Latest reviews for Food & Drink in Piccadilly Circus, London, United Kingdom

Oriental Delight - Fantastic variety of snacks and grocery by MartinBlue

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

Review by MartinBlue

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7439 1183

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

Tags: chinese, rare finds, delicatessen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Algerian Coffee Stores - dark & yummy by Navajo_Pete

Navajo_Pete — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:24:40 +0000

Review by Navajo_Pete

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 2480

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

Tags: take-away, soho, coffee

Aromatic and pungent treasure trove of good quality coffees in the heart of Soho. This shop has been here for many years and has only had minor updates or â¬Üimprovementsâ¬". It is still a quiet, relaxed and old-fashioned little retail outlet.

Iâ¬"m not sure whether the â¬ÜAlgerianâ¬" accolade is still applicable, as it stocks coffees from around the world. There are plenty of blends to suit any taste, but the highlight here is the range of specialist and single estate coffees.

Worth trying is the dense and dark smelling Ethiopian coffee. Once youâ¬"re here, buy the beans, at least a whole pound, and store them in the freezer.

The shop has a â¬Ücolonialâ¬" feel to it and is a feast for the senses, including the eyes.

You will also find here every accessory you could possibly need to brew the best coffee at home.
Aromatic and pungent treasure trove of good quality coffees in the heart of Soho. This shop has been here for many years and has only had minor updates or â¬Üimprovementsâ¬". It is still a quiet, relaxed and old-fashioned little retail outlet.

Iâ¬"m not sure whether the â¬ÜAlgerianâ¬" accolade is still applicable, as it stocks coffees from around the world. There are plenty of blends to suit any taste, but the highlight here is the range of specialist and single estate coffees.

Worth trying is the dense and dark smelling Ethiopian coffee. Once youâ¬"re here, buy the beans, at least a whole pound, and store them in the freezer.

The shop has a â¬Ücolonialâ¬" feel to it and is a feast for the senses, including the eyes.

You will also find here every accessory you could possibly need to brew the best coffee at home.

Patisserie Valerie - Cake lovers' paradise by Natnat

Natnat — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:26:41 +0000

Review by Natnat

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7437 3466

Website: http://www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk

Tags: hot / cold drinks, seating area / eat in

This is a positive haven for lovers of all things cakey and sinful. A peek in the window reveals a treasure trove of yummy and elaborate delicacies. Based in buzzy Soho, Patisserie Valerie is a great place to hook up with friends for something sweet, or take a book and wile away an hour with a cup of citron pressÃ© or a chocolat viennois. With its late opening hours itâ¬"s an ideal place to spend an evening, and there are savoury things on the menu too! With new branches of PV opening all the time, itâ¬"s definitely a great spot to escape to.This is a positive haven for lovers of all things cakey and sinful. A peek in the window reveals a treasure trove of yummy and elaborate delicacies. Based in buzzy Soho, Patisserie Valerie is a great place to hook up with friends for something sweet, or take a book and wile away an hour with a cup of citron pressÃ© or a chocolat viennois. With its late opening hours itâ¬"s an ideal place to spend an evening, and there are savoury things on the menu too! With new branches of PV opening all the time, itâ¬"s definitely a great spot to escape to.

Gerry's Off Licence - excellent selection, some quality stuff by Alsation

Alsation — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:05:00 +0000

Review by Alsation

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 4215

Tags: soho, spirits, booze

Gerry's is a bit of a specialist shop when it comes to booze.
They seem to obtain stock of some of the weirdest and rarest spirits, including lots of different vodkas and gins.
What is perhaps less well-known is the fact that they stock an excellent selection of rare, high quality wines. They certainly stocked some pretty rare wines such as Ch Musar and a decent range of Clarets. They also have some nice Burgundies from boutique growers that are worth buying.
On the whole, Gerry's aim at the specialist end of the drinks market, rather than the top quality end.
Just a note when leaving the shop with your precious bottles: be very careful on the slippery pavements (stained with the filth and grease of the 100s of nearby restaurants) as many a treasured bottle has smashed onto the street instead of being drunk. Don't say we didn't warn you.Gerry's is a bit of a specialist shop when it comes to booze.
They seem to obtain stock of some of the weirdest and rarest spirits, including lots of different vodkas and gins.
What is perhaps less well-known is the fact that they stock an excellent selection of rare, high quality wines. They certainly stocked some pretty rare wines such as Ch Musar and a decent range of Clarets. They also have some nice Burgundies from boutique growers that are worth buying.
On the whole, Gerry's aim at the specialist end of the drinks market, rather than the top quality end.
Just a note when leaving the shop with your precious bottles: be very careful on the slippery pavements (stained with the filth and grease of the 100s of nearby restaurants) as many a treasured bottle has smashed onto the street instead of being drunk. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Haagen Dazs - by Reshma

Reshma — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:13:46 +0000

Review by Reshma

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 9577

Website: http://www.haagen-dazs.co.uk

The ice cream and hot chocolate at this place is brilliant. The price however is extortionate. I guess haagan daaz can get away with these sort of prices as it is located smack bang in leicester square. There is frequently large queues outside which often stretch out far in the middle of the night, often there is a 30 min wait!! Once seated the waitors seem to take a long time to come to take your order, especialy if there is a large group, often I find that they try to rush you out of the place to let other poeple in. I suggest if one wnats some quality ice cream they should visit roundevous cafe which is across the road from this place.The ice cream and hot chocolate at this place is brilliant. The price however is extortionate. I guess haagan daaz can get away with these sort of prices as it is located smack bang in leicester square. There is frequently large queues outside which often stretch out far in the middle of the night, often there is a 30 min wait!! Once seated the waitors seem to take a long time to come to take your order, especialy if there is a large group, often I find that they try to rush you out of the place to let other poeple in. I suggest if one wnats some quality ice cream they should visit roundevous cafe which is across the road from this place.

Fernandez & Wells - Indulgence in Soho by Niamheen

Niamheen — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:01:23 +0000

Review by Niamheen

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 1546

Website: http://www.fernandezandwells.com/

Tags: italian, takeaway, expensive

It feels like I am letting you into a little secret, but I am sure Iâ¬"m not, itâ¬"s just that I liked this place so much, I almost want to keep it secret! I popped into Fernandez & Wells in Soho with a friend on Saturday evening. Iâ¬"d wanted to go for a while having seen it many times on treks around Soho. It looks so appealing, with legs of ham in the window, bottles of wine on the counter and lots of cheese behind. Thereâ¬"s blackboards outside and in advertising their wares.

They look like they know what theyâ¬"re doing, although looks can be deceptive - not in this instance. I was there only briefly but enjoyed a charcuterie plate with prosciutto, basque salami and chorizo with a glass of albarino. We were also offered some manchego to taste. It was delicious and well sourced, alot of time and attention had gone into these selections. The meats, served on slate and sliced wafer thin & melt in the mouth, the cheese aged and crumbly and the albarino a gorgeous white, delicious and light. I didnâ¬"t want to leave but we had dinner plans elsewhere, besides they close at 9pm (although that should be moving to 10pm soon).

It was refreshing just to sit there and be nosey, to soak it all in. The staff are really passionate and knowledgable, itâ¬"s a real treat. I will definitely be back to try more, and request their recommendations. I would recommend that you go too!It feels like I am letting you into a little secret, but I am sure Iâ¬"m not, itâ¬"s just that I liked this place so much, I almost want to keep it secret! I popped into Fernandez & Wells in Soho with a friend on Saturday evening. Iâ¬"d wanted to go for a while having seen it many times on treks around Soho. It looks so appealing, with legs of ham in the window, bottles of wine on the counter and lots of cheese behind. Thereâ¬"s blackboards outside and in advertising their wares.

They look like they know what theyâ¬"re doing, although looks can be deceptive - not in this instance. I was there only briefly but enjoyed a charcuterie plate with prosciutto, basque salami and chorizo with a glass of albarino. We were also offered some manchego to taste. It was delicious and well sourced, alot of time and attention had gone into these selections. The meats, served on slate and sliced wafer thin & melt in the mouth, the cheese aged and crumbly and the albarino a gorgeous white, delicious and light. I didnâ¬"t want to leave but we had dinner plans elsewhere, besides they close at 9pm (although that should be moving to 10pm soon).

It was refreshing just to sit there and be nosey, to soak it all in. The staff are really passionate and knowledgable, itâ¬"s a real treat. I will definitely be back to try more, and request their recommendations. I would recommend that you go too!

Paxton & Whitfield - Cheese Heaven by Hugo

Hugo — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:18:11 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7930 0259

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

Tags: traditional, amazing, cheese

Paxton & Whitfield are cheesemongers extraordinaire and if you love cheese or even have a passing fascination then you will love this shop.

The cheese experts there can help you to rustle up some intriguing new delights to savour and are happy to let you taste things.

A few of my favourites are The Stinking Bishop (obviously nothing to do with the name) and also Mimolette (apparently the champagne of cheeses - whatever that means!).

A wonderful place for a treat, a present or just an olfactory browse.

Other reasons to go:
- "A true gentleman only ever buys his cheese from Paxton & Whitfield" Winston Churchill
- They have been in St James's for over 200 years, so they know the odd thing or two about cheese. This Paxton & Whitfield branch is over 100 yrs old!

Paxton & Whitfield are cheesemongers extraordinaire and if you love cheese or even have a passing fascination then you will love this shop.

The cheese experts there can help you to rustle up some intriguing new delights to savour and are happy to let you taste things.

A few of my favourites are The Stinking Bishop (obviously nothing to do with the name) and also Mimolette (apparently the champagne of cheeses - whatever that means!).

A wonderful place for a treat, a present or just an olfactory browse.

Other reasons to go:
- "A true gentleman only ever buys his cheese from Paxton & Whitfield" Winston Churchill
- They have been in St James's for over 200 years, so they know the odd thing or two about cheese. This Paxton & Whitfield branch is over 100 yrs old!

Gaby's Deli - Best falafel I've had in ages by coldclimate

coldclimate — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:47:11 +0000

Review by coldclimate

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 4233

Tags: mediterranean, turkish, delicatessen

I stopped in for falafel this evening, and it was excellent. For the centre of London it is cheap as chips. OK, so a can of coke is about 1.50, but a pitta stuff to bursting with falafel, tahini, crunchy salad and a bowl of good chilli sause was about a fiver.

The falafel themsleves were wonderfully crunky on the outside, and nicely chunky on the inside, not the lump of deep fried hummus or Mc Chickpea Nuggets that you sometimes get. The take out baklava to finish was also excellent.I stopped in for falafel this evening, and it was excellent. For the centre of London it is cheap as chips. OK, so a can of coke is about 1.50, but a pitta stuff to bursting with falafel, tahini, crunchy salad and a bowl of good chilli sause was about a fiver.

The falafel themsleves were wonderfully crunky on the outside, and nicely chunky on the inside, not the lump of deep fried hummus or Mc Chickpea Nuggets that you sometimes get. The take out baklava to finish was also excellent.

Marshmallow Mountain - Marshmallow Mountain by miffy

miffy — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 00:00:18 +0000

Review by miffy

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7434 9498

Website: http://www.marshmellowmountain.com/

Tags: second hand, exclusive boutique, helpful staff

A small vintage/ second hand boutique on teh ground floor of carnaby street's kingly court. All the pieces in the shop are hand selected and the staff are as stylish as every item in the shop. Because it's such a small shop, every item is good, great quality, good design and very reminicent of the era they are from. There are plenty of lovely accesorries from matching shoes and bags to necklaces and leather hold alls. The staff are friendly and helpful and clearly have an eye for style. This isn't a cheap shop but it is not an over priced shop. Good particularly for more formal/evening/party vintage wear. A small vintage/ second hand boutique on teh ground floor of carnaby street's kingly court. All the pieces in the shop are hand selected and the staff are as stylish as every item in the shop. Because it's such a small shop, every item is good, great quality, good design and very reminicent of the era they are from. There are plenty of lovely accesorries from matching shoes and bags to necklaces and leather hold alls. The staff are friendly and helpful and clearly have an eye for style. This isn't a cheap shop but it is not an over priced shop. Good particularly for more formal/evening/party vintage wear.

Lina Stores - by BasilKhalil

BasilKhalil — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 11:20:59 +0000

Review by BasilKhalil

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7437 6482

Tags: italian, deli, mediterranean

Very friendly owners, wide selection of great authentic Italian food.
Try their home-made pasta. Itâ¬"s the BEST!
Very friendly owners, wide selection of great authentic Italian food.
Try their home-made pasta. Itâ¬"s the BEST!