Latest reviews in Ravenscourt Park, London, United Kingdom

Lyric Theatre - by Litro_K

Litro_K — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:41:06 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8741 2311

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

Although not in my usual stomping grounds, I really like coming to the Lyric. (This photo is way out of date, by the way.) I've seen some excellent productions here - comedy shows and drama - and am always surprised by how much I like the modern bar and the inside of the main theatre space. It's very grand and feels like an old central London Theatreland haunt.

The bar is reasonable, as are the ticket prices. Itâ¬"s definitely a draw for those who donâ¬"t know Hammersmith very well, and has gotten me out to explore that area. When I came here for the first time, I spotted Neve Campbell during the interval. Proof indeed that itâ¬"s a hip hangout worthy of us mere mortals!
Although not in my usual stomping grounds, I really like coming to the Lyric. (This photo is way out of date, by the way.) I've seen some excellent productions here - comedy shows and drama - and am always surprised by how much I like the modern bar and the inside of the main theatre space. It's very grand and feels like an old central London Theatreland haunt.

The bar is reasonable, as are the ticket prices. Itâ¬"s definitely a draw for those who donâ¬"t know Hammersmith very well, and has gotten me out to explore that area. When I came here for the first time, I spotted Neve Campbell during the interval. Proof indeed that itâ¬"s a hip hangout worthy of us mere mortals!

The Olive Tree - a good battering by acrobat

acrobat — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:21:20 +0000

Review by acrobat

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8600 0550

Tags: good value, lively, bar

Strangley for a resturant that seems to give a mediterranean vibe there wasn't much about the menu that was actually mediterranean - apart from some olives.

But not to be put off the fish and chips (english) and the moules and frites (belgian) were pretty good - especially the beer batter which for once actually tasted of beer.

They also cater for parties so might be worth checking if there is a group there on the night you are planning to go - especially if you are after a quiet dinner. The booth seating is great.

Most of the fare is organic and fish delivered daily, though I am yet to be convinced of the need to import organic pollack from Alaska when you can get pollack around the UK...Strangley for a resturant that seems to give a mediterranean vibe there wasn't much about the menu that was actually mediterranean - apart from some olives.

But not to be put off the fish and chips (english) and the moules and frites (belgian) were pretty good - especially the beer batter which for once actually tasted of beer.

They also cater for parties so might be worth checking if there is a group there on the night you are planning to go - especially if you are after a quiet dinner. The booth seating is great.

Most of the fare is organic and fish delivered daily, though I am yet to be convinced of the need to import organic pollack from Alaska when you can get pollack around the UK...

Starbucks Coffee - Expensive coffee but great varieties! by seconds

seconds — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:16:59 +0000

Review by seconds

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8748 6685

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

Tags: takeaway, average brew, patisserie

Starbucksâ¬" coffee is really tasty, and the number of ways you can personalise it is almost infinite. You can ask for skinny (skimmed milk) coffee, decaf, coffee made with soy milkâ¬¦ the list goes on.

Starbucks are famous for opening coffee shops in new venues (indeed, the opening of a Starbucks is a positive social indicator that things are on the up!) Starbucks have (allegedly) fantastic opening offers, free coffee for their new customers, and all sorts of ways of getting their local clientele hooked. I do have reservations about such a big multinational!

Starbucks are great at introducing interesting speciality drinks for various times of year. In particular, their gingerbread latte is eagerly awaited by aficionados each Christmas, and well worth a try!

Starbucksâ¬" coffee is really tasty, and the number of ways you can personalise it is almost infinite. You can ask for skinny (skimmed milk) coffee, decaf, coffee made with soy milkâ¬¦ the list goes on.

Starbucks are famous for opening coffee shops in new venues (indeed, the opening of a Starbucks is a positive social indicator that things are on the up!) Starbucks have (allegedly) fantastic opening offers, free coffee for their new customers, and all sorts of ways of getting their local clientele hooked. I do have reservations about such a big multinational!

Starbucks are great at introducing interesting speciality drinks for various times of year. In particular, their gingerbread latte is eagerly awaited by aficionados each Christmas, and well worth a try!

Oi! Bagel - Rather expensive, but tasty by seconds

seconds — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:47:07 +0000

Review by seconds

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8741 5260

Website: http://www.oibagel.com

I have to be in the mood for bagels. That rubbery, sweet taste doesn't always do it for me, but when I am in the mood, nothing else will do. It does however surprise me that bagel shops get away with charging so much. What is it about a bagel which makes it â¬ a tiny little roll with proportionately less filling than a sandwich â¬ worth spending as much money on as an ordinary sandwich? Surely we normally pay for the filling, not for the outside, because both bread and bagels are extremely cheap to produce? Arenâ¬"t they?

Having said all that, the bagels here ARE tasty. And the fillings are generous, so if you want to treat yourself to a bagel as you dash out of the tube, or change lines, this is the place to go. If you are a bagel virgin, start with the classic smoked salmon and cream cheeseâ¬¦â¬¦â¬¦.

I have to be in the mood for bagels. That rubbery, sweet taste doesn't always do it for me, but when I am in the mood, nothing else will do. It does however surprise me that bagel shops get away with charging so much. What is it about a bagel which makes it â¬ a tiny little roll with proportionately less filling than a sandwich â¬ worth spending as much money on as an ordinary sandwich? Surely we normally pay for the filling, not for the outside, because both bread and bagels are extremely cheap to produce? Arenâ¬"t they?

Having said all that, the bagels here ARE tasty. And the fillings are generous, so if you want to treat yourself to a bagel as you dash out of the tube, or change lines, this is the place to go. If you are a bagel virgin, start with the classic smoked salmon and cream cheeseâ¬¦â¬¦â¬¦.

The River Cafe - Overhyped and overpriced by foodexplorer

foodexplorer — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 17:37:02 +0000

Review by foodexplorer

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7386 4200

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

Tags: italian, expensive, romantic

I have to admit i was drawn into the hype and took the plunge of going to the River Cafe. Unfortunately as with most things, the real thing never lives up to the hype. This is the case with this restaurant as well. There is a not too bad selection of meals and specials, but clearly the emphasis is on quality and not quantity. And thats to say the least. I think the staff have also got caught up in the hype as i found them a little obnoxious and snooty. It must be such a shame for them to have to deal with the customers! Thats how i was made to feel anyway. The food is very expensive and i won't be going back!I have to admit i was drawn into the hype and took the plunge of going to the River Cafe. Unfortunately as with most things, the real thing never lives up to the hype. This is the case with this restaurant as well. There is a not too bad selection of meals and specials, but clearly the emphasis is on quality and not quantity. And thats to say the least. I think the staff have also got caught up in the hype as i found them a little obnoxious and snooty. It must be such a shame for them to have to deal with the customers! Thats how i was made to feel anyway. The food is very expensive and i won't be going back!

The Anglesea Arms - fantastic food! by jackpot4544

jackpot4544 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:09:38 +0000

Review by jackpot4544

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8749 1291

Tags: gastro pub, friendly, food

This is a gastro pub which is located in a beautiful setting, and serves the most wonderful food. I had avoided it for years, it previously had a bad reputation in the area for atrocious service, however i am very pleased to say that is now no longer true. The staff were friendly, approachable and couldn't do enough to make us happy. There is a relatively large choice of meals and several specials on the boards so everyone will be happy with the choices available. The food is delicious and although not cheap, well worth it. If i were you, forget the previous reputation and give it a try!This is a gastro pub which is located in a beautiful setting, and serves the most wonderful food. I had avoided it for years, it previously had a bad reputation in the area for atrocious service, however i am very pleased to say that is now no longer true. The staff were friendly, approachable and couldn't do enough to make us happy. There is a relatively large choice of meals and several specials on the boards so everyone will be happy with the choices available. The food is delicious and although not cheap, well worth it. If i were you, forget the previous reputation and give it a try!

Frank's Express - Frank's Express by Dom99

Dom99 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:55:25 +0000

Review by Dom99

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8746 3986

Frank's Express is a good place to get your sandwiches from.They make the freshest sandwiches and also offer you a big menu.The sandwiches i have brought from here has always been good and have tasted really well.

The sandwiches on offer are the same as the ones you see in the normal sandwich shops.They give you a good chicken sandwich if you ask for it to be made fresh.I feel their sandwiches are really good here.Frank's Express is a good place to get your sandwiches from.They make the freshest sandwiches and also offer you a big menu.The sandwiches i have brought from here has always been good and have tasted really well.

The sandwiches on offer are the same as the ones you see in the normal sandwich shops.They give you a good chicken sandwich if you ask for it to be made fresh.I feel their sandwiches are really good here.

Buchanan's Organic Delicatessen - Nasty atmosphere, grumpy staff by Lacrimosa

Lacrimosa — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:30:30 +0000

Review by Lacrimosa

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 8741 2138

Tags: delicatessen, healthy food

Okay, there's something really, really strange about this deli.

Situated in a pleasant residential area near Hammersmith, I worked close to Buchanan's earlier in 2008. The food is nice through pricey. Combining a deli store with a small cafe, it's popular with people looking for an above-average takeaway lunch in an area which doesn't have a huge amount of choice unless one walks over to the centre of Hammersmith. I tended to opt for a salad box with a sort of Italian folded pizza thing, which I asked to be heated up. This set me back about Â£5.50, but was very filling. The coffee's good too.

The main problem here seems to be that the staff tend to make the customers feel incredibly uncomfortable. Personally I always had to steel myself to go in. As someone who was new to the place, I needed some help with what things were, whether they were served hot or cold, what sizes were available, and so on: certainly it wasn't all labelled up in such a way that made these things obvious. The staff often seemed both grumpy and reluctant to help. Occasionally the person serving me spoke very little English, so was both unable to understand my question (e.g. "Can this be heated up?") or answer it. On another occasion when I was selecting what I'd like in my salad box, I had to be most insistent about what I wanted (nothing too vinegary) as the girl serving me that day seemed to have other ideas. Seriously, we were practically shouting at each other! All this made me feel stupid and gauche when in fact all I was trying to do was order something I'd enjoy for lunch.

This po-faced grumpiness seemed to infect the customers too. I came through the door one cold windy day and, being a well-mannered type, was just turning to close it behind me when a man sat at a table yelled at me to close the door. Not nice. Not necessary.

I know my colleagues tended to avoid Buchanan's for much the same reasons, so these aren't isolated incidents it seems. I persisted with the place at first simply because I love my food and don't mind paying for it, but later gave up and went to M&S instead. Sad.

I'm awarding two stars for the tasty food and coffee, but won't be going back.Okay, there's something really, really strange about this deli.

Situated in a pleasant residential area near Hammersmith, I worked close to Buchanan's earlier in 2008. The food is nice through pricey. Combining a deli store with a small cafe, it's popular with people looking for an above-average takeaway lunch in an area which doesn't have a huge amount of choice unless one walks over to the centre of Hammersmith. I tended to opt for a salad box with a sort of Italian folded pizza thing, which I asked to be heated up. This set me back about Â£5.50, but was very filling. The coffee's good too.

The main problem here seems to be that the staff tend to make the customers feel incredibly uncomfortable. Personally I always had to steel myself to go in. As someone who was new to the place, I needed some help with what things were, whether they were served hot or cold, what sizes were available, and so on: certainly it wasn't all labelled up in such a way that made these things obvious. The staff often seemed both grumpy and reluctant to help. Occasionally the person serving me spoke very little English, so was both unable to understand my question (e.g. "Can this be heated up?") or answer it. On another occasion when I was selecting what I'd like in my salad box, I had to be most insistent about what I wanted (nothing too vinegary) as the girl serving me that day seemed to have other ideas. Seriously, we were practically shouting at each other! All this made me feel stupid and gauche when in fact all I was trying to do was order something I'd enjoy for lunch.

This po-faced grumpiness seemed to infect the customers too. I came through the door one cold windy day and, being a well-mannered type, was just turning to close it behind me when a man sat at a table yelled at me to close the door. Not nice. Not necessary.

I know my colleagues tended to avoid Buchanan's for much the same reasons, so these aren't isolated incidents it seems. I persisted with the place at first simply because I love my food and don't mind paying for it, but later gave up and went to M&S instead. Sad.

I'm awarding two stars for the tasty food and coffee, but won't be going back.

Sagar - Great tasting and good value by CPaskell

CPaskell — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:11:55 +0000

Review by CPaskell

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8741 8563

Tags: indian, good value, vegetarian

This is a lovely, relaxed and modern looking South Indian restaurant serving vegetarian food. The quality and taste of the food are great - and you can get dosa, poori and battura bread, which you can't find in regular Indian food places. The prices are good too - Â£4 for a curry, such as daal or chana massala. The garlic rice is also a favourite of mine. The staff are friendly and don't buzz around you, so there is a nice relaxed atmosphere. Generally this place does not attract the loud beer-guzzling Hammersmith Friday-night crowd, which is a plus (maybe that's because it's a veggie restaurant?) and they do good value for money lunch menu options. The decor is quite bright and warm, with smooth wooden tables and chairs - some people don't like this because of the lack of a 'private' feel, but for me it means that you know it's definitely very clean and they are not hiding dirt in any hidden-away dark corners.This is a lovely, relaxed and modern looking South Indian restaurant serving vegetarian food. The quality and taste of the food are great - and you can get dosa, poori and battura bread, which you can't find in regular Indian food places. The prices are good too - Â£4 for a curry, such as daal or chana massala. The garlic rice is also a favourite of mine. The staff are friendly and don't buzz around you, so there is a nice relaxed atmosphere. Generally this place does not attract the loud beer-guzzling Hammersmith Friday-night crowd, which is a plus (maybe that's because it's a veggie restaurant?) and they do good value for money lunch menu options. The decor is quite bright and warm, with smooth wooden tables and chairs - some people don't like this because of the lack of a 'private' feel, but for me it means that you know it's definitely very clean and they are not hiding dirt in any hidden-away dark corners.

The Distillers Arms - Great live music venue by Lacrimosa

Lacrimosa — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:12:07 +0000

Review by Lacrimosa

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8748 2834

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

Tags: live music, food, cool

Last night a friend and I went along to Wednesday's 'acoustic night' held in The Regal Room on the top floor of this attractive Hammersmith pub. I didn't get much of a look at the busy ground floor bar as we passed through it, but The Regal Room upstairs was a cosy function space with dark wood panelling, groovy flock wallpaper, candles, and chairs and tables which appear to be reservable in advance - though we're not sure how one goes about doing this. Getting there shortly after the doors opened at 7.30pm, and intending to eat before the music started circa. 9pm, we both ordered beef burger and chips with salad - delicious, although it was so dark in there we could barely see what we were eating, and it took a wee while to arrive. Drinks were reasonably priced too.

The music started earlier than expected, with an extra act squeezed in before the usual start time. Four other performers followed, each playing three songs each before an interval. After the interval, the idea is that they all come back on again and play three more songs. This proved a brilliant way of doing things, as it allows those with a long journey home or an early start the next day to enjoy all the acts before slipping off prior to the second half. All too often I've been to these kinds of music nights and, as a commuter, have had to leave without ever catching sight or sound of the lead act.

I was glad I got to see all the acts, too, because on the whole they were very, very good. In view of this it's amazing that entry is free. Yes, FREE! Presumably the attraction for these well-above-average acts to perform in front of a non-paying audience must be because it's filmed live as a webcast and beamed around the planet. We especially enjoyed Lizzie Dean and her amazing band. With a huge voice and a disarmingly modest manner, she sounded like a cross between Lisa Stansfield, Annie Lennox, and The Brand New Heavies - not at all what one expects at a free gig.

I see from their website that other music and comedy events are held throughout the week at this venue, and I'll definitely be going again. The only fly in the ointment was an inconsiderate couple that we had graciously allowed to share our table (all big bones, big hair, big beers, sappy smiles and smooching lips) who didn't pause to wonder if they might be both crowding our dinners and blocking our view. But hopefully you won't encounter them.Last night a friend and I went along to Wednesday's 'acoustic night' held in The Regal Room on the top floor of this attractive Hammersmith pub. I didn't get much of a look at the busy ground floor bar as we passed through it, but The Regal Room upstairs was a cosy function space with dark wood panelling, groovy flock wallpaper, candles, and chairs and tables which appear to be reservable in advance - though we're not sure how one goes about doing this. Getting there shortly after the doors opened at 7.30pm, and intending to eat before the music started circa. 9pm, we both ordered beef burger and chips with salad - delicious, although it was so dark in there we could barely see what we were eating, and it took a wee while to arrive. Drinks were reasonably priced too.

The music started earlier than expected, with an extra act squeezed in before the usual start time. Four other performers followed, each playing three songs each before an interval. After the interval, the idea is that they all come back on again and play three more songs. This proved a brilliant way of doing things, as it allows those with a long journey home or an early start the next day to enjoy all the acts before slipping off prior to the second half. All too often I've been to these kinds of music nights and, as a commuter, have had to leave without ever catching sight or sound of the lead act.

I was glad I got to see all the acts, too, because on the whole they were very, very good. In view of this it's amazing that entry is free. Yes, FREE! Presumably the attraction for these well-above-average acts to perform in front of a non-paying audience must be because it's filmed live as a webcast and beamed around the planet. We especially enjoyed Lizzie Dean and her amazing band. With a huge voice and a disarmingly modest manner, she sounded like a cross between Lisa Stansfield, Annie Lennox, and The Brand New Heavies - not at all what one expects at a free gig.

I see from their website that other music and comedy events are held throughout the week at this venue, and I'll definitely be going again. The only fly in the ointment was an inconsiderate couple that we had graciously allowed to share our table (all big bones, big hair, big beers, sappy smiles and smooching lips) who didn't pause to wonder if they might be both crowding our dinners and blocking our view. But hopefully you won't encounter them.

Lola & Simon - Argentinean & Kiwi Fusion by sue

sue — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:24:55 +0000

Review by sue

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8563 0300

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

Tags: lively, international, fusion

An impromptu dinner with friends one evening found us at Lola & Simon, near Hammersmith. The restaurant is owned by a couple - he is Argentinean, she is a New Zealander, and the food reflects this, drawing on both countries for inspiration and flavour. The name Lola & Simon apparently comes from the owner's dogs back in Buenos Aires.

I liked the look and feel of the restaurant, but wasn't so keen on the acoustics. Or maybe the table of 6 sitting near us in the mezzanine dining area were just particularly loud and annoying. And service was a little hit and miss, our main waiter didn't seem to be very experienced, but he meant well.

The food was pretty good for the most part. We started with the Argentinean Empanadas; and some New Zealand green-lipped mussels. Next was the Roasted rump of dukkha crusted New Zealand lamb with grilled eggplant and sweet potato mash; the Milanesa Napolitana with crispy potatoes; and the Seared then roasted cod fillet with crispy potatoes and mustard caper lentil dressing. For dessert we shared a couple of Rich chocolate brownies with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream.

The main courses were the highlight of the meal - I really enjoyed the flavours in the lamb dish and the cod looked great and was cooked just right.

The friendly Brazilian manager had a chat with us at the end of our meal and we learnt that he was looking after the place for a couple of weeks while the owners were on holiday. Apparently he usually works at the newish Princess Victoria (gastro)pub in Shepherds Bush which is getting rave reviews.
An impromptu dinner with friends one evening found us at Lola & Simon, near Hammersmith. The restaurant is owned by a couple - he is Argentinean, she is a New Zealander, and the food reflects this, drawing on both countries for inspiration and flavour. The name Lola & Simon apparently comes from the owner's dogs back in Buenos Aires.

I liked the look and feel of the restaurant, but wasn't so keen on the acoustics. Or maybe the table of 6 sitting near us in the mezzanine dining area were just particularly loud and annoying. And service was a little hit and miss, our main waiter didn't seem to be very experienced, but he meant well.

The food was pretty good for the most part. We started with the Argentinean Empanadas; and some New Zealand green-lipped mussels. Next was the Roasted rump of dukkha crusted New Zealand lamb with grilled eggplant and sweet potato mash; the Milanesa Napolitana with crispy potatoes; and the Seared then roasted cod fillet with crispy potatoes and mustard caper lentil dressing. For dessert we shared a couple of Rich chocolate brownies with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream.

The main courses were the highlight of the meal - I really enjoyed the flavours in the lamb dish and the cod looked great and was cooked just right.

The friendly Brazilian manager had a chat with us at the end of our meal and we learnt that he was looking after the place for a couple of weeks while the owners were on holiday. Apparently he usually works at the newish Princess Victoria (gastro)pub in Shepherds Bush which is getting rave reviews.

Carling Apollo Hammersmith - Best in Britain by nvgx7b

nvgx7b — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:18:11 +0000

Review by nvgx7b

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8748 8660

Website: http://www.london-apollo.co.uk

Best place to see a gig in the UK. Great sound and atmosphere, beautiful period features to the whole building. Friendly and helpful staff all around, and at music gigs they spend practically all their time providing water to the dehydrated moshers. Good location for easy transport into and out of london too.

I went to a heavy metal gig a few years back, and it was easily the best gig I have ever been fortunate enough to go to.

Queue was a bit long, ~1hour and all the way round the corner to get in, but it was worth it!Best place to see a gig in the UK. Great sound and atmosphere, beautiful period features to the whole building. Friendly and helpful staff all around, and at music gigs they spend practically all their time providing water to the dehydrated moshers. Good location for easy transport into and out of london too.

I went to a heavy metal gig a few years back, and it was easily the best gig I have ever been fortunate enough to go to.

Queue was a bit long, ~1hour and all the way round the corner to get in, but it was worth it!

Reun Thai - Hard to spot but well worth a visit by LukeG

LukeG — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:31:21 +0000

Review by LukeG

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8748 4881

Tags: thai, vegetarian dishes

I was at this tiny resturant on Saturday night with a group of friends. Although the restaurant is a little hard to spot, as it has no signs or boards out front, I was surprised how accomodating the restaurant was and how well nice the staff were.

The food was great and i am sorry if the other guests found us noisy, but hey its not everyday that 14 old uni friends meet and all of us throughly enjoyed our evening.

All in all I think the resturant has won itself 14 repeat customers...
I was at this tiny resturant on Saturday night with a group of friends. Although the restaurant is a little hard to spot, as it has no signs or boards out front, I was surprised how accomodating the restaurant was and how well nice the staff were.

The food was great and i am sorry if the other guests found us noisy, but hey its not everyday that 14 old uni friends meet and all of us throughly enjoyed our evening.

All in all I think the resturant has won itself 14 repeat customers...

Indian Zing - Amazing but expensive!! by drjohnson

drjohnson — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:41:04 +0000

Review by drjohnson

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8748 5959

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

Tags: indian, lively, takeaway

They certainly put a lot of food on your plate, you just can't finish it all. The waiters seem to be part of the family and it certainly has that feel. The food arrived very quickly and waiters were not too intrusive and of good nature. The price was rather steep but it has to be expected from that area and would recommend it to any one who wants not just a typical good curry but a realy culinary Indian experience. The deserts were wonderful, Iâ¬"ve never had such delicious sweet dishes in an Indian style restaurant in my entire life. I hope you can one day treat yourself to this award winning restaurant!They certainly put a lot of food on your plate, you just can't finish it all. The waiters seem to be part of the family and it certainly has that feel. The food arrived very quickly and waiters were not too intrusive and of good nature. The price was rather steep but it has to be expected from that area and would recommend it to any one who wants not just a typical good curry but a realy culinary Indian experience. The deserts were wonderful, Iâ¬"ve never had such delicious sweet dishes in an Indian style restaurant in my entire life. I hope you can one day treat yourself to this award winning restaurant!

Stenton Family Butchers - Proper, Professional and Passionate by gospitt

gospitt — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:02:39 +0000

Review by gospitt

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8748 6121

Tags: rare finds

What John and Perry don't know about meat is probably not worth knowing but if they don't they are open minded enough to learn. A brilliant solid service is provided by this great shop which keeps a great relationship with it's producers and also it's customer's. Willing to prepare the meat how you want it, you want your fore rub hung for a few more days, no problem. Take cash or cheque as they don't accept credit cards - which goes to show how many locals use this place as they keep coming back. What John and Perry don't know about meat is probably not worth knowing but if they don't they are open minded enough to learn. A brilliant solid service is provided by this great shop which keeps a great relationship with it's producers and also it's customer's. Willing to prepare the meat how you want it, you want your fore rub hung for a few more days, no problem. Take cash or cheque as they don't accept credit cards - which goes to show how many locals use this place as they keep coming back.

The Crabtree Tavern - Beer Garden of Eden by jezirwin

jezirwin — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:22:14 +0000

Review by jezirwin

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7385 3929

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

I have a certain fondness for pubs along the Thames, especially those with a beer garden - and the Crabtree has an absolute cracker. It's huge.

I've been here a few times and when the weather is right, I imagine it's pretty hard to beat - especially with a big group.

I understand on Sunday's they do roasts (winter) and bbq's (summer) - although I haven't tried either. Both occasions I have eaten there I have been somewhat disappointed, but I wasn't really going for the food.

A decent enough selection of tap beers, service was pretty/very slow last time I was there - granted it was quite busy.

It's a bit of a hike from the tube station.

Conclusion: All in all a great place to spend an afternoon in the sun* with a frosty cold beer or three.

* or London equivalent.I have a certain fondness for pubs along the Thames, especially those with a beer garden - and the Crabtree has an absolute cracker. It's huge.

I've been here a few times and when the weather is right, I imagine it's pretty hard to beat - especially with a big group.

I understand on Sunday's they do roasts (winter) and bbq's (summer) - although I haven't tried either. Both occasions I have eaten there I have been somewhat disappointed, but I wasn't really going for the food.

A decent enough selection of tap beers, service was pretty/very slow last time I was there - granted it was quite busy.

It's a bit of a hike from the tube station.

Conclusion: All in all a great place to spend an afternoon in the sun* with a frosty cold beer or three.

* or London equivalent.

Tosa - Thumbs up by moorej

moorej — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:37:30 +0000

Review by moorej

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8748 0002

Tags: japanese, lively, terrace

Ok, so it's close to where I work, but if you're looking for a good value Japanese with a decent selection of sashimi and a really rather wonderful pork belly dish in the Hammersmith area, then go and try. Staff always give you a warm welcome and I've never had any issue with the service...so enjoy!Ok, so it's close to where I work, but if you're looking for a good value Japanese with a decent selection of sashimi and a really rather wonderful pork belly dish in the Hammersmith area, then go and try. Staff always give you a warm welcome and I've never had any issue with the service...so enjoy!

Riverside Studios Cafe Bar - Quick, convinient, good food by Izabel_blue

Izabel_blue — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:27:47 +0000

Review by Izabel_blue

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8237 1057

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

Tags: friendly, beer garden, brasserie

The space is looking really dated these days but the Riverside Cafe Bar is still serving up some good grub - come here before the double bill at the cinema for good burgers, salads, and resonably priced cocktails and try to get a seat outside overlooking the Thames!

Top tip: the Sunday brunch is especially good - lots of options from a posh fry-up to lovely porridge. Yum! The space is looking really dated these days but the Riverside Cafe Bar is still serving up some good grub - come here before the double bill at the cinema for good burgers, salads, and resonably priced cocktails and try to get a seat outside overlooking the Thames!

Top tip: the Sunday brunch is especially good - lots of options from a posh fry-up to lovely porridge. Yum!

The Carpenter's Arms - Carpenters Arms by gridders

gridders — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:16:40 +0000

Review by gridders

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8741 8386

Tags: expensive, independent pub, gastropub

I was disappointed. Nice waitresses but zero attention to detail, having ordered a very nice bottle of bubbles we had to request an ice cooler. Food was ok but not fantastic. One the plus side there is a well heated garden for all you smokers, but I wouldnt rush back, over priced and over-rated.I was disappointed. Nice waitresses but zero attention to detail, having ordered a very nice bottle of bubbles we had to request an ice cooler. Food was ok but not fantastic. One the plus side there is a well heated garden for all you smokers, but I wouldnt rush back, over priced and over-rated.

Brook Green Hotel - appalling by petrayoung

petrayoung — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:07:50 +0000

Review by petrayoung

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7603 2516

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

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

this is possibly the worst pub meal i have had. the bar itself is very cosy and nice. however, the staff act as if you are disturbing them by wanting a drink (not that they even knew how to make a Bloody Mary), they then served my pie with none of the veggies or anything, i then complained and was bought out a bowl of very unappetising mashed potato (still no beans etc). my friend was over charged (refunded), but her 'green salad' consisted or a couple of lettuce leaves, one tomato, and one gerkin.

Dont go here if you want a nice pub meal. Atmosphere is nice though.this is possibly the worst pub meal i have had. the bar itself is very cosy and nice. however, the staff act as if you are disturbing them by wanting a drink (not that they even knew how to make a Bloody Mary), they then served my pie with none of the veggies or anything, i then complained and was bought out a bowl of very unappetising mashed potato (still no beans etc). my friend was over charged (refunded), but her 'green salad' consisted or a couple of lettuce leaves, one tomato, and one gerkin.

Dont go here if you want a nice pub meal. Atmosphere is nice though.