Latest reviews in Cambridge Heath, London, United Kingdom

Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes - dirty dive - in a good way by ben1982

ben1982 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:16:37 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7729 4495

Website: http://www.dreambagsjaguarshoes.com

Despite a distinct possibility of contracting hepatitis from just touching the walls, this is a great rowdy hangout before going on somewhere, and if you've lived in the area for any length of time, you are bound to bump into people you know in here - which may be a good or a bad thing...Despite a distinct possibility of contracting hepatitis from just touching the walls, this is a great rowdy hangout before going on somewhere, and if you've lived in the area for any length of time, you are bound to bump into people you know in here - which may be a good or a bad thing...

Walluc - rustic charm by ben1982

ben1982 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:56:05 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7729 6070

Tags: italian, french, romantic

One of my favourite places in the area, this small alpine bar/restaurant is tucked away from the hustle of brick lane - on my first visit, I found the owners hunched over a game of subbuteo in the middle of the bar's single room. Hearty mountain fare including raclette, fondue and cassoulet are served alongside continental beers and cheap wine, while the alpine/continental folk music played adds to a beautifully charismatic atmosphereOne of my favourite places in the area, this small alpine bar/restaurant is tucked away from the hustle of brick lane - on my first visit, I found the owners hunched over a game of subbuteo in the middle of the bar's single room. Hearty mountain fare including raclette, fondue and cassoulet are served alongside continental beers and cheap wine, while the alpine/continental folk music played adds to a beautifully charismatic atmosphere

Sam's Cafe - Great fry up! by tightwad

tightwad — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:04:34 +0000

Review by tightwad

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7729 0246

Tags: cosy, good brew, top food

This is what i like. A huge, and i do mean huge, plate of food at a really cheap price. Thats what you can expect to get at Sam's Cafe. I have been to a fair few cafe's of this nature and have always come out feeling bloated and a little sick because of the fattiness and greasyness of the fry ups. For the first time, i don't feel like that with Sam's cafe. Although the food is fried and griddled, some how they manage to remove the greasyness of it. Now i only feel bloated and sick because of the quantity of delicious food i eat! Their coffee is also good for a cafe (but obviously not as good as a coffee shop!)This is what i like. A huge, and i do mean huge, plate of food at a really cheap price. Thats what you can expect to get at Sam's Cafe. I have been to a fair few cafe's of this nature and have always come out feeling bloated and a little sick because of the fattiness and greasyness of the fry ups. For the first time, i don't feel like that with Sam's cafe. Although the food is fried and griddled, some how they manage to remove the greasyness of it. Now i only feel bloated and sick because of the quantity of delicious food i eat! Their coffee is also good for a cafe (but obviously not as good as a coffee shop!)

Viet Grill - yummy by annabanana

annabanana — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:40:08 +0000

Review by annabanana

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7739 6686

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

Tags: vietnamese, good value, lively

have to try if you're ever in Shoreditch...the food is absolutely delicious, big portions and seriously since last night I've become a big fun of vietnamese cuisine...try the "imperial" spring rolls-never thought spring rolls could taste so good-excellent service and very clean-cut design-just what you need if you are in the mood for sthg simpls, cheap (from 6-12 pounds) and reeaaally tasty..have to try if you're ever in Shoreditch...the food is absolutely delicious, big portions and seriously since last night I've become a big fun of vietnamese cuisine...try the "imperial" spring rolls-never thought spring rolls could taste so good-excellent service and very clean-cut design-just what you need if you are in the mood for sthg simpls, cheap (from 6-12 pounds) and reeaaally tasty..

Gourmet San - Fierce crabs by barbd

barbd — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:13:03 +0000

Review by barbd

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7613 1366

Tags: chinese, lively, takeaway

Went to this restaurant after a recent press review, and I was knocked out by the chili salty crabs...hugely addictive and not a little feisty. Lots to eat as well so you'll leave feeling happy. I did...Went to this restaurant after a recent press review, and I was knocked out by the chili salty crabs...hugely addictive and not a little feisty. Lots to eat as well so you'll leave feeling happy. I did...

The Thai Garden - tasty, but bad service by richfair

richfair — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:37:39 +0000

Review by richfair

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8981 5748

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

Tags: thai, vegetarian, vegetarian dishes

I like Thai Garden, but I don't love it. The food is pretty average compared to other Thai restaurants in London, but it does offer many more vegetarian choices than your average restaurant. The food I've had there has been pretty good, but again, I've had better. The service, however, leaves a lot to be desired. Every time I've been there you basically have to walk over and ask for things yourself to where they are all lounging around by the bar. One time a group of very drunk and obnoxious people came it and disturbed the whole restaurant-- it's quite small-- and the staff did nothing.I like Thai Garden, but I don't love it. The food is pretty average compared to other Thai restaurants in London, but it does offer many more vegetarian choices than your average restaurant. The food I've had there has been pretty good, but again, I've had better. The service, however, leaves a lot to be desired. Every time I've been there you basically have to walk over and ask for things yourself to where they are all lounging around by the bar. One time a group of very drunk and obnoxious people came it and disturbed the whole restaurant-- it's quite small-- and the staff did nothing.

Lee Hurst's Backyard Comedy Club - by joslyoung

joslyoung — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:29:03 +0000

Review by joslyoung

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7739 3122

Website: http://www.backyardcomedyclub.moonfruit.com

Tags: friendly, dining / food served, reasonably priced

Still going, still great. Comedy isn't quite the rock and roll option it was a few years back, and some of the stalwarts like this are the better for it. The punters are lively but not hostile, the bar is not overly priced and all in all you don't get much of a better night out for the money. Really recommend.Still going, still great. Comedy isn't quite the rock and roll option it was a few years back, and some of the stalwarts like this are the better for it. The punters are lively but not hostile, the bar is not overly priced and all in all you don't get much of a better night out for the money. Really recommend.

Hulya's Cafe - quality cafe by mark22

mark22 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:19:49 +0000

Review by mark22

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7729 4149

Tags: cosy, lively, cultured

best sunday roast dinner's and daily specialsbest sunday roast dinner's and daily specials

Tas Firin - by elizaflan

elizaflan — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:34:13 +0000

Review by elizaflan

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7729 6446

Tags: turkish, lively, crowded

my favourite local which blows the late night kebab out of the water.
eat in or takeaway, but make sure you order the rice, which are the plumpest little grains in the worldmy favourite local which blows the late night kebab out of the water.
eat in or takeaway, but make sure you order the rice, which are the plumpest little grains in the world

The Premises - Top Notch (except one member of staff!) by expired2008

expired2008 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:18:24 +0000

Review by expired2008

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7684 2230

Tags: cosy, terrace, cultured

I love 'The Premises', for me its worth the travelling time for such fabulous food and coffee.

I very nearly scored this as four stars though, as already noted the service with one of the staff can be hit and miss! I've been served by them a few times, sometimes ok, sometimes you are left feeling as though you are beneath them in the order of life. You know who you are! No tip for you.

The food and the coffee is wonderful, there is a huge range to choose from and being a bit piggy, i've tried most. There is nothing here i don't like!I love 'The Premises', for me its worth the travelling time for such fabulous food and coffee.

I very nearly scored this as four stars though, as already noted the service with one of the staff can be hit and miss! I've been served by them a few times, sometimes ok, sometimes you are left feeling as though you are beneath them in the order of life. You know who you are! No tip for you.

The food and the coffee is wonderful, there is a huge range to choose from and being a bit piggy, i've tried most. There is nothing here i don't like!

The Royal Oak - Not too impressed by fairy600

fairy600 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:07:49 +0000

Review by fairy600

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7729 2220

Tags: independent pub, trendy, excellent pub food

I have been to this pub a couple of times on a Sunday when the Columbia Flower Road Market is on and it is sooooo busy. Extremely hard to find a table and once you've found that you need to get teh chairs! Quite a stressful event. I havent found the staff to be that friendly which certainly didn't help. The food was good - especially the roasts and the portion sizes are very generous. Once we'd finished our meal we were surrounded by eager lunch goers looking to grab our table. Slightly annoying when you are trying to relax and finish your drink. Therefore, if you are after a relaxed quiet lunch this is not really the place to go. I haven't been on a week day so it could be very different.I have been to this pub a couple of times on a Sunday when the Columbia Flower Road Market is on and it is sooooo busy. Extremely hard to find a table and once you've found that you need to get teh chairs! Quite a stressful event. I havent found the staff to be that friendly which certainly didn't help. The food was good - especially the roasts and the portion sizes are very generous. Once we'd finished our meal we were surrounded by eager lunch goers looking to grab our table. Slightly annoying when you are trying to relax and finish your drink. Therefore, if you are after a relaxed quiet lunch this is not really the place to go. I haven't been on a week day so it could be very different.

The Misty Moon - Thai and English Food by stitch

stitch — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:53:51 +0000

Review by stitch

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7613 4263

Tags: relaxed, mature

The Misty Moon is a traditional east End pub, popular with locals and visitors alike.

The staff are friendly and welcoming, often engaging in conversation with locals and customers.

The menu is a mix of Thai and English, with excellent curries and incredible Chips.

The drinks are pricey, as expected in London, with a pint of Coke setting you back Â£2.70, which is rather high.

The Misty Moon has a pub garden which is perfect for those wishing to eat outside or to smoke.

The toilets are cleaned frequently and are modern.

Overall, the price of drinks lets the Misty Moon down, however the staff are friendly.

The Misty Moon is a traditional east End pub, popular with locals and visitors alike.

The staff are friendly and welcoming, often engaging in conversation with locals and customers.

The menu is a mix of Thai and English, with excellent curries and incredible Chips.

The drinks are pricey, as expected in London, with a pint of Coke setting you back Â£2.70, which is rather high.

The Misty Moon has a pub garden which is perfect for those wishing to eat outside or to smoke.

The toilets are cleaned frequently and are modern.

Overall, the price of drinks lets the Misty Moon down, however the staff are friendly.

Starlight Cafe - number 1 by ugur

ugur — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:18:48 +0000

Review by ugur

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8983 3774

Tags: cosy, amazing brew, takeaway

the service i had once i got into the cafe was brilliant the food the drinks was the best i had in east london the cooking is just how you like it and the staff make you feel at home i recommended to anyone one whos around the areathe service i had once i got into the cafe was brilliant the food the drinks was the best i had in east london the cooking is just how you like it and the staff make you feel at home i recommended to anyone one whos around the area

The Camel - Relaxed Atmosphere by gregwo

gregwo — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:10:58 +0000

Review by gregwo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8983 9888

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

My favourite thing about The Camel is the relaxed, chilled atmosphere. It's a small pub that rarely gets too busy and no one seems in that much of a hurry. It's low-key charm makes it a great place to go for lovely chats over drinks or to wind down after a tough day. It also has a great community feel to it-- there are board games and a book trade in the corner. There is some outdoor seating for when the weather's nice and the staff is always friendly and up for a little chat-- a welcome change from most pubs in London.

There is always a decent selection of drinks at reasonable prices and the food and bar snacks are excellent as well.My favourite thing about The Camel is the relaxed, chilled atmosphere. It's a small pub that rarely gets too busy and no one seems in that much of a hurry. It's low-key charm makes it a great place to go for lovely chats over drinks or to wind down after a tough day. It also has a great community feel to it-- there are board games and a book trade in the corner. There is some outdoor seating for when the weather's nice and the staff is always friendly and up for a little chat-- a welcome change from most pubs in London.

There is always a decent selection of drinks at reasonable prices and the food and bar snacks are excellent as well.

Stringray Globe Cafe - Great pizza, great prices! by gregwo

gregwo — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:54:38 +0000

Review by gregwo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7613 1141

Tags: italian, pizzeria, lively

Stringray's has a great selection of food, especially pizzas, for very reasonable prices. The ambience is very nice and laid back and it's especially pleasant to go on a Sunday afternoon after going to the Columbia Road flower market (though you may have to wait as so many people have the same idea!).

I've been there several times for friend's birthdays and they seem to be very accommodating for large groups and bookings. They also have some outdoor seating, which is lovely in the summer but be careful about chancing it when it might rain as it's not covered and they're not very accommodating if you have to move inside. My one complaint about Stringray's is the staff. Every time I have been they have been unfriendly and unhelpful across the board, but if you can take that, it's great food, great prices and a great atmosphere!Stringray's has a great selection of food, especially pizzas, for very reasonable prices. The ambience is very nice and laid back and it's especially pleasant to go on a Sunday afternoon after going to the Columbia Road flower market (though you may have to wait as so many people have the same idea!).

I've been there several times for friend's birthdays and they seem to be very accommodating for large groups and bookings. They also have some outdoor seating, which is lovely in the summer but be careful about chancing it when it might rain as it's not covered and they're not very accommodating if you have to move inside. My one complaint about Stringray's is the staff. Every time I have been they have been unfriendly and unhelpful across the board, but if you can take that, it's great food, great prices and a great atmosphere!

Tay Do - Excellent! by MGEEK

MGEEK — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:24:46 +0000

Review by MGEEK

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7739 0966

Tags: vietnamese, lively, crowded

I really can't fault this place. I've been here many times- first for my girlfriends birthday, when there was a big crowd of us- Maybe fifteen or twenty. The thing that sealed it for me was that when the bill came, it was about Â£150- and we'd all eaten VERY well.

They allow you to bring your own booze, which is handy, as it always annoys me when a restaurant is cheap, but sells tiny bottles of beer for something approaching four quid.

The food is good, quick and fresh tasting. Lots of choice. Personally I'd avoid the frogslegs, but that's mostly because a/frogs are cute, and b/they taste just like bland chicken ;)

They also do a lunch menu, which is excellent value. Â£4.20 last time I went in there- for a starter and a main. You can't really go wrong- that's not much more than a poncy sandwich.

If I worked near there, I'd have a loyalty card!I really can't fault this place. I've been here many times- first for my girlfriends birthday, when there was a big crowd of us- Maybe fifteen or twenty. The thing that sealed it for me was that when the bill came, it was about Â£150- and we'd all eaten VERY well.

They allow you to bring your own booze, which is handy, as it always annoys me when a restaurant is cheap, but sells tiny bottles of beer for something approaching four quid.

The food is good, quick and fresh tasting. Lots of choice. Personally I'd avoid the frogslegs, but that's mostly because a/frogs are cute, and b/they taste just like bland chicken ;)

They also do a lunch menu, which is excellent value. Â£4.20 last time I went in there- for a starter and a main. You can't really go wrong- that's not much more than a poncy sandwich.

If I worked near there, I'd have a loyalty card!

Laxeiro Tapas Bar - Boistrous and brilliant by chrisp

chrisp — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:00:54 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7729 1147

Tags: spanish, lively, good value

You can do all the research in the world, scour every website, read every blog, but very often there's nothing better than a spot of hands-on local knowledge to point you in the direction of a good meal. A friend of mine who's recently moved to a pretty little spot just off Columbia Road in Hackney had been raving about a Tapas restaurant called Laxeiro he'd had the good fortune to stumble across, and so on Saturday night we duly trotted off there to see if it could deliver a second time.

It's a pretty small room and it didn't take very many people to become crowded and boistrous, so the noise levels at first seemed excessive. However once we'd settled into our couple of bottles of Spanish Viognier I imagine we were giving as good as anyone. Only the wine list was printed; the food menu was on a chalkboard near the door which I would hope demonstrates a use of fresh and changing ingredients - only repeat visits will tell, I suppose.

Given that there were six of us and I think I speak for everyone when I say that we would have all happily eaten everything on the menu, we managed to get through about half - about fourteen(!) or so dishes. I'm not going to attempt to list in detail everything we scoffed, but particular highlights included lovely fresh BBQ sardines, salty Pimientos de Padron, a superb dish of moist, fatty suckling pig and a smooth and light Crema Catalana. Dishes which didn't work so well were some rather dry cubes of deep-fried chicken in breadcrumbs, some greasy and bland Patatas Bravas and a plate of Chorizo in Red Wine sauce which was not bad by most standards but suffered badly in comparison with a truly delicious dish I'd had at CafÃ© Kick in Exmouth Market last week.

Charming Spanish waitresses never got flustered despite our increasingly drunken demands, and the evening passed in a happy, noisy blur. We did of course manage to spend far more than we'd intended - tapas dishes have that particular psychological disadvantage of making you seem like you're ordering carefully then before you know it you've eaten half your bodyweight in Albondigas and spent Â£50 each. But what the hell - Laxeiro turned out to be a quite excellent little local restaurant, and I can't wait to go back.You can do all the research in the world, scour every website, read every blog, but very often there's nothing better than a spot of hands-on local knowledge to point you in the direction of a good meal. A friend of mine who's recently moved to a pretty little spot just off Columbia Road in Hackney had been raving about a Tapas restaurant called Laxeiro he'd had the good fortune to stumble across, and so on Saturday night we duly trotted off there to see if it could deliver a second time.

It's a pretty small room and it didn't take very many people to become crowded and boistrous, so the noise levels at first seemed excessive. However once we'd settled into our couple of bottles of Spanish Viognier I imagine we were giving as good as anyone. Only the wine list was printed; the food menu was on a chalkboard near the door which I would hope demonstrates a use of fresh and changing ingredients - only repeat visits will tell, I suppose.

Given that there were six of us and I think I speak for everyone when I say that we would have all happily eaten everything on the menu, we managed to get through about half - about fourteen(!) or so dishes. I'm not going to attempt to list in detail everything we scoffed, but particular highlights included lovely fresh BBQ sardines, salty Pimientos de Padron, a superb dish of moist, fatty suckling pig and a smooth and light Crema Catalana. Dishes which didn't work so well were some rather dry cubes of deep-fried chicken in breadcrumbs, some greasy and bland Patatas Bravas and a plate of Chorizo in Red Wine sauce which was not bad by most standards but suffered badly in comparison with a truly delicious dish I'd had at CafÃ© Kick in Exmouth Market last week.

Charming Spanish waitresses never got flustered despite our increasingly drunken demands, and the evening passed in a happy, noisy blur. We did of course manage to spend far more than we'd intended - tapas dishes have that particular psychological disadvantage of making you seem like you're ordering carefully then before you know it you've eaten half your bodyweight in Albondigas and spent Â£50 each. But what the hell - Laxeiro turned out to be a quite excellent little local restaurant, and I can't wait to go back.

The Grocery - UBER BREAKFASTS IN THE CAFE by LOVEANDKATE

LOVEANDKATE — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 21:16:51 +0000

Review by LOVEANDKATE

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7729 6855

Website: http://www.thegroceryshop.co.uk/home.html

Tags: mediterranean, rare finds, delicatessen

I've never actually shopped for produce here but i do like the cafe at the back of the shop.

the menu is basic but you can feel the love. Its set out like you'd want a kitchen of your own to be, big wooden tables, papers and dim lighting.

One of the reasons this place gets mega brownie points is that they have a self service jug of tap water near the paper rack. [WHY do other places not follow suit. I'm always thirsty when i enter a place and the waitress never brings water over fast enough and always tries to get you to buy bottled!!!]

The breakfast here is amazing, everything is grilled including the thick doorstep toast. and poached eggs were cooked perfectly.

teas, coffes and cakes are also ace.

had a bit of attitude with the uber wanna be stereotypically shoreditch student waitress but hey, what did i expect in that neighbourhood??

I definitely go in everytime i pass and try to combine being hungry so I can indulge.

lovely girl behind till in the shop also will let you use the toilet without buying anything- BONUS!!!I've never actually shopped for produce here but i do like the cafe at the back of the shop.

the menu is basic but you can feel the love. Its set out like you'd want a kitchen of your own to be, big wooden tables, papers and dim lighting.

One of the reasons this place gets mega brownie points is that they have a self service jug of tap water near the paper rack. [WHY do other places not follow suit. I'm always thirsty when i enter a place and the waitress never brings water over fast enough and always tries to get you to buy bottled!!!]

The breakfast here is amazing, everything is grilled including the thick doorstep toast. and poached eggs were cooked perfectly.

teas, coffes and cakes are also ace.

had a bit of attitude with the uber wanna be stereotypically shoreditch student waitress but hey, what did i expect in that neighbourhood??

I definitely go in everytime i pass and try to combine being hungry so I can indulge.

lovely girl behind till in the shop also will let you use the toilet without buying anything- BONUS!!!

Maida Restaurant - Overrated by t_moussa

t_moussa — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:32:13 +0000

Review by t_moussa

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7739 2645

Website: http://www.maida-restaurant.co.uk

Tags: indian, chinese, romantic

Since this restaurant opened I had heard good things about it and thought it was time to try it out. I went on a Friday around 6pm, and there was no need to book as it was empty. My partner ordered the strawberry milkshake which was rather good, however my chocolate milkshake atrocious. It tasted like a homemade nesquick milkshake, with chocolate powder and milk mixed together. For the price I paid and for how long it took to arrive I expected more! The quality of food was poor. Despite being the only customers in the restaurant, our food took 45mins to arrive, and we only ordered two mains. My chicken korma was unrecognisable - floating in oil and the chicken pieces covered in fat. The tandoori chicken was pink and undercooked, and both dishes lacked flavour. Maybe they have changed chefs recently but the food here is not worth the money, you're paying for the fancy and pretentious decor.Since this restaurant opened I had heard good things about it and thought it was time to try it out. I went on a Friday around 6pm, and there was no need to book as it was empty. My partner ordered the strawberry milkshake which was rather good, however my chocolate milkshake atrocious. It tasted like a homemade nesquick milkshake, with chocolate powder and milk mixed together. For the price I paid and for how long it took to arrive I expected more! The quality of food was poor. Despite being the only customers in the restaurant, our food took 45mins to arrive, and we only ordered two mains. My chicken korma was unrecognisable - floating in oil and the chicken pieces covered in fat. The tandoori chicken was pink and undercooked, and both dishes lacked flavour. Maybe they have changed chefs recently but the food here is not worth the money, you're paying for the fancy and pretentious decor.

Catch 22 - Catch of the day by DerekJemimahson

DerekJemimahson — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:17:38 +0000

Review by DerekJemimahson

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7729 6097

Website: http://www.thecatchbar.com/

Tags: live music, relaxed, cool

Catch 22 is a bar in London's trendy Shoreditch. Its decor is dark but the atmosphere is a spectrum of glee, with it's excited patrons dancing and drinking to great music in this modest sized venue. Upstairs there's a small stage; bands play here on certain nights (itâ¬"s home to the legendary new bands showcase â¬ÜHeadphones Offâ¬"). At the weekend, this place is mainly used for dancing. Downstairs is busier but also had a dance floor at the back. Service is good, if a little slow when its busy, but it's definitely a good place to spend a night. Catch 22 is well worth a visit.Catch 22 is a bar in London's trendy Shoreditch. Its decor is dark but the atmosphere is a spectrum of glee, with it's excited patrons dancing and drinking to great music in this modest sized venue. Upstairs there's a small stage; bands play here on certain nights (itâ¬"s home to the legendary new bands showcase â¬ÜHeadphones Offâ¬"). At the weekend, this place is mainly used for dancing. Downstairs is busier but also had a dance floor at the back. Service is good, if a little slow when its busy, but it's definitely a good place to spend a night. Catch 22 is well worth a visit.