Latest reviews in Sloane Square, London, United Kingdom

Noura Belgravia - by TrustedBot

TrustedBot — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 18:20:08 +0000

Review by TrustedBot

Rating: 0.00

Phone: 020 7235 9444

Website: http://www.noura-brasseries.co.uk

Starting with the awards...The Gold Medal of Prestige Hospitality,
The Golden Fork of Lebanese Gastronomy, The Mood Food Restaurant of the Year 2005, The Best Vegetarian Restaurant of the Year 2005

So on to the restaurant itself. Noura Belgravia was the first of the Noura restaurants in London and combines sleek, contemporary lines with the best in Lebanese cuisine. At lunchtime the restaurant is divided into a brasserie for more informal lunch as well as a traditional restaurant for those who wish to indulge in the full menu. In the evening, the whole restaurant is set for fine dining with more al fresco eating in the bar area.

A Lebanese that´s just not like others. This wonderful find near Victoria offers fantastic, refined Middle Eastern cooking, including great starters, superb mezze and some very original dishes. It´s excellent in every sense with a sleek, generous space that evokes a feeling of intimacy making it good for a group (no wonder it attracts a smart crowd).

There´s an air of glamour about the place, with smartly suited waiters fandangoing between acres of starched clothed tables, largely populated by people who still dress for dinner. Formal it may be, but it´s not stuffy - conversation levels are high and there´s a great buzz.

Delicious Lebanese food in great variety and very attentive service are winning a loyal following for this upmarket, spacious and relaxed modern restaurant. Starting with the awards...The Gold Medal of Prestige Hospitality,
The Golden Fork of Lebanese Gastronomy, The Mood Food Restaurant of the Year 2005, The Best Vegetarian Restaurant of the Year 2005

Delicious Lebanese food in great variety and very attentive service are winning a loyal following for this upmarket, spacious and relaxed modern restaurant.

Buckingham Palace - REgal by carum

carum — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:02:36 +0000

Review by carum

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7321 2233

Tags: palace

Absolutely one of the best places to visit in the capital. The palace is incredibly attractive and there is a bunch of history that is well explained with the incorporated audio guide. A drawback is that there isnâ¬"t really that much to see I completed the tour in less than 2 hours and it isnâ¬"t exactly cheap.You are not allowed to take photographs within the palce.
I robustly propose that you buy tickets on-line prior to visiting so you can avoid having to queue in the morning
Overall, highly recommended unless you are on a fixed funds in which case just watch the changing of the guard.

Absolutely one of the best places to visit in the capital. The palace is incredibly attractive and there is a bunch of history that is well explained with the incorporated audio guide. A drawback is that there isnâ¬"t really that much to see I completed the tour in less than 2 hours and it isnâ¬"t exactly cheap.You are not allowed to take photographs within the palce.
I robustly propose that you buy tickets on-line prior to visiting so you can avoid having to queue in the morning
Overall, highly recommended unless you are on a fixed funds in which case just watch the changing of the guard.

L'Artisan Du Chocolat - by spokane12

spokane12 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:38:20 +0000

Review by spokane12

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7824 8365

Along with Paul A Young, this is one of my favourite chocolatier's in London. Again the sea salted caramels are great. I love anything with pistachio and I can find it here. The best thing is that L'artisan is on-line and they have normally been very careful when they send things so that they don't e.g. melt in extreme weather (like we get that up north!). I have only been once to the shop and found the assistant very helpful and willing to let you try before you buy. It only takes one or two good chocolates like these a day to make your day and fill you up. You can eat 50g and that is you unlike cheap British chocolate which can leave you feeling slightly ill because of all the fat and sugar. Visit the store or go on-line.Along with Paul A Young, this is one of my favourite chocolatier's in London. Again the sea salted caramels are great. I love anything with pistachio and I can find it here. The best thing is that L'artisan is on-line and they have normally been very careful when they send things so that they don't e.g. melt in extreme weather (like we get that up north!). I have only been once to the shop and found the assistant very helpful and willing to let you try before you buy. It only takes one or two good chocolates like these a day to make your day and fill you up. You can eat 50g and that is you unlike cheap British chocolate which can leave you feeling slightly ill because of all the fat and sugar. Visit the store or go on-line.

The Chocolate Society - Bland by spokane12

spokane12 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:04:31 +0000

Review by spokane12

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7259 9222

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

Tags: cosy, quiet & relaxed, cultured

I wandered in here as part of my personal chocolate tour around london after a trip to Belgium enjoying all their delicious delights. I left here feeling fairly underwhelmed. There are definitely better places around London for chocolate - pop into Nehaus. That, of course, is Belgian. Paul A Young in Camden Market is more ambitous and very British. I cannot quite put my finger on what this place lacks. The chocolate is okay but when you go to a chocolatier, you want the whole experience. I did not get that here.I wandered in here as part of my personal chocolate tour around london after a trip to Belgium enjoying all their delicious delights. I left here feeling fairly underwhelmed. There are definitely better places around London for chocolate - pop into Nehaus. That, of course, is Belgian. Paul A Young in Camden Market is more ambitous and very British. I cannot quite put my finger on what this place lacks. The chocolate is okay but when you go to a chocolatier, you want the whole experience. I did not get that here.

Royal Court Bar & Food - Nice, but just nice by gregwo

gregwo — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:28:19 +0000

Review by gregwo

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7565 5061

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

Tags: lively, good value, pretentious

Food and drink at the Royal Court is obviously going to be overpriced given that it is a theatre in Sloane Square, but bearing that in mind, the food is very good, but there's not much variety to the menu and not much for vegetarians. I had probably the best luxury burger I've ever had there. There atmosphere is good, if a little pretentious, and there's always the possibility of spotting a celebrity there.

The bar is nice with friendly staff and well stocked for a theatre bar with a nice and differing selection of small snacks at the bar from berry cupcakes to fresh flapjacks!Food and drink at the Royal Court is obviously going to be overpriced given that it is a theatre in Sloane Square, but bearing that in mind, the food is very good, but there's not much variety to the menu and not much for vegetarians. I had probably the best luxury burger I've ever had there. There atmosphere is good, if a little pretentious, and there's always the possibility of spotting a celebrity there.

The bar is nice with friendly staff and well stocked for a theatre bar with a nice and differing selection of small snacks at the bar from berry cupcakes to fresh flapjacks!

Krispy Kreme - Mmmmm Krispy Kreme :D by sp7uk69

sp7uk69 — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:31:20 +0000

Review by sp7uk69

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7630 7690

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

Tags: childrens parties

These are my favourite doughnuts. Since they were introduced i thank god that they aren't available in every store you go or i might be many pounds heavier than i am. I'm a total sucker for these doughnuts. They have the perfect recipe and are scrumptous, even my mum who doesn't like to eat many sweet things can't resist scoffing down two everytime i get some. They are available singlely or in boxes. There are a range of different coatings and flavours and they are always so fresh. They are great eaten as they are or if you have had some for a few days (Be warned this should never happen lol) they are great when heated up in a microwave or oven. The classic sugar coated one's are by far my favourite, even though the chocolate and caramel and various others flavoured one's look so much more appealing i find the classic one's taste the best and they smell so good they should make an air freshener of this aroma. They are highly priced and even though you have to pay over the odds the box of 12 is better off in the long run as they are high quality and once you have one you'll just want more and more. They are available in tesco's and harrods and certain stores but not as widely available as i would have liked. I don't know if this is a bad thing or a good one :)These are my favourite doughnuts. Since they were introduced i thank god that they aren't available in every store you go or i might be many pounds heavier than i am. I'm a total sucker for these doughnuts. They have the perfect recipe and are scrumptous, even my mum who doesn't like to eat many sweet things can't resist scoffing down two everytime i get some. They are available singlely or in boxes. There are a range of different coatings and flavours and they are always so fresh. They are great eaten as they are or if you have had some for a few days (Be warned this should never happen lol) they are great when heated up in a microwave or oven. The classic sugar coated one's are by far my favourite, even though the chocolate and caramel and various others flavoured one's look so much more appealing i find the classic one's taste the best and they smell so good they should make an air freshener of this aroma. They are highly priced and even though you have to pay over the odds the box of 12 is better off in the long run as they are high quality and once you have one you'll just want more and more. They are available in tesco's and harrods and certain stores but not as widely available as i would have liked. I don't know if this is a bad thing or a good one :)

Thorntons - thorntons by Cymru

Cymru — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:08:13 +0000

Review by Cymru

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 07788 144 529

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

Tags: truffles

Very friendly staff who are always willing to help in deciding the best gift to choose for a loved one.

This particular outlet has a larger than expected array or chocolates to choose from when considering the size of the outlet. Chocolates are available to buy singularly or in boxes/packs.

Seasonal treats are also available such as chocolate easter bunnies and christmas related shapes. Each product can be written on with icing in a message of your choosing quickly and easily by a member of staff on the til.

Gift bags are also available which makes Thorntons one of the first places i visit when buying a present.gnfgxVery friendly staff who are always willing to help in deciding the best gift to choose for a loved one.

This particular outlet has a larger than expected array or chocolates to choose from when considering the size of the outlet. Chocolates are available to buy singularly or in boxes/packs.

Seasonal treats are also available such as chocolate easter bunnies and christmas related shapes. Each product can be written on with icing in a message of your choosing quickly and easily by a member of staff on the til.

Gift bags are also available which makes Thorntons one of the first places i visit when buying a present.gnfgx

Hunan - Ooof by hollowlegs

hollowlegs — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 10:56:20 +0000

Review by hollowlegs

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7730 5712

Tags: chinese, good value, lively

When I heard about Hunan, about 6 months ago, I had to go. A Chinese restaurant, named after the region in China known for it's liberal use of chillis. Perfect! Although they do claim that their food isn't strictly Hunanese on their website, what sealed the deal for me is that they don't offer menus. Instead, they bring you out food of the choice of the kitchen and don't stop until they tell you to.

So, tonight was the night. We arrived in Sloane Square, feeling a touch out of place, being the scruff bags that we are. The restaurant is not your typical Chinatown caff, but rather a sleeker affair. Extremely courteous staff sat us down, and away we went, furnished with a bottle of Chilean Sauvingnon Blanc.

To start, we also had marinated cucumber and some peanuts. A soup came out, steamed in a bamboo cup. A deeply savoury broth with ginger, shiitake mushrooms and pork mince came out accompanied by chicken mince in a lettuce leaf with a sauce to drizzle over it. We didn't know where to start really. The soup was gorgeous and the lettuce wrap a really pleasing texture contrast.

Next came some spicy green beans, in a light tempura-like batter. I must attempt to make these at home; not a hint of grease, but a pleasing amount of crunch, garnished with spring onion and mild(ish) chillis.

The salmon and snapper roll was interesting, but flavour-wise it was somewhat bland. I think it was meant to be, as it was quite refreshing on the palate.

In quick succession came one of my favourites of the meal - pork belly braised with star anise and ginger. The pork belly fell apart with a prod of the chopsticks - it was unctuous and melted in the mouth. I wanted more.

Various dumplings followed, some memorable, others not so. In particular a king prawn dumpling stuffed with a fish mousse and water chestnuts was particularly clever, and tasty. A prawn-topped bitter melon didn't reveal any hint of bitterness, but was well executed and beautifully presented. Tofu parcels came out, confusingly called "turkey wrapped ham" by the server. Debate between us quickly ensued - the boyfriend berudgingly admitted it was tofu, and deliciously so. Lamb parcels then came out, which reminded us of a gourmet version of sesame prawn toast; covered in sesame seeds, the lamb was barely there but enough to make it's mark. A spicy beef dish was amazingly tender, and perfumed with the smoky dried chillies nicely.

Finally, the big dishes came out. "Are you too full?" enquired the waiter. "Keep it coming!" Steamed sea bass in ginger and spring onion was perfectly cooked, and served from the beast table side. It proved to me that the restaurant didn't need to make any fancy dumplings or rolls for it to show that they can cook well.

Bewilderingly so, we were then given crispy duck and pancakes. Perfectly nice, but we did wonder if it was a mere filler.

Next, came Twice Cooked Pork in Lotus Leaves with egg fried rice and stir-fried veg. This really did top us off. The pork was a little dry, but the sauce was dark, rich and fruity.

We finally ducked out when the boyfriend gasped: "Enough! I'm done". I scoffed at him, even sulked a bit but clearly he knew better; after a small dessert of home made red bean balls, stuffed pancake and coconut jelly, I was fit to burst. We waddled off into the night, after having been eating for almost 3 hours. I'm still full now; I'm not sure sleeping is a good idea at the moment.

There is an element of trust when it comes to the bill as it was indecipherable, but it was very reasonable indeed. If you're not a fusspot, I suggest you go.When I heard about Hunan, about 6 months ago, I had to go. A Chinese restaurant, named after the region in China known for it's liberal use of chillis. Perfect! Although they do claim that their food isn't strictly Hunanese on their website, what sealed the deal for me is that they don't offer menus. Instead, they bring you out food of the choice of the kitchen and don't stop until they tell you to.

So, tonight was the night. We arrived in Sloane Square, feeling a touch out of place, being the scruff bags that we are. The restaurant is not your typical Chinatown caff, but rather a sleeker affair. Extremely courteous staff sat us down, and away we went, furnished with a bottle of Chilean Sauvingnon Blanc.

To start, we also had marinated cucumber and some peanuts. A soup came out, steamed in a bamboo cup. A deeply savoury broth with ginger, shiitake mushrooms and pork mince came out accompanied by chicken mince in a lettuce leaf with a sauce to drizzle over it. We didn't know where to start really. The soup was gorgeous and the lettuce wrap a really pleasing texture contrast.

Next came some spicy green beans, in a light tempura-like batter. I must attempt to make these at home; not a hint of grease, but a pleasing amount of crunch, garnished with spring onion and mild(ish) chillis.

The salmon and snapper roll was interesting, but flavour-wise it was somewhat bland. I think it was meant to be, as it was quite refreshing on the palate.

In quick succession came one of my favourites of the meal - pork belly braised with star anise and ginger. The pork belly fell apart with a prod of the chopsticks - it was unctuous and melted in the mouth. I wanted more.

Various dumplings followed, some memorable, others not so. In particular a king prawn dumpling stuffed with a fish mousse and water chestnuts was particularly clever, and tasty. A prawn-topped bitter melon didn't reveal any hint of bitterness, but was well executed and beautifully presented. Tofu parcels came out, confusingly called "turkey wrapped ham" by the server. Debate between us quickly ensued - the boyfriend berudgingly admitted it was tofu, and deliciously so. Lamb parcels then came out, which reminded us of a gourmet version of sesame prawn toast; covered in sesame seeds, the lamb was barely there but enough to make it's mark. A spicy beef dish was amazingly tender, and perfumed with the smoky dried chillies nicely.

Finally, the big dishes came out. "Are you too full?" enquired the waiter. "Keep it coming!" Steamed sea bass in ginger and spring onion was perfectly cooked, and served from the beast table side. It proved to me that the restaurant didn't need to make any fancy dumplings or rolls for it to show that they can cook well.

Bewilderingly so, we were then given crispy duck and pancakes. Perfectly nice, but we did wonder if it was a mere filler.

Next, came Twice Cooked Pork in Lotus Leaves with egg fried rice and stir-fried veg. This really did top us off. The pork was a little dry, but the sauce was dark, rich and fruity.

We finally ducked out when the boyfriend gasped: "Enough! I'm done". I scoffed at him, even sulked a bit but clearly he knew better; after a small dessert of home made red bean balls, stuffed pancake and coconut jelly, I was fit to burst. We waddled off into the night, after having been eating for almost 3 hours. I'm still full now; I'm not sure sleeping is a good idea at the moment.

There is an element of trust when it comes to the bill as it was indecipherable, but it was very reasonable indeed. If you're not a fusspot, I suggest you go.

Il Convivio - Great little Italian by Sallypuss

Sallypuss — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:45:32 +0000

Review by Sallypuss

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7730 4099

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

Tags: italian, business, good value

Great Italian restaurant just off the beaten track. Food is consistently excellent and made to order. One of my favourite places in the area.Great Italian restaurant just off the beaten track. Food is consistently excellent and made to order. One of my favourite places in the area.

Swag & Tails - posh pub grub by petrus

petrus — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:20:03 +0000

Review by petrus

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7584 6926

Tags: relaxed, independent pub, food

The Swag and Tails is a small pub hidden on a South Kensington backstreet on the way to Knightsbridge. Bernie Ecclestone can be spotted here lunching from time to time and this may give you some idea of what to expect; it's not your standard London boozer.

I had lunch there today with that blissful feeling that comes with the knowledge that someone else is paying, in this case my work were shaking out the moths from the corporate wallet and picking up the tab. This is an occasion as rare as spotting a red squirrel in the churchyard nearby and so I cherished it accordingly.

The menu is a slightly odd mix of clearly French influenced cooking, with a nod here and there to modern british and right on ingredients, such as Pollack. There are about 6 starters, ranging from soup to the seared foie gras at Â£10.95 that I plumped for. To my mind if you are going to have foie gras with all the attendant guilt, then seared is the way to go. You can keep your terrines, your pates, cappuccinos or custards, just a very hot pan, coloured on both sides, finished in the oven and taste bud ecstasy is guaranteed.

In this case the chef had decided to add a few bells and whistles to the main event. In fact he or she may have got a little carried away with the squeezy sauce bottle as it came out on a plate that had been deluged in coloured squiggles . The liver, with an appealing brown crust, was on top of a granary crouton, which itself was on a spiced pear compote. The final flourish was a black pepper tuile, otherwise known as wafer with a bit of black pepper on it. As one of my companions commented, "It looks more like a dessert than a starter!" Although all the other components were tasty enough in their own right, and some, the pears, complemented the liver well, overall the dish was overdone in effort. A simpler presentation and fewer flavours on the plate would have allowed the excellently cooked piece of foie gras to shine more clearly.

For the main I had sautÃ©ed loin of rabbit, with smoked black pudding and a broad bean and pear salad from a longer list including more simple pub fare such as a burger and steak sandwich. This was a very good dish; the rabbit had been timed beautifully, with a good colour outside and succulent inside. I have never had smoked black pudding before, but I would certainly like to have it again. The smokiness went brilliantly with the rich, crumbly pudding. The salad gave a lighter, summery note to the dish, and I could have almost managed to describe it all as healthy, had it not been for that pesky order of shoestring friesâ¬¦

The Swag and Tails seems to have a good chef in the kitchen, this is not a pie and chips pub, I guess your average billionaire wants a tad more sophistication when they go out to lunch. The prices are pretty high, but that comes with the turf. The main for example was around Â£15, which is punchy pricing for a pub. I would definitely recommend it, as long as someone else is paying!

The Swag and Tails is a small pub hidden on a South Kensington backstreet on the way to Knightsbridge. Bernie Ecclestone can be spotted here lunching from time to time and this may give you some idea of what to expect; it's not your standard London boozer.

I had lunch there today with that blissful feeling that comes with the knowledge that someone else is paying, in this case my work were shaking out the moths from the corporate wallet and picking up the tab. This is an occasion as rare as spotting a red squirrel in the churchyard nearby and so I cherished it accordingly.

The menu is a slightly odd mix of clearly French influenced cooking, with a nod here and there to modern british and right on ingredients, such as Pollack. There are about 6 starters, ranging from soup to the seared foie gras at Â£10.95 that I plumped for. To my mind if you are going to have foie gras with all the attendant guilt, then seared is the way to go. You can keep your terrines, your pates, cappuccinos or custards, just a very hot pan, coloured on both sides, finished in the oven and taste bud ecstasy is guaranteed.

In this case the chef had decided to add a few bells and whistles to the main event. In fact he or she may have got a little carried away with the squeezy sauce bottle as it came out on a plate that had been deluged in coloured squiggles . The liver, with an appealing brown crust, was on top of a granary crouton, which itself was on a spiced pear compote. The final flourish was a black pepper tuile, otherwise known as wafer with a bit of black pepper on it. As one of my companions commented, "It looks more like a dessert than a starter!" Although all the other components were tasty enough in their own right, and some, the pears, complemented the liver well, overall the dish was overdone in effort. A simpler presentation and fewer flavours on the plate would have allowed the excellently cooked piece of foie gras to shine more clearly.

For the main I had sautÃ©ed loin of rabbit, with smoked black pudding and a broad bean and pear salad from a longer list including more simple pub fare such as a burger and steak sandwich. This was a very good dish; the rabbit had been timed beautifully, with a good colour outside and succulent inside. I have never had smoked black pudding before, but I would certainly like to have it again. The smokiness went brilliantly with the rich, crumbly pudding. The salad gave a lighter, summery note to the dish, and I could have almost managed to describe it all as healthy, had it not been for that pesky order of shoestring friesâ¬¦

The Swag and Tails seems to have a good chef in the kitchen, this is not a pie and chips pub, I guess your average billionaire wants a tad more sophistication when they go out to lunch. The prices are pretty high, but that comes with the turf. The main for example was around Â£15, which is punchy pricing for a pub. I would definitely recommend it, as long as someone else is paying!

Benihana - Rev-up your time machine back to 1980 by pretzel

pretzel — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:50:09 +0000

Review by pretzel

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7376 7799

Website: http://www.benihana.com

Tags: japanese, live music, smoking

I experienced Benihana for the first, and most definitely last time, last night. If i'd dressed up in shoulder pads, stepped out of my gold capri and been arm in arm with a nice man sporting a moustache and 'burns, I couldn't have felt more back to 1980.
The 'reception' area is like a hotel foyer of the naffest kind. I assume they're used to truck loads of tourists and felt the need to pen my friend and I in there, refusing to allow us to go through to the restaurant area until the rest of our party of 10 had arrived.
Finally through to the restaurant area. I'm now in danger of sounding like Alan Whicker, but then the 'dinner theatre' began. x2 chefs set light to the teppanyaki plates, piled high onion rings into spouting volcanos, and fried up bits of fish, meat and seafood. At Â£18/head any restaurant would represent good value, but the food was bland beyond belief, totally inauthentic and frankly cheap and nasty. Since when did japanese food come with egg friend rice and onion soup? Since when did Japanese food come with horseradish dip, rather than wasabi? Benihana should have diversified in 1980 and gone into the Vesta Curry ready meal-market. It'd have been a totally natural brand extension.I experienced Benihana for the first, and most definitely last time, last night. If i'd dressed up in shoulder pads, stepped out of my gold capri and been arm in arm with a nice man sporting a moustache and 'burns, I couldn't have felt more back to 1980.
The 'reception' area is like a hotel foyer of the naffest kind. I assume they're used to truck loads of tourists and felt the need to pen my friend and I in there, refusing to allow us to go through to the restaurant area until the rest of our party of 10 had arrived.
Finally through to the restaurant area. I'm now in danger of sounding like Alan Whicker, but then the 'dinner theatre' began. x2 chefs set light to the teppanyaki plates, piled high onion rings into spouting volcanos, and fried up bits of fish, meat and seafood. At Â£18/head any restaurant would represent good value, but the food was bland beyond belief, totally inauthentic and frankly cheap and nasty. Since when did japanese food come with egg friend rice and onion soup? Since when did Japanese food come with horseradish dip, rather than wasabi? Benihana should have diversified in 1980 and gone into the Vesta Curry ready meal-market. It'd have been a totally natural brand extension.

The Botanist - Ticks all the boxes by DanWilkinson

DanWilkinson — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:18:10 +0000

Review by DanWilkinson

Rating: 4.00

Website: http://www.thebotanistonsloanesquare.com/

Tags: lively, crowded, brasserie

Had dinner here recently with a friend on the recommendation of the missus, who'd had some cocktails at the bar a while back and proclaimed it well worth a visit. Have to say I was very impressed.

First off, the service was tremendous. Our waitress seemed to know the menu back to front, gently upsold us without being pushy and was just the right side of attentive. Really well-executed service is such a rare thing, especially in London, that it deserves a mention, I think.

On the booze front, the wine list, whilst extensive, was a little on the pricey side even for the area. This is the sole reason for the dropped star - there's really no excuse for it and the likes of Arbutus do a much better job of it.

Food-wise, all the quality you'd expect is there, with the menu brief but well-chosen. Suckling pig and rib-eye steak both arrived perfectly cooked, and the starter of a smoked chicken and foie gras terrine was sufficiently lavish and rich. A beautifully-kept and extremely generous cheeseboard provided a great finish to a very pleasant evening.

On the whole, good for groups or being out with a friend - not sure I'd take the missus here on a 'date' to be honest as it's not what you'd call intimate, but if you're looking for somewhere that's relaxed whilst still being top notch on the quality front, you can do much, much worse indeed in this location. Had dinner here recently with a friend on the recommendation of the missus, who'd had some cocktails at the bar a while back and proclaimed it well worth a visit. Have to say I was very impressed.

First off, the service was tremendous. Our waitress seemed to know the menu back to front, gently upsold us without being pushy and was just the right side of attentive. Really well-executed service is such a rare thing, especially in London, that it deserves a mention, I think.

On the booze front, the wine list, whilst extensive, was a little on the pricey side even for the area. This is the sole reason for the dropped star - there's really no excuse for it and the likes of Arbutus do a much better job of it.

Food-wise, all the quality you'd expect is there, with the menu brief but well-chosen. Suckling pig and rib-eye steak both arrived perfectly cooked, and the starter of a smoked chicken and foie gras terrine was sufficiently lavish and rich. A beautifully-kept and extremely generous cheeseboard provided a great finish to a very pleasant evening.

On the whole, good for groups or being out with a friend - not sure I'd take the missus here on a 'date' to be honest as it's not what you'd call intimate, but if you're looking for somewhere that's relaxed whilst still being top notch on the quality front, you can do much, much worse indeed in this location.

Scalini - the best by BRP

BRP — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:57:53 +0000

Review by BRP

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7225 2301

Tags: italian, lively, expensive

This is not just one of the best Italian restaurants in London but one the best in any cuisine.

I was there recently with a friend, we had a Dover Sole each for main course and shared another fo dessert! - They are absolutely superb.

The ambience and noise make this the wonderful restaurant it is - if you can't have a good time here you have a problem! This applies to both lunchtimes and evenings.

Not cheap but worth every penny - the old adage of "you only get what you pay for" is exemplified here.

Absolutely brilliant.

This is not just one of the best Italian restaurants in London but one the best in any cuisine.

I was there recently with a friend, we had a Dover Sole each for main course and shared another fo dessert! - They are absolutely superb.

The ambience and noise make this the wonderful restaurant it is - if you can't have a good time here you have a problem! This applies to both lunchtimes and evenings.

Not cheap but worth every penny - the old adage of "you only get what you pay for" is exemplified here.

Absolutely brilliant.

Poilane - sliced bread by mazphd

mazphd — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:42:47 +0000

Review by mazphd

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7808 4910

Tags: rare finds, helpful staff, healthy food

oh this place is so sweet, but it's the aroma of perfectly baked loaves that makes my stomach rumble most.

Everything is baked freshly, daily and with panache to give variety of some really extraudinary and satisfying breads: their milk bread (slow-made, so i'm informed) is ideal for picnic sandwiches or just under toasting and spreading with lashings of quality thick marmalade. YUM!

Ingredients are freshely sourced, and flour stone-ground: And this in the world of bread making is supremely important! As a resulf loaves take on a smooth texture and lightness that tempts any taste buds. I remember the light golden crust of the rye and raison loaf I bought, but do not remember finishing it quite so quickly!

My experience is always happy one where fine flour means loaves are for tearing and eating fresh; and if you're feeling friendly sharing with others! And what could be better than sliced bread!oh this place is so sweet, but it's the aroma of perfectly baked loaves that makes my stomach rumble most.

Everything is baked freshly, daily and with panache to give variety of some really extraudinary and satisfying breads: their milk bread (slow-made, so i'm informed) is ideal for picnic sandwiches or just under toasting and spreading with lashings of quality thick marmalade. YUM!

Ingredients are freshely sourced, and flour stone-ground: And this in the world of bread making is supremely important! As a resulf loaves take on a smooth texture and lightness that tempts any taste buds. I remember the light golden crust of the rye and raison loaf I bought, but do not remember finishing it quite so quickly!

My experience is always happy one where fine flour means loaves are for tearing and eating fresh; and if you're feeling friendly sharing with others! And what could be better than sliced bread!

B-Bar & Restaurant - Beware the double-tip by VICTORVAN

VICTORVAN — Fri, 30 May 2008 17:16:35 +0000

Review by VICTORVAN

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7958 7000

Tags: lively, expensive, bar

I took a party of my work colleagues here for a leaving do. The food was pretty good, and the service was efficient.

When the bill arrived (for about Â£450) I noticed that 12.5% service charge had been added. This is fair enough, but on this occasion half the expenditure had been on drinks consumed at the bar before the meal -- you wouldn't normally give a 12.5% tip in a pub!

I was then asked by two different waitresses if I'd like to give a "tip" on top of this.

Of course the "double-tip" scam is still widespread, although you won't find it at the really best restaurants. When you then don't give a "tip" as well as the "service" you're made to feel mean.

So be warned! I took a party of my work colleagues here for a leaving do. The food was pretty good, and the service was efficient.

When the bill arrived (for about Â£450) I noticed that 12.5% service charge had been added. This is fair enough, but on this occasion half the expenditure had been on drinks consumed at the bar before the meal -- you wouldn't normally give a 12.5% tip in a pub!

I was then asked by two different waitresses if I'd like to give a "tip" on top of this.

Of course the "double-tip" scam is still widespread, although you won't find it at the really best restaurants. When you then don't give a "tip" as well as the "service" you're made to feel mean.

So be warned!

Top Floor @ Peter Jones - Crowded, noisy and only OK by Izabel_blue

Izabel_blue — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:31:51 +0000

Review by Izabel_blue

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7730 3434

Tags: crowded, lively, good brew

There aren't many places to stop for a decent coffee and cake around Sloane Square and there is almost always room to sit upstairs at Peter Jones. The food is good enough (for the price), the coffee is OK, but the wonderful views are most likely obstructed by screaming kiddies running rampant around the place.

On the flip side, this is a very child-friendly place - lots of thought has gone into children's options, etc.

It's *very* popular at weekends though decent during the week. I'd avoid at peak shopping times. There aren't many places to stop for a decent coffee and cake around Sloane Square and there is almost always room to sit upstairs at Peter Jones. The food is good enough (for the price), the coffee is OK, but the wonderful views are most likely obstructed by screaming kiddies running rampant around the place.

On the flip side, this is a very child-friendly place - lots of thought has gone into children's options, etc.

It's *very* popular at weekends though decent during the week. I'd avoid at peak shopping times.