Latest reviews in Turnham Green, London, United Kingdom

The Convenience Store - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:05:46 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8995 5210

This place is getting five stars because it is one of the few shops open 24 Hours within walking distance of my chiswick abode.

The guys who work here are always alert despite the trials of long hours and various drunk punters with a variety of attitude problems.

It is nice to be able to get an emergency pint of milk and a loaf of bread at any hour of the day.
Prices are actually a lot better than some of the other bigger local convenience stores but variety of stock is not great.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!This place is getting five stars because it is one of the few shops open 24 Hours within walking distance of my chiswick abode.

The guys who work here are always alert despite the trials of long hours and various drunk punters with a variety of attitude problems.

It is nice to be able to get an emergency pint of milk and a loaf of bread at any hour of the day.
Prices are actually a lot better than some of the other bigger local convenience stores but variety of stock is not great.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

best-one - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:59:16 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8747 8496

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

Tags: off licence, fresh fruits & vegetables, cigarettes

'Best One' seem to have a very unusual policy on pricing.

There are no labels on items so they make it up as they go along. I am not entirely sure this is legal.

On occasion for FOUR items I saw the man on the till ring up FIVE prices includig a "15p" invisible bonus for himself.

When asked for a reciept he quickly keyed in 4 random numbers to get the same amount and handed me that.

A futher time he rang the items up and when I handed him the amount said he had keyed it in wrong and wanted more money.
That was the last time I ever used this "convenience" store. That was 2008.

Don't take my word for it - go in and see if the crooked liars are still trying it on.'Best One' seem to have a very unusual policy on pricing.

There are no labels on items so they make it up as they go along. I am not entirely sure this is legal.

On occasion for FOUR items I saw the man on the till ring up FIVE prices includig a "15p" invisible bonus for himself.

When asked for a reciept he quickly keyed in 4 random numbers to get the same amount and handed me that.

A futher time he rang the items up and when I handed him the amount said he had keyed it in wrong and wanted more money.
That was the last time I ever used this "convenience" store. That was 2008.

Don't take my word for it - go in and see if the crooked liars are still trying it on.

Silks & Spice - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:07:25 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0871 200 0999

Website: http://www.silksandspice.com

Tags: thai, vegetarian dishes

CLOSED DOWN!

Now a good Thai restaurant called 'Boys'.CLOSED DOWN!

Now a good Thai restaurant called 'Boys'.

Budsara - This "Bud's" for YOU! by AliZebu

AliZebu — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:04:46 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8995 5774

Tags: thai, good value, cheap eat

'Budsara' have two branches, one in Fulham Road and one on Chiswick High Road. I have never eaten in this branch but have had food delivered a number of times.

Firstly, it is a few doors away from another good Thai restaurant called 'Boys' - which I rate slightly higher overall than 'Budsara'.
If you were going in and getting a takeaway (I am too lazy and usually just have it delivered!) the SMART option may be to get a couple of dishes from each place as they both do certain things better and have some variance in the menu.

The Fish Cakes served here are good compared to the rubbery ones at 'Boys'.
The "Phad Kra-Praow" is a nice spicy dish I usually have with Chicken.
The Green Curry is certainly good but always seems lacking in sauce and does not have the depth of flavour I crave.
The "Phad Mhee" - stir-fried egg noodles with beanspouts are done better here than in most of the chinese restaurants in the area.

Service has always been fine on the phone, from the delivery person and on the one occasion I went in for a takeaway.

RECOMMENDED!'Budsara' have two branches, one in Fulham Road and one on Chiswick High Road. I have never eaten in this branch but have had food delivered a number of times.

Firstly, it is a few doors away from another good Thai restaurant called 'Boys' - which I rate slightly higher overall than 'Budsara'.
If you were going in and getting a takeaway (I am too lazy and usually just have it delivered!) the SMART option may be to get a couple of dishes from each place as they both do certain things better and have some variance in the menu.

The Fish Cakes served here are good compared to the rubbery ones at 'Boys'.
The "Phad Kra-Praow" is a nice spicy dish I usually have with Chicken.
The Green Curry is certainly good but always seems lacking in sauce and does not have the depth of flavour I crave.
The "Phad Mhee" - stir-fried egg noodles with beanspouts are done better here than in most of the chinese restaurants in the area.

Service has always been fine on the phone, from the delivery person and on the one occasion I went in for a takeaway.

RECOMMENDED!

Tootsies - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:28:20 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8747 1869

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

Tags: american, lively, crowded

CLOSED DOWN!CLOSED DOWN!

Gourmet Burger Kitchen - GBK: Good but NOT great! by AliZebu

AliZebu — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:27:43 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8995 4548

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

Tags: lively, burgers, good value

I have been to a few GBK's in London and the Chiswick one is large & lively.

The Burgers are obviously good quality but NOT the best I have ever eaten. If I point out one flaw it would be they lack the succulence of some the very best burgers I have had in London.

'Ground' on Chiswick High Road is very similar but ever so slightly better to my tastes.
GBK's chips are BIG and chunky, if you like them that way they are good.

There is a variety of sauces available to put on the burger but they mostly seem to be very COLD which is not a good mix for the hot burger. A little less chilled or preferably room temprature sauces wouls go a long way to improving my opinion of GBK's sandwiches.

Overall this a nice addition to the High Street and well worth at least one visit to check it out.I have been to a few GBK's in London and the Chiswick one is large & lively.

The Burgers are obviously good quality but NOT the best I have ever eaten. If I point out one flaw it would be they lack the succulence of some the very best burgers I have had in London.

'Ground' on Chiswick High Road is very similar but ever so slightly better to my tastes.
GBK's chips are BIG and chunky, if you like them that way they are good.

There is a variety of sauces available to put on the burger but they mostly seem to be very COLD which is not a good mix for the hot burger. A little less chilled or preferably room temprature sauces wouls go a long way to improving my opinion of GBK's sandwiches.

Overall this a nice addition to the High Street and well worth at least one visit to check it out.

Caffe Piccolo - An intimate Italian for chiswick romantics! by AliZebu

AliZebu — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:31:13 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8747 9989

Tags: italian, vegetarian dishes

I first went here after a recommendation from a Neapolitan acquaintance. He told me they did good basic Italian fare.

The prices have crept up over the years but the standard has remained the same. Solid but not spectacular pizzas, and similarly their pasta is also good but not great.

Do NOT be misled though. If you want a Carbonara this is one of the few places in the area that have it on their menu. Nearby 'Strada' and 'Carluccio's' don't seem to do one at the moment.

The atmosphere is generally cosy & intimate and you see lots of couples obviously here for a romantic meal.
If the prices were a little lower than this place would get a higher overall score as it IS a perfectly acceptable authentic Italian ristorante.

RECOMMENDED!I first went here after a recommendation from a Neapolitan acquaintance. He told me they did good basic Italian fare.

The prices have crept up over the years but the standard has remained the same. Solid but not spectacular pizzas, and similarly their pasta is also good but not great.

Do NOT be misled though. If you want a Carbonara this is one of the few places in the area that have it on their menu. Nearby 'Strada' and 'Carluccio's' don't seem to do one at the moment.

The atmosphere is generally cosy & intimate and you see lots of couples obviously here for a romantic meal.
If the prices were a little lower than this place would get a higher overall score as it IS a perfectly acceptable authentic Italian ristorante.

RECOMMENDED!

La Mirage Cafe - CLOSED - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:11:10 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8994 1661

Tags: italian, takeaway

Shame this place closed down. The Pepperoni on their pizzas was my favourite version of the sausage.Shame this place closed down. The Pepperoni on their pizzas was my favourite version of the sausage.

Strada - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:07:31 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8995 0004

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

Tags: italian, air conditioning, vegetarian dishes

'Strada' are a decent chain and this Chiswick branch is no exception.
Good pizzas - the spicy "Rossa" is my usual!
The atmosphere ranges from quiet to lively, to "family" with lots of children running around. I guess it depends on when you visit.
I find the pasta menu a little limited and could use more dishes - or at least more diversity in the six recipes they offer.

RECOMMENDED!
'Strada' are a decent chain and this Chiswick branch is no exception.
Good pizzas - the spicy "Rossa" is my usual!
The atmosphere ranges from quiet to lively, to "family" with lots of children running around. I guess it depends on when you visit.
I find the pasta menu a little limited and could use more dishes - or at least more diversity in the six recipes they offer.

RECOMMENDED!

Zizzi - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:59:20 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8747 9400

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

Tags: italian, lively, good value

'Zizzi' is part of the 'Ask' pizza group. They are the upmarket version in concept. I find the Chiswick branch to be pleasant enough but the food is NOT as great as the design & atmosphere would have you imagine.
On simple taste preferences I enjoy the 'Ask' menus more.

The pizzas here are unquestionably good and larger than the 'Pizza Express' ones but I rarely find myself craving for them, they way I did when 'Eco' had a pizza restaurant in the area.
The pasta is also of a high standard but somehow lacks that indefinable quality that would put 'Zizzi' in the very top London outlets serving Italian pasta.
Service has always been fine on my visits.'Zizzi' is part of the 'Ask' pizza group. They are the upmarket version in concept. I find the Chiswick branch to be pleasant enough but the food is NOT as great as the design & atmosphere would have you imagine.
On simple taste preferences I enjoy the 'Ask' menus more.

The pizzas here are unquestionably good and larger than the 'Pizza Express' ones but I rarely find myself craving for them, they way I did when 'Eco' had a pizza restaurant in the area.
The pasta is also of a high standard but somehow lacks that indefinable quality that would put 'Zizzi' in the very top London outlets serving Italian pasta.
Service has always been fine on my visits.

Annapurna - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:12:53 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8995 4431

Tags: indian, friendly, takeaway

I have tried MANY Indian food outlets in Chiswick. Annapurna are the easily the best in the area. Sadly, they do NOT deliver or they would get even more of my business.

The Lamb Madras is a favourite of mine and the quality of the meat is consistently good. Well trimmed of fat, tender and just superior quality.
The Pasanda is also a popular choice in my household.

I always get some form of Tandoori grill with my order and while not up to the very best I have eaten, both in the UK and the Indian subcontinent itself, it is not far off.

If you do eat in the service is relaxed but efficient in that old style that evokes the better curry houses of yesteryear.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!I have tried MANY Indian food outlets in Chiswick. Annapurna are the easily the best in the area. Sadly, they do NOT deliver or they would get even more of my business.

The Lamb Madras is a favourite of mine and the quality of the meat is consistently good. Well trimmed of fat, tender and just superior quality.
The Pasanda is also a popular choice in my household.

I always get some form of Tandoori grill with my order and while not up to the very best I have eaten, both in the UK and the Indian subcontinent itself, it is not far off.

If you do eat in the service is relaxed but efficient in that old style that evokes the better curry houses of yesteryear.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Yupa's Thai Kitchen - by ollggosh

ollggosh — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:08:32 +0000

Review by ollggosh

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8995 2424

Tags: thai, good value, romantic

This is the best Thai outside of Blue Elephant. Ok not nearly as sophisticated but sometimes you just want good honest authentic food and this restaurant has it in spades!This is the best Thai outside of Blue Elephant. Ok not nearly as sophisticated but sometimes you just want good honest authentic food and this restaurant has it in spades!

Theobroma Cacao - by ollggosh

ollggosh — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:05:42 +0000

Review by ollggosh

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8996 0431

Website: http://www.theobroma-cacao.co.uk

Tags: truffles

Really good hot chocolate, quite a small shop but it will seat 6 comfortably. Their Christmas Hamper looks totally divine!
they also sell online www.theobroma-cacao.co.ukReally good hot chocolate, quite a small shop but it will seat 6 comfortably. Their Christmas Hamper looks totally divine!
they also sell online www.theobroma-cacao.co.uk

Texas Lone Star - CLOSED - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:57:05 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8747 0001

Tags: bar, cocktails, tex mex

'Texas Lone Star' had THREE restaurants in London.
This one in Chiswick, one in Queensway W2 and my favourite haunt of old in Gloucester Road SW7. They served great BBQ Ribs and were the only place that did BEEF ones. Fajitas were above average and they had a Texas Chilli (made with chunks of beef, not minced) that I still yearn for after they closed down some years ago.
If you miss these guys too than try 'Bodean's' chain around London for Ribs OR 'Texas Embassy Cantina' in Trafalgar Square for most everything else.
Sadly there is NOWHERE in London I ever found that does a proper Texas Chunk Beef Chilli - nevermind finding one of a similar standard.'Texas Lone Star' had THREE restaurants in London.
This one in Chiswick, one in Queensway W2 and my favourite haunt of old in Gloucester Road SW7. They served great BBQ Ribs and were the only place that did BEEF ones. Fajitas were above average and they had a Texas Chilli (made with chunks of beef, not minced) that I still yearn for after they closed down some years ago.
If you miss these guys too than try 'Bodean's' chain around London for Ribs OR 'Texas Embassy Cantina' in Trafalgar Square for most everything else.
Sadly there is NOWHERE in London I ever found that does a proper Texas Chunk Beef Chilli - nevermind finding one of a similar standard.

Carvosso's at 210 - by jophoto

jophoto — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:28:33 +0000

Review by jophoto

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8995 9121

Tags: good value, international, mature

Definitely recommend dinning at Carvossoâ¬"s, excellent value for top quality food and wine. My starter pate foie gras de canard with tasty blackcurrant jam was impeccable . My main dish of hoggish braised pork melted in my mouth, the crackling was just perfect, absolutely delicious. A fabulously selection of fine wines, we selected a bottle of Ripasso , a lovely refined red wine. No room for the selection of wonderful desserts, but I did manage to have a couple of spoonful of my partnerâ¬"s chocolate fudge cake yummy. The staff were very friendly and efficient. What a great way to spend a night out in the town in a beautiful restaurant in a relaxed, friendly and fun atmosphere with excellent food and wine. Well done to Carvossoâ¬"s.

Definitely recommend dinning at Carvossoâ¬"s, excellent value for top quality food and wine. My starter pate foie gras de canard with tasty blackcurrant jam was impeccable . My main dish of hoggish braised pork melted in my mouth, the crackling was just perfect, absolutely delicious. A fabulously selection of fine wines, we selected a bottle of Ripasso , a lovely refined red wine. No room for the selection of wonderful desserts, but I did manage to have a couple of spoonful of my partnerâ¬"s chocolate fudge cake yummy. The staff were very friendly and efficient. What a great way to spend a night out in the town in a beautiful restaurant in a relaxed, friendly and fun atmosphere with excellent food and wine. Well done to Carvossoâ¬"s.

Chez Gerard - nothing special by Zargel

Zargel — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:02:10 +0000

Review by Zargel

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8742 1942

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

Tags: french, vegetarian, good value

give it a French name
raise the prices
and you will find enough people who have no idea of quality food who will spend the money.
give it a French name
raise the prices
and you will find enough people who have no idea of quality food who will spend the money.

Est Est Est Ltd - closed down two years ago by Zargel

Zargel — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:42:33 +0000

Review by Zargel

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8747 8777

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

Tags: italian, lively, french

otherwise greatotherwise great

Ground - boring bun by Zargel

Zargel — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:31:53 +0000

Review by Zargel

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 8747 9113

Tags: american, good value, lively

Bun is dry and boring and I don't like sweet onion relish.
If you drown it in ketchup and mayonnaise you can eat it.

Every halfway nice pub burger is much better.Bun is dry and boring and I don't like sweet onion relish.
If you drown it in ketchup and mayonnaise you can eat it.

Every halfway nice pub burger is much better.

The Gallery - Its the way we roll by chris_patten

chris_patten — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:47:15 +0000

Review by chris_patten

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8987 9944

Tags: expensive, club, lively

I've been to The Gallery a few times and had some good nights in there. It's fairly relaxed so you don't feel out of place if you're not wearing a shirt and tie.

I'd say it's a good spot for drinks with friends. If you're stuck for somewhere to go in the Chiswick area The Gallery probably worth a try for a late night party!!!!.I've been to The Gallery a few times and had some good nights in there. It's fairly relaxed so you don't feel out of place if you're not wearing a shirt and tie.

I'd say it's a good spot for drinks with friends. If you're stuck for somewhere to go in the Chiswick area The Gallery probably worth a try for a late night party!!!!.

The Massage Centre - The best massage i've had in ages! by brash

brash — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:56:20 +0000

Review by brash

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 07790 760883

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

Tags: massage, deep tissue massage, remedial & sports massage

I recommend Fran Kehoe at The Massage Centre to anyone looking for a firm, energy giving and totally relaxing massage.
I went specifically to get rid of some stubborn knots in my shoulder blades which had been giving me terrible headaches and are a regular occurence of late. I had been put off by previous massages that were totally ineffectual, but I was desperate to find someone who knew what they were doing and had that very rare 'healing touch'. And I've found it in this masseur, Fran Kehoe.
He is very open to being guided by you the client if there is something specific you want to hone in on which I think is a great use of the time and gives you the choice. Fran addresses the mind and spirit as well as the physical symptoms and provides an environment in which I felt very relaxed and very much put at ease.
After only four sessions my knotted stiff back has been smoothed out, headaches are going and i feel mentally at peace and physically invigorated everytime I come out of one of these sessions. So if you want a great massage, you know where to go.I recommend Fran Kehoe at The Massage Centre to anyone looking for a firm, energy giving and totally relaxing massage.
I went specifically to get rid of some stubborn knots in my shoulder blades which had been giving me terrible headaches and are a regular occurence of late. I had been put off by previous massages that were totally ineffectual, but I was desperate to find someone who knew what they were doing and had that very rare 'healing touch'. And I've found it in this masseur, Fran Kehoe.
He is very open to being guided by you the client if there is something specific you want to hone in on which I think is a great use of the time and gives you the choice. Fran addresses the mind and spirit as well as the physical symptoms and provides an environment in which I felt very relaxed and very much put at ease.
After only four sessions my knotted stiff back has been smoothed out, headaches are going and i feel mentally at peace and physically invigorated everytime I come out of one of these sessions. So if you want a great massage, you know where to go.