Latest reviews in Hampstead, London, United Kingdom

Chamomile - Chamomile - nice coffee, shame about the staff by monkeypuzzle

monkeypuzzle — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:40:04 +0000

Review by monkeypuzzle

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7586 4580

Tags: crowded, good brew, proper food

This cafe has a nice location and a really pretty good menu with lots of healthy breakfasts, and options for lunch. The coffee isn't bad either. It is also tucked away on a sweet road near Belsize park. It's just a shame that the staff are so objectionable and actively make the experience of dining there unpleasant. Their level of agression towards the customers is so strange that I wondered if I was actually in some TV stunt or psychological experiment to measure the effect of bullying on diners. I watched as a mother was actually frog-marched out of the cafe by a really rude waitress and was forced to dress the screaming infant on the road outside where it was raining . I couldn't believe what I was seeing! Aren't families allowed in cafes? The baby hadn't even finished it's breakfast.

I'm not going back in a hurry.This cafe has a nice location and a really pretty good menu with lots of healthy breakfasts, and options for lunch. The coffee isn't bad either. It is also tucked away on a sweet road near Belsize park. It's just a shame that the staff are so objectionable and actively make the experience of dining there unpleasant. Their level of agression towards the customers is so strange that I wondered if I was actually in some TV stunt or psychological experiment to measure the effect of bullying on diners. I watched as a mother was actually frog-marched out of the cafe by a really rude waitress and was forced to dress the screaming infant on the road outside where it was raining . I couldn't believe what I was seeing! Aren't families allowed in cafes? The baby hadn't even finished it's breakfast.

I'm not going back in a hurry.

Hampstead Tea Rooms - by andylimehouse

andylimehouse — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:06:42 +0000

Review by andylimehouse

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7435 9563

Tags: takeaway

I used to go here in the 90s and it was a fab place and the staff where very good, i went lately and it was just not the same, anyone have any idea what happened to the guy who was the manager there Carlos?I used to go here in the 90s and it was a fab place and the staff where very good, i went lately and it was just not the same, anyone have any idea what happened to the guy who was the manager there Carlos?

Strada (West Hampstead) - Warm, lively, good value Italian by Angella

Angella — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:47:19 +0000

Review by Angella

Rating: 4.00

Tags: italian, great atmosphere, good value

Great welcome. Brilliant breads, though they cost extra, including walnut bread. Water, free, supplied automatically, or you could buy bottled water. Warm decor, red lampshades. Starters included polenta and mushrooms. Main courses included grilled chicken and mushrooms. Desserts included tiramisu. Espresso coffee in cute cups but take your own brown sugar. Toilets downstairs but big disabled toilet on ground floor. Good value at about Â£25 a head, more if you have lots of wine, less if you have a discount voucher or choose the limited choice set meal. Lively atmosphere.Great welcome. Brilliant breads, though they cost extra, including walnut bread. Water, free, supplied automatically, or you could buy bottled water. Warm decor, red lampshades. Starters included polenta and mushrooms. Main courses included grilled chicken and mushrooms. Desserts included tiramisu. Espresso coffee in cute cups but take your own brown sugar. Toilets downstairs but big disabled toilet on ground floor. Good value at about Â£25 a head, more if you have lots of wine, less if you have a discount voucher or choose the limited choice set meal. Lively atmosphere.

Bombay Bicycle Club - Nostalgic Old Days Indian by Angella

Angella — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:15:59 +0000

Review by Angella

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7435 3544

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

Tags: indian, toptable

They have three restaurants and thirteen collect and deliver outlets.
I think their penny farthing symbol is cute. On line you can see their menu.
I like the fact that the menu marks how spicy the dishes are that they offer to make dishes spicier - and presumably less spicy, if you like. Four bicycle symbols means very hot.
Their ordering system is very clear.
The restaurant is very modern in atmosphere with modern paintings for sale. Its very calming and romantic with white walls, white cloths and red napkins and candles at night. A few banquette seats with large cushions and one alcove area.
Friendly staff.
Mango lassi was thick.
Get your order in early, at least starters, as otherwise you could wait a while for your food.
The peshawri naan was good. The mixed grill was a bit disappointing. I liked the chickpeas and lamb pasanda and chicken korma. Our family in London eat here regularly.
The desserts had nearly run out on Sunday evening. We got the last gulub jamun which was good. The kulfi was two scoops, too much for the four who ordered it - we should have had another flavour, mango, and swapped.
I had mint tea. White mints in the shape of balls came up with the bill. I'd have preferred chocolates.
I find the food average and think it's best features are the ambience and service.They have three restaurants and thirteen collect and deliver outlets.
I think their penny farthing symbol is cute. On line you can see their menu.
I like the fact that the menu marks how spicy the dishes are that they offer to make dishes spicier - and presumably less spicy, if you like. Four bicycle symbols means very hot.
Their ordering system is very clear.
The restaurant is very modern in atmosphere with modern paintings for sale. Its very calming and romantic with white walls, white cloths and red napkins and candles at night. A few banquette seats with large cushions and one alcove area.
Friendly staff.
Mango lassi was thick.
Get your order in early, at least starters, as otherwise you could wait a while for your food.
The peshawri naan was good. The mixed grill was a bit disappointing. I liked the chickpeas and lamb pasanda and chicken korma. Our family in London eat here regularly.
The desserts had nearly run out on Sunday evening. We got the last gulub jamun which was good. The kulfi was two scoops, too much for the four who ordered it - we should have had another flavour, mango, and swapped.
I had mint tea. White mints in the shape of balls came up with the bill. I'd have preferred chocolates.
I find the food average and think it's best features are the ambience and service.

The Flask Tavern - Must do better...fast by oogywawa

oogywawa — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:02:21 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7435 4580

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

Tags: food, mulled wine, vegetarian dishes

I rarely walk out of a pub having left my food but The Flask was determined to make me do this. If they had thought I needed to loose a few inches around the waist they could have refused to serve me rather than relieve me of Â£11 for a inedible main course.

I had ordered half a roast chicken with chips and onion gravy, my colleague had ordered asparagus pasta. Five minutes after I ordered the bar assistant came over sheepishly and warned me that the chicken would take 25 minutes as it was cooked from scratch, so we decided to have bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The bread was stale.

The mains came. My colleague's was tired in the extreme - the asparagus and assorted vegetables were obviously fried leftovers from the day before and the pasta was not fresh. Worse still - my chicken was not cooked - blood oozing from it when cut. The gravy was out of a packet with some dried herbs thrown in and saltier than the Red Sea!

An apologetic barman sent it back to the kitchen and they duly put it into the oven for 10 minutes more but forgot to take the chips off the plate and so the chicken came back cooked and the chips cremated...

We made our exit after a free glass of wine from the apologetic friendly bar staff - the only bright light in the gloom of incompetent cooks (definitely not chefs) and pissed suits who were prone to knocking over their glasses of red at frequent intervals.

People may say it was an off night but you never get a second chance to make a first impression.I rarely walk out of a pub having left my food but The Flask was determined to make me do this. If they had thought I needed to loose a few inches around the waist they could have refused to serve me rather than relieve me of Â£11 for a inedible main course.

I had ordered half a roast chicken with chips and onion gravy, my colleague had ordered asparagus pasta. Five minutes after I ordered the bar assistant came over sheepishly and warned me that the chicken would take 25 minutes as it was cooked from scratch, so we decided to have bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The bread was stale.

The mains came. My colleague's was tired in the extreme - the asparagus and assorted vegetables were obviously fried leftovers from the day before and the pasta was not fresh. Worse still - my chicken was not cooked - blood oozing from it when cut. The gravy was out of a packet with some dried herbs thrown in and saltier than the Red Sea!

An apologetic barman sent it back to the kitchen and they duly put it into the oven for 10 minutes more but forgot to take the chips off the plate and so the chicken came back cooked and the chips cremated...

We made our exit after a free glass of wine from the apologetic friendly bar staff - the only bright light in the gloom of incompetent cooks (definitely not chefs) and pissed suits who were prone to knocking over their glasses of red at frequent intervals.

People may say it was an off night but you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

The Holly Bush - Excellent homely local by oogywawa

oogywawa — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:49:59 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7435 2892

Website: http://www.hollybushpub.com/

Tags: relaxed, friendly, traditional pub

My visit to Hampstead was one of extreme contrasts and luckily I ended it on a high in The Holly Bush.

Having earlier visited The Flask, which was a massive disappointment (see review) I hoped that a slog up a steepish hill to what resembled the heart of picturesque country village would reward my toil.

The Holly Bush turned out to be everything that I had hoped for. A review once said the front bars had "a carefully cultivated air in its front rooms of having been left untouched since the days of sawdust" but I sensed no disingenuity in what was in front of me.

There was the gentle murmur of contented drinkers and diners and the purveying air of relaxation and enjoyment. The food was good without being spectacular and relatively good value for money. The beer was very well kept and several pints of Mad Goose by Purity Brewing surreptitiously found their way down the gullet. The wine choice was good as my work colleague found to his cost the next morning!

All in all this delightful old establishment justified its reputation on all counts and long may it continue to keep the well heeled of Hampstead contented.My visit to Hampstead was one of extreme contrasts and luckily I ended it on a high in The Holly Bush.

Having earlier visited The Flask, which was a massive disappointment (see review) I hoped that a slog up a steepish hill to what resembled the heart of picturesque country village would reward my toil.

The Holly Bush turned out to be everything that I had hoped for. A review once said the front bars had "a carefully cultivated air in its front rooms of having been left untouched since the days of sawdust" but I sensed no disingenuity in what was in front of me.

There was the gentle murmur of contented drinkers and diners and the purveying air of relaxation and enjoyment. The food was good without being spectacular and relatively good value for money. The beer was very well kept and several pints of Mad Goose by Purity Brewing surreptitiously found their way down the gullet. The wine choice was good as my work colleague found to his cost the next morning!

All in all this delightful old establishment justified its reputation on all counts and long may it continue to keep the well heeled of Hampstead contented.

Duke Of Hamilton - Great great, great pub by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:43:49 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7794 0258

Tags: posh, relaxed, friendly

This is a great pub!

During the course of a Saturday walk (I say walk, it was an elaborate pub crawl, it's just we crossed the Heath to get to the first pub) this was, in my humble opinion, the best pub we went to. And if you're not interested in my humble opinion read around some of my other reviews and you will come across my high minded, arrogant and grumpy opinions.

It has a fantastically relaxed atmosphere and it lack some of the... pretension that a lot of establishments (and people) in Hampstead have. (Deny it if you like! But then have a good, hard look at yourself.)

The places looks as though it hasn't suffered a refurb since they laid the carpet, some time in the 1960s, and consequently it's comfortable, cosy and very Pub-like, for want of a better term. Some of the top features include the sporting memorabilia, the frosted glass surround above and the tiling on the bar, the dark wood panelling, and the fact that you have to leave the premises to make use of the inconveniences.

There are a number of reasons I like this in a pub. For a start, since the smoking ban, love it or hate it, some pubs have developed a... not altogether pleasant aroma if one sits in the wrong place and the wind is from the Sou'west. It's unavoidable. Also, there is something quite quaint and old fashioned about having an outhouse. I like.

One could be forgiven for thinking that this was a Fuller's house, with a couple of guest pumps. I couldn't give a crap because when faced with London Pride, Chiswick, and ESB, the question is rarely "Which one to have..." but "In which order should I commence..." Fortunately I was saved from the agony of choice by Meantime's LPA. And a very good pint it was too! For good reason is this pub a regular feature in the Good Beer Guide.

The staff were very pleasant and cooperative, if a little "cool" (I'm really not sure about fashion you know. I don't strictly object to every one looking like an extra in a Western movie. I'm a fan of cowboys as much as the next red blooded male, and not in a Broke Back Mountain kinda way. But are plimsolls really appropriate apparel for ranch hands?), the beer excellent, and the atmosphere very v e r y relaxed.

If only by comparison with it's neighbours, I would say that this is a very good pub, and it would certainly stand it's own among many other more robust rivals.

And I read something somewhere about beer festivals....

This is a great pub!

During the course of a Saturday walk (I say walk, it was an elaborate pub crawl, it's just we crossed the Heath to get to the first pub) this was, in my humble opinion, the best pub we went to. And if you're not interested in my humble opinion read around some of my other reviews and you will come across my high minded, arrogant and grumpy opinions.

It has a fantastically relaxed atmosphere and it lack some of the... pretension that a lot of establishments (and people) in Hampstead have. (Deny it if you like! But then have a good, hard look at yourself.)

The places looks as though it hasn't suffered a refurb since they laid the carpet, some time in the 1960s, and consequently it's comfortable, cosy and very Pub-like, for want of a better term. Some of the top features include the sporting memorabilia, the frosted glass surround above and the tiling on the bar, the dark wood panelling, and the fact that you have to leave the premises to make use of the inconveniences.

There are a number of reasons I like this in a pub. For a start, since the smoking ban, love it or hate it, some pubs have developed a... not altogether pleasant aroma if one sits in the wrong place and the wind is from the Sou'west. It's unavoidable. Also, there is something quite quaint and old fashioned about having an outhouse. I like.

One could be forgiven for thinking that this was a Fuller's house, with a couple of guest pumps. I couldn't give a crap because when faced with London Pride, Chiswick, and ESB, the question is rarely "Which one to have..." but "In which order should I commence..." Fortunately I was saved from the agony of choice by Meantime's LPA. And a very good pint it was too! For good reason is this pub a regular feature in the Good Beer Guide.

The staff were very pleasant and cooperative, if a little "cool" (I'm really not sure about fashion you know. I don't strictly object to every one looking like an extra in a Western movie. I'm a fan of cowboys as much as the next red blooded male, and not in a Broke Back Mountain kinda way. But are plimsolls really appropriate apparel for ranch hands?), the beer excellent, and the atmosphere very v e r y relaxed.

If only by comparison with it's neighbours, I would say that this is a very good pub, and it would certainly stand it's own among many other more robust rivals.

And I read something somewhere about beer festivals....

Artigiano - by idletimes

idletimes — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:18:51 +0000

Review by idletimes

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7794 4288

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

Tags: modern italian, vegetarian dishes, toptable

Really lovely Italian food made with great care. Very good service.Really lovely Italian food made with great care. Very good service.

The Hampstead Comedy Club - by Dunstan

Dunstan — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:45:07 +0000

Review by Dunstan

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8299 2601

Website: http://members.aol.com/hampsteadcomedy

Absolutely terrible. A comedy club stands or falls by the atmosphere in the room, and its the job of the compefre to create that atmosphere. Apparently Ivor Dembina has been hosting this night for 16 years, but you'd think it was his first night. He managed to suck the energy out of the room within minutes on wandering on stage. This man is a vacuum within an ennui within a void. The commedians did their best, but when the punters are so stunned by a compere who is less charismatic and less mirth-filled than a corpse, its never going to be an easy night for anyone.

The high point of the night was some women arguing about one of them sitting in the other's chair.

The last act of the night was so bad that half the crowd walked out during his set.

Dont go. Ever.Absolutely terrible. A comedy club stands or falls by the atmosphere in the room, and its the job of the compefre to create that atmosphere. Apparently Ivor Dembina has been hosting this night for 16 years, but you'd think it was his first night. He managed to suck the energy out of the room within minutes on wandering on stage. This man is a vacuum within an ennui within a void. The commedians did their best, but when the punters are so stunned by a compere who is less charismatic and less mirth-filled than a corpse, its never going to be an easy night for anyone.

The high point of the night was some women arguing about one of them sitting in the other's chair.

The last act of the night was so bad that half the crowd walked out during his set.

Dont go. Ever.

Haverstock Arms - A nice weekend by Ido

Ido — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:34:55 +0000

Review by Ido

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7586 9476

Tags: live music, relaxed, food

Bed and breakfast is what we wanted and is what we got. Simple hotel accommodation with two good beds in our room and a shower. If you want to visit London and do not want to stay in your room, this is a very good spot. Very nice people. Downstairs a very English pub where breakfast is served. For foreigners English culture in a nutshell. Very close to the underground and the centre of Camden. Nice pubs, restaurants and a few shops. A village in the big town of London.Bed and breakfast is what we wanted and is what we got. Simple hotel accommodation with two good beds in our room and a shower. If you want to visit London and do not want to stay in your room, this is a very good spot. Very nice people. Downstairs a very English pub where breakfast is served. For foreigners English culture in a nutshell. Very close to the underground and the centre of Camden. Nice pubs, restaurants and a few shops. A village in the big town of London.

Waitrose - by gilka

gilka — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:33:27 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7624 0453

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

Tags: bakery, newspapers / magazines, deli counter

You will be surprised, but the quality of the pastries in Waitrose is high and probably better then the one you are going to get in the nearest coffee shop.You will be surprised, but the quality of the pastries in Waitrose is high and probably better then the one you are going to get in the nearest coffee shop.

Ping Pong Dim Sum - Fab fab fab! by KateP

KateP — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:53:38 +0000

Review by KateP

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7433 0930

Website: http://www.pingpongdimsum.com

Tags: chinese, lively, takeaway

I have eaten in many of the Ping Pong restaurants and this one certainly didn't dissappoint! The new menu was fab, the service was great as ever and the cocktails were absolutely delicious! The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful and I will be continuing my weekly visits to Ping Pong, many of my friends in the city go their on a daily basis to drink atthe bar as they love the cocktails and Tiger beer on draught!I have eaten in many of the Ping Pong restaurants and this one certainly didn't dissappoint! The new menu was fab, the service was great as ever and the cocktails were absolutely delicious! The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful and I will be continuing my weekly visits to Ping Pong, many of my friends in the city go their on a daily basis to drink atthe bar as they love the cocktails and Tiger beer on draught!

Dim T - Hmm.. by harriese

harriese — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:58:57 +0000

Review by harriese

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7435 0024

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

Tags: thai, crowded, cheap eat

2 out of 5 meals here have been excellent...the others ok and poor. This branch doesn't seem to deliver the quality of the others.2 out of 5 meals here have been excellent...the others ok and poor. This branch doesn't seem to deliver the quality of the others.

La Creperie de Hampstead - The best crepes ever! by pwg

pwg — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:53:35 +0000

Review by pwg

Rating: 5.00

Website: http://www.hampsteadcreperie.com/

Tags: rare finds, creperie, crepes

I have been a regular customer at the Hampstead Creperie, as it is known locally, since I moved to the Hampstead area in 1991. I have never been disappointed. The crepes are always crispy and tasty and are excellent value for money. Where else could you get a freshly prepared meal of such quality for under a fiver?
On sunny days, the gregarious, good natured, huge queue is part of the Hampstead vibe. However, I must confess I usually take my children there dead on noon to beat the rush.
This is easily the best take away food in London.
I have been a regular customer at the Hampstead Creperie, as it is known locally, since I moved to the Hampstead area in 1991. I have never been disappointed. The crepes are always crispy and tasty and are excellent value for money. Where else could you get a freshly prepared meal of such quality for under a fiver?
On sunny days, the gregarious, good natured, huge queue is part of the Hampstead vibe. However, I must confess I usually take my children there dead on noon to beat the rush.
This is easily the best take away food in London.

Jin Kichi - by londoneye

londoneye — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 01:24:59 +0000

Review by londoneye

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7794 6158

Tags: japanese, takeaway, vegetarian dishes

Robata style Japanese cuisine. Skewers, Tempura, Sushi, Sashimi.Robata style Japanese cuisine. Skewers, Tempura, Sushi, Sashimi.

Weng Wah House - dreadful service and manager by samsam68

samsam68 — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 11:11:11 +0000

Review by samsam68

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7431 4502

Tags: chinese, lively, expensive

we were on a friends hen nite. the manager must have been in a foul mood as we were treated appalingly.They tryed to rip us off by overcharging us and stealing the deposit. A real shame as i had been there before and had a good time. as a restaurnanter myself i was disgusted at our treatment. would advise to avoid at all costs, unless you are in the habit of being told you have to pay a service charge for the most disgracefull service i have ever endured. the manager was especially bad!we were on a friends hen nite. the manager must have been in a foul mood as we were treated appalingly.They tryed to rip us off by overcharging us and stealing the deposit. A real shame as i had been there before and had a good time. as a restaurnanter myself i was disgusted at our treatment. would advise to avoid at all costs, unless you are in the habit of being told you have to pay a service charge for the most disgracefull service i have ever endured. the manager was especially bad!

The Horseshoe - For reasons which will doubtless never be complete by chrisp

chrisp — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:12:36 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7431 7206

Tags: gastro pub, posh, lively

For reasons which will doubtless never be completely explained, the whole of South London is currently suffering from an epidemic of Massive Pointless Holes In The Road. Quite a feat of engineering they are too, so deep you can't see the bottom, supported by huge steel girders and a good twenty foot across. They're a constant source of fascination to the kids in Battersea, who chuck empty cans of Pepsi down them, perhaps to listen for the clang and figure out how deep they are. And I would be quite happy to leave them to it and gaze in similarly bemused admiration at these Massive Holes, where it not for the fact that the London buses, as dangerously unpredictable as wild Roe Deer at the best of times, now finally have a cast-iron excuse to never be anywhere you expect them to be, and getting in and out of SW11 requires persistence, dedication and a true hunter's instinct. I possess none of these qualities, which is why my journey of approximately eight miles to Hampstead on Saturday afternoon took the best part of three hours. Fortunately, it was worth the effort.

The interior of the Horseshoe, by design or accident, brings to mind the minimalist aesthetics of St. John in Clerkenwell. Huge ceilings and whitewashed walls create a lofty and attractive room, but when it's full it does mean there's a bit of a din. The crowd is as well-heeled as you might expect in this part of town, although luckily - and crucially, for anywhere calling itself a gastropub - there were a number of tables of people just taking advantage of the excellent house ales, and they looked quite at home as well. Some very good house bread arrived along with some unsalted butter, and we made our food selections.

I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to scallops. I have never eaten a preparation I enjoyed more than searing in butter, perhaps with a little garlic, and plonked on a plate, and here they were cooked perfectly - crusty on the outside, sweet and juicy within. A smear of bright red beetroot purÃ©e added little other than colour (I have always found beetroot to be a singularly unimpressive vegetable in terms of taste - all mouth and no trousers, so to speak) but thanks to the scallops themselves, this was a very successful starter.

For a main course, I took a huge gamble. The daily special was a Beef Forerib for Two (£40), served sliced on a wooden slab and accompanied by a couple of dainty jugs of roasting jus and a bowl each of perhaps the finest chips in London. Doused in vinegar and salt, these chips would be worth a visit to the Horseshoe alone - triple cooked, presumably, in goose fat and cut to just the perfect size (no "chunky chip" nonsense here, nor the fiddly French Fry cut) they were crunchy and tasty and about as perfect a chip as you could imagine. You'll also have to take my word on this because unfortunately the picture didn't turn out for some reason. The beef, out of interest, was OK. Impressive to look at and cooked reasonably well, it was nevertheless rather bland in taste - Hawksmoor don't have much to worry about just yet. On the other hand, they gave us the leftovers and bones to take home with us and I used them to make rather a good beef stock the next day.

Desserts were competent and reasonably enjoyable but the fact I needed the photographic evidence to even remind me what I ate barely 12 hours ago gives you some indication of how memorable. I should also say a word about the service, which was smiley and efficient and I was so impressed with one particular waitress I punched her in the stomach in gratitude. Actually, it didn't quite happen like that. I was putting my coat on after quite a bit of lovely house Chardonnay (Beresford Highwood (2007) Langhorne Creek - "Excellent producer in Langhorne Creek, south of Adelaide" according to Dan from Bibendum, and a steal at £16 a bottle) and with a particularly flamboyant gesture, made in an attempt to get my left arm through the sleeve of my jacket but rather negligently failing to ensure the area behind me was clear in preparation for such a manoeuvre, I somehow made contact with the stomach of a waitress carrying two plates of hot food. To give credit where credit's due, she absorbed the body blow like a prize boxer and with a stifled whimper delivered the food to the customers just behind us and stiffly backed away. I attempted an apology but I get the feeling she was more concerned with getting out of my reach in case I unexpectedly lashed out again, because she avoided eye contact. Can't say I blame her.

Still, taking into consideration all factors - the ambience, the level of cooking, and the ability of the waiting staff to deal with violently drunken customers, the Horseshoe is a real find. It's reasonably priced, has taken all the good things about the St John philosophy on board without being too pretentious about it, and is one of the few places in this part of town where you really get your moneys worth. The only real issue, for those of us not lucky enough to live within spitting distance of NW6, is that bloody journey. On the other hand, it would keep more than an obstacle course of Massive Pointless Holes to keep me away from the Horseshoe.For reasons which will doubtless never be completely explained, the whole of South London is currently suffering from an epidemic of Massive Pointless Holes In The Road. Quite a feat of engineering they are too, so deep you can't see the bottom, supported by huge steel girders and a good twenty foot across. They're a constant source of fascination to the kids in Battersea, who chuck empty cans of Pepsi down them, perhaps to listen for the clang and figure out how deep they are. And I would be quite happy to leave them to it and gaze in similarly bemused admiration at these Massive Holes, where it not for the fact that the London buses, as dangerously unpredictable as wild Roe Deer at the best of times, now finally have a cast-iron excuse to never be anywhere you expect them to be, and getting in and out of SW11 requires persistence, dedication and a true hunter's instinct. I possess none of these qualities, which is why my journey of approximately eight miles to Hampstead on Saturday afternoon took the best part of three hours. Fortunately, it was worth the effort.

The interior of the Horseshoe, by design or accident, brings to mind the minimalist aesthetics of St. John in Clerkenwell. Huge ceilings and whitewashed walls create a lofty and attractive room, but when it's full it does mean there's a bit of a din. The crowd is as well-heeled as you might expect in this part of town, although luckily - and crucially, for anywhere calling itself a gastropub - there were a number of tables of people just taking advantage of the excellent house ales, and they looked quite at home as well. Some very good house bread arrived along with some unsalted butter, and we made our food selections.

I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to scallops. I have never eaten a preparation I enjoyed more than searing in butter, perhaps with a little garlic, and plonked on a plate, and here they were cooked perfectly - crusty on the outside, sweet and juicy within. A smear of bright red beetroot purÃ©e added little other than colour (I have always found beetroot to be a singularly unimpressive vegetable in terms of taste - all mouth and no trousers, so to speak) but thanks to the scallops themselves, this was a very successful starter.

For a main course, I took a huge gamble. The daily special was a Beef Forerib for Two (£40), served sliced on a wooden slab and accompanied by a couple of dainty jugs of roasting jus and a bowl each of perhaps the finest chips in London. Doused in vinegar and salt, these chips would be worth a visit to the Horseshoe alone - triple cooked, presumably, in goose fat and cut to just the perfect size (no "chunky chip" nonsense here, nor the fiddly French Fry cut) they were crunchy and tasty and about as perfect a chip as you could imagine. You'll also have to take my word on this because unfortunately the picture didn't turn out for some reason. The beef, out of interest, was OK. Impressive to look at and cooked reasonably well, it was nevertheless rather bland in taste - Hawksmoor don't have much to worry about just yet. On the other hand, they gave us the leftovers and bones to take home with us and I used them to make rather a good beef stock the next day.

Desserts were competent and reasonably enjoyable but the fact I needed the photographic evidence to even remind me what I ate barely 12 hours ago gives you some indication of how memorable. I should also say a word about the service, which was smiley and efficient and I was so impressed with one particular waitress I punched her in the stomach in gratitude. Actually, it didn't quite happen like that. I was putting my coat on after quite a bit of lovely house Chardonnay (Beresford Highwood (2007) Langhorne Creek - "Excellent producer in Langhorne Creek, south of Adelaide" according to Dan from Bibendum, and a steal at £16 a bottle) and with a particularly flamboyant gesture, made in an attempt to get my left arm through the sleeve of my jacket but rather negligently failing to ensure the area behind me was clear in preparation for such a manoeuvre, I somehow made contact with the stomach of a waitress carrying two plates of hot food. To give credit where credit's due, she absorbed the body blow like a prize boxer and with a stifled whimper delivered the food to the customers just behind us and stiffly backed away. I attempted an apology but I get the feeling she was more concerned with getting out of my reach in case I unexpectedly lashed out again, because she avoided eye contact. Can't say I blame her.

Still, taking into consideration all factors - the ambience, the level of cooking, and the ability of the waiting staff to deal with violently drunken customers, the Horseshoe is a real find. It's reasonably priced, has taken all the good things about the St John philosophy on board without being too pretentious about it, and is one of the few places in this part of town where you really get your moneys worth. The only real issue, for those of us not lucky enough to live within spitting distance of NW6, is that bloody journey. On the other hand, it would keep more than an obstacle course of Massive Pointless Holes to keep me away from the Horseshoe.

Tootsies - tootsies belsize park by sarah86

sarah86 — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 11:58:26 +0000

Review by sarah86

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7431 3812

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

Tags: american, good value, family & home feel

I joined their vsp club online, so had a voucher for 50% off food. Went on valentines day for a great meal- we had EVERYTHING for ten pounds each. Also although our table was a bit drafty, and dessert took a while we got some free hot drinks and the staff were nice about it. great serviceI joined their vsp club online, so had a voucher for 50% off food. Went on valentines day for a great meal- we had EVERYTHING for ten pounds each. Also although our table was a bit drafty, and dessert took a while we got some free hot drinks and the staff were nice about it. great service

Gary Ingham - Gary Ingham by carolynpartrick

carolynpartrick — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:05:06 +0000

Review by carolynpartrick

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7431 0777

Even if he weren't a previous Hairdresser of the Year finalist, or a former artistic director at Trevor Sorbie, Gary Ingham would still be the best little scissor-wielder in London.
When Gary cuts my hair, it stays looking good for months! And as it grows out, people ask me if I've just had it cut.... even when it's 2-3 inches longer than when it was first cut, it still looks great.
And the salon looks and feels good too. Gary and his team pay great attention to detail, and the comfort and relaxation quotient is high.
Try him... I know you'll love what he does to your hair.Even if he weren't a previous Hairdresser of the Year finalist, or a former artistic director at Trevor Sorbie, Gary Ingham would still be the best little scissor-wielder in London.
When Gary cuts my hair, it stays looking good for months! And as it grows out, people ask me if I've just had it cut.... even when it's 2-3 inches longer than when it was first cut, it still looks great.
And the salon looks and feels good too. Gary and his team pay great attention to detail, and the comfort and relaxation quotient is high.
Try him... I know you'll love what he does to your hair.

Le Cellier Du Midi - Simple but honest food by BiancaW

BiancaW — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 01:13:04 +0000

Review by BiancaW

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7435 9998

Tags: french, lively, romantic

Atmosphere: Cosy family run place
Food: Lovely well cooked french food, simple but tasty
Price: Good value for money

+ Bar in the wine cellar, for an aperitif.
- Lavatories could have been fresher.

The restaurant has their 50th anniversary this year. Very friendly and personal touch. Would recommend to go for intimate parties. One of the best restaurants in Hampstead when it comes to atmosphere and honest home cooked food.Atmosphere: Cosy family run place
Food: Lovely well cooked french food, simple but tasty
Price: Good value for money

+ Bar in the wine cellar, for an aperitif.
- Lavatories could have been fresher.

The restaurant has their 50th anniversary this year. Very friendly and personal touch. Would recommend to go for intimate parties. One of the best restaurants in Hampstead when it comes to atmosphere and honest home cooked food.