Latest reviews in Putney, London, United Kingdom

Flames - Flames went right through me! by AliZebu

AliZebu — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:44:26 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8788 0088

Flames is located just by the main entrance to Putney Railway Station and the wafting smell of grilled onions has no doubt tempted many a traveller to its fare.

Firstly, it is very small and has no seating area but I suppose you could eat on the counter (?) if you had no other option and the staff did not object.
As it was a sunny May afternoon I went to a nearby Church garden bench.
When I initially ordered the small Mixed Doner I thought the server had made a mistake as he proceeded to over fill the small Pita with Lamb Doner only - I was wrong; he then shovelled an equally huge portion of Chicken on top before asking for my sauce preference. I asked for lots of Chilli & a small amount of Garlic and got LOTS of both. A request for a "small amount of all the salad" got me yet another giant helping and a very stuffed LARGE Styrofoam carton was handed to me for Â£4!

The Meats were both taken from the Bain Marie and had perhaps had been waiting there too long. The Lamb Doner was the standard minced meat roll - taste wise it is hard to define because it was as average as you could get. Moderately spiced, medium sliced, standard texture, OK flavour not too greasy and not too dry.
The Chicken Doner (schwarma) was again just alright, juicy but a little too "fatty" for my tastes. The amount I was given meant I picked out the more crispy pieces. The salad was basic. Thickly chopped lettuce, onion, tomato & cucumber without dressing. The small Pita bread was fine. The fresh Chilli Sauce spooned from a bowl may have been quite nice but was overpowered by the Garlic sauce. It was full of herbs and tasted sour. I tried to avoid it as best I could. If the server had followed my request for a little of the Garlic Sauce I could perhaps better describe the Chilli one!

Service was efficient but somewhat impolite. The rather dour server was very fast but lost points for unfriendliness AND more importantly not hearing (or understanding!) the word SMALL. I might be being harsh on that score as many customers would be pleased at such generous portions.

The kebab did not "sit well" with me and 20 minutes after I finished eating (roughly half the original amount!) It gave me a "dodgy tummy" for want of a better phrase.

Even if I had one of these "regular" sized kebabs without the lousy garlic sauce and on a late night drinking session I doubt I would have finished it - obviously for quantity but also quality.Flames is located just by the main entrance to Putney Railway Station and the wafting smell of grilled onions has no doubt tempted many a traveller to its fare.

Firstly, it is very small and has no seating area but I suppose you could eat on the counter (?) if you had no other option and the staff did not object.
As it was a sunny May afternoon I went to a nearby Church garden bench.
When I initially ordered the small Mixed Doner I thought the server had made a mistake as he proceeded to over fill the small Pita with Lamb Doner only - I was wrong; he then shovelled an equally huge portion of Chicken on top before asking for my sauce preference. I asked for lots of Chilli & a small amount of Garlic and got LOTS of both. A request for a "small amount of all the salad" got me yet another giant helping and a very stuffed LARGE Styrofoam carton was handed to me for Â£4!

The Meats were both taken from the Bain Marie and had perhaps had been waiting there too long. The Lamb Doner was the standard minced meat roll - taste wise it is hard to define because it was as average as you could get. Moderately spiced, medium sliced, standard texture, OK flavour not too greasy and not too dry.
The Chicken Doner (schwarma) was again just alright, juicy but a little too "fatty" for my tastes. The amount I was given meant I picked out the more crispy pieces. The salad was basic. Thickly chopped lettuce, onion, tomato & cucumber without dressing. The small Pita bread was fine. The fresh Chilli Sauce spooned from a bowl may have been quite nice but was overpowered by the Garlic sauce. It was full of herbs and tasted sour. I tried to avoid it as best I could. If the server had followed my request for a little of the Garlic Sauce I could perhaps better describe the Chilli one!

Service was efficient but somewhat impolite. The rather dour server was very fast but lost points for unfriendliness AND more importantly not hearing (or understanding!) the word SMALL. I might be being harsh on that score as many customers would be pleased at such generous portions.

The kebab did not "sit well" with me and 20 minutes after I finished eating (roughly half the original amount!) It gave me a "dodgy tummy" for want of a better phrase.

Even if I had one of these "regular" sized kebabs without the lousy garlic sauce and on a late night drinking session I doubt I would have finished it - obviously for quantity but also quality.

Royal China - Would not go back. Leave your Visa behind! by tomreid

tomreid — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:25:00 +0000

Review by tomreid

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8788 0907

Tags: chinese, good value, lively

Staff were really "frosty", seemed really disinterested in me, I suppose I was only a paying customer after all.

Food was OK, but service was really bad, an odd smile, or even any indication that you were any other than a complete inconvenience to the waitress wold have been nice.

Menu was very strange, only ONE vegetarian option listed on a huge menu, but when I asked if the sweet and sour vegetables was vegetarian, I was told it was. Eh? Why not list it as such?

Even stranger, when I tried to pay with my VISA card, I was told they did not take them (Mrs Frosty Waitress was very cross at that!). They only take American Express and cash. Very odd, that'd never happened to me before. I've been told many times, no AMEX and it has to be VISA, but never the other way round. It was just good luck I had an AMEX card on me.

I'm off for Indian tomorrow. There are so many good restaurants in London, why does anyone go here?Staff were really "frosty", seemed really disinterested in me, I suppose I was only a paying customer after all.

Food was OK, but service was really bad, an odd smile, or even any indication that you were any other than a complete inconvenience to the waitress wold have been nice.

Menu was very strange, only ONE vegetarian option listed on a huge menu, but when I asked if the sweet and sour vegetables was vegetarian, I was told it was. Eh? Why not list it as such?

Even stranger, when I tried to pay with my VISA card, I was told they did not take them (Mrs Frosty Waitress was very cross at that!). They only take American Express and cash. Very odd, that'd never happened to me before. I've been told many times, no AMEX and it has to be VISA, but never the other way round. It was just good luck I had an AMEX card on me.

I'm off for Indian tomorrow. There are so many good restaurants in London, why does anyone go here?

Frankie's Italian Bar & Grill - by dloizou

dloizou — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:06:12 +0000

Review by dloizou

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8780 3366

Website: www.frankiesitalianbarandgrill.com

Tags: italian, lively, smoking

OMG I can't believe I have been going here for two years and never reviewed it...

Food is excellent quality - prices are reasonable... (although they seemed to have gone up since my last visit in the new year)... service could be better but this resturant is a hidden gem... its a bit of a walk, but woth it!OMG I can't believe I have been going here for two years and never reviewed it...

Food is excellent quality - prices are reasonable... (although they seemed to have gone up since my last visit in the new year)... service could be better but this resturant is a hidden gem... its a bit of a walk, but woth it!

Ginger & Garlic - Ginger and Garlic - THE Chinese in Roehampton by Nemo_fish66

Nemo_fish66 — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 21:26:03 +0000

Review by Nemo_fish66

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8780 9098

A delightful little take away. Although the place has been around for a long time, I've only recently discovered this place and the food is excellent! Let's just say, I'll be visiting this place a lot more in the future!!A delightful little take away. Although the place has been around for a long time, I've only recently discovered this place and the food is excellent! Let's just say, I'll be visiting this place a lot more in the future!!

Star & Garter - That 'Cheese Room' by Jenn1

Jenn1 — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:14:16 +0000

Review by Jenn1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8788 0345

Website: http://www.thestarandgarter.com

Tags: friendly, trendy, sexy

That 'famous cheese room' others are mentioning is totally worth the visit. After tasting various cheeses you can structure your own cheese and meat platter. It's cold and smelly inside, but it all adds to the atmoshpere. On the other side of the bar is another hidden gem, a wine cellar with glass walls where you can also walk in (with a member of staff - I mean don't just wonder in by yourself:) and they let you taste and choose wine adding info about every bottle, region, grape, etc.
Overlooking the river, this place may look just ok from the outside, but inside is where the little treasures are find. If you like cheese and wine, that is.That 'famous cheese room' others are mentioning is totally worth the visit. After tasting various cheeses you can structure your own cheese and meat platter. It's cold and smelly inside, but it all adds to the atmoshpere. On the other side of the bar is another hidden gem, a wine cellar with glass walls where you can also walk in (with a member of staff - I mean don't just wonder in by yourself:) and they let you taste and choose wine adding info about every bottle, region, grape, etc.
Overlooking the river, this place may look just ok from the outside, but inside is where the little treasures are find. If you like cheese and wine, that is.

Blades Restaurant - Blades restaurant by peterjm

peterjm — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:39:20 +0000

Review by peterjm

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8780 9710

Tags: italian, takeaway

Blades always has a frindly welcomeand the owner Germano is a legend.

although i no longer live close by I will always try and visitBlades always has a frindly welcomeand the owner Germano is a legend.

although i no longer live close by I will always try and visit

Bombay Bicycle Club - I would recommend them to anyone! by johnny52

johnny52 — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:39:30 +0000

Review by johnny52

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8785 1188

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

Tags: indian

Their food is amazing and I have been a regular customer with them for years now. Food arrive on time and are always piping hot and when going to one of their restaurants, you can always expect excellent service, amazing food and a great atmosphere.Their food is amazing and I have been a regular customer with them for years now. Food arrive on time and are always piping hot and when going to one of their restaurants, you can always expect excellent service, amazing food and a great atmosphere.

Ritz Musical Instruments - The best little music shop in town !! by simonsax

simonsax — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 23:12:36 +0000

Review by simonsax

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8788 5000

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

Thank god there are still small family-owned shops like this one in central Putney.......I think it's been there about 15 years now so its very much part of the local scenery. They've got lots of guitars, sheet music, accessories, brass & woodwind etc. There's also 2 on-site repair workshops and a great website full of useful advice, teachers lists etc etc. www.ritzmusic.co.ukThank god there are still small family-owned shops like this one in central Putney.......I think it's been there about 15 years now so its very much part of the local scenery. They've got lots of guitars, sheet music, accessories, brass & woodwind etc. There's also 2 on-site repair workshops and a great website full of useful advice, teachers lists etc etc. www.ritzmusic.co.uk

M & D Furniture - by nredford

nredford — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:19:50 +0000

Review by nredford

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8789 3022

Truely awful. Made me wait in 3 times to collect, tried to increase price on collection, didn't return piece on day promised but after a number of messages finally brought it back 3 days later. When I told him that I would not pay the increased amount, he said' ..that pakis and paddys are tight'.
I wish I had done it myself and saved £90.
Truely awful. Made me wait in 3 times to collect, tried to increase price on collection, didn't return piece on day promised but after a number of messages finally brought it back 3 days later. When I told him that I would not pay the increased amount, he said' ..that pakis and paddys are tight'.
I wish I had done it myself and saved £90.

Friends Oriental Food Hall - Friends, Putney by SW2009

SW2009 — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:33:06 +0000

Review by SW2009

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8788 0599

Tags: japanese, thai, chinese

Great choice or good food and the service is always quick and the staff are friendly. It does the best pad thai I've tasted.Great choice or good food and the service is always quick and the staff are friendly. It does the best pad thai I've tasted.

Circa Vintage - One of the best Vintage Stores in London by ballsoffire

ballsoffire — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 10:17:38 +0000

Review by ballsoffire

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 736 5038

Tags: exclusive boutique, vintage clothing

I love this shop; Iâ¬"ve been buying clothes from Circa Vintage for a few years. My favourite dress comes from them and when ever I wear it every one complements it. The new shop is gorgeous and everything is in pristine condition and the staff are really nice. Circa Vintage is more high end Vintage a bit like the equivalent of Selfridges rather than Top Shop vintage prices, but if you want to find a real beautiful dress that youâ¬"ll keep forever than this is the place to go.I love this shop; Iâ¬"ve been buying clothes from Circa Vintage for a few years. My favourite dress comes from them and when ever I wear it every one complements it. The new shop is gorgeous and everything is in pristine condition and the staff are really nice. Circa Vintage is more high end Vintage a bit like the equivalent of Selfridges rather than Top Shop vintage prices, but if you want to find a real beautiful dress that youâ¬"ll keep forever than this is the place to go.

Chakalaka - Taste of South Africa in London by Sarah_W

Sarah_W — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 16:47:51 +0000

Review by Sarah_W

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8789 5696

Tags: lively, african & caribbean, south african

This is a bright, buzzy restaurant serving traditional South African dishes. On a recent visit on a freezing cold February evening it was perhaps hard to imagine ourselves anywhere in Africa, but the warm red walls and decorative touches such as wooden masks and animal skins helped create a good atmosphere, and the company of friends and a few glasses of house red provided some much-needed warmth.

Most of us took advantage of the special menu available, with two courses and a glass of wine for just £15. I chose a warming butternut squash soup and followed this with a traditional dish of Lamb Bobotie (lightly curried minced lamb and almonds, served with rice and a platter of extras including chutney, coconut and banana). This was perhaps not the best of choices, as I like spicy food and was disappointed at just how mild this was. I added a dessert to the set menu, a creamy dish called Dom Pedros which I liked on initially tasting but found a little too sweet despite the addition of whisky (it comes with the liquour of your choice).

Despite my disappointment with a couple of the dishes, I had a good time here and would certainly go back, but would probably choose from the main menu another time.This is a bright, buzzy restaurant serving traditional South African dishes. On a recent visit on a freezing cold February evening it was perhaps hard to imagine ourselves anywhere in Africa, but the warm red walls and decorative touches such as wooden masks and animal skins helped create a good atmosphere, and the company of friends and a few glasses of house red provided some much-needed warmth.

Most of us took advantage of the special menu available, with two courses and a glass of wine for just £15. I chose a warming butternut squash soup and followed this with a traditional dish of Lamb Bobotie (lightly curried minced lamb and almonds, served with rice and a platter of extras including chutney, coconut and banana). This was perhaps not the best of choices, as I like spicy food and was disappointed at just how mild this was. I added a dessert to the set menu, a creamy dish called Dom Pedros which I liked on initially tasting but found a little too sweet despite the addition of whisky (it comes with the liquour of your choice).

Despite my disappointment with a couple of the dishes, I had a good time here and would certainly go back, but would probably choose from the main menu another time.

The Dukes Head - Riverside Gem by deering79

deering79 — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:08:56 +0000

Review by deering79

Rating: 4.00

Tags: relaxed, young professionals, live music

A Lovely pub with great views on and along the river. I have recently moved to the area, and have made this my regular watering hole. From talking to the staff i understand that it has recently been taken over by new management, and i can only assume that they have replaced all the staff..as i find them nothing but pleasant & friendly. Cant recommend the pub enough, i honeslty believe it has something for everybody. I've been given the full tour, the cocktail basement bar, and the function room are equally as stunning as the views! I'm off for a drink!!A Lovely pub with great views on and along the river. I have recently moved to the area, and have made this my regular watering hole. From talking to the staff i understand that it has recently been taken over by new management, and i can only assume that they have replaced all the staff..as i find them nothing but pleasant & friendly. Cant recommend the pub enough, i honeslty believe it has something for everybody. I've been given the full tour, the cocktail basement bar, and the function room are equally as stunning as the views! I'm off for a drink!!

Moomba Bar & Kitchen - Lovely Birthday by Sophie10

Sophie10 — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:34:43 +0000

Review by Sophie10

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8785 9151

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

Tags: international, lively, cocktails

I went to Moomba last Friday for my 35th birthday dinner with 11 other friends and I have to say we were not disappointed with anything. We had three courses each (I had the salmon tempura, beef wellington & banoffee pie) and everything was cooked perfectly and beautifully presented. The staff were so efficient and the owner made us feel welcome. A really lovely lady who obviously cares about her customers. The entire place was full but not once did we feel neglected or have to wait long periods of time for our food or cocktails. A very cool, trendy place that felt warm and welcoming.I went to Moomba last Friday for my 35th birthday dinner with 11 other friends and I have to say we were not disappointed with anything. We had three courses each (I had the salmon tempura, beef wellington & banoffee pie) and everything was cooked perfectly and beautifully presented. The staff were so efficient and the owner made us feel welcome. A really lovely lady who obviously cares about her customers. The entire place was full but not once did we feel neglected or have to wait long periods of time for our food or cocktails. A very cool, trendy place that felt warm and welcoming.

The Bricklayers Arms - Expensive by gourmand

gourmand — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:19:20 +0000

Review by gourmand

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8780 0433

Tags: independent pub, beer garden, pub

Draught Mild (ABV 3.5%) at £3 per pint!! - expensive for a very basic back-street pub in comparison to the draught Harveys Bitter (ABV 4%) at £2.60 per pint just over Putney Bridge at the more comfortable and reknown (for extensive range of well-kept real ales) White Horse on Parsons Green (where the same Timothy Taylors' Mild has been on sale recently at far less per pint) and also in comparison with draught Hopback GFB Bitter (ABV 3.5%) at £2.30 per pint in The Sultan in South Wimbledon. The Bricklayers Arms also does not compare favourably price-wise with the Eagle Ale House in Clapham or The Trafalgar in South Wimbledon where most of the real ale draught bitters are £2.75 or £2.80 per pint.Draught Mild (ABV 3.5%) at £3 per pint!! - expensive for a very basic back-street pub in comparison to the draught Harveys Bitter (ABV 4%) at £2.60 per pint just over Putney Bridge at the more comfortable and reknown (for extensive range of well-kept real ales) White Horse on Parsons Green (where the same Timothy Taylors' Mild has been on sale recently at far less per pint) and also in comparison with draught Hopback GFB Bitter (ABV 3.5%) at £2.30 per pint in The Sultan in South Wimbledon. The Bricklayers Arms also does not compare favourably price-wise with the Eagle Ale House in Clapham or The Trafalgar in South Wimbledon where most of the real ale draught bitters are £2.75 or £2.80 per pint.

Buckley Butchers - by ronvelig

ronvelig — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:32:06 +0000

Review by ronvelig

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8788 6160

Having tracked down the only butcher in the area it took me a while to find it on Lower Richmond Road. I am so glad I made it. The meat I got was so much better than the stuff you find at Sainsbury's with the added advantage that you only buy what you need.

The Cumberland sausages tasted amazing despite me almost burning them, and the chicken tastes great. It's worth finding this place, and they are really friendly too.
AwesomeHaving tracked down the only butcher in the area it took me a while to find it on Lower Richmond Road. I am so glad I made it. The meat I got was so much better than the stuff you find at Sainsbury's with the added advantage that you only buy what you need.

The Cumberland sausages tasted amazing despite me almost burning them, and the chicken tastes great. It's worth finding this place, and they are really friendly too.
Awesome

O P Chinese - Home Delivery by Pineal

Pineal — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:56:05 +0000

Review by Pineal

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8788 0787

Tags: rare finds, bargain

O P serves the best Chinese Food and unlike other places they do not use MSG in any dish on their menue.

Food arrives Hot!O P serves the best Chinese Food and unlike other places they do not use MSG in any dish on their menue.

Food arrives Hot!

Daisy's - Home Delivery by Pineal

Pineal — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:41:02 +0000

Review by Pineal

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8877 1040

Tags: rare finds, bargain, chicken / ribs

Daisy's serve great Kebabs and chilli sauce!!!Daisy's serve great Kebabs and chilli sauce!!!

Mammas Pizza - by sklake

sklake — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 18:37:12 +0000

Review by sklake

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0800 953 0206

Â£8.99 for a family-siza pizza! Amazing value for money, and it tastes pretty good too! Order online from Mamma's at http://hungryhouse.co.uk/mammaspizza.Â£8.99 for a family-siza pizza! Amazing value for money, and it tastes pretty good too! Order online from Mamma's at http://hungryhouse.co.uk/mammaspizza.