Latest reviews in Islington, London, United Kingdom

Sweet - Staff Anything But! by Litro_K

Litro_K — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:04:06 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7713 6777

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

This place has some of the best cakes I've eaten in a while.

It also has some of the rudest, most disinterested staff I've ever encountered.

We had our order taken inside and it took the waitress foooooreveeeeer to make two cappuccinos and a hot chocolate. Then, when we were two minutes into drinking them outside, an angry looking different waitress came and took our cake plates moments after the last bites had made it into our mouths, clinking loudly as she went. A startled cry of 'we weren't finished!' did nothing to dissaude her. She was determined to hustle our plates and cups away from us. And the cakes were marvellous. Really. I had one of the best pasteis de nata ever. It's a crying shame to have to give it one star, but there you go.This place has some of the best cakes I've eaten in a while.

It also has some of the rudest, most disinterested staff I've ever encountered.

We had our order taken inside and it took the waitress foooooreveeeeer to make two cappuccinos and a hot chocolate. Then, when we were two minutes into drinking them outside, an angry looking different waitress came and took our cake plates moments after the last bites had made it into our mouths, clinking loudly as she went. A startled cry of 'we weren't finished!' did nothing to dissaude her. She was determined to hustle our plates and cups away from us. And the cakes were marvellous. Really. I had one of the best pasteis de nata ever. It's a crying shame to have to give it one star, but there you go.

The Peasant - Delicious food, nice venue by mrsevans101

mrsevans101 — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:54:39 +0000

Review by mrsevans101

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7336 7726

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

Tags: gastro pub, jazz, live music

Having eaten lunch here some time ago in the downstairs gastro pub we decided to make a return visit for an evening upstairs in the restaurant proper.

The pub was full of wedding revellers so it was a little surreal to wade through the crowds to go upstairs to the sombre-by-comparison dining room.

The upstairs restaurant is beautifully decorated with vintage cinema posters and the furniture is very much of the French brasserie style (with a wonderful high ceiling, proper napkins and French waitresses).

The menu is short and concise with half a dozen choices for each course.

Of particular note was the squid with mini stuffed peppers, a salad dressed with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and little pieces of gently fried chorizo. The best dessert (which I can only recommend second hand as there was no way my husband was going to share) was the assiette of chocolate - a chocolate parfait, chocolate mousse and (I think) a white chocolate milk thingy. I also enjoyed the pan fried haddock which was served on a delicious bed of crushed potatoes, flavoured with mustard and plenty of butter (making the additional mash we'd ordered rather superfluous).

Service was excellent - friendly but laid back - and the selection of wines available both by the glass and by the bottle were excellent.

All told, three courses with wine (including a delicious red dessert wine) came to about Â£90 including service charge.

I'd definitely recommend a visit, especially at the weekends when this neck of London is pretty quiet.Having eaten lunch here some time ago in the downstairs gastro pub we decided to make a return visit for an evening upstairs in the restaurant proper.

The pub was full of wedding revellers so it was a little surreal to wade through the crowds to go upstairs to the sombre-by-comparison dining room.

The upstairs restaurant is beautifully decorated with vintage cinema posters and the furniture is very much of the French brasserie style (with a wonderful high ceiling, proper napkins and French waitresses).

The menu is short and concise with half a dozen choices for each course.

Of particular note was the squid with mini stuffed peppers, a salad dressed with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and little pieces of gently fried chorizo. The best dessert (which I can only recommend second hand as there was no way my husband was going to share) was the assiette of chocolate - a chocolate parfait, chocolate mousse and (I think) a white chocolate milk thingy. I also enjoyed the pan fried haddock which was served on a delicious bed of crushed potatoes, flavoured with mustard and plenty of butter (making the additional mash we'd ordered rather superfluous).

Service was excellent - friendly but laid back - and the selection of wines available both by the glass and by the bottle were excellent.

All told, three courses with wine (including a delicious red dessert wine) came to about Â£90 including service charge.

I'd definitely recommend a visit, especially at the weekends when this neck of London is pretty quiet.

The Marquess Tavern - Should be great, but only good. by Niamheen

Niamheen — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:42:17 +0000

Review by Niamheen

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7354 2975

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

Tags: gastro pub, relaxed, food

The Marquess Tavern should be great. Winner of the Best Brunch in the Observer Food Monthly Awards for 2008 and set in a gorgeous location, off the beaten track in Islington, it almost feels rural. It's a beautiful pub retaining alot of the original features. It has a gorgeous dining room serving great pub food - well sourced and cooked beautifully. The menu featured beef ribs, a whole leg of lamb for 4, salmon with crayfish mash, samphire and veal reduction, rabbit (which was divine) and lots more.

So, why only 3 stars? Half of the wines were off the wine list and we weren't advised that some of the dishes were off until we had had the menus for 20 minutes and had already made our decisions. They were very accomodating though and gave us the beef ribs which should have been for Sunday lunch the next day.

The service in general was chaotic, we were served by a number of different people we had to go find them a number of times. We only had 3 courses and started at 8.30 but didn't get our desserts until after 12. Trains were missed and people were unhappy. It could be the service is better if you are in the dining room, we were in the pub itself and so, perhaps, it's treated differently. That shouldn't be so though, it's the same menu. Perhaps they were just understaffed. On the other side, when we did see them they were lovely.

I am hopeful that my next trip will be better. We're all entitled to our bad days, I just hope it's not a regular thing for these guys. I want to like The Marquess Tavern and to make it a regular haunt. And I want those beef ribs again. YUM. The Marquess Tavern should be great. Winner of the Best Brunch in the Observer Food Monthly Awards for 2008 and set in a gorgeous location, off the beaten track in Islington, it almost feels rural. It's a beautiful pub retaining alot of the original features. It has a gorgeous dining room serving great pub food - well sourced and cooked beautifully. The menu featured beef ribs, a whole leg of lamb for 4, salmon with crayfish mash, samphire and veal reduction, rabbit (which was divine) and lots more.

So, why only 3 stars? Half of the wines were off the wine list and we weren't advised that some of the dishes were off until we had had the menus for 20 minutes and had already made our decisions. They were very accomodating though and gave us the beef ribs which should have been for Sunday lunch the next day.

The service in general was chaotic, we were served by a number of different people we had to go find them a number of times. We only had 3 courses and started at 8.30 but didn't get our desserts until after 12. Trains were missed and people were unhappy. It could be the service is better if you are in the dining room, we were in the pub itself and so, perhaps, it's treated differently. That shouldn't be so though, it's the same menu. Perhaps they were just understaffed. On the other side, when we did see them they were lovely.

I am hopeful that my next trip will be better. We're all entitled to our bad days, I just hope it's not a regular thing for these guys. I want to like The Marquess Tavern and to make it a regular haunt. And I want those beef ribs again. YUM.

Macondo - New finding by Pabs1

Pabs1 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:13:23 +0000

Review by Pabs1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7729 1119

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

Tags: cosy, amazing brew, relaxed

Just realised there's a newly opened second Macondo in Camden Passage, Islington. As good as the one in Hoxton Square...
Just realised there's a newly opened second Macondo in Camden Passage, Islington. As good as the one in Hoxton Square...

Santore - AMAZING PIZZAS. THE REAL ITALIAN DEAL by tough

tough — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:08:39 +0000

Review by tough

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7812 1488

Tags: italian, good value, family & home feel

If you are passing in Exmouth Market you have to stop at this amazing italian restaurant and try their pizzas. In a time where London is full of clones and bad replicas of the real italian pizza, this place definately stand out as one of the best italian restaurant in London. They shipped over one of the best pizza maker guy directly from Naples and you can find him working his magic on the Pizza oven every day and night. Ask for their specials of the day, always, as most of the times they have this incredible buffalo mozzarella imported fresh from Italy which is a real delicacy. Great atmosphear, relaxed and professional service make this place amust and a very, very good night out, or just a pre-night out heading in the swinging Shoreditch.

Deninately my favourite place in London.If you are passing in Exmouth Market you have to stop at this amazing italian restaurant and try their pizzas. In a time where London is full of clones and bad replicas of the real italian pizza, this place definately stand out as one of the best italian restaurant in London. They shipped over one of the best pizza maker guy directly from Naples and you can find him working his magic on the Pizza oven every day and night. Ask for their specials of the day, always, as most of the times they have this incredible buffalo mozzarella imported fresh from Italy which is a real delicacy. Great atmosphear, relaxed and professional service make this place amust and a very, very good night out, or just a pre-night out heading in the swinging Shoreditch.

Deninately my favourite place in London.

Rodizio Rico - The best out of the three by Thomasinho

Thomasinho — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:57:43 +0000

Review by Thomasinho

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7354 1076

Website: http://www.rodiziorico.com/

Tags: brazilian, lively, crowded

Since writing an earlier review about the Bayswater Rodizio, I decided to visit the one in Islington, I have to say, with delight, that this was so much better.

The salad bar, and hot food buffet counter, was filled with a number of delightful offerings, from a meaty chilli, to Salmon salad.

I had a lovely bottle of Chauteu Neuf de Pape for a mere Â£30, and in Islington, it was just Â£21.oo a head for the barbeque, the meat kept coming, and all very nice cuts of Picanha,and Alcatra, two fine steaks from Brazil..

This time I wasnt left wanting, as the guys were coming round with more and more meat, one waiter said they were trying their best to keep us, as they had heard that top Brazilian Chuhascaria Porqoan will be coming to London very soon!!
Competition will be great, two lovely Rodizio brands vying for our buisiness. It will simply be magic..Since writing an earlier review about the Bayswater Rodizio, I decided to visit the one in Islington, I have to say, with delight, that this was so much better.

The salad bar, and hot food buffet counter, was filled with a number of delightful offerings, from a meaty chilli, to Salmon salad.

I had a lovely bottle of Chauteu Neuf de Pape for a mere Â£30, and in Islington, it was just Â£21.oo a head for the barbeque, the meat kept coming, and all very nice cuts of Picanha,and Alcatra, two fine steaks from Brazil..

This time I wasnt left wanting, as the guys were coming round with more and more meat, one waiter said they were trying their best to keep us, as they had heard that top Brazilian Chuhascaria Porqoan will be coming to London very soon!!
Competition will be great, two lovely Rodizio brands vying for our buisiness. It will simply be magic..

Spice Zone - New Chef fab Food by Jhonson

Jhonson — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:35:24 +0000

Review by Jhonson

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7490 2883

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

Tags: indian, takeaway, good value

I had a take away from this place, This was closed for a while, its re-opened with a chef from Delhi his cooking is amazing and the food was real indian and the the delivery time was quick,

I would reccommend it to any on living in the Clerkenwell or EC1, N1 WC1 area, must go...I had a take away from this place, This was closed for a while, its re-opened with a chef from Delhi his cooking is amazing and the food was real indian and the the delivery time was quick,

I would reccommend it to any on living in the Clerkenwell or EC1, N1 WC1 area, must go...

Moro - too noisy by kerry_r

kerry_r — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 13:42:10 +0000

Review by kerry_r

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7833 8336

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

Tags: spanish, good value, lively

love the food but it's just so noisy that it's impossible to speak or have a conversation. that's what spanish tapas and the like is about--food, sherry and conversation.

but alas just not possible at moro. shame!love the food but it's just so noisy that it's impossible to speak or have a conversation. that's what spanish tapas and the like is about--food, sherry and conversation.

but alas just not possible at moro. shame!

Viet Garden - good value summer food by katen

katen — Wed, 14 May 2008 19:10:25 +0000

Review by katen

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7700 6040

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

Tags: vietnamese, good value, cheap eat

The bun or noodle salad is fantastic and hits the spot during the summer. Fresh flavours and a satisfying amount of spice. Stay away from the fried food and you won't be disappointed. The staff are really friendly and we always get served quickly which means that it is a great choice either before a movie or a play at the Almeida. The bun or noodle salad is fantastic and hits the spot during the summer. Fresh flavours and a satisfying amount of spice. Stay away from the fried food and you won't be disappointed. The staff are really friendly and we always get served quickly which means that it is a great choice either before a movie or a play at the Almeida.

Barrio North - Mojito's! by acrobat

acrobat — Mon, 12 May 2008 11:56:16 +0000

Review by acrobat

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7688 2882

Website: http://www.barrionorth.com

Tags: dj, late license, rare finds

The cocktails are fab and created with flair - matched with great decor and a nice vibe.The cocktails are fab and created with flair - matched with great decor and a nice vibe.

Firezza - delicious, authentic pizza by Foodie08

Foodie08 — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:01:38 +0000

Review by Foodie08

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7359 7400

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

Tags: italian, pizza, delivery

This is a really great mini chain of pizza resturants selling neapolitan style, stone baked pizzas by the half metre. There are well over 15 pizza toppings, some without cheese, many without meat and all with fresh ingredients. You can really taste the flavours in the pizzas and the salads are always green and perky.

I usually have my pizza delivered and they come hot, in huge boxes and there is always plenty to share. They always come on time, if not a little earlier than expected.This is a really great mini chain of pizza resturants selling neapolitan style, stone baked pizzas by the half metre. There are well over 15 pizza toppings, some without cheese, many without meat and all with fresh ingredients. You can really taste the flavours in the pizzas and the salads are always green and perky.

I usually have my pizza delivered and they come hot, in huge boxes and there is always plenty to share. They always come on time, if not a little earlier than expected.

Mucho Mas - Mucho Mas have added back the Mas by Craig_B

Craig_B — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:52:39 +0000

Review by Craig_B

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7704 2123

Website: http://www.mucho-mas.co.uk

Tags: good value, lively, vegetarian

Absolutely fantastic - you have to try this place. My friend actually said it best when I brought her this week...."like a stampede of fresh flavours"... go for the steak or chicken burritos, my favorite... they have been playing around with the portion sizes but everything is back to normal (saw a comment below)... lots of great quality food for a decent price... there's also a good little coffee shop a few doors down called Tinderbox...Absolutely fantastic - you have to try this place. My friend actually said it best when I brought her this week...."like a stampede of fresh flavours"... go for the steak or chicken burritos, my favorite... they have been playing around with the portion sizes but everything is back to normal (saw a comment below)... lots of great quality food for a decent price... there's also a good little coffee shop a few doors down called Tinderbox...

Golden Fish Bar - Best Fish & Chips in London? by stu

stu — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:12:14 +0000

Review by stu

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7837 3574

Tags: friendly staff, fish and chips, local

This is my favourite london fish bar to date - and I know a few. A long established family business that deserves plenty of customers. Traditional old fashioned decor, and excellent value . Even the chips are good - never dry or leathery as is so often the case these days. The fish is reliably and deliciously fresh and succulent (but avoid the large sizes. For some reason these are not so good). If you're hungry in the Farringdon/Grays Inn Road area, you should definitely try this.This is my favourite london fish bar to date - and I know a few. A long established family business that deserves plenty of customers. Traditional old fashioned decor, and excellent value . Even the chips are good - never dry or leathery as is so often the case these days. The fish is reliably and deliciously fresh and succulent (but avoid the large sizes. For some reason these are not so good). If you're hungry in the Farringdon/Grays Inn Road area, you should definitely try this.

25 Canonbury Lane - Too, Too Gorgeous by Hazzer

Hazzer — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:07:19 +0000

Review by Hazzer

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7226 0955

Tags: cool, friendly, relaxed

Simply divine little bar, has a lovely gay vibe, although a real mixed crowd. Always full of beautiful men - one of my favourites!Simply divine little bar, has a lovely gay vibe, although a real mixed crowd. Always full of beautiful men - one of my favourites!

The Ambassador - Great evening by lenalouise

lenalouise — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:30:45 +0000

Review by lenalouise

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7837 0009

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

Tags: good value, friendly, relaxed

I came here with the Trusted places gang for the Christmas party last year. We pre-picked from a Christmas set menu so I ended up having:

*Foie gras and fig ballontine with sourdough toast
*Braised Galloway veal breast, creamed parsnips and wild mushrooms
*Cheeseboard

All 3 courses were delicious but I don't really remember much of the details as I was pretty drunk when I got there (got lost on the way aswell!) but that just means I have to go back again :DI came here with the Trusted places gang for the Christmas party last year. We pre-picked from a Christmas set menu so I ended up having:

*Foie gras and fig ballontine with sourdough toast
*Braised Galloway veal breast, creamed parsnips and wild mushrooms
*Cheeseboard

All 3 courses were delicious but I don't really remember much of the details as I was pretty drunk when I got there (got lost on the way aswell!) but that just means I have to go back again :D

Trafik - Errrr... No! by QueenB

QueenB — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:23:58 +0000

Review by QueenB

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7613 0234

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

Tags: bar, dj, food

This place is a dump! Simple.

A couple of us stopped in here for drinks after work on Friday, while we decided where we wanted to go that night.
Never again!

First of the they need English speaking staff - simple drink requests took 10 minutes as we had to point out each spirit on the bar behind the girl.
The sofa's were all ripped and tatty. The bar environment was very dingy and dark - just uninviting really.
Music ranged from rock to hardcore ata very loud level.

I didn't get to experience the dancefloor downstairs as this was still shut - what a shame!

The toilets, you have to walk back to the main door, with access direct from the street for anyone passing, go downstairs in a dimly corridor to be met with 3 dirty cubicle areas that smelt like they hadn't been cleaned in years.

I wouldn't even give this place 1 star, sorry!This place is a dump! Simple.

A couple of us stopped in here for drinks after work on Friday, while we decided where we wanted to go that night.
Never again!

First of the they need English speaking staff - simple drink requests took 10 minutes as we had to point out each spirit on the bar behind the girl.
The sofa's were all ripped and tatty. The bar environment was very dingy and dark - just uninviting really.
Music ranged from rock to hardcore ata very loud level.

I didn't get to experience the dancefloor downstairs as this was still shut - what a shame!

The toilets, you have to walk back to the main door, with access direct from the street for anyone passing, go downstairs in a dimly corridor to be met with 3 dirty cubicle areas that smelt like they hadn't been cleaned in years.

I wouldn't even give this place 1 star, sorry!

Hilton London Islington - Hilton Hotel - Islington by HORSCHECK

HORSCHECK — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:47:32 +0000

Review by HORSCHECK

Rating: 4.00

Phone: +44 2073547700

Website: http://www.hilton.co.uk/islington

In February 2007 and 2008 I stayed in the Hilton Hotel Islington on business. It offers all amenities which you expect from this class of hotels: Friendly staff and large fully equipped rooms.

Rooms can be booked with or without the excellent buffet style breakfast. Also dinner at the Hilton Restaurant can be included in your room booking. However, plenty of restaurants such as Thai Sqaure, ASK Pizza or Pizza Express can be found in the neigbourhood.

You probably get the best rates when booking online, but be prepared that your credit card will be charged directly once the room is confirmed.

Be prepared that the room rates can be quite expensive when a fair or similar event takes place in the adjacent Business Design Centre.

DIRECTIONS:
The Hilton Hotel Islington is located in London's fashionable Islington district. The nearest tube station is Angel (Northern line) which can be reached in about 5 minutes on foot from the Hotel.
In February 2007 and 2008 I stayed in the Hilton Hotel Islington on business. It offers all amenities which you expect from this class of hotels: Friendly staff and large fully equipped rooms.

Rooms can be booked with or without the excellent buffet style breakfast. Also dinner at the Hilton Restaurant can be included in your room booking. However, plenty of restaurants such as Thai Sqaure, ASK Pizza or Pizza Express can be found in the neigbourhood.

You probably get the best rates when booking online, but be prepared that your credit card will be charged directly once the room is confirmed.

Be prepared that the room rates can be quite expensive when a fair or similar event takes place in the adjacent Business Design Centre.

DIRECTIONS:
The Hilton Hotel Islington is located in London's fashionable Islington district. The nearest tube station is Angel (Northern line) which can be reached in about 5 minutes on foot from the Hotel.

The Wilmington - Now a posh gastro kind of place by qwghlm

qwghlm — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:04:55 +0000

Review by qwghlm

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7837 1384

Tags: food, vegetarian dishes, pool tables

Recently redone up, the Wilmington is now a lively place with good music, comfy sofas, nice staff and a pretty decent menu (the Pie Minister pies especially) and a good range of beers too. Nice touch with the tumblers of Hula Hoops as a snack offering.Recently redone up, the Wilmington is now a lively place with good music, comfy sofas, nice staff and a pretty decent menu (the Pie Minister pies especially) and a good range of beers too. Nice touch with the tumblers of Hula Hoops as a snack offering.

New River Express Fitness for Women - Friendly gym, fun people by nomadchick

nomadchick — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 04:23:47 +0000

Review by nomadchick

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7226 5444

Website: www.newriverfitness.co.uk

Tags: gym, health club, women's gym

This is a women-only gym, so while there isn't much eye candy to look at, it's very good when you just want to concentrate on your workout. It's a 30 minute workout that you do in steps, perfect to do with friends. This is totally a chill and friendly place.This is a women-only gym, so while there isn't much eye candy to look at, it's very good when you just want to concentrate on your workout. It's a 30 minute workout that you do in steps, perfect to do with friends. This is totally a chill and friendly place.

Indian Veg Bhelpoori House - the cheapy veggie glutton's dream by smiithh

smiithh — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 20:23:37 +0000

Review by smiithh

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7833 1167

Tags: indian, vegetarian, cheap eat

I got excited just walking there. They are open relatively late (11.30), and the last time I went they were still putting out fresh food every ten minutes or so and it was already 10.15. It is certainly not the swankiest of places by the look of it, but the combination of incredible prices (3.50 for never ending buffet of amazing and fresh curries, rices, salads, and fried goodies? yeesss please), and surprisingly friendly and accommodating staff makes it my ONE sure thing. It is where I go when I feel like rewarding myself, because I can just sit (alone or with friends, it is not intimidating to dine solo here) and simply eat like the glutton I am for as long as I want, and not feel guilty in the least! Vegan and cheap- I'm sold. I got excited just walking there. They are open relatively late (11.30), and the last time I went they were still putting out fresh food every ten minutes or so and it was already 10.15. It is certainly not the swankiest of places by the look of it, but the combination of incredible prices (3.50 for never ending buffet of amazing and fresh curries, rices, salads, and fried goodies? yeesss please), and surprisingly friendly and accommodating staff makes it my ONE sure thing. It is where I go when I feel like rewarding myself, because I can just sit (alone or with friends, it is not intimidating to dine solo here) and simply eat like the glutton I am for as long as I want, and not feel guilty in the least! Vegan and cheap- I'm sold.