Latest reviews in Tower Hill, London, United Kingdom

Le Bouchon Breton - Zinc and Pewter by intoxicating

intoxicating — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:24:44 +0000

Review by intoxicating

Rating: 3.00

Tags: french, pretentious, expensive

â¬SJust trying to keep it authenticâ¬ explained the barman in a thick, Gallic accent. He had just shouted - quite theatrically - to a colleague at the other end of the 15 metre, pewter bar. â¬SNot a problemâ¬ I replied, using the bona fide burr of an English ponce. I was actually rather enjoying waiting for my friend, Will, who had inadvertently gone to Smithfields rather than Spitalfields. Along with the imported atmosphere, I soaked up a flute of pink Champagne and halved blanched Spanish almonds with my teeth. Knowing he was sweating in a black cab, thirst building, I phoned a couple of times to relay details of the quenching tipple: temperature, texture and delicate scents of raspberry and pastry.

Most Brits associate the â¬Übrasserieâ¬" concept with 'CafÃ© Rouge' and its ilk, even though our equivalent is really the gastropub. It does look like former broker Ian Stoppani and Michel Roux Junior have taken great care to replicate the brassy features of the romanticised, all-day French version, Londonâ¬"s second such opening in recent months (the other being â¬ÜSt. Pancras Grandâ¬"). There is a dramatic checkerpot floor, maroon carriage style Chesterfields, engraved mirrors and varnished veneers. Closer inspection revealed an absinthe fountain to louchely summon the green fairy. Occasionally, Edith Piaf joined the fray, gutturally shoe-horned between acid jazz. And whenever she appeared, a roar of support rose...

A substantial staff, neat as a new pin in black and white, seemed smilingly to enter into the Euro-Disney atmosphere. The whole place smelt of lilies and new leather.

The hearty, A3 sized menu read like a greatest hits of the genre. Will and I asked if we could order half portions of plenty of plates although somewhere we lost control: the choice was taken from our hands and things just began to appear. Exuberant, tangy, white butter pleasantly overpowered reasonable sliced baguette, but slightly stale brown. BÃ©lon oysters were verdigris tinged: tannic, dry, zinc drenched. Restaurant manager, Frederic who must have spent at least a third of our six-hour lunch answering our questions and recommending Parisian bistros, admitted craving the creamy fatness of Breton oysters when they are spawning. The sensual and contagious allure of sexy oysters!

We excavated a dozen Burgundian snails with gynecological looking tools. They were quite big: moistly bound in garlic butter, earthy and pert. Frogs legs were cleanly fried with an accurate Tartare Sauce. A Bibendum like stack of onion tyres were topped with brittle fried parsley. A bottle of nervy, razor-sharp, chalky Chablis 1er Cru â¬"04 (Raveneau) brought with us, cut through with style.

Grilled fillet of moist gurnard (an underrated â¬Übottom feederâ¬") was greaseless, served with a tender squid tendril, juicy razor clam and a firm base of ratatouille. Love it or hate it, â¬ÜLa Marmite Bretonneâ¬" â¬ mixed fish in a lobster bouillon â¬ came sweltering in a little pot. It required a little extra seasoning, which we applied, but was genuinely well executed with cobalt coloured mussels, fleshy langoustines and a meaty lobster claw (which we fought over).

A pure tasting, iconic Gevrey-Chambertin, Lavaux-St-Jacques â¬"99 (Dom. Louis Jadot) was aquiline with a delicate, yielding perfume of raspberry, soft sorrel and dark spices. It was agile enough to go fishing with the Marmite whilst retaining its own veracity. To follow, the textures of the tagliatelle nest of pink-centred pan-fried veal kidneys in tarragon sauce were complimentary, although there was too much pasta for my taste.

Roasted corn-fed chicken breast with a apple sweet Breton cider sauce, glazed apple and wilted gem lettuce was very good. The bird had a succulent texture approaching specimens from Bresse.

A bottle of densely perfumed Margaux from the millennium, ChÃ¢teau Giscours, was ripe: almost vaporously alcoholic, with a little toffee, heather and concentrated blackcurrant cordial notes. Rousing and refreshing.

The so-titled â¬Üfarandoleâ¬" (or dance) of fromages was pristine: a work of love and one of the most-well appointed carts I have seen in London. The highlight was the triple cream brie swollen with black winter truffles and named in honour of 18th century gastro-God, â¬ÜBrillat-Savarinâ¬". A little sweet, â¬Übread in a boxâ¬" acted as spatula.

Two halves of ChÃ¢teau Filhot Sauternes â¬"03 (drawn from the restaurantâ¬"s list) provided an energetic, opulent, fleshy and creamy palate cleanser: quince laden and sprucing. Incidentally, this estate was once considered on par with the worldâ¬"s most famous stickie, ChÃ¢teau dâ¬"Yquem.

Having a shocking fondness for sugar, I finished with a plate of profiteroles doused in glossy chocolate, topped with a little mint. Will describes himself as a â¬Üpastry manâ¬" â¬ which has nothing to do with his sexuality - and would have preferred a stronger ratio of springy choux to vanilla pod infused ice cream. I thought they were wildly hedonistic, however, as was our decadent lunch (which had segued into supper). By the time we left reservations signs were sprouting on surrounding tables, ready for the evening service.

Word on the street suggests that the city finds Le Bouchon Breton boldly priced. It goes without saying that their estimations would have been poles apart a few months ago. But the truth is that with the prix fixe, you could come out of the experience spending mercifully little.

Service was generously attentive; cooking was ultimately correct and inevitably never cutting edge. The room was neat rather than chic, although incongruous. Gaping windows stared relentlessly onto the stark, modernised market, where dystopic chains like â¬ÜLas Iguanasâ¬" and â¬ÜGiraffeâ¬" hold court.

There are well-publicised links with â¬ÜLe Gavrocheâ¬". Apart from Roux, ex Gavroche sommelier Francois Bertrand has caringly compiled a 700 bin strong homage to brighter days. The top â¬Üartefactsâ¬" are displayed within a temperature controlled glass wall. Ex Gavroche chef Nicolas Laridan, who I am told described us as that dayâ¬"s â¬Übig eatersâ¬" is at the helm. Despite its makers, this is however very much its own creature. And I cannot he but speculate how a 200+ cover site with standards will avoid becoming an unwieldy monster in a bear market.

â¬ÜTo be successful in my native France, where people speak the same language and understand me, is nothingâ¬¦â¬"
[Edith Piaf]â¬SJust trying to keep it authenticâ¬ explained the barman in a thick, Gallic accent. He had just shouted - quite theatrically - to a colleague at the other end of the 15 metre, pewter bar. â¬SNot a problemâ¬ I replied, using the bona fide burr of an English ponce. I was actually rather enjoying waiting for my friend, Will, who had inadvertently gone to Smithfields rather than Spitalfields. Along with the imported atmosphere, I soaked up a flute of pink Champagne and halved blanched Spanish almonds with my teeth. Knowing he was sweating in a black cab, thirst building, I phoned a couple of times to relay details of the quenching tipple: temperature, texture and delicate scents of raspberry and pastry.

Most Brits associate the â¬Übrasserieâ¬" concept with 'CafÃ© Rouge' and its ilk, even though our equivalent is really the gastropub. It does look like former broker Ian Stoppani and Michel Roux Junior have taken great care to replicate the brassy features of the romanticised, all-day French version, Londonâ¬"s second such opening in recent months (the other being â¬ÜSt. Pancras Grandâ¬"). There is a dramatic checkerpot floor, maroon carriage style Chesterfields, engraved mirrors and varnished veneers. Closer inspection revealed an absinthe fountain to louchely summon the green fairy. Occasionally, Edith Piaf joined the fray, gutturally shoe-horned between acid jazz. And whenever she appeared, a roar of support rose...

A substantial staff, neat as a new pin in black and white, seemed smilingly to enter into the Euro-Disney atmosphere. The whole place smelt of lilies and new leather.

The hearty, A3 sized menu read like a greatest hits of the genre. Will and I asked if we could order half portions of plenty of plates although somewhere we lost control: the choice was taken from our hands and things just began to appear. Exuberant, tangy, white butter pleasantly overpowered reasonable sliced baguette, but slightly stale brown. BÃ©lon oysters were verdigris tinged: tannic, dry, zinc drenched. Restaurant manager, Frederic who must have spent at least a third of our six-hour lunch answering our questions and recommending Parisian bistros, admitted craving the creamy fatness of Breton oysters when they are spawning. The sensual and contagious allure of sexy oysters!

We excavated a dozen Burgundian snails with gynecological looking tools. They were quite big: moistly bound in garlic butter, earthy and pert. Frogs legs were cleanly fried with an accurate Tartare Sauce. A Bibendum like stack of onion tyres were topped with brittle fried parsley. A bottle of nervy, razor-sharp, chalky Chablis 1er Cru â¬"04 (Raveneau) brought with us, cut through with style.

Grilled fillet of moist gurnard (an underrated â¬Übottom feederâ¬") was greaseless, served with a tender squid tendril, juicy razor clam and a firm base of ratatouille. Love it or hate it, â¬ÜLa Marmite Bretonneâ¬" â¬ mixed fish in a lobster bouillon â¬ came sweltering in a little pot. It required a little extra seasoning, which we applied, but was genuinely well executed with cobalt coloured mussels, fleshy langoustines and a meaty lobster claw (which we fought over).

A pure tasting, iconic Gevrey-Chambertin, Lavaux-St-Jacques â¬"99 (Dom. Louis Jadot) was aquiline with a delicate, yielding perfume of raspberry, soft sorrel and dark spices. It was agile enough to go fishing with the Marmite whilst retaining its own veracity. To follow, the textures of the tagliatelle nest of pink-centred pan-fried veal kidneys in tarragon sauce were complimentary, although there was too much pasta for my taste.

Roasted corn-fed chicken breast with a apple sweet Breton cider sauce, glazed apple and wilted gem lettuce was very good. The bird had a succulent texture approaching specimens from Bresse.

A bottle of densely perfumed Margaux from the millennium, ChÃ¢teau Giscours, was ripe: almost vaporously alcoholic, with a little toffee, heather and concentrated blackcurrant cordial notes. Rousing and refreshing.

The so-titled â¬Üfarandoleâ¬" (or dance) of fromages was pristine: a work of love and one of the most-well appointed carts I have seen in London. The highlight was the triple cream brie swollen with black winter truffles and named in honour of 18th century gastro-God, â¬ÜBrillat-Savarinâ¬". A little sweet, â¬Übread in a boxâ¬" acted as spatula.

Two halves of ChÃ¢teau Filhot Sauternes â¬"03 (drawn from the restaurantâ¬"s list) provided an energetic, opulent, fleshy and creamy palate cleanser: quince laden and sprucing. Incidentally, this estate was once considered on par with the worldâ¬"s most famous stickie, ChÃ¢teau dâ¬"Yquem.

Having a shocking fondness for sugar, I finished with a plate of profiteroles doused in glossy chocolate, topped with a little mint. Will describes himself as a â¬Üpastry manâ¬" â¬ which has nothing to do with his sexuality - and would have preferred a stronger ratio of springy choux to vanilla pod infused ice cream. I thought they were wildly hedonistic, however, as was our decadent lunch (which had segued into supper). By the time we left reservations signs were sprouting on surrounding tables, ready for the evening service.

Word on the street suggests that the city finds Le Bouchon Breton boldly priced. It goes without saying that their estimations would have been poles apart a few months ago. But the truth is that with the prix fixe, you could come out of the experience spending mercifully little.

Service was generously attentive; cooking was ultimately correct and inevitably never cutting edge. The room was neat rather than chic, although incongruous. Gaping windows stared relentlessly onto the stark, modernised market, where dystopic chains like â¬ÜLas Iguanasâ¬" and â¬ÜGiraffeâ¬" hold court.

There are well-publicised links with â¬ÜLe Gavrocheâ¬". Apart from Roux, ex Gavroche sommelier Francois Bertrand has caringly compiled a 700 bin strong homage to brighter days. The top â¬Üartefactsâ¬" are displayed within a temperature controlled glass wall. Ex Gavroche chef Nicolas Laridan, who I am told described us as that dayâ¬"s â¬Übig eatersâ¬" is at the helm. Despite its makers, this is however very much its own creature. And I cannot help but speculate how a 200+ cover site with standards will avoid becoming an unwieldy monster in a bear market.

â¬ÜTo be successful in my native France, where people speak the same language and understand me, is nothingâ¬¦â¬"
[Edith Piaf]

The Tower Of London - Crowded by watermelon90

watermelon90 — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 23:49:52 +0000

Review by watermelon90

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7709 0765

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

Tags: helpful staff

The famous tower of london is a magnet for every tourist who visits london and you can see why. It is great, full of lots of things to see and enjoy, the beautiful collection of crowns and jewels is well worth looking at.
The white tower is good, but part of the outside is being renovated so it is slightly hidden from view.
The beefeaters are great. You can tag along on one of the regular tours that they do and they tell you all those little things you would not have learned otherwise. They are fun to listen to and it all adds up to a better experiences you have a few facts to remember.
You can buy a ticket that allows you to go again and this is a good idea as you really need more than one day to see it all. We are so lucky to have it.The famous tower of london is a magnet for every tourist who visits london and you can see why. It is great, full of lots of things to see and enjoy, the beautiful collection of crowns and jewels is well worth looking at.
The white tower is good, but part of the outside is being renovated so it is slightly hidden from view.
The beefeaters are great. You can tag along on one of the regular tours that they do and they tell you all those little things you would not have learned otherwise. They are fun to listen to and it all adds up to a better experiences you have a few facts to remember.
You can buy a ticket that allows you to go again and this is a good idea as you really need more than one day to see it all. We are so lucky to have it.

Tower Bridge Experience - towering experience by clubby2

clubby2 — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:00:43 +0000

Review by clubby2

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7403 3761

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

Tower Bridge was completed in 1894, after eight years of construction and is the most amazing bridge even now. It looks fantastic at night and it was really good to see and learn more about it. The views from the top are incredible. The kids really enjoyed the machinery and hands on displays in the engine rooms. The interactive units that are on the walkways were very good too. The bridge is lifted around 1000 times a year to allow ships and other large craft to pass through, it did so once whilst we were in our car and it was so cool. A family ticket for 2 kids and 2 adults was only Â£14, a bargain for london, do not miss it.Tower Bridge was completed in 1894, after eight years of construction and is the most amazing bridge even now. It looks fantastic at night and it was really good to see and learn more about it. The views from the top are incredible. The kids really enjoyed the machinery and hands on displays in the engine rooms. The interactive units that are on the walkways were very good too. The bridge is lifted around 1000 times a year to allow ships and other large craft to pass through, it did so once whilst we were in our car and it was so cool. A family ticket for 2 kids and 2 adults was only Â£14, a bargain for london, do not miss it.

The Assembly - Assembly by ocean0201

ocean0201 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:53:16 +0000

Review by ocean0201

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7626 3360

Tags: bar, business, cocktails

A popular joint for the city workers, Assembly is located close to Tower Hill Underground station.

They offer standard pub food for lunch and the serbice is very quick. The prices are reasonable and the quality is good. The main course salmon is recommended.

There are plenty of beers on offer ( worth trying the Franziskaner) and they have a good wine selection as well. They also have two desert wines for those who like something sweet after food.

There is a outdoor seating area that faces a park but it gets crowded in the evening.

Overall, if you are in the city and work nearby it's good for a drink or meeting your friends.
A popular joint for the city workers, Assembly is located close to Tower Hill Underground station.

They offer standard pub food for lunch and the serbice is very quick. The prices are reasonable and the quality is good. The main course salmon is recommended.

There are plenty of beers on offer ( worth trying the Franziskaner) and they have a good wine selection as well. They also have two desert wines for those who like something sweet after food.

There is a outdoor seating area that faces a park but it gets crowded in the evening.

Overall, if you are in the city and work nearby it's good for a drink or meeting your friends.

Agenda - Agenda by ocean0201

ocean0201 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:45:08 +0000

Review by ocean0201

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7929 8399

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

Tags: dj, good value, cocktails

Agenda is a nice place to either have lunch or to drink in the evenings. Add to it the fact that they have a DJ and a late license, the place is quite popular on thursday/ fridays

Located off Fenchurch Street, Agenda is a in the courtyard of Minster Court. The location makes it ideal for the city workers.

Seating: There's plenty of seating area. For lunch on friday's it is recommended to book in advance if you are a large group, as it gets quite full around 1 pm. For late night party crowd, there is a DJ and a small dancefloor. The only negative is the lack of smoking space. As the pub is within a covered courtyard, you have to go out to the main area to smoke.

Drinks: A good selection of wine is on offer. For beer drinkers, they have the usual brands in draught or in bottles. They do cocktails as well and if you like Pimms during the summer month, its worth a try.

Food: The food is where agenda scores well. Lunch menu is very nice and suitably priced. Fish & Chips is offered in traditional form with a newspaper wrapping.

Overall, I would recommend Agenda for lunches (due to the quality and the price) or for people who like to drink past midnight :)

Agenda is a nice place to either have lunch or to drink in the evenings. Add to it the fact that they have a DJ and a late license, the place is quite popular on thursday/ fridays

Located off Fenchurch Street, Agenda is a in the courtyard of Minster Court. The location makes it ideal for the city workers.

Seating: There's plenty of seating area. For lunch on friday's it is recommended to book in advance if you are a large group, as it gets quite full around 1 pm. For late night party crowd, there is a DJ and a small dancefloor. The only negative is the lack of smoking space. As the pub is within a covered courtyard, you have to go out to the main area to smoke.

Drinks: A good selection of wine is on offer. For beer drinkers, they have the usual brands in draught or in bottles. They do cocktails as well and if you like Pimms during the summer month, its worth a try.

Food: The food is where agenda scores well. Lunch menu is very nice and suitably priced. Fish & Chips is offered in traditional form with a newspaper wrapping.

Overall, I would recommend Agenda for lunches (due to the quality and the price) or for people who like to drink past midnight :)

The London Metropolitan University - Re the North London campus... by blackstar

blackstar — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:50:06 +0000

Review by blackstar

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7423 0000

Website: http://www.londonmet.ac.uk

I attended the north campus in the Finsbury Park area. I've got to say there's not much to it in term sof facilities for students. Aside from a cafe, that's it...unless you want to include the library. This site is basically just a teaching site, nothing more. There are a couple bis lecture rooms adn the rest are just small seminars rooms.

A bit dreary really. Check out my other review for the Holloway Rd campus.I attended the north campus in the Finsbury Park area. I've got to say there's not much to it in term sof facilities for students. Aside from a cafe, that's it...unless you want to include the library. This site is basically just a teaching site, nothing more. There are a couple bis lecture rooms adn the rest are just small seminars rooms.

A bit dreary really. Check out my other review for the Holloway Rd campus.

Pret A Manger - Near Aldgate tube by chocolatebutton

chocolatebutton — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:40:48 +0000

Review by chocolatebutton

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7481 0391

Website: http://www.pret.com

Tags: sandwiches, vegetarian dishes, seating area

I find it totally bizaare that the instructions tell you the nearest tube is Tower Hill. I have always used this as my local Pret when alighting at Aldgate, and if you go to http://maps.google.co.uk/ and input the postcode, I think you will agree that this is the nearest tube!

I always like Pret food - in fact they are my overall favourite coffee shop, based on good (not outstanding, but good) coffee combined with excellent food. (I think Caffe Nero and Abokado do better coffee, but Pret has a far better range of food). And where on earth do Pret get their staff? As a connoisseur of coffee shops, I remain convinced that Pret staff are far nicer, and more friendly, than any other coffee shop.

I haven't previously mentioned the soup, which is also brilliant - 2 or 3 new soups every day........I find it totally bizaare that the instructions tell you the nearest tube is Tower Hill. I have always used this as my local Pret when alighting at Aldgate, and if you go to http://maps.google.co.uk/ and input the postcode, I think you will agree that this is the nearest tube!

I always like Pret food - in fact they are my overall favourite coffee shop, based on good (not outstanding, but good) coffee combined with excellent food. (I think Caffe Nero and Abokado do better coffee, but Pret has a far better range of food). And where on earth do Pret get their staff? As a connoisseur of coffee shops, I remain convinced that Pret staff are far nicer, and more friendly, than any other coffee shop.

I haven't previously mentioned the soup, which is also brilliant - 2 or 3 new soups every day........

The Grange City Hotel - Grange City Hotel by cstewa38

cstewa38 — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:45:15 +0000

Review by cstewa38

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7233 3700

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

Tags: restaurant, safe, hotel

Ok maybe not the best five star hotel in London but for the price you pay you definitely can't go wrong! Rooms are fairly spacious and offer a mini-bar, air conditioning, computer modem points, digital satellite TV, a music centre and a luxury marble and granite bathroom. The bathrooms are well equipped, however are very small and it would have been good to see a separate shower as opposed to a shower over the bath. The hotel boasts a swimming pool and health spa, although I did not have time to check it out during my stay. Breakfast is usually included in the room rates at this hotel and is a standard buffet breakfast type affair. The location of this hotel is another major plus point, Tower Bridge is minutes away from the hotel and many rooms offer views of the bridge and the River Thames. (Unfortunately mine didnâ¬"t!)Ok maybe not the best five star hotel in London but for the price you pay you definitely can't go wrong! Rooms are fairly spacious and offer a mini-bar, air conditioning, computer modem points, digital satellite TV, a music centre and a luxury marble and granite bathroom. The bathrooms are well equipped, however are very small and it would have been good to see a separate shower as opposed to a shower over the bath. The hotel boasts a swimming pool and health spa, although I did not have time to check it out during my stay. Breakfast is usually included in the room rates at this hotel and is a standard buffet breakfast type affair. The location of this hotel is another major plus point, Tower Bridge is minutes away from the hotel and many rooms offer views of the bridge and the River Thames. (Unfortunately mine didnâ¬"t!)

Apex City Of London - Apex City Of London by cstewa38

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

Review by cstewa38

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0845 365 0000

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

Tags: restaurant, air conditioning, helpful staff

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

30 St Mary Axe - Cuisine with view by Cedric

Cedric — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 09:47:21 +0000

Review by Cedric

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7071 5009

Website: http://www.30stmaryaxe.com/

Tags: french, pretentious, expensive

Situated on the very last floor of the Ghirken building this restaurant combined with a lounge offers a fantastic 360Â° view on London, even more enjoyable at dusk when the sun sets and you are sipping a glass of wine.

The restaurant is facing west, so you can enjoy the view on St Paul, the Mall and other buildings between two dishes.

The plates are not ambundantly filled but the content is really good and the menu offers some treats that are of prime quality. I personally opted for the following (sorry for rephrasing/simplifying the content of my plates, and certainly omitting some of the ingredients though):
- Starter: raviolo of salted beef
- Main: monkfish tail wrapped in cured ham with new potatoes and scallops in beurre blanc sauce
- an extensive cheese platter (and that's a French speaking here)
- Rice pudding with vanilla ice scoop and marinated peached jelly

Overall very satisfied by the food and the service which is really good. The manager was really savvy and provided us with extensive guidance when we needed to make a selection on the cheese board. Recommendations were very good and the bespoke cheeses were niche products instead of common ones. Really enjoyed discovering new tastes.

Final point, it seems that this restaurant is part of a member club, with an annual fee to pay to be granted access. I was fortunate enough to be invited and do not have the full details. But if you have the opportunity, jump on it. The food might not be a Michelin-star level but is still really good and combined with the stunning view you end up having a fantastic experience on the 39th floor of one the most iconic building in the world.Situated on the very last floor of the Ghirken building this restaurant combined with a lounge offers a fantastic 360Â° view on London, even more enjoyable at dusk when the sun sets and you are sipping a glass of wine.

The restaurant is facing west, so you can enjoy the view on St Paul, the Mall and other buildings between two dishes.

The plates are not ambundantly filled but the content is really good and the menu offers some treats that are of prime quality. I personally opted for the following (sorry for rephrasing/simplifying the content of my plates, and certainly omitting some of the ingredients though):
- Starter: raviolo of salted beef
- Main: monkfish tail wrapped in cured ham with new potatoes and scallops in beurre blanc sauce
- an extensive cheese platter (and that's a French speaking here)
- Rice pudding with vanilla ice scoop and marinated peached jelly

Overall very satisfied by the food and the service which is really good. The manager was really savvy and provided us with extensive guidance when we needed to make a selection on the cheese board. Recommendations were very good and the bespoke cheeses were niche products instead of common ones. Really enjoyed discovering new tastes.

Final point, it seems that this restaurant is part of a member club, with an annual fee to pay to be granted access. I was fortunate enough to be invited and do not have the full details. But if you have the opportunity, jump on it. The food might not be a Michelin-star level but is still really good and combined with the stunning view you end up having a fantastic experience on the 39th floor of one the most iconic building in the world.

Thames Express Supermarket - They will rip you off by kevnarr

kevnarr — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:43:52 +0000

Review by kevnarr

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7403 0211

This place sold me some Smirrnoff Vodka. It was actually full of dirty tap water. I went back to the shop and got a refund straight away. It was obvious that they were scamming people whom they thought were drunk or perhaps wouldn't come back.

Do NOT shop here.This place sold me some Smirrnoff Vodka. It was actually full of dirty tap water. I went back to the shop and got a refund straight away. It was obvious that they were scamming people whom they thought were drunk or perhaps wouldn't come back.

Do NOT shop here.

All Bar One - Extremely Poor. by ianb

ianb — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:29:26 +0000

Review by ianb

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7553 0301

Website: http://www.mbplc.com

Tags: food, air conditioning, european

lunch on a tuesday....3/4 hr wait for pesto burgers which arrived without pesto and cold...pesto brought to the table was runny transparent green liquid...pass! Uncooked chip arrived on a plate of greasy salmon salad....'flat' carbonated drinks. When staff were told of the problems they were unhelpful and unpleasant. Never again. lunch on a tuesday....3/4 hr wait for pesto burgers which arrived without pesto and cold...pesto brought to the table was runny transparent green liquid...pass! Uncooked chip arrived on a plate of greasy salmon salad....'flat' carbonated drinks. When staff were told of the problems they were unhelpful and unpleasant. Never again.

Dickens Inn - Pizza on the Dock - real good nice service by hassle

hassle — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:20:55 +0000

Review by hassle

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7488 2208

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

Tags: italian, good value, lively

We went as a group of 20 with no booking, the place was busy but they squeezed us in on a saturday afternoon. Service was great, food fab although their pizzas are way better then the pastas. Great tables out side on the balcony if its just a few of you for views of the dock & people watching.We went as a group of 20 with no booking, the place was busy but they squeezed us in on a saturday afternoon. Service was great, food fab although their pizzas are way better then the pastas. Great tables out side on the balcony if its just a few of you for views of the dock & people watching.

Valente's Wine Bar - Valente's but only if you can get upstairs by mazphd

mazphd — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 04:59:51 +0000

Review by mazphd

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7702 1123

Tags: bar, seating area, happy hour

Something really odd about Valente's. Right bang in the middle of the cities financial district this bar is more trendy then any real substance of style.

The bar itself is split over 2 floors. Usually not an issue, but this particular evening I was out with a friend who needed wheelchair access. The key word here being 'access'. So as a relatively 'new' and 'trendy' bar supposition was that this would not be a problem. And Valente's does have disabled facilities - just on the first floor. See where i am going (or rather not) here.

So we envisaged a lift that would whisk up to the 'trendier' bar above. And yes there is a lift - lets face it Valente's would be in grave danger of having a law suit on their hands if they did not provide such 'access'. But there's that word again 'access'. So the lift is in the neighbouring building, that closes after 7pm. And here lies the problem. Essentially no lift, no access, and no offer of any other kind of help. So you can see why i am having a tricky time giving Valente's anything more than 2 stars.

Other info, menu is the usual bar food, nacho's, steak sandwiches etc all straight out the packet and microwave. convenience eating is all about quantity not quality. much like the bar area itself; which is long , glass (a lot of glass) and not much else. The wine menu is limited, which is surprising for a venue so close to the rich list of banking world, and their recommended champagne is poss only recommended by the staff so they can get rid of it. I can only assume that the 'good stuff' is hidden somewhere else, or like their disabled facitilites theyve overlooked to thoroughly invest in this too.

So why 2 stars ? well you know what you are going to get and that is something that we British like to rate! In sum a 'too trendy' bar, that offers bar snacks and somewhere to admire the beautiful people as they walk past (and keep going if they have any sense!). oh and did i mention the glass floor that when you are downstairs means that you can 'admire' the footware of those standing on top you. remember i said trendy not classy.
Something really odd about Valente's. Right bang in the middle of the cities financial district this bar is more trendy then any real substance of style.

The bar itself is split over 2 floors. Usually not an issue, but this particular evening I was out with a friend who needed wheelchair access. The key word here being 'access'. So as a relatively 'new' and 'trendy' bar supposition was that this would not be a problem. And Valente's does have disabled facilities - just on the first floor. See where i am going (or rather not) here.

So we envisaged a lift that would whisk up to the 'trendier' bar above. And yes there is a lift - lets face it Valente's would be in grave danger of having a law suit on their hands if they did not provide such 'access'. But there's that word again 'access'. So the lift is in the neighbouring building, that closes after 7pm. And here lies the problem. Essentially no lift, no access, and no offer of any other kind of help. So you can see why i am having a tricky time giving Valente's anything more than 2 stars.

Other info, menu is the usual bar food, nacho's, steak sandwiches etc all straight out the packet and microwave. convenience eating is all about quantity not quality. much like the bar area itself; which is long , glass (a lot of glass) and not much else. The wine menu is limited, which is surprising for a venue so close to the rich list of banking world, and their recommended champagne is poss only recommended by the staff so they can get rid of it. I can only assume that the 'good stuff' is hidden somewhere else, or like their disabled facitilites theyve overlooked to thoroughly invest in this too.

So why 2 stars ? well you know what you are going to get and that is something that we British like to rate! In sum a 'too trendy' bar, that offers bar snacks and somewhere to admire the beautiful people as they walk past (and keep going if they have any sense!). oh and did i mention the glass floor that when you are downstairs means that you can 'admire' the footware of those standing on top you. remember i said trendy not classy.

The Minories - by jennufcboss

jennufcboss — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 13:01:13 +0000

Review by jennufcboss

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7481 3397

Tags: food, vegetarian dishes, dj

This is in a great location for people working around Tower Hill and Aldgate.
The food at this pub is really good value for its location, and portions are generous. The menu is not particularly interesting, but the usual suspects (scampi and chips, lasagne, burger, salads, etc) are all there, and all prepared to a very good standard for the price.
Drinks are also reasonably priced, especially their wine bottle specials!
All in all, a great place to have a snack and a few pints after work!This is in a great location for people working around Tower Hill and Aldgate.
The food at this pub is really good value for its location, and portions are generous. The menu is not particularly interesting, but the usual suspects (scampi and chips, lasagne, burger, salads, etc) are all there, and all prepared to a very good standard for the price.
Drinks are also reasonably priced, especially their wine bottle specials!
All in all, a great place to have a snack and a few pints after work!

Auberge - unimaginitive person's choice of bar by Buraco

Buraco — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 11:43:34 +0000

Review by Buraco

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7480 6789

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

Tags: bar, french, friendly

I really detest the Auberge in London Bridge. It happens to be near my workplace and as its on the way from the office to the station, is frequented by workmates on Fridays. There are probably worse bars in London, but many many that are better. You generally have to sit downstairs in dark, smokey (not for long!) with rubbish music playing through a crap tinny speakers adding to the poor atmosphere. Go here if you want to get lashed with people you work with, then stagger 20 yards across a road to the station. Otherwise...don't go.I really detest the Auberge in London Bridge. It happens to be near my workplace and as its on the way from the office to the station, is frequented by workmates on Fridays. There are probably worse bars in London, but many many that are better. You generally have to sit downstairs in dark, smokey (not for long!) with rubbish music playing through a crap tinny speakers adding to the poor atmosphere. Go here if you want to get lashed with people you work with, then stagger 20 yards across a road to the station. Otherwise...don't go.

The King's Arms - Sunday lunch near London Bridge by Sarah_W

Sarah_W — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 20:18:44 +0000

Review by Sarah_W

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7407 3207

Tags: gastro pub, cosy, lively

This is a cosy London pub which seems to steer a good middle course between traditional and gastropub. I came here for a Sunday lunch with a group of friends in Feb 2007 and I think that's the sort of gathering this pub is best for - it didn't strike me as somewhere to go for a romantic or family meal. The food was excellent, especially the roast duck breast, and I had a couple of glasses of good rioja too. Service was a little slow, but we were a large group and probably very obviously not in a hurry!This is a cosy London pub which seems to steer a good middle course between traditional and gastropub. I came here for a Sunday lunch with a group of friends in Feb 2007 and I think that's the sort of gathering this pub is best for - it didn't strike me as somewhere to go for a romantic or family meal. The food was excellent, especially the roast duck breast, and I had a couple of glasses of good rioja too. Service was a little slow, but we were a large group and probably very obviously not in a hurry!

Corney & Barrow Wine Bar - by TrustedBot

TrustedBot — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 18:20:11 +0000

Review by TrustedBot

Rating: 0.00

Phone: 020 7680 8550

Website: http://www.corney-barrow.co.uk

Tags: lunch, cocktails, smoking

Corney & Barrow, Jewry Street is a modern and spacious basement bar with a warm and friendly atmosphere.

It is one of an elegant chain of City brasseries and wine bars, attracting crowds from the Capital´s financial district.

Corney and Barrow Jewry Street has a comfortable, intimate interior, it´s a brasserie serving outstanding food during the day and more of a bar in the evening. Corney & Barrow, Jewry Street is a modern and spacious basement bar with a warm and friendly atmosphere.

It is one of an elegant chain of City brasseries and wine bars, attracting crowds from the Capital´s financial district.

Corney and Barrow Jewry Street has a comfortable, intimate interior, it´s a brasserie serving outstanding food during the day and more of a bar in the evening.