Latest reviews in Vauxhall, London, United Kingdom

Tate Britain - One (often forgotten) Great Tate by Litro_K

Litro_K — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:03:58 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7887 8000

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

I am surprised that 11 people have sung the praises of Tate Modern, but its poor relation, Tate Britain, seems to have been ignored so far. I wonder why this is - the building is arguably much more beautiful, dating from 1897, on a site previously occupied by a prison. What's not to like? The riverside at Millbank is calmer, the pace more relaxed for visitors, giving stellar views towards Westminster.

As for the art, some of my favourites are housed in the permanent collection here: John William Waterhouse's 'The Lady of Shalott', John Singer Sargent's 'Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth', 'The Bath of Psyche' by Lord Leighton and some noted works by Stubbs, Gainsborough, and Hogarth. Just as impressive as the feted exhibitions in the Turbine Hall, and the surroundings are a great deal more peaceful!

The gallery comes alive on the first of every month with special 'Late at Tate' evenings, designed to correspond with the main exhibition going on at the time. There are usually free talks, live music, djs, half-price admission to the paid exhibitions and lots of fabulously artsy, liberated (drunken) people to watch.

It might not be as famous as Tate Modern, but itâ¬"s definitely not the fusty older sibling, either. Definitely worth a look - many, in fact. And if you still prefer the other one, you can always hop back on the river boat linking the two.

Five massive stars for a great British art institution!I am surprised that 11 people have sung the praises of Tate Modern, but its poor relation, Tate Britain, seems to have been ignored so far. I wonder why this is - the building is arguably much more beautiful, dating from 1897, on a site previously occupied by a prison. What's not to like? The riverside at Millbank is calmer, the pace more relaxed for visitors, giving stellar views towards Westminster.

As for the art, some of my favourites are housed in the permanent collection here: John William Waterhouse's 'The Lady of Shalott', John Singer Sargent's 'Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth', 'The Bath of Psyche' by Lord Leighton and some noted works by Stubbs, Gainsborough, and Hogarth. Just as impressive as the feted exhibitions in the Turbine Hall, and the surroundings are a great deal more peaceful!

The gallery comes alive on the first of every month with special 'Late at Tate' evenings, designed to correspond with the main exhibition going on at the time. There are usually free talks, live music, djs, half-price admission to the paid exhibitions and lots of fabulously artsy, liberated (drunken) people to watch.

It might not be as famous as Tate Modern, but itâ¬"s definitely not the fusty older sibling, either. Definitely worth a look - many, in fact. And if you still prefer the other one, you can always hop back on the river boat linking the two.

Five massive stars for a great British art institution!

Priory Arms - Better than expected by Bec1

Bec1 — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:15:21 +0000

Review by Bec1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7622 1884

Tags: relaxed, young and fun, food

The Priory Arms holds a very popular pub quiz every Sunday night that is always packed out. The wine and beer list is extensive with a huge range of fruit beers and wines. The only downside is that the pub is so small and often gets really busy, especially on pub quiz nights. The Priory Arms holds a very popular pub quiz every Sunday night that is always packed out. The wine and beer list is extensive with a huge range of fruit beers and wines. The only downside is that the pub is so small and often gets really busy, especially on pub quiz nights.

Sirena Restaurant - Hole in the wall by nopstar

nopstar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:15:32 +0000

Review by nopstar

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7587 0683

Tags: italian, lively, takeaway

Sirenaâ¬"s is located in the basement of the southbank house a non-descript office building in between nowhere and nothing interesting. That being said if you work near Vauxhall and youâ¬"re into thin crust pizza, this is the place for you. Iâ¬"m giving this place 4 stars, but the rating is only for its pizza. I think the food is about a 3.

The other fare is decent with generous portions... the place is as loud and boisterous as its waiters. (Word of warning... if youâ¬"re an attractive lady youâ¬"re getting snogged by owner)
The pizza is off the hook... go with the signature Sirena (artichoke, tomato, parma ham and sausage)
Sirenaâ¬"s is located in the basement of the southbank house a non-descript office building in between nowhere and nothing interesting. That being said if you work near Vauxhall and youâ¬"re into thin crust pizza, this is the place for you. Iâ¬"m giving this place 4 stars, but the rating is only for its pizza. I think the food is about a 3.

The other fare is decent with generous portions... the place is as loud and boisterous as its waiters. (Word of warning... if youâ¬"re an attractive lady youâ¬"re getting snogged by owner)
The pizza is off the hook... go with the signature Sirena (artichoke, tomato, parma ham and sausage)

Hot Stuff - Super Stuff by Browners

Browners — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 22:59:17 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7720 1480

Tags: indian, lively, crowded

Having read Jay Rayner's review of Hot Stuff in the Observer a few weeks ago I seized the first opportunity that presented itself and dragged a whole bunch of friends down to deepest darkest Vauxhal for what turned out to be the best curry I've ever had.

A very diverse group of us are going skiing next week so it seemed like a good idea to have a pre skiing get together so we all make friends and get excited about zooming around on some snow. We tried to keep the 1850 and 1650 chat to a minumum given that South Lamberth isn't exactly Fulham. Thank God!

The advanced party met at a very straightforward pub called the Gladstone which I was hoping was going to be situated opposite the Disraeli or the Queen Vic. No such luck. It was in fact directly opposite an enormous Sainsbury. Cowie had a lot of trouble finding us and landed up being picked up by a cabby from the Battersea Dog Home and delivered for free because he was fearful for her safety. Pearls and a trouser suit tend to stand out in the wasteland of Vauxhal.

We sloped off down the cul de sac to Hot Stuff for our 9pm reservation and fuelled up on beer and wine from the off licence next door. The restaurant is tiny. It probably seats about 25 people at a squeeze. The walls are covered in murals and a range of reviews that veer from the brilliant to the dazzling. This place has a long history of cooking great curry.

Our waiter was hillarious and very helpful. He gave us all menus and then said that he'd prefer it if we didn't order from them. In fact he asked for them back and asked if we were happy for him to just serve us the food that his kitchen thought would suit us best! Who were we to argue!

A couple of metres of naan bread appeared which he balanaced very cleverly on top of our beer bottles. It was scorching hot and incredibly good. But not as brilliant as the starters that then appeared. Spicy paneer and chilli chicken were both delicious. As was the bowlful of enormous prawns. By this point we were already feeling quite full.

After a few minutes of banter from our waiter and a few trips to the very dodgy loo our main courses arrived relentlessly. A collection of dishes that I can't even begin to describe or remember. The only one that I can clearly recall was a corriander lamb curry which I think may have been a dopiazza. It was gorgeous. And has since become my curry of choice. So long Rogan Josh. It's been fun. But a tastier number has outdone you!

There was no fish on the menu. You have to visit them after Wednesday in the week for that treat. I simply can't wait to go back and give it another go. It's a brilliant find in a place that you'd never go. I've raved about it to everyone I've seen in the last week. It's the kind of place that I'd like to lift up and plonk down on the end of Chivalry Road and then not tell anyone about!Having read Jay Rayner's review of Hot Stuff in the Observer a few weeks ago I seized the first opportunity that presented itself and dragged a whole bunch of friends down to deepest darkest Vauxhal for what turned out to be the best curry I've ever had.

A very diverse group of us are going skiing next week so it seemed like a good idea to have a pre skiing get together so we all make friends and get excited about zooming around on some snow. We tried to keep the 1850 and 1650 chat to a minumum given that South Lamberth isn't exactly Fulham. Thank God!

The advanced party met at a very straightforward pub called the Gladstone which I was hoping was going to be situated opposite the Disraeli or the Queen Vic. No such luck. It was in fact directly opposite an enormous Sainsbury. Cowie had a lot of trouble finding us and landed up being picked up by a cabby from the Battersea Dog Home and delivered for free because he was fearful for her safety. Pearls and a trouser suit tend to stand out in the wasteland of Vauxhal.

We sloped off down the cul de sac to Hot Stuff for our 9pm reservation and fuelled up on beer and wine from the off licence next door. The restaurant is tiny. It probably seats about 25 people at a squeeze. The walls are covered in murals and a range of reviews that veer from the brilliant to the dazzling. This place has a long history of cooking great curry.

Our waiter was hillarious and very helpful. He gave us all menus and then said that he'd prefer it if we didn't order from them. In fact he asked for them back and asked if we were happy for him to just serve us the food that his kitchen thought would suit us best! Who were we to argue!

A couple of metres of naan bread appeared which he balanaced very cleverly on top of our beer bottles. It was scorching hot and incredibly good. But not as brilliant as the starters that then appeared. Spicy paneer and chilli chicken were both delicious. As was the bowlful of enormous prawns. By this point we were already feeling quite full.

After a few minutes of banter from our waiter and a few trips to the very dodgy loo our main courses arrived relentlessly. A collection of dishes that I can't even begin to describe or remember. The only one that I can clearly recall was a corriander lamb curry which I think may have been a dopiazza. It was gorgeous. And has since become my curry of choice. So long Rogan Josh. It's been fun. But a tastier number has outdone you!

There was no fish on the menu. You have to visit them after Wednesday in the week for that treat. I simply can't wait to go back and give it another go. It's a brilliant find in a place that you'd never go. I've raved about it to everyone I've seen in the last week. It's the kind of place that I'd like to lift up and plonk down on the end of Chivalry Road and then not tell anyone about!

Rebato's Wine & Tapas Bar - Authentic and agreeable tapas bar by ilovelucy

ilovelucy — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 22:25:05 +0000

Review by ilovelucy

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7735 6388

Website: http://www.rebatos.com

Tags: lively, family & home feel, spanish

On Saturday night after watching some teenage girls perform some flashy dance routines for charity, the Barrister fancied tapas. So i thought we could go to Rebato's which was reccommended by my Spanish teacher as being the best tapas in London - and she had tried many places.

Rebatos is situated at the end of a long row of Portugese shops, bars and restaurants as you walk down South Lambeth Road from Vauxhall Station - the walk will take you a good 7 minutes. The restaurant itself is decorated in a traditional spanish style with the tapas bar in the front and the formal dining room in the back. Arriving at about 7pm, we were able to sit at one of the few tables and stools in the bar area. It got very busy later on. Service was prompt though a bit scatty - the waiters hovered around us like flies at the beginning but we had to ask three times to get our bill. The tapas menu offered much of what a spanish tapas place would offer for about Â£4.75 a dish but there also was a good selection of specials which the waiter read out. Off the specials menu we choose the grilled gambas, grilled razor clam, the oxtail and the suckling pigs liver. We also chose the chorizo sausage, artichokes and the croquettes. I did enjoy most of it especially the seafood - which were succulent and fresh. The croquettes were tasty too - perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Wasn't keen on the suckling pig's liver as it was far too strong for my liking. And the waiter gave a bit too much information away when he said the chorizo was microwaved....leaving me to wonder what else was?

Overall a nice night out - Rebato's brings me back to fond memories of Spain. But in my humble opinion, El Rincon Latino in Clapham is my favourite tapas place although its been awhile since I've been back. I must go soon and check it out...! On Saturday night after watching some teenage girls perform some flashy dance routines for charity, the Barrister fancied tapas. So i thought we could go to Rebato's which was reccommended by my Spanish teacher as being the best tapas in London - and she had tried many places.

Rebatos is situated at the end of a long row of Portugese shops, bars and restaurants as you walk down South Lambeth Road from Vauxhall Station - the walk will take you a good 7 minutes. The restaurant itself is decorated in a traditional spanish style with the tapas bar in the front and the formal dining room in the back. Arriving at about 7pm, we were able to sit at one of the few tables and stools in the bar area. It got very busy later on. Service was prompt though a bit scatty - the waiters hovered around us like flies at the beginning but we had to ask three times to get our bill. The tapas menu offered much of what a spanish tapas place would offer for about Â£4.75 a dish but there also was a good selection of specials which the waiter read out. Off the specials menu we choose the grilled gambas, grilled razor clam, the oxtail and the suckling pigs liver. We also chose the chorizo sausage, artichokes and the croquettes. I did enjoy most of it especially the seafood - which were succulent and fresh. The croquettes were tasty too - perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Wasn't keen on the suckling pig's liver as it was far too strong for my liking. And the waiter gave a bit too much information away when he said the chorizo was microwaved....leaving me to wonder what else was?

Overall a nice night out - Rebato's brings me back to fond memories of Spain. But in my humble opinion, El Rincon Latino in Clapham is my favourite tapas place although its been awhile since I've been back. I must go soon and check it out...!

Yao Fu - Spacious Treasure Trove by stantoncarlisle

stantoncarlisle — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:46:58 +0000

Review by stantoncarlisle

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7401 3976

Tags: lively, vegetarian, romantic

Yao fu is a long stones throw away from Waterloo, the South Bank and the Royal Court Theatre but worth the trudge, as the nosh is as good as anywhere in Chinatown. More importantly, the restaurant is calmer and the prices more than a shade cheaper. The green bamboo lined walls are quieting. The place has a two-tier aspect - with some secluded spots up above the main dining area. The service friendly. People are hipping to just what a godsend this place is. Most times I go there they are hosting a small bash, not just office get-togethers but other more fringe looking, party stuff. The sushi is good, fresh although not as good value as the Inshoku just around the corner. They serve the tea in cups - you have to ask for a pot and they'll rustle you up one. Almost everything I tried was fresh & cooked with warmth and precision. They change cooks regularly - the last one was from Fuijan and the food had a more local flavour. The Fuijan Rice was awesome. with tasty shards of lovely fish and vegetables.So good it was almost real home cooking. Knocking in at Â£5.50. I call that a cheap feast. If your in the area check it out. Or if you like Chinese and can handle a long schlep go for it.Yao fu is a long stones throw away from Waterloo, the South Bank and the Royal Court Theatre but worth the trudge, as the nosh is as good as anywhere in Chinatown. More importantly, the restaurant is calmer and the prices more than a shade cheaper. The green bamboo lined walls are quieting. The place has a two-tier aspect - with some secluded spots up above the main dining area. The service friendly. People are hipping to just what a godsend this place is. Most times I go there they are hosting a small bash, not just office get-togethers but other more fringe looking, party stuff. The sushi is good, fresh although not as good value as the Inshoku just around the corner. They serve the tea in cups - you have to ask for a pot and they'll rustle you up one. Almost everything I tried was fresh & cooked with warmth and precision. They change cooks regularly - the last one was from Fuijan and the food had a more local flavour. The Fuijan Rice was awesome. with tasty shards of lovely fish and vegetables.So good it was almost real home cooking. Knocking in at Â£5.50. I call that a cheap feast. If your in the area check it out. Or if you like Chinese and can handle a long schlep go for it.

Novotel London Waterloo - Disappointing by betageek

betageek — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:35:59 +0000

Review by betageek

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7793 1010

Website: http://www.novotel.com

Tags: restaurant, bar / lounge bar, safe

I was booked into the Novotel London Waterloo for an overnight business trip. On the plus side, the room was spacious and comfortable. However, both checking in and checking out took an unconscionable length of time - check in was delayed by missing information, and check out by a graceless member of staff who denied knowledge of the arrangements that I had made less than eight hours earlier. Worse yet was ordering a room service breakfast, knowing that I had to leave early, and it never turning up, despite a phone call to query. When I raised this at check out, I was told that these things happen, and was offered no apology. Walking out of a hotel hungry and irritated is a poor start to the day, and I would not recommend this hotel.I was booked into the Novotel London Waterloo for an overnight business trip. On the plus side, the room was spacious and comfortable. However, both checking in and checking out took an unconscionable length of time - check in was delayed by missing information, and check out by a graceless member of staff who denied knowledge of the arrangements that I had made less than eight hours earlier. Worse yet was ordering a room service breakfast, knowing that I had to leave early, and it never turning up, despite a phone call to query. When I raised this at check out, I was told that these things happen, and was offered no apology. Walking out of a hotel hungry and irritated is a poor start to the day, and I would not recommend this hotel.

City Inn Westminster - Excellent, affordable boutique hotel by betageek

betageek — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:12:15 +0000

Review by betageek

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7630 1000

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

Tags: restaurant, bar / lounge bar, free wifi

We booked a weekend package at the City Inn Westminster to spend a couple of days Christmas shopping. I was extremely impressed. The hotel was clean and stylish, and though the room was certainly on the small side of cosy, it was perfectly appointed and very comfortable. Our weekend package included bed and breakfast (extremely good), along with complimentary champagne and canapes on the first night, plus a free drink each for every day we stayed, and a few other extras such as newspapers. However, one of the main attractions was a late checkout (4pm) on Sunday which meant that we could make the most of the day. The staff were extremely helpful at all times. It's also extremely convenient for Waterloo, the Tate and other local attractions, and Pimlico and Westminster offer good Underground links. I'd recommend this hotel to anyone - it's head and shoulders above competitors in a similar price bracket.We booked a weekend package at the City Inn Westminster to spend a couple of days Christmas shopping. I was extremely impressed. The hotel was clean and stylish, and though the room was certainly on the small side of cosy, it was perfectly appointed and very comfortable. Our weekend package included bed and breakfast (extremely good), along with complimentary champagne and canapes on the first night, plus a free drink each for every day we stayed, and a few other extras such as newspapers. However, one of the main attractions was a late checkout (4pm) on Sunday which meant that we could make the most of the day. The staff were extremely helpful at all times. It's also extremely convenient for Waterloo, the Tate and other local attractions, and Pimlico and Westminster offer good Underground links. I'd recommend this hotel to anyone - it's head and shoulders above competitors in a similar price bracket.

The Vauxhall Griffin - best local by la_tempete

la_tempete — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:26:07 +0000

Review by la_tempete

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7622 0222

Tags: food, traditional english

Great improvement since takeover. Great music nights still has pool table and family games (scrabble, uno, cards etc available).Best Bloody Mary in SW8. Lunchtime menu simple home cooked menu (doorstep sandwiches jacket potatoes etc).Great improvement since takeover. Great music nights still has pool table and family games (scrabble, uno, cards etc available).Best Bloody Mary in SW8. Lunchtime menu simple home cooked menu (doorstep sandwiches jacket potatoes etc).

Oasis - THAI AND GREAT BREAKFAST by la_tempete

la_tempete — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:16:31 +0000

Review by la_tempete

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7735 8915

Tags: cosy, good brew, takeaway

Great hangover buster breakfasts for under a fiver and excellent authentic Thai dishes cooked to orderGreat hangover buster breakfasts for under a fiver and excellent authentic Thai dishes cooked to order

The Roebuck - Great Pub by wmunsi20

wmunsi20 — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:13:58 +0000

Review by wmunsi20

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7820 9793

Tags: live music, food, traditional

Just been renovated (last week) much nicer now the old smokers walls have been washed down and painted. New carpets and furniture.
The Sunday Roast is the best in South London by a long way, and at only 7.95, you can't go wrong. Drinks are very reasonable (cheap for London).
Friday night Karoke run by the manager is a total laugh with the same locals turning up week after week (generally singing the same songs).
Highly recommend if you are in the area!Just been renovated (last week) much nicer now the old smokers walls have been washed down and painted. New carpets and furniture.
The Sunday Roast is the best in South London by a long way, and at only 7.95, you can't go wrong. Drinks are very reasonable (cheap for London).
Friday night Karoke run by the manager is a total laugh with the same locals turning up week after week (generally singing the same songs).
Highly recommend if you are in the area!

Horse - Good looking pub ruined by incompetent bar staff by janie_lou

janie_lou — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 17:26:35 +0000

Review by janie_lou

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7928 6277

Tags: food, pool tables, modern pub

Apologies in advance - I'm not sure whether this counts as a review or a rant!

I visited the Horse for after-work drinks on a Friday. I thought it looked alright - high ceilings, nice wallpaper, neutral tones, mixed seating.

I was told by two of my friends that they'd got down there when it was pretty much empty and had had a pint of Guinness. They finished that and approached the bar for another. The girl was already pouring a pint of the black stuff. Great service, they thought. She then stood to one side and started drinking it. She looked at them, standing at an empty bar with their empty glasses, but said nothing. Strike one.

By the time I arrived it was a bit busier but not rammed by any means. We waited a while to get served, and I asked this same girl for small white wine spritzer using soda in a long glass. I got it in a large wine glass, but couldn't be bothered splitting hairs. It didn't taste too wine-heavy as it turned out, I figured it was a very tame house white number! The next time I clearly said "in a long glass" and watched what she was doing. She took a half pint tumbler, filled it half with ice, took a pre-filled 250ml glass of wine and slopped what looked to me like about a quarter of it into this tumbler, which then needed to be topped up with soda from the middle.

My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I saw this. When she put it in front of me I asked her whether it had a full 175ml measure in it, to which she replied with a torrent of absolute twaddle! The highlight was: "In the clubs you get cocktails and they do free-pour, a spritzer is like a cocktail so we do free-pour, see?" I told her that this was not a club it was a pub and she was legally obliged to give me the 175ml measure which I had paid for. Spritzers are not sold as cocktails. (If they'd thought about that they would've charged me a hell of a lot more than £2.60 for it!)

She saw I wasn't budging from the bar and got the manager. She asked me what the problem was with my drink and started up with similar excuses to the barmaid but with the added extra of prodding my hand which was on the bar. Twice I told her to stop touching me, and explained that I knew the legality of the situation but she just wouldn't listen. Eventually my friend boomed out "Look, she wasn't given the full measure!". She tipped away the drink and poured me a new one right in front of me. Not other word, and certainly not an apology.

I'm sure this place is fine if you want after-work beers (I would be evil if I didn't admit that their potato wedges were divine!) but for christ's sake keep a stern eye on their measures. Apologies in advance - I'm not sure whether this counts as a review or a rant!

I visited the Horse for after-work drinks on a Friday. I thought it looked alright - high ceilings, nice wallpaper, neutral tones, mixed seating.

I was told by two of my friends that they'd got down there when it was pretty much empty and had had a pint of Guinness. They finished that and approached the bar for another. The girl was already pouring a pint of the black stuff. Great service, they thought. She then stood to one side and started drinking it. She looked at them, standing at an empty bar with their empty glasses, but said nothing. Strike one.

By the time I arrived it was a bit busier but not rammed by any means. We waited a while to get served, and I asked this same girl for small white wine spritzer using soda in a long glass. I got it in a large wine glass, but couldn't be bothered splitting hairs. It didn't taste too wine-heavy as it turned out, I figured it was a very tame house white number! The next time I clearly said "in a long glass" and watched what she was doing. She took a half pint tumbler, filled it half with ice, took a pre-filled 250ml glass of wine and slopped what looked to me like about a quarter of it into this tumbler, which then needed to be topped up with soda from the middle.

My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I saw this. When she put it in front of me I asked her whether it had a full 175ml measure in it, to which she replied with a torrent of absolute twaddle! The highlight was: "In the clubs you get cocktails and they do free-pour, a spritzer is like a cocktail so we do free-pour, see?" I told her that this was not a club it was a pub and she was legally obliged to give me the 175ml measure which I had paid for. Spritzers are not sold as cocktails. (If they'd thought about that they would've charged me a hell of a lot more than £2.60 for it!)

She saw I wasn't budging from the bar and got the manager. She asked me what the problem was with my drink and started up with similar excuses to the barmaid but with the added extra of prodding my hand which was on the bar. Twice I told her to stop touching me, and explained that I knew the legality of the situation but she just wouldn't listen. Eventually my friend boomed out "Look, she wasn't given the full measure!". She tipped away the drink and poured me a new one right in front of me. Not other word, and certainly not an apology.

I'm sure this place is fine if you want after-work beers (I would be evil if I didn't admit that their potato wedges were divine!) but for christ's sake keep a stern eye on their measures.

Fentiman Arms - by elliemoff

elliemoff — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 17:26:00 +0000

Review by elliemoff

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7793 0126

Website: http://www.geronimo-inns.co.uk

Tags: food, beer garden, pub

Lovely hidden pub in the heart of Oval - we used to go here when we lived in Oval and once you are in the garden, you escape all of the noise - feels more like a country pub!

The drinks are reasonable and food is good - they do an open BBQ in the summer months and will do your steaks/ swordfish etc outside which is a novelty :)Lovely hidden pub in the heart of Oval - we used to go here when we lived in Oval and once you are in the garden, you escape all of the noise - feels more like a country pub!

The drinks are reasonable and food is good - they do an open BBQ in the summer months and will do your steaks/ swordfish etc outside which is a novelty :)

Bonnington Cafe - Veggie Boho Heaven by LuluMcC

LuluMcC — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 17:55:24 +0000

Review by LuluMcC

Rating: 4.00

Tags: vegetarian, family & home feel, cheap eat

The Bonnington Cafe is truly an aquired taste but if you can get past the fact that upon turning into Vauxhall Grove you think that your destination might be a squat, then you will are promised a unique night out.

The Bonnington Cafe was originally set up as a kitchen for the use of local squatters who inhabited the buildings nestling around the square. Over time it has become one of London's most recommended vegetarian restaurants.

The building is a bit spit and saw-dust in nature - but the walls are often covered in original art works and candle light illuminates the room as the night falls. The atmosphere is bohemian and laid back. Most nights there is some live music - usually from local musicians - and the whole feel is more like being in someone's home than in a restaurant.

Each night of the week the food is prepared by a different local chef. All the food is veggie and Thursday nights are vegan. In order to book you go to the Bonnington website and each month the email address of each chef is posted. You then contact the chef directly for your booking - its that homey! The place is usually heaving, so you do have to book ahead for Thursdays through to Sundays.

The food is always inventive and fresh. There is little choice on the menu but everytime Ive been its been terrific. Its not haute cuisine but what you don't get in style and sophistication you make up for in a home-cooking kind of way. The restuarant has no licence but you can take your own drinks in and if you forget there is an off licence opposite. Best of all the menu is consistantly under £10 for three courses. Not a reflection on the quality of the food but rather on the community nature of the restaurant.

If you want a "different" night out, a bit laid back, a bit boho and someone almost no one you know will have heard about head to the Bonnington Cafe. It's so great I wish I could keep it a secret...but I can't resist telling you.

The Bonnington Cafe is truly an aquired taste but if you can get past the fact that upon turning into Vauxhall Grove you think that your destination might be a squat, then you will are promised a unique night out.

The Bonnington Cafe was originally set up as a kitchen for the use of local squatters who inhabited the buildings nestling around the square. Over time it has become one of London's most recommended vegetarian restaurants.

The building is a bit spit and saw-dust in nature - but the walls are often covered in original art works and candle light illuminates the room as the night falls. The atmosphere is bohemian and laid back. Most nights there is some live music - usually from local musicians - and the whole feel is more like being in someone's home than in a restaurant.

Each night of the week the food is prepared by a different local chef. All the food is veggie and Thursday nights are vegan. In order to book you go to the Bonnington website and each month the email address of each chef is posted. You then contact the chef directly for your booking - its that homey! The place is usually heaving, so you do have to book ahead for Thursdays through to Sundays.

The food is always inventive and fresh. There is little choice on the menu but everytime Ive been its been terrific. Its not haute cuisine but what you don't get in style and sophistication you make up for in a home-cooking kind of way. The restuarant has no licence but you can take your own drinks in and if you forget there is an off licence opposite. Best of all the menu is consistantly under £10 for three courses. Not a reflection on the quality of the food but rather on the community nature of the restaurant.

If you want a "different" night out, a bit laid back, a bit boho and someone almost no one you know will have heard about head to the Bonnington Cafe. It's so great I wish I could keep it a secret...but I can't resist telling you.

The Walrus Social - by keif

keif — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 14:47:39 +0000

Review by keif

Rating: 3.00

Tags: pub, bar food, waterloo

It's not bad... can be a bit smokey now I've quit, but roll on june =)It's not bad... can be a bit smokey now I've quit, but roll on june =)

Chino Latino - Can't get into Nobu? You won't be disappointed here by hallen

hallen — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 22:49:12 +0000

Review by hallen

Rating: 5.00

Tags: japanese, fusion, sushi

Chino Latino, a name intended to signify fusion cuisine. More than a passing similarity to Nobu and Zuma - I gather one of the founders was an ex-Nobu Chef.

First opening in the Park Plaza hotel in Nottingham and followed by a second restaurant in Leeds, Chino Latino recently opened a third instalment in the Park Plaza hotel in London... itself newly developed.

I have eaten in all three Chino restaurants nearly a hundred times. No exaggeration. The food is fantastic and the service is more than adequate. The prices are quite high, but when every single dish that arrives on your table is exceptional, you find yourself happy to pay. And next to Nobu and Zuma, the prices aren't actually that high.

Like many Japanese/fusion restaurants, the idea at Chino is to order fairly communally with your companions and to share every dish.

Edamame beans are the best I've had, lightly fried in a sauce with chillies.

The 'appetiser' size plates are delicious, my favourites usually involving scallops with lime, pork dumplings in a white sauce, raw tuna tataki, fantastic. Chino used to serve a range of kusiyaki (skewers) dishes which were very good, but for some reason they aren't on the latest menu.

The sushi is outstanding. Super fresh. Salmon and tuna are staples, with a generous fish-to-rice proportion for your nigiri, and lovely tasty chunks of sashimi. Some of the best ideas aren't on the menu (I ask for scallop and avocado maki rolls).

The main courses are exceptional, in almost every case. Chino has its own version of Nobu's famous black cod and it is exceptional - if you have never had it before, it will be a special experience for you. And may even corrupt your morals: I persuaded my best friend, a strictly non-fish-eating vegetarian of many years, to try it and she thought it was amazing and guiltily ordered it on her next visit.

Other main courses involve high-quality beef, sea bass, a delicious 'jungle curry' (why jungle?) of lobster and prawns, and several others.

Save room for dessert though, the Chocolate Fondant with homemade Ginger Ice Cream (in Nottingham) and Strawberry Ice Cream (in London) is also exceptional. I have treated more than a dozen friends to it and it scores 12/12.

My favourite place? Well they did give me one of their first loyalty cards - you can get your own online.

Highly recommended.

p.s. if you're not near the south bank (let's face it, there aren't many reasons to cross the river but Chino is compelling), try Yakitoria (qv) at Paddington Central for a solid though not overwhelming experience.
Chino Latino, a name intended to signify fusion cuisine. More than a passing similarity to Nobu and Zuma - I gather one of the founders was an ex-Nobu Chef.

First opening in the Park Plaza hotel in Nottingham and followed by a second restaurant in Leeds, Chino Latino recently opened a third instalment in the Park Plaza hotel in London... itself newly developed.

I have eaten in all three Chino restaurants nearly a hundred times. No exaggeration. The food is fantastic and the service is more than adequate. The prices are quite high, but when every single dish that arrives on your table is exceptional, you find yourself happy to pay. And next to Nobu and Zuma, the prices aren't actually that high.

Like many Japanese/fusion restaurants, the idea at Chino is to order fairly communally with your companions and to share every dish.

Edamame beans are the best I've had, lightly fried in a sauce with chillies.

The 'appetiser' size plates are delicious, my favourites usually involving scallops with lime, pork dumplings in a white sauce, raw tuna tataki, fantastic. Chino used to serve a range of kusiyaki (skewers) dishes which were very good, but for some reason they aren't on the latest menu.

The sushi is outstanding. Super fresh. Salmon and tuna are staples, with a generous fish-to-rice proportion for your nigiri, and lovely tasty chunks of sashimi. Some of the best ideas aren't on the menu (I ask for scallop and avocado maki rolls).

The main courses are exceptional, in almost every case. Chino has its own version of Nobu's famous black cod and it is exceptional - if you have never had it before, it will be a special experience for you. And may even corrupt your morals: I persuaded my best friend, a strictly non-fish-eating vegetarian of many years, to try it and she thought it was amazing and guiltily ordered it on her next visit.

Other main courses involve high-quality beef, sea bass, a delicious 'jungle curry' (why jungle?) of lobster and prawns, and several others.

Save room for dessert though, the Chocolate Fondant with homemade Ginger Ice Cream (in Nottingham) and Strawberry Ice Cream (in London) is also exceptional. I have treated more than a dozen friends to it and it scores 12/12.

My favourite place? Well they did give me one of their first loyalty cards - you can get your own online.

Highly recommended.

p.s. if you're not near the south bank (let's face it, there aren't many reasons to cross the river but Chino is compelling), try Yakitoria (qv) at Paddington Central for a solid though not overwhelming experience.

Siobhan Davies Studios - The place to Move by Buraco

Buraco — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:16:09 +0000

Review by Buraco

Rating: 4.00

Tags: dance, elephant and castle, capoeira

This is a brand spanking new dance studio facility in Elephant & Castle. Funded by the Lottery, Arts Council, local government regeneration bodies and more, its a state of the art centre thats been designed with dance-stlye movement in mind. My capoeira group (KABULA) are now using the space for classes every Weds from 8-9.30pm. Its an incredible space, with a huge rooftop studio that is light and airy and gives you the impression of being on top of the city. They have lots of regular classes there and you can hire the spaces for your own groups or events. Well worth checking out.This is a brand spanking new dance studio facility in Elephant & Castle. Funded by the Lottery, Arts Council, local government regeneration bodies and more, its a state of the art centre thats been designed with dance-stlye movement in mind. My capoeira group (KABULA) are now using the space for classes every Weds from 8-9.30pm. Its an incredible space, with a huge rooftop studio that is light and airy and gives you the impression of being on top of the city. They have lots of regular classes there and you can hire the spaces for your own groups or events. Well worth checking out.