Latest reviews in Holborn, London, United Kingdom

Subway - What you expect by greedoe

greedoe — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:23:22 +0000

Review by greedoe

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7404 7300

Website: http://www.subway.com

Like every other Subway - they serve subs, cookies, watered down fountain drinks and crisps.

You won't find anything more or less than any of the others.

There's usually a guy standing nearby with coupons for various Subway promotions, so chances are you won't have to pay full whack.Like every other Subway - they serve subs, cookies, watered down fountain drinks and crisps.

You won't find anything more or less than any of the others.

There's usually a guy standing nearby with coupons for various Subway promotions, so chances are you won't have to pay full whack.

Edokko - Authentic by StephenGrayston

StephenGrayston — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:59:34 +0000

Review by StephenGrayston

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7242 3490

Tags: japanese, business, lively

This restaurant is owned by Ito-san, who trained to be a Sushi chef under one of Japan's top Sushi chefs in Tokyo. Edokko means 'Child of Tokyo'...

The food is superb and like many of the UK Japanese Sushi chefs, Ito-san rises early in the morning to go to the fish market and select the fish himself. If it is one thing that Japanese Sushi chefs know about - it's fish and freshness.

I truly recommend the food, the atmosphere and the service, and prices have risen owing to food price increases across the country, but I still think it is very good value considering to the quality of the food.

Can be very crowded in evenings and lunchtimes - make sure you book.

Stephen.This restaurant is owned by Ito-san, who trained to be a Sushi chef under one of Japan's top Sushi chefs in Tokyo. Edokko means 'Child of Tokyo'...

The food is superb and like many of the UK Japanese Sushi chefs, Ito-san rises early in the morning to go to the fish market and select the fish himself. If it is one thing that Japanese Sushi chefs know about - it's fish and freshness.

I truly recommend the food, the atmosphere and the service, and prices have risen owing to food price increases across the country, but I still think it is very good value considering to the quality of the food.

Can be very crowded in evenings and lunchtimes - make sure you book.

Stephen.

Princess Louise - Wonderful old school pub by greedoe

greedoe — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:25:37 +0000

Review by greedoe

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7405 8816

Tags: food, glamorous, friendly

This place is awesome. All chrome and glass and cheap drink.

The fact that there are three bars you need to go onto the street to change between is awesome.

This place is awesome. All chrome and glass and cheap drink.

The fact that there are three bars you need to go onto the street to change between is awesome.

Davy's Bung Hole Cellars - Not a place for food by greedoe

greedoe — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:23:44 +0000

Review by greedoe

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7242 4318

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

Tags: overpriced, seating area, air conditioning

It's a wine bar called The Bunghole and we went there for comedy effect only. Should have left right after that, but instead we ate.

Had a salmon sandwich for Â£5.75 expecting something other than two pieces of bread with a small bit of smoked salmon in between, cut into four.

I guess if you're going here for wine you only want small overpriced bits of food to accompany your wine.

Mistake made, will not be going back.It's a wine bar called The Bunghole and we went there for comedy effect only. Should have left right after that, but instead we ate.

Had a salmon sandwich for Â£5.75 expecting something other than two pieces of bread with a small bit of smoked salmon in between, cut into four.

I guess if you're going here for wine you only want small overpriced bits of food to accompany your wine.

Mistake made, will not be going back.

Bistro Savoir Faire - Bustling Bistro by thamshere

thamshere — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:27:33 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7436 0707

Tags: french, romantic, good value

This is one of the few French places I know that's not pretentious or overpriced. Good, solid, classic French food at bargain prices. All the food I've had here has been of a high standard, though nothing has ever stood out as amazing, but I'd be happy to go back anytime to see what's new.

The staff are friendly and helpful, though I haven't had need to test their knowledge yet. The small tables can get a little crowded, but get one by the window anyway! This is one of the few French places I know that's not pretentious or overpriced. Good, solid, classic French food at bargain prices. All the food I've had here has been of a high standard, though nothing has ever stood out as amazing, but I'd be happy to go back anytime to see what's new.

The staff are friendly and helpful, though I haven't had need to test their knowledge yet. The small tables can get a little crowded, but get one by the window anyway!

Knight's Templar - Impressive decor by mapocathy

mapocathy — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:40:20 +0000

Review by mapocathy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7831 2660

Website: http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/pub/theknightstemplar

Tags: posh, excellent pub food, food

For someone who wants to check out a more posh/professional side of London, the Knight's Templar provides you with the legal crowd and occassional students from King's College since their library is just opposite to the pub.

The food is good - as usual with all the WSP chains, and their lunch curry is fantasy - good for value as well. About Â£7-8 for lunch with drinks included. Perfect for someone who wants to escape the tourists and venture into somewhere local. Chancery Lane itself is an interested lane, with a lot of hidden little cafes and restaurants, also mostly cater for the legal professionals.For someone who wants to check out a more posh/professional side of London, the Knight's Templar provides you with the legal crowd and occassional students from King's College since their library is just opposite to the pub.

The food is good - as usual with all the WSP chains, and their lunch curry is fantasy - good for value as well. About Â£7-8 for lunch with drinks included. Perfect for someone who wants to escape the tourists and venture into somewhere local. Chancery Lane itself is an interested lane, with a lot of hidden little cafes and restaurants, also mostly cater for the legal professionals.

Great Queen Street - Great Queen Street... by Jaime

Jaime — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:52:43 +0000

Review by Jaime

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7242 0622

Tags: lively, good value, british

...is great. Great food, service and atmosphere. Think meaty, meat dishes - great steaks, game, potted shrimps - very modern British, not cheap, but not too posh that you can't wear your jeans and Converse. It's not wholly necessary to make a reservation, which is great for the disorganised as you can just roll up, take a seat, have a few beers and wait for a table (or even better, a seat at the bar) to appear. To get an idea of what the place is like, the last time we went our waiter was a dead ringer in terms of looks, personality and outlook for Howard Moon in the Mighty Boosh....is great. Great food, service and atmosphere. Think meaty, meat dishes - great steaks, game, potted shrimps - very modern British, not cheap, but not too posh that you can't wear your jeans and Converse. It's not wholly necessary to make a reservation, which is great for the disorganised as you can just roll up, take a seat, have a few beers and wait for a table (or even better, a seat at the bar) to appear. To get an idea of what the place is like, the last time we went our waiter was a dead ringer in terms of looks, personality and outlook for Howard Moon in the Mighty Boosh.

Wolfe's Bar & Grill - Not as bad as some say by rogoff

rogoff — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:13:42 +0000

Review by rogoff

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7831 4422

Website: http://www.wolfes-grill.net/

Tags: american, bad, international

Some restaurants have a cool 70s retro styling but Wolfe's seems to have the actual fixtures and fittings that it had when it first opened in the 70s. I don't mind that except some of the seat covers looked like they hadn't been changed since then.

Once you get over that though, you might find that the food is actually quite good. The waitresses were on top of things and I definitely didn't have as bad an experience as some of the other reviewers here.

Would I rush back? No - there are much better restaurants in London.Some restaurants have a cool 70s retro styling but Wolfe's seems to have the actual fixtures and fittings that it had when it first opened in the 70s. I don't mind that except some of the seat covers looked like they hadn't been changed since then.

Once you get over that though, you might find that the food is actually quite good. The waitresses were on top of things and I definitely didn't have as bad an experience as some of the other reviewers here.

Would I rush back? No - there are much better restaurants in London.

GymBox - Full of gimmick and no honesty by fd4698

fd4698 — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:55:22 +0000

Review by fd4698

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7400 1919

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

Tags: massage therapy, bar / cafe, sauna

Pretentious and awful gym. I joined on an offer in the london paper. The sales staff were pushy and superficial, using what seemed like tempting limited offers such as waiving their extortionate joining fee of Â£175 if you sign the contract then and there. I was not happy with all the small print on the contract but was cajoled into joining for the least commitment membership of pay as you go but i later found in the terms and conditions that you still had hidden fees to pay with this. The atmosphere at the gym was disappointing and the staff were very aloof and generally unhelpful. There were always 3 or 4 of each type of machine which were out of order despite the fact that i never see many people using the gym. I read the terms and conditions of my contract and cancelled within the correct time limit (annoyingly even though they sell it as a pay as you go option you need to give a full month's notice and a further maintenance fee if you want to skip a month i.e. you end up paying for NOT going to the gym). Even giving my notice orally and in writing with the un-friendly reception staff and cancelling my direct debit well in advance, another month's payment was still taken from my account. The manager was un-believably rude when I called up about it and it took some talking just to be refunded for the extra month's fee they unlawfully took from me. All in all, it's just one big gimmick so that people can feel like they're getting a new experience but the classes are pretty contrived and either over-crowded or the instructor won't teach if there are 5 or less people. Definitely go elsewhere - this place has short term appeal only!Pretentious and awful gym. I joined on an offer in the london paper. The sales staff were pushy and superficial, using what seemed like tempting limited offers such as waiving their extortionate joining fee of Â£175 if you sign the contract then and there. I was not happy with all the small print on the contract but was cajoled into joining for the least commitment membership of pay as you go but i later found in the terms and conditions that you still had hidden fees to pay with this. The atmosphere at the gym was disappointing and the staff were very aloof and generally unhelpful. There were always 3 or 4 of each type of machine which were out of order despite the fact that i never see many people using the gym. I read the terms and conditions of my contract and cancelled within the correct time limit (annoyingly even though they sell it as a pay as you go option you need to give a full month's notice and a further maintenance fee if you want to skip a month i.e. you end up paying for NOT going to the gym). Even giving my notice orally and in writing with the un-friendly reception staff and cancelling my direct debit well in advance, another month's payment was still taken from my account. The manager was un-believably rude when I called up about it and it took some talking just to be refunded for the extra month's fee they unlawfully took from me. All in all, it's just one big gimmick so that people can feel like they're getting a new experience but the classes are pretty contrived and either over-crowded or the instructor won't teach if there are 5 or less people. Definitely go elsewhere - this place has short term appeal only!

Saffron - That's good grub! by greedoe

greedoe — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:58:57 +0000

Review by greedoe

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7402 9992

Website: http://www.saffroncafe.com

Tags: lebanese, cosy, quick bite

This place comes rather recommended. The grub is traditional Lebanese and the atmosphere is cosy if not a tad cramped.

The mixed grill contained enough different meats from enough different species to be a manly enough feed.

The mixed meze is a nice dish too - you get 5 (small portions) different things off the menu for under Â£8. Have some falafel, hummus, chicken, rice and potatoes.

Good grub, good value and nicely filling. Can't wait to go back.This place comes rather recommended. The grub is traditional Lebanese and the atmosphere is cosy if not a tad cramped.

The mixed grill contained enough different meats from enough different species to be a manly enough feed.

The mixed meze is a nice dish too - you get 5 (small portions) different things off the menu for under Â£8. Have some falafel, hummus, chicken, rice and potatoes.

Good grub, good value and nicely filling. Can't wait to go back.

Ye Olde White Horse - Now Everyone Is Welcome!!! by ianburke

ianburke — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:43:48 +0000

Review by ianburke

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7242 5518

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

The cranky old landlady is gone!! The new owner welcomes everyone, and the friendly staff seems to go out of their way to make all guests feel at home. They even did table service!

I hadn't been in this place for ages, but recently started working again near Lincoln's Inn Fields. None of us dared set foot in this place earlier, as the land lady was even cranky to non-students. But what a difference now!

The new owner is really using this fantastic little place to it's potential. Great selection of bitters, and not the tired usual Adnams, Greene King, Courage, but some off-the-beaten-track ones like Timothy Taylor's Landlord and the is particularly outstanding Woodforde's Wherry!

This is one of an increasingly rare breed of lovely little out of the way boozers that are being fast replaced by soulless chain pubs. Don't miss this one!!! The cranky old landlady is gone!! The new owner welcomes everyone, and the friendly staff seems to go out of their way to make all guests feel at home. They even did table service!

I hadn't been in this place for ages, but recently started working again near Lincoln's Inn Fields. None of us dared set foot in this place earlier, as the land lady was even cranky to non-students. But what a difference now!

The new owner is really using this fantastic little place to it's potential. Great selection of bitters, and not the tired usual Adnams, Greene King, Courage, but some off-the-beaten-track ones like Timothy Taylor's Landlord and the is particularly outstanding Woodforde's Wherry!

This is one of an increasingly rare breed of lovely little out of the way boozers that are being fast replaced by soulless chain pubs. Don't miss this one!!!

The Bountiful Cow - Bountiful indeed by ilovelucy

ilovelucy — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:49:55 +0000

Review by ilovelucy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7404 0200

Tags: gastro pub, lively, relaxed

Came here last Saturday to redeem my toptable points which allows me to have a 3 course meal free of charge and it was an excellent choice indeed. I asked my mate Robbo to come along too as I thought it would be his kind of place - brown, sober colours, interesting art ( mainly of cows), tim taylor on tap and jazz tinkering in the background. It was really his kind of joing - and I liked it too although I much easier to please ;o).

The set menu had several choices for each course for me to choose from but unforunately not steak - which is the restaurant's speciality. The normal menu was short but perfectly formed and had a good selection of starters and mains. We had the salmon and the greek salad to start - both were huge portions and loved the feta and olives. After finishing these plates we wondered how we were going to put away the other plates. Robbo choose the rib eye steak and it came perfectly thick and cooked medium - he ordered rare wanting medium - always best thing to do. He enjoyed it immensely. I had ordered the sirloin steak sandwich as it was the closest thing to steak on my menu and did away with the bun. Was a beautiful cut of meat - so tender and flavoursome. Chips were okay and I had literally 2 portions on my plate - but who am i to complain about big portions! Topped off the meal with posh pistachio ice cream - I did not have space for it but what the heck it went down delightfully anyway.

The evening like the steak was perfect - great ambience, good bottle of malbec and excellent company. I will be sure to go back.

Came here last Saturday to redeem my toptable points which allows me to have a 3 course meal free of charge and it was an excellent choice indeed. I asked my mate Robbo to come along too as I thought it would be his kind of place - brown, sober colours, interesting art ( mainly of cows), tim taylor on tap and jazz tinkering in the background. It was really his kind of joing - and I liked it too although I much easier to please ;o).

The set menu had several choices for each course for me to choose from but unforunately not steak - which is the restaurant's speciality. The normal menu was short but perfectly formed and had a good selection of starters and mains. We had the salmon and the greek salad to start - both were huge portions and loved the feta and olives. After finishing these plates we wondered how we were going to put away the other plates. Robbo choose the rib eye steak and it came perfectly thick and cooked medium - he ordered rare wanting medium - always best thing to do. He enjoyed it immensely. I had ordered the sirloin steak sandwich as it was the closest thing to steak on my menu and did away with the bun. Was a beautiful cut of meat - so tender and flavoursome. Chips were okay and I had literally 2 portions on my plate - but who am i to complain about big portions! Topped off the meal with posh pistachio ice cream - I did not have space for it but what the heck it went down delightfully anyway.

The evening like the steak was perfect - great ambience, good bottle of malbec and excellent company. I will be sure to go back.

The Fly - The Fly by miffy

miffy — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:57:45 +0000

Review by miffy

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7691 4244

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

Tags: lively, good value, friendly

Younger brother to Camden Barfly the fly has had some big bands play in it, good gigs that have that, "big band in a small venue" feel that is always satifying. As well as this they have a new bands night on wednesdays which allows emerging small bands to play- a great stepping stone to bigger venues. The Djs play great music to dance to and the staff are friendly which is always nice, depite there being few people there the djs were still enthusiastic and the bar prices are reasonable. The downstairs area has comfortable sofas and big tables which are good if you're in a large group but less so if you just want to sit with a few people. Overall a good small venue in a handy central location.Younger brother to Camden Barfly the fly has had some big bands play in it, good gigs that have that, "big band in a small venue" feel that is always satifying. As well as this they have a new bands night on wednesdays which allows emerging small bands to play- a great stepping stone to bigger venues. The Djs play great music to dance to and the staff are friendly which is always nice, depite there being few people there the djs were still enthusiastic and the bar prices are reasonable. The downstairs area has comfortable sofas and big tables which are good if you're in a large group but less so if you just want to sit with a few people. Overall a good small venue in a handy central location.

Thai Dream - Hidden Thai restaurant in Bloomsbury by springwater

springwater — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 19:21:39 +0000

Review by springwater

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7242 5150

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

Tags: thai, good value, family & home feel

I live around the corner from this hidden gem...it was formerly Siam River Thai and has recently opened as Thai Dream after a refurbishment...under the new management.

As soon as you walk in you know have come to the right place for authentic thai food mirrored by the aroma, decor and romantic thai music ;)...the food was really good...

This place isnt busy at all mainly due to its location..so the service was great (we were the only ones there)...

give it a chance...highly recommended...my date really enjoyed it bcos she thought the waiter was cute!
I live around the corner from this hidden gem...it was formerly Siam River Thai and has recently opened as Thai Dream after a refurbishment...under the new management.

As soon as you walk in you know have come to the right place for authentic thai food mirrored by the aroma, decor and romantic thai music ;)...the food was really good...

This place isnt busy at all mainly due to its location..so the service was great (we were the only ones there)...

give it a chance...highly recommended...my date really enjoyed it bcos she thought the waiter was cute!

The Japanese Canteen - Alright for lunch but not cheap by greedoe

greedoe — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:03:56 +0000

Review by greedoe

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7405 4540

Website: http://www.thejapanesecanteen.co.uk/holborn.html

Tags: japanese, takeaway, crowded

I usually go for the ginger chicken bento box, which at Â£6.50 isn't the cheapest lunch around, especially if you're just looking for a change from a Â£2.00 sarnie. however, it is quite tasty, you get a few extras like miso soup, sesame spinach salad and pickled cucumber.

However, I've found their food preparation to be a bit hit and miss. The first time I had it, I discovered a ginger chicken nirvana in my mouth which they have yet to replicate. Maybe a change of menu item is warranted, but it would be nice to have a bit more consistency.I usually go for the ginger chicken bento box, which at Â£6.50 isn't the cheapest lunch around, especially if you're just looking for a change from a Â£2.00 sarnie. however, it is quite tasty, you get a few extras like miso soup, sesame spinach salad and pickled cucumber.

However, I've found their food preparation to be a bit hit and miss. The first time I had it, I discovered a ginger chicken nirvana in my mouth which they have yet to replicate. Maybe a change of menu item is warranted, but it would be nice to have a bit more consistency.

Abeno - Great Place by Sangjune

Sangjune — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 13:58:46 +0000

Review by Sangjune

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7405 3211

Tags: japanese, good value, family & home feel

I went to Abeno yesterday on my way to the British Museum. Not only Okonomiyaki but also Yaki Soba and Agetofu are so delicious. It is must-go place for whom wants to experience authentic Japanese foods.

It is so crowded on weekend dinner that I recommend you avoid the time.

Enjoy.I went to Abeno yesterday on my way to the British Museum. Not only Okonomiyaki but also Yaki Soba and Agetofu are so delicious. It is must-go place for whom wants to experience authentic Japanese foods.

It is so crowded on weekend dinner that I recommend you avoid the time.

Enjoy.

Truckles of Pied Bull Yard - Great for summer drinking by Sarah_W

Sarah_W — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 20:11:08 +0000

Review by Sarah_W

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7404 5338

Website: http://www.davy.co.uk/main.asp?id=80_188_3047&tid=

Tags: english, seating area, air conditioning

Let me say first that this is not a great choice for beer drinkers, as you're restricted largely to bottled beer and not a wide selection of that. But if like me you enjoy a glass (or several!) of wine, then I would certainly recommend Truckles, especially for early evening drinking on a hot summer's day. The reason? There's a large courtyard, completely enclosed by attractive (laregly) buildings, and therefore cut off from traffic fumes and noise. To sit here after work with a group of amenable colleagues and a couple of bottles of wine on the table is a very pleasant way in which to unwind. Add a bowl of tasty olives, and maybe some Mediterranean dips, and you could easily while away several hours - as I and my colleagues have done on occasion ;)

In winter the interior is a better choice (unless you're a smoker) and it's pleasant enough there, especially if you can bag one of the squishy leather sofas, but it is in the summer that Truckles really comes into its own in my view.

The wine list is extensive, and spans a wide price range. And this is also a decent lunch spot, with tasty sandwiches and some more substantial offerings.Let me say first that this is not a great choice for beer drinkers, as you're restricted largely to bottled beer and not a wide selection of that. But if like me you enjoy a glass (or several!) of wine, then I would certainly recommend Truckles, especially for early evening drinking on a hot summer's day. The reason? There's a large courtyard, completely enclosed by attractive (laregly) buildings, and therefore cut off from traffic fumes and noise. To sit here after work with a group of amenable colleagues and a couple of bottles of wine on the table is a very pleasant way in which to unwind. Add a bowl of tasty olives, and maybe some Mediterranean dips, and you could easily while away several hours - as I and my colleagues have done on occasion ;)

In winter the interior is a better choice (unless you're a smoker) and it's pleasant enough there, especially if you can bag one of the squishy leather sofas, but it is in the summer that Truckles really comes into its own in my view.

The wine list is extensive, and spans a wide price range. And this is also a decent lunch spot, with tasty sandwiches and some more substantial offerings.

Chancery Court Bar - Plush Hotel Bar For The Posh by LondonistHazel

LondonistHazel — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:14:16 +0000

Review by LondonistHazel

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7829 9888

Tags: posh, wine, expensive

I met a friend who was staying here for a few drinks. It was after work on a Friday and having worked from home all week, I had lost the ability to dress myself and apply make-up. So I turn up, expecting the Chancery to be at the nicer end of business hotels that wouldn't mind my scruffy trainers, unwashed jeans and baggy jumper. He had told me rather dismissively it was a place for people in London for business, not hanging out and being elegant - this hotel has good conference facilities. So they wouldn't mind a bit of unkempt freelance chic landing in the bar, right?

Well, I was greeted twice by the extremely smart looking doorman, left discreetly to my own devices in the achingly grand lobby but I knew the cluster of hotel staff were ready to leap to my aid the second I made a signal and when my friend came down to meet me I was relaxed, I felt quite welcome, but my god, I was really not dressed for it.

The bar is lit in the way that suggests a team of lighting specialists worked two months on making everyone who takes a seat look sexy and two or three kilos slimmer. The sofas and chairs are luxurious and well spaced out so every group having drinks and snacks together feels like they have their own space - it was busy but never felt crowded. Table service is swift and efficient, friendly and attentive. The wine list is superb. The complimentary snacks are the kind normal people buy as a treat from Marks and Spencer.

It's odd to recommend a hotel bar when London is so full of interesting independent bars and pubs, but this one is a rather unexpected bit of luxury, a sort of continental chic and sophistication that you can't take for granted in our city. Spend alot and enjoy it. I met a friend who was staying here for a few drinks. It was after work on a Friday and having worked from home all week, I had lost the ability to dress myself and apply make-up. So I turn up, expecting the Chancery to be at the nicer end of business hotels that wouldn't mind my scruffy trainers, unwashed jeans and baggy jumper. He had told me rather dismissively it was a place for people in London for business, not hanging out and being elegant - this hotel has good conference facilities. So they wouldn't mind a bit of unkempt freelance chic landing in the bar, right?

Well, I was greeted twice by the extremely smart looking doorman, left discreetly to my own devices in the achingly grand lobby but I knew the cluster of hotel staff were ready to leap to my aid the second I made a signal and when my friend came down to meet me I was relaxed, I felt quite welcome, but my god, I was really not dressed for it.

The bar is lit in the way that suggests a team of lighting specialists worked two months on making everyone who takes a seat look sexy and two or three kilos slimmer. The sofas and chairs are luxurious and well spaced out so every group having drinks and snacks together feels like they have their own space - it was busy but never felt crowded. Table service is swift and efficient, friendly and attentive. The wine list is superb. The complimentary snacks are the kind normal people buy as a treat from Marks and Spencer.

It's odd to recommend a hotel bar when London is so full of interesting independent bars and pubs, but this one is a rather unexpected bit of luxury, a sort of continental chic and sophistication that you can't take for granted in our city. Spend alot and enjoy it.

Konaki Greek Restaurant - Konaki Greek Restaurant by DrAlchemy

DrAlchemy — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:02:07 +0000

Review by DrAlchemy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7580 9730

Tags: greek, cheap eat, family & home feel

Friendly, good value family Greek Restaurant. Close to British Museum.

We enjoyed the Â£12 set dinner menu comprising Houmus/Taramasalata, Moussaka and a Greek desert. Good value for a home-cooked style of meal - washed down with the enjoyable House Red, the bill came to around Â£40 for Dr and Mrs Alchemy.Friendly, good value family Greek Restaurant. Close to British Museum.

We enjoyed the Â£12 set dinner menu comprising Houmus/Taramasalata, Moussaka and a Greek desert. Good value for a home-cooked style of meal - washed down with the enjoyable House Red, the bill came to around Â£40 for Dr and Mrs Alchemy.

The Ship Tavern - Cracking by earthman_johann

earthman_johann — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 21:32:33 +0000

Review by earthman_johann

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7405 1992

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

Tags: food, traditional english

Really fine place. Proper pint pots with handles and really well kept beer. Great variety in what's on the pumps. You'll hardly ever get a seat but it doesn't detract from the place. If you do get a perch it's even better.Really fine place. Proper pint pots with handles and really well kept beer. Great variety in what's on the pumps. You'll hardly ever get a seat but it doesn't detract from the place. If you do get a perch it's even better.