Latest reviews in Oxford Circus, London, United Kingdom

Henry Pordes Books - tasty Selection by stantoncarlisle

stantoncarlisle — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:23:21 +0000

Review by stantoncarlisle

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 9031

They keep the rare books near the checkout and other second hand book as you walk into the shop. Of more interest is the room next door with an amazingly good selection of new coffee table and reference books. Theres always some fabulous stuff here, mouthwatering books at incredible prices. The manager/owner has a good eye for whats cool and interesting. Kind of what separates a good bookshop from a run-of-the-mill books for cash place.They keep the rare books near the checkout and other second hand book as you walk into the shop. Of more interest is the room next door with an amazingly good selection of new coffee table and reference books. Theres always some fabulous stuff here, mouthwatering books at incredible prices. The manager/owner has a good eye for whats cool and interesting. Kind of what separates a good bookshop from a run-of-the-mill books for cash place.

Any Amount of Books - Bibliophiles Heaven by stantoncarlisle

stantoncarlisle — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:14:33 +0000

Review by stantoncarlisle

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 3697

During the Golden age of Charing Cross Road this was a two shop franchise that sucked in torrents of great books. Filling its shelves with prime book meat. Now its a one shop store and its still good - bargains in the basement - and assorted others upstairs - and fun things in the window. Great old style secondhand bookshop.During the Golden age of Charing Cross Road this was a two shop franchise that sucked in torrents of great books. Filling its shelves with prime book meat. Now its a one shop store and its still good - bargains in the basement - and assorted others upstairs - and fun things in the window. Great old style secondhand bookshop.

Cotton Cafe - ATTN: Breastfeeding ladies... Go elsewhere. by pips

pips — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:57:27 +0000

Review by pips

Rating: 1.00

Tags: quick bite

Cotton Cafe is the same, standard kind of sandwich bar that you find all over London. It serves baked potatoes, sandwiches, breakfasts etc and you'd probably only go there because it's the closest option - there isn't any other reason to.

I popped into the Cotton Cafe today for a baked potato with cheese and beans. It was okay.... Not earth-shatteringly, brilliant, not awful, just okay... Actually, if anything, it was a bit soggy. Go to Caffe Tosca instead, folks.

What was absolutely NOT fine about the Cotton Cafe, and is the reason that I will never set foot in the place again, was hearing a young woman who, in a cafe containing just TWO other people (aside from her partner and their baby), was loudly berated by the man behind the counter for having the audacity to very discreetly, breastfeed her 2 month old.

Various excuses were made by him for his revolting behaviour including the gems: "this is a place for eating"
Uh, hello? What did you eat when you were an infant, mate? I'm pretty sure that it wasn't cheese and beans on a spud.

The lady breastfeeding rightly pointed out that she couldn't go outside to do it (genuine arctic winds today) and that the child would scream if left unfed. She was then told that she'd have to leave!
Justifiably angry, she asked for her money back and was told "you've drunk two coffees". But she had not drunk two coffees. She hadn't had a *chance* to take more than a sip before being told that she'd have to leave. She finally got her money back by going ballistic (and bloody good for her too), but the refund was most unwillingly given.

I finally got my baked potato at this time and left just as they did. On the way out, I noticed that a customer was sitting reading a copy of the Sun. I'll stake my life that the boobs in *that* are okay.

So horrible. So unnecessary.

Cotton Cafe = FAIL.Cotton Cafe is the same, standard kind of sandwich bar that you find all over London. It serves baked potatoes, sandwiches, breakfasts etc and you'd probably only go there because it's the closest option - there isn't any other reason to.

I popped into the Cotton Cafe today for a baked potato with cheese and beans. It was okay.... Not earth-shatteringly, brilliant, not awful, just okay... Actually, if anything, it was a bit soggy. Go to Caffe Tosca instead, folks.

What was absolutely NOT fine about the Cotton Cafe, and is the reason that I will never set foot in the place again, was hearing a young woman who, in a cafe containing just TWO other people (aside from her partner and their baby), was loudly berated by the man behind the counter for having the audacity to very discreetly, breastfeed her 2 month old.

Various excuses were made by him for his revolting behaviour including the gems: "this is a place for eating"
Uh, hello? What did you eat when you were an infant, mate? I'm pretty sure that it wasn't cheese and beans on a spud.

The lady breastfeeding rightly pointed out that she couldn't go outside to do it (genuine arctic winds today) and that the child would scream if left unfed. She was then told that she'd have to leave!
Justifiably angry, she asked for her money back and was told "you've drunk two coffees". But she had not drunk two coffees. She hadn't had a *chance* to take more than a sip before being told that she'd have to leave. She finally got her money back by going ballistic (and bloody good for her too), but the refund was most unwillingly given.

I finally got my baked potato at this time and left just as they did. On the way out, I noticed that a customer was sitting reading a copy of the Sun. I'll stake my life that the boobs in *that* are okay.

So horrible. So unnecessary.

Cotton Cafe = FAIL.

Miranda Club - william by williamJ

williamJ — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:38:13 +0000

Review by williamJ

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7437 6695

Tags: cheesy, nasty, dj

Stay clear of this place, full of sad losers and middle aged men in suits oggling at girls that are young enough to be their daughters. These places are rightly going to renamed "sexual encounter clubs", hence dropping the whole veneer of 'gentlemen's clubs' which they are not. This place is known for the extras it provides if you take a girl round the corner to a cheap hotel. The saddos who go to these places do not even consider what disturbing backgrounds these girls have, in that way they are far more disturbing. Steer clear. Was a horrible experience full of sleaze balls.Stay clear of this place, full of sad losers and middle aged men in suits oggling at girls that are young enough to be their daughters. These places are rightly going to renamed "sexual encounter clubs", hence dropping the whole veneer of 'gentlemen's clubs' which they are not. This place is known for the extras it provides if you take a girl round the corner to a cheap hotel. The saddos who go to these places do not even consider what disturbing backgrounds these girls have, in that way they are far more disturbing. Steer clear. Was a horrible experience full of sleaze balls.

Dehesa - Warm atmos, amazing food by Izabel_blue

Izabel_blue — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:24:37 +0000

Review by Izabel_blue

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7494 4170

Tags: lively, crowded, spanish

I've been to Dehasa twice now - once in the wonderful wonderful private dining room downstairs, and once in the lively tapas bar on the ground level. I've been impressed both times, for different reasons.

When I had dinner in the downstairs room (a corporate evening out) we had plate after plate of wonderful tapas the real standouts were some basics (tortilla, patatas fritas) and also the aforementioned courgette flowers which were awesome. I was seriously impressed by how many great vegetarian tapas there were, and the meaty stuff looked good too. The service was excellent, and we swilled Manzanilla and had a grand old time.

I returned with my own money last weekend to see if it could match the corporate evening out. Me and two friends rushed to Dehasa after a film, hoping to take advantage of their 'no bookings' policy on a busy Saturday night - only to find that the had changed the policy and now take bookings! Oh dear. Out we went onto the pavement, trying to figure out where to go instead - when one of the staff members ushered us back in. "We would be heartbroken if we couldn't find a seat for you"- and hence we found ourselves in the middle of a lively shared table, sitting on (comfortable) stools and occasionally joining in the conversations around us - a very unique experience for London!

The food continued to be stellar - standouts included the scallops on cauliflower puree and some amazing puddings- a Clementine tart for me, poached pears with sorbet for my friends. We left Â£40 each lighter, but that included lots of tapas, a glass of sherry each, a bottle of wine, and puddings and coffee- so pretty good value - the smallish sizes of the tapas left room for dessert, but I can understand how you could leave a bit peckish if you didn't indulge in a pud at the end.

I'm really looking forward to going back - love the atmosphere and ambiance... and the food!

But forewarned: call and book first if you can!I've been to Dehasa twice now - once in the wonderful wonderful private dining room downstairs, and once in the lively tapas bar on the ground level. I've been impressed both times, for different reasons.

When I had dinner in the downstairs room (a corporate evening out) we had plate after plate of wonderful tapas the real standouts were some basics (tortilla, patatas fritas) and also the aforementioned courgette flowers which were awesome. I was seriously impressed by how many great vegetarian tapas there were, and the meaty stuff looked good too. The service was excellent, and we swilled Manzanilla and had a grand old time.

I returned with my own money last weekend to see if it could match the corporate evening out. Me and two friends rushed to Dehasa after a film, hoping to take advantage of their 'no bookings' policy on a busy Saturday night - only to find that the had changed the policy and now take bookings! Oh dear. Out we went onto the pavement, trying to figure out where to go instead - when one of the staff members ushered us back in. "We would be heartbroken if we couldn't find a seat for you"- and hence we found ourselves in the middle of a lively shared table, sitting on (comfortable) stools and occasionally joining in the conversations around us - a very unique experience for London!

The food continued to be stellar - standouts included the scallops on cauliflower puree and some amazing puddings- a Clementine tart for me, poached pears with sorbet for my friends. We left Â£40 each lighter, but that included lots of tapas, a glass of sherry each, a bottle of wine, and puddings and coffee- so pretty good value - the smallish sizes of the tapas left room for dessert, but I can understand how you could leave a bit peckish if you didn't indulge in a pud at the end.

I'm really looking forward to going back - love the atmosphere and ambiance... and the food!

But forewarned: call and book first if you can!

Ran - Not a great value by Solarpanels

Solarpanels — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:16:36 +0000

Review by Solarpanels

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7434 1650

Tags: korean, good value, lively

The meet was ok, but very poor value for the price. The deco was not great either. For this price, you would either expect bigger portion or a better atmosphere. The whole place looked a bit tired. Surprisingly crowded and that's why we thought this might be a place for good value and good food from outside! Not quite so. There was never enough meet on the table and we had to keep ordering Â£7-8 worth portions. Never felt satisfied after spending quite a lot and had to fill up with rice.The meet was ok, but very poor value for the price. The deco was not great either. For this price, you would either expect bigger portion or a better atmosphere. The whole place looked a bit tired. Surprisingly crowded and that's why we thought this might be a place for good value and good food from outside! Not quite so. There was never enough meet on the table and we had to keep ordering Â£7-8 worth portions. Never felt satisfied after spending quite a lot and had to fill up with rice.

Yauatcha - Mixed reports by mandylayton

mandylayton — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:38:57 +0000

Review by mandylayton

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7494 8888

Tags: chinese, lively, expensive

Went for afternoon tea with the family. The food is excellent and the quality and range of green tea's are superb. The service is not very good though. I kept asking for water and after asking for the forth time I went and got it myself from the bar. It is a mystery to me how varied the service can be when the food is so great and actually pretty reasonable priced.Went for afternoon tea with the family. The food is excellent and the quality and range of green tea's are superb. The service is not very good though. I kept asking for water and after asking for the forth time I went and got it myself from the bar. It is a mystery to me how varied the service can be when the food is so great and actually pretty reasonable priced.

Sacred Cafe - Great Atmosphere by rjohnhalligan

rjohnhalligan — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:42:38 +0000

Review by rjohnhalligan

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7734 1415

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

Tags: good brew, cosy, quick bite

Really great place to chill with an excellent flat white.Really great place to chill with an excellent flat white.

Vapiano - So much better than Mash by caffeinehit

caffeinehit — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:00:01 +0000

Review by caffeinehit

Rating: 4.00

Tags: italian, lively, mediterranean

I just popped in here for Friday lunch and was quite surprised/happy to see how much nicer it was than Mash (the old bar that used to be in the same location).

The choice of food was just enough and the decor was perfect. What made it even better was the fact that their payment machine was down so a meal for three was free, shame it wasn't my turn to pay!

Either way, a great little stopping point for the middle of town.I just popped in here for Friday lunch and was quite surprised/happy to see how much nicer it was than Mash (the old bar that used to be in the same location).

The choice of food was just enough and the decor was perfect. What made it even better was the fact that their payment machine was down so a meal for three was free, shame it wasn't my turn to pay!

Either way, a great little stopping point for the middle of town.

Back To Basics - Really nice surprise by willcritchlow

willcritchlow — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:04:28 +0000

Review by willcritchlow

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7436 2181

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

Tags: seafood, lively, friendly

This was the first restaurant I visited following a TrustedPlaces review. I went there for lunch and it was superb. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was great and they couldn't have been friendlier.This was the first restaurant I visited following a TrustedPlaces review. I went there for lunch and it was superb. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was great and they couldn't have been friendlier.

Reynolds - first-rate coffee by wea74

wea74 — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:52:18 +0000

Review by wea74

Rating: 5.00

Tags: amazing brew, top food, cosy

The sign outside says, modestly, "rather good coffee", and that drew me in. The coffee is excellent. It would be nice if there was a counter where one could drink it. The staff care about what they're doing.The sign outside says, modestly, "rather good coffee", and that drew me in. The coffee is excellent. It would be nice if there was a counter where one could drink it. The staff care about what they're doing.

Sartoria - Good italian food - ambience? by Guy_Hutch

Guy_Hutch — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:42:05 +0000

Review by Guy_Hutch

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7534 7000

Website: www.sartoriabar.co.uk

Tags: italian, takeaway, cocktails

Recently came here on a top-table fixed price deal.
The restaurant looks very smart but is a little tucked away a bit off the bright lights of Regent Street.
The menu is excellent and the kitchen's execution is superb. In terms of value for money you couldn't be dissapointed.
However the restaurant was very quiet on the Saturday night we went and with the large open dining room the atmosphere was not as welcoming at is should have been.
The aircon was a bit OTT too - and when we highlighted it the staff didn't really seem to believe there was much they could do to ease the chill. Which didn't make much sense as it was snowing outside.
Great food, good value on fixed price menu but so many details to work on otherwise.Recently came here on a top-table fixed price deal.
The restaurant looks very smart but is a little tucked away a bit off the bright lights of Regent Street.
The menu is excellent and the kitchen's execution is superb. In terms of value for money you couldn't be dissapointed.
However the restaurant was very quiet on the Saturday night we went and with the large open dining room the atmosphere was not as welcoming at is should have been.
The aircon was a bit OTT too - and when we highlighted it the staff didn't really seem to believe there was much they could do to ease the chill. Which didn't make much sense as it was snowing outside.
Great food, good value on fixed price menu but so many details to work on otherwise.

Flat White - good coffee but... by gilka

gilka — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:24:59 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7734 0370

Website: http://www.flat-white.co.uk

Tags: amazing brew, quick bite, cosy

In Monmouth they make it better!In Monmouth they make it better!

Thai Buffet - thai buffet by shuska

shuska — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:57:50 +0000

Review by shuska

Rating: 5.00

Tags: healthy food, bargain

brilliant place, fast cheap and great folkbrilliant place, fast cheap and great folk

Bob Bob Ricard - Great new find by Bourbon

Bourbon — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:43:22 +0000

Review by Bourbon

Rating: 5.00

Tags: lively, british, good value

Fantastic new all day dining upscale brasserie. Cool decor by David Collins with great turquoise booths, friendly staff and great vibe.
I had a great dinner with shepherds pie and a fabulous knickerbocker glory. They even do baked alaska for memory lane.
There's also a champagne button to call champers to your table and a great cocktail list - recommend the rhubarb gin and tonic. You feel the place could kick off really well at night.
But you can go for brekky or a snack too - they have good tables for one so you can get a decent coffee and snack as you work. Visit soon before it gets packed!Fantastic new all day dining upscale brasserie. Cool decor by David Collins with great turquoise booths, friendly staff and great vibe.
I had a great dinner with shepherds pie and a fabulous knickerbocker glory. They even do baked alaska for memory lane.
There's also a champagne button to call champers to your table and a great cocktail list - recommend the rhubarb gin and tonic. You feel the place could kick off really well at night.
But you can go for brekky or a snack too - they have good tables for one so you can get a decent coffee and snack as you work. Visit soon before it gets packed!

The Escape - Crap! by sarahtron

sarahtron — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:26:58 +0000

Review by sarahtron

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7734 2626

Website: http://www.kudosgroup.com

Tags: traditional english

Took my shoes off to dance and was dragged out the arm by a bouncer who gave me a lot of aggro. Very unimpressed and went home straight after. Terrible night and would definitely not go back!Took my shoes off to dance and was dragged out the arm by a bouncer who gave me a lot of aggro. Very unimpressed and went home straight after. Terrible night and would definitely not go back!

The Breakfast Club - V Mixed by mandylayton

mandylayton — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:04:54 +0000

Review by mandylayton

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7434 2571

Website: http://www.thebreakfastclubsoho.com

Tags: cosy, good brew, quick bite

I find this place can vary so much from visit to visit. I have been many times. The staff are pretty crap and don't really give a monkeys about the punters and most think that they are all a bit to cool to work in a cafe! The food can vary. Normally it's pretty good but had a fry up one weekend and it was awful. The ambience is cool but I like better service so will trying other places from now on.I find this place can vary so much from visit to visit. I have been many times. The staff are pretty crap and don't really give a monkeys about the punters and most think that they are all a bit to cool to work in a cafe! The food can vary. Normally it's pretty good but had a fry up one weekend and it was awful. The ambience is cool but I like better service so will trying other places from now on.

Sketch - wow! by sarah2009

sarah2009 — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:55:56 +0000

Review by sarah2009

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0870 777 4488

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

Tags: expensive, lively, trendy

I had dinner with friends in the Gallery last week and wow! I have never seen anything like it before; the food was delicious and we were entertained by the most amazing video art projections. I will definately visit again soon, if not for dinner then just to the bar.I had dinner with friends in the Gallery last week and wow! I have never seen anything like it before; the food was delicious and we were entertained by the most amazing video art projections. I will definately visit again soon, if not for dinner then just to the bar.

Spacca Napoli - La vita e bella by nat08

nat08 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:03:39 +0000

Review by nat08

Rating: 4.00

Tags: italian, crowded, lively

I first discovered this restaurant about 10 years ago in its first incarnation as "Bella Napoli" - and what a true find it was! Thanks Miranda! It was the most traditional restaurant in Soho, as far as I could see, and it made a welcome difference to all the other places trying to be cool and trendy and not focusing on the main event - the food!!

It was such a gem that of course it's popularity grew and fans kept coming back for some wonderful food along with the personal touch that the owner Mimmo gives to each and every customer that walks through his door.

A facelift came but still his fans poured through the door each and every night. Food is wonderful and portions are big - just the way I like my Italian food! It's true comfort food at it's best - i love the Vitello Milanese - mouth-watering and just so tender and succulent - not chewy and bland as you can find many times with this dish.

Pizzas are great and if you are in a big party it makes sense to get it by the meter and share - such a great way of making food fun as well as delicious! And the atmosphere and service is first class. It's a great location too on Dean Street.

So why not mosey on down to Dean Street and say Ciao to Spacca Napoli....I first discovered this restaurant about 10 years ago in its first incarnation as "Bella Napoli" - and what a true find it was! Thanks Miranda! It was the most traditional restaurant in Soho, as far as I could see, and it made a welcome difference to all the other places trying to be cool and trendy and not focusing on the main event - the food!!

It was such a gem that of course it's popularity grew and fans kept coming back for some wonderful food along with the personal touch that the owner Mimmo gives to each and every customer that walks through his door.

A facelift came but still his fans poured through the door each and every night. Food is wonderful and portions are big - just the way I like my Italian food! It's true comfort food at it's best - i love the Vitello Milanese - mouth-watering and just so tender and succulent - not chewy and bland as you can find many times with this dish.

Pizzas are great and if you are in a big party it makes sense to get it by the meter and share - such a great way of making food fun as well as delicious! And the atmosphere and service is first class. It's a great location too on Dean Street.

So why not mosey on down to Dean Street and say Ciao to Spacca Napoli....

Wild Honey - delicious food in Mayfair by ProfMagellan

ProfMagellan — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:57:54 +0000

Review by ProfMagellan

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7758 9160

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

Tags: french, good value, romantic

Full marks to Wild Honey. A really good lunch. Nice modern room just south of Hanover Square (near Bond Street).
The service was very efficient and friendly and the menu
offered a wide variety of interesting dishes. The puds were especially good. We had an alcohol-free lunch so I cannot alas comment on the wine.
One gripe: there was a good value set lunch on offer but in tiny print buried at the bottom of the menu. Had I had a magnifying glass I might have seen it but it was only at the end of luncheon that I noticed it. I very much liked sister restaurant Arbutus
so my expectations were high and were well rewarded.
Not cheap - but good value as this was fine food in Mayfair.
A postscript: it was raining heavily as we were leaving. My (female) guest asked to borrow an umbrella and presto the maitre d provided one for her. That is the sort of positive attitude that makes one recommend Wild Honey
without reservation.Full marks to Wild Honey. A really good lunch. Nice modern room just south of Hanover Square (near Bond Street).
The service was very efficient and friendly and the menu
offered a wide variety of interesting dishes. The puds were especially good. We had an alcohol-free lunch so I cannot alas comment on the wine.
One gripe: there was a good value set lunch on offer but in tiny print buried at the bottom of the menu. Had I had a magnifying glass I might have seen it but it was only at the end of luncheon that I noticed it. I very much liked sister restaurant Arbutus
so my expectations were high and were well rewarded.
Not cheap - but good value as this was fine food in Mayfair.
A postscript: it was raining heavily as we were leaving. My (female) guest asked to borrow an umbrella and presto the maitre d provided one for her. That is the sort of positive attitude that makes one recommend Wild Honey
without reservation.