Latest reviews in Mayfair, London, United Kingdom

Wild Honey - A bad experience! by nick644

nick644 — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:24:27 +0000

Review by nick644

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7758 9160

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

Its taken us a while to get round to writing this review. I don't often put 'pen to paper' as it were, but two months on I still find myself getting angry by a terrible inexplicable experience at this restaurant. I made the unfortunate mistake of booking this restaurant for our anniversary on the Wednesday evening of the 30th April this year. We arrived and were promptly shown to our table. The woman leading us being rather neutral, perhaps a little tired looking, as can happen in a busy restaurant. The restaurant is long and narrow with wood pannelling and quite attractive. Mostly people sit rather cheek by jowel, as is often the case in central London restaurants, though we noted some tables for 4 and more which were more private. Apperitifs and water and bread were ordered...two glasses of house Champagne and menus given.

After 25 minutes of waiting, the evening started to turn sour. I guess our faces didn't fit as my wife and I were totally ignored and the waiters well trained in averting their eyes when we tried to attract their attention! I have always wondered what school they attend to learn this skill so well! Not what you would expect from a One Michelin star restaurant!

Eventually, as we became more irritated, I had to stand up to be noticed and managed to stop someone walking at high speed through the busy restaurant! A charming French gentleman who explained that he was the bar man! However, quite obviously embarrassed by his colleagues lack of attentiveness, took our order efficiently and explained the menu to us! My wife had a rather delicious crab filled ravioli. I guess my starter wasn't that memorable as I can't recall it now, two months on! We didn't order a bottle of wine as we had had a cocktail already around the corner at Browns and just ordered a further two glasses of champagne. (we are not heavy drinkers). I assume, to the manager of this type of restuarant, this was considered a major faux pas. He must have thought this because the couple next door to us were being lavished attention by him that would normally be reserved for royalty! In fact at no time did a waiter or the manager even speak to us other than when serving our starters and main course.

After the starter we waited more than 40 minutes for the main course to arrive without word. We had assumed that there had been a mistake in the kitchen. Of course it was impossible, without making a scene, to atract a waiter.

When it arrived, it was a little disappointing for a restaurant of this nature. My wife had a bouillabaisse, which she had to serve herself onto her plate, (I guess the waiter was just too tired), and I had an extremely salty cod dish. The bouillabaisse was very plain with a very weak tast. Again not what you would expect from a Michelin Star restaurant. Of course no one came to ask if everything was alright, though the manager stood with his rear end at me for a good 10 minutes talking wine to the couple next door to us in the most animated of ways while I was eating...nice touch.

Eventually, our plates were taken away and we were again ignored for the next 10 minutes, by which time we had had enough. We managed to attract a waiter for the bill. I recall telling my wife what a shocking experience it was at the only time the manager came to our attention giving us the bill. To this day, we have no idea whether he even cared what we thought.

We live in the West End, I have my business in the vicinity. I regularly have business meeetings over lunch and my wife and I eat out at least 3 or 4 times a week. We like to make a point of supporting our local restaurants in Marylebone and Mayfair and have to date been to most of the well noted ones. Were we just exceptionally unlucky? Was it just a case that our faces didn't fit? Whatever the reason, we've not had a problem like this before at this level of restaurant. We will never set foot here again or its sister restaurant Arbutus which I assume will also have a similarly arrogant attitude to people the manager deems unsuitable. Very strange! My wife, being the wonderful positive person she is insisted that we just walk out quietly, not make a fuss and not let this experience ruin what was a lovely anniversary day. We ended up going out to Bar Italia in Soho for coffee and dessert which put a smile back on our faces! Sometimes simple down to earth behaviour without all the airs and graces are best after all!Its taken us a while to get round to writing this review. I don't often put 'pen to paper' as it were, but two months on I still find myself getting angry by a terrible inexplicable experience at this restaurant. I made the unfortunate mistake of booking this restaurant for our anniversary on the Wednesday evening of the 30th April this year. We arrived and were promptly shown to our table. The woman leading us being rather neutral, perhaps a little tired looking, as can happen in a busy restaurant. The restaurant is long and narrow with wood pannelling and quite attractive. Mostly people sit rather cheek by jowel, as is often the case in central London restaurants, though we noted some tables for 4 and more which were more private. Apperitifs and water and bread were ordered...two glasses of house Champagne and menus given.

After 25 minutes of waiting, the evening started to turn sour. I guess our faces didn't fit as my wife and I were totally ignored and the waiters well trained in averting their eyes when we tried to attract their attention! I have always wondered what school they attend to learn this skill so well! Not what you would expect from a One Michelin star restaurant!

Eventually, as we became more irritated, I had to stand up to be noticed and managed to stop someone walking at high speed through the busy restaurant! A charming French gentleman who explained that he was the bar man! However, quite obviously embarrassed by his colleagues lack of attentiveness, took our order efficiently and explained the menu to us! My wife had a rather delicious crab filled ravioli. I guess my starter wasn't that memorable as I can't recall it now, two months on! We didn't order a bottle of wine as we had had a cocktail already around the corner at Browns and just ordered a further two glasses of champagne. (we are not heavy drinkers). I assume, to the manager of this type of restuarant, this was considered a major faux pas. He must have thought this because the couple next door to us were being lavished attention by him that would normally be reserved for royalty! In fact at no time did a waiter or the manager even speak to us other than when serving our starters and main course.

After the starter we waited more than 40 minutes for the main course to arrive without word. We had assumed that there had been a mistake in the kitchen. Of course it was impossible, without making a scene, to atract a waiter.

When it arrived, it was a little disappointing for a restaurant of this nature. My wife had a bouillabaisse, which she had to serve herself onto her plate, (I guess the waiter was just too tired), and I had an extremely salty cod dish. The bouillabaisse was very plain with a very weak tast. Again not what you would expect from a Michelin Star restaurant. Of course no one came to ask if everything was alright, though the manager stood with his rear end at me for a good 10 minutes talking wine to the couple next door to us in the most animated of ways while I was eating...nice touch.

Eventually, our plates were taken away and we were again ignored for the next 10 minutes, by which time we had had enough. We managed to attract a waiter for the bill. I recall telling my wife what a shocking experience it was at the only time the manager came to our attention giving us the bill. To this day, we have no idea whether he even cared what we thought.

We live in the West End, I have my business in the vicinity. I regularly have business meeetings over lunch and my wife and I eat out at least 3 or 4 times a week. We like to make a point of supporting our local restaurants in Marylebone and Mayfair and have to date been to most of the well noted ones. Were we just exceptionally unlucky? Was it just a case that our faces didn't fit? Whatever the reason, we've not had a problem like this before at this level of restaurant. We will never set foot here again or its sister restaurant Arbutus which I assume will also have a similarly arrogant attitude to people the manager deems unsuitable. Very strange! My wife, being the wonderful positive person she is insisted that we just walk out quietly, not make a fuss and not let this experience ruin what was a lovely anniversary day. We ended up going out to Bar Italia in Soho for coffee and dessert which put a smile back on our faces! Sometimes simple down to earth behaviour without all the airs and graces are best after all!

Automat - High standards return at Mayfair's Automat by ProfMagellan

ProfMagellan — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:47:58 +0000

Review by ProfMagellan

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7499 3033

Website: http://www.automat-london.com

Tags: american, lively, expensive

My friend Polarmarco persuaded me to return and this I did in the company of a top PR person. We were on a mission to see whether or not Automat deserves a chance given a dreadful experience I had earlier this year. This time everything worked well. The staff were utterly in control, the waitress could not have been kinder, and - despite a full Tuesday lunchtime - the food arrived promptly. The PR person enjoyed his lamb confection whilst I opted for my usual burger: not quite as good as that served by Joe Allen, it was none the less perfectly acceptable. The surroundings are very new century. Automat opened about three years ago) in contrast to the retro-look of Joe Allen's (in which personally I feel more comfortable). Acoustics are very poor so not a place for the hard of hearing.
Other punters included the usual suspects: hedge fund managers, venture capitalists and ladies who lunch. Blackberries and cellphones in profusion. Very few real working stiffs.My friend Polarmarco persuaded me to return and this I did in the company of a top PR person. We were on a mission to see whether or not Automat deserves a chance given a dreadful experience I had earlier this year. This time everything worked well. The staff were utterly in control, the waitress could not have been kinder, and - despite a full Tuesday lunchtime - the food arrived promptly. The PR person enjoyed his lamb confection whilst I opted for my usual burger: not quite as good as that served by Joe Allen, it was none the less perfectly acceptable. The surroundings are very new century. Automat opened about three years ago) in contrast to the retro-look of Joe Allen's (in which personally I feel more comfortable). Acoustics are very poor so not a place for the hard of hearing.
Other punters included the usual suspects: hedge fund managers, venture capitalists and ladies who lunch. Blackberries and cellphones in profusion. Very few real working stiffs.

Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's - Excellent by topruss

topruss — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:05:50 +0000

Review by topruss

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7499 0099

Website: http://www.gordonramsay.com/claridges/

Tags: expensive, modern european, romantic

Dispite not being a fan of tv Gordon , i was dragged here by friend and it was worth it. Food was amazing and def returnDispite not being a fan of tv Gordon , i was dragged here by friend and it was worth it. Food was amazing and def return

The Wolseley - Best Breakfast by Hazysunshine

Hazysunshine — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:36:56 +0000

Review by Hazysunshine

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7499 6996

Website: http://www.thewolseley.com/

Tags: lively, expensive, good value

The stunningly elegant interior provided the perfect relaxed ambiance for a special breakfast treat of Champagne, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs which were delicious. There was a good selection of newspapers to read and the waiting staff were efficient however if there was one critism they could cheer up a bit and offer service with a smile. Best to book in advance.The stunningly elegant interior provided the perfect relaxed ambiance for a special breakfast treat of Champagne, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs which were delicious. There was a good selection of newspapers to read and the waiting staff were efficient however if there was one critism they could cheer up a bit and offer service with a smile. Best to book in advance.

Nobu - Outstanding by gastro1

gastro1 — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 23:16:15 +0000

Review by gastro1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7447 4747

Website: http://www.noburestaurants.com/

Tags: expensive, japanese, lively

Now an institution but the quality of food and service has remained constant.

I try and go 3-4 times a year and just have all my favourite dishes with either sake or a top Alsace wine.

Go at lunch and try and get a table with a view of Hyde Park.

Avoid evenings as it's full of celebs or wannabe's as well as the Essex crowd who have a few quid.Now an institution but the quality of food and service has remained constant.

I try and go 3-4 times a year and just have all my favourite dishes with either sake or a top Alsace wine.

Go at lunch and try and get a table with a view of Hyde Park.

Avoid evenings as it's full of celebs or wannabe's as well as the Essex crowd who have a few quid.

The Square - The Best in London ? by gastro1

gastro1 — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:37:57 +0000

Review by gastro1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7495 7100

Tags: expensive, french, business

Having eaten here several times I always leave asking myself if this is the best restaurant of its type in London and wondering why it remains stuck on two Michelin Stars.

It is easily an equal to Gordon Ramsey at Royal Hospital Road and in my view ahead of the tiered Le Gavroche and the hard sell of Petrus. Therefore i feel that along with Pied a Terre The Square is overdue for elevation to 3 stars.

On my most recent meal the Lasagne of Crab with Langoustine cappucino and basil followed by Ayreshire Aged Beef Fillet wit croustiliant of x tongue , bone marrow , foie gras and girolles were stunng and beautifully executed.

The amuse "guelle" was an insense gaspacho with two miniscule fried kalamari on the side - certainly woke up my taste buds.

A half bottle of St Aubin followed by a 2002 Henri Boilott Volnay 1er Cru Les Cervets accompaied what was one of the best meals I have enjoyed in London for a long while.

The service was what you would expect of such a professional establishment.

My congratulations to Philip Howard and his front of house team - I hope they receive their just rewards in January.Having eaten here several times I always leave asking myself if this is the best restaurant of its type in London and wondering why it remains stuck on two Michelin Stars.

It is easily an equal to Gordon Ramsey at Royal Hospital Road and in my view ahead of the tiered Le Gavroche and the hard sell of Petrus. Therefore i feel that along with Pied a Terre The Square is overdue for elevation to 3 stars.

On my most recent meal the Lasagne of Crab with Langoustine cappucino and basil followed by Ayreshire Aged Beef Fillet wit croustiliant of x tongue , bone marrow , foie gras and girolles were stunng and beautifully executed.

The amuse "guelle" was an insense gaspacho with two miniscule fried kalamari on the side - certainly woke up my taste buds.

A half bottle of St Aubin followed by a 2002 Henri Boilott Volnay 1er Cru Les Cervets accompaied what was one of the best meals I have enjoyed in London for a long while.

The service was what you would expect of such a professional establishment.

My congratulations to Philip Howard and his front of house team - I hope they receive their just rewards in January.

Cipriani - Polished Mahogonay on Rot by geeyeah

geeyeah — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 02:00:33 +0000

Review by geeyeah

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7399 0500

Website: http://www.cipriani.com

Tags: italian, expensive, pretentious

After writing this review I intend to e-mail CERN (the European particle-physics research body). These are the only people i suggest come to this restaurant - not for the food - but because i am almost certain this is whence all the Dark Matter of the universe is derived, so there may be some value in a study visit for those professionals in that field only. Aside from that, the food is abysmal, unless you have an extremely retro palette wherein Findus' 70's frozen canellonis are your notion of fine cuisine. The staff were OK and typically jaunty as you might expect at any established Italian restaurant in Mayfair. However, the clientele were of the spectacularly evil euro-set; I thought I had walked into one of those modern vampire movies. The net from ridiculously overpriced food I'm sure is funneled into some sort of fund to enchance the splendid yacht-like interior. In summary, more of a place to be seen than a place to eat - but i was hungry so... END After writing this review I intend to e-mail CERN (the European particle-physics research body). These are the only people i suggest come to this restaurant - not for the food - but because i am almost certain this is whence all the Dark Matter of the universe is derived, so there may be some value in a study visit for those professionals in that field only. Aside from that, the food is abysmal, unless you have an extremely retro palette wherein Findus' 70's frozen canellonis are your notion of fine cuisine. The staff were OK and typically jaunty as you might expect at any established Italian restaurant in Mayfair. However, the clientele were of the spectacularly evil euro-set; I thought I had walked into one of those modern vampire movies. The net from ridiculously overpriced food I'm sure is funneled into some sort of fund to enchance the splendid yacht-like interior. In summary, more of a place to be seen than a place to eat - but i was hungry so... END

Curzon Mayfair - Great cinema in a chi-chi area of town by Izabel_blue

Izabel_blue — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:59:57 +0000

Review by Izabel_blue

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7465 8865

Website: http://www.curzoncinemas.com/venues/curzon_mayfair/

Tags: posh, theatre, bar

I am really fussy about where I see films and I loooove seeing stuff on the big screen (screen 1) at the Curzon Mayfair. It's a reassuringly 70s sort of space with a textural concrete interior but there are nice big seats and lots of space - and I promise that your fellow cinemagoers will not be the type to text their friends through the film or throw popcorn around!

There's also quite a nice relaxed bar where you can enjoy a bevvie beforehand. And when you step out into the night you can pretend (just for a minute) that you are heading to your flat on Berkeley Square :-)

Only caveat is that it's not worth seeing anything in any of the smaller screen here - screen 1 or nothing- the others are more of a 'home cinema' experience if you know what I mean. I am really fussy about where I see films and I loooove seeing stuff on the big screen (screen 1) at the Curzon Mayfair. It's a reassuringly 70s sort of space with a textural concrete interior but there are nice big seats and lots of space - and I promise that your fellow cinemagoers will not be the type to text their friends through the film or throw popcorn around!

There's also quite a nice relaxed bar where you can enjoy a bevvie beforehand. And when you step out into the night you can pretend (just for a minute) that you are heading to your flat on Berkeley Square :-)

Only caveat is that it's not worth seeing anything in any of the smaller screen here - screen 1 or nothing- the others are more of a 'home cinema' experience if you know what I mean.

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester - How expensive??? by amandaharrison

amandaharrison — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 09:43:08 +0000

Review by amandaharrison

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7629 8866

Website: http://www.alainducasse-dorchester.com

Tags: french, expensive, business

I loved it here. I took a client a couple of weeks ago, and he called it "venue of the century". The food was amazing, following an amuse bouche I had an asparagus starter, then sublime sea bass with gnocchi. Each cheese had its own froufrou, then coffee and sweets and things. But Â£450 for two??? Admittedly, the wine was Â£100... but I had asked the sommelier to recommend a bottle and was too embarrassed to ask for something cheaper... but it was amazing wine though.I loved it here. I took a client a couple of weeks ago, and he called it "venue of the century". The food was amazing, following an amuse bouche I had an asparagus starter, then sublime sea bass with gnocchi. Each cheese had its own froufrou, then coffee and sweets and things. But Â£450 for two??? Admittedly, the wine was Â£100... but I had asked the sommelier to recommend a bottle and was too embarrassed to ask for something cheaper... but it was amazing wine though.

The Old Express - Pretty weak... by asslad

asslad — Thu, 29 May 2008 11:12:56 +0000

Review by asslad

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7499 1299

Tags: romantic, terrace, french

This place is a bit lame, it's not god awful but there are SOOOOO many other cooler roomier and better tasting places in London for the same price... Picture your standard mayfair local cafe.This place is a bit lame, it's not god awful but there are SOOOOO many other cooler roomier and better tasting places in London for the same price... Picture your standard mayfair local cafe.

5th View Bar & Food - A bar with a true view by anjali28

anjali28 — Fri, 23 May 2008 19:32:58 +0000

Review by anjali28

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7851 2433

Website: http://www.5thview.co.uk

Tags: cocktails, business, piccadilly

The view in this place is awesome. It really is. Try to get a place by the window, and you'll never regret it. It's a comfortable place, with varied seating - a bit away from the window area, you have sofas as well as tables for larger groups to suit all kinds of parties/people. That's the quieter area, useful for business meetings. The area nearer the window has louder music.

One thing - if you happen to want coffee there after around 7.30 PM - don't ask. They don't serve coffee after that time. Go straight for the alcohol!!The view in this place is awesome. It really is. Try to get a place by the window, and you'll never regret it. It's a comfortable place, with varied seating - a bit away from the window area, you have sofas as well as tables for larger groups to suit all kinds of parties/people. That's the quieter area, useful for business meetings. The area nearer the window has louder music.

One thing - if you happen to want coffee there after around 7.30 PM - don't ask. They don't serve coffee after that time. Go straight for the alcohol!!

Maze - Very easy to navigate by sokratis

sokratis — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:45:30 +0000

Review by sokratis

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7107 0000

Website: http://gordonramsay.com/maze/

Tags: french, expensive, lively

I had to make a play on the word there, but the title is accurate. Maze felt effortless and Iâ¬"ll expand on why below.

A friend was visiting recently and we went on â¬ÜTrustedâ¬" tour of London. Sampled some of the best pubs, bars, nightclubs, small restaurants, pub food, but of course we had to visit a Gordon Ramsey place for the experience to be complete. Naturally, there had been very little planning before my friend arrived, so getting a table at Maze for Tuesday at 8pm when you call at 3pm on that usually unlikely. But hereâ¬"s a tip. Itâ¬"s hard to book a table at the restaurant, but you can still eat (very well) at the bar. And because most people donâ¬"t know that, the bar usually has some free space even you just walk-in.

Note: there is a â¬Ühelpfulâ¬" button below this review that was specifically designed to reward such generous sharing of insider knowledge.

Now back to Maze and the fact it was effortless. Firstly, the menus. We had to go for the tasting menu, as there are simply too many very seductive tastes on offer to exhaust in one visit. At Â£55 per head itâ¬"s not cheap, but hey you wonâ¬"t be going there every day. The thing that impressed me was that despite the amount of choice, going through the different options was simple and quick. Two pages only with excellent line spacing and some beautiful fonts made the process fast and pleasurable.

The staff was very friendly, with Mr Atherton being at the door when we arrived and dispensing a warm hello and welcome. I think he was there working on the seating plan with the reception staff. The barman was excellent and in general the whole place had an air of quiet efficiency, without being at all overbearing or stiff. Mr Ramsey himself made an appearance later greeting the diners at the restaurant across the room, although not stopping to chat at us on his way to the kitchen. For some reason he was also wearing his kitchen apron, although I donâ¬"t know if heâ¬"s still cooking while there. He may beâ¬¦Seemed like a very nice guy and you could sense the slight, extra alertness on the part of the staff while he was around.

Ah and finally letâ¬"s talk about food. The tasting menu is split between small courses (starter equivalent), some more substantial ones and finally desserts. I wonâ¬"t go through all eight of the courses we had, but the ones that really stood out for me were the â¬ÜBeef â¬Ütongue â¬Ünâ¬" cheekâ¬" caper raisin and ginger carrotsâ¬" â¬ with â¬Ütongue and cheekâ¬" being a literal reference. I love a cowâ¬"s tongue and cheek, so combining the two was exceptional, but perhaps a bit heavy for a full course. I loved the artichoke veloute with braised duck leg and although the deconstructed pain au chocolat, required a small intro on how to eat, it was definitely worth it.

After a two hour experience we both felt fantastically satisfied and not the least bit overeaten. The bill did approach the cost of a bargain flight to New York, but whoâ¬"s got the time to fly there anyway? Plus with the way airports are these is much easier to just pop over to Grosvenor Square.
I had to make a play on the word there, but the title is accurate. Maze felt effortless and Iâ¬"ll expand on why below.

A friend was visiting recently and we went on â¬ÜTrustedâ¬" tour of London. Sampled some of the best pubs, bars, nightclubs, small restaurants, pub food, but of course we had to visit a Gordon Ramsey place for the experience to be complete. Naturally, there had been very little planning before my friend arrived, so getting a table at Maze for Tuesday at 8pm when you call at 3pm on that usually unlikely. But hereâ¬"s a tip. Itâ¬"s hard to book a table at the restaurant, but you can still eat (very well) at the bar. And because most people donâ¬"t know that, the bar usually has some free space even you just walk-in.

Note: there is a â¬Ühelpfulâ¬" button below this review that was specifically designed to reward such generous sharing of insider knowledge.

Now back to Maze and the fact it was effortless. Firstly, the menus. We had to go for the tasting menu, as there are simply too many very seductive tastes on offer to exhaust in one visit. At Â£55 per head itâ¬"s not cheap, but hey you wonâ¬"t be going there every day. The thing that impressed me was that despite the amount of choice, going through the different options was simple and quick. Two pages only with excellent line spacing and some beautiful fonts made the process fast and pleasurable.

The staff was very friendly, with Mr Atherton being at the door when we arrived and dispensing a warm hello and welcome. I think he was there working on the seating plan with the reception staff. The barman was excellent and in general the whole place had an air of quiet efficiency, without being at all overbearing or stiff. Mr Ramsey himself made an appearance later greeting the diners at the restaurant across the room, although not stopping to chat at us on his way to the kitchen. For some reason he was also wearing his kitchen apron, although I donâ¬"t know if heâ¬"s still cooking while there. He may beâ¬¦Seemed like a very nice guy and you could sense the slight, extra alertness on the part of the staff while he was around.

Ah and finally letâ¬"s talk about food. The tasting menu is split between small courses (starter equivalent), some more substantial ones and finally desserts. I wonâ¬"t go through all eight of the courses we had, but the ones that really stood out for me were the â¬ÜBeef â¬Ütongue â¬Ünâ¬" cheekâ¬" caper raisin and ginger carrotsâ¬" â¬ with â¬Ütongue and cheekâ¬" being a literal reference. I love a cowâ¬"s tongue and cheek, so combining the two was exceptional, but perhaps a bit heavy for a full course. I loved the artichoke veloute with braised duck leg and although the deconstructed pain au chocolat, required a small intro on how to eat, it was definitely worth it.

After a two hour experience we both felt fantastically satisfied and not the least bit overeaten. The bill did approach the cost of a bargain flight to New York, but whoâ¬"s got the time to fly there anyway? Plus with the way airports are these is much easier to just pop over to Grosvenor Square.

Ristorante Semplice - sophisticated Italian by ProfMagellan

ProfMagellan — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:01:46 +0000

Review by ProfMagellan

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7495 1509

Website: http://www.ristorantesemplice.com/

Tags: italian, expensive, friendly

This relatively nerw and modern restaurant is quite hard to find: be warned. Blenheim Street is a tiny turning off Bond Street, just near its junction with Oxford Street.
I lunched there with a leading investment banker, a gentleman of infinite taste and refinement, who chose this place.
So I knew that I would not be disappointed. And I was not.
This was excellent Italian food, in a professionally-run,
sophisticated setting. I enjoyed my main course of rare roast beef with beans and a salad. My pudding, a sort of apple fritter with a delicious, creamy sauce was worth every
calorie. My host had a veal concoction which he seemed to enjoy.
Perhaps the tables were a little close together; so I would not recommend it for a first date. But for old chums to get together this is a nice a place as any in London's West End.
But expect to pay West End prices.
The service was faultless.This relatively nerw and modern restaurant is quite hard to find: be warned. Blenheim Street is a tiny turning off Bond Street, just near its junction with Oxford Street.
I lunched there with a leading investment banker, a gentleman of infinite taste and refinement, who chose this place.
So I knew that I would not be disappointed. And I was not.
This was excellent Italian food, in a professionally-run,
sophisticated setting. I enjoyed my main course of rare roast beef with beans and a salad. My pudding, a sort of apple fritter with a delicious, creamy sauce was worth every
calorie. My host had a veal concoction which he seemed to enjoy.
Perhaps the tables were a little close together; so I would not recommend it for a first date. But for old chums to get together this is a nice a place as any in London's West End.
But expect to pay West End prices.
The service was faultless.

Momo - a bit of Maghreb in London by Gavroche

Gavroche — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:48:51 +0000

Review by Gavroche

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7434 4040

Tags: north african, expensive, cosy

Overall, our experience at Momo's was very good.
The athmosphere is great although a bit noisy at times (background music), but the service is very friendly and efficient.

We took the sea food Tagine and Momo's couscous. The semolina was light, the veg were etremely tasty and the lamb perfectly cooked.

There is also a nice selection of Moroccan wines; the one we chose (Cabernet ... cannot remember the name!) was excellent!

The only little thing I did not like was the fact that you have to leave a credit card in order to secure the reservation of the table which really surprised me ... even 3 star Michelin restaurants do not do that, and you have the table for 2 hours. I wonder if they would have kicked me out after 2 hours!Overall, our experience at Momo's was very good.
The athmosphere is great although a bit noisy at times (background music), but the service is very friendly and efficient.

We took the sea food Tagine and Momo's couscous. The semolina was light, the veg were etremely tasty and the lamb perfectly cooked.

There is also a nice selection of Moroccan wines; the one we chose (Cabernet ... cannot remember the name!) was excellent!

The only little thing I did not like was the fact that you have to leave a credit card in order to secure the reservation of the table which really surprised me ... even 3 star Michelin restaurants do not do that, and you have the table for 2 hours. I wonder if they would have kicked me out after 2 hours!

Allans Organic Patisserie - The way a cafe should be by Hugo

Hugo — Sat, 03 May 2008 08:37:44 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7409 7888

Website: www.allanspatisserie.co.uk

Tags: quick bite, patisserie, coffee

Why go to a chain to get a coffee and pan-au-chocolat? Allans Organic Patisserie Boulangerie (bit of a mouthful, but that is probably appropriate) is a charming, independent and truly delicious place to grab a bite or step out of the fray of Oxford Street/ Mayfair.

Allans has delicious coffee and a pan au chocolat of parisian quality that London usually utterly fails to match.

For the summer they have a great outdoor seating space, however - remember you need to go in to be served or you will be sitting there some time.

A winner.Why go to a chain to get a coffee and pan-au-chocolat? Allans Organic Patisserie Boulangerie (bit of a mouthful, but that is probably appropriate) is a charming, independent and truly delicious place to grab a bite or step out of the fray of Oxford Street/ Mayfair.

Allans has delicious coffee and a pan au chocolat of parisian quality that London usually utterly fails to match.

For the summer they have a great outdoor seating space, however - remember you need to go in to be served or you will be sitting there some time.

A winner.

Funky Buddha - Going out to Funky Buddha - think again! by gwenboulet

gwenboulet — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 01:15:23 +0000

Review by gwenboulet

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7495 2596

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

Tags: posh, trendy, friendly

The bouncers are rude and unprofessional. They made up excuse after excuse not to let me in, while I was on the guest list and 8 of my friends were already inside, having paid the Â£20 cover charge.
You see they are frustrated the kind of people who abuse their right of decision to waste people's nights out.

The only thing I didnt do right: I followed my friends through the open red cord (open by one of the bouncers) after they had come out to greet me. When the bouncers called me I came back to them without any rebellion and they told me to leave because I was drunk (I had had two beers)...
There was no queue at all either (at 11.30pm, wow this place really is popular!!!!The bouncers are rude and unprofessional. They made up excuse after excuse not to let me in, while I was on the guest list and 8 of my friends were already inside, having paid the Â£20 cover charge.
You see they are frustrated the kind of people who abuse their right of decision to waste people's nights out.

The only thing I didnt do right: I followed my friends through the open red cord (open by one of the bouncers) after they had come out to greet me. When the bouncers called me I came back to them without any rebellion and they told me to leave because I was drunk (I had had two beers)...
There was no queue at all either (at 11.30pm, wow this place really is popular!!!!

Mahiki - Stop your whingeing! by Philippe

Philippe — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 01:02:44 +0000

Review by Philippe

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7493 9529

Website: http://www.mahiki.com

Tags: sexy, pop, posh

Oh dear, oh my, were the drinks pricey in a MAYFAIR CELEB HANGOUT?
Guys - what do you expect?
Took a bunch of people there last Saturday - had a great night (OK - I WAS dancing with 4 girls, and I DID get some admiring looks!!), but my group all seemed to have fun.
OK - the decor might seem a bit dated after a few visits. SO DON'T GO THERE ALL THE TIME. It was my first visit but it looked like it didn't take itself too seriously. The bar AND door staff were all very friendly, and since my group (mostly) paid attention & met there early, most of us only queued for 10 minutes & got in for free.
The staff in the main bar area warned that there would be a wait for an available table - but my group found an empty one & claimed it without any fuss & ordered drinks. Downstairs in the club the seating was definitely reserved & we were later shooed off seating there - so we just hit the dance floor!
The crowd were fairly young (for ME - that's anyone under 40!)but everyone seemed up for a good laugh (Even the WAG wannabees!). Dance floor is fairly small but we managed to have a good boogie all night - some good mixes.
Definitely go again - after a few months!Oh dear, oh my, were the drinks pricey in a MAYFAIR CELEB HANGOUT?
Guys - what do you expect?
Took a bunch of people there last Saturday - had a great night (OK - I WAS dancing with 4 girls, and I DID get some admiring looks!!), but my group all seemed to have fun.
OK - the decor might seem a bit dated after a few visits. SO DON'T GO THERE ALL THE TIME. It was my first visit but it looked like it didn't take itself too seriously. The bar AND door staff were all very friendly, and since my group (mostly) paid attention & met there early, most of us only queued for 10 minutes & got in for free.
The staff in the main bar area warned that there would be a wait for an available table - but my group found an empty one & claimed it without any fuss & ordered drinks. Downstairs in the club the seating was definitely reserved & we were later shooed off seating there - so we just hit the dance floor!
The crowd were fairly young (for ME - that's anyone under 40!)but everyone seemed up for a good laugh (Even the WAG wannabees!). Dance floor is fairly small but we managed to have a good boogie all night - some good mixes.
Definitely go again - after a few months!

Hibiscus - Excellent by Paolo

Paolo — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:43:41 +0000

Review by Paolo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7629 2999

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

Tags: french, business, good value

This is real French dining. After many years of such Michelin restaurants in Paris, it is a real pleasure to rediscover this quality at a reasonable price (lunch time menu at GBP25). Can't recommend Hibiscus enough This is real French dining. After many years of such Michelin restaurants in Paris, it is a real pleasure to rediscover this quality at a reasonable price (lunch time menu at GBP25). Can't recommend Hibiscus enough

William Curley - Lacks WOW! factor by ONscotland

ONscotland — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 01:35:38 +0000

Review by ONscotland

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7495 0302

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

Tags: expensive, chocolate, rare finds

London changes you. I remember thinking that when I was having a conversation with friends about 'How many glasses of champagne is too much?". This is ME. I never used to drink champagne and here I am pondering when is the polite time to slur 'No thanks' to the offer of a top up. But posh stuff is so in these days. So, it was with a sense of excitement that I ventured into London's first dessert bar last Sunday, with my friend from South Africa. "This place is amazing" I told her confidently, pretending that the glossy PR that I had read was firsthand experience. Getting a little bit lost in Shepherd's Market betrayed my confident exterior, but we eventually found it. At first glance, the shop is a little unassuming. I like that.

Sunday last, if you recall, was when we had snow in London. It was freezing. I was really looking forward to sitting indoors, hands warmed around a mug of hot chocolate while I casually decide which desert to choose first. Meanwhile, jealous passers-by would press their noses against the window while I mouthed 'Shoo!' at them. It wasn't quite like that.

The shop is lovely. It is really rather plain and simple, but very stylish. And cold! So cold! Maybe it's because it had just opened, or maybe it's always like that to keep the desserts cool, but not once did we feel like we wanted to stay any longer than we had to. Maybe that's the plan... It also didn't help that my seat was right next to three glass shelves, so everytime I looked sideways I got a sharp shelf corner in my cheek.

The service ranged from friendly to uninterested (the staff disappeared and we literally could have walked out without paying), but I was disappointed that the Dessert Bar area (where chefs create wonders in front of your eyes) is not manned on Sundays, although a bit of research before would have told me that.

The Aztec Hot Chocolate didn't have nearly enough kick, tasting to me like, erm, Hot Chocolate; the desserts themselves, at Â£5 - Â£7 each looked magnificent (see pictures) but were ultimately forgettable and the whole experience left me wondering why I shelled out almost Â£30.00 when I could have had tea and biccies at a posh hotel nearby. And have a glass of champagne. At least I'd be warm.London changes you. I remember thinking that when I was having a conversation with friends about 'How many glasses of champagne is too much?". This is ME. I never used to drink champagne and here I am pondering when is the polite time to slur 'No thanks' to the offer of a top up. But posh stuff is so in these days. So, it was with a sense of excitement that I ventured into London's first dessert bar last Sunday, with my friend from South Africa. "This place is amazing" I told her confidently, pretending that the glossy PR that I had read was firsthand experience. Getting a little bit lost in Shepherd's Market betrayed my confident exterior, but we eventually found it. At first glance, the shop is a little unassuming. I like that.

Sunday last, if you recall, was when we had snow in London. It was freezing. I was really looking forward to sitting indoors, hands warmed around a mug of hot chocolate while I casually decide which desert to choose first. Meanwhile, jealous passers-by would press their noses against the window while I mouthed 'Shoo!' at them. It wasn't quite like that.

The shop is lovely. It is really rather plain and simple, but very stylish. And cold! So cold! Maybe it's because it had just opened, or maybe it's always like that to keep the desserts cool, but not once did we feel like we wanted to stay any longer than we had to. Maybe that's the plan... It also didn't help that my seat was right next to three glass shelves, so everytime I looked sideways I got a sharp shelf corner in my cheek.

The service ranged from friendly to uninterested (the staff disappeared and we literally could have walked out without paying), but I was disappointed that the Dessert Bar area (where chefs create wonders in front of your eyes) is not manned on Sundays, although a bit of research before would have told me that.

The Aztec Hot Chocolate didn't have nearly enough kick, tasting to me like, erm, Hot Chocolate; the desserts themselves, at Â£5 - Â£7 each looked magnificent (see pictures) but were ultimately forgettable and the whole experience left me wondering why I shelled out almost Â£30.00 when I could have had tea and biccies at a posh hotel nearby. And have a glass of champagne. At least I'd be warm.

Delfino - Location, Location, Location by Hugo

Hugo — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:04:14 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7499 1256

Tags: italian, pizzeria, lively

In the heart of Mayfair is a friendly looking Italian Pizzeria. Just the ticket for a low key business lunch or light relief from the more serious restaurants that festoon this posh neighbourhood.

After noting this place for a long while I finally got to eat there the other day when I was taken there by a savvy local punter. This place is a pizzeria through and through and be warned: The Pizza's are utterly enormous, in fact the largest I think I have ever seen (befitting of Mayfair I suppose). The silver lining is that the pizza's are super thin, in the best Italian tradition.

This place is something of a rarity in the area, so it gets fiendishly booked up. Even for lunch you would be wise to book up in advance.

So, location, location, location; Pizza, Pizza, Pizza!

In the heart of Mayfair is a friendly looking Italian Pizzeria. Just the ticket for a low key business lunch or light relief from the more serious restaurants that festoon this posh neighbourhood.

After noting this place for a long while I finally got to eat there the other day when I was taken there by a savvy local punter. This place is a pizzeria through and through and be warned: The Pizza's are utterly enormous, in fact the largest I think I have ever seen (befitting of Mayfair I suppose). The silver lining is that the pizza's are super thin, in the best Italian tradition.

This place is something of a rarity in the area, so it gets fiendishly booked up. Even for lunch you would be wise to book up in advance.

So, location, location, location; Pizza, Pizza, Pizza!