Latest reviews in Holborn, London, United Kingdom

Takari - dinner by rachel1bt

rachel1bt — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:17:09 +0000

Review by rachel1bt

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 1628

Tags: indian, good value, family & home feel

Takari was a really good find. It has a great location at the foot of the theatre land, and a really cosy atmosphere.The service was very attentive and helpful and the food was excellent, especially the Jungle Curry. I normally prefer Vindaloo but in this case the quality and lightness of the rice made me enjoy the Jungle Curry and maki even more, and the fish was extremely fresh as I would have expected. All in all a really good place to go for quality Indian food!Takari was a really good find. It has a great location at the foot of the theatre land, and a really cosy atmosphere.The service was very attentive and helpful and the food was excellent, especially the Jungle Curry. I normally prefer Vindaloo but in this case the quality and lightness of the rice made me enjoy the Jungle Curry and maki even more, and the fish was extremely fresh as I would have expected. All in all a really good place to go for quality Indian food!

Club Mangia, The Punch Tavern - Great friendly pub! by KellyMcAuley12

KellyMcAuley12 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:56:27 +0000

Review by KellyMcAuley12

Rating: 4.00

Tags: breakfast, good value, cheap eat

Lovely British Food!Lovely British Food!

Abeno - okonomi-yaki oishii by taryneast

taryneast — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:09:53 +0000

Review by taryneast

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7405 3211

Tags: japanese, good value, family & home feel

I have been looking for somewhere that sold this dish, as it's one of my favourites. It's a cross between an omelette and a pizza, made by mixing finely chopped cabbage into egg, along with several other yummy and extremely fresh ingredients, then cooking it into a large patty on the hotplate on the table in front of you.

You then have the option to finish the dish with the traditional condiments - various sauces, bright green powered seaweed and bonito flakes that wave in even the most delicate breeze.

It's certainly an experience, and the food is so fresh, healthy and delicious. Well worth a visit.I have been looking for somewhere that sold this dish, as it's one of my favourites. It's a cross between an omelette and a pizza, made by mixing finely chopped cabbage into egg, along with several other yummy and extremely fresh ingredients, then cooking it into a large patty on the hotplate on the table in front of you.

You then have the option to finish the dish with the traditional condiments - various sauces, bright green powered seaweed and bonito flakes that wave in even the most delicate breeze.

It's certainly an experience, and the food is so fresh, healthy and delicious. Well worth a visit.

Hatton Garden Security Limited - Security Services by biffo15

biffo15 — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 09:29:19 +0000

Review by biffo15

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0207 4046662

Website: www.hattongardensecurity.co.uk

Tags: www.hattongardensecurity.co.uk

We used Hatton Garden Security to move high value goods from our residence in London to France.
A highly experienced team who moved on very short notice cannot recommend enough well done.We used Hatton Garden Security to move high value goods from our residence in London to France.
A highly experienced team who moved on very short notice cannot recommend enough well done.

Tossed Salad Bar - Disorganised mess by emmanx

emmanx — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:13:24 +0000

Review by emmanx

Rating: 3.00

Tags: crowded, business, cheap eat

Just started working in the area a couple of weeks ago and already had two very dissapointing visits to Tossed on St. Martin's lane. The first time I happened to be helped by someone who had just started so I decided to be forgiving and give the place a second go. Mistake.

The salad bar staff have no specific work area so they just run around getting in each other's way. My server gave me lip because I asked for a wrap but didn't have a base salad in my hands. Apparently, a wrap without a tonne of lettuce is weird. After he put the ingredients in a bowl he passed it on to someone else who had no idea what they were doing - the process was about 15 minutes, bit much for someone on their lunchbreak run

I got bored of watching her so I walked over to the till waiting for my food. I got harrassed to pay before I received it, which I refused. Result? Dirty look.

After she finally managed to finish my wrap, she handed it over to someone else, who gave it to another customer who was waiting for another wrap. By the time I caught on, she walked off with it. At that point, I left and I will NEVER go back. Boo hiss.

AfterJust started working in the area a couple of weeks ago and already had two very dissapointing visits to Tossed on St. Martin's lane. The first time I happened to be helped by someone who had just started so I decided to be forgiving and give the place a second go. Mistake.

The salad bar staff have no specific work area so they just run around getting in each other's way. My server gave me lip because I asked for a wrap but didn't have a base salad in my hands. Apparently, a wrap without a tonne of lettuce is weird. After he put the ingredients in a bowl he passed it on to someone else who had no idea what they were doing - the process was about 15 minutes, bit much for someone on their lunchbreak run

I got bored of watching her so I walked over to the till waiting for my food. I got harrassed to pay before I received it, which I refused. Result? Dirty look.

After she finally managed to finish my wrap, she handed it over to someone else, who gave it to another customer who was waiting for another wrap. By the time I caught on, she walked off with it. At that point, I left and I will NEVER go back. Boo hiss.

After

H.K Diner Restaurant - by liangliang

liangliang — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:47:33 +0000

Review by liangliang

Rating: 5.00

Tags: lively, malaysian, vegetarian

have gone thee twice , excellenthave gone thee twice , excellent

Wagamama - Not authentic Japanese, but decent for the money by larsrose

larsrose — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 19:21:41 +0000

Review by larsrose

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7323 9223

Website: http://www.wagamama.com

Tags: japanese, good value, cheap eat

Wagamama has nothing to do with real Japanese food, but can still be considered a decent attempt for the price. I would strongly recommend the simple things, a simple udon or chicken katsu.Wagamama has nothing to do with real Japanese food, but can still be considered a decent attempt for the price. I would strongly recommend the simple things, a simple udon or chicken katsu.

Sway - Fantastic night at Sway by Pamela87

Pamela87 — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:43:25 +0000

Review by Pamela87

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7404 6114

Tags: cool, posh, romantic

I went to Sway for my birthday last weekend and had an amazing time. There was 20 of us and we all had dinner upstairs in the resturaunt where the food was very tasty, happy hour cocktails were very nice and the staff were friendly and helpful. Later we went downstairs to the club where we had a choice of two different clubs with different kinds of music. We danced all night! I will definitley be coming back to Sway!I went to Sway for my birthday last weekend and had an amazing time. There was 20 of us and we all had dinner upstairs in the resturaunt where the food was very tasty, happy hour cocktails were very nice and the staff were friendly and helpful. Later we went downstairs to the club where we had a choice of two different clubs with different kinds of music. We danced all night! I will definitley be coming back to Sway!

Bi Won - Little Bi Won-der by Litro_K

Litro_K — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:25:31 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7580 2660

Tags: good value, family & home feel, korean

Bi Won serves really good, honest food that has never disappointed each time I've come here. The staff are sweet, polite, and they never rush you. Try the Korean barbecue that they cook at your table (fun to watch, for starters!) - the beef fillet, pork belly and prawns are all excellent. The mixed seafood noodles are also particularly good. And the mark of a great Korean restaurant? Flawless kimchee, which they have in spades. It's good value and definitely deserves a look if you're in the area.Bi Won serves really good, honest food that has never disappointed each time I've come here. The staff are sweet, polite, and they never rush you. Try the Korean barbecue that they cook at your table (fun to watch, for starters!) - the beef fillet, pork belly and prawns are all excellent. The mixed seafood noodles are also particularly good. And the mark of a great Korean restaurant? Flawless kimchee, which they have in spades. It's good value and definitely deserves a look if you're in the area.

Bank Of Scotland - by PSS

PSS — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 08:29:19 +0000

Review by PSS

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 0845 780 1801

DEAR SIR,

WE HAVE A CLIENT VERY MUCH REQUIRING SBLC/BG FOR US$10 MILLION ON LEASE FOR ONE YEAR FROM A TOP BANK AND THE INSTRUMENT WILL BE RETURNED UNENCUMBERED AT THE END OF ONE YEAR PERIOD

AND WE ALSO HAVE IMMEDIATE REQUIREMENT FOR FRESHCUT OR SEASONED INSTRUMENTS FOR 10M TO 500M. WE SHALL BE GLAD TO RECEIVE YOUR OFFERS AND CONTRACT, AS WE LOOKING FOR SERIOUS AND GENUINE BUSINESS, THEREFORE KINDLY ENABLE US TO PROCEED FURTHER.

REGARDS
P.S

DEAR SIR,

WE HAVE A CLIENT VERY MUCH REQUIRING SBLC/BG FOR US$10 MILLION ON LEASE FOR ONE YEAR FROM A TOP BANK AND THE INSTRUMENT WILL BE RETURNED UNENCUMBERED AT THE END OF ONE YEAR PERIOD

AND WE ALSO HAVE IMMEDIATE REQUIREMENT FOR FRESHCUT OR SEASONED INSTRUMENTS FOR 10M TO 500M. WE SHALL BE GLAD TO RECEIVE YOUR OFFERS AND CONTRACT, AS WE LOOKING FOR SERIOUS AND GENUINE BUSINESS, THEREFORE KINDLY ENABLE US TO PROCEED FURTHER.

REGARDS
P.S

The Old Crown - Great for a free party! by emilyfisher100

emilyfisher100 — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:30:15 +0000

Review by emilyfisher100

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 9121

Tags: trendy, young professionals, gastro pub

I held my birthday here and it was fantastic, staff couldn't have been more helpful. There is a function room on the top floor with its own bar, and seperate toliet. There was no room hire or minimum spend, I just had to pay a Â£50 deposit which was refunded.

Central location, cheap beer.

I provided a buffet for my friends and was really impressed with the quality of food.I held my birthday here and it was fantastic, staff couldn't have been more helpful. There is a function room on the top floor with its own bar, and seperate toliet. There was no room hire or minimum spend, I just had to pay a Â£50 deposit which was refunded.

Central location, cheap beer.

I provided a buffet for my friends and was really impressed with the quality of food.

Spaghetti House - great place! by adiguy60

adiguy60 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:21:45 +0000

Review by adiguy60

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7405 6658

Website: http://www.spaghetti-house.co.uk

Tags: italian, good value, lively

Really great food at very reasonable prices. Could not recommend highly enough... the terrace is wonderful and the staff are really friendly. Top eatery!Really great food at very reasonable prices. Could not recommend highly enough... the terrace is wonderful and the staff are really friendly. Top eatery!

Asadal - Largest and Best Korean restaurant in London by Ms_Lee

Ms_Lee — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:05:04 +0000

Review by Ms_Lee

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7430 9006

Tags: korean, business, good value

Largest and Best Korean restaurant in London

Over the last few years, I have regularly met with friends and family from Korea, China, United States, and Europe at the ASADAL restaurant. Now we meet at the new ASADAL at Holborn tube station. We are always craving its great and high quality Korean food, but also to share time together in an atmosphere that reminds us of Korea. For some of my friends and family, it is their first exposure to Korean food, others are really connoisseurs but invariably ASADAL is definitely our favourite Korean restaurant.

There are a wide variety of dishes available. Some of our favourite dishes are:

Starter:
Â·Japchae (sweat potato /glass noodles with stir-fried vegetables)
Â·Handmade mandu (dumplings)
Â·Nice and almost crispy Pacheon (Korean pancake)
Â·Sae-woo-twe-gim â¬ delicious type of King Tiger prawns and vegetable tempura to dip in a special sauce
Â·Kan-poong-gi â¬ sweet and spicy fried chicken
Main course:
Â·Bibimpap (they have several varieties: normal, with raw meat or raw fish) and you can ask the level of spiciness
Â·Our favourite is the creamy sundubu chigae (soft tofu soup with seafood) or kimchi chigae (kimchi soup)
Â·Bulgogi (Korean barbecue). It is even better with Sang-chu thatâ¬"s the fresh leaves of lettuce and Korean bean paste
Â·Dak-galbi, that's the spicy marinated chicken with vegetables that they cook at your table

Dessert:
Â·Fresh fruits always cut in a special way
Â·Children (and adults) also enjoy ice cream
Â·Alternatively, they have the sik hae or Korean sweet rice punch

Note that ASADAL also accommodates for our vegetarian friends. It is easily identifiable on the menu, but to make sure I always notify the waiter/waitress.

The restaurant can accommodate large crowds. It is possible to eat within the intimacy of our own group of people at a very large table. There are dividers and even free private rooms.

ASADAL is a child-friendly place. Children love tasting the food, especially when there is a large table full of different dishes and they can pick and choose what they like in the portion that suits them. ASADAL has special seats, small forks and small spoons for children, and the staff are always happy to help. They also have facilities to change the babies. There is a place near the table to place the buggy or other luggages. It is much larger than it appears from the outside and it is easily accessible for families and people with mobility difficulties as there is a lift. I heartily recommend it, as it is our favourite restaurant!!! Ms. Lee

Largest and Best Korean restaurant in London

Over the last few years, I have regularly met with friends and family from Korea, China, United States, and Europe at the ASADAL restaurant. Now we meet at the new ASADAL at Holborn tube station. We are always craving its great and high quality Korean food, but also to share time together in an atmosphere that reminds us of Korea. For some of my friends and family, it is their first exposure to Korean food, others are really connoisseurs but invariably ASADAL is definitely our favourite Korean restaurant.

There are a wide variety of dishes available. Some of our favourite dishes are:

Starter:
Â·Japchae (sweat potato /glass noodles with stir-fried vegetables)
Â·Handmade mandu (dumplings)
Â·Nice and almost crispy Pacheon (Korean pancake)
Â·Sae-woo-twe-gim â¬ delicious type of King Tiger prawns and vegetable tempura to dip in a special sauce
Â·Kan-poong-gi â¬ sweet and spicy fried chicken
Main course:
Â·Bibimpap (they have several varieties: normal, with raw meat or raw fish) and you can ask the level of spiciness
Â·Our favourite is the creamy sundubu chigae (soft tofu soup with seafood) or kimchi chigae (kimchi soup)
Â·Bulgogi (Korean barbecue). It is even better with Sang-chu thatâ¬"s the fresh leaves of lettuce and Korean bean paste
Â·Dak-galbi, that's the spicy marinated chicken with vegetables that they cook at your table

Dessert:
Â·Fresh fruits always cut in a special way
Â·Children (and adults) also enjoy ice cream
Â·Alternatively, they have the sik hae or Korean sweet rice punch

Note that ASADAL also accommodates for our vegetarian friends. It is easily identifiable on the menu, but to make sure I always notify the waiter/waitress.

The restaurant can accommodate large crowds. It is possible to eat within the intimacy of our own group of people at a very large table. There are dividers and even free private rooms.

ASADAL is a child-friendly place. Children love tasting the food, especially when there is a large table full of different dishes and they can pick and choose what they like in the portion that suits them. ASADAL has special seats, small forks and small spoons for children, and the staff are always happy to help. They also have facilities to change the babies. There is a place near the table to place the buggy or other luggages. It is much larger than it appears from the outside and it is easily accessible for families and people with mobility difficulties as there is a lift. I heartily recommend it, as it is our favourite restaurant!!! Ms. Lee

The Ship Tavern - My Favorite Pub in London by fisher6188

fisher6188 — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:58:32 +0000

Review by fisher6188

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7405 1992

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

Tags: traditional pub, relaxed, friendly

I am from the U.S. - Los Angeles area. Two of my friends and I were in London for a week in May. After touring the Sloan museum, we stumbled upon the Ship Tavern. It became my favorite London pub. I have viisted London many times and been in many pubs, but this is the best. We initially had some pints in the lower floor. The next evening we came back and had dinner upstairs. We happened to be there on "pie night" - two pies for one. The steak and ale pie I had was marvelous! This is a very cozy, friendly, and beautiful pub. And they weren't playing any rock and roll music. Priceless!I am from the U.S. - Los Angeles area. Two of my friends and I were in London for a week in May. After touring the Sloan museum, we stumbled upon the Ship Tavern. It became my favorite London pub. I have viisted London many times and been in many pubs, but this is the best. We initially had some pints in the lower floor. The next evening we came back and had dinner upstairs. We happened to be there on "pie night" - two pies for one. The steak and ale pie I had was marvelous! This is a very cozy, friendly, and beautiful pub. And they weren't playing any rock and roll music. Priceless!

Guanabara - great night out (midweek) by Smileysusan

Smileysusan — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:54:41 +0000

Review by Smileysusan

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7242 8600

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

Tags: cool, friendly, brazilian

Best night here is Thursday.Don't be fooled into thinking Fri and Sat nights are best as it does get very very busy and the dancefloor gets way too cramped for my liking!

Go midweek any night and they do free samba classes, and we even got free cocktails from people in the street giving out flyers! and it's free to get in! result!

Tip to eat - try their warm cheesebread soooo yummy!Best night here is Thursday.Don't be fooled into thinking Fri and Sat nights are best as it does get very very busy and the dancefloor gets way too cramped for my liking!

Go midweek any night and they do free samba classes, and we even got free cocktails from people in the street giving out flyers! and it's free to get in! result!

Tip to eat - try their warm cheesebread soooo yummy!

Konaki Greek Restaurant - Perfect Greek Food by GeorgeClark

GeorgeClark — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:36:34 +0000

Review by GeorgeClark

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7580 9730

Tags: greek, family & home feel, good value

As a Cypriot, this is our 'family' restaurant and does help that my Dad knows the chef but for over 20 years we have been coming to this lovely cute restaurant with an amazing Meze spread that you will be silly to order anything else. Such a convenient location, no rush to get you off your table, fantastic long-standing staff and brilliant ambience. You do need to book a couple of days in advance, but a little planning does you good. It is such that to patronise another Greek restaurant will feel treacherous and give too much guilt, and as a Greek, we have too much of that already. Enjoy, Cheers and Yamas !!As a Cypriot, this is our 'family' restaurant and does help that my Dad knows the chef but for over 20 years we have been coming to this lovely cute restaurant with an amazing Meze spread that you will be silly to order anything else. Such a convenient location, no rush to get you off your table, fantastic long-standing staff and brilliant ambience. You do need to book a couple of days in advance, but a little planning does you good. It is such that to patronise another Greek restaurant will feel treacherous and give too much guilt, and as a Greek, we have too much of that already. Enjoy, Cheers and Yamas !!

Mermaids Tail - Navy Boys chasing the Mermaids Tail by Boys_in_Blue

Boys_in_Blue — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:54:49 +0000

Review by Boys_in_Blue

Rating: 5.00

Tags: lively, good value, british

We had been to the Angus Steak House in Leicester Square the day before and had an amazing steak but today we only had a couple of hours so we decided to eat at another of their restaurants. We only wanted dessert and we werenâ¬"t disappointed. There were eight of us and some restaurants dont like such a big group of boys, but they were more than happy to seat us. They immediately put a group of tables together outside on the terrace and were more than happy to serve us. We had such a funny waiter who had us in stitches. There was a premier being set up right in front of us â¬ and we spotted a couple of comedians Sean Lock and Jason Manford from 8 out of 10 cats. Couldnâ¬"t get much better, sitting in the sunshine being served more and more desserts.
What a lovely restaurant â¬ inside was fantastic with massive murals on the walls and traditional fish and chip restaurant decor. The fish and chips looked great â¬ massive portions (shame we had our dinner on the ship)
We asked for them to make platters of desserts so we could all have some of each â¬ it was a fight among the boys to get to the Apple Pie and Custard but by the end we could hardly move. We went through, cheesecake, chocolate fudge cake, treacle sponge, strawberries and ice cream and we even had deep fried mars bar (and it was great). They were the best desserts Iâ¬"ve ever had (just wish they delivered to the ship).
Iâ¬"m just glad we stopped when we did, our buttons were ready to pop as we made our way back to the ship. We had such good meals in Angus and Mermaids Tail it really made our trip to London and we are already looking forward to returning (definitely be having the fish and chips next time).

We had been to the Angus Steak House in Leicester Square the day before and had an amazing steak but today we only had a couple of hours so we decided to eat at another of their restaurants. We only wanted dessert and we werenâ¬"t disappointed. There were eight of us and some restaurants dont like such a big group of boys, but they were more than happy to seat us. They immediately put a group of tables together outside on the terrace and were more than happy to serve us. We had such a funny waiter who had us in stitches. There was a premier being set up right in front of us â¬ and we spotted a couple of comedians Sean Lock and Jason Manford from 8 out of 10 cats. Couldnâ¬"t get much better, sitting in the sunshine being served more and more desserts.
What a lovely restaurant â¬ inside was fantastic with massive murals on the walls and traditional fish and chip restaurant decor. The fish and chips looked great â¬ massive portions (shame we had our dinner on the ship)
We asked for them to make platters of desserts so we could all have some of each â¬ it was a fight among the boys to get to the Apple Pie and Custard but by the end we could hardly move. We went through, cheesecake, chocolate fudge cake, treacle sponge, strawberries and ice cream and we even had deep fried mars bar (and it was great). They were the best desserts Iâ¬"ve ever had (just wish they delivered to the ship).
Iâ¬"m just glad we stopped when we did, our buttons were ready to pop as we made our way back to the ship. We had such good meals in Angus and Mermaids Tail it really made our trip to London and we are already looking forward to returning (definitely be having the fish and chips next time).

Bistro Savoir Faire - No mortgage french by BostonDave

BostonDave — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 23:21:55 +0000

Review by BostonDave

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7436 0707

Tags: french, good value, romantic

This is a great unpretentious French spot that I make a point of getting to every time I'm in London. Well prepared food at excellent prices. Try the duck!!This is a great unpretentious French spot that I make a point of getting to every time I'm in London. Well prepared food at excellent prices. Try the duck!!

Giotto - Uninspiring by vegimari

vegimari — Tue, 26 May 2009 03:17:36 +0000

Review by vegimari

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7323 0891

Tags: italian, romantic, vegetarian

Quaint as this restaurant may be, and despite the friendly accommodating staff and the just about reasonable price, I left Giotto with mixed feelings about the quality of the food. 4 of us dined here midweek. The restaurant was quite busy, but we were found a table within 10 minutes.

Two in the party had vegetarian/vegan (minus cheese) pizzas and were very happy with them. One had quite dull vegetarian pasta. I had a mushroom risotto, and, although it wasnâ¬"t the worst Iâ¬"ve had - some of the Prague restaurants score 1 out of 5 for this dish â¬ I donâ¬"t think Iâ¬"ve had a poorer one in the UK. The tiny black specks may have been mushroom; impossible to tell by the look or the taste, with any degree of certainty. The long grain rice and a short cooking time didnâ¬"t allow the dish to develop the characteristic creamy texture or the rich flavours of a risotto cooked with carnaroli or arborio. I would say that what I had was rice boiled in water rather than stock (perhaps fortunately for this vegetarian as I had forgotten to ask whether chicken stock wasn't used), to which had been added reconstituted dried mushroom flakes. Very disappointing!

However, when I saw dishes being taken to other tables, such as prawn salad starter consisting of half a dozen Tesco once-frozen prawns with two pieces of iceberg lettuce, or thee slices of finely sliced melon naked on the plate, without further garnish, I was reminded of some of the unimaginative restaurants to be found in busy tourist locations in the major Italian cities. I think, on the whole, that we chose fortuitously. I may go back to roll the dice once more but Iâ¬"d be much more likely to try another restaurant in the area.Quaint as this restaurant may be, and despite the friendly accommodating staff and the just about reasonable price, I left Giotto with mixed feelings about the quality of the food. 4 of us dined here midweek. The restaurant was quite busy, but we were found a table within 10 minutes.

Two in the party had vegetarian/vegan (minus cheese) pizzas and were very happy with them. One had quite dull vegetarian pasta. I had a mushroom risotto, and, although it wasnâ¬"t the worst Iâ¬"ve had - some of the Prague restaurants score 1 out of 5 for this dish â¬ I donâ¬"t think Iâ¬"ve had a poorer one in the UK. The tiny black specks may have been mushroom; impossible to tell by the look or the taste, with any degree of certainty. The long grain rice and a short cooking time didnâ¬"t allow the dish to develop the characteristic creamy texture or the rich flavours of a risotto cooked with carnaroli or arborio. I would say that what I had was rice boiled in water rather than stock (perhaps fortunately for this vegetarian as I had forgotten to ask whether chicken stock wasn't used), to which had been added reconstituted dried mushroom flakes. Very disappointing!

However, when I saw dishes being taken to other tables, such as prawn salad starter consisting of half a dozen Tesco once-frozen prawns with two pieces of iceberg lettuce, or thee slices of finely sliced melon naked on the plate, without further garnish, I was reminded of some of the unimaginative restaurants to be found in busy tourist locations in the major Italian cities. I think, on the whole, that we chose fortuitously. I may go back to roll the dice once more but Iâ¬"d be much more likely to try another restaurant in the area.

Cittie Of Yorke - Cheap like the budgie by beergibbon

beergibbon — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 11:43:50 +0000

Review by beergibbon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7242 7670

Tags: traditional pub, standard pub food, relaxed

Nice old building frequented by lawyers in the week. Had two pints of Sam Smiths (one lager and one bitter) which came to £4.02. Can't ask for any more really in the centre of London!Nice old building frequented by lawyers in the week. Had two pints of Sam Smiths (one lager and one bitter) which came to £4.02. Can't ask for any more really in the centre of London!