Latest reviews for Restaurants 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

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

115 At Hodgson's - Not bad, but not great by t0m

t0m — Sun, 04 May 2008 22:59:51 +0000

Review by t0m

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7242 2836

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

Tags: conservatory, cocktails, good value

A large group of us went here for an evening meal. The food that we had was reasonable, but the chef was in fact off work ill, and so they had a restricted menu.

The prices are very reasonable, especially for this part of town. It's a nice atmosphere, but the service was patchy, and the lack of most dishes was a little bit frustrating. I'd definitely give it another go though. A large group of us went here for an evening meal. The food that we had was reasonable, but the chef was in fact off work ill, and so they had a restricted menu.

The prices are very reasonable, especially for this part of town. It's a nice atmosphere, but the service was patchy, and the lack of most dishes was a little bit frustrating. I'd definitely give it another go though.

Thai Square - Bargain Thai by lenalouise

lenalouise — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:01:36 +0000

Review by lenalouise

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7497 0904

Tags: restaurant, thai, takeaway

Based about 20m down from my old uni, this thai has satisfied my hungry tummy on many occasions. It is amazing value for money - I think for a few months, their menu was put back to the prices it was in 1997!! They have many different branches around central london but for me, it doesn't have the feel of a chain restaurant. The decor is warm and makes you feel at ease.

I'm not sure how authentically Thai the food is but it's pretty tasty nonetheless. (Apparently it has won the thai prime minister's award of thailand for the best thai restaurant in the UK for 2006-2007). My favourite is the duck curry with lychees. The flavours just work really well together. Be sure to try it out if you want a fairly quick and cheap meal.Based about 20m down from my old uni, this thai has satisfied my hungry tummy on many occasions. It is amazing value for money - I think for a few months, their menu was put back to the prices it was in 1997!! They have many different branches around central london but for me, it doesn't have the feel of a chain restaurant. The decor is warm and makes you feel at ease.

I'm not sure how authentically Thai the food is but it's pretty tasty nonetheless. (Apparently it has won the thai prime minister's award of thailand for the best thai restaurant in the UK for 2006-2007). My favourite is the duck curry with lychees. The flavours just work really well together. Be sure to try it out if you want a fairly quick and cheap meal.

India Club - a real unreformed gem. by comradem

comradem — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 14:12:43 +0000

Review by comradem

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 0650

Tags: indian, takeaway, unique

Do not expect class or service in the traditional sense, but for an unusual curry (not to mention less obvious dishes) it's a good place to start looking. Do not expect class or service in the traditional sense, but for an unusual curry (not to mention less obvious dishes) it's a good place to start looking.

Admiralty Restaurant - by TrustedBot

TrustedBot — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 18:19:47 +0000

Review by TrustedBot

Rating: 0.00

Phone: 020 7845 4646

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

Tags: french, 2 for 1, discount

All Taste London members simply have to visit the Admiralty - housed in a grade two listed building that was once home to the Naval Operations Office, the Admiralty at Somerset House is a truly grand experience from the moment you set foot on the grounds to the moment you´ve finished your meal.

The dining room is divided into two rooms (the ´Green´ Room and the ´Orange´ Room), of roughly equal size and décor, although the Orange Room is a bit larger. Chandeliers in the shape of galleons remind us of the building´s heritage - these hang above the rows of lined clothed tables and long banquette´s steps.

So enough about the decorations and surroundings what about the food?!

Well what can we say except for ´truly divine Modern British cuisine at it´s best´?!

The service also matches the scene and cuisine; graceful and inviting.

Each dish on the menu is paired with wines selected by the service team. On the a la carte menu you purchase them by the glass. The menu (which changes often) offers such dishes as Terrine of Fois Gras, Goats Cheese Tart, Roast Sea Bass and Venison Rump - a wide and varied selection. The Fois Gras is perfect, presented very well with the classic accompaniment of jellies and brioche.

The crab tortellini is also very good. For entrees, the Roast Sea Bass with Saffron Sauce is an excellent choice as is the Venison with Artichoke Puree - both very flavourful and presented elegantly.

Chef´s Speciality Dish:

Loin of venison, glazed apple, parsnip puree with juniper and bay leaf jus it is delicious, but you could confidently order from any corner of the menu. All Taste London members simply have to visit the Admiralty - housed in a grade two listed building that was once home to the Naval Operations Office, the Admiralty at Somerset House is a truly grand experience from the moment you set foot on the grounds to the moment you´ve finished your meal.

So enough about the decorations and surroundings what about the food?!

Well what can we say except for ´truly divine Modern British cuisine at it´s best´?!

The service also matches the scene and cuisine; graceful and inviting.

The crab tortellini is also very good. For entrees, the Roast Sea Bass with Saffron Sauce is an excellent choice as is the Venison with Artichoke Puree - both very flavourful and presented elegantly.

Chef´s Speciality Dish:

Loin of venison, glazed apple, parsnip puree with juniper and bay leaf jus it is delicious, but you could confidently order from any corner of the menu.