Latest reviews in Somerstown, London, United Kingdom

Square Pie - Decent feed by greedoe

greedoe — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:20:33 +0000

Review by greedoe

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7837 6207

Website: http://www.squarepie.com

They do pies, mash, peas and gravy.

All sorts of pies, really nice mash (with the skins on) and nice thick gravy.

Not the cheapest place for lunch - it'll set you back a tenner with drink - but you're pretty much guaranteed not to need anything else to eat for the rest of the day.They do pies, mash, peas and gravy.

All sorts of pies, really nice mash (with the skins on) and nice thick gravy.

Not the cheapest place for lunch - it'll set you back a tenner with drink - but you're pretty much guaranteed not to need anything else to eat for the rest of the day.

Archipelago - Fun, but not for the squeamish by char23

char23 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:17:41 +0000

Review by char23

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7383 3346

Tags: lively, terrace, expensive

With a menu full of things like kangaroo and chocolate-covered scorpions, this restaurant is for adventurous eaters. I loved the atmosphere, and the staff were all very friendly and helpful. It's a bit expensive, but worth the experience! With a menu full of things like kangaroo and chocolate-covered scorpions, this restaurant is for adventurous eaters. I loved the atmosphere, and the staff were all very friendly and helpful. It's a bit expensive, but worth the experience!

The Green Man - A quiet retreat from Oxford Street by thamshere

thamshere — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:26:49 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7307 9981

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

An off-track gem. Just around the corner from the excellent SohoJapan, the Green Man offers a superb range of ciders and beer, all well kept, including the very dangerous Green Man Special. Drink by the half!

Thursdays sees a regular DJ lining up a fine selection of modern indie & rock. If it gets too loud inside, try the tables outside or the upstairs room (which can be hired out with a Â£300 bar bill minimum). The upstairs room is very private and sports its own jukebox and although it doesn't have a bar has some very, very comfortable seating.

The food is always good and given the price of some gastropubs definitely on the reasonably-priced side. Excellent burgers.

Staff are friendly and helpful.An off-track gem. Just around the corner from the excellent SohoJapan, the Green Man offers a superb range of ciders and beer, all well kept, including the very dangerous Green Man Special. Drink by the half!

Thursdays sees a regular DJ lining up a fine selection of modern indie & rock. If it gets too loud inside, try the tables outside or the upstairs room (which can be hired out with a Â£300 bar bill minimum). The upstairs room is very private and sports its own jukebox and although it doesn't have a bar has some very, very comfortable seating.

The food is always good and given the price of some gastropubs definitely on the reasonably-priced side. Excellent burgers.

Staff are friendly and helpful.

Soho Japan - Traditional Perfection by thamshere

thamshere — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:16:29 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7323 4661

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

Tags: japanese, good value, business

SohoJapan (in Noho) provides excellent food at very reasonable prices in this unpretentious, family run Japanese restaurant. I couldn't fault a single dish and a few were really excellent. The Yaki Gyoza and the Shitake Mushrooms Stuffed with Chicken were both miniature taste sensations. It isn't anything spectacularly original, but all done to traditional perfection.

The cocktails aren't bad with the two green-tea options being refreshingly original.

It is a bit of a trek from anywhere, but its location means you can get a seat on a weekday evening. I've heard that it's packed every lunchtime and I can see why.

I've yet to try the sushi or sashimi but given the quality of the hot dish selection I enjoyed yesterday, I'm very much looking forward to it.

The only downside I can think of is the setting. It's very much a place that is accustomed to large crowds and a quiet weekday evening left it feeling rather empty, though this did result in excellent service so I can't complain too much.

Total price for two to stuff themselves, plus 4 cocktails & service: Â£67. Not bad at all.SohoJapan (in Noho) provides excellent food at very reasonable prices in this unpretentious, family run Japanese restaurant. I couldn't fault a single dish and a few were really excellent. The Yaki Gyoza and the Shitake Mushrooms Stuffed with Chicken were both miniature taste sensations. It isn't anything spectacularly original, but all done to traditional perfection.

The cocktails aren't bad with the two green-tea options being refreshingly original.

It is a bit of a trek from anywhere, but its location means you can get a seat on a weekday evening. I've heard that it's packed every lunchtime and I can see why.

I've yet to try the sushi or sashimi but given the quality of the hot dish selection I enjoyed yesterday, I'm very much looking forward to it.

The only downside I can think of is the setting. It's very much a place that is accustomed to large crowds and a quiet weekday evening left it feeling rather empty, though this did result in excellent service so I can't complain too much.

Total price for two to stuff themselves, plus 4 cocktails & service: Â£67. Not bad at all.

El Parador - It's as good as everyone says by Buraco

Buraco — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:27:41 +0000

Review by Buraco

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7387 2789

Tags: spanish, good value, family & home feel

I believe I've just had a perfect Trusted Places experience. I mean, this is exactly what this site was created for.

I had 2 sisters (one eating for two) and their other halves in town for the weekend. The theatre tickets were sorted, just needed a good eatery to round out Saturday.

It was short notice, but I knew I wanted somewhere pretty close to home, good vibe, not a wallet killer and my sisters both love Spanish food. Quick search on TP revealed El Parador. The recommendations from a couple of reliable people spoke for themselves, so I got the number and booked us in.

I would never have found or thought of this place without TP. And it was as good as Mez, soks and all the other reviewers said it was.

My recommendations: chicken thighs are the best thing we had (and we had most of the menu!), roasted sweet potato, chicken liver, meatballs should be ordered.

I would not recommend the grilled halibut, which was very low on flavour. However, I pointed out to the very friendly waitress that the halibut disappointed me, and she promptly insisted we wouldn't pay for it.

All in all a first rate eatery. Totally unpretentious, extemely tasty, swift and friendly service and excellent value (5 people, 3 bottles of wine, about 20 dishes, all for Â£30 per head).

I'll see you there soon.I believe I've just had a perfect Trusted Places experience. I mean, this is exactly what this site was created for.

I had 2 sisters (one eating for two) and their other halves in town for the weekend. The theatre tickets were sorted, just needed a good eatery to round out Saturday.

It was short notice, but I knew I wanted somewhere pretty close to home, good vibe, not a wallet killer and my sisters both love Spanish food. Quick search on TP revealed El Parador. The recommendations from a couple of reliable people spoke for themselves, so I got the number and booked us in.

I would never have found or thought of this place without TP. And it was as good as Mez, soks and all the other reviewers said it was.

My recommendations: chicken thighs are the best thing we had (and we had most of the menu!), roasted sweet potato, chicken liver, meatballs should be ordered.

I would not recommend the grilled halibut, which was very low on flavour. However, I pointed out to the very friendly waitress that the halibut disappointed me, and she promptly insisted we wouldn't pay for it.

All in all a first rate eatery. Totally unpretentious, extemely tasty, swift and friendly service and excellent value (5 people, 3 bottles of wine, about 20 dishes, all for Â£30 per head).

I'll see you there soon.

Ciao Bella - favoloso by mazphd

mazphd — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:45:06 +0000

Review by mazphd

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7242 4119

Tags: italian, lively, crowded

favoloso as the Italians say. This place is a great little venue in such an upcoming and 'trendy' part of town. Overspill onto the street to people watch. But best of all before you even set sights on this eaterie as you turn down Guilford Place there's a wonderful aroma in the air, spices, garlic and tomatoes. All the best of home cooked Italian.

Best of all the menu's a sweet treat of the mostly sterotypical made just like mama dishes. Pasta and Pizza feature heavily and everything is freshly prepared and with such zeal ! I saw one waiter so charming with his service that the couple who had come only for coffee stayed for a three course luncheon, complete with a bottle of wine. If only we were all so easily swayed.

Wine here could be better. But prices are so reasonable that one can overlook this.

I'm looking forward to being in this part of the city again, so i can follow my nose and catch the real italian spices in the air again. Yum favoloso as the Italians say. This place is a great little venue in such an upcoming and 'trendy' part of town. Overspill onto the street to people watch. But best of all before you even set sights on this eaterie as you turn down Guilford Place there's a wonderful aroma in the air, spices, garlic and tomatoes. All the best of home cooked Italian.

Best of all the menu's a sweet treat of the mostly sterotypical made just like mama dishes. Pasta and Pizza feature heavily and everything is freshly prepared and with such zeal ! I saw one waiter so charming with his service that the couple who had come only for coffee stayed for a three course luncheon, complete with a bottle of wine. If only we were all so easily swayed.

Wine here could be better. But prices are so reasonable that one can overlook this.

I'm looking forward to being in this part of the city again, so i can follow my nose and catch the real italian spices in the air again. Yum

Andrea's - Not up to Charlotte Street standards by Litro_K

Litro_K — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:42:17 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7580 8971

Website: http://www.andreas-restaurant.co.uk

Tags: greek, terrace, vegetarian dishes

I went here for a large work lunch for 10 people and was disappointed with the decor, quality of food and strange, overbearing service. Considering most of the restaurants on Charlotte Street are pretty foolproof, Andrea's sticks out as a bit of a relic from the 60s, with dishes and furnishings to match. The menu is no doubt authentic but the food not especially palatable, and I've eaten better mezze at any branch of The Real Greek.

It's a shame, because I guess many agree with me in thinking that there are many finer options to be had on this street - I've noticed that Andrea's is almost empty at lunchtimes when all the other restaurants on the road are heaving...I went here for a large work lunch for 10 people and was disappointed with the decor, quality of food and strange, overbearing service. Considering most of the restaurants on Charlotte Street are pretty foolproof, Andrea's sticks out as a bit of a relic from the 60s, with dishes and furnishings to match. The menu is no doubt authentic but the food not especially palatable, and I've eaten better mezze at any branch of The Real Greek.

It's a shame, because I guess many agree with me in thinking that there are many finer options to be had on this street - I've noticed that Andrea's is almost empty at lunchtimes when all the other restaurants on the road are heaving...

myhotel Bloomsbury - Poncy and pointless bar by coldclimate

coldclimate — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:58:04 +0000

Review by coldclimate

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7667 6000

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

Tags: bar, rubbish, expensive

I've no idea what the hotel is like, I hope it's lovely, but I went into their bar for a few drinks at an event and was horrified. Â£4.50 for a bottle of larger form the fridge, plus a 12% service charge. Thats 12% covers the cost of having a for a quiff touting failed male model who ignores you, finally takes your order, sniffs at not getting to show off his bar flair because you only ordered a beer and then opens the bottle and places it on a napkin on the bar top.

The actual room itself (sorry - two rooms - there is an annex at the back for events) are about the size of my hotel room, brightly lit with low hanging lightbulbs, and amazingly noisy because the walls are paneled. There was food available, but given that a gin and tonic was nearly a tenner all in, I couldn't have afforded the petit-pois on ryetoast, or whatever nu-cuisine rubbish they were selling.I've no idea what the hotel is like, I hope it's lovely, but I went into their bar for a few drinks at an event and was horrified. Â£4.50 for a bottle of larger form the fridge, plus a 12% service charge. Thats 12% covers the cost of having a for a quiff touting failed male model who ignores you, finally takes your order, sniffs at not getting to show off his bar flair because you only ordered a beer and then opens the bottle and places it on a napkin on the bar top.

The actual room itself (sorry - two rooms - there is an annex at the back for events) are about the size of my hotel room, brightly lit with low hanging lightbulbs, and amazingly noisy because the walls are paneled. There was food available, but given that a gin and tonic was nearly a tenner all in, I couldn't have afforded the petit-pois on ryetoast, or whatever nu-cuisine rubbish they were selling.

Fino Restaurant - Mucho bueno by gastro1

gastro1 — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 22:59:59 +0000

Review by gastro1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7813 8010

Website: http://www.finorestaurant.com/

Tags: spanish, expensive, lively

Sam and Eddie Hart should be congratulated for Fino and Barafina.

If you want Iberian food made with high quality well sourced ingredients in a great environment then the boys deliver !

Together with Cambio de Tercio in Chelsea this is where I go for my Spanish fix !

Come on Spaniards ( Cambio de Tercio excepted) are you going to let a coupple of Brits show you how its done !

Vamos !Sam and Eddie Hart should be congratulated for Fino and Barafina.

If you want Iberian food made with high quality well sourced ingredients in a great environment then the boys deliver !

Together with Cambio de Tercio in Chelsea this is where I go for my Spanish fix !

Come on Spaniards ( Cambio de Tercio excepted) are you going to let a coupple of Brits show you how its done !

Vamos !

Curry Leaf - Slow and cold by Wiggy

Wiggy — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 12:29:58 +0000

Review by Wiggy

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7436 7402

Tags: lively, takeaway, indian

The food tasted ok, but it took ages to arrive and was also only luke-warm when it did! Refused to pay service charge which didn't go down too well, won't be visiting again!The food tasted ok, but it took ages to arrive and was also only luke-warm when it did! Refused to pay service charge which didn't go down too well, won't be visiting again!

H T Harris - The BEST Sandwich Shop in London... FACT by RichardGreen

RichardGreen — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:06:29 +0000

Review by RichardGreen

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7636 4228

Tags: mediterranean, rare finds, delicatessen

Welcome to a hidden gem in Central London, the shop does not look anything special from the outside and with cafe's and sandwich shops all down this street you may never find it - Don't be distracted, stay focused and find HT Harris.

The owner, an Italian maffioso legend from Sisley has been making panini's since his mamma taught him how.

The food is fresh, the service is raw and the eating experience is simply divine. I warn you, a sandwich will last you the whole day.. they just never seem to end.

Treat Yourself to a HT Harris Special - Spicy Sausage Welcome to a hidden gem in Central London, the shop does not look anything special from the outside and with cafe's and sandwich shops all down this street you may never find it - Don't be distracted, stay focused and find HT Harris.

The owner, an Italian maffioso legend from Sisley has been making panini's since his mamma taught him how.

The food is fresh, the service is raw and the eating experience is simply divine. I warn you, a sandwich will last you the whole day.. they just never seem to end.

Treat Yourself to a HT Harris Special - Spicy Sausage

Palms Of Goa - good indian food by gilka

gilka — Thu, 22 May 2008 23:53:50 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7636 1668

Tags: indian, vegetarian dishes

Very unpretentious place with simple and good food.
We had chicken tikka and a lamb curry and it was great.
Food arrived quickly and the staff were helpful.
Would definitely come back!Very unpretentious place with simple and good food.
We had chicken tikka and a lamb curry and it was great.
Food arrived quickly and the staff were helpful.
Would definitely come back!

All Star Lanes - Bowling Revolutionised by Nathan

Nathan — Sun, 11 May 2008 18:19:45 +0000

Review by Nathan

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7025 2676

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

Tags: american, cool, bowling

I have always loved bowling but have not done it enough because most of the venues are like going to Wimpy. All star lanes absolutely combines having a lovely drink with bowling and id happily go to do either or both. On top of all that the food and the restaurant itself is top quality. And the private lane function is brilliant for corporate events. I have always loved bowling but have not done it enough because most of the venues are like going to Wimpy. All star lanes absolutely combines having a lovely drink with bowling and id happily go to do either or both. On top of all that the food and the restaurant itself is top quality. And the private lane function is brilliant for corporate events.

Koba Restaurant - Don't wear your favourite shirt... :) by fabiodebe

fabiodebe — Sat, 10 May 2008 16:18:37 +0000

Review by fabiodebe

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7580 8825

Website: http://www.koba-london.com/

Tags: korean, good value, cheap eat

Koba is a very nice Korean place, not expensive and the food is very good. You can't go there without eating some of their awesome grilled meat or tasting their starters, but the place is incredibly smelly! So don't wear your fave outfit and forget about going anywhere else for a drink (not even think of a club, they will bounce you at the door for sure!) after dining!
My tip is to take different starters and main courses and share them.
The bill is reasonable even if you add the dry cleaning for your clothes... :)
All in all a nice place to go, I'd recommend it.Koba is a very nice Korean place, not expensive and the food is very good. You can't go there without eating some of their awesome grilled meat or tasting their starters, but the place is incredibly smelly! So don't wear your fave outfit and forget about going anywhere else for a drink (not even think of a club, they will bounce you at the door for sure!) after dining!
My tip is to take different starters and main courses and share them.
The bill is reasonable even if you add the dry cleaning for your clothes... :)
All in all a nice place to go, I'd recommend it.

The Lamb - Shocking by greedoe

greedoe — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:36:53 +0000

Review by greedoe

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7405 0713

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

Tags: traditional pub, food, great atmosphere

Had probably the worst pub experience for a long while here.

They decided about 15 minutes after we placed our order that the kitchen was backed up. Thus, instead of getting our lunch in a timely manner we got one meal quickly and then waited about 30 minutes for the rest.

The fish was bland, tasted like frozen and was sent back. The burgers were burnt, and nuclear hot in the middle.

Bad, just bad.Had probably the worst pub experience for a long while here.

They decided about 15 minutes after we placed our order that the kitchen was backed up. Thus, instead of getting our lunch in a timely manner we got one meal quickly and then waited about 30 minutes for the rest.

The fish was bland, tasted like frozen and was sent back. The burgers were burnt, and nuclear hot in the middle.

Bad, just bad.

May Ling - To be honest with you... by nicoles

nicoles — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:30:58 +0000

Review by nicoles

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7388 8103

Tags: lively, chinese, good value

Georgina - I honestly have no idea what you're on about seeing as it seems like your first time eating at Mayling. You cannot assume things especially when you don't speak Chinese. I quite frequently visit Mayling for Chinese after going to Costa, it is convenient - Quite literally - around the bend and they don't just randomly give out "free" prawn crackers. They are only "free" to customers with orders over Â£10.

Of course you're entitled to your own opinion. The food is good, service is extremely quick and of course it is convenient. Recommended. Georgina - I honestly have no idea what you're on about seeing as it seems like your first time eating at Mayling. You cannot assume things especially when you don't speak Chinese. I quite frequently visit Mayling for Chinese after going to Costa, it is convenient - Quite literally - around the bend and they don't just randomly give out "free" prawn crackers. They are only "free" to customers with orders over Â£10.

Of course you're entitled to your own opinion. The food is good, service is extremely quick and of course it is convenient. Recommended.

Olives Indian Cafe - My local take out and it's great by Coffeegeek

Coffeegeek — Sun, 04 May 2008 18:31:58 +0000

Review by Coffeegeek

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7636 1813

Tags: takeaway, great indian, cheap eat

This is my local take away (and yes, before you ask, people do live in the West End) and as well as being a genuinely nice bunch of people they impress me in two ways.

Firstly the food is great. Strong, rich flavours and more subtle dishes sit side by side perfectly. Crisp, fresh popadoms and warm naans all cooked fresh.

Secondly, The Food Standards Agency gave them 4 stars, which is the same score as they awarded Gordon Ramseyâ¬"s at Claridges. The Ivy scored just 3 stars so well done Olives!

Iâ¬"ve tried all the take outs in the area and Olives has the best food and they rarely get your order wrong. You can eat in and the dÃ©cor is clean and bright, if a little bland. Still worth it for the food though! This is my local take away (and yes, before you ask, people do live in the West End) and as well as being a genuinely nice bunch of people they impress me in two ways.

Firstly the food is great. Strong, rich flavours and more subtle dishes sit side by side perfectly. Crisp, fresh popadoms and warm naans all cooked fresh.

Secondly, The Food Standards Agency gave them 4 stars, which is the same score as they awarded Gordon Ramseyâ¬"s at Claridges. The Ivy scored just 3 stars so well done Olives!

Iâ¬"ve tried all the take outs in the area and Olives has the best food and they rarely get your order wrong. You can eat in and the dÃ©cor is clean and bright, if a little bland. Still worth it for the food though!

Yoisho - Unfeasibly good Japanese Food by Hugo

Hugo — Sat, 03 May 2008 08:55:14 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7323 0477

Tags: japanese, lively, crowded

Yoisho is stealth Japanese food at its best. The restaurant itself is low key, scruffy and about as posh looking as a chippy. However, absorb the details. It is full of Japanese, it looks like it has been going for ever, it is packed and the menu is stuffed with intriguing things I have not seen on most normal Japanese menus.

Apparently the restaurant is run by a famous ex-boxer who likes his grub, straight up, rough-ready but seriously tasty.

The waitress was fantastically helpful saying that the food style was like Japanese tapas and that if you are drinking then it was not the done thing to eat rice (after all Sake as your rice quotient in it).

The result was a heavenly journey into Japanese food: seaweed soup, crispy tofu, prawn and ginger crispy things (like a japanese pizza?), salmon belly, sashimi (I know this sounds implausible but I have never eaten such fresh sashimi, it was a whole new level of freshness that makes me suspect they have a small artificial ocean underneath the restaurant) and much more. I am almost fainting with pleasure just thinking about it.

Eating here is a touch dangerous because the tapas are small and so delicious that it is hard to stop yourself from feverishly ordering more and more.

The person I was with, who found out about this place from a Chelsea street flower seller and has recently been to Japan said that this more closely reflects the local experience. It won't be for everyone, it is noisy, not smart, a little chaotic (all of which i quite enjoy from time to time) but yoisho's raison d'etre is its sheer tastyness.Yoisho is stealth Japanese food at its best. The restaurant itself is low key, scruffy and about as posh looking as a chippy. However, absorb the details. It is full of Japanese, it looks like it has been going for ever, it is packed and the menu is stuffed with intriguing things I have not seen on most normal Japanese menus.

Apparently the restaurant is run by a famous ex-boxer who likes his grub, straight up, rough-ready but seriously tasty.

The waitress was fantastically helpful saying that the food style was like Japanese tapas and that if you are drinking then it was not the done thing to eat rice (after all Sake as your rice quotient in it).

The result was a heavenly journey into Japanese food: seaweed soup, crispy tofu, prawn and ginger crispy things (like a japanese pizza?), salmon belly, sashimi (I know this sounds implausible but I have never eaten such fresh sashimi, it was a whole new level of freshness that makes me suspect they have a small artificial ocean underneath the restaurant) and much more. I am almost fainting with pleasure just thinking about it.

Eating here is a touch dangerous because the tapas are small and so delicious that it is hard to stop yourself from feverishly ordering more and more.

The person I was with, who found out about this place from a Chelsea street flower seller and has recently been to Japan said that this more closely reflects the local experience. It won't be for everyone, it is noisy, not smart, a little chaotic (all of which i quite enjoy from time to time) but yoisho's raison d'etre is its sheer tastyness.

Crown & Sceptre - trendy welcoming pub by Coffeegeek

Coffeegeek — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:24:57 +0000

Review by Coffeegeek

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7307 9971

Tags: cool, trendy, food

We went to the Crown and Sceptre last Saturday for lunch. Itâ¬"s a very trendy pub but manages to still be welcoming and comfortable. The staff are friendly and service is pretty swift. They have a wide range of the more interesting beers and a good wine list.

The menu is simple but the food is good quality and well cooked. We had the Burger and Maris Piper chips and cod and chips. The chips were perfect, the best I have had for years! The burger and cod were both well above average.

As itâ¬"s one of my locals, I have been here many, many times. Thursday and Friday nights are packed and in the summer there is a good crowd outside. Weekends are quieter and they have board games to play. Thereâ¬"s a quirky mix of 40s â¬ 80s furniture that includes sofas, tables and a rather nice 40â¬"s sideboard.

I think this is probably the best gastro-pub in the area.
We went to the Crown and Sceptre last Saturday for lunch. Itâ¬"s a very trendy pub but manages to still be welcoming and comfortable. The staff are friendly and service is pretty swift. They have a wide range of the more interesting beers and a good wine list.

The menu is simple but the food is good quality and well cooked. We had the Burger and Maris Piper chips and cod and chips. The chips were perfect, the best I have had for years! The burger and cod were both well above average.

As itâ¬"s one of my locals, I have been here many, many times. Thursday and Friday nights are packed and in the summer there is a good crowd outside. Weekends are quieter and they have board games to play. Thereâ¬"s a quirky mix of 40s â¬ 80s furniture that includes sofas, tables and a rather nice 40â¬"s sideboard.

I think this is probably the best gastro-pub in the area.

GymBox - Full of gimmick and no honesty by fd4698

fd4698 — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:55:22 +0000

Review by fd4698

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7400 1919

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

Tags: massage therapy, bar / cafe, sauna

Pretentious and awful gym. I joined on an offer in the london paper. The sales staff were pushy and superficial, using what seemed like tempting limited offers such as waiving their extortionate joining fee of Â£175 if you sign the contract then and there. I was not happy with all the small print on the contract but was cajoled into joining for the least commitment membership of pay as you go but i later found in the terms and conditions that you still had hidden fees to pay with this. The atmosphere at the gym was disappointing and the staff were very aloof and generally unhelpful. There were always 3 or 4 of each type of machine which were out of order despite the fact that i never see many people using the gym. I read the terms and conditions of my contract and cancelled within the correct time limit (annoyingly even though they sell it as a pay as you go option you need to give a full month's notice and a further maintenance fee if you want to skip a month i.e. you end up paying for NOT going to the gym). Even giving my notice orally and in writing with the un-friendly reception staff and cancelling my direct debit well in advance, another month's payment was still taken from my account. The manager was un-believably rude when I called up about it and it took some talking just to be refunded for the extra month's fee they unlawfully took from me. All in all, it's just one big gimmick so that people can feel like they're getting a new experience but the classes are pretty contrived and either over-crowded or the instructor won't teach if there are 5 or less people. Definitely go elsewhere - this place has short term appeal only!Pretentious and awful gym. I joined on an offer in the london paper. The sales staff were pushy and superficial, using what seemed like tempting limited offers such as waiving their extortionate joining fee of Â£175 if you sign the contract then and there. I was not happy with all the small print on the contract but was cajoled into joining for the least commitment membership of pay as you go but i later found in the terms and conditions that you still had hidden fees to pay with this. The atmosphere at the gym was disappointing and the staff were very aloof and generally unhelpful. There were always 3 or 4 of each type of machine which were out of order despite the fact that i never see many people using the gym. I read the terms and conditions of my contract and cancelled within the correct time limit (annoyingly even though they sell it as a pay as you go option you need to give a full month's notice and a further maintenance fee if you want to skip a month i.e. you end up paying for NOT going to the gym). Even giving my notice orally and in writing with the un-friendly reception staff and cancelling my direct debit well in advance, another month's payment was still taken from my account. The manager was un-believably rude when I called up about it and it took some talking just to be refunded for the extra month's fee they unlawfully took from me. All in all, it's just one big gimmick so that people can feel like they're getting a new experience but the classes are pretty contrived and either over-crowded or the instructor won't teach if there are 5 or less people. Definitely go elsewhere - this place has short term appeal only!