Latest reviews in Temple, London, United Kingdom

Club Mangia, The Punch Tavern - Great friendly pub! by KellyMcAuley12

KellyMcAuley12 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:56:27 +0000

Review by KellyMcAuley12

Rating: 4.00

Tags: breakfast, good value, cheap eat

Lovely British Food!Lovely British Food!

Tossed Salad Bar - Disorganised mess by emmanx

emmanx — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:13:24 +0000

Review by emmanx

Rating: 3.00

Tags: crowded, business, cheap eat

Just started working in the area a couple of weeks ago and already had two very dissapointing visits to Tossed on St. Martin's lane. The first time I happened to be helped by someone who had just started so I decided to be forgiving and give the place a second go. Mistake.

The salad bar staff have no specific work area so they just run around getting in each other's way. My server gave me lip because I asked for a wrap but didn't have a base salad in my hands. Apparently, a wrap without a tonne of lettuce is weird. After he put the ingredients in a bowl he passed it on to someone else who had no idea what they were doing - the process was about 15 minutes, bit much for someone on their lunchbreak run

I got bored of watching her so I walked over to the till waiting for my food. I got harrassed to pay before I received it, which I refused. Result? Dirty look.

After she finally managed to finish my wrap, she handed it over to someone else, who gave it to another customer who was waiting for another wrap. By the time I caught on, she walked off with it. At that point, I left and I will NEVER go back. Boo hiss.

AfterJust started working in the area a couple of weeks ago and already had two very dissapointing visits to Tossed on St. Martin's lane. The first time I happened to be helped by someone who had just started so I decided to be forgiving and give the place a second go. Mistake.

The salad bar staff have no specific work area so they just run around getting in each other's way. My server gave me lip because I asked for a wrap but didn't have a base salad in my hands. Apparently, a wrap without a tonne of lettuce is weird. After he put the ingredients in a bowl he passed it on to someone else who had no idea what they were doing - the process was about 15 minutes, bit much for someone on their lunchbreak run

I got bored of watching her so I walked over to the till waiting for my food. I got harrassed to pay before I received it, which I refused. Result? Dirty look.

After she finally managed to finish my wrap, she handed it over to someone else, who gave it to another customer who was waiting for another wrap. By the time I caught on, she walked off with it. At that point, I left and I will NEVER go back. Boo hiss.

After

Hotel Strand Continental - don not stay in this hotel by susanbol

susanbol — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:54:52 +0000

Review by susanbol

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7836 4880

apparently u must rate this hole of a place to publish your review, i do not give this place one star, it is disgusting
this place is the worst hotel i heve ever stayed in, not only is it expensive for what you get but the staff baltently lie and are completely unhelpful in all cases. the bathroom are absolutely filthy and smell, as does the shower, when you turn on the water it is almost impossible to regulate the tempetature, and it is set to incinerate so you just end up losing a layer of skin.
apparently breakfast is included but inthe mornig the restaurant is shut and there is no one ot contact, there is noone at reception and the porter has left for his other job. every door in the place sticks, this morning i had to resuce a poor frenchman from the bathroom, he had been locked inthere for 40 minutes and whne i rang the porter i was told just to pull the door as hard as i could while the frenchman pushed as well.

the rom are filthy as well, with dirt and hair matted on the carpet and what ican only hope was a sink full of facial hair, absolutley disgusting place, could not reccommend in the slightest
apparently u must rate this hole of a place to publish your review, i do not give this place one star, it is disgusting
this place is the worst hotel i heve ever stayed in, not only is it expensive for what you get but the staff baltently lie and are completely unhelpful in all cases. the bathroom are absolutely filthy and smell, as does the shower, when you turn on the water it is almost impossible to regulate the tempetature, and it is set to incinerate so you just end up losing a layer of skin.
apparently breakfast is included but inthe mornig the restaurant is shut and there is no one ot contact, there is noone at reception and the porter has left for his other job. every door in the place sticks, this morning i had to resuce a poor frenchman from the bathroom, he had been locked inthere for 40 minutes and whne i rang the porter i was told just to pull the door as hard as i could while the frenchman pushed as well.

the rom are filthy as well, with dirt and hair matted on the carpet and what ican only hope was a sink full of facial hair, absolutley disgusting place, could not reccommend in the slightest

12 Temple Place Restaurant - 12 Temple Place by moreteavicar

moreteavicar — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 19:49:38 +0000

Review by moreteavicar

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7300 1700

Website: http://www.12templeplacerestaurant.co.uk/

Tags: british, expensive, pretentious

Tucked away behind The Strand and just up from the Embankment, this classical building awaits its guests with a touch of modern style.
G and I met in the bar for pre-dinner drinks. The marble pillars standing proud between plush, deep purple sofas and chairs giving a "jazzy cocktail joint" feel to the place. It was a slight knock back to find that the bar bill couldn't be transferred to the restaurant. "It's a different outlet" pronounced the waiter as he trundled off to get the bill. "But it's the same hotel." I thought to myself quizzically.
The small dining room was half full when we sat down, yet seemed rather empty in a way that only hotel restaurants can. As with the bar, the classic features of the building are amusingly offset by modern pieced, such as the teapots-turned-vase on the tables, which were wrapped in colourful paper, and the floor standing candelabra wrapped in the same style. An innovative way to recycle that unwanted gift wrapping.
So to the foodâ¬¦
G started with the confit fillet of smoked salmon which had an odd texture akin to having been recently defrosted. The fish was bland, and combined with the accompanying grapefruit segments tasted of, well, grapefruit.
As I read the menu there was no doubting my choice of starter. Suckling pig is one of my all time favourites. Just the thought makes my mouth waterâ¬¦ I'm dribbling over the keyboard as we speak. So when I selected a whole "Assiette" of the succulent beast, I could hardly contain myself.
The large plate looked welcoming with 3 (small) preparations spread sufficiently apart. The rillette was excellent; beautifully flavoursome and moist, and well seasoned to lift the meat's flavour. But apart from a drizzling of deliciously sweet apple sauce, the rest was bland; even the tiny morsel of crackling (which should surely be the tastiest part of the pig!).
Main course followed at a steady pace. G's Breast of Squab Pigeon with Confit Leg presented a colourful plate of interesting smells and flavours. The deep red of the beetroot interspersed with the golden brown meat. The chef's imagination shone through with this dish, using most parts of the bird in different ways. This was a tasty and very pleasing.
I opted for the vegetarian offering, which is most unusual for me. But I adore goat's cheese. The dish was a filo pastry log filled with goat's cheese, with leeks and spinach puree. The goat's cheese on its own was a bit salty, but this was offset well when combined with the sweet leeks. The puree was also salt laden and apart from a vibrant green colour added nothing to the dish; I would suggest even destroying an alright combination of goat's cheese and leeks. My taste buds were certainly awake and to attention after devouring what felt like a salt mine.
Before I discuss desert, I'll mention the wine. I was feeling particularly cruel that evening, so challenged our waiter to recommending a glass of wine for each course. This shouldn't have been too difficult as it is an option offered if you take the restaurant's tasting menu. He did indeed do very well, and all the wines were excellent, if a little pricey. Curiously out wine bill averaged Â£37.75 each for 4 different glasses, compared to the Â£27 being charge for the wine matching option offered with the 5 course tasting menu.
Deserts were a mixed bag. G had a banana and muscovado sugar cake. The banana flavour was very short lived, leaving a doughy taste behind. The accompanying ice cream was much more interesting. Homemade, rich, creamy and worthy of its own place on the menu.
Given that the Wimbledon season has only recently ended, I was still in a strawberry mood. A delicious vanilla parfait was unfortunately ruined by the waiter pouring a "strawberry consommÃ©" around it. This I presume was the poaching liqueur from the chopped strawberries and basil mixture which topped the accompanying shortbread. There strawberries weren't sweet enough to cut through the basil resulting in a mouthful of basil flavoured mush.
We did end on a high note though. The cheese board was very diverse, with a good combination of strengths and an unexpected smoked cheddar. All British. I was pleased to hear from our waiter that the selection changed on a regular basis.
All in all this was a mediocre but expensive event. As a hotel restaurant it passes muster just fine, but it needs to realise that its guests have a huge selection of more reasonably priced and higher quality offerings just a short walk away. There is certainly some work to be done if 12 Temple Place is to become a destination in its own right and attract non-resident dinners, which I suggest would be necessary in order to stay viable.
Food 3/5 - Variable, jumping from bland to incredibly salty
Service 4/5 - Helpful, knowledgeable, not pushy or intrusive
Environment 4/5 - Relaxing and comfortable. Unique, modern styleTucked away behind The Strand and just up from the Embankment, this classical building awaits its guests with a touch of modern style.
G and I met in the bar for pre-dinner drinks. The marble pillars standing proud between plush, deep purple sofas and chairs giving a "jazzy cocktail joint" feel to the place. It was a slight knock back to find that the bar bill couldn't be transferred to the restaurant. "It's a different outlet" pronounced the waiter as he trundled off to get the bill. "But it's the same hotel." I thought to myself quizzically.
The small dining room was half full when we sat down, yet seemed rather empty in a way that only hotel restaurants can. As with the bar, the classic features of the building are amusingly offset by modern pieced, such as the teapots-turned-vase on the tables, which were wrapped in colourful paper, and the floor standing candelabra wrapped in the same style. An innovative way to recycle that unwanted gift wrapping.
So to the foodâ¬¦
G started with the confit fillet of smoked salmon which had an odd texture akin to having been recently defrosted. The fish was bland, and combined with the accompanying grapefruit segments tasted of, well, grapefruit.
As I read the menu there was no doubting my choice of starter. Suckling pig is one of my all time favourites. Just the thought makes my mouth waterâ¬¦ I'm dribbling over the keyboard as we speak. So when I selected a whole "Assiette" of the succulent beast, I could hardly contain myself.
The large plate looked welcoming with 3 (small) preparations spread sufficiently apart. The rillette was excellent; beautifully flavoursome and moist, and well seasoned to lift the meat's flavour. But apart from a drizzling of deliciously sweet apple sauce, the rest was bland; even the tiny morsel of crackling (which should surely be the tastiest part of the pig!).
Main course followed at a steady pace. G's Breast of Squab Pigeon with Confit Leg presented a colourful plate of interesting smells and flavours. The deep red of the beetroot interspersed with the golden brown meat. The chef's imagination shone through with this dish, using most parts of the bird in different ways. This was a tasty and very pleasing.
I opted for the vegetarian offering, which is most unusual for me. But I adore goat's cheese. The dish was a filo pastry log filled with goat's cheese, with leeks and spinach puree. The goat's cheese on its own was a bit salty, but this was offset well when combined with the sweet leeks. The puree was also salt laden and apart from a vibrant green colour added nothing to the dish; I would suggest even destroying an alright combination of goat's cheese and leeks. My taste buds were certainly awake and to attention after devouring what felt like a salt mine.
Before I discuss desert, I'll mention the wine. I was feeling particularly cruel that evening, so challenged our waiter to recommending a glass of wine for each course. This shouldn't have been too difficult as it is an option offered if you take the restaurant's tasting menu. He did indeed do very well, and all the wines were excellent, if a little pricey. Curiously out wine bill averaged Â£37.75 each for 4 different glasses, compared to the Â£27 being charge for the wine matching option offered with the 5 course tasting menu.
Deserts were a mixed bag. G had a banana and muscovado sugar cake. The banana flavour was very short lived, leaving a doughy taste behind. The accompanying ice cream was much more interesting. Homemade, rich, creamy and worthy of its own place on the menu.
Given that the Wimbledon season has only recently ended, I was still in a strawberry mood. A delicious vanilla parfait was unfortunately ruined by the waiter pouring a "strawberry consommÃ©" around it. This I presume was the poaching liqueur from the chopped strawberries and basil mixture which topped the accompanying shortbread. There strawberries weren't sweet enough to cut through the basil resulting in a mouthful of basil flavoured mush.
We did end on a high note though. The cheese board was very diverse, with a good combination of strengths and an unexpected smoked cheddar. All British. I was pleased to hear from our waiter that the selection changed on a regular basis.
All in all this was a mediocre but expensive event. As a hotel restaurant it passes muster just fine, but it needs to realise that its guests have a huge selection of more reasonably priced and higher quality offerings just a short walk away. There is certainly some work to be done if 12 Temple Place is to become a destination in its own right and attract non-resident dinners, which I suggest would be necessary in order to stay viable.
Food 3/5 - Variable, jumping from bland to incredibly salty
Service 4/5 - Helpful, knowledgeable, not pushy or intrusive
Environment 4/5 - Relaxing and comfortable. Unique, modern style

St Clements Cafe&Bar - Delicious food in a beautiful setting by lizziemorgan

lizziemorgan — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:18:41 +0000

Review by lizziemorgan

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7936 2755

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

Tags: cultured, quick bite, quiet & relaxed

St Clements offers delicious food, at affordable prices, made fresh daily in the kitchens by experienced chefs. The menu varies daily using the best seasonal ingredients sourced from the UK, Italy and France.

The interior comfortably seats up to 60 customers and the outside area can accommodate a further 32. The terrace overlooks the beautiful Middle Temple Gardens with sloping lawns, amplified by the crafted architecture.

Located on Middle Temple Lane, St Clements offers the perfect location for coffee, breakfast, lunch or evening drinks. In the vicinity of Fleet Street, the cafÃ© provides a contrast to the pre-packaged lunch without a great contrast in price. The vast difference in quality of cooking and the relaxed atmosphere makes St Clements the perfect stop.

The breakfast menu offers everything from summer berry compote with yoghurt & granola to a Tamworth bacon and egg sandwich; lunch comprises a selection of delicious salads, handmade sandwiches, and a daily special such as griddled Yorkshire lamb burgers in toasted focaccia with tzatsiki & salad. Freshly baked cakes and scones are available in the afternoon and in the evening customers can enjoy simple bar suppers such as Nealsâ¬" Yard cheese plates, ham hock terrine, potted shrimps or homemade chips with rosemary sea salt.

The wine list has been carefully sourced from around the world and offers a fabulous selection of delicious wines at competitive prices. Many of the wines are available by the glass and by the carafe enabling customers to sample different wines.
St Clements offers delicious food, at affordable prices, made fresh daily in the kitchens by experienced chefs. The menu varies daily using the best seasonal ingredients sourced from the UK, Italy and France.

The interior comfortably seats up to 60 customers and the outside area can accommodate a further 32. The terrace overlooks the beautiful Middle Temple Gardens with sloping lawns, amplified by the crafted architecture.

Located on Middle Temple Lane, St Clements offers the perfect location for coffee, breakfast, lunch or evening drinks. In the vicinity of Fleet Street, the cafÃ© provides a contrast to the pre-packaged lunch without a great contrast in price. The vast difference in quality of cooking and the relaxed atmosphere makes St Clements the perfect stop.

The breakfast menu offers everything from summer berry compote with yoghurt & granola to a Tamworth bacon and egg sandwich; lunch comprises a selection of delicious salads, handmade sandwiches, and a daily special such as griddled Yorkshire lamb burgers in toasted focaccia with tzatsiki & salad. Freshly baked cakes and scones are available in the afternoon and in the evening customers can enjoy simple bar suppers such as Nealsâ¬" Yard cheese plates, ham hock terrine, potted shrimps or homemade chips with rosemary sea salt.

The wine list has been carefully sourced from around the world and offers a fabulous selection of delicious wines at competitive prices. Many of the wines are available by the glass and by the carafe enabling customers to sample different wines.

Mermaids Tail - Navy Boys chasing the Mermaids Tail by Boys_in_Blue

Boys_in_Blue — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:54:49 +0000

Review by Boys_in_Blue

Rating: 5.00

Tags: lively, good value, british

We had been to the Angus Steak House in Leicester Square the day before and had an amazing steak but today we only had a couple of hours so we decided to eat at another of their restaurants. We only wanted dessert and we werenâ¬"t disappointed. There were eight of us and some restaurants dont like such a big group of boys, but they were more than happy to seat us. They immediately put a group of tables together outside on the terrace and were more than happy to serve us. We had such a funny waiter who had us in stitches. There was a premier being set up right in front of us â¬ and we spotted a couple of comedians Sean Lock and Jason Manford from 8 out of 10 cats. Couldnâ¬"t get much better, sitting in the sunshine being served more and more desserts.
What a lovely restaurant â¬ inside was fantastic with massive murals on the walls and traditional fish and chip restaurant decor. The fish and chips looked great â¬ massive portions (shame we had our dinner on the ship)
We asked for them to make platters of desserts so we could all have some of each â¬ it was a fight among the boys to get to the Apple Pie and Custard but by the end we could hardly move. We went through, cheesecake, chocolate fudge cake, treacle sponge, strawberries and ice cream and we even had deep fried mars bar (and it was great). They were the best desserts Iâ¬"ve ever had (just wish they delivered to the ship).
Iâ¬"m just glad we stopped when we did, our buttons were ready to pop as we made our way back to the ship. We had such good meals in Angus and Mermaids Tail it really made our trip to London and we are already looking forward to returning (definitely be having the fish and chips next time).

We had been to the Angus Steak House in Leicester Square the day before and had an amazing steak but today we only had a couple of hours so we decided to eat at another of their restaurants. We only wanted dessert and we werenâ¬"t disappointed. There were eight of us and some restaurants dont like such a big group of boys, but they were more than happy to seat us. They immediately put a group of tables together outside on the terrace and were more than happy to serve us. We had such a funny waiter who had us in stitches. There was a premier being set up right in front of us â¬ and we spotted a couple of comedians Sean Lock and Jason Manford from 8 out of 10 cats. Couldnâ¬"t get much better, sitting in the sunshine being served more and more desserts.
What a lovely restaurant â¬ inside was fantastic with massive murals on the walls and traditional fish and chip restaurant decor. The fish and chips looked great â¬ massive portions (shame we had our dinner on the ship)
We asked for them to make platters of desserts so we could all have some of each â¬ it was a fight among the boys to get to the Apple Pie and Custard but by the end we could hardly move. We went through, cheesecake, chocolate fudge cake, treacle sponge, strawberries and ice cream and we even had deep fried mars bar (and it was great). They were the best desserts Iâ¬"ve ever had (just wish they delivered to the ship).
Iâ¬"m just glad we stopped when we did, our buttons were ready to pop as we made our way back to the ship. We had such good meals in Angus and Mermaids Tail it really made our trip to London and we are already looking forward to returning (definitely be having the fish and chips next time).

Punch Tavern - Punchy by chrisp

chrisp — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:59:10 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7353 6658

Website: http://www.punchtavern.com/

Tags: relaxed, friendly, independent pub

Reading this blog, and others like it (For We Are Legion), you may be forgiven for being under the impression that London is stuffed full of buzzy gastropubs, exciting ethnic grills and gleaming temples of gastronomy, and finding somewhere good to eat requires little to no effort at all. Sadly, although things have certainly improved in the last 10-15 years, crap restaurants are still very much a feature. I've ranted about Angus Steakhouses at length before, but there's still no excuse for them, or Bella Pasta, or All Bar One, or any of the other chain pubs and restaurants that blight our city. Once you've been to your local Slug & Lettuce and paid Â£8 for a horrible "vegetarian dipping platter" it becomes all too obvious why it's so difficult to get a table at the Anchor & Hope.

That said, there's a part of me that realises that many gastropubs, with their fancy Mediterranean ingredients and hawing clientele, aren't for everyone. Some are more elitist than others, certainly - I've always found the Eagle on Farringdon Road to be very accessible, whereas the Swan on Fetter Lane is basically a restaurant in a pub - but surely there's room for just a normal, cosy little boozer which serves decent food for people who quite rightly consider paying Â£15 for bangers and mash a bit too much? Step forward, the Punch Tavern, on Fleet Street.

Newly refurbished and relaunched, with a chef of refreshingly humble origins and a menu of heart-warmingly familiar British dishes, the Punch Tavern is a beautiful old building that very much deserved the attention. I was invited to lunch with a couple of other bloggers to try out their new menu, and got stuck in right away to a pint of Summer Lightning bitter and a plate of devilled chicken livers on toast.

For your Â£4.50 you get an impressively generous mound of what is admittedly a budget cut of offal, with a marvellously rich sauce. Not very "devilled" perhaps - could have done with a bit more of the hot stuff - but no major complaints.

My main course of duck roast was similarly generous for the measly Â£8.50 price point. A nice moist duck quarter, with creamed leeks and a good selection of roasted vegetables, my only complaint was with the soggy, greasy Yorkshire pud. I've said it before, and I'll say it again - if you can't do a proper Yorkshire pudding (and as far as I know, nobody in London can), then don't even try. There's a whole generation of people who have grown up believing a Yorkshire pud is a tiny cupcake-sized pillow of pastry, instead of the 15" square behemoths filled with gravy my gran used to serve as a starter. And it makes me sad.

Anyway, that aside, I can really recommend the Punch, and not just because I wasn't paying on this occasion. It's a friendly and accessible little boozer trying to serve fresh, hearty food without any pretensions towards trendy fads or eye-watering central-London tourist prices. It deserves to do very well.Reading this blog, and others like it (For We Are Legion), you may be forgiven for being under the impression that London is stuffed full of buzzy gastropubs, exciting ethnic grills and gleaming temples of gastronomy, and finding somewhere good to eat requires little to no effort at all. Sadly, although things have certainly improved in the last 10-15 years, crap restaurants are still very much a feature. I've ranted about Angus Steakhouses at length before, but there's still no excuse for them, or Bella Pasta, or All Bar One, or any of the other chain pubs and restaurants that blight our city. Once you've been to your local Slug & Lettuce and paid Â£8 for a horrible "vegetarian dipping platter" it becomes all too obvious why it's so difficult to get a table at the Anchor & Hope.

That said, there's a part of me that realises that many gastropubs, with their fancy Mediterranean ingredients and hawing clientele, aren't for everyone. Some are more elitist than others, certainly - I've always found the Eagle on Farringdon Road to be very accessible, whereas the Swan on Fetter Lane is basically a restaurant in a pub - but surely there's room for just a normal, cosy little boozer which serves decent food for people who quite rightly consider paying Â£15 for bangers and mash a bit too much? Step forward, the Punch Tavern, on Fleet Street.

Newly refurbished and relaunched, with a chef of refreshingly humble origins and a menu of heart-warmingly familiar British dishes, the Punch Tavern is a beautiful old building that very much deserved the attention. I was invited to lunch with a couple of other bloggers to try out their new menu, and got stuck in right away to a pint of Summer Lightning bitter and a plate of devilled chicken livers on toast.

For your Â£4.50 you get an impressively generous mound of what is admittedly a budget cut of offal, with a marvellously rich sauce. Not very "devilled" perhaps - could have done with a bit more of the hot stuff - but no major complaints.

My main course of duck roast was similarly generous for the measly Â£8.50 price point. A nice moist duck quarter, with creamed leeks and a good selection of roasted vegetables, my only complaint was with the soggy, greasy Yorkshire pud. I've said it before, and I'll say it again - if you can't do a proper Yorkshire pudding (and as far as I know, nobody in London can), then don't even try. There's a whole generation of people who have grown up believing a Yorkshire pud is a tiny cupcake-sized pillow of pastry, instead of the 15" square behemoths filled with gravy my gran used to serve as a starter. And it makes me sad.

Anyway, that aside, I can really recommend the Punch, and not just because I wasn't paying on this occasion. It's a friendly and accessible little boozer trying to serve fresh, hearty food without any pretensions towards trendy fads or eye-watering central-London tourist prices. It deserves to do very well.

The Dover Bookshop - The Dover Bookshop by golem

golem — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:48:14 +0000

Review by golem

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 2111

This is probably the best visual arts and illustration bookshop in London. An amazing collection of visual material.This is probably the best visual arts and illustration bookshop in London. An amazing collection of visual material.

Cellar Door - Not sure what last reviewer was on.... by Melmoth

Melmoth — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:43:12 +0000

Review by Melmoth

Rating: 5.00

Website: http://wcukdev.co.uk/ryan/cellardoor/backend/page.html#

Tags: cool, friendly, underground

Had to write something after reading previous review... The place is intimate, ie small, you don't go there to lounge around on velvet sofas but to enjoy edgy cabaret, cool coctails, wacky loos and a brilliant text jukebox. Course its full sometimes - it only takes 60 - If you're after somewhere quiet and reserved the Savoy re-opens in a few months time...Had to write something after reading previous review... The place is intimate, ie small, you don't go there to lounge around on velvet sofas but to enjoy edgy cabaret, cool coctails, wacky loos and a brilliant text jukebox. Course its full sometimes - it only takes 60 - If you're after somewhere quiet and reserved the Savoy re-opens in a few months time...

The White Swan - Surprise! by foxie

foxie — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:03:51 +0000

Review by foxie

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7242 9696

Website: http://www.thewhiteswanlondon.com/

Tags: gastro pub, posh, food

My partner and I wandered into this place totally by accident, and were really surprised at what we found. Downstairs is a rather normal looking pub with the usual legal crowd for the area. Perhaps one clue should have been the extremely wine savvy workers behind the bar and a pretty unique wine list (who knew there was an English sparkling wine?). The barman mentioned that there were some seats upstairs if we wanted dinner (he overheard us talking about where we wanted to go) and on a whim, upstairs we went and the dining room we stepped into could have easily been Paris, smallish and extremely smart. We were rather underdressed compared to the rest of the patrons, but the head waiter didn't even sniff, showing us to a table without pause. Food was not cheap, but was excellent value considering the quality. I don't sadly remember what we had, but I do remember savouring every bite and being extremely well attended to. The wine list upstairs is even more extensive than down and our waiter was again very well versed in options that matched the menu.

Definitely recommended for a more upscale night out, though I am given to understand that reservations are required usually for Fridays.My partner and I wandered into this place totally by accident, and were really surprised at what we found. Downstairs is a rather normal looking pub with the usual legal crowd for the area. Perhaps one clue should have been the extremely wine savvy workers behind the bar and a pretty unique wine list (who knew there was an English sparkling wine?). The barman mentioned that there were some seats upstairs if we wanted dinner (he overheard us talking about where we wanted to go) and on a whim, upstairs we went and the dining room we stepped into could have easily been Paris, smallish and extremely smart. We were rather underdressed compared to the rest of the patrons, but the head waiter didn't even sniff, showing us to a table without pause. Food was not cheap, but was excellent value considering the quality. I don't sadly remember what we had, but I do remember savouring every bite and being extremely well attended to. The wine list upstairs is even more extensive than down and our waiter was again very well versed in options that matched the menu.

Definitely recommended for a more upscale night out, though I am given to understand that reservations are required usually for Fridays.

Chilango - Speedy service, good fresh food - spot on... by oogywawa

oogywawa — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:25:51 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7353 6761

Website: www.chilango.co.uk

Tags: mexican, good value, lively

When a company fulfills a mission statement then that's good for me. Fresh, fast food is what they boast and when I popped into their Fleet Street eatery for a takeaway Chicken Burrito that is exactly what I got.

A soft supple warm tortilla was swiftly dispatched through seemingly more sets of hands than "that" Barbarians try against the All Blacks. Each added an ingredient - be it "Hot Chicken", "Black Beans", "Sour Cream", "Cheese", "Rice", "Salsa"...try in the corner by Gareth Edwards - er no - where was I...!

This Burrito was the size of a loose head prop and what better manner to devour it than watching a lunchtime concert in the tranquil surroundings St Dunstan's Church just 100 yds away. Bliss.When a company fulfills a mission statement then that's good for me. Fresh, fast food is what they boast and when I popped into their Fleet Street eatery for a takeaway Chicken Burrito that is exactly what I got.

A soft supple warm tortilla was swiftly dispatched through seemingly more sets of hands than "that" Barbarians try against the All Blacks. Each added an ingredient - be it "Hot Chicken", "Black Beans", "Sour Cream", "Cheese", "Rice", "Salsa"...try in the corner by Gareth Edwards - er no - where was I...!

This Burrito was the size of a loose head prop and what better manner to devour it than watching a lunchtime concert in the tranquil surroundings St Dunstan's Church just 100 yds away. Bliss.

The Albion - Great Party Venue by jrinka

jrinka — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:04:18 +0000

Review by jrinka

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7583 0227

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

Tags: friendly, young professionals, cool & smart

I had my 30th at the Albion last week and had a blast!

The team were friendly and laughing which made for a great atmosphere. My friends had a great time and kept coming up to me saying how great the party was.

We were able to play our own music and had the upstairs bar to ourselves which was a bonus. The food selection was good too.I had my 30th at the Albion last week and had a blast!

The team were friendly and laughing which made for a great atmosphere. My friends had a great time and kept coming up to me saying how great the party was.

We were able to play our own music and had the upstairs bar to ourselves which was a bonus. The food selection was good too.

Henry Pordes Books - tasty Selection by stantoncarlisle

stantoncarlisle — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:23:21 +0000

Review by stantoncarlisle

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 9031

They keep the rare books near the checkout and other second hand books in the first space as you walk into the shop. Of more interest is the room next door with an amazingly good selection of new coffee table and reference books. Theres always some fabulous stuff here, mouthwatering books at incredible prices. The manager/owner has a good eye for whats cool and interesting. Kind of what separates a good bookshop from a run-of-the-mill books for cash place.They keep the rare books near the checkout and other second hand books in the first space as you walk into the shop. Of more interest is the room next door with an amazingly good selection of new coffee table and reference books. Theres always some fabulous stuff here, mouthwatering books at incredible prices. The manager/owner has a good eye for whats cool and interesting. Kind of what separates a good bookshop from a run-of-the-mill books for cash place.

Any Amount of Books - Bibliophiles Heaven by stantoncarlisle

stantoncarlisle — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:14:33 +0000

Review by stantoncarlisle

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 3697

During the Golden age of Charing Cross Road this was a two shop franchise that sucked in torrents of great books. Filling its shelves with prime book meat. Now its a one shop store and its still pretty good, depending on whats arrived that week - bargains in the basement - and assorted others upstairs - and fun things in the window. Great old style secondhand bookshop that can be a musty treasure trove.During the Golden age of Charing Cross Road this was a two shop franchise that sucked in torrents of great books. Filling its shelves with prime book meat. Now its a one shop store and its still pretty good, depending on whats arrived that week - bargains in the basement - and assorted others upstairs - and fun things in the window. Great old style secondhand bookshop that can be a musty treasure trove.

Gaucho Chancery - A truly average experience by anthonykennedy

anthonykennedy — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:11:46 +0000

Review by anthonykennedy

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7242 7727

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

Tags: argentinian, lively, expensive

This was my third visit to a Gaucho restaurant and it will be my last.

We arrived and ordered 3 cocktails and a beer that took 25 minutes to arrive. Following that the 'beef board' was presented orders taken for a variety of steaks with roasted vegetables, sauces and sides. Wine was ordered, a 2005 Pinot Noir, but a 2007 was presented to the table. I queried this was told that they were out of the 2005, fine - what would the revised price for a wine that was possibly under a year old, and was told that the same price would stand? (Sidenote: on my previous visit to Canary Wharf it took three different selections of wine to find one they had in stock).

So, main course delivered, still no wine, and the roasted vegetables is actually a selection of vegetables that 'could be roasted' but are in fact pan fried. To make this worse the butternut squash is stone cold, uncooked and raw, the carrots are still cold and almost snap frozen crunchy in the middle. The waiter took these two items away and removed them from the bill, leaving us with an expensive steak and chips.

So on to dessert. Be warned that the description of pancakes is misleading and should read 'pancake' in the singular, that is filled with caramel from the bottle that you would put on ice-cream at home

In addition, our first selection of dessert wine was no longer available either.

When asked if we would be paying the 10% service charge we firmly said no, to which the waitress was surprised and asked us why. I refreshed her memory of the above.

Overall, it took 3 hours and 15 minutes for cocktails and two courses - no coffee.

Total bill, four people, without service £239.

There is no way I will return to this chain of restaurants.This was my third visit to a Gaucho restaurant and it will be my last.

We arrived and ordered 3 cocktails and a beer that took 25 minutes to arrive. Following that the 'beef board' was presented orders taken for a variety of steaks with roasted vegetables, sauces and sides. Wine was ordered, a 2005 Pinot Noir, but a 2007 was presented to the table. I queried this was told that they were out of the 2005, fine - what would the revised price for a wine that was possibly under a year old, and was told that the same price would stand? (Sidenote: on my previous visit to Canary Wharf it took three different selections of wine to find one they had in stock).

So, main course delivered, still no wine, and the roasted vegetables is actually a selection of vegetables that 'could be roasted' but are in fact pan fried. To make this worse the butternut squash is stone cold, uncooked and raw, the carrots are still cold and almost snap frozen crunchy in the middle. The waiter took these two items away and removed them from the bill, leaving us with an expensive steak and chips.

So on to dessert. Be warned that the description of pancakes is misleading and should read 'pancake' in the singular, that is filled with caramel from the bottle that you would put on ice-cream at home

In addition, our first selection of dessert wine was no longer available either.

When asked if we would be paying the 10% service charge we firmly said no, to which the waitress was surprised and asked us why. I refreshed her memory of the above.

Overall, it took 3 hours and 15 minutes for cocktails and two courses - no coffee.

Total bill, four people, without service £239.

There is no way I will return to this chain of restaurants.

Crown Cafe - No recession apparently by akilshaw

akilshaw — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:56:26 +0000

Review by akilshaw

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7836 8549

Walked in with Starbucks in hand.

Ordered an English breakfast, although I asked for a BLT.

Guy behind the counter shouted at the woman I ordered from "you take the order, you make the breakfast!".

Saw I had a Starbucks and said "You can't drink that in here!".

Mentioned I had just ordered two breakfasts.

Repeated "You can't drink that in here!".

Cancelled said breakfasts and went next door...Walked in with Starbucks in hand.

Ordered an English breakfast, although I asked for a BLT.

Guy behind the counter shouted at the woman I ordered from "you take the order, you make the breakfast!".

Saw I had a Starbucks and said "You can't drink that in here!".

Mentioned I had just ordered two breakfasts.

Repeated "You can't drink that in here!".

Cancelled said breakfasts and went next door...

Somerset House Ice Rink - Riverside Skating by terryturbojr

terryturbojr — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:03:10 +0000

Review by terryturbojr

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0844 847 1520

Website: http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/ice_rink/default.a

Tags: skating, ice skating

One of a number of pop up ice rinks each London winter Somerset House definitely has the nicest surroundings out of the ones I've been to. Rumour has it the Natural History Museum rink is pretty special too but I've not had the pleasure.

It does get very busy but most people seem as useless on skates as me so you don't have to worry about too many kids flying past and taking you down. The staff are quick to pick you up if (when?) you do end up on your backside too.

It's not everyday you get to skate in such historic surrounding though so well worth the rush for tickets, just remember to bring some gloves. The location is perfect for a short trip to a meal or drinks afterward too.One of a number of pop up ice rinks each London winter Somerset House definitely has the nicest surroundings out of the ones I've been to. Rumour has it the Natural History Museum rink is pretty special too but I've not had the pleasure.

It does get very busy but most people seem as useless on skates as me so you don't have to worry about too many kids flying past and taking you down. The staff are quick to pick you up if (when?) you do end up on your backside too.

It's not everyday you get to skate in such historic surrounding though so well worth the rush for tickets, just remember to bring some gloves. The location is perfect for a short trip to a meal or drinks afterward too.

UP Box - by ianmrobbo

ianmrobbo — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:29:01 +0000

Review by ianmrobbo

Rating: 5.00

Website: http://up-box.co.uk

Excellent menu variety of menus each week, greatExcellent menu variety of menus each week, great

San Francesco - Feels like home by DrKnowledge

DrKnowledge — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 23:30:04 +0000

Review by DrKnowledge

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 6354

Tags: italian, family & home feel, lively

My wife and I have been coming here for years and wouldn't miss it on our trips to London. Mr. Italo Muro, the owner, and Joe, the head waiter will treat you like part of the family. This place is about great food, ambiance, and people that treat you like you've come to their home for supper. Can't imagine a trip to London without going there to see our friends and have a great evening.My wife and I have been coming here for years and wouldn't miss it on our trips to London. Mr. Italo Muro, the owner, and Joe, the head waiter will treat you like part of the family. This place is about great food, ambiance, and people that treat you like you've come to their home for supper. Can't imagine a trip to London without going there to see our friends and have a great evening.

Abokado - Sandwich shop with a twist by seconds

seconds — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:21:34 +0000

Review by seconds

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7353 8284

Abokado is a sandwich shop â¬ that much is clear. However, donâ¬"t expect to go in and have a sandwich made to order. This shop specialises in wraps and sushi type sandwiches. For example, I especially like the wraps which are made with seaweed, like a giant sushi, and stuffed with rice, which itself is stuffed with crayfish, rocket and mayo. A really alternative â¬Üsandwichâ¬". More normal wraps made with flatbread are also available, as are a smallish range of salads and cakes.

Surprisingly, Abokado also makes some of the best coffee I have ever tasted in London â¬ I was so surprised that my tastebuds took a moment to register just jow good it was! Well worth a visit.

Abokado is a sandwich shop â¬ that much is clear. However, donâ¬"t expect to go in and have a sandwich made to order. This shop specialises in wraps and sushi type sandwiches. For example, I especially like the wraps which are made with seaweed, like a giant sushi, and stuffed with rice, which itself is stuffed with crayfish, rocket and mayo. A really alternative â¬Üsandwichâ¬". More normal wraps made with flatbread are also available, as are a smallish range of salads and cakes.

Surprisingly, Abokado also makes some of the best coffee I have ever tasted in London â¬ I was so surprised that my tastebuds took a moment to register just jow good it was! Well worth a visit.