Latest reviews in South Kensington, London, United Kingdom

Natural History Museum - A great museum by RR123

RR123 — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:10:45 +0000

Review by RR123

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7942 5000

Website: http://www.nhm.ac.uk

Tags: museum, dinosaurs, photography

I recently visited the Natural History Museum with my three year old nephew and we both loved it. My nephew thought the dinosaur exhibition was great, if a bit scary at times, and loved looking at all the different animals.

The museum has moved on a long way form the days when it used to obtain animals and have them stuffed, although it does not shy away from admitting that it did used to do that - the animals are still there for people to see. But, as would be expected, it has moved forward a long way and now has a far more ethical approach in documenting the natural world.

I t can get incredibly busy so unless you need to go there during school holidays or at peak times at weekends, these are probably best avoided. They could also do with dusting the blue whale!I recently visited the Natural History Museum with my three year old nephew and we both loved it. My nephew thought the dinosaur exhibition was great, if a bit scary at times, and loved looking at all the different animals.

The museum has moved on a long way form the days when it used to obtain animals and have them stuffed, although it does not shy away from admitting that it did used to do that - the animals are still there for people to see. But, as would be expected, it has moved forward a long way and now has a far more ethical approach in documenting the natural world.

I t can get incredibly busy so unless you need to go there during school holidays or at peak times at weekends, these are probably best avoided. They could also do with dusting the blue whale!

Simply Lebanese - SIMPLY AWFUL by foodfoodfood

foodfoodfood — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:00:04 +0000

Review by foodfoodfood

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7584 5805

Website: http://www.simplylebanese.com/

Tags: expensive, mediterranean, middle eastern

This has to be my worst dining experience in over 15 years of living in London. The service was terrible--waitress yawning over the food as she dumped it before us. Reheated, and hence very dry, tough, chicken, which hadn't even been reheated thoroughly enough to melt the congealed fat on its underside!
I mean, catering school 101: Never reheat chicken!! But to do so and not do it thoroughly is so unforgivable.
The lamb, which was supposed to be the house special, was so tough it was almost impossible to cut with a standard knife and the sauce it was in tasted of dishwater with a dash of orange juice--bizarre (and foul).
The rice, which was supposed to be two portions looked more like a half-portion and was similarly (barely) reheated.
Of course we complained and the waitress didn't apologise; indeed it was almost as if she expected us to complain, and immediately offered us a refund as if to get us out the door as soon as possible.
We chose to wait for the owner, who we had been told was on her way. She didn't seem surprised either only concerned that we didn't make a scene and let the incoming patrons know our thoughts! To this end she was incredibly rude.
To reiterate. This is without any doubt my worst dining experience in London in over 15 years. If you want Middle Eastern food you can get it at a third of the price, authentically cooked to order in view of you, in large portions and with polite service. For such a dining experience you will have to go North to Stoke Newington, Green Lanes or Hackney where you will find countless eateries where the food is divine: try Anatolya on Mare st., Hackney, for example.
Posh Middle Eastern and posh Lebanese is possible, there are many such restaurants on the Edgeware road. If you want to eat Lebanese and want plusher surroundings than Mare st. can offer then go to one of these.
Simply Lebanese is simply an insult to its unfortunate customers and to a fine culinary tradition.This has to be my worst dining experience in over 15 years of living in London. The service was terrible--waitress yawning over the food as she dumped it before us. Reheated, and hence very dry, tough, chicken, which hadn't even been reheated thoroughly enough to melt the congealed fat on its underside!
I mean, catering school 101: Never reheat chicken!! But to do so and not do it thoroughly is so unforgivable.
The lamb, which was supposed to be the house special, was so tough it was almost impossible to cut with a standard knife and the sauce it was in tasted of dishwater with a dash of orange juice--bizarre (and foul).
The rice, which was supposed to be two portions looked more like a half-portion and was similarly (barely) reheated.
Of course we complained and the waitress didn't apologise; indeed it was almost as if she expected us to complain, and immediately offered us a refund as if to get us out the door as soon as possible.
We chose to wait for the owner, who we had been told was on her way. She didn't seem surprised either only concerned that we didn't make a scene and let the incoming patrons know our thoughts! To this end she was incredibly rude.
To reiterate. This is without any doubt my worst dining experience in London in over 15 years. If you want Middle Eastern food you can get it at a third of the price, authentically cooked to order in view of you, in large portions and with polite service. For such a dining experience you will have to go North to Stoke Newington, Green Lanes or Hackney where you will find countless eateries where the food is divine: try Anatolya on Mare st., Hackney, for example.
Posh Middle Eastern and posh Lebanese is possible, there are many such restaurants on the Edgeware road. If you want to eat Lebanese and want plusher surroundings than Mare st. can offer then go to one of these.
Simply Lebanese is simply an insult to its unfortunate customers and to a fine culinary tradition.

The Hummingbird Bakery - A Must for American Expats by foxie

foxie — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:50:36 +0000

Review by foxie

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7584 0055

Website: http://www.hummingbirdbakery.com

Tags: american, delivery, bakery

For all you American expats missing your pumpkin pie, Red Velvet cake and honest to goodness brownies - look no further! Not only do they carry such delights, but their wares are extremely tasty and very authentic. I found them while looking for something unique for an office party and was a bit skeptical that their Red Velvet would stack up against what I used to get back home. Fortunately, one bite put any fears to rest and I can't wait to try more. Double plus - their delivery service, while not cheap, is very reliable. Highly recommended.For all you American expats missing your pumpkin pie, Red Velvet cake and honest to goodness brownies - look no further! Not only do they carry such delights, but their wares are extremely tasty and very authentic. I found them while looking for something unique for an office party and was a bit skeptical that their Red Velvet would stack up against what I used to get back home. Fortunately, one bite put any fears to rest and I can't wait to try more. Double plus - their delivery service, while not cheap, is very reliable. Highly recommended.

Acu Channel - by ababy1102

ababy1102 — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 23:17:19 +0000

Review by ababy1102

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7589 9927

the best place in London for relaxationthe best place in London for relaxation

Awana - Nice but pricey by RR123

RR123 — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:50:05 +0000

Review by RR123

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7584 8880

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

Tags: malaysian, expensive, bar

I recently ate at this restaurant for the first time and thought the food was of a very good standard and well served. It is very expensive though, so if you want to pay a bit less then consider going there at lunchtime when they run special offers that really bring the price down.

The staff were friendly but I did find that when they were at a bit of a loose end they would hover about near where we were sitting, which at times was a bit irritating. They did also put dirty plates on the same tray as the food we were about to be served. But fortunately an eagle eyed waitress stepped in and served us our food.

Good food, just choose your time carefully to go there so that you don't pay a fortune.I recently ate at this restaurant for the first time and thought the food was of a very good standard and well served. It is very expensive though, so if you want to pay a bit less then consider going there at lunchtime when they run special offers that really bring the price down.

The staff were friendly but I did find that when they were at a bit of a loose end they would hover about near where we were sitting, which at times was a bit irritating. They did also put dirty plates on the same tray as the food we were about to be served. But fortunately an eagle eyed waitress stepped in and served us our food.

Good food, just choose your time carefully to go there so that you don't pay a fortune.

Victoria & Albert Museum - Victoria and Albert by watermelon90

watermelon90 — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:03:50 +0000

Review by watermelon90

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7942 2000

Website: http://www.vam.ac.uk

Tags: art, museum

The victoria and albert museum is another, of our fine museums and houses vast collections from all over the world, including ceramics, fashion, photographs, sculpture, textiles and paintings and much much more.
At the moment you can see the fashion verses sport exhibition and the story of the singing group, the supremes exhibition shows the outfits they wore. There is free entrance to the through the looking glass tunnel and a japanese calligraphy exhibition also with free entrance. You can eat on site either by taking your own packed lunch as we did, or in the onsite facilities. So much to see it is hard to pick a favorite, a quality museum.The victoria and albert museum is another, of our fine museums and houses vast collections from all over the world, including ceramics, fashion, photographs, sculpture, textiles and paintings and much much more.
At the moment you can see the fashion verses sport exhibition and the story of the singing group, the supremes exhibition shows the outfits they wore. There is free entrance to the through the looking glass tunnel and a japanese calligraphy exhibition also with free entrance. You can eat on site either by taking your own packed lunch as we did, or in the onsite facilities. So much to see it is hard to pick a favorite, a quality museum.

The Science Museum - Good by watermelon90

watermelon90 — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:51:57 +0000

Review by watermelon90

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0870 870 4868

Website: http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Tags: gift shop, guided tours

The science museum is another of londons must see places. The entrance is free to all and it is open from 10am till 6pm most days.
You can find out about space travel and satellites and learn about our solar system.
The engine hall has a great collection of machines on display, some moving. So many things are here for you to see and do, it really will take the most part of a whole day to see all you want to. So make sure you wear comfy shoes and plan what to do for lunch. There is a cafe here but it is pricey and you could get something much better, or take something with you. They allow eating in the picnic area.
The museum shop has lots of gifts on show and catches most people for the odd item or two.The science museum is another of londons must see places. The entrance is free to all and it is open from 10am till 6pm most days.
You can find out about space travel and satellites and learn about our solar system.
The engine hall has a great collection of machines on display, some moving. So many things are here for you to see and do, it really will take the most part of a whole day to see all you want to. So make sure you wear comfy shoes and plan what to do for lunch. There is a cafe here but it is pricey and you could get something much better, or take something with you. They allow eating in the picnic area.
The museum shop has lots of gifts on show and catches most people for the odd item or two.

Shezan - Tasty food but hit and miss service by ilovelucy

ilovelucy — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:43:42 +0000

Review by ilovelucy

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7584 0052

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

Tags: indian, live music, lively

Atmosphere was buzzing when we arrived last Friday evening at this cavenous place. My colleagues and I were taking advantage of the toptable offer - 50% off the menu. For the price of Â£20 each we enjoyed a selection of curries, pilau, naan and a mixed tandoori grill plus beers and mineral water. Annoyingly they don't serve tap water. However, curries were fresh, zingy and were good sized portions. I ordered a Jalfreezi curry with extra chilli and it was perfect. One of my colleagues ordered the Keema - minced lamb with lentils but said he preferred the cheaper more authentic version in Tooting. Service was a bit hit-and-miss unfortunately. As we were at the back of the restaurants it took a bit of time for the waiters to see we wanted service. It may have been the fact that the restaurant was so dimly lit or perhaps poor eye sight. Maybe the latter as they took away my plate before I finished eating! Coupled with the fact that they don't serve tap water, this left a bad taste in my mouth. A pity as it was quite fine food.Atmosphere was buzzing when we arrived last Friday evening at this cavenous place. My colleagues and I were taking advantage of the toptable offer - 50% off the menu. For the price of Â£20 each we enjoyed a selection of curries, pilau, naan and a mixed tandoori grill plus beers and mineral water. Annoyingly they don't serve tap water. However, curries were fresh, zingy and were good sized portions. I ordered a Jalfreezi curry with extra chilli and it was perfect. One of my colleagues ordered the Keema - minced lamb with lentils but said he preferred the cheaper more authentic version in Tooting. Service was a bit hit-and-miss unfortunately. As we were at the back of the restaurants it took a bit of time for the waiters to see we wanted service. It may have been the fact that the restaurant was so dimly lit or perhaps poor eye sight. Maybe the latter as they took away my plate before I finished eating! Coupled with the fact that they don't serve tap water, this left a bad taste in my mouth. A pity as it was quite fine food.

Oddono's - And I thought Carte Dor was good! by carolinebee

carolinebee — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:06:59 +0000

Review by carolinebee

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7052 0732

Website: http://www.oddonos.com

Tags: rare finds

Everyone who's visited this ice cream shop has always seemed very impressed - and quite rightly, because the stuff they serve in here goes beyond ice cream.

Before I tasted Oddono's, I thought supermarket-bought Carte Dor ice cream was good... but boy, was I wrong! A tub of, say, chocolate chip from this place will change your ice cream palate forever.

Rich and creamy, but with real flavours that you can actually taste, literally every variety I've had from here has been excellent. Unfortunately the prices have risen (like everywhere else) but the quality has stayed the same. It can be an expensive habit to break at Â£2 per tub, but it is most certainly worth it to satisfy your sweet craving on a dull weekend night.

I usually carry out my ice cream but you can also sit in on one of their modern looking chairs, and enjoy a moment of cool Italian bliss in an otherwise ordinary London shopping day.Everyone who's visited this ice cream shop has always seemed very impressed - and quite rightly, because the stuff they serve in here goes beyond ice cream.

Before I tasted Oddono's, I thought supermarket-bought Carte Dor ice cream was good... but boy, was I wrong! A tub of, say, chocolate chip from this place will change your ice cream palate forever.

Rich and creamy, but with real flavours that you can actually taste, literally every variety I've had from here has been excellent. Unfortunately the prices have risen (like everywhere else) but the quality has stayed the same. It can be an expensive habit to break at Â£2 per tub, but it is most certainly worth it to satisfy your sweet craving on a dull weekend night.

I usually carry out my ice cream but you can also sit in on one of their modern looking chairs, and enjoy a moment of cool Italian bliss in an otherwise ordinary London shopping day.

The Albert Hotel - Albert Hotel by Ergaya

Ergaya — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:43:13 +0000

Review by Ergaya

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7584 3019

Website: http://www.thealberthotel.com

Great hotel with an atmosphere of the previous ages. You can take single room with a bathroom ,fridge & TV.
Internet conection downstairs along with a kichen.Great hotel with an atmosphere of the previous ages. You can take single room with a bathroom ,fridge & TV.
Internet conection downstairs along with a kichen.

The Manor Hotel - worst b&b ive ever been in by kesh

kesh — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:40:32 +0000

Review by kesh

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7370 6018

Website: http://www.themanorhotel.com

THis place is very deceiving looked fantastic online however very different story when u get there. Outside looked nice,reception was ok then the horror unfolded,every step on the stairs was held together with red electricians tape. The room! net curtains filthy black with dirt, The shower black with mould on the ceiling ,wall,and shower tray carpet covered in stains no tea coffee facilities available as stated online towels were not changed daily.Hot tap held on with white tape.Cant tell you about breakfast as we didnt dare try it as the room was enough to put you off. We would certainly not recommend a stay at this place.THis place is very deceiving looked fantastic online however very different story when u get there. Outside looked nice,reception was ok then the horror unfolded,every step on the stairs was held together with red electricians tape. The room! net curtains filthy black with dirt, The shower black with mould on the ceiling ,wall,and shower tray carpet covered in stains no tea coffee facilities available as stated online towels were not changed daily.Hot tap held on with white tape.Cant tell you about breakfast as we didnt dare try it as the room was enough to put you off. We would certainly not recommend a stay at this place.

The Admiral Codrington - good fish and chips by ben_e_h

ben_e_h — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:51:35 +0000

Review by ben_e_h

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7581 0005

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

Tags: gastro pub, food, friendly

This is a great place to go for a nice plate of fish and chips. The restaurant is very light and airy and a pleasant place to eat. The fish and chips is excellent. Also very good is the steak burger with parfait of foie gras. I have not had the fish cakes have also had good reports of these. The price is slightly above average pub food but not too bad for this area and this type of restaurant and is overall OK value. There is a nice patio area outside the front to eat which is very nice when the sun is out.This is a great place to go for a nice plate of fish and chips. The restaurant is very light and airy and a pleasant place to eat. The fish and chips is excellent. Also very good is the steak burger with parfait of foie gras. I have not had the fish cakes have also had good reports of these. The price is slightly above average pub food but not too bad for this area and this type of restaurant and is overall OK value. There is a nice patio area outside the front to eat which is very nice when the sun is out.

Cadogan Arms - standard by ben_e_h

ben_e_h — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:40:19 +0000

Review by ben_e_h

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7352 1645

Tags: food, pub chain, standard pub food

This is a fairly standard pub on the kings road, nothing special really when there are loads of other places to chose from around here. OK if you are looking for a predictable pub chain feel, but it does not offer much else really. Serves all the normal type of beers, lagers and pub snacks. Quite light and spacious but not a massive amount of atmosphere unless it is very busy, although I have only seen it busy once or twice at the right times. Pretty obviously placed so not a bad place to meet someone who does not know where they are going, I often use it for this.This is a fairly standard pub on the kings road, nothing special really when there are loads of other places to chose from around here. OK if you are looking for a predictable pub chain feel, but it does not offer much else really. Serves all the normal type of beers, lagers and pub snacks. Quite light and spacious but not a massive amount of atmosphere unless it is very busy, although I have only seen it busy once or twice at the right times. Pretty obviously placed so not a bad place to meet someone who does not know where they are going, I often use it for this.

151 Club - oneandonly by ben_e_h

ben_e_h — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:35:05 +0000

Review by ben_e_h

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7351 6826

Tags: cheesy, posh, reasonably priced

The club is pretty small but is quite a lot of fun if you are pretty boozed or intend on getting pretty boozed. This is a well known 'club' around this area and is full of fairly young kensington/chelsea/fulham types. The place is carpeted which adds to the aroma that you notice as you walk in. One nice thing about this place is that you can get away with doing just about anything! The drinks are averagely priced, maybe quite a lot for the type of place but seems as everyone there is drinking quite a lot it will not be a cheap night. Has a DJ and a very small mirrored dancefloor.The club is pretty small but is quite a lot of fun if you are pretty boozed or intend on getting pretty boozed. This is a well known 'club' around this area and is full of fairly young kensington/chelsea/fulham types. The place is carpeted which adds to the aroma that you notice as you walk in. One nice thing about this place is that you can get away with doing just about anything! The drinks are averagely priced, maybe quite a lot for the type of place but seems as everyone there is drinking quite a lot it will not be a cheap night. Has a DJ and a very small mirrored dancefloor.

Pasha - great by eatmeat

eatmeat — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 13:05:29 +0000

Review by eatmeat

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7589 7969

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

Tags: north african, romantic, crowded

what a great place! As soon as we went in we received a warm welcome, got given a great seat downstairs, and given excellent service. Be advised to book a few days earlier, it can get busy. We sat in one of the booths downstairs which was really nice. Quality of the food was really good and tasty, a little expensive but you get what you pay for. While we were there, they had belly dancers going around the restaurant, which was nice and added to the general good mood. The waiter was accurate and polite, I really recommend this place! I have been there on weekends, it can get quite busy! I prefer to go Monday-Friday if I can.what a great place! As soon as we went in we received a warm welcome, got given a great seat downstairs, and given excellent service. Be advised to book a few days earlier, it can get busy. We sat in one of the booths downstairs which was really nice. Quality of the food was really good and tasty, a little expensive but you get what you pay for. While we were there, they had belly dancers going around the restaurant, which was nice and added to the general good mood. The waiter was accurate and polite, I really recommend this place! I have been there on weekends, it can get quite busy! I prefer to go Monday-Friday if I can.