Latest reviews in Tottenham Court Road, London, United Kingdom

Cafe Pacifico - An old favourite by LiG

LiG — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:49:49 +0000

Review by LiG

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7379 7728

Website: http://www.cafepacifico-laperla.com

In tourist-trap Covent Garden it is easy to get ripped off with expensive, diluted cocktails. At Cafe Pacifico the very professional bartenders will mix them to your taste (and strength) and they have more than 100 tequilas to choose from.
Mexican food is not fashionable or pretentious - it's stodgy and filling, so don't expect culinary fireworks.
Having been to most Mexican restaurants in London, including Texas Embassy, Wahaca etc, I think CP is one of the most consistent, and the staff are really friendly (I witnessed a manager and waitress helping a customer who had clearly consumed too much alcohol, making arrangements for her to get home safely).
CP has been owned by the same people for 25 years and they even grow their own avocados in Spain to make their guacamole. I think that attention to detail speaks for itself.In tourist-trap Covent Garden it is easy to get ripped off with expensive, diluted cocktails. At Cafe Pacifico the very professional bartenders will mix them to your taste (and strength) and they have more than 100 tequilas to choose from.
Mexican food is not fashionable or pretentious - it's stodgy and filling, so don't expect culinary fireworks.
Having been to most Mexican restaurants in London, including Texas Embassy, Wahaca etc, I think CP is one of the most consistent, and the staff are really friendly (I witnessed a manager and waitress helping a customer who had clearly consumed too much alcohol, making arrangements for her to get home safely).
CP has been owned by the same people for 25 years and they even grow their own avocados in Spain to make their guacamole. I think that attention to detail speaks for itself.

Astoria 2 - Push- Astoria 2 (venue/ club night) by miffy

miffy — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:12:41 +0000

Review by miffy

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7434 9592

Website: http://www.meanfiddler.com/

Tags: live music, dance, cool

The sister venue to the Astoria nexdoor which played host to legendary club nights such as Frong and G-A-Y for years, Astoria 2 is smaller but very similar. Downstairs a stage area and large dance floor with a small bar and upstairs a comparitively larger bar in a much smaller space. Having only been on a saturday night i know only what they play at Push. Indie hits mixed with electro and ironically played hip hop actually makes good music to dance to. The average age of the club is about 21 but ranges from 18 up wards. they are strict on id but if you are a student you normally get in for free and a whiskey and coke is very cheap at Â£1.50. Live music is often played but "celebrity" djs are usually the norm, the inverted commas refer to the fact that "celebrity" here means people from virtually unknown bands or better known ones like bloc party being the more famous. A good night out in an "underground" feeling night club, if there isnt anything betetr to do and you dont have much money.The sister venue to the Astoria nexdoor which played host to legendary club nights such as Frong and G-A-Y for years, Astoria 2 is smaller but very similar. Downstairs a stage area and large dance floor with a small bar and upstairs a comparitively larger bar in a much smaller space. Having only been on a saturday night i know only what they play at Push. Indie hits mixed with electro and ironically played hip hop actually makes good music to dance to. The average age of the club is about 21 but ranges from 18 up wards. they are strict on id but if you are a student you normally get in for free and a whiskey and coke is very cheap at Â£1.50. Live music is often played but "celebrity" djs are usually the norm, the inverted commas refer to the fact that "celebrity" here means people from virtually unknown bands or better known ones like bloc party being the more famous. A good night out in an "underground" feeling night club, if there isnt anything betetr to do and you dont have much money.

Maison Bertaux - by walid

walid — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:30:51 +0000

Review by walid

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 6007

Tags: cosy, good brew, friendly atmosphere

Have been there for coffee and cakes a few weeks ago with a few friends. I love the decoration, it's quite original. As for the cakes I found them to be average and overpriced for the quality. If I wanted just cakes and no funky decoration then I would have gone to Paul down the street.Have been there for coffee and cakes a few weeks ago with a few friends. I love the decoration, it's quite original. As for the cakes I found them to be average and overpriced for the quality. If I wanted just cakes and no funky decoration then I would have gone to Paul down the street.

Gerry's Off Licence - by walid

walid — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:28:41 +0000

Review by walid

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7734 4215

Tags: soho, spirits, booze

Friendly off license place run by a Greek I believe. Seems to know a lot about the area.Friendly off license place run by a Greek I believe. Seems to know a lot about the area.

Kaslik - Shisha + Ambience + Great Food by tomc

tomc — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:29:34 +0000

Review by tomc

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7851 1585

Website: http://www.kasliksoho.com/

Tags: lebanese, cosy, soho

A really friendly, tasty and comfy place in the heart of soho serving great food and smooth shisha.

The menu isn't huge but it's certainly good stuff - the mezze plates to share are highly recommended! Â£26 and easily enough for two hungry people.

If shisha is your thing then this is one of the best places I've found for it in london - really smooth shisha and a great view sat outside watching soho life pass you by!A really friendly, tasty and comfy place in the heart of soho serving great food and smooth shisha.

The menu isn't huge but it's certainly good stuff - the mezze plates to share are highly recommended! Â£26 and easily enough for two hungry people.

If shisha is your thing then this is one of the best places I've found for it in london - really smooth shisha and a great view sat outside watching soho life pass you by!

Balans - Pancakes and bacon and syrup - Oh my! by mrsevans101

mrsevans101 — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:10:50 +0000

Review by mrsevans101

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7439 3309

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

Tags: lively, good value, crowded

I had breakfast / brunch here two mornings in a row last weekend (return visit after a failed trip to nearby Amato's).

I'll keep this short.

Service was friendly (with a hint of California) and very efficient (without making you feel rushed.
I had amazing pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. Fluffy and light and gooey all at the same time with properly cooked bacon. Hubby had the cooked breakfast and was disappointed. He sent it back the first time because it was cold and was overall a bit disappointed that the sausage was not fab quality and the bacon a little underdone. I suspect that it didn't help that my pancakes were so delish.

And when I went back the second day they recognised me. Which was a nice touch but how embarrassing to be seen in the gay area of London tucking in to pancakes AND syrup AND bacon two days in a row, when all the other punters are so fit!I had breakfast / brunch here two mornings in a row last weekend (return visit after a failed trip to nearby Amato's).

I'll keep this short.

Service was friendly (with a hint of California) and very efficient (without making you feel rushed.
I had amazing pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. Fluffy and light and gooey all at the same time with properly cooked bacon. Hubby had the cooked breakfast and was disappointed. He sent it back the first time because it was cold and was overall a bit disappointed that the sausage was not fab quality and the bacon a little underdone. I suspect that it didn't help that my pancakes were so delish.

And when I went back the second day they recognised me. Which was a nice touch but how embarrassing to be seen in the gay area of London tucking in to pancakes AND syrup AND bacon two days in a row, when all the other punters are so fit!

Amato Patisserie - How the mighty have fallen by mrsevans101

mrsevans101 — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:52:20 +0000

Review by mrsevans101

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7734 5733

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

Tags: quick bite, amazing brew, cosy

I've eaten here plenty of times but not for a while, so I was quite excited to be in London for the weekend to have chance to enjoy their wonderful breakfasts.

Sadly it was not to be.

We arrived on Suday morning about 11 am to find a pretty empty dining room. We ordered breakfast (mostly eggs on toast and eggs benedict, as no one could face a full English). Our complimentary fruit juices were brought over. And we waited. And waited. And waited. Oh my goodness.
The large table next to us complained about the wait (despite many of them arriving after us) and somehow their food was magicked up.
We were not so lucky. 45 minutes after ordering and repeated promises of food on its way we gave up, told them to cancel our food and that we would pay for our drinks. The waiter took the food off the bill and told us that the cost of our drinks (4 fruit juices, one tea and one coffee) would be Â£14. Â£14! We argued that we only ordered the fruit juice because it came with the breakfast that they had not been able to supply so they relented and charged us only for the hot drinks.

I have so many good memories of eating here. This has been burst like a soap bubble by this terrible experience. Worst of all, we had brought friends from out of town with us and told them how marvellous Amato's is. Or was, I should stay.

We left, went to Balan's (along the road) for their cracking American style pancakes and friendly, efficient service.I've eaten here plenty of times but not for a while, so I was quite excited to be in London for the weekend to have chance to enjoy their wonderful breakfasts.

Sadly it was not to be.

We arrived on Suday morning about 11 am to find a pretty empty dining room. We ordered breakfast (mostly eggs on toast and eggs benedict, as no one could face a full English). Our complimentary fruit juices were brought over. And we waited. And waited. And waited. Oh my goodness.
The large table next to us complained about the wait (despite many of them arriving after us) and somehow their food was magicked up.
We were not so lucky. 45 minutes after ordering and repeated promises of food on its way we gave up, told them to cancel our food and that we would pay for our drinks. The waiter took the food off the bill and told us that the cost of our drinks (4 fruit juices, one tea and one coffee) would be Â£14. Â£14! We argued that we only ordered the fruit juice because it came with the breakfast that they had not been able to supply so they relented and charged us only for the hot drinks.

I have so many good memories of eating here. This has been burst like a soap bubble by this terrible experience. Worst of all, we had brought friends from out of town with us and told them how marvellous Amato's is. Or was, I should stay.

We left, went to Balan's (along the road) for their cracking American style pancakes and friendly, efficient service.

Cafe Boheme - Brilliant brilliant brilliant brilliant by DanWilkinson

DanWilkinson — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:49:10 +0000

Review by DanWilkinson

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7734 0623

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

Tags: french, good value, live music

It's 2330, you're in the mood for a classic steak frites and some good red wine to finish the night off. There is no better place in London to do just that than in the bustle and noise of CafÃ© Boheme.

I've probably been here more frequently than any other restaurant in London, and have yet to have an experience that wasn't right on the money. Speaking of which, when you can get away with Â£20-30 for a good sized, well-cooked meal with half-decent wine in Central London, life is good, no?It's 2330, you're in the mood for a classic steak frites and some good red wine to finish the night off. There is no better place in London to do just that than in the bustle and noise of CafÃ© Boheme.

I've probably been here more frequently than any other restaurant in London, and have yet to have an experience that wasn't right on the money. Speaking of which, when you can get away with Â£20-30 for a good sized, well-cooked meal with half-decent wine in Central London, life is good, no?

The Toucan - A bona fide irish pub in central London by Niamheen

Niamheen — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:57:47 +0000

Review by Niamheen

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 4123

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

Tags: independent pub, food, friendly

I avoid Irish pubs outside of Ireland. They're generally a horrible nightmare that have no relation to the real thing. There's more to it than gathering some rusty old bicycles and typewriters and nailing them to the ceiling.

The Toucan is the real deal and quirky to boot. It's very busy as a rule, but with 4 guinness taps (downstairs alone), a fine selection of irish whiskies (incl. one from my local city that I've never seen outside of it), irish crisps (TAYTO!), toasted sandwiches and oysters (not together), I love it.

I am not a guinness drinker so I can't say how good it is but it's been recommended to me. Added to this the music is generally very pleasant indie and you can sit on a giant pint of guinness while you savour it all.

I avoid Irish pubs outside of Ireland. They're generally a horrible nightmare that have no relation to the real thing. There's more to it than gathering some rusty old bicycles and typewriters and nailing them to the ceiling.

The Toucan is the real deal and quirky to boot. It's very busy as a rule, but with 4 guinness taps (downstairs alone), a fine selection of irish whiskies (incl. one from my local city that I've never seen outside of it), irish crisps (TAYTO!), toasted sandwiches and oysters (not together), I love it.

I am not a guinness drinker so I can't say how good it is but it's been recommended to me. Added to this the music is generally very pleasant indie and you can sit on a giant pint of guinness while you savour it all.

Yauatcha - Dim sum fans will love it by gogmagog

gogmagog — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:21:28 +0000

Review by gogmagog

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7494 8888

Tags: chinese, lively, expensive

We went for lunch and were seated downstairs in the sumptuous basement. Sleek and stylish but without being stuffy. The bar with in-built fishtank is great. Possibly not the best place for a lunch on a sunny day - it is one of those rooms that you could happily emerge from hours later, half-cut and wondering what happened to the day.

Other reviews below have mentioned bad experiences with waiting staff? There was no sign of this when we went. None of us at lunch were experts on dim sum so we asked the waiters to suggest dishes for us. They were helpful and polite, even though, out of a table of four, there was one vegetarian who did eat fish and one meat-eater with a serious allergy to seafood. A tricky situation when eating dim sum. Not only did they advise us well, they also remembered to point out exactly what was in each dish as it came to the table.

So, is it expensive? Yup. It is. But it's supposed to be a step or several up from your standard Soho dim sum house and that's what you're paying for. Was it value for money, though? Well, I guess my view is coloured slightly. I'm not a huge fan of dim sum, as a rule. It's easy for it to end up greasy and stodgy and although Yauatcha's food was never either of these things, I can't say that it was a Damascene revelation for me. It was beautifully cooked and very tasty, but ultimately rather unmemorable.

The venison puffs (as mentioned by other reviewers) were fine, but not to die for. Various prawn and chicken dishes went past, although it's now 2 weeks later and I'll be damned if I can remember anything about any of them. There was nothing wrong with them; in fact I remember them as being nice, but nothing stood out for me. An ostrich chow mein was interesting, but mainly because it was a first try of ostrich, rather than because it was an incredible dish. There was also crispy duck, but it was no better or worse than one you could get on your local high street, unfortunately.

Take a fan of dim sum and I'm sure they'll love you for it. It's a beautiful restaurant, with friendly and attentive staff. And the food is, well... fine.We went for lunch and were seated downstairs in the sumptuous basement. Sleek and stylish but without being stuffy. The bar with in-built fishtank is great. Possibly not the best place for a lunch on a sunny day - it is one of those rooms that you could happily emerge from hours later, half-cut and wondering what happened to the day.

Other reviews below have mentioned bad experiences with waiting staff? There was no sign of this when we went. None of us at lunch were experts on dim sum so we asked the waiters to suggest dishes for us. They were helpful and polite, even though, out of a table of four, there was one vegetarian who did eat fish and one meat-eater with a serious allergy to seafood. A tricky situation when eating dim sum. Not only did they advise us well, they also remembered to point out exactly what was in each dish as it came to the table.

So, is it expensive? Yup. It is. But it's supposed to be a step or several up from your standard Soho dim sum house and that's what you're paying for. Was it value for money, though? Well, I guess my view is coloured slightly. I'm not a huge fan of dim sum, as a rule. It's easy for it to end up greasy and stodgy and although Yauatcha's food was never either of these things, I can't say that it was a Damascene revelation for me. It was beautifully cooked and very tasty, but ultimately rather unmemorable.

The venison puffs (as mentioned by other reviewers) were fine, but not to die for. Various prawn and chicken dishes went past, although it's now 2 weeks later and I'll be damned if I can remember anything about any of them. There was nothing wrong with them; in fact I remember them as being nice, but nothing stood out for me. An ostrich chow mein was interesting, but mainly because it was a first try of ostrich, rather than because it was an incredible dish. There was also crispy duck, but it was no better or worse than one you could get on your local high street, unfortunately.

Take a fan of dim sum and I'm sure they'll love you for it. It's a beautiful restaurant, with friendly and attentive staff. And the food is, well... fine.

Red Veg - the wonders of a non meat burger by mazphd

mazphd — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:04:23 +0000

Review by mazphd

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 3109

Website: http://www.redveg.com

Tags: vegetarian, healthy food, quick bite

I'm a pescatarian (eats fish, no meat) so it's been a while since i've chowed down on a burger. Plus i'm on a super healthy kick at the moment, but that didn't stop me from calling into Red Veg when last i was in london town.

Now call me food picky, but this place is a little on the greasy side. The veg / bap burgered combo tends to slip n slide off its 'grease proof' paper and becomes more bap rather than bean as you chow down. (I mean that they are on the mean side of generous with their fillings).

But i'm giving Red Veg 3 stars as the staff were super nice, the place is super clean (should be with all that burger grease) and unlike McD's the Kings of Burger world here one can opt out of Moo meat, and be rewarded by the sweet aroma of beany delights. And i mean in a flavourisome way, rather than a particularly whiffy windy pop.

So prepare to 'put a cork in it' for later, the burgers here are a safe stable alternative from Mc Greasy, but they could do more with fillings and inspiration for the menu.

A mediocre, could do better, like what you're doing so far three stars. I'm a pescatarian (eats fish, no meat) so it's been a while since i've chowed down on a burger. Plus i'm on a super healthy kick at the moment, but that didn't stop me from calling into Red Veg when last i was in london town.

Now call me food picky, but this place is a little on the greasy side. The veg / bap burgered combo tends to slip n slide off its 'grease proof' paper and becomes more bap rather than bean as you chow down. (I mean that they are on the mean side of generous with their fillings).

But i'm giving Red Veg 3 stars as the staff were super nice, the place is super clean (should be with all that burger grease) and unlike McD's the Kings of Burger world here one can opt out of Moo meat, and be rewarded by the sweet aroma of beany delights. And i mean in a flavourisome way, rather than a particularly whiffy windy pop.

So prepare to 'put a cork in it' for later, the burgers here are a safe stable alternative from Mc Greasy, but they could do more with fillings and inspiration for the menu.

A mediocre, could do better, like what you're doing so far three stars.

Grape Street Wine Bar - Secret underground wine bar/bistro by jethro

jethro — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:49:06 +0000

Review by jethro

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7240 0686

Tags: food, underground, friendly

A well-kept secret venue in central London. This basement venue is clean, safe and user-friendly.
Ghanaian Chef Louis offers a superb menu for snacking and general dining.
Mine Host, Cliff Allen, is usually present to oversee the excellent, reasonably-priced wine list; there are a few good beers for the non-oenophiles.
Situated almost equidistantly from Covent garden, Leicester Square and Tottenham Court road tube stations it's well worth a wander.
CheersA well-kept secret venue in central London. This basement venue is clean, safe and user-friendly.
Ghanaian Chef Louis offers a superb menu for snacking and general dining.
Mine Host, Cliff Allen, is usually present to oversee the excellent, reasonably-priced wine list; there are a few good beers for the non-oenophiles.
Situated almost equidistantly from Covent garden, Leicester Square and Tottenham Court road tube stations it's well worth a wander.
Cheers

Foyles Cafe - creased sleeves and dirty plates by mazphd

mazphd — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:17:20 +0000

Review by mazphd

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7437 5660

Tags: quick bite, cultured, crowded

Like another reviewer, i've been here and felt disappointd.

Despite the fabulous book and music related setting the cafe lacked soul, inspiration and even a smile from the Foyles staff team.

Cheer up folk! its the wonderful world of books you're in , not a space for misery guts and dirty plates :P

I'm hoping my experience was a 'one off'. At the time the music wasn't playing, and books and plates had been left by the wayside, forlorn and a little lost. Hence the (harsh) two star rating. BUT I look forward to enjoying the setting, the jazzed atmosphere and perhaps a better brew at another date. As judging by Niamheen's comments foyles can do better!

On the up side, when playing the music is great filtering through from the blues and jazz of the main store.

So at present a worthy hideaway, that just needs a little push in the right direction to make it suitably inspirational and in tune. Like another reviewer, i've been here and felt disappointd.

Despite the fabulous book and music related setting the cafe lacked soul, inspiration and even a smile from the Foyles staff team.

Cheer up folk! its the wonderful world of books you're in , not a space for misery guts and dirty plates :P

I'm hoping my experience was a 'one off'. At the time the music wasn't playing, and books and plates had been left by the wayside, forlorn and a little lost. Hence the (harsh) two star rating. BUT I look forward to enjoying the setting, the jazzed atmosphere and perhaps a better brew at another date. As judging by Niamheen's comments foyles can do better!

On the up side, when playing the music is great filtering through from the blues and jazz of the main store.

So at present a worthy hideaway, that just needs a little push in the right direction to make it suitably inspirational and in tune.

Bistro Savoir Faire - Bustling Bistro by thamshere

thamshere — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:27:33 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7436 0707

Tags: french, romantic, good value

This is one of the few French places I know that's not pretentious or overpriced. Good, solid, classic French food at bargain prices. All the food I've had here has been of a high standard, though nothing has ever stood out as amazing, but I'd be happy to go back anytime to see what's new.

The staff are friendly and helpful, though I haven't had need to test their knowledge yet. The small tables can get a little crowded, but get one by the window anyway! This is one of the few French places I know that's not pretentious or overpriced. Good, solid, classic French food at bargain prices. All the food I've had here has been of a high standard, though nothing has ever stood out as amazing, but I'd be happy to go back anytime to see what's new.

The staff are friendly and helpful, though I haven't had need to test their knowledge yet. The small tables can get a little crowded, but get one by the window anyway!

The Red Fort - Very good inventive Indian cuisine by Sprotch

Sprotch — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:44:13 +0000

Review by Sprotch

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 2525

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

Tags: indian, romantic, expensive

I went to this restaurant twice.
The atmosphere is very nice, the decoration is clean and sober, although it will not win any awards.
The food is why you should go. It is inventive and absolutely delicious. Although clearly influenced by your typical curry place, the food is very different. Every dish is inventive and delicious. Overall a nice renewal of british-indian cuisine.
Price wise, we paid about Â£45 pounds per person. A reasonable price for the quality, but I am sure that there are better deals out there.
I would go back.I went to this restaurant twice.
The atmosphere is very nice, the decoration is clean and sober, although it will not win any awards.
The food is why you should go. It is inventive and absolutely delicious. Although clearly influenced by your typical curry place, the food is very different. Every dish is inventive and delicious. Overall a nice renewal of british-indian cuisine.
Price wise, we paid about Â£45 pounds per person. A reasonable price for the quality, but I am sure that there are better deals out there.
I would go back.

Andrea's - Not up to Charlotte Street standards by Litro_K

Litro_K — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:42:17 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7580 8971

Website: http://www.andreas-restaurant.co.uk

Tags: greek, terrace, vegetarian dishes

I went here for a large work lunch for 10 people and was disappointed with the decor, quality of food and strange, overbearing service. Considering most of the restaurants on Charlotte Street are pretty foolproof, Andrea's sticks out as a bit of a relic from the 60s, with dishes and furnishings to match. The menu is no doubt authentic but the food not especially palatable, and I've eaten better mezze at any branch of The Real Greek.

It's a shame, because I guess many agree with me in thinking that there are many finer options to be had on this street - I've noticed that Andrea's is almost empty at lunchtimes when all the other restaurants on the road are heaving...I went here for a large work lunch for 10 people and was disappointed with the decor, quality of food and strange, overbearing service. Considering most of the restaurants on Charlotte Street are pretty foolproof, Andrea's sticks out as a bit of a relic from the 60s, with dishes and furnishings to match. The menu is no doubt authentic but the food not especially palatable, and I've eaten better mezze at any branch of The Real Greek.

It's a shame, because I guess many agree with me in thinking that there are many finer options to be had on this street - I've noticed that Andrea's is almost empty at lunchtimes when all the other restaurants on the road are heaving...

Viet - Disappointing by walid

walid — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:52:16 +0000

Review by walid

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7494 9888

Tags: vietnamese, crowded, cheap eat

After reading the reviews by coldclimate and lenalouise I was very much looking forward to trying out Viet.

Ok lets start with the good points, as lenalouise wrote in her review the warm beef salad is indeed quite nice and excellent to start working your appetite for the main dish. The spring rolls that coldclimate had were also quite good. I had the King Prawn with noodles which was quite good and of course the pricing is excellent at Â£10 per head for a shared starter and a main dish.

Now what brings this place to a 2 stars and very nearly a 1 star is the incredibly poor service. I had reserved a table for 4 and left them my name + mobile number. Because we arrived 8 minutes late they had canceled my reservation without calling me to check if I was coming or running late and gave our table away. Luckily for them they managed to squeeze us into a smaller table.

Mistake #1, Mistake #2 the waiter seems to have no clue about the food he served. My friend can't eat flour and thus we tried to identify dishes that were flour free, which of course he had no clue. Mistake #3 taking forever to take our orders and bringing our dishes one at a time instead of all together, thus we waited for everyone to be served before eating our meal.

I would have given this place a 1 star if the food wasn't so cheap, but I prefer paying extra if it means receiving a better service.After reading the reviews by coldclimate and lenalouise I was very much looking forward to trying out Viet.

Ok lets start with the good points, as lenalouise wrote in her review the warm beef salad is indeed quite nice and excellent to start working your appetite for the main dish. The spring rolls that coldclimate had were also quite good. I had the King Prawn with noodles which was quite good and of course the pricing is excellent at Â£10 per head for a shared starter and a main dish.

Now what brings this place to a 2 stars and very nearly a 1 star is the incredibly poor service. I had reserved a table for 4 and left them my name + mobile number. Because we arrived 8 minutes late they had canceled my reservation without calling me to check if I was coming or running late and gave our table away. Luckily for them they managed to squeeze us into a smaller table.

Mistake #1, Mistake #2 the waiter seems to have no clue about the food he served. My friend can't eat flour and thus we tried to identify dishes that were flour free, which of course he had no clue. Mistake #3 taking forever to take our orders and bringing our dishes one at a time instead of all together, thus we waited for everyone to be served before eating our meal.

I would have given this place a 1 star if the food wasn't so cheap, but I prefer paying extra if it means receiving a better service.

The Ivy - The Ivy by topruss

topruss — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:20:38 +0000

Review by topruss

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 4751

Website: http://www.the-ivy.co.uk/

Tags: romantic, good value, crowded

Love it , the best place for great food and even though you have to book well in advance its all worth it. These guys do the best sunday roast too Love it , the best place for great food and even though you have to book well in advance its all worth it. These guys do the best sunday roast too

Dolce - High Quality roast everyday! by Thomasinho

Thomasinho — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:58:52 +0000

Review by Thomasinho

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 5373

Tags: cosy, amazing brew, quick bite

Dolce, run by a friendly, charming Italian guy, is a great place to pick up a sandwich, I have to say that the Roast chicken, which they roast in house each day, is fantastic, as they always serve generous helpings.
The Pork sandwhich with apple saunce, salt & pepper, again great with the Ciabatta.
Or the Salt Beef on Ryebread, again great!
These guys also know how to make a good coffee, also on offer, is a selection of pasta's, from tradition Cabonara, to italian meatballs in ragu sauce, bangers on Mash, salads, and a stroganoff to die for, made with rump, again generous portions.
SO if your looking for a bit of diversity in a cosy cafe feel, this is the place to visit.Dolce, run by a friendly, charming Italian guy, is a great place to pick up a sandwich, I have to say that the Roast chicken, which they roast in house each day, is fantastic, as they always serve generous helpings.
The Pork sandwhich with apple saunce, salt & pepper, again great with the Ciabatta.
Or the Salt Beef on Ryebread, again great!
These guys also know how to make a good coffee, also on offer, is a selection of pasta's, from tradition Cabonara, to italian meatballs in ragu sauce, bangers on Mash, salads, and a stroganoff to die for, made with rump, again generous portions.
SO if your looking for a bit of diversity in a cosy cafe feel, this is the place to visit.

The Langley - The Langley by topruss

topruss — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:53:32 +0000

Review by topruss

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0207 836 5005

Website: www.thelangley.co.uk

Tags: friendly, trendy, cocktails

A cool hangout away from some of the drunken touristsA cool hangout away from some of the drunken tourists