<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss/">
  <channel>
    <title>Latest reviews in Crouch End, London, United Kingdom</title>
    <link>http://trustedplaces.com</link>
    <description></description>
    <language>en</language>
    <item>
      <title>Honeycomb - Top Coffee by johnny2323</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1f71l6x/honeycomb/117od8</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/ldc_1f71l6x.140.jpg" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/img/empty_user.gif" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/johnny2323">johnny2323</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 4.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 8342 8940</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=quick bite'>quick bite</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=good brew'>good brew</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=cosy'>cosy</a></p>Crouch End has a Starbucks and A Costa but the best coffee and best atmosphere - not to mention the best smells - are to be found at Honeycomb. They do lovely cakes here - the danish pastries and pain au chocalat are amazing and if you have a little one with you they do miniature 50p versions. The sandwiches are good here and what I especially like is the brown, granary style baquette - you don&#39;t see them too many places. But mainly I go here cos it&#39;s just a really pleasant, unfussy, good value place to go - and you can nearly always get a table. I love it.Crouch End has a Starbucks and A Costa but the best coffee and best atmosphere - not to mention the best smells - are to be found at Honeycomb. They do lovely cakes here - the danish pastries and pain au chocalat are amazing and if you have a little one with you they do miniature 50p versions. The sandwiches are good here and what I especially like is the brown, granary style baquette - you don&#39;t see them too many places. But mainly I go here cos it&#39;s just a really pleasant, unfussy, good value place to go - and you can nearly always get a table. I love it.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:17:51 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/cafe/1f71l6x/honeycomb/117od8644366707</guid>
      <dc:creator>johnny2323</dc:creator>
      <category>quick bite</category>
      <category>good brew</category>
      <category>cosy</category>
      <georss:point>51.580301586076 -0.12375457429113</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Pizza Bella - Brilliant for kids by johnny2323</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e9137c/pizza-bella/118oc8</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/ldc_1e9137c.140.jpg" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/img/empty_user.gif" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/johnny2323">johnny2323</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 4.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 8342 8541</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=italian'>italian</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=good value'>good value</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=family & home feel'>family & home feel</a></p>I&#39;ve been going to Pizza Bella for about 20 years. First with friends and now with my kids. It may not be the best or trendiest pizza restaurant around but for my money it is certainly the friendliest. The waiters here are fantastic - especially with children. Once when I went there they overheard me and my wife wishing our daughter a happy birthday and at the end of the meal (without us requesting it) brought us a huge ice cream desert full of sparklers. It&#39;s thoughtfulness like that that keeps us coming back.<br />They do great beer here - Moretti I think it&#39;s called - and some interesting pizzas.<br />I&#39;d come here even if I lived the other side of London. Fortunately it&#39;s just down the street.I&#39;ve been going to Pizza Bella for about 20 years. First with friends and now with my kids. It may not be the best or trendiest pizza restaurant around but for my money it is certainly the friendliest. The waiters here are fantastic - especially with children. Once when I went there they overheard me and my wife wishing our daughter a happy birthday and at the end of the meal (without us requesting it) brought us a huge ice cream desert full of sparklers. It&#39;s thoughtfulness like that that keeps us coming back.<br />They do great beer here - Moretti I think it&#39;s called - and some interesting pizzas.<br />I&#39;d come here even if I lived the other side of London. Fortunately it&#39;s just down the street.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:11:54 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e9137c/pizza-bella/118oc81408385018</guid>
      <dc:creator>johnny2323</dc:creator>
      <category>italian</category>
      <category>good value</category>
      <category>family &amp;amp; home feel</category>
      <georss:point>51.580324641944 -0.12519698357702</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Italian Food Hall - Fabulous food- stunted service by kittihawk</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/food/1a0398b/italian-food-hall/149nd6</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/ldc_1a0398b.140.jpg" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/img/empty_user.gif" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/kittihawk">kittihawk</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 4.00<p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=quick bite'>quick bite</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=good brew'>good brew</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=crowded'>crowded</a></p>I have to say that I agree with most the comments on the page about the service. However, I went with my boyfriend and even the most simple savoury dish (pasta with a home made pesto) was pant-wettingly good (very flavourful). We went back and had it again a couple of weeks later. The desserts seemed to be a bit of an afterthough- the tiramisu was a bit stale.I have to say that I agree with most the comments on the page about the service. However, I went with my boyfriend and even the most simple savoury dish (pasta with a home made pesto) was pant-wettingly good (very flavourful). We went back and had it again a couple of weeks later. The desserts seemed to be a bit of an afterthough- the tiramisu was a bit stale.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Sep 2008 19:06:26 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/food/1a0398b/italian-food-hall/149nd6108414361</guid>
      <dc:creator>kittihawk</dc:creator>
      <category>quick bite</category>
      <category>good brew</category>
      <category>crowded</category>
      <georss:point>51.578938 -0.123832</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Le Bistro - a hidden gem by jackmale86</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/186mo7/le-bistro/1w5lx8</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/ldc_186mo7.140.jpg" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/userpics/jackmale86_b9dbacc1.120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/jackmale86">jackmale86</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 5.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 8340 2116</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=french'>french</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=good value'>good value</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=romantic'>romantic</a></p>I had never heard of this place on the forums and review sites i visit. Its near a friends house and he dragged me there one night. I&#39; so glad he did, i had a fantastic evening&#33; You have quite a wide choice of food, not so much for the vegetarians among us, but still plenty of choice. The dishes we had were really well cooked and presented beautifully too - something i didn&#39;t expect. The service was also spot on - not too in your face and not totally absent either&#33; Price wise its a fantastically cheap place to eat at, so you find yourself eating too much&#33; I will definately go again&#33;I had never heard of this place on the forums and review sites i visit. Its near a friends house and he dragged me there one night. I&#39; so glad he did, i had a fantastic evening&#33; You have quite a wide choice of food, not so much for the vegetarians among us, but still plenty of choice. The dishes we had were really well cooked and presented beautifully too - something i didn&#39;t expect. The service was also spot on - not too in your face and not totally absent either&#33; Price wise its a fantastically cheap place to eat at, so you find yourself eating too much&#33; I will definately go again&#33;]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:20:31 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/restaurant/186mo7/le-bistro/1w5lx81506806111</guid>
      <dc:creator>jackmale86</dc:creator>
      <category>french</category>
      <category>good value</category>
      <category>romantic</category>
      <georss:point>51.586546097205 -0.12061017656225</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>All Bar One - Nice bar by kad</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1p9176v/all-bar-one/1y1ck7</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/img/empty_place.gif" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/img/empty_user.gif" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/kad">kad</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 5.00<p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=friendly'>friendly</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=cool & smart'>cool & smart</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=trendy'>trendy</a></p>Put simply, great place to come at lunch time or after work. Always a good atmosphere, food is reasonably priced and are drinks. Staff friendly and I like the decor - ball stools at small tables, but there are sofas too for those who just want to chill out.Put simply, great place to come at lunch time or after work. Always a good atmosphere, food is reasonably priced and are drinks. Staff friendly and I like the decor - ball stools at small tables, but there are sofas too for those who just want to chill out.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:44:38 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1p9176v/all-bar-one/1y1ck7598766962</guid>
      <dc:creator>kad</dc:creator>
      <category>friendly</category>
      <category>cool &amp;amp; smart</category>
      <category>trendy</category>
      <georss:point>51.577605575273 -0.12386562560906</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Great Northern Railway Tavern - thai pub! by kathlane</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1r9e37/the-great-northern-railway-tavern/1v9gl7</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/ldc_1r9e37.140.jpg" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/img/empty_user.gif" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/kathlane">kathlane</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 4.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 8340 4724</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=food'>food</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=pool tables'>pool tables</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=thai'>thai</a></p>the great northern railway Tavern is a very quaint smalold traditional english pub, it looks lovely from the outside with large old fashioned windows and smooth stone walls. This is an old beer and ale bar and they serve every of beer kind imagineable. Its nice inside with old wooden floors, high wooded bar stools (all of which wobble a bit) and lots of wooden tables. It isn&#0226;&#0172;"t a plush bar or that comfy but it really is as it would have been years ago which is what makes it so charming. There are goremet beers (bottled) from all around the world and people come here for oriential food too which makes it a strange but really good mix. There isn&#0226;&#0172;"t another pub like this in london, thai food in a pub, classic, its one of my favourites.the great northern railway Tavern is a very quaint smalold traditional english pub, it looks lovely from the outside with large old fashioned windows and smooth stone walls. This is an old beer and ale bar and they serve every of beer kind imagineable. Its nice inside with old wooden floors, high wooded bar stools (all of which wobble a bit) and lots of wooden tables. It isn&#0226;&#0172;"t a plush bar or that comfy but it really is as it would have been years ago which is what makes it so charming. There are goremet beers (bottled) from all around the world and people come here for oriential food too which makes it a strange but really good mix. There isn&#0226;&#0172;"t another pub like this in london, thai food in a pub, classic, its one of my favourites.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:23:46 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1r9e37/the-great-northern-railway-tavern/1v9gl71316115245</guid>
      <dc:creator>kathlane</dc:creator>
      <category>food</category>
      <category>pool tables</category>
      <category>thai</category>
      <georss:point>51.587398516976 -0.11768782539537</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Lupa - an optimistic review by abcjess</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/takeaway/1d32y88/lupa/1l5go8</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/ldc_1d32y88.140.jpg" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/userpics/abcjess_6ba544ff.120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/abcjess">abcjess</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 3.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 8348 8888</p><p><b>Website:</b> http://www.lupa.co.uk</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=mediterranean'>mediterranean</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=seating area'>seating area</a></p>I ordered from a friends house on crouch hill and received an acceptable service. They already had our address stored in their contact directory making our telephone call short, sweet and prompt. We were then told it would take 1 hour to arrive but my friend had said that they&#0226;&#0172;"ve taken to saying they&#0226;&#0172;"ll take longer than they will. Food arrived about 30 minutes later, hot.<br /><br />The pizza does have a very chewy and thick crust but its edible. The clumps of caramelised onions can become quite sickening so be sure you spread them around before taking a bite of anything which includes them. <br /><br />My only peeve was that the pizza was not pre-cut. Now leaving it completely whole would have been fine but they decided to make little marks in the thick crust and another small indentation further inside to which you must tear out your slices &#0226;&#0172; a bit like perforated paper. And the perforations were oddly spaced resulting in uneven slices.<br /><br />But this is real pizza, very authentic and extremely enjoyable with interesting toppings and rustic dough. I recommend the garlic bread with mozzarella and caramelised onions or anything with Italian sausage&#33; <br />I ordered from a friends house on crouch hill and received an acceptable service. They already had our address stored in their contact directory making our telephone call short, sweet and prompt. We were then told it would take 1 hour to arrive but my friend had said that they&#0226;&#0172;"ve taken to saying they&#0226;&#0172;"ll take longer than they will. Food arrived about 30 minutes later, hot.<br /><br />The pizza does have a very chewy and thick crust but its edible. The clumps of caramelised onions can become quite sickening so be sure you spread them around before taking a bite of anything which includes them. <br /><br />My only peeve was that the pizza was not pre-cut. Now leaving it completely whole would have been fine but they decided to make little marks in the thick crust and another small indentation further inside to which you must tear out your slices &#0226;&#0172; a bit like perforated paper. And the perforations were oddly spaced resulting in uneven slices.<br /><br />But this is real pizza, very authentic and extremely enjoyable with interesting toppings and rustic dough. I recommend the garlic bread with mozzarella and caramelised onions or anything with Italian sausage&#33; <br />]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:07:57 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/takeaway/1d32y88/lupa/1l5go8374655297</guid>
      <dc:creator>abcjess</dc:creator>
      <category>mediterranean</category>
      <category>seating area</category>
      <georss:point>51.577206 -0.125161</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Budgens Stores - Friendly staff by blackstar</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/food/1a6397x/budgens-stores/1y6fo7</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/img/empty_place.gif" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/img/empty_user.gif" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/blackstar">blackstar</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 4.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 8340 9636</p><p><b>Website:</b> http://www.budgens.co.uk</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=delicatessen'>delicatessen</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=newspapers / magazines'>newspapers / magazines</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=helpful staff'>helpful staff</a></p>I like this store. The layout is clear and staff are really friendly, especially those who work with the hot food. Check out the lunchtime special - wedges, chinese thighs (chicken) & a drink for &#0194;&#0163;2&#33;&#33; Used to have that for lunch most days&#33;<br /><br />Wide range of newsparers (inc. ethnic minority ones) and groceries available. A good supermarket.I like this store. The layout is clear and staff are really friendly, especially those who work with the hot food. Check out the lunchtime special - wedges, chinese thighs (chicken) & a drink for &#0194;&#0163;2&#33;&#33; Used to have that for lunch most days&#33;<br /><br />Wide range of newsparers (inc. ethnic minority ones) and groceries available. A good supermarket.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:31:14 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/food/1a6397x/budgens-stores/1y6fo71601794068</guid>
      <dc:creator>blackstar</dc:creator>
      <category>delicatessen</category>
      <category>newspapers / magazines</category>
      <category>helpful staff</category>
      <georss:point>51.578527300089 -0.12527096287392</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Banners - folksy foody fun by french_girl</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o7557/banners/110a37</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/1o7557_c0f64840.140.jpg" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/img/empty_user.gif" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/french_girl">french_girl</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 5.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 8348 2930</p><p><b>Website:</b> http://www.bannersrestaurant.co.uk</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=international'>international</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=good food'>good food</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=great atmosphere'>great atmosphere</a></p>always great if you need a huge portion of food. Great for brunch but gets very crowded.always great if you need a huge portion of food. Great for brunch but gets very crowded.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:21:04 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o7557/banners/110a3796899306</guid>
      <dc:creator>french_girl</dc:creator>
      <category>international</category>
      <category>good food</category>
      <category>great atmosphere</category>
      <georss:point>51.580083173161 -0.12426137924194</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Playaway London - Great place for the kids by JKL</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1o9297c/playaway-london/1a0128</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/1o9297c_68ae7e31.140.jpg" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/img/empty_user.gif" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/JKL">JKL</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 5.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 8348 7333</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=friendly staff'>friendly staff</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=coffee'>coffee</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=comfy sofas'>comfy sofas</a></p>Playaway London is a little outside the busy village of Crouch End and is well worth a visit if you are in North London with children. They offer a great range of healthy food including Bagels, Pasta Dishes and Jacket Potatoes, and a very good coffee from Drury. The place is very relaxed with 70&#39;s and 80&#39;s memorabilia adorning the walls, harking back to the childhood of the parents that are visiting with their children. The kids don&#39;t miss out either with a touch screen play computer, seperate area for toddlers and a fantastic playframe at the back of the building for the older kids and adventurous adults to run riot on.<br /><br />Great fun and a big thumbs up.Playaway London is a little outside the busy village of Crouch End and is well worth a visit if you are in North London with children. They offer a great range of healthy food including Bagels, Pasta Dishes and Jacket Potatoes, and a very good coffee from Drury. The place is very relaxed with 70&#39;s and 80&#39;s memorabilia adorning the walls, harking back to the childhood of the parents that are visiting with their children. The kids don&#39;t miss out either with a touch screen play computer, seperate area for toddlers and a fantastic playframe at the back of the building for the older kids and adventurous adults to run riot on.<br /><br />Great fun and a big thumbs up.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Feb 2007 14:10:22 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/cafe/1o9297c/playaway-london/1a0128151773576</guid>
      <dc:creator>JKL</dc:creator>
      <category>friendly staff</category>
      <category>coffee</category>
      <category>comfy sofas</category>
      <georss:point>51.583439 -0.129265</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Cafe 23 - Generally good food, nice staff by kad</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1a23a71/cafe-23/1x6co7</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/ldc_1a23a71.140.jpg" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/img/empty_user.gif" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/kad">kad</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 3.00<p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=cosy'>cosy</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=proper food'>proper food</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=quick bite'>quick bite</a></p>I&#39;ve eaten at the cafe several times and have always enjoyed my food (chips, jacket potatoes, salad, pies etc). You can also order your food in advance and then pick it up to takeaway; however one of my colleagues did this and found a small bug in her salad&#33; She took it back and they did apologise and gave a full refund.<br /><br />I&#39;m not sure what happened there, but as I say I&#39;ve never had any problems, the staff are nice and the place looks clean.I&#39;ve eaten at the cafe several times and have always enjoyed my food (chips, jacket potatoes, salad, pies etc). You can also order your food in advance and then pick it up to takeaway; however one of my colleagues did this and found a small bug in her salad&#33; She took it back and they did apologise and gave a full refund.<br /><br />I&#39;m not sure what happened there, but as I say I&#39;ve never had any problems, the staff are nice and the place looks clean.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:24:02 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/cafe/1a23a71/cafe-23/1x6co7781354552</guid>
      <dc:creator>kad</dc:creator>
      <category>cosy</category>
      <category>proper food</category>
      <category>quick bite</category>
      <georss:point>51.58308972147 -0.12941349540036</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bouga Restaurant - Horrible by hollowlegs</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1f4626i/bouga-restaurant/1n1aj8</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/img/empty_place.gif" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/userpics/hollowlegs_95e95ff7.120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/hollowlegs">hollowlegs</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 1.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 8348 5609</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=crowded'>crowded</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=middle eastern'>middle eastern</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=north african'>north african</a></p>Rubbish. We came in here and were told that we would have to give the table back in an hour and a half. Fine, it doesn&#39;t usually take longer than that to have a leisurely dinner for two people. We ordered, and literally 5 minutes later our food was brought to us. If this doesn&#39;t make you feel rushed, I don&#39;t know what does. <br /><br />The lamb tagine was passable; slightly on the salty side. It was served as just a lamb shank with prunes and a small bowl of cous cous, nothing else, no vegetables etc. The Mixed Grill, however, was laughable. One skewer of chicken, one skewer of lamb and a tiny sausage was all you got, for the &#0194;&#0163;12.95 price tag. Oh, and a quarter of a tomato and a little side salad. We left hungry. <br /><br />The waiting service was terrible. We were given menus after we had ordered, I was given the wrong dish, we were served our drinks when we&#39;d almost finished our meal. The mixed grill also comes on a big metal grill with charcoals underneath it; this was unceremoniously dumped in front of my boyfriend, with smoke billowing in his face. When we moved it to the table next to us, we weren&#39;t given a hand with the (hot) handles. That&#39;s another gripe; they packed in so many tables it was hard to move. <br /><br />Basically, this restaurant is trying to make the most money (eg. lots of tables uncomfortably close together, small portions) they can. It left a sour taste in my mouth. Even when I told them to take off the service charge they didn&#39;t ask why (clearly couldn&#39;t care less) and I was met with a dirty look. Avoid.<br />Rubbish. We came in here and were told that we would have to give the table back in an hour and a half. Fine, it doesn&#39;t usually take longer than that to have a leisurely dinner for two people. We ordered, and literally 5 minutes later our food was brought to us. If this doesn&#39;t make you feel rushed, I don&#39;t know what does. <br /><br />The lamb tagine was passable; slightly on the salty side. It was served as just a lamb shank with prunes and a small bowl of cous cous, nothing else, no vegetables etc. The Mixed Grill, however, was laughable. One skewer of chicken, one skewer of lamb and a tiny sausage was all you got, for the &#0194;&#0163;12.95 price tag. Oh, and a quarter of a tomato and a little side salad. We left hungry. <br /><br />The waiting service was terrible. We were given menus after we had ordered, I was given the wrong dish, we were served our drinks when we&#39;d almost finished our meal. The mixed grill also comes on a big metal grill with charcoals underneath it; this was unceremoniously dumped in front of my boyfriend, with smoke billowing in his face. When we moved it to the table next to us, we weren&#39;t given a hand with the (hot) handles. That&#39;s another gripe; they packed in so many tables it was hard to move. <br /><br />Basically, this restaurant is trying to make the most money (eg. lots of tables uncomfortably close together, small portions) they can. It left a sour taste in my mouth. Even when I told them to take off the service charge they didn&#39;t ask why (clearly couldn&#39;t care less) and I was met with a dirty look. Avoid.<br />]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:11:11 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/restaurant/1f4626i/bouga-restaurant/1n1aj8416399832</guid>
      <dc:creator>hollowlegs</dc:creator>
      <category>crowded</category>
      <category>middle eastern</category>
      <category>north african</category>
      <georss:point>51.58045 -0.12414</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Coffee Cake - Unforgettable experience of a real tasty cake and  by hafid</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1l72s7n/coffee-cake/1w88c8</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/121559_53fea8c6.140.jpg" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/img/empty_user.gif" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/hafid">hafid</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 5.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 8342 8989</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=cultured'>cultured</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=lively'>lively</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=top food'>top food</a></p>When if I was doing my exam revision in Crouch End library, I needed a visit to a coffee shop to get myself a cup of coffee and a piece of cake to wake me up and load my batteries for the rest of the day. It did not take much time or long way of walk as I had thought before, two minutes walk from the clock tower I have found my self in a place full of varieties of food, cakes , coffees, teas as well as my favourite cake which is mille feille  ,all served in an artistic way. Simply, to me it was not a shop or a coffee place it was like a  petit museum where you find the art of  North African, Meditteranean and British pastries brought to you in a place called COFFE CAKE. Therefore, I thank all coffee cake family for the good reception, their sense of humour and their sharing of  lovely moments, BEN, RACHEL, ELIAS , FIFI, I am definitely planning to visit the place again  and recommend it to everyone to visit and enjoy unforgettable moments in a friendly coffee shop, in a lovely area called CROUCH END<br />Mr Hafid Mezenner<br />When if I was doing my exam revision in Crouch End library, I needed a visit to a coffee shop to get myself a cup of coffee and a piece of cake to wake me up and load my batteries for the rest of the day. It did not take much time or long way of walk as I had thought before, two minutes walk from the clock tower I have found my self in a place full of varieties of food, cakes , coffees, teas as well as my favourite cake which is mille feille  ,all served in an artistic way. Simply, to me it was not a shop or a coffee place it was like a  petit museum where you find the art of  North African, Meditteranean and British pastries brought to you in a place called COFFE CAKE. Therefore, I thank all coffee cake family for the good reception, their sense of humour and their sharing of  lovely moments, BEN, RACHEL, ELIAS , FIFI, I am definitely planning to visit the place again  and recommend it to everyone to visit and enjoy unforgettable moments in a friendly coffee shop, in a lovely area called CROUCH END<br />Mr Hafid Mezenner<br />]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2008 17:43:58 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/cafe/1l72s7n/coffee-cake/1w88c8438380203</guid>
      <dc:creator>hafid</dc:creator>
      <category>cultured</category>
      <category>lively</category>
      <category>top food</category>
      <georss:point>51.581177181706 -0.12227511755853</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Troodos Taverna Restaurant - Top Class!! by vern_kearns</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1574i6f/troodos-taverna-restaurant/1s78n7</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/img/empty_place.gif" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/img/empty_user.gif" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/vern_kearns">vern_kearns</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 5.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 8342 9188</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=mediterranean'>mediterranean</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=healthy food'>healthy food</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=rare finds'>rare finds</a></p>This family run Greek restaurant is fabulous in its quality and variety of traditional dishes and drinks. George and Androulla are perfect hosts....we have spent many lovely times in this gem of a restaurant over the last few years. Try ANY of their dishes and it will satisfy you totally...cooked to perfection by them. Can highly recommend their Meze & Grills..and excellent selection of wines & beers. The value is astounding.  We hope to spend many more nights  This family run Greek restaurant is fabulous in its quality and variety of traditional dishes and drinks. George and Androulla are perfect hosts....we have spent many lovely times in this gem of a restaurant over the last few years. Try ANY of their dishes and it will satisfy you totally...cooked to perfection by them. Can highly recommend their Meze & Grills..and excellent selection of wines & beers. The value is astounding.  We hope to spend many more nights  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2008 19:17:26 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/restaurant/1574i6f/troodos-taverna-restaurant/1s78n72123382507</guid>
      <dc:creator>vern_kearns</dc:creator>
      <category>mediterranean</category>
      <category>healthy food</category>
      <category>rare finds</category>
      <georss:point>51.587511 -0.13332</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Tiffin Tin - Excellent Takeaway by andymyers</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/takeaway/1a1388s/the-tiffin-tin/1k6776</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/ldc_1a1388s.140.jpg" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/userpics/andymyers_e45675c5.120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/andymyers">andymyers</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 4.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 8347 7700</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=indian'>indian</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=home delivery'>home delivery</a></p>I highly recommend this Indian takeaway. It&#39;s not greasy and oily like many others and the ingredients taste fresh and full of flavour. It&#39;s a bit more expensive but well worth it. I highly recommend this Indian takeaway. It&#39;s not greasy and oily like many others and the ingredients taste fresh and full of flavour. It&#39;s a bit more expensive but well worth it. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:49:50 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/takeaway/1a1388s/the-tiffin-tin/1k67761280423852</guid>
      <dc:creator>andymyers</dc:creator>
      <category>indian</category>
      <category>home delivery</category>
      <georss:point>51.586546097205 -0.12061017656225</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Larrik - Not bad at all by Sami</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1a73o66/the-larrik/1h67o7</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/ldc_1a73o66.140.jpg" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/userpics/Sami_d74321b4.120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/Sami">Sami</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 3.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 7272 5395</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=live music'>live music</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=food'>food</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=friendly'>friendly</a></p>The Larrik is an absolutely massive pub.  Huge.  At least by my standards - I couldn&#39;t believe how big it was - and is right across the street from the even larger Old Dairy.  <br /><br />Friendly service, lots of board games, decent food - some of it pretty damn good and free wifi are the best parts.  They do something that I hadn&#39;t seen before but have been told that is relatively common - a whole roast chicken on Sundays, to split amongst you and your friends.<br /><br />They have live music some nights of the week and on other nights - generally big game nights, show sports on the big drop down screen - you sports fans, you know what I&#39;m talking about, but I have no idea what it&#39;s called&#33;<br /><br />An interesting crowd and very reflective of the local population; it&#39;s always pretty busy (I walk by every day) and it ranges from arty students to builders in for a drink after work.The Larrik is an absolutely massive pub.  Huge.  At least by my standards - I couldn&#39;t believe how big it was - and is right across the street from the even larger Old Dairy.  <br /><br />Friendly service, lots of board games, decent food - some of it pretty damn good and free wifi are the best parts.  They do something that I hadn&#39;t seen before but have been told that is relatively common - a whole roast chicken on Sundays, to split amongst you and your friends.<br /><br />They have live music some nights of the week and on other nights - generally big game nights, show sports on the big drop down screen - you sports fans, you know what I&#39;m talking about, but I have no idea what it&#39;s called&#33;<br /><br />An interesting crowd and very reflective of the local population; it&#39;s always pretty busy (I walk by every day) and it ranges from arty students to builders in for a drink after work.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 08 Mar 2008 18:21:11 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1a73o66/the-larrik/1h67o7452229439</guid>
      <dc:creator>Sami</dc:creator>
      <category>live music</category>
      <category>food</category>
      <category>friendly</category>
      <georss:point>51.570300701774 -0.11695122297425</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>La Bota - Not terrible, but not great either. by Sami</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1a53a8o/la-bota/1c07k8</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/ldc_1a53a8o.140.jpg" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/userpics/Sami_d74321b4.120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/Sami">Sami</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 2.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 8340 3082</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=takeaway'>takeaway</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=cheap eat'>cheap eat</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=spanish'>spanish</a></p>I am increasingly becoming frustrated by the sheer lack of places to eat when on a budget.  As I am a student on a tight budget, I need to choose where I eat, and how often I eat out, very carefully.<br /><br />Last week I came here with a friend of mine on a Saturday evening; she was staying for the week-end and I didn&#39;t feel like cooking, so we decided to venture out for dinner, but close to home.  <br /><br />We settled on La Bota as it was close by and had received decent reviews on another restaurant review site (obviously, nowhere near as good as TP).  It wasn&#39;t too busy for a Saturday night and we were greeted and seated right away.  Initially we were excited as the food on the other tables looked really quite appetizing, so we ordered a handful of tapas dishes and a bottle of the house Rioja.  <br /><br />The food was fine.  Edible.  Average.  But mediocre.  Maybe I am being harsh, but it seems that in London it is very difficult to be very, very pleased with a meal on the cheaper side.  <br /><br />A run down of the dishes: the chorizo in red wine was pretty damn good, but it is near-impossible to screw up.  Marinated artichoke hearts - the ones that I buy from Tesco, stored in oil, are better.  I think they had either opened up a can, drained them out poorly, and liberally sprinkled them with olive oil - or else pulled them out of a jar and added water to the plate.  Either way, it was rather bizarre to be presented with a plate of cut-up artichoke hearts, lying, rather sadly, in a pool of water.  The mussels, on the other hand, were nice.  They were fresh and plump, but I think that they had been steamed in some sort of chicken broth - strange, but the achieved effect was tasty.  The pimiento relleno was tasty, but it had been sprinkled with that horrible canned cheese... you know the stuff that comes in a shaker and costs perhaps 50p at the grocery store?  No thank you.  The patatas bravas were good, but again, they are hard to ruin.  And the bread was tiger bread - courtesy of the local Sainsburys or the like.  While I like tiger bread and will buy it for my own consumption at home, I think it would have been nicer if the restaurant had gone to an effort to source a decent local bakery.  Good bread almost sets the tone for a meal and is a mainstay...<br /><br />So frustration it is.  We left full, and the bill was not expensive - but I just don&#39;t like my personal inability to find a restaurant where I leave exceptionally pleased, taking into consideration both the final price and the quality of the food, on a budget.  I am increasingly becoming frustrated by the sheer lack of places to eat when on a budget.  As I am a student on a tight budget, I need to choose where I eat, and how often I eat out, very carefully.<br /><br />Last week I came here with a friend of mine on a Saturday evening; she was staying for the week-end and I didn&#39;t feel like cooking, so we decided to venture out for dinner, but close to home.  <br /><br />We settled on La Bota as it was close by and had received decent reviews on another restaurant review site (obviously, nowhere near as good as TP).  It wasn&#39;t too busy for a Saturday night and we were greeted and seated right away.  Initially we were excited as the food on the other tables looked really quite appetizing, so we ordered a handful of tapas dishes and a bottle of the house Rioja.  <br /><br />The food was fine.  Edible.  Average.  But mediocre.  Maybe I am being harsh, but it seems that in London it is very difficult to be very, very pleased with a meal on the cheaper side.  <br /><br />A run down of the dishes: the chorizo in red wine was pretty damn good, but it is near-impossible to screw up.  Marinated artichoke hearts - the ones that I buy from Tesco, stored in oil, are better.  I think they had either opened up a can, drained them out poorly, and liberally sprinkled them with olive oil - or else pulled them out of a jar and added water to the plate.  Either way, it was rather bizarre to be presented with a plate of cut-up artichoke hearts, lying, rather sadly, in a pool of water.  The mussels, on the other hand, were nice.  They were fresh and plump, but I think that they had been steamed in some sort of chicken broth - strange, but the achieved effect was tasty.  The pimiento relleno was tasty, but it had been sprinkled with that horrible canned cheese... you know the stuff that comes in a shaker and costs perhaps 50p at the grocery store?  No thank you.  The patatas bravas were good, but again, they are hard to ruin.  And the bread was tiger bread - courtesy of the local Sainsburys or the like.  While I like tiger bread and will buy it for my own consumption at home, I think it would have been nicer if the restaurant had gone to an effort to source a decent local bakery.  Good bread almost sets the tone for a meal and is a mainstay...<br /><br />So frustration it is.  We left full, and the bill was not expensive - but I just don&#39;t like my personal inability to find a restaurant where I leave exceptionally pleased, taking into consideration both the final price and the quality of the food, on a budget.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:45:50 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/restaurant/1a53a8o/la-bota/1c07k82011146476</guid>
      <dc:creator>Sami</dc:creator>
      <category>takeaway</category>
      <category>cheap eat</category>
      <category>spanish</category>
      <georss:point>51.581177181706 -0.12227511755853</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Hot Pepper Jelly - Yummy!! by number1</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1j21n80/hot-pepper-jelly/1y8638</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/ldc_1j21n80.140.jpg" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/img/empty_user.gif" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/number1">number1</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 5.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 8340 4318</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=cosy'>cosy</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=good brew'>good brew</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=quiet & relaxed'>quiet & relaxed</a></p>Excellent food, great service, chilled out atmosphere what more could you want&#33;? <br /><br />The menu is really exciting. I had a smokey BLT which was made with chili mayo - delicious&#33; I have never seen sandwiches so well presented. I will def be going back&#33;Excellent food, great service, chilled out atmosphere what more could you want&#33;? <br /><br />The menu is really exciting. I had a smokey BLT which was made with chili mayo - delicious&#33; I have never seen sandwiches so well presented. I will def be going back&#33;]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:45:29 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/cafe/1j21n80/hot-pepper-jelly/1y86382002938444</guid>
      <dc:creator>number1</dc:creator>
      <category>cosy</category>
      <category>good brew</category>
      <category>quiet &amp;amp; relaxed</category>
      <georss:point>51.580301586076 -0.12375457429113</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Mauro's - Best Pizzas in North London by Mattweir</title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1a1388j/mauro-s/1v75n7</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/ldc_1a1388j.140.jpg" /><img src="http://trustedplaces.com/img/empty_user.gif" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/Mattweir">Mattweir</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 5.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 8341 6257</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=italian'>italian</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=friendly staff'>friendly staff</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/search?tags=good value'>good value</a></p>If you want an authentic Italian thin crust Pizza, this is your place. Looks like a run of the mill place from outside but my Italian in laws will not go for Pizzas anywhere else in North London. If you ask the Pizzaiolo to make the crust as thin as possible you will get a proper Napolitan base. This is not nearly as easy to do, or find, in London. Enjoy&#33;&#33;If you want an authentic Italian thin crust Pizza, this is your place. Looks like a run of the mill place from outside but my Italian in laws will not go for Pizzas anywhere else in North London. If you ask the Pizzaiolo to make the crust as thin as possible you will get a proper Napolitan base. This is not nearly as easy to do, or find, in London. Enjoy&#33;&#33;]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:05:17 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/restaurant/1a1388j/mauro-s/1v75n72049281282</guid>
      <dc:creator>Mattweir</dc:creator>
      <category>italian</category>
      <category>friendly staff</category>
      <category>good value</category>
      <georss:point>51.586569193683 -0.12205278097451</georss:point>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>
