Latest reviews in Leicester Square, London, United Kingdom

Cork & Bottle - cork and what by herb

herb — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:02:51 +0000

Review by herb

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 7807

Tags: good food, excellent wine list, wine bar

well it's and ok place to eat, but if you go on a date, bad choice, they have a good selection of wines and good beers, but the food could be a little bit better...well it's and ok place to eat, but if you go on a date, bad choice, they have a good selection of wines and good beers, but the food could be a little bit better...

Viet - Better than the 'Pho' Chain by hollowlegs

hollowlegs — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:36:21 +0000

Review by hollowlegs

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7494 9888

Tags: vietnamese, cheap eat, crowded

After some rather naughty Tuesday night binge drinking, we decided to come here at around 10pm for some food. I have to say, a big factor was that it was BYOB.

Furnishings are very basic and lighting is stark. We chose a red curry, a green curry and a beef pho for myself, with some summer rolls nad banh xeo on the side.

The summer rolls were gorgeous; really fresh tasting and crunchy, definitely reminiscent of (our non-existent) summer as the name suggests. The beef pho I had was excellent. Tender slices of pink beef with a big bundle of rice noodles sat in a a fragrant broth accompanied by a plate of lime wedges, beansprouts, chillis and herbs. It was immensely satisfying.

I have to agree with other reviewers; the service wasn't exactly 'with a smile'. When our mains came, they brought out two bowls of pho, 2 green curries and a red; the extra pho we hadn't ordered. When we told the waitress this, she looked at us doubtfully and didn't seem to believe us until one of our party said "can you tell us why we would order 5 mains plus starters for a table of 4?"

All in all, a great cheap eat and nothing fancy. It definitely beat the insipid pho I had at the Great Titchfield Street branch of the Pho chain.After some rather naughty Tuesday night binge drinking, we decided to come here at around 10pm for some food. I have to say, a big factor was that it was BYOB.

Furnishings are very basic and lighting is stark. We chose a red curry, a green curry and a beef pho for myself, with some summer rolls nad banh xeo on the side.

The summer rolls were gorgeous; really fresh tasting and crunchy, definitely reminiscent of (our non-existent) summer as the name suggests. The beef pho I had was excellent. Tender slices of pink beef with a big bundle of rice noodles sat in a a fragrant broth accompanied by a plate of lime wedges, beansprouts, chillis and herbs. It was immensely satisfying.

I have to agree with other reviewers; the service wasn't exactly 'with a smile'. When our mains came, they brought out two bowls of pho, 2 green curries and a red; the extra pho we hadn't ordered. When we told the waitress this, she looked at us doubtfully and didn't seem to believe us until one of our party said "can you tell us why we would order 5 mains plus starters for a table of 4?"

All in all, a great cheap eat and nothing fancy. It definitely beat the insipid pho I had at the Great Titchfield Street branch of the Pho chain.

Katana @ The International - Katana by jan08

jan08 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:27:10 +0000

Review by jan08

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7655 9810

Website: http://www.theinternational.uk.com

Tags: thai, business, international

Confusingly named, the Katana restaurant is still one of my favourite restaurants in the West End. The service is exceptionally high, from the moment you walk in. I don't think I have ever been asked before if I am happy with the location of the table when seated! The decor is modern and well patronised by business types, but as the service is so friendly, it's also relaxed and unpretentious. They describe themselves as pan Asian - quite an eclectic menu and the food has always been good whenever I have dined there. If you book in advance, you can also take up one of their spacial menu offers which then makes it very good value for money.Confusingly named, the Katana restaurant is still one of my favourite restaurants in the West End. The service is exceptionally high, from the moment you walk in. I don't think I have ever been asked before if I am happy with the location of the table when seated! The decor is modern and well patronised by business types, but as the service is so friendly, it's also relaxed and unpretentious. They describe themselves as pan Asian - quite an eclectic menu and the food has always been good whenever I have dined there. If you book in advance, you can also take up one of their spacial menu offers which then makes it very good value for money.

Giovanni's - traditional and fantastic by herb

herb — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:29:33 +0000

Review by herb

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7240 3303

Tags: italian, romantic, good value

What you can find in this restaurant is simply something is disappearing of the earth, local restaurants which have a traditional touch, food here is amazing, and the service is italian. who ever been in italy and comes to this place...will be confusedWhat you can find in this restaurant is simply something is disappearing of the earth, local restaurants which have a traditional touch, food here is amazing, and the service is italian. who ever been in italy and comes to this place...will be confused

Salsa! - by herb

herb — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:57:43 +0000

Review by herb

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7379 3277

Tags: live music

salsa is a great place to escape from our busy lifes, on tuesday they have an amazing brazilian night, great music and good atmosphere, the beats from brazil with the mix of salsa. Dont miss out
salsa is a great place to escape from our busy lifes, on tuesday they have an amazing brazilian night, great music and good atmosphere, the beats from brazil with the mix of salsa. Dont miss out

Haozhan - Hakkasan inspired Chinese Cuisine... by foodbymark

foodbymark — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:44:52 +0000

Review by foodbymark

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7434 3838

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

Tags: chinese, lively, good value

It is a brave move for any restauranteur, in this case Jimmy Kong of New Fook Lam Moon, to open a new chinese restaurant in China town, and part of the attraction was former Hakkasan chef, Chee Loong Cheong, in the kitchen. Earlier in the day I came come across a review of Haozhan on Eat Like A Girl (Niamh from Trustedplaces).

The menu is not like that of an ordinary Chinese restaurant with much shorter list of tinges of Japanese, Taiwanese and Malay inspired Chinese dishes. I have to add that there are other inspired dishes such as Marmite prawns and baked silver cod with champagne and honey (very Hakkasan!).

Our dinner started with Curried Soft Shell Crab and Grilled Dumplings. Both delicious and presented well. Mains, served with perfectly steamed fragrant Thai rice were Sanpei Chicken, a clay pot dish of chicken cooked with three wines, and Haozhan Tofu, four silk-soft dessert tofu cubes with a purÃ©ed spinach top, carefully deep-fried topped with a firm sweet scallops garnished with fish roe - the contrast of texture and flavour of which are perfect. The meal was finished with Banana Kataifi and the Cream of Pumpkin. First being hard to eat and messy and the latter probably the most perfect way to finish the dinner if you must insist on having a dessert after a chinese meal.

I really like what Haozhan is doing. Clean, friendly and modern Chinese... in often unreliable China Town. The service is polite, prompt and friendly. Our waiters were eager to help. Just a touch over Â£46 for two appertisers, two mains, two dessert and tea for two plus tip.

This review is shortened version of the review which can be found on my blog with photos: http://foodbymark.blogspot.com/2008/10/haozhan-china-town-w1.htmlIt is a brave move for any restauranteur, in this case Jimmy Kong of New Fook Lam Moon, to open a new chinese restaurant in China town, and part of the attraction was former Hakkasan chef, Chee Loong Cheong, in the kitchen. Earlier in the day I came come across a review of Haozhan on Eat Like A Girl (Niamh from Trustedplaces).

The menu is not like that of an ordinary Chinese restaurant with much shorter list of tinges of Japanese, Taiwanese and Malay inspired Chinese dishes. I have to add that there are other inspired dishes such as Marmite prawns and baked silver cod with champagne and honey (very Hakkasan!).

Our dinner started with Curried Soft Shell Crab and Grilled Dumplings. Both delicious and presented well. Mains, served with perfectly steamed fragrant Thai rice were Sanpei Chicken, a clay pot dish of chicken cooked with three wines, and Haozhan Tofu, four silk-soft dessert tofu cubes with a purÃ©ed spinach top, carefully deep-fried topped with a firm sweet scallops garnished with fish roe - the contrast of texture and flavour of which are perfect. The meal was finished with Banana Kataifi and the Cream of Pumpkin. First being hard to eat and messy and the latter probably the most perfect way to finish the dinner if you must insist on having a dessert after a chinese meal.

I really like what Haozhan is doing. Clean, friendly and modern Chinese... in often unreliable China Town. The service is polite, prompt and friendly. Our waiters were eager to help. Just a touch over Â£46 for two appertisers, two mains, two dessert and tea for two plus tip.

This review is shortened version of the review which can be found on my blog with photos: http://foodbymark.blogspot.com/2008/10/haozhan-china-town-w1.html

Belgo Centraal - Oktoberfeast at Belgo by slagdog

slagdog — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:33:41 +0000

Review by slagdog

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7813 2233

Website: http://www.belgo-restaurants.com

Tags: lively, crowded, good value

Throughout October, the four Belgo restaurants - all in London - are celebrating Oktoberfeast with a food and beer matching menu. This is a great opportunity to sample the wonderful world of Belgian beer beyond the likes of Stella Artois.

We had the rich and smooth Chicken Terrine with raspberry beer chutney with a glass of DeKoninck, and asparagus with a Brugs white beer & chive sauce and the delicious Vedett Extra Blond beer.

For mains, the pork belly is to die for - must be the best crackling i've ever had - and it is paired with the unusual Rodenbach Grand Cru which is aged in wine casks to give it a delicious sour edge. Mussels are a speciality at Belgo, and the ones on this menu are steamed in beer - pure heaven for mussel lovers.

And puddings don't escape the beer matching magic - the the Leffe Ice Cream is a must, with its delicious syrup and praline.

This is a menu that will make you see (or should that be drink) beer in a whole new light...

Throughout October, the four Belgo restaurants - all in London - are celebrating Oktoberfeast with a food and beer matching menu. This is a great opportunity to sample the wonderful world of Belgian beer beyond the likes of Stella Artois.

We had the rich and smooth Chicken Terrine with raspberry beer chutney with a glass of DeKoninck, and asparagus with a Brugs white beer & chive sauce and the delicious Vedett Extra Blond beer.

For mains, the pork belly is to die for - must be the best crackling i've ever had - and it is paired with the unusual Rodenbach Grand Cru which is aged in wine casks to give it a delicious sour edge. Mussels are a speciality at Belgo, and the ones on this menu are steamed in beer - pure heaven for mussel lovers.

And puddings don't escape the beer matching magic - the the Leffe Ice Cream is a must, with its delicious syrup and praline.

This is a menu that will make you see (or should that be drink) beer in a whole new light...

Wong Kei - Tea for all by bellaphon

bellaphon — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:14:54 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 8408

Tags: chinese, cheap eat, lively

Irrespective of race, creed, colour, sex, age, nationality, disability, veteran or veganism, all diners are offered a gratis pot of tea.

If you do decide to come here to get abused; may I suggest you walk up to the main counter preferably reminiscent of Forrest Gump and ask for a fork instead of the chopsticks thatâ¬"s already in place. Youâ¬"ll be crushed. However if you do decide to come here and dine properly, please go to the off-piste section of the menu where you might well be surprised with the results.

Drinking tea is comforting and assuring, doubly so when itâ¬"s free; any humiliation before and after is therefore dispelled.

Irrespective of race, creed, colour, sex, age, nationality, disability, veteran or veganism, all diners are offered a gratis pot of tea.

If you do decide to come here to get abused; may I suggest you walk up to the main counter preferably reminiscent of Forrest Gump and ask for a fork instead of the chopsticks thatâ¬"s already in place. Youâ¬"ll be crushed. However if you do decide to come here and dine properly, please go to the off-piste section of the menu where you might well be surprised with the results.

Drinking tea is comforting and assuring, doubly so when itâ¬"s free; any humiliation before and after is therefore dispelled.

Oriental Delight - Fantastic variety of snacks and grocery by MartinBlue

MartinBlue — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:46:09 +0000

Review by MartinBlue

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7439 1183

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

Tags: chinese, rare finds, delicatessen

Found some delicious spicy sauces and biscuits in there. My little girl back home absolutely loves those Hello Kitty's snacks.

They do offer special offers for a range of products with some of them are on buy-1-get-1-free bargain, though those are about mostly 3-6 months from expiry. Tried a few and they are reasonably nice.

Service is unbeatable, in terms of a chinese grocery store. Amazingly, they have an English-speaking manager running the place!

Surely will be back there (and also the chinese restaurants around) when I'm on my next business trip.Found some delicious spicy sauces and biscuits in there. My little girl back home absolutely loves those Hello Kitty's snacks.

They do offer special offers for a range of products with some of them are on buy-1-get-1-free bargain, though those are about mostly 3-6 months from expiry. Tried a few and they are reasonably nice.

Service is unbeatable, in terms of a chinese grocery store. Amazingly, they have an English-speaking manager running the place!

Surely will be back there (and also the chinese restaurants around) when I'm on my next business trip.

Double8tickets - The pitts by leaj17

leaj17 — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:36:39 +0000

Review by leaj17

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8888 8888

Website: http://www.double8tickets.com

I couldn't believe it, I paid over the odds for tickets from this company to see Lee Evens, they happily took my money and couldn't have been more polite, to then ignore me!! I didn't recieve and tickets, they didn't answer my calls, or return my e-mails. I rang every number i could find and e-mailed every address, NOTHING!!!! I seriously advise anyone to not go with this company. I've read other reviews and this is not the first time they have pulled this stunt. That must be how they make there money!!I couldn't believe it, I paid over the odds for tickets from this company to see Lee Evens, they happily took my money and couldn't have been more polite, to then ignore me!! I didn't recieve and tickets, they didn't answer my calls, or return my e-mails. I rang every number i could find and e-mailed every address, NOTHING!!!! I seriously advise anyone to not go with this company. I've read other reviews and this is not the first time they have pulled this stunt. That must be how they make there money!!

Adelphi Theatre - Adelphi by watermelon90

watermelon90 — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 23:11:24 +0000

Review by watermelon90

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 0870 403 0303

The Adelphi theatre is set in the middle of theatre land at the Strand. It can be reached easily by underground and you can see the sights at Covent Garden before the show.
The theatre itself is not as large as you would think.
The stage is very small, when you consider that this is a west end theatre putting on a top show. The seats are cramped and old fashioned, not very much leg room if you are tall. The better seats at the front of the theatre are double the money, but they are much closer to the action and you do get a better view.
The revolving stage was used a lot with some funny moments that included a few multi toned rainbow sheep, the show is good and a must see.The Adelphi theatre is set in the middle of theatre land at the Strand. It can be reached easily by underground and you can see the sights at Covent Garden before the show.
The theatre itself is not as large as you would think.
The stage is very small, when you consider that this is a west end theatre putting on a top show. The seats are cramped and old fashioned, not very much leg room if you are tall. The better seats at the front of the theatre are double the money, but they are much closer to the action and you do get a better view.
The revolving stage was used a lot with some funny moments that included a few multi toned rainbow sheep, the show is good and a must see.

Red 'n' Hot - Clue is in the name of the restaurant by ilovelucy

ilovelucy — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:52:23 +0000

Review by ilovelucy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 8796

Website: www.rednhotgroup.com

Tags: chinese, good value

My chinese student was leaving London for good so we decided to go for a farewell meal in town. As he was born in China and exposed to Sichuan cuisine practically everyday I was interested to find out his opinion about Sichuan cuisine in London. I had already been to the very fashionable Bar Shu so i was keen to try somewhere else. Therefore I did a bit of research and picked Red 'N' Hot which had pretty good reviews. It would be easy to miss the restuarant which is flanked on either side by shops selling cheap tat for a few quid so we were not surprised that it was pretty empty. The decor was nicely done, in a modern chinese way, black lacquered furniture and red pattered walls. We got stuck into the menu. Qiang informed me that we had order cold dishes to accompany the hot - so the Yin and Yang would be balanced. There was so much to try but as it was only the two of us we went for the cold sliced belly pork in mashed garlic sauce, pockmarked lady's tofu with minced meat, and the sliced beef lavishly topped with chillies and sichuan pepper - one of their signature dishes, rice and vegetables. We got stuck in - the tofu was amazing - much better than the versions i had tried in the chinese restaurants on Gerrard Street. You could actually taste the creaminess of the tofu. The beef arrived in a vat of oil surrounded by the chillies and the pepper - the portion was enormous enough to feed a family! It was very delicious, beef was beautifully tender - Qiang said the food was the most authentic he'd tried in London. It was very hot food - I have high tolerance levels for chilli but this was indeed a test. Fortunately they were pretty forthcoming with the tap water. On a table near us - i spied a couple eating the chinese hot pot - a pan of stock whereby you cook your own vegetables and meat to your liking. I realised that every table had this facility and vowed to come back to try it out. Not many chinese restaurants do this anymore. I was pleased that Qiang liked the food. The cost was reasonable - we paid Â£18 each without alcohol. I will go back again once my tastebuds return to normal.My chinese student was leaving London for good so we decided to go for a farewell meal in town. As he was born in China and exposed to Sichuan cuisine practically everyday I was interested to find out his opinion about Sichuan cuisine in London. I had already been to the very fashionable Bar Shu so i was keen to try somewhere else. Therefore I did a bit of research and picked Red 'N' Hot which had pretty good reviews. It would be easy to miss the restuarant which is flanked on either side by shops selling cheap tat for a few quid so we were not surprised that it was pretty empty. The decor was nicely done, in a modern chinese way, black lacquered furniture and red pattered walls. We got stuck into the menu. Qiang informed me that we had order cold dishes to accompany the hot - so the Yin and Yang would be balanced. There was so much to try but as it was only the two of us we went for the cold sliced belly pork in mashed garlic sauce, pockmarked lady's tofu with minced meat, and the sliced beef lavishly topped with chillies and sichuan pepper - one of their signature dishes, rice and vegetables. We got stuck in - the tofu was amazing - much better than the versions i had tried in the chinese restaurants on Gerrard Street. You could actually taste the creaminess of the tofu. The beef arrived in a vat of oil surrounded by the chillies and the pepper - the portion was enormous enough to feed a family! It was very delicious, beef was beautifully tender - Qiang said the food was the most authentic he'd tried in London. It was very hot food - I have high tolerance levels for chilli but this was indeed a test. Fortunately they were pretty forthcoming with the tap water. On a table near us - i spied a couple eating the chinese hot pot - a pan of stock whereby you cook your own vegetables and meat to your liking. I realised that every table had this facility and vowed to come back to try it out. Not many chinese restaurants do this anymore. I was pleased that Qiang liked the food. The cost was reasonable - we paid Â£18 each without alcohol. I will go back again once my tastebuds return to normal.

Souk Medina - ok, not fantastic by curlynewf

curlynewf — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:14:58 +0000

Review by curlynewf

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7240 1796

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

Tags: good value, north african, moroccan

I wasn't all that impressed with the food here. Admittedly we didn't eat much, but what we did have didn't really whet my appetite for more. We had the mezze plate for two, grilled halloumi, calamari and a bottle of of Cuvee Du President (Moroccan red wine). We enjoyed the wine, but the halloumi was dry, the falafel was too hard and the calamari was too rubbery. The tabouleh wasn't bad and the pita was nice and warm but there was too much of it. We also ordered a bottle of sparkling water which arrived warm (when we asked for ice we were given a gigantic bowl of ice cubes with a spoon :-)) I'm pretty sure the tiny tables and low-lighting are meant to be part of the charm, but we sat at a *really* cramped table downstairs which was literally squished up against the next table, and it was so dimly lit that we could barely see the food on our plate. The wait staff was friendly though (and like amandaharrison our waitress spoke little English). But considering it was extremely busy and we'd no reservation the staff were all really attentive and accommodating. The belly dancer was good too - and it was pretty cheap! Considering the location, the vibrancy and the cost I might go again and try some other dishes. Maybe it was just an off-night.I wasn't all that impressed with the food here. Admittedly we didn't eat much, but what we did have didn't really whet my appetite for more. We had the mezze plate for two, grilled halloumi, calamari and a bottle of of Cuvee Du President (Moroccan red wine). We enjoyed the wine, but the halloumi was dry, the falafel was too hard and the calamari was too rubbery. The tabouleh wasn't bad and the pita was nice and warm but there was too much of it. We also ordered a bottle of sparkling water which arrived warm (when we asked for ice we were given a gigantic bowl of ice cubes with a spoon :-)) I'm pretty sure the tiny tables and low-lighting are meant to be part of the charm, but we sat at a *really* cramped table downstairs which was literally squished up against the next table, and it was so dimly lit that we could barely see the food on our plate. The wait staff was friendly though (and like amandaharrison our waitress spoke little English). But considering it was extremely busy and we'd no reservation the staff were all really attentive and accommodating. The belly dancer was good too - and it was pretty cheap! Considering the location, the vibrancy and the cost I might go again and try some other dishes. Maybe it was just an off-night.

Giaconda Dining Room - Sydney's loss is London's gain. by bellaphon

bellaphon — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:59:49 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7240 3334

Tags: french, good value, british

Most of what I want to say about this place has already been said on the well-judged and well-conceived reviews from the triumvirate of Sue, Gastro1 and Chrisp.

Just as well I booked for lunch, the dining room was already packed with business lunchers and arty luvvies by the time we turned up at 1pm. The service is akin to travelling First Class on Qantas (Iâ¬"m only assuming please), efficient and to the point but boy did I start to wonder whatâ¬"s going to be like during dinner instead. My signature starter of Crisped Pigs Trotters and Eggs Mayonnaise was perfectly balanced and delicately unctuous; I might request this as a mains option on my next visit. My dining companionâ¬"s Shellfish Bisque was unfortunately a little under-salted, personally I think this couldâ¬"ve been remedied with the addition of some grated GruyÃ¨re. For the main course I decided to go "off-piste", as everyone else in the room seemed to opt for either the Roast Salmon or Grilled Sirloin; my delicious Tripe Braised with Chorizo, Smoked Paprika & Butter Beans was basically grown up baked beans for the discerning palate. The companionâ¬"s Duck Confit and Roast Potatoes was pretty much epic in proportions, it took him forever to finish the plate up (obviously good enough as a dish as he has a habit of leaving most of his food half-finished). We ended up the meal with a shared pudding of Poached Peach and Eton Mess; this was the star dish of the meal for me at The GDR for it was so fruity, crunchy and sensibly creamy, it was the perfect end to a delicious and good value meal.

The location is great, one can now rid of the lunch excesses by window shopping around the guitar stores on the same street or admiring that fine carbuncle nearby otherwise known as the Centre Point tower.
Most of what I want to say about this place has already been said on the well-judged and well-conceived reviews from the triumvirate of Sue, Gastro1 and Chrisp.

Just as well I booked for lunch, the dining room was already packed with business lunchers and arty luvvies by the time we turned up at 1pm. The service is akin to travelling First Class on Qantas (Iâ¬"m only assuming please), efficient and to the point but boy did I start to wonder whatâ¬"s going to be like during dinner instead. My signature starter of Crisped Pigs Trotters and Eggs Mayonnaise was perfectly balanced and delicately unctuous; I might request this as a mains option on my next visit. My dining companionâ¬"s Shellfish Bisque was unfortunately a little under-salted, personally I think this couldâ¬"ve been remedied with the addition of some grated GruyÃ¨re. For the main course I decided to go "off-piste", as everyone else in the room seemed to opt for either the Roast Salmon or Grilled Sirloin; my delicious Tripe Braised with Chorizo, Smoked Paprika & Butter Beans was basically grown up baked beans for the discerning palate. The companionâ¬"s Duck Confit and Roast Potatoes was pretty much epic in proportions, it took him forever to finish the plate up (obviously good enough as a dish as he has a habit of leaving most of his food half-finished). We ended up the meal with a shared pudding of Poached Peach and Eton Mess; this was the star dish of the meal for me at The GDR for it was so fruity, crunchy and sensibly creamy, it was the perfect end to a delicious and good value meal.

The location is great, one can now rid of the lunch excesses by window shopping around the guitar stores on the same street or admiring that fine carbuncle nearby otherwise known as the Centre Point tower.

Macari's - 5 neck guitar by guitarnut

guitarnut — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:51:33 +0000

Review by guitarnut

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 9149

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

I bought a 5 neck guitar off these guys and was treated like a king ! They tuned and set up every neck while i waited then packed and sent it to my house free of charge !!!!!
Ok , I know I'm slightly insane anyway but it was great to be served well with none of the guitar widdling elitist nonsense of Denmark Street .I bought a 5 neck guitar off these guys and was treated like a king ! They tuned and set up every neck while i waited then packed and sent it to my house free of charge !!!!!
Ok , I know I'm slightly insane anyway but it was great to be served well with none of the guitar widdling elitist nonsense of Denmark Street .

79 CXR - 79 CRAP XTREME RUN by Simplybelieve

Simplybelieve — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:01:40 +0000

Review by Simplybelieve

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7734 0769

Website: http://www.79cxr.co.uk

Tags: late license, food, dj

Dont let appearances fool you. This looks like a nice bar - wrong. It used to be but now it is frequented by more elderly gay men and young guys looking for a sugar daddy. The toilets are full of people cruising for sex and are not too clean. Everynow and again the boiuncer appears and throws people out. On a plus side good juke box and in the summer it's nice to sit outside - but that's rare. My advice - A-V-O-I-DDont let appearances fool you. This looks like a nice bar - wrong. It used to be but now it is frequented by more elderly gay men and young guys looking for a sugar daddy. The toilets are full of people cruising for sex and are not too clean. Everynow and again the boiuncer appears and throws people out. On a plus side good juke box and in the summer it's nice to sit outside - but that's rare. My advice - A-V-O-I-D

Taro Japanese Restaurant - "Fast" Food by foodbymark

foodbymark — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:46:50 +0000

Review by foodbymark

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7439 2275

Tags: japanese, takeaway, good value

This Taro is conveniently tucked away just off Charing Cross on Old Compton Road. It is the second of three restaurants with the original just nearby. The ground flood serves as the kitchens where you can see the team of busy chefs working away. With a single set of stairs leading down to the basement you arrive at the restaurant which has a very open layout with wooden tables and benches along the walls and tables and chairs dotted around the middle and towards the back.

We ordered the Toro Rolls (4 pieces), Gyoza (5 fried pieces), 2 portions of Beef Teriyaki, 2 cups of green tea and glasses of tap water. Our friendly waiter hurried back with our drinks almost immediately and within a couple of minutes the Toro Rolls arrived. Almost melt in mouth, the fatty tuna rolls were a perfect light start. Almost immediately our Gyoza arrived, fresh and light with a crispy underside and not drenched in oil. Again, perfectly timed for out "fast" food dinner, the beef teriyaki arrived. Thinly grilled strips of steak, sliced and placed on top of steamed rice and a small amount of fried vegetables. A medley of julienned carrots, cabbage, onions and bean sprouts. The beef was succulent and although stated on the menu as being medium done, the medium rare result in mine was perfect.

An early evening meal for two, the restaurant wasn't too busy and there never seems to be many tourist there, if any at all. Â£29 including service at 10% is just right.
This Taro is conveniently tucked away just off Charing Cross on Old Compton Road. It is the second of three restaurants with the original just nearby. The ground flood serves as the kitchens where you can see the team of busy chefs working away. With a single set of stairs leading down to the basement you arrive at the restaurant which has a very open layout with wooden tables and benches along the walls and tables and chairs dotted around the middle and towards the back.

We ordered the Toro Rolls (4 pieces), Gyoza (5 fried pieces), 2 portions of Beef Teriyaki, 2 cups of green tea and glasses of tap water. Our friendly waiter hurried back with our drinks almost immediately and within a couple of minutes the Toro Rolls arrived. Almost melt in mouth, the fatty tuna rolls were a perfect light start. Almost immediately our Gyoza arrived, fresh and light with a crispy underside and not drenched in oil. Again, perfectly timed for out "fast" food dinner, the beef teriyaki arrived. Thinly grilled strips of steak, sliced and placed on top of steamed rice and a small amount of fried vegetables. A medley of julienned carrots, cabbage, onions and bean sprouts. The beef was succulent and although stated on the menu as being medium done, the medium rare result in mine was perfect.

An early evening meal for two, the restaurant wasn't too busy and there never seems to be many tourist there, if any at all. Â£29 including service at 10% is just right.

Food For Thought - A London institution! by seconds

seconds — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:09:09 +0000

Review by seconds

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 0239

Tags: vegetarian, crowded, good value

As one of the other reviewers has noted, Food for Thought is a London institution! From the outside it is a tiny restaurant in Neal Street, but the whole basement is in use. Traditionally, you queue upstairs to take food away, and queue down the stairs (and the queue at lunchtimes always reaches down the length of the stairs and along the street) to eat at the benches or on cushions downstairs.

This is a vegetarianâ¬"s paradise (they serve only veggie food), but is also a delicious experience for meat eaters. Every day there are 2 or 3 different soups, 3 main meals, and a salad, plus 2 or 3 scrummy desserts. The menu changes each day. You can have anything you like for less than Â£5, but plan to spend more if it is your first visit, go when you are hungry and try a dessert as well!

As one of the other reviewers has noted, Food for Thought is a London institution! From the outside it is a tiny restaurant in Neal Street, but the whole basement is in use. Traditionally, you queue upstairs to take food away, and queue down the stairs (and the queue at lunchtimes always reaches down the length of the stairs and along the street) to eat at the benches or on cushions downstairs.

This is a vegetarianâ¬"s paradise (they serve only veggie food), but is also a delicious experience for meat eaters. Every day there are 2 or 3 different soups, 3 main meals, and a salad, plus 2 or 3 scrummy desserts. The menu changes each day. You can have anything you like for less than Â£5, but plan to spend more if it is your first visit, go when you are hungry and try a dessert as well!

New Mayflower Chinese Restaurant - The food was good by MrB

MrB — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:50:47 +0000

Review by MrB

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 9207

Tags: chinese, london, takeaway

I went here after an evening at the theatre. I wanted to take my mother to a good 'off-soho' Chinese restaurant and I was not disappointed with the choice. I had read that the Mayflower 'suffered' from poor service and this was front-of-mind when I booked. When we arrived the table was prepared well and we started on a wonderful half Peking duck. This was simply superb. I feasted on squid and clams and my mother dined on a chicken and rice dish. The service was good and the food was frankly delicious. The service was in no way poor and the bill came to respectable Â£55 with a couple of beers and soft drinks. Would I go back? Yes. If I could make one suggestion or indeed criticism, and this has to be taken in the context of pretty much the majority of all Chinese restaurants, it would be that they donâ¬"t offer any decent pudding options. This is, however, culturally significant as Chinese diners neither expect or want to finish on a pudding.I went here after an evening at the theatre. I wanted to take my mother to a good 'off-soho' Chinese restaurant and I was not disappointed with the choice. I had read that the Mayflower 'suffered' from poor service and this was front-of-mind when I booked. When we arrived the table was prepared well and we started on a wonderful half Peking duck. This was simply superb. I feasted on squid and clams and my mother dined on a chicken and rice dish. The service was good and the food was frankly delicious. The service was in no way poor and the bill came to respectable Â£55 with a couple of beers and soft drinks. Would I go back? Yes. If I could make one suggestion or indeed criticism, and this has to be taken in the context of pretty much the majority of all Chinese restaurants, it would be that they donâ¬"t offer any decent pudding options. This is, however, culturally significant as Chinese diners neither expect or want to finish on a pudding.

Soundhouse Turnkey - Phone order went ok by vik

vik — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:37:11 +0000

Review by vik

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7379 6766

Website: http://www.turnkey.uk.com

Ordered a guitar for a gift a few years ago and can not fault the care and help we had. THe staff were friendly and helpful and our choice of guitar was offered at a really unbeatable price too, which included spares and all the postage and packing costs. It arrived with in a week and was in top class condition, and in the colour we had wanted. It went down really well as a gift and is still going strong after being played again and again. Have not seen the store in person but would expect it has a varied stock.Ordered a guitar for a gift a few years ago and can not fault the care and help we had. THe staff were friendly and helpful and our choice of guitar was offered at a really unbeatable price too, which included spares and all the postage and packing costs. It arrived with in a week and was in top class condition, and in the colour we had wanted. It went down really well as a gift and is still going strong after being played again and again. Have not seen the store in person but would expect it has a varied stock.