Latest reviews in Dalston, London, United Kingdom

La Vie en Rose - Just lovely... by claire_w

claire_w — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:57:06 +0000

Review by claire_w

Rating: 4.00

Situated at the south end of Broadway Market, Le Vie en Rose is a delightful french eaterie with a great wine list.

The menu is strong, combining classics (steak and chips) with the more unusual (roasted lamb and baked peach). Thinking back over numerous trips there for brunch and dinner, the food has always arrived fresh and perfectly cooked.

My one (and only) nudge, is that the presentation of dishes can sometimes feel a little too fancy. For me though, the points Le Vie en Rose drops due to 'fancyness,' it scores back (and then some) with its tasty food and informal, friendly and buzzy atmosphere. Not to mention fantastic service.

The menu is on the pricier size (Â£10-Â£17 for a main) but definitely good value. Le Vie en Rose is a special occasion and/or 'rush of blood to the head' kind of place...Situated at the south end of Broadway Market, Le Vie en Rose is a delightful french eaterie with a great wine list.

The menu is strong, combining classics (steak and chips) with the more unusual (roasted lamb and baked peach). Thinking back over numerous trips there for brunch and dinner, the food has always arrived fresh and perfectly cooked.

My one (and only) nudge, is that the presentation of dishes can sometimes feel a little too fancy. For me though, the points Le Vie en Rose drops due to 'fancyness,' it scores back (and then some) with its tasty food and informal, friendly and buzzy atmosphere. Not to mention fantastic service.

The menu is on the pricier size (Â£10-Â£17 for a main) but definitely good value. Le Vie en Rose is a special occasion and/or 'rush of blood to the head' kind of place...

Buen Ayre - not quite as good as the hype by acrobat

acrobat — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:40:32 +0000

Review by acrobat

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7275 9900

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

Tags: lively, crowded, good value

I went with high expectations which were not exactly lived up to. The staff were pushy about time and not attentive - for a small place it shouldn't take 10 minutes to get the attention of a waiter - and then when you asked for things they tended to forget.

But this should be about the food - which was well there in abundance. But from a table of 6 we sent back 2 items for either being overdone, or not cooked at all (uncooked blooded sausage is not exactly appetizing) - we should have sent back more.

Two people were lucky to get probably some of the most amazing steak I've tasted - but the 4 other people were left chewing on overdone/under done or just plain poorly done steaks.

If you think your order is not perfectly rare/medium/well done or however you ordered it - send it back.

This should be great a great restaurant, but its needs to be producing great food all the time in order to be considered a London must.I went with high expectations which were not exactly lived up to. The staff were pushy about time and not attentive - for a small place it shouldn't take 10 minutes to get the attention of a waiter - and then when you asked for things they tended to forget.

But this should be about the food - which was well there in abundance. But from a table of 6 we sent back 2 items for either being overdone, or not cooked at all (uncooked blooded sausage is not exactly appetizing) - we should have sent back more.

Two people were lucky to get probably some of the most amazing steak I've tasted - but the 4 other people were left chewing on overdone/under done or just plain poorly done steaks.

If you think your order is not perfectly rare/medium/well done or however you ordered it - send it back.

This should be great a great restaurant, but its needs to be producing great food all the time in order to be considered a London must.

19 Numara Bos Cirrik - been going there for 4 years by volcom883

volcom883 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:46:48 +0000

Review by volcom883

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7249 0400

Tags: turkish, lively, romantic

found out about this restaurant by simply asking the Turkish people on around about the "best restaurant around". i was guided there. the restaurant isnt that well presented(go to their new branch on the same road at no 194 if you are going there with your girfriend)
but trust me, their food is fantastic!

meals start from 7 pounds going up to 12 pounds.

my favorite meal is the seasoned ribs!

with any meal ordered you get salad, onion salad and sour pomegranate syrup onion absolutely free!

all their meet look fresh. if you are a first time goer get their small mixed kebab to find out which of the marinated meet you liek the mostfound out about this restaurant by simply asking the Turkish people on around about the "best restaurant around". i was guided there. the restaurant isnt that well presented(go to their new branch on the same road at no 194 if you are going there with your girfriend)
but trust me, their food is fantastic!

meals start from 7 pounds going up to 12 pounds.

my favorite meal is the seasoned ribs!

with any meal ordered you get salad, onion salad and sour pomegranate syrup onion absolutely free!

all their meet look fresh. if you are a first time goer get their small mixed kebab to find out which of the marinated meet you liek the most

Bardens Boudoir - Gonna sort of reserve judgement a bit...but! by MGEEK

MGEEK — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:36:56 +0000

Review by MGEEK

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7249 9557

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

Tags: live music, reasonably priced, cheesy

I've only been here once- to play a gig, which was VERY well advertised, but exteremely sparsely attended.

Now, it's not that my pride was hurt. I've played to one man and his dog before, and I'm sure I will again, but the fact is- I walked up and down Kingsland Road LOOKING for the venue, and couldn't find it, even though I'd been past before and pretty much knew where it was!

The actual room itself, I have no problem with. It's a decent size, the stage is in a bit of a funny place, admittedly, but the real problem is being pretty much invisible unless you know it's there!

I think the bar needs to either get serious, and start putting on exclusively bigger acts, who will draw a real crowd without much effort, or make sure they have some sort of frontage!I've only been here once- to play a gig, which was VERY well advertised, but exteremely sparsely attended.

Now, it's not that my pride was hurt. I've played to one man and his dog before, and I'm sure I will again, but the fact is- I walked up and down Kingsland Road LOOKING for the venue, and couldn't find it, even though I'd been past before and pretty much knew where it was!

The actual room itself, I have no problem with. It's a decent size, the stage is in a bit of a funny place, admittedly, but the real problem is being pretty much invisible unless you know it's there!

I think the bar needs to either get serious, and start putting on exclusively bigger acts, who will draw a real crowd without much effort, or make sure they have some sort of frontage!

Passing Clouds - Run by Morons by MGEEK

MGEEK — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:53:18 +0000

Review by MGEEK

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7502 2789

Tags: friendly, reasonably priced, pretentious

I have been to this venue exactly TWO times, and will never grace it's corridors again.

A friend of mine organised a night there, which I did a spot of dj-ing at, and he got nothing by pain and strife from the guy who runs it.

Apparrently the fellow who runs it is very particular about the sort of night he puts on, and the type of people he wants to go. Personally I find that kind of stance a bit annoyingly elitist, but each to their own.

Therefore, my friend ran EVERYTHING by this guy- the type of acts that would be playing, the type of music the dj's would be playing...everything with no problem.

UNTIL the actual night of the event, when the owner basically ran around flapping his arms about everything, going 'this is all wrong, this is all wrong, this isn't the sort of thing we want here at all'!- To which I say- organise your own nights then!

My first hand experience of this, was when I started dj-ing...I hadn't set up the sound system, but the mixer LOOKED like it was going into the red- wasn't a problem, there was no distortion or anything. Until I played a single by Del Shannon- 'move it on over', which is a garage classic, comped on one of the teenage shutdown records- and well known for being an EVERYTHING IN THE RED, distorted and LOUD mix.

This guy, the owner, came running up to me and started shouting in my face, as if I was going to blow things up! I couldn't believe it...

Anyway! Why am I telling you all of this? You're probably reading this because you are interested in a night out there, or something, not because you're putting on a night there.

Well...I think this kind of attitude filters down, and creates a nasty vibe in the place. It DOESN'T seem like the friendly, hippy type venue it so wants to be, because the guy running it is like a crusty version of Basil Fawlty! Then you start to notice other things...you can only buy bottles of beer- at three fifty a pop...a night in this place is going to cost you SERIOUS money if you like a drink.

I'd avoid it at all costs, personally.

Oh, and at the end of the night, when my friends partner wanted to count the takings- would the owner let her step out of the crowd and into the bar area? Would he ever!

A fake hippy venue, run by an angry little man. Don't go there.I have been to this venue exactly TWO times, and will never grace it's corridors again.

A friend of mine organised a night there, which I did a spot of dj-ing at, and he got nothing by pain and strife from the guy who runs it.

Apparrently the fellow who runs it is very particular about the sort of night he puts on, and the type of people he wants to go. Personally I find that kind of stance a bit annoyingly elitist, but each to their own.

Therefore, my friend ran EVERYTHING by this guy- the type of acts that would be playing, the type of music the dj's would be playing...everything with no problem.

UNTIL the actual night of the event, when the owner basically ran around flapping his arms about everything, going 'this is all wrong, this is all wrong, this isn't the sort of thing we want here at all'!- To which I say- organise your own nights then!

My first hand experience of this, was when I started dj-ing...I hadn't set up the sound system, but the mixer LOOKED like it was going into the red- wasn't a problem, there was no distortion or anything. Until I played a single by Del Shannon- 'move it on over', which is a garage classic, comped on one of the teenage shutdown records- and well known for being an EVERYTHING IN THE RED, distorted and LOUD mix.

This guy, the owner, came running up to me and started shouting in my face, as if I was going to blow things up! I couldn't believe it...

Anyway! Why am I telling you all of this? You're probably reading this because you are interested in a night out there, or something, not because you're putting on a night there.

Well...I think this kind of attitude filters down, and creates a nasty vibe in the place. It DOESN'T seem like the friendly, hippy type venue it so wants to be, because the guy running it is like a crusty version of Basil Fawlty! Then you start to notice other things...you can only buy bottles of beer- at three fifty a pop...a night in this place is going to cost you SERIOUS money if you like a drink.

I'd avoid it at all costs, personally.

Oh, and at the end of the night, when my friends partner wanted to count the takings- would the owner let her step out of the crowd and into the bar area? Would he ever!

A fake hippy venue, run by an angry little man. Don't go there.

Ali Baba Kebab House - by theonlyone

theonlyone — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 21:06:40 +0000

Review by theonlyone

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7249 4618

Tags: burgers, vegetarian dishes, kebabs

Nothing much to say: surely one of the best in London.
Open all days till 3am and friday-sunday till 5am!
Highly recommended.Nothing much to say: surely one of the best in London.
Open all days till 3am and friday-sunday till 5am!
Highly recommended.

Ridley Road Market - CHEAPEST MARKET IN LONDON by LOVEANDKATE

LOVEANDKATE — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 21:06:26 +0000

Review by LOVEANDKATE

Rating: 4.00

Tags: bargain

This has to be the cheapest market in London and it sells everything. You can buy a box of 'turning' mangoes for a quid on one stall AND organic eggs and herbs etc on the next.

socks, dvds, saucepans, bandanas, spices......it goes on and on.

Last time I went i got 3 fresh red snapper for a fiver and a bunch of fresh parsley for 50p!

Its busy, its rowdy, its dirty and its a serious shopping experience. You only go to Ridley Road to buy, not to browse like other London markets; borough, broadway, spitalfields etc.

This place is for bargain shopping and you have to have patience to squeeze through all the locals who do their whole shopping here with little granny wheelie trolleys and suitcases full of produce.

they sell off 'turning' product real cheap so its great if you're cooking a big meal for others that night.

You will also need to go straight back home after as you'll end up with loads of bags of goodies. Best to go in the morning to buy and then a more quaint middle class market for browsing and indulging and tasters in the afternoon.

Great east London community atmosphere. [often people handing out leaflets over community issues there. a central point for hackney residents]

Highly recommendedThis has to be the cheapest market in London and it sells everything. You can buy a box of 'turning' mangoes for a quid on one stall AND organic eggs and herbs etc on the next.

socks, dvds, saucepans, bandanas, spices......it goes on and on.

Last time I went i got 3 fresh red snapper for a fiver and a bunch of fresh parsley for 50p!

Its busy, its rowdy, its dirty and its a serious shopping experience. You only go to Ridley Road to buy, not to browse like other London markets; borough, broadway, spitalfields etc.

This place is for bargain shopping and you have to have patience to squeeze through all the locals who do their whole shopping here with little granny wheelie trolleys and suitcases full of produce.

they sell off 'turning' product real cheap so its great if you're cooking a big meal for others that night.

You will also need to go straight back home after as you'll end up with loads of bags of goodies. Best to go in the morning to buy and then a more quaint middle class market for browsing and indulging and tasters in the afternoon.

Great east London community atmosphere. [often people handing out leaflets over community issues there. a central point for hackney residents]

Highly recommended

The Dolphin - PROBABLY BEST TO BE OFF YOUR BARNET by LOVEANDKATE

LOVEANDKATE — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:56:23 +0000

Review by LOVEANDKATE

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8985 3727

Tags: underground, house, late license

Its not exactly good but it is fun......

Hackney's favourite late night boozer-costs you a fiver to get in and drinks choices are limited- i always end up drinking bottled beer for Â£3-Â£4 quid.

Theres an outside shed for smokers and some dirty sofas and rickety wooden chairs and tables.

the best thing is the kareoke. i've never joined in myself but i've watched some maniacs perform!!!

Last time I ventured there, they had a really small, i hate to say it but, chav MC who was hilarious. Definitely ' brought back the old skool' I wouldnt be surprised if he had a technics jacket and drove a 90's square escort van!!!

fabulously entertaining.

DEFINITELY not everyones cup of tea and full of peaches geldof wannabes and boys that need a wash with small statement moustaches but ignore them and enjoy The Dolphin for what it is.

Be warned though- toilets always run out of toilet roll.

Also DONt be the last to leave - THAT is just wrong!!!!

DONT get there too early or sober either!!
Its not exactly good but it is fun......

Hackney's favourite late night boozer-costs you a fiver to get in and drinks choices are limited- i always end up drinking bottled beer for Â£3-Â£4 quid.

Theres an outside shed for smokers and some dirty sofas and rickety wooden chairs and tables.

the best thing is the kareoke. i've never joined in myself but i've watched some maniacs perform!!!

Last time I ventured there, they had a really small, i hate to say it but, chav MC who was hilarious. Definitely ' brought back the old skool' I wouldnt be surprised if he had a technics jacket and drove a 90's square escort van!!!

fabulously entertaining.

DEFINITELY not everyones cup of tea and full of peaches geldof wannabes and boys that need a wash with small statement moustaches but ignore them and enjoy The Dolphin for what it is.

Be warned though- toilets always run out of toilet roll.

Also DONt be the last to leave - THAT is just wrong!!!!

DONT get there too early or sober either!!

Usha - Very good by bobidiot

bobidiot — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:09:02 +0000

Review by bobidiot

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7241 0836

Tags: indian, vegetarian dishes, takeaway

I like this restaurantâ¬"s staff, they were very helpful because we brought with us 2 new couples from india, they were very helpful and open to them for explaining about their ingredients, one couple were strict vegetarians and one couple just ate halal meat. I was glad that staff could help them otherwise it would be difficult for me to deal with them individually and of course I have my two children to deal with as well. The food was good, especially the lamb bhoona and chicken madras were very delicious and fresh. Also they gave some extra discount because we booked in advanced which was nice of them.I like this restaurantâ¬"s staff, they were very helpful because we brought with us 2 new couples from india, they were very helpful and open to them for explaining about their ingredients, one couple were strict vegetarians and one couple just ate halal meat. I was glad that staff could help them otherwise it would be difficult for me to deal with them individually and of course I have my two children to deal with as well. The food was good, especially the lamb bhoona and chicken madras were very delicious and fresh. Also they gave some extra discount because we booked in advanced which was nice of them.

Cat & Mutton - Not my cup of tea really. by papayoyo

papayoyo — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:26:47 +0000

Review by papayoyo

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7254 5599

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

Tags: cool, trendy, food

Over the years in London I would occasionally pass this pub whilst on the 236 bus and I always thought to myself, wow that looks like a cool pub, with that huge mass of cool looking people gathered outside it looking all cool and trendy like. Then I moved to the area a few month's ago and have actually found myself avoiding the place like the plague. On the couple of occasions I ventured inside I realised that friendliness was not it's fortÃ©. It's just full of self obsessed narcissistic fashion victims who aren't quite sure if they're Stoke Newington hippies or Hoxton twats. Having said that it's a pleasant enough place to have a quiet pint with a mate on the sofas upstairs when it's not full of idiots.Over the years in London I would occasionally pass this pub whilst on the 236 bus and I always thought to myself, wow that looks like a cool pub, with that huge mass of cool looking people gathered outside it looking all cool and trendy like. Then I moved to the area a few month's ago and have actually found myself avoiding the place like the plague. On the couple of occasions I ventured inside I realised that friendliness was not it's fortÃ©. It's just full of self obsessed narcissistic fashion victims who aren't quite sure if they're Stoke Newington hippies or Hoxton twats. Having said that it's a pleasant enough place to have a quiet pint with a mate on the sofas upstairs when it's not full of idiots.

Dove Free House & Kitchen - Nice refined hackney gastro-pub . by papayoyo

papayoyo — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:13:55 +0000

Review by papayoyo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7275 7617

Tags: relaxed, gastro pub, belgian

The Dove, situated on Broadway Market beside London Fields, is a somewhat genteel and refined establishment, with a real coal fire, candle-lit tables, a wide selection of connaisseur beers and ales, board games, live jazz and a fine dining area. It has the widest range of beers I've ever seen in a pub including gems like Delerium Tremens which will soon have you falling of your seat at 9% alcohol, not to mention the Â£3.50 per glass. So it's a little expensive but offers a cosy but classy atmosphere to impress a date with. The food is excellent if again a bit pricey but the decor is all oak beams, antique artwork and it has, somewhat incongruently, the finest high-tech unisex bathroom of any pub I've seen. It's always quite packed with young artsy-media types but an enchanting experience any day of the week.The Dove, situated on Broadway Market beside London Fields, is a somewhat genteel and refined establishment, with a real coal fire, candle-lit tables, a wide selection of connaisseur beers and ales, board games, live jazz and a fine dining area. It has the widest range of beers I've ever seen in a pub including gems like Delerium Tremens which will soon have you falling of your seat at 9% alcohol, not to mention the Â£3.50 per glass. So it's a little expensive but offers a cosy but classy atmosphere to impress a date with. The food is excellent if again a bit pricey but the decor is all oak beams, antique artwork and it has, somewhat incongruently, the finest high-tech unisex bathroom of any pub I've seen. It's always quite packed with young artsy-media types but an enchanting experience any day of the week.

Arcola Theatre - Fringe at it's best! by papayoyo

papayoyo — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:44:01 +0000

Review by papayoyo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7503 1645

Website: http://www.arcolatheatre.com

Tags: theatre, alternative, amateur

The Arcola Theatre is a delightfully enchanting little theatre bar just off the high street in the heart of Dalston. I've experienced a huge range of theatrical pleasures in this place which offers experimental, community-based, home-grown up and coming writers, directors and performers a venue to show off their work. The bar itself is charming offering wine, beer and spirits at good prices and there's always a young, interesting crowd packing the place out. The two theatres provide a constantly changing range of stimulating productions at cheap prices. Best of all, every tuesday it's pay what you want, an effort to get the local community interested. Highly recommended for a good-value entertaining night out.The Arcola Theatre is a delightfully enchanting little theatre bar just off the high street in the heart of Dalston. I've experienced a huge range of theatrical pleasures in this place which offers experimental, community-based, home-grown up and coming writers, directors and performers a venue to show off their work. The bar itself is charming offering wine, beer and spirits at good prices and there's always a young, interesting crowd packing the place out. The two theatres provide a constantly changing range of stimulating productions at cheap prices. Best of all, every tuesday it's pay what you want, an effort to get the local community interested. Highly recommended for a good-value entertaining night out.

The Best Turkish Kebab - The best turkish kebab, what else!!! by hamzramz

hamzramz — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:49:31 +0000

Review by hamzramz

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7254 7642

Tags: mediterranean, rare finds, kebabs

The sign says everything, the best turkish kebab.

Overview:

This is probably the best kebab shop in London, and I don't think so I know so. Their kebabs have got to be the tastiest yet. The chilli sauce is perfect and their salads are to die for.

The main product:

Why are they the best?

They are booming in business. Most of the time I go there is a queue of people (well there is a pub next door) but really they are good. For sure there must be a couple of tonnes of kebab meat turning on that rotisserie, and it is absolutely tasty!!!

I read that some kebab shops use electric carving knives and use cereals to bulk up the kebab. This one does not! With long knives, wafer thin meat is cut off the meat mound, and spills to the pan under the rotisserie, makes you hungry!!! And it does not taste fatty too, not too much drips of fat just kebab meat.

Their chips are gorgeous, and just right to go with the kebabs, as well as their gourmet prepared salad, all neatly sliced. Their rice pudding dessert is gorgeous and a great way to finish off the meal.

I have not tried a cheeseburger yet but they are grilled and I like them grilled!!!

I would definately reccommend the best turkish kebab to anyone!

The sign says everything, the best turkish kebab.

Overview:

This is probably the best kebab shop in London, and I don't think so I know so. Their kebabs have got to be the tastiest yet. The chilli sauce is perfect and their salads are to die for.

The main product:

Why are they the best?

They are booming in business. Most of the time I go there is a queue of people (well there is a pub next door) but really they are good. For sure there must be a couple of tonnes of kebab meat turning on that rotisserie, and it is absolutely tasty!!!

I read that some kebab shops use electric carving knives and use cereals to bulk up the kebab. This one does not! With long knives, wafer thin meat is cut off the meat mound, and spills to the pan under the rotisserie, makes you hungry!!! And it does not taste fatty too, not too much drips of fat just kebab meat.

Their chips are gorgeous, and just right to go with the kebabs, as well as their gourmet prepared salad, all neatly sliced. Their rice pudding dessert is gorgeous and a great way to finish off the meal.

I have not tried a cheeseburger yet but they are grilled and I like them grilled!!!

I would definately reccommend the best turkish kebab to anyone!

Rio Cinema - Top quality film at East End prices by fabulous

fabulous — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:17:16 +0000

Review by fabulous

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7241 9410

Website: http://www.riocinema.ndirect.co.uk

The Rio is an independent cinema focusing on quality film. The bill changes every week, with a range of the best art-house and world cinema as well as the better Hollywood fare. The Rio provides a range of services for the local community including the ever-popular Saturday Morning Picture Club for kids and the Parents and Babies Club, where mums (and dads) with babies under 1 can sill enjoy watching films on the big screen. It is wheelchair accessible and has an infra-red assisted hearing system for people with hearing aids. Tickets start at a measly Â£1.50 for kids at the Saturday Morning Picture Club to Â£8.00 for shows after 6.00pm.The Rio is an independent cinema focusing on quality film. The bill changes every week, with a range of the best art-house and world cinema as well as the better Hollywood fare. The Rio provides a range of services for the local community including the ever-popular Saturday Morning Picture Club for kids and the Parents and Babies Club, where mums (and dads) with babies under 1 can sill enjoy watching films on the big screen. It is wheelchair accessible and has an infra-red assisted hearing system for people with hearing aids. Tickets start at a measly Â£1.50 for kids at the Saturday Morning Picture Club to Â£8.00 for shows after 6.00pm.

LMNT - Eccentric eatery in E8 by niamh49

niamh49 — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:10:55 +0000

Review by niamh49

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7249 6727

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

Tags: lively, brasserie, romantic

It's unlikely you'd stumble upon this place by accident, as it's on a fairly mundane residential street and looks like a decrepit local pub you'd hesitate to step into, but wow... imagine what a surprise awaited.

Inside the place is decked out in a lavish and not a little camp way, with open fire roaring between the paws of a lion. There are a number of unusual alcoves, including a 'pod' which seats 4, and little eyeries at the top of a staircase.

The food is good, and reasonalby priced, although portions could be a little more generous. Dishes are mainly French inspired with a few daily specials. The house wine is fine also. Toilets feature murals not recommended for the ultra-prudish! A fun place for a very unusual night out, worth booking in advance at weekends.It's unlikely you'd stumble upon this place by accident, as it's on a fairly mundane residential street and looks like a decrepit local pub you'd hesitate to step into, but wow... imagine what a surprise awaited.

Inside the place is decked out in a lavish and not a little camp way, with open fire roaring between the paws of a lion. There are a number of unusual alcoves, including a 'pod' which seats 4, and little eyeries at the top of a staircase.

The food is good, and reasonalby priced, although portions could be a little more generous. Dishes are mainly French inspired with a few daily specials. The house wine is fine also. Toilets feature murals not recommended for the ultra-prudish! A fun place for a very unusual night out, worth booking in advance at weekends.

Istanbul Iskembecisi - Istanbul Iskembecisi by bellaphon

bellaphon — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:14:10 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7254 7291

Tags: turkish, good value, cheap eat

I only came here because of the reviews from both Kate Spicer and Charles Campion about the tripe soup. When one gets older the squeamish thing soon evaporates. Not quite offal rules, but hey, life's too short so give it a go. So the the raison d'Ãªtre for this pilgrimage was the Iskembe (Tripe Soup). DIY seasoning of salt, vinegar, lemon juice, crushed chilli and pepper is placed on the table at your behest. It tasted...cowish or of the farm. I loved it anyway. I thought that the ceremony involving the seasoning this course made it worthwhile. I also had the Shish Kebab served with rice & salad. I think the Turks have the edge over the Lebanese joints on Edgware Road, they sure know their seasonings and grilling technique. My dining companion had a rather strange pudding known as Tavuk gÃ¶ÄxsÃ¼ that contained chicken; he thought it was rather moreish. Â£7.50 for two courses...no brainer. Service was excellent and friendly, however the ambience was rather dark and lost. Great place, authenticity beyond the realms.I only came here because of the reviews from both Kate Spicer and Charles Campion about the tripe soup. When one gets older the squeamish thing soon evaporates. Not quite offal rules, but hey, life's too short so give it a go. So the the raison d'Ãªtre for this pilgrimage was the Iskembe (Tripe Soup). DIY seasoning of salt, vinegar, lemon juice, crushed chilli and pepper is placed on the table at your behest. It tasted...cowish or of the farm. I loved it anyway. I thought that the ceremony involving the seasoning this course made it worthwhile. I also had the Shish Kebab served with rice & salad. I think the Turks have the edge over the Lebanese joints on Edgware Road, they sure know their seasonings and grilling technique. My dining companion had a rather strange pudding known as Tavuk gÃ¶ÄxsÃ¼ that contained chicken; he thought it was rather moreish. Â£7.50 for two courses...no brainer. Service was excellent and friendly, however the ambience was rather dark and lost. Great place, authenticity beyond the realms.

Shanghai - Fun Night But Early by lowe

lowe — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:06:45 +0000

Review by lowe

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7254 2878

Tags: chinese, good value, cheap eat

I was invited by a friend to a birthday function held in one of the private rooms in Shanghai. Never been before I was surprised by the deceptive appearance of this rather nice little resturant.
Just behind the aisles of bench seat left from the pie & mash days is a smallish restaurant which with a steady flow of customers.
The private room was fun, with karaoke and service which was both friendly and professional. For the function I attended there was set menu's (choice of two) Â£15 a head, drinks extra obviously..The only downside (for me anyway) is that on a Saturday night it still closes at 11PM ...Much to early for me. I was invited by a friend to a birthday function held in one of the private rooms in Shanghai. Never been before I was surprised by the deceptive appearance of this rather nice little resturant.
Just behind the aisles of bench seat left from the pie & mash days is a smallish restaurant which with a steady flow of customers.
The private room was fun, with karaoke and service which was both friendly and professional. For the function I attended there was set menu's (choice of two) Â£15 a head, drinks extra obviously..The only downside (for me anyway) is that on a Saturday night it still closes at 11PM ...Much to early for me.

Broadway Market - Broadway Market - worth the journey by sue

sue — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 17:55:51 +0000

Review by sue

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 07709 311869

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

Tags: market, lively, food

Love Borough Market but don't love the crowds - perhaps Broadway Market is for you! Broadway Market is a farmers market located between Bethnal Green and Hackney, just south of London Fields. It is open from 9am-5pm every Saturday.

Ok, it is tiny compared to Borough, with no where near the selection of goods, but it is growing on a weekly basis and soon they hope to have 120 stalls each week. Even so, we were pleasantly surprised with the selection of goods available, recognising some of the vendors from Borough, and discovering some new ones as well. We found it a lot easier to browse and shop here as there was room to move.

The shops lining the street are also worth a browse. Perhaps you a feeling peckish and have a hankering for a some hot jellied eel, or need to buy a gift, or want to relax in one of the small cafes and watch the market activity.

Broadway Market has a great community feel to it and I know we will venture back again soon - looking forward to seeing it grow and prosper.Love Borough Market but don't love the crowds - perhaps Broadway Market is for you! Broadway Market is a farmers market located between Bethnal Green and Hackney, just south of London Fields. It is open from 9am-5pm every Saturday.

Ok, it is tiny compared to Borough, with no where near the selection of goods, but it is growing on a weekly basis and soon they hope to have 120 stalls each week. Even so, we were pleasantly surprised with the selection of goods available, recognising some of the vendors from Borough, and discovering some new ones as well. We found it a lot easier to browse and shop here as there was room to move.

The shops lining the street are also worth a browse. Perhaps you a feeling peckish and have a hankering for a some hot jellied eel, or need to buy a gift, or want to relax in one of the small cafes and watch the market activity.

Broadway Market has a great community feel to it and I know we will venture back again soon - looking forward to seeing it grow and prosper.

Mangal Ocakbasi - by dvstuff

dvstuff — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 01:05:27 +0000

Review by dvstuff

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7275 8981

Website: http://www.mangal1.com/

Tags: cheap, kebabs, turkish

Nice Food and at a very good price.Nice Food and at a very good price.

Vortex - by Sonic_Doom

Sonic_Doom — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 12:14:56 +0000

Review by Sonic_Doom

Rating: 5.00

Tags: jazz, cosy, club

One of my favourite jazz venues in London, it's a shame it had to move from the old location in Stoke Newington, and the new space has a somewhat odd acoustic to it, but nevertheless it manages to retain the same feel as it always had, and still gets some brilliant acts in.One of my favourite jazz venues in London, it's a shame it had to move from the old location in Stoke Newington, and the new space has a somewhat odd acoustic to it, but nevertheless it manages to retain the same feel as it always had, and still gets some brilliant acts in.