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    <title>Latest reviews in Notting Hill, London, United Kingdom</title>
    <link>http://trustedplaces.com</link>
    <description></description>
    <language>en</language>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Kitchen & Pantry - My experience at Kitchen and Pantry by Yoyo]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1o2208i/kitchen-and-pantry/1101o7u</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/124434_9e3d6d0f.140.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_user.c120x120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/Yoyo">Yoyo</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 2.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 7727 8888</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=quick+bite'>quick bite</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=cosy'>cosy</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=good+brew'>good brew</a></p>Just visiting London for Business and found this comfy Cafe house in Notting Hill. For anybody visiting the Kitchen and Pantry be aware that the staff is rude and unhelpful. The cafe and food is satisfactory.Just visiting London for Business and found this comfy Cafe house in Notting Hill. For anybody visiting the Kitchen and Pantry be aware that the staff is rude and unhelpful. The cafe and food is satisfactory.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:56:16 +0000</pubDate>
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      <dc:creator>Yoyo</dc:creator>
      <category>quick bite</category>
      <category>cosy</category>
      <category>good brew</category>
      <georss:point>51.514935 -0.205349</georss:point>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Beach Blanket Babylon - Stuck up yet fantastic food by missynm]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l02b8/beach-blanket-babylon/1i0u28</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/1l02b8_3f6fc1a9.140.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/userpics/missynm_0f767fc1.120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/missynm">missynm</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 5.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 7229 2907</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=expensive'>expensive</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=pretentious'>pretentious</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=cool'>cool</a></p>WE chose to have our Valentine&#39;s meal here due to the beautiful interior and the set menu on offer looked great. On arrival we entered the bar, which was beautiful, shame about a lack of seating. However the meal itself was fantastic. I had raw oysters with an onion relish to start which were beautifully fresh, and my partner had a fillet of beef for the main which was not only a lovely peice of meat but also perfectly cooked. I would definitely praise the freshness of their ingredients and delicacy of flavours. Overall it was a perfect evening however at a pretty hefty price. Also a shame that the bar is full of young &#39;daddy funds my lifestyle&#39; ponce&#39;s. Otherwise a faultless evening&#33;WE chose to have our Valentine&#39;s meal here due to the beautiful interior and the set menu on offer looked great. On arrival we entered the bar, which was beautiful, shame about a lack of seating. However the meal itself was fantastic. I had raw oysters with an onion relish to start which were beautifully fresh, and my partner had a fillet of beef for the main which was not only a lovely peice of meat but also perfectly cooked. I would definitely praise the freshness of their ingredients and delicacy of flavours. Overall it was a perfect evening however at a pretty hefty price. Also a shame that the bar is full of young &#39;daddy funds my lifestyle&#39; ponce&#39;s. Otherwise a faultless evening&#33;]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:28:47 +0000</pubDate>
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      <dc:creator>missynm</dc:creator>
      <category>expensive</category>
      <category>pretentious</category>
      <category>cool</category>
      <georss:point>51.513152664836 -0.20001789598876</georss:point>
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      <title><![CDATA[E J Barnes Cycles -  by chaz_mcgaz]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/sport/1p36r8q/e-j-barnes-cycles/1111f8j</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_place.c140x110.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_user.c120x120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/chaz_mcgaz">chaz_mcgaz</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 1.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 7727 5147</p>Just got some parts replaced at Barnes. They &#39;informally&#39; quoted a ballpark &#0194;&#0163;46 and said come back in half hour. <br />Like a schmuck i hadn&#39;t carefully checked what theyre quoting for.... like did the quote include labour and vat etc.... <br />I went to pick the bike up and the cost had jumped to &#0194;&#0163;75. I complained but theres not much i could do to save on the hassle.....<br />The place seems to be run by a bunch of kids. If you have to use them make sure you get a proper quote. Never again for me.Just got some parts replaced at Barnes. They &#39;informally&#39; quoted a ballpark &#0194;&#0163;46 and said come back in half hour. <br />Like a schmuck i hadn&#39;t carefully checked what theyre quoting for.... like did the quote include labour and vat etc.... <br />I went to pick the bike up and the cost had jumped to &#0194;&#0163;75. I complained but theres not much i could do to save on the hassle.....<br />The place seems to be run by a bunch of kids. If you have to use them make sure you get a proper quote. Never again for me.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:58:18 +0000</pubDate>
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      <dc:creator>chaz_mcgaz</dc:creator>
      <georss:point>51.513218906892 -0.20433894902088</georss:point>
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      <title><![CDATA[Taqueria -  by sillytash]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o3228q/taqueria/117106f</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/1o3228q_1512cc68.140.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_user.c120x120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/sillytash">sillytash</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 4.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 7229 4734</p><p><b>Website:</b> http://www.coolchiletaqueria.co.uk</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=mexican'>mexican</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=good+value'>good value</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=lively'>lively</a></p>Very easy going place. Drop in for a great taco with prawns and cabbage&#33; Love this place for an early evening snack or dinner before a movie. Best time to go is at 6pm before the whole of notting hill arrives. <br />Great beers, great service, good times spent at this mexican delight.<br />Very easy going place. Drop in for a great taco with prawns and cabbage&#33; Love this place for an early evening snack or dinner before a movie. Best time to go is at 6pm before the whole of notting hill arrives. <br />Great beers, great service, good times spent at this mexican delight.<br />]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:36:32 +0000</pubDate>
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      <dc:creator>sillytash</dc:creator>
      <category>mexican</category>
      <category>good value</category>
      <category>lively</category>
      <georss:point>51.514994 -0.195437</georss:point>
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      <title><![CDATA[Ruby & Sequoia - Stylish and good quality. by GuyLondon1975]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1m84n6/ruby-and-sequoia/1091664</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/1m84n6_d4c6846d.140.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_user.c120x120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/GuyLondon1975">GuyLondon1975</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 4.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 7243 6363</p><p><b>Website:</b> http://www.ruby.uk.com</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=cool'>cool</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=friendly'>friendly</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=cocktails'>cocktails</a></p>The more I head out on my my Friday nights the more i find a re-occuring pattern taking place. The fun, quirky restaurants and bars that offer fashionable decor and an extensive cocktail menu will suffer from poorer service, and whether this is because there are too few staff to do all the jobs or the staff lack enthusiasm for their social roles, the experience for the customer is ruined. What I enjoyed so much about going to Ruby & Sequoia was how welcome I was.The staff were friendly and happy to help whilst being efficient and having good knowledge of the menu and services. I am a firm believer that the service is just as important as the menu and reccomend the restaurant to anyone looking for a fantastic meal and friendly faces.The more I head out on my my Friday nights the more i find a re-occuring pattern taking place. The fun, quirky restaurants and bars that offer fashionable decor and an extensive cocktail menu will suffer from poorer service, and whether this is because there are too few staff to do all the jobs or the staff lack enthusiasm for their social roles, the experience for the customer is ruined. What I enjoyed so much about going to Ruby & Sequoia was how welcome I was.The staff were friendly and happy to help whilst being efficient and having good knowledge of the menu and services. I am a firm believer that the service is just as important as the menu and reccomend the restaurant to anyone looking for a fantastic meal and friendly faces.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:30:23 +0000</pubDate>
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      <dc:creator>GuyLondon1975</dc:creator>
      <category>cool</category>
      <category>friendly</category>
      <category>cocktails</category>
      <georss:point>51.517712509585 -0.20416219826203</georss:point>
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      <title><![CDATA[Cyrano - Beg to differ further, I like it. by lancelot]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1n52z8o/cyrano/1i2z08</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/124404_1e630a7b.140.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_user.c120x120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/lancelot">lancelot</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 4.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 7221 3598</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=french'>french</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=friendly+staff'>friendly staff</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=brasserie'>brasserie</a></p>Dont believe the last grumpy reviewer, it&#39;s a good friendly little local brasserie and cafe with simple but good food and nice pavement tables.  As for &#39;never was refused my Amex card elsewhere&#39; - nonsense, neither do half the restaurants in London. I think &#39;asenglish&#39; is used to eating in flashy places with flashy people, it&#39;s great that he won&#39;t be there trying to impress his girlfriend next time I go there - which will be tonight in fact&#33;Dont believe the last grumpy reviewer, it&#39;s a good friendly little local brasserie and cafe with simple but good food and nice pavement tables.  As for &#39;never was refused my Amex card elsewhere&#39; - nonsense, neither do half the restaurants in London. I think &#39;asenglish&#39; is used to eating in flashy places with flashy people, it&#39;s great that he won&#39;t be there trying to impress his girlfriend next time I go there - which will be tonight in fact&#33;]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:29:47 +0000</pubDate>
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      <dc:creator>lancelot</dc:creator>
      <category>french</category>
      <category>friendly staff</category>
      <category>brasserie</category>
      <georss:point>51.506713 -0.207227</georss:point>
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      <title><![CDATA[Luna Rossa - COCKROACH PROBLEM by notthillres]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o0208k/luna-rossa/1h7zf6</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/1o0208k_155c2101.140.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_user.c120x120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/notthillres">notthillres</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 1.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 7229 0482</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=italian'>italian</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=lively'>lively</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=comfortable'>comfortable</a></p>Do not eat here - Luna Rossa has a serious cockroach problem. This place should be closed down.Do not eat here - Luna Rossa has a serious cockroach problem. This place should be closed down.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:18:56 +0000</pubDate>
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      <dc:creator>notthillres</dc:creator>
      <category>italian</category>
      <category>lively</category>
      <category>comfortable</category>
      <georss:point>51.515038395178 -0.20570866552247</georss:point>
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      <title><![CDATA[202 Cafe - Wow! by nottingbill]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1b22z9/202-cafe/1e3zi7</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/1b22z9_c453d912.140.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_user.c120x120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/nottingbill">nottingbill</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 5.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 7792 6888</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=expensive'>expensive</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=friendly+staff'>friendly staff</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=brunch'>brunch</a></p>Wow, this place rocks&#33;<br />Picture it: Sunny Saturday in Notting hill, the queue is nearly out of the door- miserable staff right?- Wrong&#33; OK so it took 15 minutes instead of the 10 we were told for our table, but what a bunch of great staff, friendly, attentive and energetic.<br />The food was great- Goats cheese & proscuitto salad, and an amazing Lobster & prawn pasta, then crumble- the portions are massive so share a dessert if you can fit one in. <br />Wow, this place rocks&#33;<br />Picture it: Sunny Saturday in Notting hill, the queue is nearly out of the door- miserable staff right?- Wrong&#33; OK so it took 15 minutes instead of the 10 we were told for our table, but what a bunch of great staff, friendly, attentive and energetic.<br />The food was great- Goats cheese & proscuitto salad, and an amazing Lobster & prawn pasta, then crumble- the portions are massive so share a dessert if you can fit one in. <br />]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:58:56 +0000</pubDate>
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      <dc:creator>nottingbill</dc:creator>
      <category>expensive</category>
      <category>friendly staff</category>
      <category>brunch</category>
      <georss:point>51.514073482637 -0.20142284204719</georss:point>
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      <title><![CDATA[Notting Hill Carnival - Carnival Fever In The Air by StellaW]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/events/1u1bz72/notting-hill-carnival/1c7z66</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/553358_576032a6.140.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/userpics/StellaW_1fc07559.120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/StellaW">StellaW</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 4.00<p><b>Website:</b> http://www.thenottinghillcarnival.com/</p>This annual event is one of the biggest street festivals in Europe. I went for the first time last year having said for years that I would go. Unless you have young uns make sure you go on monday as this is main day with the huge costumes and parades. Sunday is a designated family day and is a bit toned down for my liking. With a parade 20 miles long make sure you don&#39;t miss out. With an earlier start time than usual of 9am get there early to get a good spot. I can&#39;t wait&#33;This annual event is one of the biggest street festivals in Europe. I went for the first time last year having said for years that I would go. Unless you have young uns make sure you go on monday as this is main day with the huge costumes and parades. Sunday is a designated family day and is a bit toned down for my liking. With a parade 20 miles long make sure you don&#39;t miss out. With an earlier start time than usual of 9am get there early to get a good spot. I can&#39;t wait&#33;]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:46:06 +0000</pubDate>
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      <dc:creator>StellaW</dc:creator>
      <georss:point>51.521402 -0.2009394</georss:point>
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      <title><![CDATA[Julie&#039;s - Bad food, poor service, not good value by juanjoborras]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1l5698o/julie-s/1h4yy8</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_place.c140x110.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_user.c120x120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/juanjoborras">juanjoborras</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 1.00<p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=romantic'>romantic</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=french'>french</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=expensive'>expensive</a></p>We went yesterday to Julie&#39;s. I have to stress I went with a positive attitude, hoping to have a great dinner and be able to rate the venue very highly. I wish I hadn&#39;t.<br /><br />We were greeted by a wait girl, sitting in a booth at the entrance. I found very weird she would not escort us to the table. I found it a waste of staff to have someone just sitting down just checking reservations and doing nothing else. Not my problem anyways. We were directed upstairs as requested in the reservation. The place was mostly empty. Now the issues started. One of the most unfriendly and arrogant managers, arguing the place was fully booked, just offered two seating options. Now, I don&#39;t give a damn if your place is fully booked (we found later that it was obviously not&#33;), we arrived first, we should be offered the best table or at the very least let us choose the one we want. He was arrogant and impolite, which already put me off. I chose the table with the table cloth (this was another bizarre thing, to have some table with table clothes and others without - someone explain me the rationale of that.). The chairs, which seemed antique, were anyways extremely uncomfortable (could not sit back without stubbing some protruding edges in my spine). We requested to be seated on the "other" table (without table cloth). Eventually, it was not much better (also very uncomfortable) but at least we had more space.<br /><br />I went to the toilet to wash my hands as usual. Now, the cleaness and overall appearance of the loo is a sign to me of what the particular place is about. For such a big restaurant the toilets are ridiculously small and cramped, and although they were not dirty, they were very very tired and outdated. Not good.<br /><br />The food:<br /><br />On the table they had a small plate of olives, 4 slices of bread and a dish with olive oil and vinegar. First, I would assume that to be complementary (if I have not requested for it, I dont see why I should pay for it), plus I dont like the fact of putting those on the table before anybody sits down. Purely out of hygiene and service. Well, we later found out they charged 1.5 GBP per person for that. The funny thing is that no matter if the table was for 2, 4 or 6 there was the same amount of olives and bread, which I find it a robbery. This is what this place is about: your money, not their food (as you&#39;ll see right now)<br /><br />Starters: I ordered the "Brown butter and garlic potted shrimps", she had the "Smoked mackerel, halibut and salmon terrine with caper mayonnaise". Two of the worst starters I&#39;ve ever had. Here&#39;s why. The shrimps plate was a dish with 5-6 slices of plain bread and a small bowl (5 cm across) filled with butter (which looked more like solidified duck fat -really&#33;) in which you could find a few shrimps. Now, to call those shrimps is like to call an anchovies a blue whale. No kidding those are the cheapest crappies shrimps one can "buy". barely 0.5 cm in length chewy, etc, etc etc. It was sent back straight away. Btw, Julie&#39;s robs 10.50 GBP for that&#33;&#33;&#33;&#33;&#33; Remember, 5-6 slices of brown bread and a tiny bowl with butter&#33;&#33;&#33;&#33; wtf&#33; In replacement I asked for the gazpacho (the 2nd cheapest starter). Now, I am Spanish and I make my own gazpacho at home. But it doesn&#39;t matter. Even someone who would have never tasted tomatoes could tell that gazpacho was just a can of tomatoes, crushed. 6.50 GBP for canned tomatoes????&#33;&#33;&#33; Patient reader, believe me those were just canned tomatoes. No olive oil, no peppers no nothing. Plain crashed canned tomatoes. Bad, bad. Her terrine of smoked fish was a tasteless slice of smoked fish pate served with the same 5-6 slices of brown bread. No capper mayonnaise (as advertised) was to be found on the plate either. Enough to start prosecution.<br /><br />The mains were better (it would have been difficult to get it worse anyways). I had the entrecote. It lacked flavour and the best part were the chips that came with it. Overall an ok dish, but when you factor the 25 GBP for that, you again feel the people at Julie&#39;s got the value for money equation completely wrong. She had the rack of lamb. 3 lamb chops, 2 bites per chop (50% was fat). Nice taste, but again, unimaginative and not good value for money.<br /><br />Anyways, the mains were passable when you put them in the perspective of the starters and the desserts.<br /><br />Desserts: Eaton mess for her, brownie for me. The Eaton mess I saw in "come dine with me" looked and probably was immensely better than the one we got at Julie&#39;s. It came in a small glass. Basically it was berry yogurt (Tesco brand grade) with a few berries. 8 GBP. My brownie, being aware that making a good brownie is not an easy task was no surprise: disappointing (taste, portion, presentation). It was dry, hard on the edges (could not cut it with my knife) and again, 8 GBP. Bad, bad, bad Julie&#39;s.<br /><br />Other stuff: we only got our bottle of wine after having finished our starter. The waiter insisted in refilling the glass even though being far from empty (he did the same thing with other tables). Service was overall neither friendly nor efficient.<br /><br />I refused to pay the service charge. Surprisingly the manager did not bother to come asking the reason. That proves my theory that he doesn&#39;t give a damn about his customers.<br /><br />Summary: VERY low food quality. Poor execution of dishes. VERY LOW value for money. No surprise when you consider an arrogant manager, who is closer to a pimp than a professional of the food industry, who does not deserve any of your hard earned pennies.<br />This was no bad luck. Those were not small unfortunate details. There something or someone fundamentally wrong in Julie&#39;s. I will not come back, and I&#0226;&#0172;"d urge you to consider some other place.<br />We went yesterday to Julie&#39;s. I have to stress I went with a positive attitude, hoping to have a great dinner and be able to rate the venue very highly. I wish I hadn&#39;t.<br /><br />We were greeted by a wait girl, sitting in a booth at the entrance. I found very weird she would not escort us to the table. I found it a waste of staff to have someone just sitting down just checking reservations and doing nothing else. Not my problem anyways. We were directed upstairs as requested in the reservation. The place was mostly empty. Now the issues started. One of the most unfriendly and arrogant managers, arguing the place was fully booked, just offered two seating options. Now, I don&#39;t give a damn if your place is fully booked (we found later that it was obviously not&#33;), we arrived first, we should be offered the best table or at the very least let us choose the one we want. He was arrogant and impolite, which already put me off. I chose the table with the table cloth (this was another bizarre thing, to have some table with table clothes and others without - someone explain me the rationale of that.). The chairs, which seemed antique, were anyways extremely uncomfortable (could not sit back without stubbing some protruding edges in my spine). We requested to be seated on the "other" table (without table cloth). Eventually, it was not much better (also very uncomfortable) but at least we had more space.<br /><br />I went to the toilet to wash my hands as usual. Now, the cleaness and overall appearance of the loo is a sign to me of what the particular place is about. For such a big restaurant the toilets are ridiculously small and cramped, and although they were not dirty, they were very very tired and outdated. Not good.<br /><br />The food:<br /><br />On the table they had a small plate of olives, 4 slices of bread and a dish with olive oil and vinegar. First, I would assume that to be complementary (if I have not requested for it, I dont see why I should pay for it), plus I dont like the fact of putting those on the table before anybody sits down. Purely out of hygiene and service. Well, we later found out they charged 1.5 GBP per person for that. The funny thing is that no matter if the table was for 2, 4 or 6 there was the same amount of olives and bread, which I find it a robbery. This is what this place is about: your money, not their food (as you&#39;ll see right now)<br /><br />Starters: I ordered the "Brown butter and garlic potted shrimps", she had the "Smoked mackerel, halibut and salmon terrine with caper mayonnaise". Two of the worst starters I&#39;ve ever had. Here&#39;s why. The shrimps plate was a dish with 5-6 slices of plain bread and a small bowl (5 cm across) filled with butter (which looked more like solidified duck fat -really&#33;) in which you could find a few shrimps. Now, to call those shrimps is like to call an anchovies a blue whale. No kidding those are the cheapest crappies shrimps one can "buy". barely 0.5 cm in length chewy, etc, etc etc. It was sent back straight away. Btw, Julie&#39;s robs 10.50 GBP for that&#33;&#33;&#33;&#33;&#33; Remember, 5-6 slices of brown bread and a tiny bowl with butter&#33;&#33;&#33;&#33; wtf&#33; In replacement I asked for the gazpacho (the 2nd cheapest starter). Now, I am Spanish and I make my own gazpacho at home. But it doesn&#39;t matter. Even someone who would have never tasted tomatoes could tell that gazpacho was just a can of tomatoes, crushed. 6.50 GBP for canned tomatoes????&#33;&#33;&#33; Patient reader, believe me those were just canned tomatoes. No olive oil, no peppers no nothing. Plain crashed canned tomatoes. Bad, bad. Her terrine of smoked fish was a tasteless slice of smoked fish pate served with the same 5-6 slices of brown bread. No capper mayonnaise (as advertised) was to be found on the plate either. Enough to start prosecution.<br /><br />The mains were better (it would have been difficult to get it worse anyways). I had the entrecote. It lacked flavour and the best part were the chips that came with it. Overall an ok dish, but when you factor the 25 GBP for that, you again feel the people at Julie&#39;s got the value for money equation completely wrong. She had the rack of lamb. 3 lamb chops, 2 bites per chop (50% was fat). Nice taste, but again, unimaginative and not good value for money.<br /><br />Anyways, the mains were passable when you put them in the perspective of the starters and the desserts.<br /><br />Desserts: Eaton mess for her, brownie for me. The Eaton mess I saw in "come dine with me" looked and probably was immensely better than the one we got at Julie&#39;s. It came in a small glass. Basically it was berry yogurt (Tesco brand grade) with a few berries. 8 GBP. My brownie, being aware that making a good brownie is not an easy task was no surprise: disappointing (taste, portion, presentation). It was dry, hard on the edges (could not cut it with my knife) and again, 8 GBP. Bad, bad, bad Julie&#39;s.<br /><br />Other stuff: we only got our bottle of wine after having finished our starter. The waiter insisted in refilling the glass even though being far from empty (he did the same thing with other tables). Service was overall neither friendly nor efficient.<br /><br />I refused to pay the service charge. Surprisingly the manager did not bother to come asking the reason. That proves my theory that he doesn&#39;t give a damn about his customers.<br /><br />Summary: VERY low food quality. Poor execution of dishes. VERY LOW value for money. No surprise when you consider an arrogant manager, who is closer to a pimp than a professional of the food industry, who does not deserve any of your hard earned pennies.<br />This was no bad luck. Those were not small unfortunate details. There something or someone fundamentally wrong in Julie&#39;s. I will not come back, and I&#0226;&#0172;"d urge you to consider some other place.<br />]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 13:46:19 +0000</pubDate>
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      <dc:creator>juanjoborras</dc:creator>
      <category>romantic</category>
      <category>french</category>
      <category>expensive</category>
      <georss:point>51.51001 -0.210294</georss:point>
    </item>
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      <title><![CDATA[El Pirata de Tapas - really friendly restuarant by janiwinkle]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1g06h9s/el-pirata-de-tapas/1f3yh8</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_place.c140x110.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_user.c120x120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/janiwinkle">janiwinkle</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 5.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 7727 5000</p><p><b>Website:</b> http://www.elpiratadetapas.co.uk/</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=spanish'>spanish</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=crowded'>crowded</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=lively'>lively</a></p>We drove from North London to join my children who live near by for a most enjoyable birthday celebration last night. The food was really tasty and served hot without delay.  The service was very good and the staff were very polite and onhand throughout the evening with suggestions and attention to detail. Would thoroughly recommend. Very good value for money and for anyone wanting a lively evening out.We drove from North London to join my children who live near by for a most enjoyable birthday celebration last night. The food was really tasty and served hot without delay.  The service was very good and the staff were very polite and onhand throughout the evening with suggestions and attention to detail. Would thoroughly recommend. Very good value for money and for anyone wanting a lively evening out.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:42:48 +0000</pubDate>
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      <dc:creator>janiwinkle</dc:creator>
      <category>spanish</category>
      <category>crowded</category>
      <category>lively</category>
      <georss:point>51.515154 -0.194103</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[The Duke Of Wellington - Nice pub in a nice area! by ams22]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1h01a7l/the-duke-of-wellington/1a2y08</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/ldc_1h01a7l.140.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_user.c120x120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/ams22">ams22</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 5.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 7727 6727</p><p><b>Website:</b> http://www.youngs.co.uk</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=live+music'>live music</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=relaxed'>relaxed</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=food'>food</a></p>The newly refurbished Duke of Wellington has so much to offer, great service, tasty food, very good beer selection and even seating outside, it&#0226;&#0172;"s my new favorite local&#33;The newly refurbished Duke of Wellington has so much to offer, great service, tasty food, very good beer selection and even seating outside, it&#0226;&#0172;"s my new favorite local&#33;]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:50:09 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1h01a7l/the-duke-of-wellington/1a2y081016255838</guid>
      <dc:creator>ams22</dc:creator>
      <category>live music</category>
      <category>relaxed</category>
      <category>food</category>
      <georss:point>51.515038395178 -0.20570866552247</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Trailer Happiness -  by dervish]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/bar-pub/190db8/trailer-happiness/144yp8</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/ldc_190db8.140.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_user.c120x120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/dervish">dervish</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 5.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 7727 2700</p><p><b>Website:</b> http://www.trailerhappiness.com</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=food'>food</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=southwest+american'>southwest american</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=west+london+bars'>west london bars</a></p>If you love strong cocktails you&#39;ll love this place.  Walking down into this cool little bar is about all you&#39;ll remember.  The Tiki coktails are mind blowing so don&#39;t have too many.  Music is cool, crowd is lively, drinks are well made, and the waitress is stunning.  A perfect mix for a perfect night...If you love strong cocktails you&#39;ll love this place.  Walking down into this cool little bar is about all you&#39;ll remember.  The Tiki coktails are mind blowing so don&#39;t have too many.  Music is cool, crowd is lively, drinks are well made, and the waitress is stunning.  A perfect mix for a perfect night...]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:46:23 +0000</pubDate>
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      <dc:creator>dervish</dc:creator>
      <category>food</category>
      <category>southwest american</category>
      <category>west london bars</category>
      <georss:point>51.514117627743 -0.20430360253334</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[E & O - love love love it... by dervish]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1u82h7d/e-and-o/145yo8</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/1n62x8n_d343b779.140.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_user.c120x120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/dervish">dervish</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 5.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 7229 5454</p><p><b>Website:</b> http://www.rickerrestaurants.com</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=cool'>cool</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=lively'>lively</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=trendy'>trendy</a></p>Perefct in every way...  Never had a bad evening, always buzzy and yet if you wait you can usually find somewhere to sit fairly quickly.  A great date place with delicious cocktails...Perefct in every way...  Never had a bad evening, always buzzy and yet if you wait you can usually find somewhere to sit fairly quickly.  A great date place with delicious cocktails...]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:41:48 +0000</pubDate>
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      <dc:creator>dervish</dc:creator>
      <category>cool</category>
      <category>lively</category>
      <category>trendy</category>
      <georss:point>51.515038395178 -0.20570866552247</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Urbanbliss -  by cherkoff]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/health+and+medical/141aw7t/urbanbliss/1s3xi7</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_place.c140x110.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/userpics/cherkoff_81c3d213.120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/cherkoff">cherkoff</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 4.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 02089693331</p><p><b>Website:</b> urban-bliss.com</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=massage'>massage</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=alternative+medicine'>alternative medicine</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=physiotherapy'>physiotherapy</a></p>Well worth a visit if you have any nagging health complaints or concerns.  The nutritionist Angela was really helpful offering some simple, easy-to-do nutritional advice that much to my surprise actually worked&#33;Well worth a visit if you have any nagging health complaints or concerns.  The nutritionist Angela was really helpful offering some simple, easy-to-do nutritional advice that much to my surprise actually worked&#33;]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:38:18 +0000</pubDate>
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      <dc:creator>cherkoff</dc:creator>
      <category>massage</category>
      <category>alternative medicine</category>
      <category>physiotherapy</category>
      <georss:point>51.5212026 -0.2099539</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[German Chicken Van - Some times its there, sometimes its not by MusicofChance]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/takeaway/141av7k/german-chicken-van/1i4xp8</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_place.c140x110.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/userpics/MusicofChance_c37527d5.120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/MusicofChance">MusicofChance</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 5.00Gorgeous herby chicken in a bun served in a matter of seconds. I buy this whenever me and the dog visit Rough Trade and I love it&#33; Lovely, lovely, lovely,<br /><br />Being part of the market there are days when the van vanishes and this makes me sad&#33;Gorgeous herby chicken in a bun served in a matter of seconds. I buy this whenever me and the dog visit Rough Trade and I love it&#33; Lovely, lovely, lovely,<br /><br />Being part of the market there are days when the van vanishes and this makes me sad&#33;]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Jun 2009 10:31:06 +0000</pubDate>
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      <dc:creator>MusicofChance</dc:creator>
      <georss:point>51.521008 -0.209568</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Khao San Thai Restaurant - Great Food, Great Atmosphere, Great Service by mikii]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1i9627l/khao-san-thai-restaurant/1x9wl7</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/303357_72a4b632.140.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_user.c120x120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/mikii">mikii</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 5.00<p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=thai'>thai</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=good+value'>good value</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=romantic'>romantic</a></p>This has to be the best thai restaurant outside of Thailand. The food was very authentic, not westernized at all, as the manager put it: "as mum used to make" - with a thai accent of course.  For anybody that likes to try a truly amazing thai food, I highly recommend the Khao San Thai restaurant.This has to be the best thai restaurant outside of Thailand. The food was very authentic, not westernized at all, as the manager put it: "as mum used to make" - with a thai accent of course.  For anybody that likes to try a truly amazing thai food, I highly recommend the Khao San Thai restaurant.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2009 11:20:01 +0000</pubDate>
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      <dc:creator>mikii</dc:creator>
      <category>thai</category>
      <category>good value</category>
      <category>romantic</category>
      <georss:point>51.518901 -0.196301</georss:point>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Bombay Bicycle Club - Conglomerated cooking by vobin]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/takeaway/1553q7p/bombay-bicycle-club/1x6wf7</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/ldc_1553q7p.140.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_user.c120x120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/vobin">vobin</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 2.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 7727 7335</p><p><b>Website:</b> http://www.thebombaybicycleclub.co.uk</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=indian'>indian</a>, <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=toptable'>toptable</a></p>An interesting restaurant name which is now dishing up exceedingly ordinary curries.  Everything tastes the same. The only discernible variable is the extra chilli sauce in a Madras or Vindaloo.  All the curries are swimming in gravy, including ones which are supposed to be dry-ish, eg Lobster Patia, Aloo Ghobbi.  The chicken tikka resembled succulent paper mache.  I learned that they import their chicken from Holland.  Once you read about the chicken-factory methods used in Holland you would never want to eat chicken again.  The Bombay Bicycle Club is a triumph of cost-accounting.  I suppose it is the recession which causes this downward spiral of quality to try and maintain profit margins.  These kind of places simply can&#39;t get their head around the notion that guaranteed mediocrity is only a winning formula for national fast-food chains.An interesting restaurant name which is now dishing up exceedingly ordinary curries.  Everything tastes the same. The only discernible variable is the extra chilli sauce in a Madras or Vindaloo.  All the curries are swimming in gravy, including ones which are supposed to be dry-ish, eg Lobster Patia, Aloo Ghobbi.  The chicken tikka resembled succulent paper mache.  I learned that they import their chicken from Holland.  Once you read about the chicken-factory methods used in Holland you would never want to eat chicken again.  The Bombay Bicycle Club is a triumph of cost-accounting.  I suppose it is the recession which causes this downward spiral of quality to try and maintain profit margins.  These kind of places simply can&#39;t get their head around the notion that guaranteed mediocrity is only a winning formula for national fast-food chains.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2009 22:52:31 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/takeaway/1553q7p/bombay-bicycle-club/1x6wf723021886</guid>
      <dc:creator>vobin</dc:creator>
      <category>indian</category>
      <category>toptable</category>
      <georss:point>51.506095200516 -0.20894204508918</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[The Spice Shop - Very rude staff by Routey]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/food/1o32u8q/the-spice-shop/1p1w18</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/ldc_1o32u8q.140.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_user.c120x120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/Routey">Routey</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 1.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 7221 4448</p><p><b>Website:</b> http://www.thespiceshop.co.uk</p><p><b>Tags:</b> <a href='http://trustedplaces.com/places/uk/london/all?tag=rare+finds'>rare finds</a></p>I&#39;ve been going to the spice shop on and off for years, but the shop assistant was very rude to me today, so won&#39;t be going back there in future. Shame, as they have an amazing range of spices. Their loss though.I&#39;ve been going to the spice shop on and off for years, but the shop assistant was very rude to me today, so won&#39;t be going back there in future. Shame, as they have an amazing range of spices. Their loss though.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 14:28:37 +0000</pubDate>
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      <dc:creator>Routey</dc:creator>
      <category>rare finds</category>
      <georss:point>51.515038395178 -0.20570866552247</georss:point>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[The Electric Beach - Nice by BorisJohnson]]></title>
      <link>http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/beauty+and+spas/1p76v7n/the-electric-beach/1g6we8</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/313475_4a40a115.140.jpg" /><img src="http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/special/nopic_user.c120x120.jpg" /><br /><b>Review by <a href="http://trustedplaces.com/user/BorisJohnson">BorisJohnson</a></b><br /><br /><b>Rating:</b> 5.00<p><b>Phone:</b> 020 7937 1492</p>very goodvery good]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2009 22:08:38 +0000</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">/review/uk/london/beauty+and+spas/1p76v7n/the-electric-beach/1g6we8453546965</guid>
      <dc:creator>BorisJohnson</dc:creator>
      <georss:point>51.502235117521 -0.19180291151132</georss:point>
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