Latest reviews in St James's, London, United Kingdom

Cafe Mozart - Like the music, Mozart's cafe delights by carolinebee

carolinebee — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:17:11 +0000

Review by carolinebee

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8348 1384

Quite rightly, the first thing most people notice about this quaint cafe is its name - Mozart. Being a classical music fan myself, it drew me in on what was otherwise going to be a normal day out in London.

The place is perfect for someone like me - someone who loves dark, musty, traditional decor and a slightly subdued, private atmosphere. Don't get me wrong - it's not the Ritz Carlton by any means - but it's really nice for a quiet cup of coffee or a sandwich on a nice day.

The food is lovely, by cafe standards, and has the usual mixture of home baking, freshly made sandwiches, salads, and some hot offerings, too. The prices are average (for London, at least!) but I'm not sure it's somewhere you could afford to eat out of every day.

The staff members haven't really made an impression - they're always polite but don't seem to reach out or make any real conversation, however this shouldn't really bother you if you're just after a moment of solitude, anyway!

The bottom line is if you're around the neighbourhood, fancy a coffee and are somewhat interested in classical music, this place is one hundred percent perfect for you.Quite rightly, the first thing most people notice about this quaint cafe is its name - Mozart. Being a classical music fan myself, it drew me in on what was otherwise going to be a normal day out in London.

The place is perfect for someone like me - someone who loves dark, musty, traditional decor and a slightly subdued, private atmosphere. Don't get me wrong - it's not the Ritz Carlton by any means - but it's really nice for a quiet cup of coffee or a sandwich on a nice day.

The food is lovely, by cafe standards, and has the usual mixture of home baking, freshly made sandwiches, salads, and some hot offerings, too. The prices are average (for London, at least!) but I'm not sure it's somewhere you could afford to eat out of every day.

The staff members haven't really made an impression - they're always polite but don't seem to reach out or make any real conversation, however this shouldn't really bother you if you're just after a moment of solitude, anyway!

The bottom line is if you're around the neighbourhood, fancy a coffee and are somewhat interested in classical music, this place is one hundred percent perfect for you.

Berry Bros & Rudd - by TimLeung

TimLeung — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:06:41 +0000

Review by TimLeung

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7396 9600

Website: http://www.bbr.com

Tags: wine, traditional, delicatessen

a large selection of wine, my parents loves to come here and pick up one or two bottles once in a whilea large selection of wine, my parents loves to come here and pick up one or two bottles once in a while

Neal's Yard Dairy - best and smelliest by Alsation

Alsation — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:11:39 +0000

Review by Alsation

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7240 5700

Tags: delicatessen, helpful staff, rare finds

By far the best and most inspiring cheese retailer in the UK.
Started by Raldolph and his band of merry troubadours back in the late 70s, this is still the only shop to have a HUGE queue during the last week before Christmas.
They specialise in British cheeses, and now stock Irish ones too.
Many of the Cheddars are ripened in the cellar below the shop. Staff are brilliant, very enthusiastic and generally knowledgeable.
Always ask to taste a cheese you like the looks of - you never know....
They now also stock a great range of breads, sauces, pickles and condiments, with even some imported delicacies.
For cheese accessories and gift you could look elesewhere, although there is a limited (and seasonal?) range available in the shop.
One of my favourite shops in the whole of London!By far the best and most inspiring cheese retailer in the UK.
Started by Raldolph and his band of merry troubadours back in the late 70s, this is still the only shop to have a HUGE queue during the last week before Christmas.
They specialise in British cheeses, and now stock Irish ones too.
Many of the Cheddars are ripened in the cellar below the shop. Staff are brilliant, very enthusiastic and generally knowledgeable.
Always ask to taste a cheese you like the looks of - you never know....
They now also stock a great range of breads, sauces, pickles and condiments, with even some imported delicacies.
For cheese accessories and gift you could look elesewhere, although there is a limited (and seasonal?) range available in the shop.
One of my favourite shops in the whole of London!

American Fried Chicken - American Fried Chicken by Dom99

Dom99 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:41:20 +0000

Review by Dom99

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 6238

Fried chicken is the best food for me,I love fried chicken and places to find good fried chicken can be hard at times.I have been a regular here at this place,Their chicken is quite different and unique.They mix in different sauces if you take a meal with them.

You can get chicken and chips here along with a drink for 2.50 which is quite cheap compared to other places.Their chicken is simply gorgeous to eat,I find the food here to be really good.Fried chicken is the best food for me,I love fried chicken and places to find good fried chicken can be hard at times.I have been a regular here at this place,Their chicken is quite different and unique.They mix in different sauces if you take a meal with them.

You can get chicken and chips here along with a drink for 2.50 which is quite cheap compared to other places.Their chicken is simply gorgeous to eat,I find the food here to be really good.

Wagamama - tasty by t_moussa

t_moussa — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:51:44 +0000

Review by t_moussa

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7588 2688

Website: http://www.wagamama.com

Tags: lively, good value, japanese

Having never been to wagamamas but hearing lots of good things about it I decided to go there with my boyfriend after obtaining those 2 for 1 vouchers they regularly put up on their website. We were both apprehensive at first as we had never tried japanese food before. The menu at first glace can be a bit daunting but we took our time to pore over the descriptions, the food didn't seem that scary. My boyfriend decided to play it safe and go for a vegetarian fried noodle dish whilst I decided to risk it and ordered noodles in a spicy coconut soup. The only cutlery on the table were chopsticks but we asked for forks and were provided with them. When our food arrived it looked fantastic and smelt wonderful. Mine was a bit too spicy for my liking but the free mug of green tea soon helped to ease the fieryness! The service was great and the staff very helpful in demonstrating how the various strange cutlery that accompanied our food were used. Enjoyed this experience immensely.Having never been to wagamamas but hearing lots of good things about it I decided to go there with my boyfriend after obtaining those 2 for 1 vouchers they regularly put up on their website. We were both apprehensive at first as we had never tried japanese food before. The menu at first glace can be a bit daunting but we took our time to pore over the descriptions, the food didn't seem that scary. My boyfriend decided to play it safe and go for a vegetarian fried noodle dish whilst I decided to risk it and ordered noodles in a spicy coconut soup. The only cutlery on the table were chopsticks but we asked for forks and were provided with them. When our food arrived it looked fantastic and smelt wonderful. Mine was a bit too spicy for my liking but the free mug of green tea soon helped to ease the fieryness! The service was great and the staff very helpful in demonstrating how the various strange cutlery that accompanied our food were used. Enjoyed this experience immensely.

Namco Station - Fun and games waiting for a train by damo1977

damo1977 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:50:29 +0000

Review by damo1977

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7967 1066

Website: http://www.namcoexperience.com

Tags: comfy sofas, pool, fun

If you've got a bit of time to spare waiting for a train at Waterloo, head across the Namco at County Hall.

Namco is a large arcade on multiple levels. Whether it's a game of bowling, a dance competition, the latest shoot em up or driving game, they have a great selection. The bumper cars are always a favourite.

On the lower level is a pool hall with a small bar, however it serves Kronenberg Blanc, so top marks!

Definately worth a visit when you have a bit of spare time.

The entrance is on the river front, between Westminster Bridge and The London Eye.If you've got a bit of time to spare waiting for a train at Waterloo, head across the Namco at County Hall.

Namco is a large arcade on multiple levels. Whether it's a game of bowling, a dance competition, the latest shoot em up or driving game, they have a great selection. The bumper cars are always a favourite.

On the lower level is a pool hall with a small bar, however it serves Kronenberg Blanc, so top marks!

Definately worth a visit when you have a bit of spare time.

The entrance is on the river front, between Westminster Bridge and The London Eye.

The Ritz Restaurant - amazing food by beckyfox

beckyfox — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:00:31 +0000

Review by beckyfox

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7493 8181

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

Tags: expensive, posh, restaurant

I have been to the ritz restaurant a few times for lunch with my mum. If you want to be treated like a princess for the day then this is the place to go. My mum and i both love it. The food is delicious there is a set menu and a la carte the cuisine is french. the set menu lunch is a great choice i think it is around 37 pounds for 3 courses and coffee. the staff are very attentive and friendly. Once it was my mum's birthday and i told one of the waiters and after desert they brought over a ritz birthday cake for my mum. it really made her day and shows the special treatment you get there. The setting of the hotel is great perfect if you have something special to celebrate!I have been to the ritz restaurant a few times for lunch with my mum. If you want to be treated like a princess for the day then this is the place to go. My mum and i both love it. The food is delicious there is a set menu and a la carte the cuisine is french. the set menu lunch is a great choice i think it is around 37 pounds for 3 courses and coffee. the staff are very attentive and friendly. Once it was my mum's birthday and i told one of the waiters and after desert they brought over a ritz birthday cake for my mum. it really made her day and shows the special treatment you get there. The setting of the hotel is great perfect if you have something special to celebrate!

Diyarbakir Restaurant Ltd - Not a good experience by izolda

izolda — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:19:19 +0000

Review by izolda

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 88092777

Tags: turkish, cheap eat

Had food poisoning after visiting this place which lasted a week, so wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless immune to the pathogens that frequent these sorts of places. This is a run of the mill turkish kebbab joint cum restaurant that I made the mistake of visiting when I first arrived in the UK. The cooked food is pre-prepared and is reheated - I actually wouldn't put it past them topping up the same three dishes daily, which is unjygienic to put it mildly. The food didn't taste bad though, and a lot of the locals were in enjoying a meal which is what attracted me and my friend to the restaurant. However given the fact that we both came down with food poisoning this was obviously not a coincidence. To be avoided.Had food poisoning after visiting this place which lasted a week, so wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless immune to the pathogens that frequent these sorts of places. This is a run of the mill turkish kebbab joint cum restaurant that I made the mistake of visiting when I first arrived in the UK. The cooked food is pre-prepared and is reheated - I actually wouldn't put it past them topping up the same three dishes daily, which is unjygienic to put it mildly. The food didn't taste bad though, and a lot of the locals were in enjoying a meal which is what attracted me and my friend to the restaurant. However given the fact that we both came down with food poisoning this was obviously not a coincidence. To be avoided.

Travelodge Farringdon - quality and great value by jlonners

jlonners — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:44:03 +0000

Review by jlonners

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0870 191 1774

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

Tags: air conditioning, televisions, car parking

Having only a 1bed flat I often book hotels for family and friends when they come to visit. Being london this can be expensive. We are all ware of travelodges good deals, 29 a room if you book in advance. But there are a few of their hotels in london and the quality varies hugely. For example I put some friends up in the covent garden one, it was the old part and it stank! The location was great but I have never been able to fault this one. You may think its not near anything but itâ¬"s a short walk to kings cross and a short taxi ride to anywhere. This used to be a thistle hotel before travelodge aquired it so the rooms have marble bathrooms and are of a much better standard than most travelodges. There is a decent bar downstairs that stays open late too. This is one of the best travelodges for london so if you canâ¬"t decide between them this one is the best quality inside. For location the covent garden one canâ¬"t be beaten but it was not nice inside.Having only a 1bed flat I often book hotels for family and friends when they come to visit. Being london this can be expensive. We are all ware of travelodges good deals, 29 a room if you book in advance. But there are a few of their hotels in london and the quality varies hugely. For example I put some friends up in the covent garden one, it was the old part and it stank! The location was great but I have never been able to fault this one. You may think its not near anything but itâ¬"s a short walk to kings cross and a short taxi ride to anywhere. This used to be a thistle hotel before travelodge aquired it so the rooms have marble bathrooms and are of a much better standard than most travelodges. There is a decent bar downstairs that stays open late too. This is one of the best travelodges for london so if you canâ¬"t decide between them this one is the best quality inside. For location the covent garden one canâ¬"t be beaten but it was not nice inside.

Le Caprice - Top restaurant by jmcfar

jmcfar — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:15:21 +0000

Review by jmcfar

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7629 2239

Website: http://www.le-caprice.co.uk/

Tags: expensive, romantic, good value

A fantastic high class restaurant in St. Jamesâ¬"s The menu is pricey but the food absolutely incredible. Moreover, the service too is fantastic, with friendly yet professional waiters. My favourites are the delicious steak tartare, one of the best steak tartars I have ever eaten, the goats cheese risotto, the steaks which were cooked to perfection, and my absolute favourite, which I have every time I go, which is the iced berries with hot white chocolate sauce as a dessert. A great restaurant to go to for special occasions, and I would go all the time if it were not for the slightly prohibitive pricing!A fantastic high class restaurant in St. Jamesâ¬"s The menu is pricey but the food absolutely incredible. Moreover, the service too is fantastic, with friendly yet professional waiters. My favourites are the delicious steak tartare, one of the best steak tartars I have ever eaten, the goats cheese risotto, the steaks which were cooked to perfection, and my absolute favourite, which I have every time I go, which is the iced berries with hot white chocolate sauce as a dessert. A great restaurant to go to for special occasions, and I would go all the time if it were not for the slightly prohibitive pricing!

The Sitar Balti - Rubbish by bobidiot

bobidiot — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:50:13 +0000

Review by bobidiot

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7836 3730

Tags: indian, vegetarian dishes

This is not a very nice place to eat in my opinion. The food was far too spicy and everyone in my group had an upset stomach later in the night. The waiters served us very promptly but it took ages for it to get to us, and it was only warm. I think it may have been sitting around for a while. The naanâ¬"s were disappointing too. They reminded me of Tesco value naans! I thought the chairs and tables were of lower quality as well, and they whole atmosphere put us off going there again. One of out ten for this place. Do not go there please! You have been warned!This is not a very nice place to eat in my opinion. The food was far too spicy and everyone in my group had an upset stomach later in the night. The waiters served us very promptly but it took ages for it to get to us, and it was only warm. I think it may have been sitting around for a while. The naanâ¬"s were disappointing too. They reminded me of Tesco value naans! I thought the chairs and tables were of lower quality as well, and they whole atmosphere put us off going there again. One of out ten for this place. Do not go there please! You have been warned!

Jom Makan - LOVE THIS PLACE!! by jimbob77

jimbob77 — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:39:21 +0000

Review by jimbob77

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7925 2402

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

Tags: malaysian, cheap eat, lively

i have eaten there 4 times in 2 weeks and its bin a long time since i got THAT excited about a restaurant in london

keep up the good work jom makani have eaten there 4 times in 2 weeks and its bin a long time since i got THAT excited about a restaurant in london

keep up the good work jom makan

Apex City Of London - Apex City Of London by cstewa38

cstewa38 — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:36:08 +0000

Review by cstewa38

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0845 365 0000

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

Tags: restaurant, air conditioning, helpful staff

In my opinion, probably the best hotel in London! The Apex City Of London hotel is located only 5 minutes away from Tower Bridge; with Tower Bridge tube station providing cheap and convenient access to all areas of the city. The rooms are airy and spacious and have luxuries that you'd expected in a five star hotel; bathrobes, luxury toiletries, mineral water and a CD/DVD player are all standard in all rooms. Don't bother with the breakfast in the hotel, there is a Wetherspoon pub located round the corner from the hotel offering great value for money food and drinks. Prices can be as low as Â£100 per night if booked in advance which is fantastic for London!In my opinion, probably the best hotel in London! The Apex City Of London hotel is located only 5 minutes away from Tower Bridge; with Tower Bridge tube station providing cheap and convenient access to all areas of the city. The rooms are airy and spacious and have luxuries that you'd expected in a five star hotel; bathrobes, luxury toiletries, mineral water and a CD/DVD player are all standard in all rooms. Don't bother with the breakfast in the hotel, there is a Wetherspoon pub located round the corner from the hotel offering great value for money food and drinks. Prices can be as low as Â£100 per night if booked in advance which is fantastic for London!

The Avenue Restaurant & Bar - Great place to celebrate! by xLHGx

xLHGx — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:03:59 +0000

Review by xLHGx

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7321 2111

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

Tags: romantic, expensive, bar

I went here recently with my boyfriend to celebrate exam results. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect as my boyfriend booked but it turned out to be a lovely evening! We had gone with an offer from a website and the staff were really good about it, pointing out a more varied menu we could have under the offer meaning we got a free glass of champagne! The food was really great and despite minimalist decor there was a lovely atmosphere. I'm also not usually a fan of fancy restaurant food but I could find something I wanted for each course even off our set menu! The staff were very friendly, helpful and attentive. All in all it was a great place to eat!I went here recently with my boyfriend to celebrate exam results. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect as my boyfriend booked but it turned out to be a lovely evening! We had gone with an offer from a website and the staff were really good about it, pointing out a more varied menu we could have under the offer meaning we got a free glass of champagne! The food was really great and despite minimalist decor there was a lovely atmosphere. I'm also not usually a fan of fancy restaurant food but I could find something I wanted for each course even off our set menu! The staff were very friendly, helpful and attentive. All in all it was a great place to eat!

Paxton & Whitfield - Cheese Heaven by Hugo

Hugo — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:18:11 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7930 0259

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

Tags: traditional, amazing, cheese

Paxton & Whitfield are cheesemongers extraordinaire and if you love cheese or even have a passing fascination then you will love this shop.

The cheese experts there can help you to rustle up some intriguing new delights to savour and are happy to let you taste things.

A few of my favourites are The Stinking Bishop (obviously nothing to do with the name) and also Mimolette (apparently the champagne of cheeses - whatever that means!).

A wonderful place for a treat, a present or just an olfactory browse.

Other reasons to go:
- "A true gentleman only ever buys his cheese from Paxton & Whitfield" Winston Churchill
- They have been in St James's for over 200 years, so they know the odd thing or two about cheese. This Paxton & Whitfield branch is over 100 yrs old!

Paxton & Whitfield are cheesemongers extraordinaire and if you love cheese or even have a passing fascination then you will love this shop.

The cheese experts there can help you to rustle up some intriguing new delights to savour and are happy to let you taste things.

A few of my favourites are The Stinking Bishop (obviously nothing to do with the name) and also Mimolette (apparently the champagne of cheeses - whatever that means!).

A wonderful place for a treat, a present or just an olfactory browse.

Other reasons to go:
- "A true gentleman only ever buys his cheese from Paxton & Whitfield" Winston Churchill
- They have been in St James's for over 200 years, so they know the odd thing or two about cheese. This Paxton & Whitfield branch is over 100 yrs old!

The Cumberland Hotel - Kua Bar @ The Cumberland Hotel by walid

walid — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:38:51 +0000

Review by walid

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 0870 400 8701

Website: http://www.cumberlandhotel-london.co.uk/?gclid=CK6Ope2MkJUCFQ5NQwodEWbcgQ

Tags: restaurant, trendy, bar

As you enter the Cumberland hotel you're quite impressed by its massive entrance that has this modern scifi feel to it. Anyway this review isn't about the hotel itself but the Kua Bar. The Kua Bar at first site looks trendy, spacious, comfortable, trendy and swanky. I was there attending a Courvoisier event and looked forward to trying out a few new Courvoisier cocktails including the one picture which had chocolate. The cocktails themselves were great, well prepared and well presented. Now if I stopped my review at this point I'd give the Kua Bar a 4 stars... however... and that's a big however the service was extremely slow. Not because there was too many customers or not enough staff but from what I understand misunderstandings and bad management by the staff. Both my drinks and the other guests with me took 15 - 20 minutes to arrive which is completely unacceptable, so because of this I'd give the Kua Bar a 2 star and probably won't be returning.As you enter the Cumberland hotel you're quite impressed by its massive entrance that has this modern scifi feel to it. Anyway this review isn't about the hotel itself but the Kua Bar. The Kua Bar at first site looks trendy, spacious, comfortable, trendy and swanky. I was there attending a Courvoisier event and looked forward to trying out a few new Courvoisier cocktails including the one picture which had chocolate. The cocktails themselves were great, well prepared and well presented. Now if I stopped my review at this point I'd give the Kua Bar a 4 stars... however... and that's a big however the service was extremely slow. Not because there was too many customers or not enough staff but from what I understand misunderstandings and bad management by the staff. Both my drinks and the other guests with me took 15 - 20 minutes to arrive which is completely unacceptable, so because of this I'd give the Kua Bar a 2 star and probably won't be returning.

Swaine Adeney Brigg - Iconic Umbrella? (or an Indiana Jones Hat) by Hugo

Hugo — Sat, 17 May 2008 19:14:24 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0207 4097277

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

Tags: traditional, iconic, british

Ok, so this is a little over the top but I did hear on the grapevine that this was the ideal place from which to purchase the ultimate Umbrella. I have to say I have not been disappointed by my Swaine Adeney Brigg umbrella(s) and would highly recommend them.

I have been wanting to add this shop to TP for a while and was just browsing their website wondering what else to say about them. I'm delighted to say that a few notable bits of trivia leapt out. Firstly, I am pleased to say that The Brigg Umbrella has been selected by ICONS., a portrait of England, as an official British Icon. Apprently, this was the make of umbrella used by the memorable character Steed in the Avengers. Well, there you go. Certainly, it makes it hard to buy an umbrella anywhere else doesn't it? ahem. ;-)

Then I happened to notice that Swaine Adeney Brigg were the official makers of the original Indy hat (a special tweak on the 1890's original called The Poet apparently). There is a good page on their website describing the moment Stephen Speilberg pottered into the shop to talk about buying a hat for a new film he was making.

A classic British shop and an institution. Worth a potter about, even if you are not interested in purchasing anything. Save up, things you purchase here are for life (he said with his fingers crossed).Ok, so this is a little over the top but I did hear on the grapevine that this was the ideal place from which to purchase the ultimate Umbrella. I have to say I have not been disappointed by my Swaine Adeney Brigg umbrella(s) and would highly recommend them.

I have been wanting to add this shop to TP for a while and was just browsing their website wondering what else to say about them. I'm delighted to say that a few notable bits of trivia leapt out. Firstly, I am pleased to say that The Brigg Umbrella has been selected by ICONS., a portrait of England, as an official British Icon. Apprently, this was the make of umbrella used by the memorable character Steed in the Avengers. Well, there you go. Certainly, it makes it hard to buy an umbrella anywhere else doesn't it? ahem. ;-)

Then I happened to notice that Swaine Adeney Brigg were the official makers of the original Indy hat (a special tweak on the 1890's original called The Poet apparently). There is a good page on their website describing the moment Stephen Speilberg pottered into the shop to talk about buying a hat for a new film he was making.

A classic British shop and an institution. Worth a potter about, even if you are not interested in purchasing anything. Save up, things you purchase here are for life (he said with his fingers crossed).

Aura Kitchen & Bar - So awful I feel like I need a drink to recover by kellytron

kellytron — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 10:52:30 +0000

Review by kellytron

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7499 6655

Tags: bar, dj, expensive

Awful, awful venue that attempts to make you feel like it's a priveledge to be there. But it's not.
Trashy women, horrible music (think of bastardising Michael Jackson with really bad disco tunes), expensive drinks and posers ordereing drinks with sparklers coming out of them

Honestly, I feel like a worse person for having been there.
Awful, awful venue that attempts to make you feel like it's a priveledge to be there. But it's not.
Trashy women, horrible music (think of bastardising Michael Jackson with really bad disco tunes), expensive drinks and posers ordereing drinks with sparklers coming out of them

Honestly, I feel like a worse person for having been there.

Il Vicolo - snug Italian in St James's by ProfMagellan

ProfMagellan — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 15:50:29 +0000

Review by ProfMagellan

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7839 3960

Tags: italian, lively, good value

The Wolseley would not take us for a last minute reservation (they laughed at such a crass idea as a table on the day despite my devotion to them and to Mr King, London's premier restauranteur). So we went here instead.
If you like Italian food and you are in St James's, then this is for you. Hidden in tiny Crown Passage, just behind Berry Bros (London's oldest wine merchant), this restaurant has recently had a complete makeover. Although starkly modern, it remains intimate and appropriate both for business and for pleasure. The staff are Italian and thus service is professional and upbeat. Mrs Magellan and I
had the special pasta of the day (penne with bolognese),
a rocket salad and half a bottle of the house Merlot.
The pasta was fantastic, tasty and generous in portion
and the Merlot very quaffable. Most of the other punters appeared to be tourists - or perhaps "non-doms" for this area of London has become a bit prohibitive for local people. But they all looked as though they were having a good time.
But if you are having a night on the town (maybe a show
in Shaftesbury Avenue or a film on Leicester Square this is but ten minutes walk away).
I thought the Â£60 bill (including service) was good value for this well run and comfortable place. My only criticism was the piped music
which was at least reasonably quiet. Why do restauranteurs insist on playing piped muic which is now about as welcome as smoking or a glass of Blue Nun?
Having recently removed nearby Automat from Prof Magellan's list of West End favourites, I congratulate "Il Vicolo" on having entered it.The Wolseley would not take us for a last minute reservation (they laughed at such a crass idea as a table on the day despite my devotion to them and to Mr King, London's premier restauranteur). So we went here instead.
If you like Italian food and you are in St James's, then this is for you. Hidden in tiny Crown Passage, just behind Berry Bros (London's oldest wine merchant), this restaurant has recently had a complete makeover. Although starkly modern, it remains intimate and appropriate both for business and for pleasure. The staff are Italian and thus service is professional and upbeat. Mrs Magellan and I
had the special pasta of the day (penne with bolognese),
a rocket salad and half a bottle of the house Merlot.
The pasta was fantastic, tasty and generous in portion
and the Merlot very quaffable. Most of the other punters appeared to be tourists - or perhaps "non-doms" for this area of London has become a bit prohibitive for local people. But they all looked as though they were having a good time.
But if you are having a night on the town (maybe a show
in Shaftesbury Avenue or a film on Leicester Square this is but ten minutes walk away).
I thought the Â£60 bill (including service) was good value for this well run and comfortable place. My only criticism was the piped music
which was at least reasonably quiet. Why do restauranteurs insist on playing piped muic which is now about as welcome as smoking or a glass of Blue Nun?
Having recently removed nearby Automat from Prof Magellan's list of West End favourites, I congratulate "Il Vicolo" on having entered it.