Latest reviews in Bond Street, London, United Kingdom

Giraffe - Fun place to eat by RR123

RR123 — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:00:16 +0000

Review by RR123

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7935 2333

Website: http://www.giraffe.net

Tags: international, crowded, good value

Last time I ate at the Marylebone Giraffe restaurant I did wonder quite how they managed to employ quite so many exceedingly lively and happy waiters. It did mean that nothing was too much trouble and they were very polite and helpful, so I guess that isn't something to complain about!

The food was tasty and we went there for dinner before 7pm and so got their Giraffe time menu, which is good value for money. It is quite limited though, so you wouldn't want to go there for that menu to often if you are lookign for variety. The full menu is far more extensive and has a decent mix of dishes.

A pleasant place to eat, but it can get expensive if you don't keep an eye on the prices.Last time I ate at the Marylebone Giraffe restaurant I did wonder quite how they managed to employ quite so many exceedingly lively and happy waiters. It did mean that nothing was too much trouble and they were very polite and helpful, so I guess that isn't something to complain about!

The food was tasty and we went there for dinner before 7pm and so got their Giraffe time menu, which is good value for money. It is quite limited though, so you wouldn't want to go there for that menu to often if you are lookign for variety. The full menu is far more extensive and has a decent mix of dishes.

A pleasant place to eat, but it can get expensive if you don't keep an eye on the prices.

Sakura - The worst dinning experience in my entire life by professionalabc

professionalabc — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:39:23 +0000

Review by professionalabc

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7629 2961

Tags: japanese, crowded, expensive

Sakura Japanese restaurant is the worst japanese restaurant I have ever been in my life. Awful services! I arrived the restaurant in the afternoon. And I and my frd requested another table due to the noisy environment. We sat down, and one of the staff came and requested us to move to another table due to the closure of the particular area. We moved to a 4 person table and the manager came to us, and took our menus away from us very rudely, without saying a word, and forced us to another table which is the original one. We refused and the guy just stared at us very rudely. I can never believe I have ever been to a restaurant like this!Sakura Japanese restaurant is the worst japanese restaurant I have ever been in my life. Awful services! I arrived the restaurant in the afternoon. And I and my frd requested another table due to the noisy environment. We sat down, and one of the staff came and requested us to move to another table due to the closure of the particular area. We moved to a 4 person table and the manager came to us, and took our menus away from us very rudely, without saying a word, and forced us to another table which is the original one. We refused and the guy just stared at us very rudely. I can never believe I have ever been to a restaurant like this!

The Conduit of Tybourne - Triplexing by neelmistry

neelmistry — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:47:20 +0000

Review by neelmistry

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7935 9311

Website: www.theconduit.co.uk

Tags: british, lively, romantic

After its recent refurb, the Conduit has become somewhat of a local for office goers and Marylebonites. nestled behind Wigmore street, the gastro pub, come cocktail bar is a great hang-out with a late license, ideal if you live in Marylebone. The food isn't great, (although I've only eaten there once almost a year ago) but the ambiance, the stylish decor and the friendly staff are worth visiting for. The downstairs cocktail bar is great especially for private parties, or if you're like me, afterwork drinks with the office. Look out for the owner too. Top Geezer and all-round nice guy. Highly recommended.After its recent refurb, the Conduit has become somewhat of a local for office goers and Marylebonites. nestled behind Wigmore street, the gastro pub, come cocktail bar is a great hang-out with a late license, ideal if you live in Marylebone. The food isn't great, (although I've only eaten there once almost a year ago) but the ambiance, the stylish decor and the friendly staff are worth visiting for. The downstairs cocktail bar is great especially for private parties, or if you're like me, afterwork drinks with the office. Look out for the owner too. Top Geezer and all-round nice guy. Highly recommended.

Chungs - Mr Chung - The Chinese James Bond by mitch260488

mitch260488 — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:01:37 +0000

Review by mitch260488

Rating: 5.00Just returned from ANOTHER lovely lunch at Mr Chungs.
The Sweet and Sour was particulary delicious.
The star of the show is Mr Chung!
He said thank you 47 time today, is that a record?

Just returned from ANOTHER lovely lunch at Mr Chungs.
The Sweet and Sour was particulary delicious.
The star of the show is Mr Chung!
He said thank you 47 time today, is that a record?

Atari-Ya - Sublime sushi and sashimi in a central location by Niamheen

Niamheen — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:46:37 +0000

Review by Niamheen

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7491 1178

Tags: lively, central, japanese

When I returned from 10 days in Tokyo last year, I had a bit of a sashimi addiction. I wanted sashimi. I needed it. And I needed it to be every bit as good as that that I had been indulging in in Tokyo.

A tall order you might think, but not for Atari-Ya. They have several locations, but this little outpost off St Christopher's Place delivers. It's tiny with a thriving take away business. You can eat standing at the counter, or if you're lucky, at one of the two small tables to the side of it. Service is quick and very friendly, every inch of the experience is authentically Japanese. It's also very reasonable.I can't resist it and frequently pop in for melt in the mouthy scallop sashimi and hamachi. I recommend that you do too!When I returned from 10 days in Tokyo last year, I had a bit of a sashimi addiction. I wanted sashimi. I needed it. And I needed it to be every bit as good as that that I had been indulging in in Tokyo.

A tall order you might think, but not for Atari-Ya. They have several locations, but this little outpost off St Christopher's Place delivers. It's tiny with a thriving take away business. You can eat standing at the counter, or if you're lucky, at one of the two small tables to the side of it. Service is quick and very friendly, every inch of the experience is authentically Japanese. It's also very reasonable.I can't resist it and frequently pop in for melt in the mouthy scallop sashimi and hamachi. I recommend that you do too!

Delfino - great Pizza in Mayfair by ProfMagellan

ProfMagellan — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 10:48:27 +0000

Review by ProfMagellan

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7499 1256

Tags: italian, pizzeria, crowded

I have always liked Mount Street despite the fact that the most unpleasant person whom I have ever encountered used to have an office there (he has since moved - though not, as I had rather hoped, to HM Prison Wandsworth).
On a drizzly autumn day this place was totally heaving.
Very close to the Connaught Hotel, Delfino is housed in one of those splendid redbrick buildings no doubt owned by his Grace the Duke of Westminster. I am not sure if his Lordship likes pizzas but, if he does, this would be a place he would go. A fabulous selection and, by Mayfair standards, fairly priced (lunch for two plus coffee and mineral water was around Â£30). Most of the other punters seemed to be hedge fund managers in a hurry. So service was spectacularly fast, efficient and very friendly - from the manager's greeting on arrival to the time we left.
Tables are jam packed together; so good for a quick bite
rather than a big occasion. I would advise booking.I have always liked Mount Street despite the fact that the most unpleasant person whom I have ever encountered used to have an office there (he has since moved - though not, as I had rather hoped, to HM Prison Wandsworth).
On a drizzly autumn day this place was totally heaving.
Very close to the Connaught Hotel, Delfino is housed in one of those splendid redbrick buildings no doubt owned by his Grace the Duke of Westminster. I am not sure if his Lordship likes pizzas but, if he does, this would be a place he would go. A fabulous selection and, by Mayfair standards, fairly priced (lunch for two plus coffee and mineral water was around Â£30). Most of the other punters seemed to be hedge fund managers in a hurry. So service was spectacularly fast, efficient and very friendly - from the manager's greeting on arrival to the time we left.
Tables are jam packed together; so good for a quick bite
rather than a big occasion. I would advise booking.

Biggles - Über Sausages by bellaphon

bellaphon — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:02:25 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7224 5937

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

Tags: sausages, sandwich, rare finds

Weather permitting, this is what I suggest for a full blown satisfying lunch without denting the budget. Drag yourself to Biggles, the sausage specialist â¬ÜÃ¼ber allesâ¬", and grab one of their Sausage Torpedo sandwiches at Â£2.50. The quarter pound sausage is indeed huge (for the Imperially challenged itâ¬"s at least 20cm in length) and served simply with a freshly baked baguette. The sausages offered daily are generally restricted to two choices, Bigglesâ¬" hallowed Cumberland and a guest star variety like Toulouse, Boerewors, Cajun, etc. Thereby with the sandwich on tow, now proceed to Paul Rothe & Son the delicatessen on the same road and grab a cup of one of their homemade soups or Cha. The perfect location for this cheap and delicious lunch can be found on a bench just outside the Wallace Collection in Manchester Square. Perfect bliss.

The Bigglesâ¬" sausage sandwich quite simply questions the validity of The Banger Brosâ¬" efforts, in terms of quality, quantity and value.

NB Mr Biggles is not the sort of man who engages in small talk.
Weather permitting, this is what I suggest for a full blown satisfying lunch without denting the budget. Drag yourself to Biggles, the sausage specialist â¬ÜÃ¼ber allesâ¬", and grab one of their Sausage Torpedo sandwiches at Â£2.50. The quarter pound sausage is indeed huge (for the Imperially challenged itâ¬"s at least 20cm in length) and served simply with a freshly baked baguette. The sausages offered daily are generally restricted to two choices, Bigglesâ¬" hallowed Cumberland and a guest star variety like Toulouse, Boerewors, Cajun, etc. Thereby with the sandwich on tow, now proceed to Paul Rothe & Son the delicatessen on the same road and grab a cup of one of their homemade soups or Cha. The perfect location for this cheap and delicious lunch can be found on a bench just outside the Wallace Collection in Manchester Square. Perfect bliss.

The Bigglesâ¬" sausage sandwich quite simply questions the validity of The Banger Brosâ¬" efforts, in terms of quality, quantity and value.

NB Mr Biggles is not the sort of man who engages in small talk.

Umu - Treat Yourself by hollowlegs

hollowlegs — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 22:27:38 +0000

Review by hollowlegs

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7499 8881

Tags: japanese, expensive, sushi

I was treated to dinner at Umu by my wonderful boyfriend and what a treat it was. On approach down a back alley in Mayfair, the facade of the restaurant isn't particularly imposing. I liked the panel which said 'Touch Here' - by placing your hand on it, the entrance door slides open. A bit cool.

On first impressions, the restaurant was very sleek indeed. Dark wooden tables lined the windows and there was a central bar style of seating, with a chef concentrating hard on slicing some fish.

We were talked through the menu by our charming waiter, and a rather hefty menu at that. There was normal a la carte, and then a sashimi and sushi menu, and lastly the Kaiseki menus. Kaiseki is a speciality of Kyoto and is a banquet style of meal. It is said to be an art form that balances the taste, texture, and appearance of food.

We decided to go with a Kaiseki menu. Two seasonal appetisers came cold; delicious. The flavour combinations were very clever indeed. A highlight was slowly cooked eel wrapped in marinated ginger.

Next, the sashimi. Yellowtail, fatty tuna (I dribble at the memory) and sesame crusted mackerel. All super fresh, all delcious. Our waiter told us that the Japanese usually save a piece of fish for the end, whereby they wrap this fish and some grated daikon with the shiso leaf provided, and dunk it in the soy sauce. This we tried; it was interesting. The boyfriend proclaimed it delicious with the fatty tuna, but I found the slightly astringent tang of the leaf overpowered my yellowtail.

Next, a tofu-like (but was actually egg) stuffed with minced prawn in a savoury broth. Great texture and wobble. Here, our menus branched off as one of us had chosen the sushi royte. So while I had cold vegetables such as aubergine, pepper, turnip and okra with two pieces of octopus in a bonito jelly, the boyfriend had 3 pieces of nigiri. This was my least favourite dish of the meal. The flavours of the vegetables were very pure and fresh, balancing the octopus well, but there wasn't a lot to it.

We then had a Shabu Shabu; a box each, complete with stock and a fierce tealight to keep it all cooking. Vegetables such as mushrooms, leeks and cabbage were provided as well as some thinly sliced fish and dipping sauces. All good fun, and the ponzu sauce was a favourite.

The meal was drawing to a close with just a couple of courses left. A rather plain mushroom rice was jazzed up with all sorts of pickled vegetables and a deeply savoury red miso. Dessert was a highlight; plum seed jelly with seasonal fruits. Light and refreshing.

I loved the meal we had here; it's unlike anything I've eaten before, and it was all beautifully presented. The waiting staff were charming and inobtrusive. My only gripe is that they served some (ok, I counted; 3) of the courses while I had popped to the bathroom and so I missed some descriptions. So that's what that 1 remaining star is all about really.
I was treated to dinner at Umu by my wonderful boyfriend and what a treat it was. On approach down a back alley in Mayfair, the facade of the restaurant isn't particularly imposing. I liked the panel which said 'Touch Here' - by placing your hand on it, the entrance door slides open. A bit cool.

On first impressions, the restaurant was very sleek indeed. Dark wooden tables lined the windows and there was a central bar style of seating, with a chef concentrating hard on slicing some fish.

We were talked through the menu by our charming waiter, and a rather hefty menu at that. There was normal a la carte, and then a sashimi and sushi menu, and lastly the Kaiseki menus. Kaiseki is a speciality of Kyoto and is a banquet style of meal. It is said to be an art form that balances the taste, texture, and appearance of food.

We decided to go with a Kaiseki menu. Two seasonal appetisers came cold; delicious. The flavour combinations were very clever indeed. A highlight was slowly cooked eel wrapped in marinated ginger.

Next, the sashimi. Yellowtail, fatty tuna (I dribble at the memory) and sesame crusted mackerel. All super fresh, all delcious. Our waiter told us that the Japanese usually save a piece of fish for the end, whereby they wrap this fish and some grated daikon with the shiso leaf provided, and dunk it in the soy sauce. This we tried; it was interesting. The boyfriend proclaimed it delicious with the fatty tuna, but I found the slightly astringent tang of the leaf overpowered my yellowtail.

Next, a tofu-like (but was actually egg) stuffed with minced prawn in a savoury broth. Great texture and wobble. Here, our menus branched off as one of us had chosen the sushi royte. So while I had cold vegetables such as aubergine, pepper, turnip and okra with two pieces of octopus in a bonito jelly, the boyfriend had 3 pieces of nigiri. This was my least favourite dish of the meal. The flavours of the vegetables were very pure and fresh, balancing the octopus well, but there wasn't a lot to it.

We then had a Shabu Shabu; a box each, complete with stock and a fierce tealight to keep it all cooking. Vegetables such as mushrooms, leeks and cabbage were provided as well as some thinly sliced fish and dipping sauces. All good fun, and the ponzu sauce was a favourite.

The meal was drawing to a close with just a couple of courses left. A rather plain mushroom rice was jazzed up with all sorts of pickled vegetables and a deeply savoury red miso. Dessert was a highlight; plum seed jelly with seasonal fruits. Light and refreshing.

I loved the meal we had here; it's unlike anything I've eaten before, and it was all beautifully presented. The waiting staff were charming and inobtrusive. My only gripe is that they served some (ok, I counted; 3) of the courses while I had popped to the bathroom and so I missed some descriptions. So that's what that 1 remaining star is all about really.

Chungs Chinese - by ceedoubleu

ceedoubleu — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:08:01 +0000

Review by ceedoubleu

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7935 8992

Tags: chinese, vegetarian dishes

Good no frills Cantonese restaurant just a short walk from Oxford Street and St Christophers Place. The food is freshly prepared and comes in generous portions.Good no frills Cantonese restaurant just a short walk from Oxford Street and St Christophers Place. The food is freshly prepared and comes in generous portions.

Pizza Hut - Great for Eat in or Take away by Littlereddress

Littlereddress — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:03:34 +0000

Review by Littlereddress

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7493 6427

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

Tags: good value, family & home feel, cheap eat

Brilliant Pizza Hut located on the Eastern half of Oxford street, so if you're working your way from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road, it's ideally located for a sit down and a good fill!

The food is great value compared with other places around, and there are some great deals at lunch time (unlimited buffets). The staff are the friendliest I have come across in any other Pizza Hut I've been in, and couldn't do enough to help. They even pointed out the special offers I could use to buy what I wanted at a much reduced price.

They also do a great take away service, which has some even better deals. They'll probably offer them to you, but if not, don't be afraid to ask!Brilliant Pizza Hut located on the Eastern half of Oxford street, so if you're working your way from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road, it's ideally located for a sit down and a good fill!

The food is great value compared with other places around, and there are some great deals at lunch time (unlimited buffets). The staff are the friendliest I have come across in any other Pizza Hut I've been in, and couldn't do enough to help. They even pointed out the special offers I could use to buy what I wanted at a much reduced price.

They also do a great take away service, which has some even better deals. They'll probably offer them to you, but if not, don't be afraid to ask!

The Amber Centre - If you like amber, you'll love this place by Natnat

Natnat — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:57:23 +0000

Review by Natnat

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7224 2953

Website: http://ambercentre.com/

This shop has to be seen to be believed. It is literally full of amber in all shades, shapes and sizes, including brooches, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pendants, some set in gold or silver. Some pieces contain fossilised creatures which, depending on your point of view, can either add to the intrigue of the piece or freak you out a little! I wandered in looking for a present for a friend and it took about half an hour to narrow it down to one piece, there were simply so many things to choose from. The man who runs the store was able to offer advice and was extremely helpful, and I came away with a gorgeous pendant. The store is located just off Oxford Street, in St Christopher's Place, a haven of calm away from the busy main street.This shop has to be seen to be believed. It is literally full of amber in all shades, shapes and sizes, including brooches, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pendants, some set in gold or silver. Some pieces contain fossilised creatures which, depending on your point of view, can either add to the intrigue of the piece or freak you out a little! I wandered in looking for a present for a friend and it took about half an hour to narrow it down to one piece, there were simply so many things to choose from. The man who runs the store was able to offer advice and was extremely helpful, and I came away with a gorgeous pendant. The store is located just off Oxford Street, in St Christopher's Place, a haven of calm away from the busy main street.

Wagamama - improvments by eatmeat

eatmeat — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:18:51 +0000

Review by eatmeat

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7409 0111

Website: http://www.wagamama.com

Tags: japanese, cheap eat, lively

Was very quiet the first time I went. Maybe because of this, but the place looked immaculate. From entering, the staff was very attentive and welcoming. The food was delivered very quickly, and was piping hot, I was glad for this as it was such a cold day! Our waiter constantly checked on us, and I also thought the prices were quite reasonable considering the location of the restaurant. I would like to see a little for quality injected in to their restaurants, perhaps then it could be used for the quiet evening meal, currently it seems to be targeting value of money.Was very quiet the first time I went. Maybe because of this, but the place looked immaculate. From entering, the staff was very attentive and welcoming. The food was delivered very quickly, and was piping hot, I was glad for this as it was such a cold day! Our waiter constantly checked on us, and I also thought the prices were quite reasonable considering the location of the restaurant. I would like to see a little for quality injected in to their restaurants, perhaps then it could be used for the quiet evening meal, currently it seems to be targeting value of money.

The Social - Small and skinny by ben1982

ben1982 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:52:27 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7636 4992

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

Tags: friendly, indie, hipster

Despite some good scheduling - exciting dj's, new launches and innovative ideas, including the genuinely funny hip hop karaoke, this bar is small and skinny, meaning wherever you stand, you are invariably in somebody's way. It also pales in comparison with its sister bar in Nottingham. BUT...it definitely makes for a good mid-week venue, the upstairs bar being very homely with cosy booths and wood cabin walls giving a feel-good americana vibe.Despite some good scheduling - exciting dj's, new launches and innovative ideas, including the genuinely funny hip hop karaoke, this bar is small and skinny, meaning wherever you stand, you are invariably in somebody's way. It also pales in comparison with its sister bar in Nottingham. BUT...it definitely makes for a good mid-week venue, the upstairs bar being very homely with cosy booths and wood cabin walls giving a feel-good americana vibe.

The Brass Rail - The Salt Beef Bar - Amongst the best salt beef in London... at a price by foodbymark

foodbymark — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:52:44 +0000

Review by foodbymark

Rating: 4.00

Website: http://www.selfridges.com/index.cfm?page=1186&ArticleID=6256

Tags: expensive, proper food, quick bite

We made a Saturday lunchtime visit to Selfridges for a spot of (luxury) grocery shopping. I'd been to Selfridges many times as my dad used to take me there when I would go for lunch with him when I was kid and he worked in the area and I have since continued to visit these places for over a decade and I've seen the "carvery" change it's location once. It did not turn out to be as busy as we had expected and although an orderly queue had formed when we arrived it was nothing in comparison to the ridiculous queue for Yo Sushi neighbouring it. We were at the Salt Beef counter within 10 minutes and ready to make our orders.

The main menu consists of Salt Beef and Beef Tongue in various bread choices such as traditional rye, bagels, foccaccia buns etc. and my girlfriend and I both chose the 1 whole Salt Beef sandwich on rye with mustard and a pickle. Â£6.95 each plus 50 pence for the pickle. Ouch. A real punch in the stomach and kick in the... But, the salt beef was tremendously good, juicy and succulent and delicious in two slices of fresh, soft and fragrant rye bread accompanied by a monster of a gherkin.

Brick Lane and Brass Rail, although both as brightly lit as each other, that is where the similarity ends. And by comparison they are really chalk and cheese. As far as this review goes, Selfridges beats Brick Lane hands down on taste but you can't beat the value of a bagel filled with salt beef from Brick Lane. And that's where I'm going to cycle to right now.We made a Saturday lunchtime visit to Selfridges for a spot of (luxury) grocery shopping. I'd been to Selfridges many times as my dad used to take me there when I would go for lunch with him when I was kid and he worked in the area and I have since continued to visit these places for over a decade and I've seen the "carvery" change it's location once. It did not turn out to be as busy as we had expected and although an orderly queue had formed when we arrived it was nothing in comparison to the ridiculous queue for Yo Sushi neighbouring it. We were at the Salt Beef counter within 10 minutes and ready to make our orders.

The main menu consists of Salt Beef and Beef Tongue in various bread choices such as traditional rye, bagels, foccaccia buns etc. and my girlfriend and I both chose the 1 whole Salt Beef sandwich on rye with mustard and a pickle. Â£6.95 each plus 50 pence for the pickle. Ouch. A real punch in the stomach and kick in the... But, the salt beef was tremendously good, juicy and succulent and delicious in two slices of fresh, soft and fragrant rye bread accompanied by a monster of a gherkin.

Brick Lane and Brass Rail, although both as brightly lit as each other, that is where the similarity ends. And by comparison they are really chalk and cheese. As far as this review goes, Selfridges beats Brick Lane hands down on taste but you can't beat the value of a bagel filled with salt beef from Brick Lane. And that's where I'm going to cycle to right now.

Rocket - Recommend by fairy600

fairy600 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 17:17:31 +0000

Review by fairy600

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7629 2889

Website: http://www.rocketlondon.com

Tags: posh, lively, crowded

I would highly recommend Rocket for eating in the restaurant rather than a place to go for drinks as it gets very crowded. However, I have only been on a weekend so it will no doubt be quieter in the week. It has a very cosy feel in the restaurant and the food is fantastic. Try the tuna steaks- absolutely fabulous. The prices aren't too bad either. The restaurant is upstairs so you're not distracted/interrupted by the busy/noisy crowds at the bar. The bar becomes very very busy with extremely limited seating. The staff service is very good- extremely polite and very quick service. I will definitely be returning to this fab place in the centre of London.I would highly recommend Rocket for eating in the restaurant rather than a place to go for drinks as it gets very crowded. However, I have only been on a weekend so it will no doubt be quieter in the week. It has a very cosy feel in the restaurant and the food is fantastic. Try the tuna steaks- absolutely fabulous. The prices aren't too bad either. The restaurant is upstairs so you're not distracted/interrupted by the busy/noisy crowds at the bar. The bar becomes very very busy with extremely limited seating. The staff service is very good- extremely polite and very quick service. I will definitely be returning to this fab place in the centre of London.

Square Pie - not to be missed! by marie_sk

marie_sk — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:41:21 +0000

Review by marie_sk

Rating: 5.00

Tags: crowded, top food, good brew

No trip to London is complete for me without a visit to Square Pie at the back of Selfridges.
It has a small take away bar where you can buy hot pies with all the trimmings (mushy peas, mash and gravy). There isn't a very big seating area but it doesn't get as busy as it used to.
They sell hot seasonal pies that you can also buy cold to take home with you. They come in a variety of fillings like steak and kidney, jerk chicken and lamb and rosemary. The pies come served in a big box with a lot of mash if you opt for it.
The prices have gone up over the last year but they are still my favourite thing to eat when visiting london.No trip to London is complete for me without a visit to Square Pie at the back of Selfridges.
It has a small take away bar where you can buy hot pies with all the trimmings (mushy peas, mash and gravy). There isn't a very big seating area but it doesn't get as busy as it used to.
They sell hot seasonal pies that you can also buy cold to take home with you. They come in a variety of fillings like steak and kidney, jerk chicken and lamb and rosemary. The pies come served in a big box with a lot of mash if you opt for it.
The prices have gone up over the last year but they are still my favourite thing to eat when visiting london.

Eat-Thai.net (Chaopraya) - The best Thai restaurant in London by mvk0016

mvk0016 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:34:42 +0000

Review by mvk0016

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7486 0777

Tags: thai, romantic, takeaway

This is my favourite Thai restaurant in London, it combines excellent flavours with personalised service and a great atmosphere (in the alcove tables on the downstairs floor). If you follow the chef's recommendations (marked in the menu) you won't be disappointed and don't forget to try the Thai pancake dessert. The duck with noodles is a surprisingly great rendition of a classic dish which many restaurants fail at, and the traditional tourist dish of Pad thai has gone big here, with huge succulent prawns and an omelette trellis on top. All the dishes are impressive, but what we love most about Chaopraya is that the waiters seems to remember us from previous visits, and always offer us the greatest but most discreet attention (when asked the waitress even taught us how to fold the napkins the way they do in the restaurant).

Highly recommended for great Thai food, although some might find it not 100% authentic it's still very worth the price you pay.This is my favourite Thai restaurant in London, it combines excellent flavours with personalised service and a great atmosphere (in the alcove tables on the downstairs floor). If you follow the chef's recommendations (marked in the menu) you won't be disappointed and don't forget to try the Thai pancake dessert. The duck with noodles is a surprisingly great rendition of a classic dish which many restaurants fail at, and the traditional tourist dish of Pad thai has gone big here, with huge succulent prawns and an omelette trellis on top. All the dishes are impressive, but what we love most about Chaopraya is that the waiters seems to remember us from previous visits, and always offer us the greatest but most discreet attention (when asked the waitress even taught us how to fold the napkins the way they do in the restaurant).

Highly recommended for great Thai food, although some might find it not 100% authentic it's still very worth the price you pay.

The Running Horse - Nice bar, but too busy by carolirish

carolirish — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:25:14 +0000

Review by carolirish

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7493 1275

Tags: food, vegetarian dishes, pool tables

This place is very pleasant when there aren't many people in there, but when you get a few of the after-workers it becomes a little bit of a nightmare - its very difficult to get a seat, or even stand at that point.

Besides that, however, its a very nice trendy-but-warm feeling bar, a good selection of a beers and a friendly atmosphere. I found the staff here to be fairly friendly, and considering some of the other pubs in the area that is a real bonus!

Good food too! :)This place is very pleasant when there aren't many people in there, but when you get a few of the after-workers it becomes a little bit of a nightmare - its very difficult to get a seat, or even stand at that point.

Besides that, however, its a very nice trendy-but-warm feeling bar, a good selection of a beers and a friendly atmosphere. I found the staff here to be fairly friendly, and considering some of the other pubs in the area that is a real bonus!

Good food too! :)

Allen & Co - Best Butcher in London ? by gastro1

gastro1 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:16:45 +0000

Review by gastro1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7499 5831

Tags: rare finds

Along with Lidgate , Harrods Jack O'Shea and The Ginger Pig this is the best Butcher in London.

At any time they have simply the best beef , lamb and pork available mainly from the British Isles. Meats are well hung and cut to your taste.

There is also very good game in season and decent chickens. In terms of the latter I'd like to see some good French Label Rouge as well as top Bresse as they are in a different league.

Provenance is clearly stated in some cases right down to the individual farmer.
Along with Lidgate , Harrods Jack O'Shea and The Ginger Pig this is the best Butcher in London.

At any time they have simply the best beef , lamb and pork available mainly from the British Isles. Meats are well hung and cut to your taste.

There is also very good game in season and decent chickens. In terms of the latter I'd like to see some good French Label Rouge as well as top Bresse as they are in a different league.

Provenance is clearly stated in some cases right down to the individual farmer.

Artisan - Artisan re-opens after soft refurbishment Sept 08 by westbury

westbury — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:50:28 +0000

Review by westbury

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7629 7755

Website: http://www.westburymayfair.com/artisan.html

Tags: expensive, posh, business

Located within The Westbury Hotel on Bond Street, Artisan is the latest creation of designer Alex Kravetz, whose pervious projects include: Badruttâ¬"s Palace Hotel, St Moritz and Associated Newspapers HQ. Crystal chandeliers, parquet flooring, rich oaks and champagne coloured walls create the perfect hue for this art deco restaurant.

The concept of the Artisan restaurant is based on â¬Üexperienceâ¬". The meaning of artisan is â¬Ümade from the handâ¬" with this in mind, the menu, service and ambience has been designed around these words; Artisan and Experience.

The menu is created by Roux Scholar Andrew Jones. With Michelin star experience and instruction from Michel Bras, one of the great talents of world cooking, The Artisan restaurant showcases Jonesâ¬" innovative cuisine in visually warm and quietly sensual surroundings.

On the plate, Andrewâ¬"s ingredients complement each other while maintaining their own identity. Visually, the first impression is that the dishes are highly complex, but on closer inspection the fabric of the dish is there to see and therefore understand. There is a transparency to Andrewâ¬"s work, which comes from his understandable confidence.

Andrew Jones delivers a signature menu, focusing on the best possible ingredients and his unique style of cooking. Start with roasted Dorset diver scallops, garnished with butternut squash and rosehip jelly. Mains include, roast saddle of West Devonshire lamb garnished with plum tomato confied in Vallee des Baux olive oil stuffed with aubergine and basil, balsamic sorrel and basil jus. Finish with deserts such as Heart of Guanaja 80% chocolate fondant with butternut squash and bourbon vanilla ice cream.

The Artisanâ¬"s extensive wine list is a veritable catalogue of the new and old worlds, which will delight any oenophile. Our experienced in-house Sommelier is available to advise on the perfect match for each particular dish.

Artisan at The Westbury hosts an elegant private dining room The Regency, adjacent to the restaurant. Here you can experience the height of Mayfair dining within a sumptuous and warm environment.
Located within The Westbury Hotel on Bond Street, Artisan is the latest creation of designer Alex Kravetz, whose pervious projects include: Badruttâ¬"s Palace Hotel, St Moritz and Associated Newspapers HQ. Crystal chandeliers, parquet flooring, rich oaks and champagne coloured walls create the perfect hue for this art deco restaurant.

The concept of the Artisan restaurant is based on â¬Üexperienceâ¬". The meaning of artisan is â¬Ümade from the handâ¬" with this in mind, the menu, service and ambience has been designed around these words; Artisan and Experience.

The menu is created by Roux Scholar Andrew Jones. With Michelin star experience and instruction from Michel Bras, one of the great talents of world cooking, The Artisan restaurant showcases Jonesâ¬" innovative cuisine in visually warm and quietly sensual surroundings.

On the plate, Andrewâ¬"s ingredients complement each other while maintaining their own identity. Visually, the first impression is that the dishes are highly complex, but on closer inspection the fabric of the dish is there to see and therefore understand. There is a transparency to Andrewâ¬"s work, which comes from his understandable confidence.

Andrew Jones delivers a signature menu, focusing on the best possible ingredients and his unique style of cooking. Start with roasted Dorset diver scallops, garnished with butternut squash and rosehip jelly. Mains include, roast saddle of West Devonshire lamb garnished with plum tomato confied in Vallee des Baux olive oil stuffed with aubergine and basil, balsamic sorrel and basil jus. Finish with deserts such as Heart of Guanaja 80% chocolate fondant with butternut squash and bourbon vanilla ice cream.

The Artisanâ¬"s extensive wine list is a veritable catalogue of the new and old worlds, which will delight any oenophile. Our experienced in-house Sommelier is available to advise on the perfect match for each particular dish.

Artisan at The Westbury hosts an elegant private dining room The Regency, adjacent to the restaurant. Here you can experience the height of Mayfair dining within a sumptuous and warm environment.