Latest reviews in Primrose Hill, London, United Kingdom

Primrose Bakery - by tomaplaw

tomaplaw — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:50:29 +0000

Review by tomaplaw

Rating: 5.00

Yummy Victoria Sponge goes down well with their tea. My girlfriend always has the Carrot cake cupcake which is really good too!Yummy Victoria Sponge goes down well with their tea. My girlfriend always has the Carrot cake cupcake which is really good too!

Chamomile - Chamomile - nice coffee, shame about the staff by monkeypuzzle

monkeypuzzle — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:40:04 +0000

Review by monkeypuzzle

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7586 4580

Tags: crowded, good brew, proper food

This cafe has a nice location and a really pretty good menu with lots of healthy breakfasts, and options for lunch. The coffee isn't bad either. It is also tucked away on a sweet road near Belsize park. It's just a shame that the staff are so objectionable and actively make the experience of dining there unpleasant. Their level of agression towards the customers is so strange that I wondered if I was actually in some TV stunt or psychological experiment to measure the effect of bullying on diners. I watched as a mother was actually frog-marched out of the cafe by a really rude waitress and was forced to dress the screaming infant on the road outside where it was raining . I couldn't believe what I was seeing! Aren't families allowed in cafes? The baby hadn't even finished it's breakfast.

I'm not going back in a hurry.This cafe has a nice location and a really pretty good menu with lots of healthy breakfasts, and options for lunch. The coffee isn't bad either. It is also tucked away on a sweet road near Belsize park. It's just a shame that the staff are so objectionable and actively make the experience of dining there unpleasant. Their level of agression towards the customers is so strange that I wondered if I was actually in some TV stunt or psychological experiment to measure the effect of bullying on diners. I watched as a mother was actually frog-marched out of the cafe by a really rude waitress and was forced to dress the screaming infant on the road outside where it was raining . I couldn't believe what I was seeing! Aren't families allowed in cafes? The baby hadn't even finished it's breakfast.

I'm not going back in a hurry.

Manna - Vegetarian food for meat eaters! by Bknitwear

Bknitwear — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:41:00 +0000

Review by Bknitwear

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7722 8028

Website: http://www.manna-veg.com

Tags: vegetarian, good value, lively

The vegetarian restaurant that even the non vegetarians love! Needs no introduction, and if you like good food and happen to be in Primrose Hill......CHECK IT OUT!The vegetarian restaurant that even the non vegetarians love! Needs no introduction, and if you like good food and happen to be in Primrose Hill......CHECK IT OUT!

Bar Gansa - How disappointing by vallerfish

vallerfish — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:56:31 +0000

Review by vallerfish

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7267 8909

Tags: spanish, good value, lively

I went to Bar Ganza this Thursday with other 5 friends. I was really disappointed because of the reviews here - our expectation was so high.

The food was cold and no flavour including Paella. Easily can guess they use microwave. I do not understand why they get such a good reviews here. Probably the chef has been changed since July.....I don't know. will never come back.I went to Bar Ganza this Thursday with other 5 friends. I was really disappointed because of the reviews here - our expectation was so high.

The food was cold and no flavour including Paella. Easily can guess they use microwave. I do not understand why they get such a good reviews here. Probably the chef has been changed since July.....I don't know. will never come back.

Zensai - Zensai is back!! by unknown123

unknown123 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:09:35 +0000

Review by unknown123

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7424 9527

Website: http://www.zensaibar.com

Tags: good value, lively, malaysian

Zensai is back! With more brilliance than before!! A must go!Zensai is back! With more brilliance than before!! A must go!

Asakusa - positive feedback loop by andybrown

andybrown — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:13:43 +0000

Review by andybrown

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7388 8399

Tags: japanese, good value, crowded

This is how the universe operates, on a good day.

A friend, (let's call her Cassie, not just because it's her name but because she's my friend and deserves a mention due to her pivotal role in the entire episode) texts to see if I'm free for dinner, is seeking sushi, asks me to recommend somewhere because YO! SHITHOLE! isn't very good and she doesn't have an awful lot of money and she knows I'm a fussy curmudgeon who won't eat somewhere awful, much less allow my friends to do so.

And I have to admit that I don't know where to go, don't have the first idea, so I look up the sites that I trust (this being one, there are others, but they don't matter right now, you're wishing you skipped this bit between the brackets aren't you, yes so am I) and come up with one name that seems to be at the top of everyone's list.

Asakusa.
It ticks all my boxes in terms of a good evening in prospect -
1) it is situated somewhere extremely unlikely, in this case round the back of Mornington Crescent
2) it has a reputation of always being full. of Japanese people. who presumably know their stuff
3) everyone mentions how crap it looks, how the menus are illegible, how the downstairs smells of toilet, and how these things didn't matter at all once the food arrives
4) it's cheap.

I called. They didn't answer. They aren't even open till 6.
And here's where the virtuous circle of restaurant reviewing comes into play - someone had written that you can probably get a table if you turn up really early. Someone else had written that you should make sure you get a table upstairs. Someone else had written that you should order a mixed selection from the dazzlingly long and complicated menu, get some hot sake, and kick back. Needless to say, it was invaluable advice, and we followed it to the letter.

So when we turned up at 6, it was empty, but every single table was reserved. We were given the option of leaving at 7:45 and we took it.

And it was incredible. The sake was warm and dangerous, the mixed selection of maki and nigiri was delicate and wonderful and just insane.
The food was so good, in fact, that even when we ordered some more bits, and Cassie chose something that had the mouthfeel of a nuclear snot eclair and tasted worse, I still loved it. And then the chicken hearts. Oh, the chicken hearts! And the service was quick, unobtrusive and kind.

And then, all too soon, we had to go. Had we stayed, perhaps the bill would have crept up to somewhere more damaging, but as it was, we were pretty much full, a little bit tipsy and genuinely delighted for Â£27. Between two people!

So thank you to everyone who wrote useful things. Here's my contribution - after you've had your fill of Japanese loveliness, stroll up Camden High Street to the Blues Kitchen, and blow all the extra money you saved on bourbons with silly names and yummy cocktails. That there is a good night out, that is.This is how the universe operates, on a good day.

A friend, (let's call her Cassie, not just because it's her name but because she's my friend and deserves a mention due to her pivotal role in the entire episode) texts to see if I'm free for dinner, is seeking sushi, asks me to recommend somewhere because YO! SHITHOLE! isn't very good and she doesn't have an awful lot of money and she knows I'm a fussy curmudgeon who won't eat somewhere awful, much less allow my friends to do so.

And I have to admit that I don't know where to go, don't have the first idea, so I look up the sites that I trust (this being one, there are others, but they don't matter right now, you're wishing you skipped this bit between the brackets aren't you, yes so am I) and come up with one name that seems to be at the top of everyone's list.

Asakusa.
It ticks all my boxes in terms of a good evening in prospect -
1) it is situated somewhere extremely unlikely, in this case round the back of Mornington Crescent
2) it has a reputation of always being full. of Japanese people. who presumably know their stuff
3) everyone mentions how crap it looks, how the menus are illegible, how the downstairs smells of toilet, and how these things didn't matter at all once the food arrives
4) it's cheap.

I called. They didn't answer. They aren't even open till 6.
And here's where the virtuous circle of restaurant reviewing comes into play - someone had written that you can probably get a table if you turn up really early. Someone else had written that you should make sure you get a table upstairs. Someone else had written that you should order a mixed selection from the dazzlingly long and complicated menu, get some hot sake, and kick back. Needless to say, it was invaluable advice, and we followed it to the letter.

So when we turned up at 6, it was empty, but every single table was reserved. We were given the option of leaving at 7:45 and we took it.

And it was incredible. The sake was warm and dangerous, the mixed selection of maki and nigiri was delicate and wonderful and just insane.
The food was so good, in fact, that even when we ordered some more bits, and Cassie chose something that had the mouthfeel of a nuclear snot eclair and tasted worse, I still loved it. And then the chicken hearts. Oh, the chicken hearts! And the service was quick, unobtrusive and kind.

And then, all too soon, we had to go. Had we stayed, perhaps the bill would have crept up to somewhere more damaging, but as it was, we were pretty much full, a little bit tipsy and genuinely delighted for Â£27. Between two people!

So thank you to everyone who wrote useful things. Here's my contribution - after you've had your fill of Japanese loveliness, stroll up Camden High Street to the Blues Kitchen, and blow all the extra money you saved on bourbons with silly names and yummy cocktails. That there is a good night out, that is.

Sardo Canale - by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:38:49 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7722 2800

Website: http://www.sardocanale.com

Tags: romantic, sardinian, vegetarian dishes

This place looks fantastic, it has fantastic reviews and has been in the Michelin Guide every year since about 1586. I'm not rich enough to eat here and don't suppose that I ever will be, but just as soon as I've snatched enough handbags and sold enough crack to the children of Camden Town I'm going to brush off my best boots and go.

(P.S. I haven't been. This is a musing not a review! I've only given it a rating because you have to to post anything about it. I've only given it a 5 because that's how much I want to go there. You can't hold it against me if you go and have only a 4 star experience, OK?)This place looks fantastic, it has fantastic reviews and has been in the Michelin Guide every year since about 1586. I'm not rich enough to eat here and don't suppose that I ever will be, but just as soon as I've snatched enough handbags and sold enough crack to the children of Camden Town I'm going to brush off my best boots and go.

(P.S. I haven't been. This is a musing not a review! I've only given it a rating because you have to to post anything about it. I've only given it a 5 because that's how much I want to go there. You can't hold it against me if you go and have only a 4 star experience, OK?)

Melrose & Morgan - by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:34:47 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7722 0011

Tags: delicatessen

Wow! This place is expensive! Good quality but way too expensive!Wow! This place is expensive! Good quality but way too expensive!

Wagamama - by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:33:34 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7428 0800

Website: http://www.wagamama.com

Tags: lively, oriental, trendy

As generic chains go, Wagamama is the King! You can guaranteed more or less identical quality of food and service at any I have been to all across the country. The one in Camden is no better or worse than any other anywhere else and I frequently eat here - it's a great, safe fall back option. It's also at the end of my road and that's why we love it so.As generic chains go, Wagamama is the King! You can guaranteed more or less identical quality of food and service at any I have been to all across the country. The one in Camden is no better or worse than any other anywhere else and I frequently eat here - it's a great, safe fall back option. It's also at the end of my road and that's why we love it so.

Strada - by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:25:10 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7428 9124

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

Tags: italian, lively, romantic

A Strada is a Strada is a Strada, no? This one isn't bad, I've always enjoyed good food and decent service. But it's still just a Strada and nothing really makes it stand out.A Strada is a Strada is a Strada, no? This one isn't bad, I've always enjoyed good food and decent service. But it's still just a Strada and nothing really makes it stand out.

The Dublin Castle - by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:20:27 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7485 1773

Tags: live music, relaxed, friendly

Meh. Good for a cheesy boogie or if you want to see a band. Gets very crowded, very sweaty and full of very, very "cool" people...Meh. Good for a cheesy boogie or if you want to see a band. Gets very crowded, very sweaty and full of very, very "cool" people...

Camden Market - by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:19:48 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7485 5473

Website: http://www.camdenlock.net

Tags: second hand, helpful staff, vintage clothing

Horrible at the weekends! Full of grotty kids and tourists. That includes you - you know who you are!

But full of wonderful stores, stalls, bar et al. Give yourself a lot of time (and patience) to explore, find your favourites, pick up a bargain.

Note, the stall holders will haggle. Never attempt to pay full price for anything! I'm a very tight young man.Horrible at the weekends! Full of grotty kids and tourists. That includes you - you know who you are!

But full of wonderful stores, stalls, bar et al. Give yourself a lot of time (and patience) to explore, find your favourites, pick up a bargain.

Note, the stall holders will haggle. Never attempt to pay full price for anything! I'm a very tight young man.

Hache Burger Connoisseurs - by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:17:39 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7485 9100

Tags: good value, american, lively

Best burgers in town. Hands down. No competition.Best burgers in town. Hands down. No competition.

Secrets 5 - AVOID THIS PLACE or LOSE THOUSANDS OF POUNDS!! by Jonny212

Jonny212 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:25:41 +0000

Review by Jonny212

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7388 6487

Website: http://www.secrets-clubs.com

Tags: thieves, hole in pocket

Me and some friends went to this club 2 weeks ago and 2 lads were spiked and do not remember being there and then found that nearly Â£10K (TEN THOUSAND POUNDS) had been stolen from their bank account for fake Champage and entertainment they have not even received. Avoid this place at all costs, on informing the Police we found that the club is under investigation, so hopefully will be closed soon and the thieves locked up for stealing money. DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE or you lose thousands of poundsMe and some friends went to this club 2 weeks ago and 2 lads were spiked and do not remember being there and then found that nearly Â£10K (TEN THOUSAND POUNDS) had been stolen from their bank account for fake Champage and entertainment they have not even received. Avoid this place at all costs, on informing the Police we found that the club is under investigation, so hopefully will be closed soon and the thieves locked up for stealing money. DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE or you lose thousands of pounds

St Pancras Grand, St Pancras International Station - Go for the decor, not for the food by paolaenergya

paolaenergya — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:47:02 +0000

Review by paolaenergya

Rating: 3.00

Tags: romantic, expensive, brasserie

I went to the Grand last Friday for a business networking lunch. We had a set menu and I chose betroot salad and pigeon in a port sauce with celery and chestnuts.
The salad was miser and the pigeon was a dark colour on the outside and raw on the inside. A few differently chopped pieces of celery accompanied the pigeon and I think I counted 3 small chestnuts with it.
I would go back for the decor as I find it's a beautiful place but I would eat elsewhere.I went to the Grand last Friday for a business networking lunch. We had a set menu and I chose betroot salad and pigeon in a port sauce with celery and chestnuts.
The salad was miser and the pigeon was a dark colour on the outside and raw on the inside. A few differently chopped pieces of celery accompanied the pigeon and I think I counted 3 small chestnuts with it.
I would go back for the decor as I find it's a beautiful place but I would eat elsewhere.

The Fitzroy Patisserie - Avoid this place by jmd

jmd — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:18:50 +0000

Review by jmd

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7388 7928

Tags: cafe

The most ridiculously over priced cafe in the area. Â£5 for toast & coffee ! Cheap & nasty ingredients & sour service at the tills. Plenty of much better places on the surrounding side streetsThe most ridiculously over priced cafe in the area. Â£5 for toast & coffee ! Cheap & nasty ingredients & sour service at the tills. Plenty of much better places on the surrounding side streets

The Lock Tavern - camden institution by sarahbean

sarahbean — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:29:45 +0000

Review by sarahbean

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7482 7163

Website: http://www.lock-tavern.co.uk

Tags: beer garden, cool, trendy

The Lock is probably the best place to go in Camden. Been going for years so they gave me a regulars card which means I don't have to queue on weekend which is a bonus.

I generally gof ro the music programming and have seen some amazing djs, LCD Soundsystem, Simian Mobile Disco, Hot Chip, Vampire Weekend, play there in such an intimate atmosphere.

The garden and terrace are also great to whiling away a lazy Saturday or Sunday with a roast and usually a bloody Mary.

Only let down is the toilets which need a major overhaul, major!The Lock is probably the best place to go in Camden. Been going for years so they gave me a regulars card which means I don't have to queue on weekend which is a bonus.

I generally gof ro the music programming and have seen some amazing djs, LCD Soundsystem, Simian Mobile Disco, Hot Chip, Vampire Weekend, play there in such an intimate atmosphere.

The garden and terrace are also great to whiling away a lazy Saturday or Sunday with a roast and usually a bloody Mary.

Only let down is the toilets which need a major overhaul, major!

Marathon Kebab - last call for the marathon by Dsaoirse

Dsaoirse — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:27:06 +0000

Review by Dsaoirse

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7485 3814

Tags: lively, turkish, crowded

the marathon is as famous as camden itself ...old heads and head the balls, everyone who is anyone in the music or art world has used it and loved it for years..keith richards, shane mc'gowan and paul weller are all on record saying some of the best nights of their lives were spent there in the company of danny blue..the marathon is historic ..and signaled the great alliance b'tween the irish and greek/turkish in london .. the dionysian shebeen ..camden council and the cops should be hung for meddling with the rare find that 'the marathon' is..personally, i blame the stage school bunny winehouse and pete pathetic doherty..for bringing in hordes of equally dull stage school and hooray well-off spring brats that stink up camden..they've ruined the place..and now it looks like our only salvation and last chance saloon is under threat..having to close down at one o'clock..and keep the middle class raffle riffs from the door!the marathon is as famous as camden itself ...old heads and head the balls, everyone who is anyone in the music or art world has used it and loved it for years..keith richards, shane mc'gowan and paul weller are all on record saying some of the best nights of their lives were spent there in the company of danny blue..the marathon is historic ..and signaled the great alliance b'tween the irish and greek/turkish in london .. the dionysian shebeen ..camden council and the cops should be hung for meddling with the rare find that 'the marathon' is..personally, i blame the stage school bunny winehouse and pete pathetic doherty..for bringing in hordes of equally dull stage school and hooray well-off spring brats that stink up camden..they've ruined the place..and now it looks like our only salvation and last chance saloon is under threat..having to close down at one o'clock..and keep the middle class raffle riffs from the door!

Pang's Take Away - The Best! by serendipity

serendipity — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:57:19 +0000

Review by serendipity

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7428 5818

Tags: chinese

I have been going to Pang's for few years now and always greeted by cheerful smile no matter what their day was like! Always happy to order food from them - either by phone - and pick up few minutes later as live just nearby or walk in and wait for my tasty meal to be prepared.
Everytime me and my boyfriend have a taste for something delicious this is the first place we go to! Absolutely wonderful Prawn crackers and sesame prawn toast is usually our starter, followed by my favourite sweet and sour chicken balls or prawns. Can't get enough of it and when full - leave some bits for the next day - and still tastes superb! Also tried their fish in various styles - gotta be careful as their "hot and spicy" is really as it says!
Fresh and never overcooked or undercooked - just PERFECT! The Best place for your takeaways!!!I have been going to Pang's for few years now and always greeted by cheerful smile no matter what their day was like! Always happy to order food from them - either by phone - and pick up few minutes later as live just nearby or walk in and wait for my tasty meal to be prepared.
Everytime me and my boyfriend have a taste for something delicious this is the first place we go to! Absolutely wonderful Prawn crackers and sesame prawn toast is usually our starter, followed by my favourite sweet and sour chicken balls or prawns. Can't get enough of it and when full - leave some bits for the next day - and still tastes superb! Also tried their fish in various styles - gotta be careful as their "hot and spicy" is really as it says!
Fresh and never overcooked or undercooked - just PERFECT! The Best place for your takeaways!!!

Bree Louise - Wonderful pub! by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:59:24 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7383 2141

Tags: relaxed, friendly, real ale

Damn straight, this is a great pub! I could be a little wasted on you if you're after a polished, slick city bar and you don't like beer (in which case I feel very sorry for you for many reasons) but this is a Beer Mecca!

Capacity for 16 beers, most of them on gravity (last time there were only 15 on. The shame!) and 8 proper ciders means that you will be spoiled for choice. It's a decent price, even more so if you're a CAMRA member as you get a handsome discount.

They have a good food menu dominated by pies. Now, my steak and kidney wasn't the greatest steak and kidney pie I've ever had but it was still damnably good and about the size of my head. Monday to Thursday they feature a "Pie of the Week" for a fiver which is most pleasingly barginous. Unless you have a CAMRA card in which case all pies are Â£5 any day of the week!

Staff are as a rule charmingly inoffensive and efficient and there is a very friendly, buzzy atmosphere. You will inevitably get a smattering of Beardy Weirdys but that should offend no one (partly because of what I aspire to become maybe) and I would say that the demographic is pretty varied.

Big screens show some sporting events, sound off during civilised hours.

Very highly recommended!Damn straight, this is a great pub! I could be a little wasted on you if you're after a polished, slick city bar and you don't like beer (in which case I feel very sorry for you for many reasons) but this is a Beer Mecca!

Capacity for 16 beers, most of them on gravity (last time there were only 15 on. The shame!) and 8 proper ciders means that you will be spoiled for choice. It's a decent price, even more so if you're a CAMRA member as you get a handsome discount.

They have a good food menu dominated by pies. Now, my steak and kidney wasn't the greatest steak and kidney pie I've ever had but it was still damnably good and about the size of my head. Monday to Thursday they feature a "Pie of the Week" for a fiver which is most pleasingly barginous. Unless you have a CAMRA card in which case all pies are Â£5 any day of the week!

Staff are as a rule charmingly inoffensive and efficient and there is a very friendly, buzzy atmosphere. You will inevitably get a smattering of Beardy Weirdys but that should offend no one (partly because of what I aspire to become maybe) and I would say that the demographic is pretty varied.

Big screens show some sporting events, sound off during civilised hours.

Very highly recommended!