Latest reviews in Stepney, London, United Kingdom

New Tayyabs - Terrible by sam189

sam189 — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:53:58 +0000

Review by sam189

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7247 9543

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

Worst night out I've had in an extremely long time. Tayyabs was once a great restaurant with fantastic food. The service was always average, but overall a well above average place to eat. Now however, I'm afraid the word is out and the place is absolutely horrendous. Rammed no matter what time you arrive, I made the mistake of arranging a night out there for a group of six. We arrived and our pre booked table was no where to be seen, the waiter actually told us to stand out in the rain until it was ready. When our table finally became free after a 20 minute wait (and a lot of persuasion) we finally sat down to some of the rudest service I have ever experienced. As soon as we had sat down we were being hassled to order, before we had even had a chance to look over the menu, we were practically threatened into placing an order, this was after our waiter had tried to order for us, telling us what we were to eat. We made it clear that we weren't yet ready and he was definitely not pleased. Once the food arrived it was not bad, but no where near the standard which gave it the reputation that it no longer deserves. Squeezed round our very small table we were forced to confront a different waiter, when we pointed out that he'd given us several dishes that we didn't order, included lamb filled naan bread given only to our 2 vegetarian friends (suspiciously feeling like sabotage). We were constantly harassed into eating faster and moving on. We were made to feel like a complete inconvenience to both the staff and the restaurant as we were bullied through every aspect of our dining experience. I had been to this restaurant on more than a couple of occasions when it was still a hidden gem, but now, you couldn't drag me back. If you want a great brick lane meal, I'd head for Aladdin's up Brick lane and avoid Tayyabs like the plague.Worst night out I've had in an extremely long time. Tayyabs was once a great restaurant with fantastic food. The service was always average, but overall a well above average place to eat. Now however, I'm afraid the word is out and the place is absolutely horrendous. Rammed no matter what time you arrive, I made the mistake of arranging a night out there for a group of six. We arrived and our pre booked table was no where to be seen, the waiter actually told us to stand out in the rain until it was ready. When our table finally became free after a 20 minute wait (and a lot of persuasion) we finally sat down to some of the rudest service I have ever experienced. As soon as we had sat down we were being hassled to order, before we had even had a chance to look over the menu, we were practically threatened into placing an order, this was after our waiter had tried to order for us, telling us what we were to eat. We made it clear that we weren't yet ready and he was definitely not pleased. Once the food arrived it was not bad, but no where near the standard which gave it the reputation that it no longer deserves. Squeezed round our very small table we were forced to confront a different waiter, when we pointed out that he'd given us several dishes that we didn't order, included lamb filled naan bread given only to our 2 vegetarian friends (suspiciously feeling like sabotage). We were constantly harassed into eating faster and moving on. We were made to feel like a complete inconvenience to both the staff and the restaurant as we were bullied through every aspect of our dining experience. I had been to this restaurant on more than a couple of occasions when it was still a hidden gem, but now, you couldn't drag me back. If you want a great brick lane meal, I'd head for Aladdin's up Brick lane and avoid Tayyabs like the plague.

Rosa's - M&S Thai takeaways are better by michou

michou — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:17:27 +0000

Review by michou

Rating: 1.00

Phone: +44 20 7247 109

Tags: thai, good value, lively

Went there having read reviews; what a disappointment; sure it is good value and service is efficient (but without a hint of a smile) but the food is extremely poor. Had soft shell crabs which were 90% soggy mess with some tasteless matter in the middle and Pad Thai noodles which were the worst I have ever tasted; lots of sugar on a messy dollop of tasteless nooddles. I've had much better and "authentic" Thai food from M&S and all the other supermarkets. Another restaurant in a trendy area that thinks it can throw any old rubbish at not too discerning people.Went there having read reviews; what a disappointment; sure it is good value and service is efficient (but without a hint of a smile) but the food is extremely poor. Had soft shell crabs which were 90% soggy mess with some tasteless matter in the middle and Pad Thai noodles which were the worst I have ever tasted; lots of sugar on a messy dollop of tasteless nooddles. I've had much better and "authentic" Thai food from M&S and all the other supermarkets. Another restaurant in a trendy area that thinks it can throw any old rubbish at not too discerning people.

Sheba - by Sarah_Law

Sarah_Law — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:25:35 +0000

Review by Sarah_Law

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7247 7824

Tags: indian, family & home feel, lively

I forgot to mention we found rat droppings in the toilet!!I forgot to mention we found rat droppings in the toilet!!

Aladin Restaurant - The Best food ever by alan123

alan123 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:25:20 +0000

Review by alan123

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7247 8210

Tags: lively, indian, good value

The food is just amazingly tasty. You can taste the real flavours right from the moment the curry enters your mouth. Truly mouth-watering. Fantastic service and atmosphere. One of the best in brick lane. i definitely recommend it. Its great value for money especially because its buy your own alcohol. I rate it 10 out of 10.The food is just amazingly tasty. You can taste the real flavours right from the moment the curry enters your mouth. Truly mouth-watering. Fantastic service and atmosphere. One of the best in brick lane. i definitely recommend it. Its great value for money especially because its buy your own alcohol. I rate it 10 out of 10.

Muhib Indian Cuisine - Go Somewhere Else by SophieGreen

SophieGreen — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:11:05 +0000

Review by SophieGreen

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7247 7122

Tags: indian, vegetarian dishes

We went as a group of five to Muhib last Saturday will NOT be returning!

We were looking forward to a good evening out and took advantage of the bring your own drink policy.

We barely had time to open our menus before our order was demanded for by a waiter, when we had question about a dish on the menu all we got in response was 'I dunno'.

The starters came out literally 2 minutes after ordering them, our main dishes were practically served before we had finished them and our plates cleared before we had time to put our forks down! We decided to have desserts and coffees and we asked for one of our bottles of wine which had been put in the restaurantâ¬"s fridge only to have the waiter bring our entire bag of wine back, dump it on our table along with the bill and waltz off!

When we said we hadn't asked for the bill and would like to order desserts we were told they did not serve them even though we had ordered them on a previous visit to the restaurant and to basically get lost as they had other customers!

We had gone to Brick Lane specially as had visitors from out of town and it was a complete let down, the whole meal was extremely rushed, we were in and out of there within an hour and the service was terrible and rude.

Wouldn't recommend going here, there are better curry houses in Brick Lane! Maybe Muhib should consider reopening as fast food joint!

We went as a group of five to Muhib last Saturday will NOT be returning!

We were looking forward to a good evening out and took advantage of the bring your own drink policy.

We barely had time to open our menus before our order was demanded for by a waiter, when we had question about a dish on the menu all we got in response was 'I dunno'.

The starters came out literally 2 minutes after ordering them, our main dishes were practically served before we had finished them and our plates cleared before we had time to put our forks down! We decided to have desserts and coffees and we asked for one of our bottles of wine which had been put in the restaurantâ¬"s fridge only to have the waiter bring our entire bag of wine back, dump it on our table along with the bill and waltz off!

When we said we hadn't asked for the bill and would like to order desserts we were told they did not serve them even though we had ordered them on a previous visit to the restaurant and to basically get lost as they had other customers!

We had gone to Brick Lane specially as had visitors from out of town and it was a complete let down, the whole meal was extremely rushed, we were in and out of there within an hour and the service was terrible and rude.

Wouldn't recommend going here, there are better curry houses in Brick Lane! Maybe Muhib should consider reopening as fast food joint!

Mirch Masala - Can you keep a secret? by sidsen

sidsen — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:07:02 +0000

Review by sidsen

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7377 6700

Tags: indian, cheap eat, lively

I am a religious follower of food at Lahore Kebab House & Tayyabs but I was getting a bit fed up of their over-popularity and nowadays quite expensive meals. So based on a recommendation by a car park attendant at Sainsbury's we decided to try it. Well, what a pleasant surprise it was. Food was as good as the other two (known to be the the bees-knees). The Karela dahl was superb, better than the other two by miles. Everything was quite reasonable in price considering it's decor was no less down market than the other two. After all you go to these places for the great food and the ability to bring your own booze. So there was nothing lacking here. The manager was so attentive. Every time he saw us looking for a waiter to order more, he sent on of them straight over to us nearly at once. Very quick serving times as well. OK, all these places have a limited repertoire in menu items. But that is exactly what veterans need. Well for the present it is good bye Lahore & Tayyabs. Well of course until MM goes greedy and inflate their prices unnecessarily. The impressive bit about this MM restaurant chain is that they have got their presence in so many places especially like Southall, where they will have a very discerning and veteran clientele and if they have survived over there- what more can one say. They are just opening one in Ilford and in a couple of month's in my Harrow area. I can hardly wait! . By the way MM could you get some proper wine glasses next time. Cheers and all the best!I am a religious follower of food at Lahore Kebab House & Tayyabs but I was getting a bit fed up of their over-popularity and nowadays quite expensive meals. So based on a recommendation by a car park attendant at Sainsbury's we decided to try it. Well, what a pleasant surprise it was. Food was as good as the other two (known to be the the bees-knees). The Karela dahl was superb, better than the other two by miles. Everything was quite reasonable in price considering it's decor was no less down market than the other two. After all you go to these places for the great food and the ability to bring your own booze. So there was nothing lacking here. The manager was so attentive. Every time he saw us looking for a waiter to order more, he sent on of them straight over to us nearly at once. Very quick serving times as well. OK, all these places have a limited repertoire in menu items. But that is exactly what veterans need. Well for the present it is good bye Lahore & Tayyabs. Well of course until MM goes greedy and inflate their prices unnecessarily. The impressive bit about this MM restaurant chain is that they have got their presence in so many places especially like Southall, where they will have a very discerning and veteran clientele and if they have survived over there- what more can one say. They are just opening one in Ilford and in a couple of month's in my Harrow area. I can hardly wait! . By the way MM could you get some proper wine glasses next time. Cheers and all the best!

Happy Days - Fantastic Tradional Fish and Chips :-) by gpzarquon

gpzarquon — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:23:59 +0000

Review by gpzarquon

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7377 9815

Best Fish and Chip Shop in London... and an
excellent restaurant in the city to sit down and eat, cheap, tasty and fast service !Best Fish and Chip Shop in London... and an
excellent restaurant in the city to sit down and eat, cheap, tasty and fast service !

Prithi - by Maria_Hackney

Maria_Hackney — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:26:14 +0000

Review by Maria_Hackney

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7377 5252

Tags: indian, smoking, takeaway

Went there for lunch and were very disappointed. The starters were not fresh and had "fried" as primary taste. The dosas we had were not really good aswell. The staff was a bit slow and not all of them wore clean clothes. When we ordered a water and a beer, we got 640ml beer (for lunch!) and a liter bottle of water. I noted that i only wanted a glass of water, but the waiter ignore this.
ItÂ´s hard to make a choice between all the indian restaurants on Brick Lane most of which are in the same price range. But IÂ´d say you can skip trying out Prithi & Preem, mainly because the taste of the food was below average.Went there for lunch and were very disappointed. The starters were not fresh and had "fried" as primary taste. The dosas we had were not really good aswell. The staff was a bit slow and not all of them wore clean clothes. When we ordered a water and a beer, we got 640ml beer (for lunch!) and a liter bottle of water. I noted that i only wanted a glass of water, but the waiter ignore this.
ItÂ´s hard to make a choice between all the indian restaurants on Brick Lane most of which are in the same price range. But IÂ´d say you can skip trying out Prithi & Preem, mainly because the taste of the food was below average.

The Drunken Monkey - Rubbish by adamgrimsley

adamgrimsley — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:43:59 +0000

Review by adamgrimsley

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7392 9606

Tags: chinese, expensive, bar

Walked in, was quite busy. Staff ignored me for 10 minutes, one guy cleaning fridges, then stopped and served someone then went back to cleaning fridges, so I left.

It is just near where I live I wondered why we never go there, now I know!
Go to the Commercial Tavern instead, 10 times better and the owners are fab.Walked in, was quite busy. Staff ignored me for 10 minutes, one guy cleaning fridges, then stopped and served someone then went back to cleaning fridges, so I left.

It is just near where I live I wondered why we never go there, now I know!
Go to the Commercial Tavern instead, 10 times better and the owners are fab.

Bar Kick - by arianova

arianova — Wed, 20 May 2009 07:56:31 +0000

Review by arianova

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7739 8700

Website: http://www.cafekick.co.uk/BK_location.html

Tags: friendly, cool, relaxed

Great place to meet friendsGreat place to meet friends

Kings Stores - Venue Hire by michou

michou — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:12:02 +0000

Review by michou

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7247 4089

Website: http://www.laurelpubco.com

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

We hired this pub for a 50th birthday party and I cannot praise it enough. Very accommodating owner and staff, great venue so central, just the right size for 60-100 people. Space to dance, or talk ; food was excellent, late licence, could go in early to decorate, reasonable priced wine - made for a perfect evening. Will definetly use again if the occasion ariseWe hired this pub for a 50th birthday party and I cannot praise it enough. Very accommodating owner and staff, great venue so central, just the right size for 60-100 people. Space to dance, or talk ; food was excellent, late licence, could go in early to decorate, reasonable priced wine - made for a perfect evening. Will definetly use again if the occasion arise

Commercial Tavern - Kooky relaxed by aimeealewis

aimeealewis — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:32:06 +0000

Review by aimeealewis

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7247 1888

Tags: relaxed, trendy, cool

I like this pub. It's very Shoreditch with it's darkness and random wallpaper samples, chandelier collection decor and photo wall. It also serves wine in tumblers. Yes that is because it's cool to disregard wine glasses. Not because they broke them all (apparently). Upstairs the decor is a little smarter with artistic lighting. You can reserve areas which is a good idea if you have a big group. They have a pool table too, if you like that kind of thing.I like this pub. It's very Shoreditch with it's darkness and random wallpaper samples, chandelier collection decor and photo wall. It also serves wine in tumblers. Yes that is because it's cool to disregard wine glasses. Not because they broke them all (apparently). Upstairs the decor is a little smarter with artistic lighting. You can reserve areas which is a good idea if you have a big group. They have a pool table too, if you like that kind of thing.

INDO - Awesome Staff, Food and Atmosphere by london4life

london4life — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:42:58 +0000

Review by london4life

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7247 4926

Tags: friendly, independent pub, cool

Tiny little boozer on Whitechapel road, right opposite the East London Mosque. A great change from your typical east end pub, and one of the best places to drink for miles around. The staff and clientele are all friendly, the food is legend (particularly the pizza) all in all can't be beat...
It's a little bit trendy and pretentious, art on the walls etc, but that's not really a criticism. Does get a bit rammed in the evenings though, so don't expect a seat. Often open late late with music (live or DJ).

Highest recommendation.Tiny little boozer on Whitechapel road, right opposite the East London Mosque. A great change from your typical east end pub, and one of the best places to drink for miles around. The staff and clientele are all friendly, the food is legend (particularly the pizza) all in all can't be beat...
It's a little bit trendy and pretentious, art on the walls etc, but that's not really a criticism. Does get a bit rammed in the evenings though, so don't expect a seat. Often open late late with music (live or DJ).

Highest recommendation.

Scarlet Dot - Decent grub by greedoe

greedoe — Sun, 10 May 2009 00:06:21 +0000

Review by greedoe

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7375 0880

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

Tags: indian, bar, takeaway

The place obviously wants to be trendy funky and expensive, but we arrived for an early Saturday evening meal with kids in tow. The outdoor eating under quite high Spitalfields roof was nice, and the grub matched the decor. We were still in time for the 2-4-1 drink special as well.

The service was decent enough, but quite slow at times and they kept tripping over our high chair until they eventually knocked a glass over and broke it.

Would I recommend? Yeah. Would I go back? Probably, just not right away. I've had nicer and cheaper Indian meals.The place obviously wants to be trendy funky and expensive, but we arrived for an early Saturday evening meal with kids in tow. The outdoor eating under quite high Spitalfields roof was nice, and the grub matched the decor. We were still in time for the 2-4-1 drink special as well.

The service was decent enough, but quite slow at times and they kept tripping over our high chair until they eventually knocked a glass over and broke it.

Would I recommend? Yeah. Would I go back? Probably, just not right away. I've had nicer and cheaper Indian meals.

Les Trois Garcons - Les Trois Garcons by Vasso

Vasso — Tue, 05 May 2009 17:27:21 +0000

Review by Vasso

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7613 1924

Website: http://www.lestroisgarcons.com

Tags: french, expensive, romantic

just loved it!

really nice food, great atmosphere, excellent service..

nothing to complain about..

It is not for a regular night out but you should definitely go on a special occassion.
Little bit pricey but it's worth it!
just loved it!

really nice food, great atmosphere, excellent service..

nothing to complain about..

It is not for a regular night out but you should definitely go on a special occassion.
Little bit pricey but it's worth it!

Sri Thong - Not just a curry house by mark1208

mark1208 — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:20:32 +0000

Review by mark1208

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7375 0794

Tags: thai, lively, takeaway

Never failed to have a good meal here. I am a sucker for the yum yum spinach whihc is crispy with a really sweet coconut sauce , doesn't look good but is dead tasty.
Lillian the owner is lovely , knowing the owner on first name terms must mean I have been there more than once !Never failed to have a good meal here. I am a sucker for the yum yum spinach whihc is crispy with a really sweet coconut sauce , doesn't look good but is dead tasty.
Lillian the owner is lovely , knowing the owner on first name terms must mean I have been there more than once !

Lahore Kebab House - Tipp by Tipp

Tipp — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:13:36 +0000

Review by Tipp

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7488 2551

Tags: indian, good value, cheap eat

This restaurant provides the best curry outside of Pakistan. The meals are fantastic and the staff are polite and friendly.This restaurant provides the best curry outside of Pakistan. The meals are fantastic and the staff are polite and friendly.

Scarborough Arms - by Johnpubman

Johnpubman — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 08:14:41 +0000

Review by Johnpubman

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7481 1841

Tags: cool, food, friendly

Now this is a little gem - a back street pub just one block from tower hill dlr or aldgate east - unlike most of the pubs in the area it's bright and airy serves great beer and fabulous traditional pub grub. You can sit outside in the sunshine all day. Prices are decent too and the menu is incredible value. Friendly, welcoming and fun. The first floor is a real shock, with downstairs being a traditional country pub feel; the first floor is a luxourious bar with red and silver decor, a smoking balcony and its own bar. Bar far the best pub in the disrict.Now this is a little gem - a back street pub just one block from tower hill dlr or aldgate east - unlike most of the pubs in the area it's bright and airy serves great beer and fabulous traditional pub grub. You can sit outside in the sunshine all day. Prices are decent too and the menu is incredible value. Friendly, welcoming and fun. The first floor is a real shock, with downstairs being a traditional country pub feel; the first floor is a luxourious bar with red and silver decor, a smoking balcony and its own bar. Bar far the best pub in the disrict.

Market Coffee House - Please buy some new cups! by sue

sue — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:18:06 +0000

Review by sue

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7247 4110

Tags: quick bite, quiet & relaxed, amazing brew

Stopped here for a coffee one Sunday afternoon after a browse at Spitalfields Market. Excitedly we managed to get a table out the front, which is a fabulous place for people watchingâ¬¦. shame about the sewerage smell wafting out of the nearby drain.

The cafÃ© was pretty busy, and I had to queue inside for around five minutes to order our coffees. While I was waiting I had a look around and pretty much liked what I saw, though was saddened by their limited cake selection.

After waiting a while too long for our coffee it was delivered outside to us. It looked pretty good, and the milk was nice and creamy, but the coffee was bitter. Three stars though cause I liked the place and would try it again.Stopped here for a coffee one Sunday afternoon after a browse at Spitalfields Market. Excitedly we managed to get a table out the front, which is a fabulous place for people watchingâ¬¦. shame about the sewerage smell wafting out of the nearby drain.

The cafÃ© was pretty busy, and I had to queue inside for around five minutes to order our coffees. While I was waiting I had a look around and pretty much liked what I saw, though was saddened by their limited cake selection.

After waiting a while too long for our coffee it was delivered outside to us. It looked pretty good, and the milk was nice and creamy, but the coffee was bitter. Three stars though cause I liked the place and would try it again.