Latest reviews in St Giles, London, United Kingdom

Carnevale - Vegetarian at its finest by blackpenwriter

blackpenwriter — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:16:42 +0000

Review by blackpenwriter

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7250 3452

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

Tags: vegetarian, mediterranean, good value

I totally agree with the previous review. I'm a meat eater and proud, however this place has opened my eyes to the delights of vegan and vegetarian meals. The place itself is absolutely tiny, miniscule, couldn't swing a cat, but they still manage to crap in quite a few people without it feeling too cramped and the intimacy is still there. A bit like the tardis! The menu is huge and lots to choose from and even meat eaters will find lots they would like to sample. Service is really good too, you never have to wait long to be served. I really do like it here!I totally agree with the previous review. I'm a meat eater and proud, however this place has opened my eyes to the delights of vegan and vegetarian meals. The place itself is absolutely tiny, miniscule, couldn't swing a cat, but they still manage to crap in quite a few people without it feeling too cramped and the intimacy is still there. A bit like the tardis! The menu is huge and lots to choose from and even meat eaters will find lots they would like to sample. Service is really good too, you never have to wait long to be served. I really do like it here!

Dans Le Noir - Dans le Very Clever for a One Off by Browners

Browners — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 12:41:18 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7253 1100

Website: http://www.danslenoir.com

Tags: expensive, lively, romantic

In a sudden fit of bravery we decided to take our wonderful Client out for an adventurous dinner. She is based in the States so we rarely get to see each other face to face.

This will now seem like a non-sequitor...

So we took her to Dans le Noir in Farringdon for a fabulous night of dining in the dark. We are working on a project that is all about sensual experiences, so it made perfect sense to finish the day's hard work with a meal that would push all of our sensual boundaries.

Arriving at the restaurant we were greeted in the foyer by a collection of very engaging maitre d's. They made us put all of our kit in a locker so that no mobile phones or watches with illuminated faces could disturb the sheer blackness of the dining room.

I don't think any of us were ready for the attack on our senese that was to follow. After a quick cocktail to instil a bit of Dutch courage in all of us, we queued up behind a blind waitress/guide and were led into the pitch black room. Some squealed. Others were a bit more stoical. We found our table using our hands and all sat down around what we all thought was a round table, but turned out to be oblong!

We groped around the table looking for water glasses and bottles. The only way you can pour everyone's wine is to put your finger in the glass and keep pouring until your finger gets wet! Not very hygenic. But great fun.

We all spoke very loudly to begin with as we acclimatised to the dark. Towards the end of the meal our voices became more calm and we shouted a lot less! It's bizarre just how reliant we all are on our sense of sight.

I found it really hard to determine what I was eating and to be honest can't quite remember. Memory works very badly when you remove the sense of sight. My starter may have involved something resembling spring rolls filled with what I thought was minced chicken and somebody else thought was tuna - which turned out to be duck.

Likewise I got terribly confused by my main course which I still swear to the this day was lamb, but turned out to be a mixture of ostrich fillet on one side of the plate and venison on the other. But we all recognised the distinctive smell and flavour of the truffled risotto that acted as a division between the two meats.

Personally I loved the whole experience. There is something very liberating about being in the dark. It may have been the amount of wine I was drinking because I was thirsty and couldn't find my water glass... but I found myself saying things at a work dinner that I would never otherwise have said. I've never had so much fun chatting a joking around a (now clearly rectangular) table. Everything seems funnier in the dark.

Be careful about coming here if you know people are claustrophobic or are a bit strapped for cash as it isn't cheap. But remember you are coming here for an experience and not simply a meal. In many ways this is the idea of a restaurant pushed to the extreme. It's not about the food. It's about opening your mind and having an entertaining time. We learnt a lot about each other during the course of the meal and feel like we all bonded along the way.

Will any of us return? Unlikely. But not in a bad way. We've all been talking about the experience ever since and won't ever forget that crazy meal we all had in the dark! It's a great place to come if you want to break the ice.In a sudden fit of bravery we decided to take our wonderful Client out for an adventurous dinner. She is based in the States so we rarely get to see each other face to face.

This will now seem like a non-sequitor...

So we took her to Dans le Noir in Farringdon for a fabulous night of dining in the dark. We are working on a project that is all about sensual experiences, so it made perfect sense to finish the day's hard work with a meal that would push all of our sensual boundaries.

Arriving at the restaurant we were greeted in the foyer by a collection of very engaging maitre d's. They made us put all of our kit in a locker so that no mobile phones or watches with illuminated faces could disturb the sheer blackness of the dining room.

I don't think any of us were ready for the attack on our senese that was to follow. After a quick cocktail to instil a bit of Dutch courage in all of us, we queued up behind a blind waitress/guide and were led into the pitch black room. Some squealed. Others were a bit more stoical. We found our table using our hands and all sat down around what we all thought was a round table, but turned out to be oblong!

We groped around the table looking for water glasses and bottles. The only way you can pour everyone's wine is to put your finger in the glass and keep pouring until your finger gets wet! Not very hygenic. But great fun.

We all spoke very loudly to begin with as we acclimatised to the dark. Towards the end of the meal our voices became more calm and we shouted a lot less! It's bizarre just how reliant we all are on our sense of sight.

I found it really hard to determine what I was eating and to be honest can't quite remember. Memory works very badly when you remove the sense of sight. My starter may have involved something resembling spring rolls filled with what I thought was minced chicken and somebody else thought was tuna - which turned out to be duck.

Likewise I got terribly confused by my main course which I still swear to the this day was lamb, but turned out to be a mixture of ostrich fillet on one side of the plate and venison on the other. But we all recognised the distinctive smell and flavour of the truffled risotto that acted as a division between the two meats.

Personally I loved the whole experience. There is something very liberating about being in the dark. It may have been the amount of wine I was drinking because I was thirsty and couldn't find my water glass... but I found myself saying things at a work dinner that I would never otherwise have said. I've never had so much fun chatting a joking around a (now clearly rectangular) table. Everything seems funnier in the dark.

Be careful about coming here if you know people are claustrophobic or are a bit strapped for cash as it isn't cheap. But remember you are coming here for an experience and not simply a meal. In many ways this is the idea of a restaurant pushed to the extreme. It's not about the food. It's about opening your mind and having an entertaining time. We learnt a lot about each other during the course of the meal and feel like we all bonded along the way.

Will any of us return? Unlikely. But not in a bad way. We've all been talking about the experience ever since and won't ever forget that crazy meal we all had in the dark! It's a great place to come if you want to break the ice.

Ye Olde Red Cow - very good! by minnym

minnym — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:31:10 +0000

Review by minnym

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7606 0735

Website: http://www.shepherd-neame.co.uk

Tags: jazz, relaxed, cool

just had the most delicious steak at this pub. Never been there before, but I think it's just reopened. I loved the free jukebox...nice touch!just had the most delicious steak at this pub. Never been there before, but I think it's just reopened. I loved the free jukebox...nice touch!

Vertigo 42 - Head for heights by QueenB

QueenB — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:29:40 +0000

Review by QueenB

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7877 7842

Website: http://www.vertigo42.co.uk

Tags: posh, friendly, expensive

Head for the tallest building in the city. You can see the blue strip of lighting from miles away.

Enter through a lilac-lit building entrance that reminded me of the Mayors Office.

Check in with a very smart glamour-puss of a receptionist and get shown to the lift that will whisk you directly up to the ear popping 42nd floor.

There you enter a dark, stylised reception area, greeted warmly by staff who take your coats and show you to your seats. With mirrored walls on your right and glass from floor to ceiling on your left, you can't help but feel a little unsteady on your feet!

Gazing out over a moon lit London, we spotted many buildings and got a breath taking view while sipping Lychee Bellinis (Â£12.50 each)and a plate of lovely marinated olives and shared a bottle of red (Australian Shiraz).

The staff were attentive, smiling and very helpful. Our waiter was sweet and took photos for us and when the more sought after seats with the better view became available (the first seats as you walk in) he kindly moved us and our drinks there without us even having to ask.

There was nice soulful house music playing quietly in the background, the clientelle was wealthy 30 somethings of all nationalities, along with a handful of tourists.

I would def would come back here, for a special night out out or a romantic evening.

If you don't have ahead for heights though, don't even attempt this! I had legs like Bambi for the 1st 15min!Head for the tallest building in the city. You can see the blue strip of lighting from miles away.

Enter through a lilac-lit building entrance that reminded me of the Mayors Office.

Check in with a very smart glamour-puss of a receptionist and get shown to the lift that will whisk you directly up to the ear popping 42nd floor.

There you enter a dark, stylised reception area, greeted warmly by staff who take your coats and show you to your seats. With mirrored walls on your right and glass from floor to ceiling on your left, you can't help but feel a little unsteady on your feet!

Gazing out over a moon lit London, we spotted many buildings and got a breath taking view while sipping Lychee Bellinis (Â£12.50 each)and a plate of lovely marinated olives and shared a bottle of red (Australian Shiraz).

The staff were attentive, smiling and very helpful. Our waiter was sweet and took photos for us and when the more sought after seats with the better view became available (the first seats as you walk in) he kindly moved us and our drinks there without us even having to ask.

There was nice soulful house music playing quietly in the background, the clientelle was wealthy 30 somethings of all nationalities, along with a handful of tourists.

I would def would come back here, for a special night out out or a romantic evening.

If you don't have ahead for heights though, don't even attempt this! I had legs like Bambi for the 1st 15min!

Malmaison Bar & Brasserie - Excellent private dining by DanWilkinson

DanWilkinson — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:09:39 +0000

Review by DanWilkinson

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7012 3700

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

Tags: brasserie, london, breakfast

We literally spent weeks trying to find somewhere to celebrate the missus' birthday. She wanted a good meal in London, price no object, for her and 11 friends who appreciated good food, but who weren't necessarily *foodies*. Not one of the places we tried would take a booking for 12 without either charging up to Â£3,000 extra for the pleasure or dictating that we would all have to order the same thing. Not great. London, nil points.

However, on a trip to Manchester, we stayed in the Malmaison there (where the brasserie has got a lot better over time), and noticed a cosy-looking private dining room. On the offchance, we checked the London hotel and there was indeed a well-appointed room off to one side which seated exactly 12. Perfect.

Now, let's be clear: the main point of an evening like this is the company. Primarily we'd convened to celebrate a birthday, not for some monumental gastronomic event, but we were on the whole pleasantly surprised.

Ultra-fresh, briny oysters kicked the meal off for me, with me 'n' the missus sharing 6 each of the Fines de Claire and the locals. My taste, as usual, veered towards the French ones; smaller, but with a more concentrated flavour. A pretty good start, all in all.

On the subject of the main event, I should point out that one of my food-related hobby horses is that of British veal. It's many years now since British veal production was anything but entirely humane, and as a by-product of the dairy industry thousands of male calves are slaughtered each year, regardless of the demand for their meat. Eating British veal is a terrific way to support the British farming industry, and it's something I do whenever I can. It's also really rather good.

I should also point out that when I say veal, I'm talking about decently pink meat, rather than the anaemic jelly often served in the 70s, and I'm talking about a *cut* of meat, rather than some flattened, batted out piece of mystery meat that's been cruelly breaded and shallow-fried. A sure-fire way to ruin a perfectly good piece of veal, if you ask me.

I wasn't disappointed. My veal chop was a hefty beast, juicy and flavoursome, with a good meaty bite to it. Excellent stuff, and it gave me the opportunity to inflict my little veal rant on my fellow diners. Apparently the other dishes were equally as satisfactory, judging by the dozen well-cleaned plates the waitress carried off later on.

Dessert was the only low point. My blood orange sorbet was brilliant, sweet, tangy and refreshing, but most of our companions had chosen poorly, though through no fault of their own. An otherwise well-executed chocolate truffle cake was served with what was advertised as pistachio ice cream (woo) but what can only be described as marzipan ice cream (boo). No one in their right mind likes marzipan, and it's a bit of a shocker to inflict this on the unaware. If the chef was actually working with pistachios, something somewhere had gone horribly awry.

My only other gripe, and I find this about Malmaison in general, is that the wine list, whilst well-chosen, is ludicrously overpriced. We struggled to find much under Â£30, and when there's 12 of you drinking pretty enthusiastically, this does matter.

That said, the food is more than reasonable, and we got away for a very friendly price indeed. I can confidently say that, following several weeks of research, we may well have found one of the best places in London to host dinner for 12 without paying in the neighbourhood of Â£5,000 for the privilege.We literally spent weeks trying to find somewhere to celebrate the missus' birthday. She wanted a good meal in London, price no object, for her and 11 friends who appreciated good food, but who weren't necessarily *foodies*. Not one of the places we tried would take a booking for 12 without either charging up to Â£3,000 extra for the pleasure or dictating that we would all have to order the same thing. Not great. London, nil points.

However, on a trip to Manchester, we stayed in the Malmaison there (where the brasserie has got a lot better over time), and noticed a cosy-looking private dining room. On the offchance, we checked the London hotel and there was indeed a well-appointed room off to one side which seated exactly 12. Perfect.

Now, let's be clear: the main point of an evening like this is the company. Primarily we'd convened to celebrate a birthday, not for some monumental gastronomic event, but we were on the whole pleasantly surprised.

Ultra-fresh, briny oysters kicked the meal off for me, with me 'n' the missus sharing 6 each of the Fines de Claire and the locals. My taste, as usual, veered towards the French ones; smaller, but with a more concentrated flavour. A pretty good start, all in all.

On the subject of the main event, I should point out that one of my food-related hobby horses is that of British veal. It's many years now since British veal production was anything but entirely humane, and as a by-product of the dairy industry thousands of male calves are slaughtered each year, regardless of the demand for their meat. Eating British veal is a terrific way to support the British farming industry, and it's something I do whenever I can. It's also really rather good.

I should also point out that when I say veal, I'm talking about decently pink meat, rather than the anaemic jelly often served in the 70s, and I'm talking about a *cut* of meat, rather than some flattened, batted out piece of mystery meat that's been cruelly breaded and shallow-fried. A sure-fire way to ruin a perfectly good piece of veal, if you ask me.

I wasn't disappointed. My veal chop was a hefty beast, juicy and flavoursome, with a good meaty bite to it. Excellent stuff, and it gave me the opportunity to inflict my little veal rant on my fellow diners. Apparently the other dishes were equally as satisfactory, judging by the dozen well-cleaned plates the waitress carried off later on.

Dessert was the only low point. My blood orange sorbet was brilliant, sweet, tangy and refreshing, but most of our companions had chosen poorly, though through no fault of their own. An otherwise well-executed chocolate truffle cake was served with what was advertised as pistachio ice cream (woo) but what can only be described as marzipan ice cream (boo). No one in their right mind likes marzipan, and it's a bit of a shocker to inflict this on the unaware. If the chef was actually working with pistachios, something somewhere had gone horribly awry.

My only other gripe, and I find this about Malmaison in general, is that the wine list, whilst well-chosen, is ludicrously overpriced. We struggled to find much under Â£30, and when there's 12 of you drinking pretty enthusiastically, this does matter.

That said, the food is more than reasonable, and we got away for a very friendly price indeed. I can confidently say that, following several weeks of research, we may well have found one of the best places in London to host dinner for 12 without paying in the neighbourhood of Â£5,000 for the privilege.

Curry Leaf East - a bit expensive by mark56

mark56 — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:42:49 +0000

Review by mark56

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7374 4842

When i came her to curry leaf about a month ago i had the marinaded lamb leg which was quite hot but small. It was served with pilau rice and a slice of nan. I had a couple of beers which probably wasn't a wise choice as the Air con at work is broken and it was not a great afternoon make!

Maybe it's an old one or a copy but I did spot a Banksey outside the restaurant.

The only bad thing about this place was that it was a very slow service. A main course plus drinks for 8 people averaged about Â£23 which is a bit pricey i think.When i came her to curry leaf about a month ago i had the marinaded lamb leg which was quite hot but small. It was served with pilau rice and a slice of nan. I had a couple of beers which probably wasn't a wise choice as the Air con at work is broken and it was not a great afternoon make!

Maybe it's an old one or a copy but I did spot a Banksey outside the restaurant.

The only bad thing about this place was that it was a very slow service. A main course plus drinks for 8 people averaged about Â£23 which is a bit pricey i think.

Vinoteca - Re: Mixed bag! by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:13:41 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7253 8786

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

Tags: crowded, bar, expensive

I don't really know if this place has disappointed me or not.

It was Friday night so it was busy. Very busy and very noisy, to the point where holding conversation with any one other than your direct neighbour was quite impossible.
Despite having booked, the table we were seated at was far too small and for every person who walked past behind me I received a knock, bash, or drag from their posterior - quite disconcerting. The staff, who I am assured are usually very charming and knowledgeable, were on the whole bloody rude, impatient and elusive. All this on top of the fact that I was tired, day-dreaming of a nice pint all day, and consequently extremely grumpy, has probably marred my experience.

The wine list is truly impressive, with a huge selection served by the glass. What's more, they appear to be reasonably priced. If youâ¬"re looking for something other than wine though, you are REALLY in the wrong place.
The menu impressed me very much (and that's not an easy thing to do). I don't like a menu that is too extensive. Restaurateurs often mistake quantity for variety. A well balanced and varied menu need only boast half a dozen choices at each course, max. And at Vinoteca the menu is varied, well balanced, interesting, and concise! Even the vegetarian in our party was happy (though, franklyâ¬¦well. Best not start on fussy eaters here.)
I started with a very delicious five-spice rabbit and pork rillette. The fat was a little loose which made for a slightly greasy texture but the flavours were very well balanced â¬ just enough spice to enhance but not over power the meat, sufficiently â¬Sgameyâ¬

Crussh - Great food, ouchy prices by messydesk

messydesk — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:39:16 +0000

Review by messydesk

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7489 5916

Website: http://www.crussh.com

Tags: sandwiches, juice bar take away healthy, soups

I go to Crussh a lot for my breakfast, but only for the first week after payday. They're a small chain, primarily of juice bars but with a small selection of ultra-healthy food. The smoothies really are awesome, not too thick, not to apple-juicy, unusual and tasty combinations with interesting ingredients, I can't get enough of them. The other thing that really draws me to them in the mornings is their porridge. They sell two varieties, normal hot porridge (made with soya milk, but not actually vegan at last asking although they told me they were considering changing the recipe) and 'summer porridge' which seems to be made with yoghurt rather than milk. They are both really excellent and you can have toppings such as honey or fresh banana to go with it. It's so good and just what I need to start the day.
The rest of the food is very good, they have good salads, wheat-free sandwiches and some noodle meals. All taste really good but are shockingly expensive. The superfood salad is about Â£8 for example, it's a good dish with fresh tasting, varied ingredients but my god, there's just no need for that sort of price tag.
Alas, I keep going back. Healthy food is my biggest weakness and it seems that I will pay for the privileged.I go to Crussh a lot for my breakfast, but only for the first week after payday. They're a small chain, primarily of juice bars but with a small selection of ultra-healthy food. The smoothies really are awesome, not too thick, not to apple-juicy, unusual and tasty combinations with interesting ingredients, I can't get enough of them. The other thing that really draws me to them in the mornings is their porridge. They sell two varieties, normal hot porridge (made with soya milk, but not actually vegan at last asking although they told me they were considering changing the recipe) and 'summer porridge' which seems to be made with yoghurt rather than milk. They are both really excellent and you can have toppings such as honey or fresh banana to go with it. It's so good and just what I need to start the day.
The rest of the food is very good, they have good salads, wheat-free sandwiches and some noodle meals. All taste really good but are shockingly expensive. The superfood salad is about Â£8 for example, it's a good dish with fresh tasting, varied ingredients but my god, there's just no need for that sort of price tag.
Alas, I keep going back. Healthy food is my biggest weakness and it seems that I will pay for the privileged.

Giaconda Dining Room - Sydney's loss is London's gain. by bellaphon

bellaphon — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:59:49 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7240 3334

Tags: french, good value, british

Most of what I want to say about this place has already been said on the well-judged and well-conceived reviews from the triumvirate of Sue, Gastro1 and Chrisp.

Just as well I booked for lunch, the dining room was already packed with business lunchers and arty luvvies by the time we turned up at 1pm. The service is akin to travelling First Class on Qantas (Iâ¬"m only assuming please), efficient and to the point but boy did I start to wonder whatâ¬"s going to be like during dinner instead. My signature starter of Crisped Pigs Trotters and Eggs Mayonnaise was perfectly balanced and delicately unctuous; I might request this as a mains option on my next visit. My dining companionâ¬"s Shellfish Bisque was unfortunately a little under-salted, personally I think this couldâ¬"ve been remedied with the addition of some grated GruyÃ¨re. For the main course I decided to go "off-piste", as everyone else in the room seemed to opt for either the Roast Salmon or Grilled Sirloin; my delicious Tripe Braised with Chorizo, Smoked Paprika & Butter Beans was basically grown up baked beans for the discerning palate. The companionâ¬"s Duck Confit and Roast Potatoes was pretty much epic in proportions, it took him forever to finish the plate up (obviously good enough as a dish as he has a habit of leaving most of his food half-finished). We ended up the meal with a shared pudding of Poached Peach and Eton Mess; this was the star dish of the meal for me at The GDR for it was so fruity, crunchy and sensibly creamy, it was the perfect end to a delicious and good value meal.

The location is great, one can now rid of the lunch excesses by window shopping around the guitar stores on the same street or admiring that fine carbuncle nearby otherwise known as the Centre Point tower.
Most of what I want to say about this place has already been said on the well-judged and well-conceived reviews from the triumvirate of Sue, Gastro1 and Chrisp.

Just as well I booked for lunch, the dining room was already packed with business lunchers and arty luvvies by the time we turned up at 1pm. The service is akin to travelling First Class on Qantas (Iâ¬"m only assuming please), efficient and to the point but boy did I start to wonder whatâ¬"s going to be like during dinner instead. My signature starter of Crisped Pigs Trotters and Eggs Mayonnaise was perfectly balanced and delicately unctuous; I might request this as a mains option on my next visit. My dining companionâ¬"s Shellfish Bisque was unfortunately a little under-salted, personally I think this couldâ¬"ve been remedied with the addition of some grated GruyÃ¨re. For the main course I decided to go "off-piste", as everyone else in the room seemed to opt for either the Roast Salmon or Grilled Sirloin; my delicious Tripe Braised with Chorizo, Smoked Paprika & Butter Beans was basically grown up baked beans for the discerning palate. The companionâ¬"s Duck Confit and Roast Potatoes was pretty much epic in proportions, it took him forever to finish the plate up (obviously good enough as a dish as he has a habit of leaving most of his food half-finished). We ended up the meal with a shared pudding of Poached Peach and Eton Mess; this was the star dish of the meal for me at The GDR for it was so fruity, crunchy and sensibly creamy, it was the perfect end to a delicious and good value meal.

The location is great, one can now rid of the lunch excesses by window shopping around the guitar stores on the same street or admiring that fine carbuncle nearby otherwise known as the Centre Point tower.

Cocomo - welcome break by ben1982

ben1982 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:51:15 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7613 0315

Tags: cosy, food, relaxed

Dirty (in a good way) and dark, this small bar has a lot of charisma - especially in the basement where a range of battered old sofas are clustered. The cocktails ordered on previous visits have been pretty badly thrown together, so maybe go for something that's harder to screw up, but doubles are often cheap. It represents a nice change from the more contrived scene around the corner in hoxton square.Dirty (in a good way) and dark, this small bar has a lot of charisma - especially in the basement where a range of battered old sofas are clustered. The cocktails ordered on previous visits have been pretty badly thrown together, so maybe go for something that's harder to screw up, but doubles are often cheap. It represents a nice change from the more contrived scene around the corner in hoxton square.

The Hoxton - Hoxton Hotel by jan08

jan08 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:04:06 +0000

Review by jan08

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7550 1000

Website: http://www.hoxtonhotels.com

Tags: restaurant, free wifi, wi-fi

Great modern hotel close to Liverpool St station. Contemporary styled, spacious rooms with flat screen TV and WiFi. Luxurious bathrooms with plenty of fluffy towels and Aveda toiletries. Very helpful desk staff - on my visit they fulfilled my request for a quiet room on a higher floor. The hotel's bar is popular with locals and includes an open fire and lots of deep comfy chairs and setees. It's reasonably priced and often runs deals (register with them to get email alerts of each sale). Only drawbacks might be the location, as it's not convenient for the West End, and the lack of sit-down, hot breakfasts (pret-a-manger breakfasts are brought to your room and left outside the door).Great modern hotel close to Liverpool St station. Contemporary styled, spacious rooms with flat screen TV and WiFi. Luxurious bathrooms with plenty of fluffy towels and Aveda toiletries. Very helpful desk staff - on my visit they fulfilled my request for a quiet room on a higher floor. The hotel's bar is popular with locals and includes an open fire and lots of deep comfy chairs and setees. It's reasonably priced and often runs deals (register with them to get email alerts of each sale). Only drawbacks might be the location, as it's not convenient for the West End, and the lack of sit-down, hot breakfasts (pret-a-manger breakfasts are brought to your room and left outside the door).

Fish Central - Fab Fish Central by jammiedodger

jammiedodger — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:35:52 +0000

Review by jammiedodger

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7253 4970

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

Tags: seafood, lively, takeaway

You'll receive a warm welcome and enjoy wonderful food at this fantastic family restaurant that has been here since the 1960s. A favourite among locals, it attracts regular repeat visits with its personal take on traditional 'fish and chips' (grilled or fried and cooked to perfection) as well as more adventurous cuisine and daily specials such as monkfish and scallops. There's plenty to attract the non-fish-eaters too. Tucked away between Barbican and Angel it's hard to stumble upon but worth seeking out.

It boasts a cool, crisp interior (although the chairs are not very luxurious) and a light, airy glass frontage that opens in summer months for almost al-fresco dining.

The food is great quality, all freshly prepared and the prices are reasonable. And the restaurant thankfully lacks the pretentions of so many other fish restaurants in the capital.You'll receive a warm welcome and enjoy wonderful food at this fantastic family restaurant that has been here since the 1960s. A favourite among locals, it attracts regular repeat visits with its personal take on traditional 'fish and chips' (grilled or fried and cooked to perfection) as well as more adventurous cuisine and daily specials such as monkfish and scallops. There's plenty to attract the non-fish-eaters too. Tucked away between Barbican and Angel it's hard to stumble upon but worth seeking out.

It boasts a cool, crisp interior (although the chairs are not very luxurious) and a light, airy glass frontage that opens in summer months for almost al-fresco dining.

The food is great quality, all freshly prepared and the prices are reasonable. And the restaurant thankfully lacks the pretentions of so many other fish restaurants in the capital.

Itsu - Great takeaway! by seconds

seconds — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:03:15 +0000

Review by seconds

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7374 0440

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

Tags: bar, takeaway, japanese

The overall description of this venue is rather misleading. This venue is not actually a restaurant, but is a very superior takeaway. It is possible to eat your takeaway inside the restaurant, but there is no revolving sushi bar here, only prepacked bento boxes.

OK, Itsu is quite expensive for a workaday lunch. However, very well stocked boxes start at around Â£6 and are extremely satisfying, full of sushi and delicious salad (my husband, who is allergic to coriander, has problems with this as there is a very varied mix of leaves). In addition, they do lovely desserts â¬ tiny little pots of passionfruit seeds or coconut delight (if a Bounty died and went to Heavenâ¬¦.) for only Â£1.70 each. Worth double just for the experience!

The overall description of this venue is rather misleading. This venue is not actually a restaurant, but is a very superior takeaway. It is possible to eat your takeaway inside the restaurant, but there is no revolving sushi bar here, only prepacked bento boxes.

OK, Itsu is quite expensive for a workaday lunch. However, very well stocked boxes start at around Â£6 and are extremely satisfying, full of sushi and delicious salad (my husband, who is allergic to coriander, has problems with this as there is a very varied mix of leaves). In addition, they do lovely desserts â¬ tiny little pots of passionfruit seeds or coconut delight (if a Bounty died and went to Heavenâ¬¦.) for only Â£1.70 each. Worth double just for the experience!

St. Paul's Cathedral - breath taking by vik

vik — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:11:51 +0000

Review by vik

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7236 4128

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

Walk across the millenium bridge from the tate modern side and the main thing you see is st pauls cathedral, it knocks your socks off. Better still do this at night or dusk when the building is full of spot lights and its even more of a sight for your eyes. You do have to pay to get in, but it is wonderful on the inside. We climbed the massive amount of steps and managed to get first to the gallery and then still higher where you can look down and see the floor and layout in all its splendor. There is also a gift shop selling the usual tourist stuff. We enjoyed it and have been a couple of times now, we will surely re visit in the future.Walk across the millenium bridge from the tate modern side and the main thing you see is st pauls cathedral, it knocks your socks off. Better still do this at night or dusk when the building is full of spot lights and its even more of a sight for your eyes. You do have to pay to get in, but it is wonderful on the inside. We climbed the massive amount of steps and managed to get first to the gallery and then still higher where you can look down and see the floor and layout in all its splendor. There is also a gift shop selling the usual tourist stuff. We enjoyed it and have been a couple of times now, we will surely re visit in the future.

Bleeding Heart Restaurant - Stunningly poor by sbr

sbr — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:15:57 +0000

Review by sbr

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7242 2056

Tags: french, cozy, romantic

My wife and I had eaten at the restaurant before and thought it was great. Our visit yesterday has ensured we will not visit again. There appears to be a massive bias towards the business customer. Service was very slow and rude and others who came in long after us were served first. The wine waiter even aggressivley challenged us when we told him that the champage we had ordered was warm. The food was average at best and no value for money.

My wife and I had eaten at the restaurant before and thought it was great. Our visit yesterday has ensured we will not visit again. There appears to be a massive bias towards the business customer. Service was very slow and rude and others who came in long after us were served first. The wine waiter even aggressivley challenged us when we told him that the champage we had ordered was warm. The food was average at best and no value for money.

The Angel - Heaven sent by chrisp

chrisp — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:08:01 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7240 2876

Tags: traditional pub, friendly, beer garden

A proper old pub that looks like it hasn't changed in 100 years - just how we like them. There is a traditional bar island surrounded by 3 or 4 small rooms and snugs, and a couple of old fireplaces for the winter. Being Sam Smiths, the beer is very cheap and attracts a friendly, ecclectic crowd. The only thing I would avoid is the food. Great place.A proper old pub that looks like it hasn't changed in 100 years - just how we like them. There is a traditional bar island surrounded by 3 or 4 small rooms and snugs, and a couple of old fireplaces for the winter. Being Sam Smiths, the beer is very cheap and attracts a friendly, ecclectic crowd. The only thing I would avoid is the food. Great place.

Aurora - Nice decor, shame about the food by Jongleur

Jongleur — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:57:56 +0000

Review by Jongleur

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7618 7000

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

Tags: expensive, cocktails, pretentious

I went to this restaurant on business to impress a client and it worked â¬ the decor is very elegant and the clientele are very conscious of their own superiority. (My male colleagues and client were very excited that we were sitting near Sepp Blatter!)

Service was friendly and attentive, food however was pretentious and overdone for my taste, and prices sky-high. I had a dish that was basically a deconstructed rabbit â¬ terrines, a little meat, sausage, etc. It sounded gorgeous on the menu but what I got was rather bland and had been processed to death without much taste of the rabbit remaining. Dessert however was much better and less fussy.I went to this restaurant on business to impress a client and it worked â¬ the decor is very elegant and the clientele are very conscious of their own superiority. (My male colleagues and client were very excited that we were sitting near Sepp Blatter!)

Service was friendly and attentive, food however was pretentious and overdone for my taste, and prices sky-high. I had a dish that was basically a deconstructed rabbit â¬ terrines, a little meat, sausage, etc. It sounded gorgeous on the menu but what I got was rather bland and had been processed to death without much taste of the rabbit remaining. Dessert however was much better and less fussy.

Rhodes Twenty Four - Amazing view, quality food by Jongleur

Jongleur — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:51:50 +0000

Review by Jongleur

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7877 7703

Tags: british, expensive, romantic

Iâ¬"ve been to this restaurant three times now â¬ the first time with clients and the next two times with friends and family, which is quite a compliment! Iâ¬"ve never been one for TV chefs and Gary Rhodes himself was not in residence in the kitchen but this is one of the few expensive restaurants Iâ¬"ve been to where I felt the food and experience was worth the cash.

The restaurant is on the 24th floor of Tower 42 (the old Natwest Tower) in the City, and I recommend you arrive a few minutes early so you can take some time admiring the panoramic view of London from the windows.

Food was excellent â¬ in small portions but so rich I was full before dessert! We paid for three courses but got five including complimentary soup before our starter and plate of petits-fours presented with the coffee. I recommend the 'dessert plate' which includes three beautifully reimagined versions of traditional school-dinners puddings... I dreamed about the jam roly-poly afterwards!

Service was friendly and attentive without being obtrusive, and we didnâ¬"t feel rushed. I thought the price was reasonable for the high quality of the food â¬ as always alcohol can knock the bill up a bit but there are cheaper options on the wine list.Iâ¬"ve been to this restaurant three times now â¬ the first time with clients and the next two times with friends and family, which is quite a compliment! Iâ¬"ve never been one for TV chefs and Gary Rhodes himself was not in residence in the kitchen but this is one of the few expensive restaurants Iâ¬"ve been to where I felt the food and experience was worth the cash.

The restaurant is on the 24th floor of Tower 42 (the old Natwest Tower) in the City, and I recommend you arrive a few minutes early so you can take some time admiring the panoramic view of London from the windows.

Food was excellent â¬ in small portions but so rich I was full before dessert! We paid for three courses but got five including complimentary soup before our starter and plate of petits-fours presented with the coffee. I recommend the 'dessert plate' which includes three beautifully reimagined versions of traditional school-dinners puddings... I dreamed about the jam roly-poly afterwards!

Service was friendly and attentive without being obtrusive, and we didnâ¬"t feel rushed. I thought the price was reasonable for the high quality of the food â¬ as always alcohol can knock the bill up a bit but there are cheaper options on the wine list.

Cafe El Paso - just ok by richfair

richfair — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:00:20 +0000

Review by richfair

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7739 4202

Tags: lively, crowded, central

El Paso has okay Mexican food-- better than most Mexican food in London, but unfortunately I'm from Texas, where good Tex-Mex is everywhere, so I was inevitably disappointed with this food. The atmosphere is again okay... I felt they were trying to make it feel a little more lively than it was. There are much more lively and better quality places to eat in Shoreditch.

That said though, it was some of the best Mexican food I've had in London and the portions were generous. The staff was average, but like I said there are better places in Shoreditch so I probably won't be going back.El Paso has okay Mexican food-- better than most Mexican food in London, but unfortunately I'm from Texas, where good Tex-Mex is everywhere, so I was inevitably disappointed with this food. The atmosphere is again okay... I felt they were trying to make it feel a little more lively than it was. There are much more lively and better quality places to eat in Shoreditch.

That said though, it was some of the best Mexican food I've had in London and the portions were generous. The staff was average, but like I said there are better places in Shoreditch so I probably won't be going back.

Gaucho City - Steak! by faery81

faery81 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:02:26 +0000

Review by faery81

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7626 5180

Website: http://www.gauchosgrill.com

Tags: expensive, argentinian, business

Fantastic restaurant in the city. The decoration is cow hide, glass and sparkling chandeliers. It is very dark in the restaurant, though, particularly in the evenings so it can be hard to actually see what youâ¬"re trying to eat.

The waitresses were very attentive to our table: they remembered everyoneâ¬"s orders and were always there when you needed something, without being intrusive.

The food was lovely: everyone chose steaks and they were very well cooked â¬ our waitress showed the table the different cuts of meat before everyone made their selection.

The only downside to this place is that is was very very expensive and the side dishes you order with your steak (eg. chips) werenâ¬"t very big, especially for the price!
Fantastic restaurant in the city. The decoration is cow hide, glass and sparkling chandeliers. It is very dark in the restaurant, though, particularly in the evenings so it can be hard to actually see what youâ¬"re trying to eat.

The waitresses were very attentive to our table: they remembered everyoneâ¬"s orders and were always there when you needed something, without being intrusive.

The food was lovely: everyone chose steaks and they were very well cooked â¬ our waitress showed the table the different cuts of meat before everyone made their selection.

The only downside to this place is that is was very very expensive and the side dishes you order with your steak (eg. chips) werenâ¬"t very big, especially for the price!