metal, goth, punk (real, not American boy band) and rock pub at the very core of London.

The actual booze on offer in this new locale is, as before in the Soho days, pretty uninspiring. You'd be missing the point though, if it was purely for the quality of alcohol that you were to attend. There is always more to a pub than the booze, and the booze is definitely not why people come here. And anyway, after a few in good company, it all becomes so much more palatable... The barstaff however are often a delight and very much an active part of the whole.

The iFox retains semi-legendary status amongst the rawk community but is often completely unknown outside of that, regardless of having been sat in the middle of London for decades. People have literally travelled thousands of miles to go to the iFox. True most of those were on holiday, but if they were metal/gofff/punk fans they KNEW of this place and made a bee-line for it. Girls from Brazil, Guys from Norway. The Intrepid Fox exudes a particular earthy splendour that has attracted its tribe from wherever they be, whomsoever they may be.

Friday and Saturday nights can be severely oversubscribed and, central London or not, it becomes a bit of a regulars-only thing. Though not strictly. But the door-staff used on these occasions have been known to be stupid enough to turn people away if they don't recognise them, or for 'not looking metal enough.' Which would mean I probably wouldn't get in on a Saturday night, regardless of infrequent but joyous attendance for half a decade now. the bar staff may recognise me but the bouncers wouldn't. It's a bit crap that the door policy should be style over content at the weekends. Daytimes mid-week however are less hectic and anyone is welcome. However there is an ironic dress code. No football colours (yay! anti-chav action!) and no ties. Well, not around one's neck anyway.

Named for the 18th century Whig member of Parliament Charles James Fox - a noted defender of liberal values and human rights and wearer of loud, unconventional clothing; a tad before his time - there was a pub of that name standing on the site of 97-99 wardour Street, Soho for over two hundred years. Then overnight, the blight of the post-Thatcher era fell upon this haven of rock history and stately debauchery; the property developers moved in...

Things looked bad. With less than a month's notice, the landlord, staff and regulars and supporters of the iFox were left flustered and angry, but not disheartened. Pat, the landlord wasn't going to let it go completely. The property, the original historic site, may have already been stolen out from under the feet of the cognoscenti in favour of ever-more yuppie flats in the ever-more sanitised and over-priced Soho, but that didn't mean the IDEAL of the iFox had to die as well. Within a few short months Pat and the core staff had acquired the license for the former Conservatory, a physically very different tri-level bar in St Giles High Street, under the shadow of Centre Point. Formerly a LGB bar, the central location and extra space made it ideal to encourage the old crowd back and to indeed bring in more casual trade. The larger size even meant there might be a chance of getting a seat of an evening...

It doesn't look the same from the outside. The old iFox was a definite dark-room pub. This is a glass, glass, and more glass-fronted bar externally (hence the old name). However inside, it's adopted the gravitas, ambience and soul of the original, as the clientele has slid right in, like a well-lubed rat up a drainpipe, with alacrity and eagerness. Bringing along the key decor and furnishings of the original helped; can't live without a ten-legged spider. Fittingly, it also boasts it's very own Hammer-House-Of-Horror church directly opposite; St Giles.

So if you like long hair, death-by-cleavage corsetry and stilettos (and that's just the blokes) accompanied by LOUD rawk music and a happily drunk heaving throng of metalheads and goth girls then look no further than the multi-floored crazed and contused iFox.That rating's two for the booze, five for the atmosphere, clientele.

The Intrepid Fox is a metal, goth, punk (real, not American boy band) and rock pub at the very core of London.

The actual booze on offer in this new locale is, as before in the Soho days, pretty uninspiring. You'd be missing the point though, if it was purely for the quality of alcohol that you were to attend. There is always more to a pub than the booze, and the booze is definitely not why people come here. And anyway, after a few in good company, it all becomes so much more palatable... The barstaff however are often a delight and very much an active part of the whole.

The iFox retains semi-legendary status amongst the rawk community but is often completely unknown outside of that, regardless of having been sat in the middle of London for decades. People have literally travelled thousands of miles to go to the iFox. True most of those were on holiday, but if they were metal/gofff/punk fans they KNEW of this place and made a bee-line for it. Girls from Brazil, Guys from Norway. The Intrepid Fox exudes a particular earthy splendour that has attracted its tribe from wherever they be, whomsoever they may be.

Friday and Saturday nights can be severely oversubscribed and, central London or not, it becomes a bit of a regulars-only thing. Though not strictly. But the door-staff used on these occasions have been known to be stupid enough to turn people away if they don't recognise them, or for 'not looking metal enough.' Which would mean I probably wouldn't get in on a Saturday night, regardless of infrequent but joyous attendance for half a decade now. the bar staff may recognise me but the bouncers wouldn't. It's a bit crap that the door policy should be style over content at the weekends. Daytimes mid-week however are less hectic and anyone is welcome. However there is an ironic dress code. No football colours (yay! anti-chav action!) and no ties. Well, not around one's neck anyway.

Named for the 18th century Whig member of Parliament Charles James Fox - a noted defender of liberal values and human rights and wearer of loud, unconventional clothing; a tad before his time - there was a pub of that name standing on the site of 97-99 wardour Street, Soho for over two hundred years. Then overnight, the blight of the post-Thatcher era fell upon this haven of rock history and stately debauchery; the property developers moved in...

Things looked bad. With less than a month's notice, the landlord, staff and regulars and supporters of the iFox were left flustered and angry, but not disheartened. Pat, the landlord wasn't going to let it go completely. The property, the original historic site, may have already been stolen out from under the feet of the cognoscenti in favour of ever-more yuppie flats in the ever-more sanitised and over-priced Soho, but that didn't mean the IDEAL of the iFox had to die as well. Within a few short months Pat and the core staff had acquired the license for the former Conservatory, a physically very different tri-level bar in St Giles High Street, under the shadow of Centre Point. Formerly a LGB bar, the central location and extra space made it ideal to encourage the old crowd back and to indeed bring in more casual trade. The larger size even meant there might be a chance of getting a seat of an evening...

It doesn't look the same from the outside. The old iFox was a definite dark-room pub. This is a glass, glass, and more glass-fronted bar externally (hence the old name). However inside, it's adopted the gravitas, ambience and soul of the original, as the clientele has slid right in, like a well-lubed rat up a drainpipe, with alacrity and eagerness. Bringing along the key decor and furnishings of the original helped; can't live without a ten-legged spider. Fittingly, it also boasts it's very own Hammer-House-Of-Horror church directly opposite; St Giles.

So if you like long hair, death-by-cleavage corsetry and stilettos (and that's just the blokes) accompanied by LOUD rawk music and a happily drunk heaving throng of metalheads and goth girls then look no further than the multi-floored crazed and contused iFox.

Kennards - Delicious Deli Delights by Litro_K

Litro_K — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:09:33 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7404 4030

Website: http://www.kennardsgoodfoods.com/

Tags: delicatessen, healthy food, rare finds

I poppped in here today during the Lamb's Conduit Street festival and it was absolutely heaving. The deli at the front of the shop is well-stocked with lots of interesting products from around the world, and they have samples of cheeses or olives to try before you buy.

It feels very charming and village-y inside, with products stacked on wooden shelves and dotted around the space, so that you have to forage for them a bit, which I really liked. A tiny cafÃ© at the back serves as a relaxing place to sit and watch the happenings of Lamb's Conduit Street.
I poppped in here today during the Lamb's Conduit Street festival and it was absolutely heaving. The deli at the front of the shop is well-stocked with lots of interesting products from around the world, and they have samples of cheeses or olives to try before you buy.

It feels very charming and village-y inside, with products stacked on wooden shelves and dotted around the space, so that you have to forage for them a bit, which I really liked. A tiny cafÃ© at the back serves as a relaxing place to sit and watch the happenings of Lamb's Conduit Street.

Trattoria Verdi Restaurant - Trattorio Verdi by kiteman

kiteman — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:00:21 +0000

Review by kiteman

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7405 8001

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

Tags: italian, romantic, good value

I saw reviews for this restaurant before we went to London for the weekend but thought it was out of our area, but found it accidentally recognised it and decided to give it a try. It's been there 40 yearsso it must be doing somthing right.

Firsly - the staff - friendly, helpful attentive without sitting on your shoulder (compare to the hotel I stayed at which I shall not name here but I am sure staff were on commission based on number of plates they cleared)

Food -- far more than just pasta and pizza , fish dishes delicious

Prices -- I guess a la carte 10-20% more expensive than Manchester (home for me) but it is our capital city, but 2 course special for under a tenner!!!

Overall -- A long time since I spent a night in London as a tourist, and I was worried about being "ripped off", but at Trattoria Verdi, far from it. Good value, good atmosphere oh and forgot, a pianistI saw reviews for this restaurant before we went to London for the weekend but thought it was out of our area, but found it accidentally recognised it and decided to give it a try. It's been there 40 yearsso it must be doing somthing right.

Firsly - the staff - friendly, helpful attentive without sitting on your shoulder (compare to the hotel I stayed at which I shall not name here but I am sure staff were on commission based on number of plates they cleared)

Food -- far more than just pasta and pizza , fish dishes delicious

Prices -- I guess a la carte 10-20% more expensive than Manchester (home for me) but it is our capital city, but 2 course special for under a tenner!!!

Overall -- A long time since I spent a night in London as a tourist, and I was worried about being "ripped off", but at Trattoria Verdi, far from it. Good value, good atmosphere oh and forgot, a pianist

Hotel Russell - Fine stay but not chic enough by AlexHung

AlexHung — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 22:52:25 +0000

Review by AlexHung

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7837 6470

Website: http://www.principal-hotels.com

Tags: restaurant, air conditioning, safe

Amazing nice bathroom. Can't say the same for the bedroom, unfortunately. The staff were very friendly and helpful though they weren't able to resolve my issue with the heating (the remote control was missing). I had only eaten in the breakfast/dinning room and while the breakfast was good, I won't have paid for it if it weren't company expensed. Room service was fast but not enough choices.

All in all, fine hotel to stay in but the building/decor isn't my style.Amazing nice bathroom. Can't say the same for the bedroom, unfortunately. The staff were very friendly and helpful though they weren't able to resolve my issue with the heating (the remote control was missing). I had only eaten in the breakfast/dinning room and while the breakfast was good, I won't have paid for it if it weren't company expensed. Room service was fast but not enough choices.

All in all, fine hotel to stay in but the building/decor isn't my style.

Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes - Top Drinking Venue by Jim

Jim — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:58:40 +0000

Review by Jim

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7691 2610

Website: http://www.bloomsburybowling.com

Tags: american, restaurant, lively

Bloomsbury Bowl has an excellent range of drinks. Just because the place has a 50's style does not mean they have to extend that to bad American beers and milk shakes. Bloomsbury Lanes in my view is ideal for a night out. Good mix of people and impressive music.Bloomsbury Bowl has an excellent range of drinks. Just because the place has a 50's style does not mean they have to extend that to bad American beers and milk shakes. Bloomsbury Lanes in my view is ideal for a night out. Good mix of people and impressive music.

Cigala - Very Poor by YETE

YETE — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:57:59 +0000

Review by YETE

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7405 1717

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

Tags: spanish, comfortable, relaxed

I am a Spaniard and I am ashamed that this kind of place purports to represent my country's food in London. The ommelete was appaling, these guys do not know what the patatas a lo pobre are (what was all that juicy sauce about?), the jamon de jabugo was so badly cut that it was completeley spoilt (difficult to spoil a product like that but by cutting slices five times as thick as they are meant to be you do mange). The chorizo they sell here is the traditional supermarket processed "chistorra" full of salt, paprika and other spices to hide the taste of bad meat. The rabbit croquetes which were meant to have rabbit inside (it is actually hare that croquetes are made with in real Spain) seemed to be from the supermarkets frozen section. The cheese selection is again the typical supermarket cheap selection. One single positive thing : the olive oil served to dip your bread was very good quality. I do not know who is the chef but it must have learnt to cook Spanish food at some cheap beach resort where this kind of thing is sold to foreigners as Spanish food. Do yourself a favour and dont waste your time and money in places like this. There are too many brilliant places to eat in London as for dedicating your time to one like this one. I am a Spaniard and I am ashamed that this kind of place purports to represent my country's food in London. The ommelete was appaling, these guys do not know what the patatas a lo pobre are (what was all that juicy sauce about?), the jamon de jabugo was so badly cut that it was completeley spoilt (difficult to spoil a product like that but by cutting slices five times as thick as they are meant to be you do mange). The chorizo they sell here is the traditional supermarket processed "chistorra" full of salt, paprika and other spices to hide the taste of bad meat. The rabbit croquetes which were meant to have rabbit inside (it is actually hare that croquetes are made with in real Spain) seemed to be from the supermarkets frozen section. The cheese selection is again the typical supermarket cheap selection. One single positive thing : the olive oil served to dip your bread was very good quality. I do not know who is the chef but it must have learnt to cook Spanish food at some cheap beach resort where this kind of thing is sold to foreigners as Spanish food. Do yourself a favour and dont waste your time and money in places like this. There are too many brilliant places to eat in London as for dedicating your time to one like this one.

Royal Thai Restaurant - Great Thai restaurant by Norm

Norm — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:12:12 +0000

Review by Norm

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7837 7755

Tags: thai, cheap eat, lively

Yeah this place is great - food is really fresh and tasty and good value for moneyYeah this place is great - food is really fresh and tasty and good value for money