Latest reviews in Southwark, London, United Kingdom

Lidl - Lidl by anilascot2008

anilascot2008 — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:04:37 +0000

Review by anilascot2008

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0870 444 1234

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

Tags: frozen foods, cosmetics, groceries

A shop that is very similar to Aldi. Personally I think the Lidl stores are more nicely and cheerfully decorated than the somewhat drab Aldi stores with their grey colour scheme, Lidl have a nice yellow/blue colour scheme. The food however I think is lower quality and the prices are the same if a little higher. The fruit and vegetables are very good though and you can often find more exotic type vegetables here such as sweet potatoes and squash. again, like aldi, what disappoints me is how much they support factory farming by stocking such large amounts of intensively reared meat and eggs. besides that, I'd give it a 5/10 for quality and price and a 8/10 for service as the checkouts are very fast and queues quickly disappear.A shop that is very similar to Aldi. Personally I think the Lidl stores are more nicely and cheerfully decorated than the somewhat drab Aldi stores with their grey colour scheme, Lidl have a nice yellow/blue colour scheme. The food however I think is lower quality and the prices are the same if a little higher. The fruit and vegetables are very good though and you can often find more exotic type vegetables here such as sweet potatoes and squash. again, like aldi, what disappoints me is how much they support factory farming by stocking such large amounts of intensively reared meat and eggs. besides that, I'd give it a 5/10 for quality and price and a 8/10 for service as the checkouts are very fast and queues quickly disappear.

Tsuru - by thamshere

thamshere — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:31:54 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7928 2228

Website: http://www.tsuru-sushi.co.uk/

Tags: japanese, sushi

Obviously still young, this place suffers from the staff's confused behaviour. On entering the cafe it is not obvious how to continue. A cash register sits at the back, at which one can order food and booze, but the waiting staff will also come to your table to take orders. This confuses the staff as much as customers and we were repeatedly asked if we had ordered, as were those people sitting around us.

The food was good quality sushi with some tasty moments, but I wouldn't say it stands out above anything else I have had. I might try the sashimi if I visit again to get a better idea of the chef's prowess.

The wait for food was long, but this was perhaps due to the place being unusually busy. Wednesday nights at Tsuru are currently home to music and arts. We were treated to a series of small peices from a string quartet, followed by performance art accompanied on violin. It certainly makes the sushi more interesting and it would be interesting to see it continue.

I wouldn't recommend it as a destination, but if you're in the area it's not half bad.

Currently TsuruObviously still young, this place suffers from the staff's confused behaviour. On entering the cafe it is not obvious how to continue. A cash register sits at the back, at which one can order food and booze, but the waiting staff will also come to your table to take orders. This confuses the staff as much as customers and we were repeatedly asked if we had ordered, as were those people sitting around us.

The food was good quality sushi with some tasty moments, but I wouldn't say it stands out above anything else I have had. I might try the sashimi if I visit again to get a better idea of the chef's prowess.

The wait for food was long, but this was perhaps due to the place being unusually busy. Wednesday nights at Tsuru are currently home to music and arts. We were treated to a series of small peices from a string quartet, followed by performance art accompanied on violin. It certainly makes the sushi more interesting and it would be interesting to see it continue.

I wouldn't recommend it as a destination, but if you're in the area it's not half bad.

Currently Tsuru

Viva Verdi - by thamshere

thamshere — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:25:54 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7928 6867

Website: http://www.vivaverdiwinebar.com/

Tags: italian, wine, south bank

Dropped in here yesterday for a quick bite and a glass of wine. It's well decked out and very modern with a fantastic light fitting in the ceiling in the shape of a ten-foot-wide rose. The space is quite clinical - rows of tables and chairs don't leave much space for imagination or large groups. It's essentially a posh after-work or lunch-time venue for local business folk.

Saying that, it works extremely well as such. They have gone to lengths to make it a little more intimate in the evenings with low, red lighting, but I still felt very exposed.

The wine and food are good. I've not been exposed to high-quality Italian ham before but I would have to say what they have is not quite comparable to the good Spanish hams (Jamon Serrano & Iberico) I have had in the past. Still, at a less than a fiver the Parma ham plate is pretty good as a snack.
Dropped in here yesterday for a quick bite and a glass of wine. It's well decked out and very modern with a fantastic light fitting in the ceiling in the shape of a ten-foot-wide rose. The space is quite clinical - rows of tables and chairs don't leave much space for imagination or large groups. It's essentially a posh after-work or lunch-time venue for local business folk.

Saying that, it works extremely well as such. They have gone to lengths to make it a little more intimate in the evenings with low, red lighting, but I still felt very exposed.

The wine and food are good. I've not been exposed to high-quality Italian ham before but I would have to say what they have is not quite comparable to the good Spanish hams (Jamon Serrano & Iberico) I have had in the past. Still, at a less than a fiver the Parma ham plate is pretty good as a snack.

Culture Grub - Love this place! by jes1uk

jes1uk — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:08:17 +0000

Review by jes1uk

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7928 9972

Website: http://www.culturegrub.com

Tags: chinese, crowded, good value

This is one of my favourite Chinese restaurants.
They serve large portions of good quality food at a very reasonable price. The service is efficient and friendly, and they don't try and rush you out of the restaurant once you have eaten.
This is a smallish restaurant and gets very busy at peak times; there is a maximum of 4 place settings per table. One dish I'd recommend is the Treasure Rice. There is also a complimentary Jasmine tea available with your meal if you ask for it.
The restaurant is very close to Waterloo station and Southwark underground station.This is one of my favourite Chinese restaurants.
They serve large portions of good quality food at a very reasonable price. The service is efficient and friendly, and they don't try and rush you out of the restaurant once you have eaten.
This is a smallish restaurant and gets very busy at peak times; there is a maximum of 4 place settings per table. One dish I'd recommend is the Treasure Rice. There is also a complimentary Jasmine tea available with your meal if you ask for it.
The restaurant is very close to Waterloo station and Southwark underground station.

Union Theatre - Cheap and good value by cheerfulkhan

cheerfulkhan — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:35:54 +0000

Review by cheerfulkhan

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7261 9876

Website: http://www.uniontheatre.freeserve.co.uk

The environment is great and catchy. The show is very entertaining and is a perfect place for families to go out to. I will highly reccommend this place for night outs. The staff is very friendly and customer concious. The service is quick and efficient.The environment is great and catchy. The show is very entertaining and is a perfect place for families to go out to. I will highly reccommend this place for night outs. The staff is very friendly and customer concious. The service is quick and efficient.

Mar I Terra - Tapas bar by jan08

jan08 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:29:13 +0000

Review by jan08

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7928 7628

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

Tags: spanish, lively, good value

Atmospheric tapas bar close to Blackfriars, south of the Thames. Standard tapas but excellent wine list and attentive waiter service. Only downside is that it is always busy - both with the office crowd at lunch and locals in the evening - and they don't take reservationsAtmospheric tapas bar close to Blackfriars, south of the Thames. Standard tapas but excellent wine list and attentive waiter service. Only downside is that it is always busy - both with the office crowd at lunch and locals in the evening - and they don't take reservations

Tas Ev - Turkish paradise by jan08

jan08 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:06:26 +0000

Review by jan08

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7620 6191

Website: http://www.tasrestaurant.com

Tags: turkish, lively, romantic

Tucked away off the street close to Southwark tube, this is a great value restaurant with the option to dine 'al fresco' or in their cavernous restaurant - so usually no need to book in advance. Part of the Tas empire of Turkish restaurants, it has a varied menu, including set lunches, dinners and meze to share. Great shop next door.Tucked away off the street close to Southwark tube, this is a great value restaurant with the option to dine 'al fresco' or in their cavernous restaurant - so usually no need to book in advance. Part of the Tas empire of Turkish restaurants, it has a varied menu, including set lunches, dinners and meze to share. Great shop next door.

Pay Less Food Hall - by drreview7

drreview7 — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:51:12 +0000

Review by drreview7

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7635 9449

Tags: fresh fruits & vegetables

Great high street little grocery store. Packed with all the essential items and also the things your need to give your a cooking a bit of a lift. The added benefit it is it is open late. Parking can be a bit of an issue thought so it is best to walk unless you fancy driving in cirlces during rush hour. As a little joke always offer to pay less than full price and explain that you thought they were call Pay Less Food Hall!Great high street little grocery store. Packed with all the essential items and also the things your need to give your a cooking a bit of a lift. The added benefit it is it is open late. Parking can be a bit of an issue thought so it is best to walk unless you fancy driving in cirlces during rush hour. As a little joke always offer to pay less than full price and explain that you thought they were call Pay Less Food Hall!

Dominos Pizza - by drreview7

drreview7 — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:46:46 +0000

Review by drreview7

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 77377171

Great pizza whether you are collecting it fresh or having it delivered. Delivery is quick and it comes hot. The people delivering are polite.Great pizza whether you are collecting it fresh or having it delivered. Delivery is quick and it comes hot. The people delivering are polite.

The Anchor & Hope - by Busi_78

Busi_78 — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:17:12 +0000

Review by Busi_78

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7633 9144

Tags: good value, gastro pub, crowded

Went to the A&H for a quick lunch so I didn't have time to eat a full meal (though I had a taste of my companions') I had the snails with leven(sp) bread and duck fat toast. It was hearty, interesting and good value at Â£7, though it lacked seasoning. My collegue ordered smoked sprats with horseradish, it looked fantastic, wished I'd ordered it as she sent it back for being 'too fishy'.They gracefully took it back (even though she'd poked it!) I had a taste of the terrine served with gherkins which was a great texture and lovely tasting. The salad with goats curd looked a mess and was ok tasting at best. But the service was quick and flawless and I would definately go back with foodie friends and try some of their main course.Went to the A&H for a quick lunch so I didn't have time to eat a full meal (though I had a taste of my companions') I had the snails with leven(sp) bread and duck fat toast. It was hearty, interesting and good value at Â£7, though it lacked seasoning. My collegue ordered smoked sprats with horseradish, it looked fantastic, wished I'd ordered it as she sent it back for being 'too fishy'.They gracefully took it back (even though she'd poked it!) I had a taste of the terrine served with gherkins which was a great texture and lovely tasting. The salad with goats curd looked a mess and was ok tasting at best. But the service was quick and flawless and I would definately go back with foodie friends and try some of their main course.

Chopsticks - always changing by larkin

larkin — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 22:35:01 +0000

Review by larkin

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 8693 2318

Tags: chinese, expensive, pretentious

theres something about this place
I used to take my family here alot ages ago, but stopped back then, the food was fantastic (or so I remember) and I recently went here and the food wasnt so great.
I had some sort of noodle dish, but cant remember what it tasted like, so it must have been really mediocre, since I have a good memory.
it has a nice atmosphere, and looks good, but it seems to me all people care about these days is how good the furniture looks.
the service was alright, food took a long time to arrive, but it was hot, even if it wasnt all that tasty.
Like litro_k said, better places can be found in E.Dulwich. and I wouldnt recommend this placetheres something about this place
I used to take my family here alot ages ago, but stopped back then, the food was fantastic (or so I remember) and I recently went here and the food wasnt so great.
I had some sort of noodle dish, but cant remember what it tasted like, so it must have been really mediocre, since I have a good memory.
it has a nice atmosphere, and looks good, but it seems to me all people care about these days is how good the furniture looks.
the service was alright, food took a long time to arrive, but it was hot, even if it wasnt all that tasty.
Like litro_k said, better places can be found in E.Dulwich. and I wouldnt recommend this place

Dulwich Tandoori - very tasty by larkin

larkin — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 22:28:36 +0000

Review by larkin

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 86933012

Tags: romantic, good value, family & home feel

very tasty food!!!!!
I go here alot with my family for the buffet on sundays, and as always, I get alot of food for a reasonable price!
I would agree with the previous reviewer, sometimes I have to wait for a table, but I usually book a table in advance, since I got there alot with a large family.
The staff are always, I mean always are polite, and the food comes not quickly, but not so long that one gets bored waiting.
They have a large range of alchoholic drinks, and if you are to order one, I would strongly recommend the Cobra beer, which is my favourite beer and I can only get in indian restaurants.
Happy feasting!very tasty food!!!!!
I go here alot with my family for the buffet on sundays, and as always, I get alot of food for a reasonable price!
I would agree with the previous reviewer, sometimes I have to wait for a table, but I usually book a table in advance, since I got there alot with a large family.
The staff are always, I mean always are polite, and the food comes not quickly, but not so long that one gets bored waiting.
They have a large range of alchoholic drinks, and if you are to order one, I would strongly recommend the Cobra beer, which is my favourite beer and I can only get in indian restaurants.
Happy feasting!

Meson Don Felipe - Mi Casa Su Casa by chrisp

chrisp — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:15:13 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7928 3237

Tags: spanish, lively, crowded

One of my favourite places when I first started eating out in London 3 or 4 years ago, but has since been rather eclipsed by the likes of Brindisa and Barrafina, who do the tapas thing with so much more class and finesse. That's not to say there's nothing to like at Don Felipe - their albondigas are great, and last time I went they had lovely fresh calamari - but considering the effort to get in (like any tapas joint it can be a struggle in peak hours) you can probably do better. Brindisa is a short walk away in Borough Market, and beats them hands down I'm afraid.One of my favourite places when I first started eating out in London 3 or 4 years ago, but has since been rather eclipsed by the likes of Brindisa and Barrafina, who do the tapas thing with so much more class and finesse. That's not to say there's nothing to like at Don Felipe - their albondigas are great, and last time I went they had lovely fresh calamari - but considering the effort to get in (like any tapas joint it can be a struggle in peak hours) you can probably do better. Brindisa is a short walk away in Borough Market, and beats them hands down I'm afraid.

Masters Super Fish - Super! by chrisp

chrisp — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:19:59 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7928 6924

Tags: seafood, takeaway, cheap eat

It's a clichÃ©, and one you will hear often repeated by Northern expats around these parts, that you can't get a decent Fish and Chips in London. Of course, given that deep fried fish and chipped potatoes is hardly the most complex takeaway food, there are plenty of places in London that do a pretty passable F&C, and equally, like anywhere else in the country there are far, far more that do a terrible one. Given that, in the interests of my pocket and my pulmonary artery, I'm not about to try every chippy I come across in the capital just in case it turns out to be good, I did a bit of research and last Saturday turned up at Masters Superfish in Waterloo at the very 'Northern Chippy' time of 5:30pm.

Considered one of the few "real" chippies in the capital (along with The Golden Hind in Marylebone and Seafresh in Victoria, amongst others), Masters has built up quite a reputation amongst foodies and bloggers and I was quite excited to see what the fuss was about. First impressions of the room were pleasingly authentic - plain, no-nonsense dÃ©cor with a little takeaway hatch on the way in and - delightfully - like any good Northern chippy a wall containing fading pictures of faded light entertainment stars who have popped in for a photo opportunity over the years. The menu was slightly more extensive than I was used to up north, with more premium options such as Dover Sole and Halibut alongside the traditional Cod and Haddock fillets. We all went for fish and chips.

First up was served a free plate of prawns each, which were sweet and tasty but some of our party were put off by the orange eggs - it must be the time of year. Also dished up extra were some lovely tasty pickles: a large white onion and a sweet gherkin, top marks again for those.

Fortunately, the Main Event, when it arrived, didn't disappoint either. Lovely crunchy chips in all sorts of sizes, and a healthy slab of flaky white fish covered in a dark, dense batter. If I'm going to be picky, the fish was probably slightly overcooked - the extra crunchy batter wasn't to everyone's tastes, and the fish was just a smidgen on the dry side - but these were minor quibbles and I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy my plate of food.

I'd be happy to call Masters Superfish my local chippy, and once you add in the London markup it wasn't too expensive either. It's understandably popular, and although our fellow diners in the early evening consisted of an elderly couple and a table of Japanese tourists timidly extracting their fish from its batter and eating it separately, I am told the queue can stretch out of the door. In an area of London becoming famous for its varied and excellent dining options (The Anchor and Hope, Meson Don Felipe), Masters can hold its head high. I'll certainly be back.It's a clichÃ©, and one you will hear often repeated by Northern expats around these parts, that you can't get a decent Fish and Chips in London. Of course, given that deep fried fish and chipped potatoes is hardly the most complex takeaway food, there are plenty of places in London that do a pretty passable F&C, and equally, like anywhere else in the country there are far, far more that do a terrible one. Given that, in the interests of my pocket and my pulmonary artery, I'm not about to try every chippy I come across in the capital just in case it turns out to be good, I did a bit of research and last Saturday turned up at Masters Superfish in Waterloo at the very 'Northern Chippy' time of 5:30pm.

Considered one of the few "real" chippies in the capital (along with The Golden Hind in Marylebone and Seafresh in Victoria, amongst others), Masters has built up quite a reputation amongst foodies and bloggers and I was quite excited to see what the fuss was about. First impressions of the room were pleasingly authentic - plain, no-nonsense dÃ©cor with a little takeaway hatch on the way in and - delightfully - like any good Northern chippy a wall containing fading pictures of faded light entertainment stars who have popped in for a photo opportunity over the years. The menu was slightly more extensive than I was used to up north, with more premium options such as Dover Sole and Halibut alongside the traditional Cod and Haddock fillets. We all went for fish and chips.

First up was served a free plate of prawns each, which were sweet and tasty but some of our party were put off by the orange eggs - it must be the time of year. Also dished up extra were some lovely tasty pickles: a large white onion and a sweet gherkin, top marks again for those.

Fortunately, the Main Event, when it arrived, didn't disappoint either. Lovely crunchy chips in all sorts of sizes, and a healthy slab of flaky white fish covered in a dark, dense batter. If I'm going to be picky, the fish was probably slightly overcooked - the extra crunchy batter wasn't to everyone's tastes, and the fish was just a smidgen on the dry side - but these were minor quibbles and I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy my plate of food.

I'd be happy to call Masters Superfish my local chippy, and once you add in the London markup it wasn't too expensive either. It's understandably popular, and although our fellow diners in the early evening consisted of an elderly couple and a table of Japanese tourists timidly extracting their fish from its batter and eating it separately, I am told the queue can stretch out of the door. In an area of London becoming famous for its varied and excellent dining options (The Anchor and Hope, Meson Don Felipe), Masters can hold its head high. I'll certainly be back.

Peckham Multiplex - The Budget cinema by Rhydster

Rhydster — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:59:09 +0000

Review by Rhydster

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 0870 042 9399

Website: http://www.peckhamplex.com

Tags: cinema, bargain, excellent value

The good: this is the cinema if youÂ´ve only got Â£10 in your pocket and youâ¬"re planning to get a snack, too (and you happen to be close by given transport costs!). There are several screens, some of which are quite decent, screening most if not all of the latest releases. Thereâ¬"s not usually much of a queue and itâ¬"s easy to find from the train station, along Rye Lane.

If you just want to see something because youÂ´re nearby and bored, it will do.

The bad: the sound quality can be poor in some for some of the lesser screens. Itâ¬"s not the safest area if youÂ´re going for a late night showing.
The good: this is the cinema if youÂ´ve only got Â£10 in your pocket and youâ¬"re planning to get a snack, too (and you happen to be close by given transport costs!). There are several screens, some of which are quite decent, screening most if not all of the latest releases. Thereâ¬"s not usually much of a queue and itâ¬"s easy to find from the train station, along Rye Lane.

If you just want to see something because youÂ´re nearby and bored, it will do.

The bad: the sound quality can be poor in some for some of the lesser screens. Itâ¬"s not the safest area if youÂ´re going for a late night showing.

Windmill Tavern - Best pub in Waterloo? by rich42uk

rich42uk — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:29:06 +0000

Review by rich42uk

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7207 3984

Tags: posh, food, relaxed

The Windmill is certainly a hot contender for best boozer in this part of town.

Whilst sometimes very busy, it's never manic and the long-standing though somewhat po-faced bar staff always do a good job of making sure the punters are served in a speedy, fair and orderly manner.

The proximity to so many artsy places (The Old Vic, Young Vic, National Theatre & LWT to name but a couple) means that it's a good place to go after-hours celeb spotting. Legend has it that the portraits on the wall are all of famous folks who've drank in the Windmill in years past though whether that's true or not is another matter!

Beers are bog-standard and after 6pm there's Thai bar food available which, whilst a little bit incongruous, is very good.The Windmill is certainly a hot contender for best boozer in this part of town.

Whilst sometimes very busy, it's never manic and the long-standing though somewhat po-faced bar staff always do a good job of making sure the punters are served in a speedy, fair and orderly manner.

The proximity to so many artsy places (The Old Vic, Young Vic, National Theatre & LWT to name but a couple) means that it's a good place to go after-hours celeb spotting. Legend has it that the portraits on the wall are all of famous folks who've drank in the Windmill in years past though whether that's true or not is another matter!

Beers are bog-standard and after 6pm there's Thai bar food available which, whilst a little bit incongruous, is very good.

OXO Tower Restaurant - One of those places you have to try by LukeG

LukeG — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:38:18 +0000

Review by LukeG

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7803 3888

Website: http://www.harveynichols.com/output/Page128.asp

Tags: expensive, lively, romantic

I went to the Oxo Tower with with my partner after the theatre recently. We were greeted and seated at the door by a gentleman called Hein.

The food was excellent if overpriced, the view outstanding and the choice of wine from the Sommelier jaw dropping.
However what made our evening was this guy Hein. I think he is one of the managers and he orchestrated the floor like he was leading a symphony.

His recommendations for the food were excellent and his overall manner and helpfulness we'd rate as the best we have ever experienced. He was so calm and assured whilst making us laugh and comfortable. Top guy.
In fact, it says alot about him that it was Hein we were talking about in the taxi home and not the Â£195 bill (3 courses and a bottle of red wine).

We'll come again...once we've saved up!

I went to the Oxo Tower with with my partner after the theatre recently. We were greeted and seated at the door by a gentleman called Hein.

The food was excellent if overpriced, the view outstanding and the choice of wine from the Sommelier jaw dropping.
However what made our evening was this guy Hein. I think he is one of the managers and he orchestrated the floor like he was leading a symphony.

His recommendations for the food were excellent and his overall manner and helpfulness we'd rate as the best we have ever experienced. He was so calm and assured whilst making us laugh and comfortable. Top guy.
In fact, it says alot about him that it was Hein we were talking about in the taxi home and not the Â£195 bill (3 courses and a bottle of red wine).

We'll come again...once we've saved up!

Tas Restaurant - Good for visiting cousins arriving at Waterloo! by Ludovic

Ludovic — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:34:05 +0000

Review by Ludovic

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7928 2111

Website: http://www.tasrestaurant.com

Tags: turkish, live music, mediterranean

It's not often I enjoy a good and fairly priced restaurant in London. But it's exactely what we came across last week-end when we went to have dinner at Tas, a Turkish eaterie on The Cut, close to Waterloo station -perfect to finish a day of rambling through the capital and visit some attractions such as Tate Modern.

We had several dishes, all quite pleasing: a lentil soup, grilled chicken, hummous, falafel, tabouleh salads, etc... All mediteranean dishes, simple and honest, washed with a good rosÃ© (Don Jacobo Rijoa, Â£15.35).

Best news was the price: the menus are less than a tenner, making it possible to eat for under Â£20, a rare feat. Even the teenagers we had with us were pleased!!!

Highly recommended!It's not often I enjoy a good and fairly priced restaurant in London. But it's exactely what we came across last week-end when we went to have dinner at Tas, a Turkish eaterie on The Cut, close to Waterloo station -perfect to finish a day of rambling through the capital and visit some attractions such as Tate Modern.

We had several dishes, all quite pleasing: a lentil soup, grilled chicken, hummous, falafel, tabouleh salads, etc... All mediteranean dishes, simple and honest, washed with a good rosÃ© (Don Jacobo Rijoa, Â£15.35).

Best news was the price: the menus are less than a tenner, making it possible to eat for under Â£20, a rare feat. Even the teenagers we had with us were pleased!!!

Highly recommended!

Franklins Restaurant & Bar - A Local Gem. by FoodStories

FoodStories — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:01:07 +0000

Review by FoodStories

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8299 9598

Website: http://www.franklinsrestaurant.com/

Tags: cosy, great food, relaxed

Franklins is our local restaurant, a leisurely 10 minute stroll from our front door in fact and oh, how lucky we are. Itâ¬"s been said before and I donâ¬"t mind saying it again, this restaurant is a little gem to have ticking away in such wonderfully close proximity. Franklins is not a fine dining resaurant, it is â¬Üjustâ¬" one that serves consistently good grub and pays attention to detail. Such as good, freshly baked bread and solid side dishes - I always order the seasonal greens and they always arrive perfectly cooked with just the right amount of bite and wrapped in a blanket of buttery goodness, well seasoned and slippery.

this time around, I had smoked quail with raddichio and aioli. The quail was so intensely smoked it left a musky scent even after I wash the mitts I was using to chew every last scrap from its little legs.Fantastic aioli too, not overpowering but good and garlicky at the same time. Franklins has a way with meat - always loads of flavour and bold simplicity.

My partner chose the crab tart, a perfect mixture of brown and white meat - a really strong crabby flavour. The texture of the meat was well preserved too.

For our main course, we both immediately ordered the ox tongue with endive, snails and chorizo. When the dishes arrived they had forgotten the snails and chorizo but the waitress was very professional and,our plates were whisked away with the bare minimum of fuss, arriving back promptly adorned with bits of spicy pig and mollusc. From what we could gather the chefs were very embarrassedâ¬¦

The ox tongue was beautiful, tender and melty with a fine blob of fresh, pungent horseradish on top. The chorizo was a very good one, spicy and rich, coating everything in its delicious oil. We felt the snails didnâ¬"t really add anything though. I donâ¬"t think they really taste of much anyway and you honestly wouldnâ¬"t have realised they were there - apart from the fact you could see them, of course.

We thought about cheese and/or dessert but were too damn stuffed to contemplate it. We ambled the short walk home contented, slightly tipsy and really rather happy, as always.Franklins is our local restaurant, a leisurely 10 minute stroll from our front door in fact and oh, how lucky we are. Itâ¬"s been said before and I donâ¬"t mind saying it again, this restaurant is a little gem to have ticking away in such wonderfully close proximity. Franklins is not a fine dining resaurant, it is â¬Üjustâ¬" one that serves consistently good grub and pays attention to detail. Such as good, freshly baked bread and solid side dishes - I always order the seasonal greens and they always arrive perfectly cooked with just the right amount of bite and wrapped in a blanket of buttery goodness, well seasoned and slippery.

this time around, I had smoked quail with raddichio and aioli. The quail was so intensely smoked it left a musky scent even after I wash the mitts I was using to chew every last scrap from its little legs.Fantastic aioli too, not overpowering but good and garlicky at the same time. Franklins has a way with meat - always loads of flavour and bold simplicity.

My partner chose the crab tart, a perfect mixture of brown and white meat - a really strong crabby flavour. The texture of the meat was well preserved too.

For our main course, we both immediately ordered the ox tongue with endive, snails and chorizo. When the dishes arrived they had forgotten the snails and chorizo but the waitress was very professional and,our plates were whisked away with the bare minimum of fuss, arriving back promptly adorned with bits of spicy pig and mollusc. From what we could gather the chefs were very embarrassedâ¬¦

The ox tongue was beautiful, tender and melty with a fine blob of fresh, pungent horseradish on top. The chorizo was a very good one, spicy and rich, coating everything in its delicious oil. We felt the snails didnâ¬"t really add anything though. I donâ¬"t think they really taste of much anyway and you honestly wouldnâ¬"t have realised they were there - apart from the fact you could see them, of course.

We thought about cheese and/or dessert but were too damn stuffed to contemplate it. We ambled the short walk home contented, slightly tipsy and really rather happy, as always.