Latest reviews in Wandsworth, London, United Kingdom

Chez Bruce - Great Value Quality by hither

hither — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:02:49 +0000

Review by hither

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8672 0114

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

This was the first Michelin starred restaurant which my husband and I had been to, and we certainly weren't disappointed.

We had an early evening booking on a bank holiday weekend, so weren't too crowded, but I imagine it could get a bit squashed when it's fully booked.

However, that would be my only negative - the food and the service were great. Every dish was absolutely lovely. I had fish and my husband had rabbit, and both were cooked to perfection. But the thing that we really talked about for weeks afterwards was the astonishing cheeseboard, which was huge and varied. It was tough to choose which ones to try, but the lady serving the cheese was very knowledgeable and really helped us to make the best selections.

We would definitely go again, given half a chance.This was the first Michelin starred restaurant which my husband and I had been to, and we certainly weren't disappointed.

We had an early evening booking on a bank holiday weekend, so weren't too crowded, but I imagine it could get a bit squashed when it's fully booked.

However, that would be my only negative - the food and the service were great. Every dish was absolutely lovely. I had fish and my husband had rabbit, and both were cooked to perfection. But the thing that we really talked about for weeks afterwards was the astonishing cheeseboard, which was huge and varied. It was tough to choose which ones to try, but the lady serving the cheese was very knowledgeable and really helped us to make the best selections.

We would definitely go again, given half a chance.

The Queen Adelaide - good local pub by glenburg1

glenburg1 — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:13:06 +0000

Review by glenburg1

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8874 1695

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

Tags: food, beer garden, traditional pub

This is one of the few pubs where you can take kids.
it serves a great sunday roast and above avarege pub food.
This place was done up a few months ago so is quite new and fresh with freindly bar staff and customers.
altogether this is a lovely place to go to chill espec on a sunday afternoon.This is one of the few pubs where you can take kids.
it serves a great sunday roast and above avarege pub food.
This place was done up a few months ago so is quite new and fresh with freindly bar staff and customers.
altogether this is a lovely place to go to chill espec on a sunday afternoon.

The Garage - A fairy expensive lunch out.. by calumhunter

calumhunter — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:50:00 +0000

Review by calumhunter

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8874 9370

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

Tags: live music, food, cool

I first visited this establishment years back, when I was in college. Back then it was moderately priced, the staff were all friendly and it was a great place to grab a bite to eat and down a few pints before afternoon lectures.

Now, though, I'm a little unsure. I went back to the Garage about three weeks back and I was astounded at how much everything cost. The staff were all perfectly friendly, if a little less relaxed than before, but I'm not sure I'd recommend this venture to anyone on a budget.

Overall a great place if you're stinking rich! Otherwise, steer clear and find somewhere cheaper.I first visited this establishment years back, when I was in college. Back then it was moderately priced, the staff were all friendly and it was a great place to grab a bite to eat and down a few pints before afternoon lectures.

Now, though, I'm a little unsure. I went back to the Garage about three weeks back and I was astounded at how much everything cost. The staff were all perfectly friendly, if a little less relaxed than before, but I'm not sure I'd recommend this venture to anyone on a budget.

Overall a great place if you're stinking rich! Otherwise, steer clear and find somewhere cheaper.

The Palace Music Hall - SchoolDisco.com by NightDancer1

NightDancer1 — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:39:50 +0000

Review by NightDancer1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0871 872 1234

Website: www.schooldisco.com

Tags: cool, dance, posh

We went to School Disco at the brand new Palace Music Hall in SW18.
It was brilliant! The music and atmosphere was excellent we used to go a few years ago when it started in Vauxhall but I must say we had an excellent time here. Djs were playing great music not the same old cheese that you hear in other clubs but quality retro old punk, disco ,rock and hip hop. Dress code was school uniform, bar had a great selection - we live in Clapham so wasn't far to travel. It was my 30th Birthday so we booked VIP tickets great fun all the group enjoyed !

We went to School Disco at the brand new Palace Music Hall in SW18.
It was brilliant! The music and atmosphere was excellent we used to go a few years ago when it started in Vauxhall but I must say we had an excellent time here. Djs were playing great music not the same old cheese that you hear in other clubs but quality retro old punk, disco ,rock and hip hop. Dress code was school uniform, bar had a great selection - we live in Clapham so wasn't far to travel. It was my 30th Birthday so we booked VIP tickets great fun all the group enjoyed !

Olive Garden - Italian for Saffas by ricoeurian

ricoeurian — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:44:31 +0000

Review by ricoeurian

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8877 0411

Tags: italian, good value, family & home feel

The Olive Garden in Southfields is a great restaurant, often full of local South African customers.

The portions are generous, and the menu has all the favourite plus a few special things for the slightly more adventurous. The seafood risotto is always popular!

The takeaways specials are really good value for money, as well.

Decor is simple but smart, and the chairs are comfy - the space between tables can get a bit pinched when there's a big party in with you, but generally folks are good humoured about it.

Staff are friendly. Wine list is fair.

I notices the other day that a second branch has opened up in Raynes Park, so they are obviously doing well.The Olive Garden in Southfields is a great restaurant, often full of local South African customers.

The portions are generous, and the menu has all the favourite plus a few special things for the slightly more adventurous. The seafood risotto is always popular!

The takeaways specials are really good value for money, as well.

Decor is simple but smart, and the chairs are comfy - the space between tables can get a bit pinched when there's a big party in with you, but generally folks are good humoured about it.

Staff are friendly. Wine list is fair.

I notices the other day that a second branch has opened up in Raynes Park, so they are obviously doing well.

Be At One - Be One Amongst Hundreds by chrisp

chrisp — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:26:06 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7978 6595

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

Tags: friendly, young and fun, pop

A victim of its own success, B@1 serves great cocktails in a funky little room and the staff are charming, but if you can squeeze yourself to and from the bar to order a Caipirinha in less than 40 mins on a Saturday night, you're a better man than me. The options in this area are pretty limited and you can understand why every South Londoner has decided en-masse to patronise B@1, I just wish it wasn't always so bloody busy. Oh, maybe I'm just getting old.A victim of its own success, B@1 serves great cocktails in a funky little room and the staff are charming, but if you can squeeze yourself to and from the bar to order a Caipirinha in less than 40 mins on a Saturday night, you're a better man than me. The options in this area are pretty limited and you can understand why every South Londoner has decided en-masse to patronise B@1, I just wish it wasn't always so bloody busy. Oh, maybe I'm just getting old.

Out of the Blue Bar & Kitchen - by Browners

Browners — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:00:55 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7207 8548

Tags: relaxed, lunch, food

Good breakfast. Probably one of the best in the Clapham Junction area. No idea what it is like as a bar.Good breakfast. Probably one of the best in the Clapham Junction area. No idea what it is like as a bar.

Mirch Masala - Quite Good by anon730

anon730 — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 07:13:39 +0000

Review by anon730

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8672 7500

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

Tags: indian, rare finds, cheap eat

It depends on individual taste really, but I would recommend for you to give this place a try.
The prices are okay, maybe slightly pricy for a couple of thing.
It depends on individual taste really, but I would recommend for you to give this place a try.
The prices are okay, maybe slightly pricy for a couple of thing.

The Good Earth Express - Good (Not Earth (what you on about?) Express(nah) by baga

baga — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:01:13 +0000

Review by baga

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7228 3140

Tags: mediterranean, rare finds, delicatessen

my girlfriend persuaded me to order here for the 2nd time in as many years. The right choice, it wasn't. This is probably THE worst Chinese/oriental takeaway i have ever had. The schechan sauce tasted like tomatoe ketchup with a farm load of grated carrots - yuck!. The ribs must have been beef jerky marinated in tarmac. sauty'ed corgets and aubergines we took one bite and offered it to the pigeons (they had better sense and fly away). Paying money for such horrible food is a complete insult. avoid like the plague.my girlfriend persuaded me to order here for the 2nd time in as many years. The right choice, it wasn't. This is probably THE worst Chinese/oriental takeaway i have ever had. The schechan sauce tasted like tomatoe ketchup with a farm load of grated carrots - yuck!. The ribs must have been beef jerky marinated in tarmac. sauty'ed corgets and aubergines we took one bite and offered it to the pigeons (they had better sense and fly away). Paying money for such horrible food is a complete insult. avoid like the plague.

The Hope - Perfect for a sunny day by Litro_K

Litro_K — Sun, 11 May 2008 23:39:09 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8672 8717

Tags: relaxed, real ale, food

I've just spent the last two gloriously warm, sunny Sundays here and had to add it to the site. This pub was originally recommended to me by a friend because of their food, which is great, but I've since come to realise that The Hope has a lot more to offer besides.

It overlooks Wandsworth Common and is right across the bridge from the railway station, so it's very easy to find. As the pub faces the park, they're more than willing to give you your drinks in plastic cups to take to the common (I know, not very green, but a lovely idea on a hot day). They have an extensive range of beers on tap, including Fruli, one of my favourite summer tipples, as well as Staropramen, Peroni, Deuchars and other pale and real ales. They also have lots of board games scattered about the place - and in my experience, a pub with a decent Scrabble set is always a winner.

The food is aspirational and well-executed, considering the size of the tiny kitchen! I have never had to wait more than 10-15 minutes for it to arrive, either. Everything is served in immense white plate-bowls (v. technical term) giving a gastropub feel. Prices are very reasonable considering the type of restaurants and shops further up the road, which would explain how busy they are. Something they've recently introduced for the summer is that they will prepare picnic baskets of food, wine and all utensils for you if you order with a little advance notice. Given that the pub itself has been packed out for the last two weekends running and the gorgeous common beckons, this is something I'd like to try out very soon.

I haven't been here in the winter yet but I'd be very interested to keep coming back and see how it changes with the seasons. For now, with the excellent weather we've been having, I'd happily recommend it to anyone as a laid-back, suntrap of a weekend hangout.

I've just spent the last two gloriously warm, sunny Sundays here and had to add it to the site. This pub was originally recommended to me by a friend because of their food, which is great, but I've since come to realise that The Hope has a lot more to offer besides.

It overlooks Wandsworth Common and is right across the bridge from the railway station, so it's very easy to find. As the pub faces the park, they're more than willing to give you your drinks in plastic cups to take to the common (I know, not very green, but a lovely idea on a hot day). They have an extensive range of beers on tap, including Fruli, one of my favourite summer tipples, as well as Staropramen, Peroni, Deuchars and other pale and real ales. They also have lots of board games scattered about the place - and in my experience, a pub with a decent Scrabble set is always a winner.

The food is aspirational and well-executed, considering the size of the tiny kitchen! I have never had to wait more than 10-15 minutes for it to arrive, either. Everything is served in immense white plate-bowls (v. technical term) giving a gastropub feel. Prices are very reasonable considering the type of restaurants and shops further up the road, which would explain how busy they are. Something they've recently introduced for the summer is that they will prepare picnic baskets of food, wine and all utensils for you if you order with a little advance notice. Given that the pub itself has been packed out for the last two weekends running and the gorgeous common beckons, this is something I'd like to try out very soon.

I haven't been here in the winter yet but I'd be very interested to keep coming back and see how it changes with the seasons. For now, with the excellent weather we've been having, I'd happily recommend it to anyone as a laid-back, suntrap of a weekend hangout.

Le P'tit Normand - French food, homely and good value by Ergo_sum

Ergo_sum — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:01:37 +0000

Review by Ergo_sum

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8871 0233

Tags: french, good value, family & home feel

We returned for the themed Normandy night in April (the next 'themed' evening is on 30 April '08: 5 course gastronomique menu).
The food was excellent - fish pate and an amuse-bouche of a glass of warm liquid asparagus (you could call it soup!) before the main three courses: marinated herrings; Normandy chicken on mash (with cider and cream, of course) or an exceptionally lovely lemon sole dish in a creamy mushroom sauce; and pear in puff pastry or a marvellous array of French cheeses including a really runny Saint Marcellin; and coffee. I haven't had a better cheese board even IN France, never mind out of it!
The cost was Â£17.95 each - quite amazing value, especially as a bottle of the most expensive white wine, a Montrachet 2004, was only Â£26.95. Highly recommended.We returned for the themed Normandy night in April (the next 'themed' evening is on 30 April '08: 5 course gastronomique menu).
The food was excellent - fish pate and an amuse-bouche of a glass of warm liquid asparagus (you could call it soup!) before the main three courses: marinated herrings; Normandy chicken on mash (with cider and cream, of course) or an exceptionally lovely lemon sole dish in a creamy mushroom sauce; and pear in puff pastry or a marvellous array of French cheeses including a really runny Saint Marcellin; and coffee. I haven't had a better cheese board even IN France, never mind out of it!
The cost was Â£17.95 each - quite amazing value, especially as a bottle of the most expensive white wine, a Montrachet 2004, was only Â£26.95. Highly recommended.

Ditto Bar & Restaurant - Well done Taste London card by Browners

Browners — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:44:12 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8877 0110

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

Tags: lively, good value, british

Food at Ditto is half price when you use a TasteLondon card. So we made the most of it and chose scallops and beef carpaccio followed unanimously by lobster spaghetti. Awesome.

Sorry I am afraid the lobster isn't available...

Well why print it on your daily menu then? Unless of course your menu isn't daily even though that's its title!

They promised so much and got our hopes up and then dashed them out of hand. You might think this is overdoing it a bit. But the last time I had lobster spaghetti was at the George in Stamford when I pretty much fell in love with it! To then get within inches of having it again and then be denied it was hard to take. I'll just have to wait till I'm on the Italian Riviera sipping chilled white wine and looking out at my yacht to do it properly.

Scallops came with grilled prawns and an avocado dressing. It looked and tasted pretty but was neither hot nor cold and was fairly wimpy on the flavour front. Big plates and lots of swishes and dabs of sauce. Very Turner prize.

With the lobster spaghetti debacle behind us, I chose pork belly with white beans and a dark sauce which is firmly ensconced now as my default choice. If it's on the menu I will struggle not to order it and normally fail. It takes something exciting like lobster to trump it!

The pork was partly delicious partly disappointing. It struck me that it had been badly reheated. Dried out patches clashed with moist bits. The beans were both perfectly soft and also dried out. The sauce was a bit unidentifiable. My memory of it is that it was dark brown with a hint of sweetness. The best bit was the side order of garlic spinach.

Gilly's rump of lamb was generous and sweet. Really impressive. Whilst Cowie's tuna was pink and tasty. Very light and sexy. Very Cowie.

It's a very cool little restaurant with a variety of special offers. Tuesday is ladies' night - 25% off if you're a bird. They've got a projector and screen and art all over the walls. On a Tuesday night it was a third full and we enjoyed being allowed to linger of our meal. Whilst slurping our coffees we imagined what it would be like to enlarge the bar area and make the dining room more intimate. But who were we to offer design ideas!

We'll probably return at some point but only because it's local and half price! There are too many other places to try out.Food at Ditto is half price when you use a TasteLondon card. So we made the most of it and chose scallops and beef carpaccio followed unanimously by lobster spaghetti. Awesome.

Sorry I am afraid the lobster isn't available...

Well why print it on your daily menu then? Unless of course your menu isn't daily even though that's its title!

They promised so much and got our hopes up and then dashed them out of hand. You might think this is overdoing it a bit. But the last time I had lobster spaghetti was at the George in Stamford when I pretty much fell in love with it! To then get within inches of having it again and then be denied it was hard to take. I'll just have to wait till I'm on the Italian Riviera sipping chilled white wine and looking out at my yacht to do it properly.

Scallops came with grilled prawns and an avocado dressing. It looked and tasted pretty but was neither hot nor cold and was fairly wimpy on the flavour front. Big plates and lots of swishes and dabs of sauce. Very Turner prize.

With the lobster spaghetti debacle behind us, I chose pork belly with white beans and a dark sauce which is firmly ensconced now as my default choice. If it's on the menu I will struggle not to order it and normally fail. It takes something exciting like lobster to trump it!

The pork was partly delicious partly disappointing. It struck me that it had been badly reheated. Dried out patches clashed with moist bits. The beans were both perfectly soft and also dried out. The sauce was a bit unidentifiable. My memory of it is that it was dark brown with a hint of sweetness. The best bit was the side order of garlic spinach.

Gilly's rump of lamb was generous and sweet. Really impressive. Whilst Cowie's tuna was pink and tasty. Very light and sexy. Very Cowie.

It's a very cool little restaurant with a variety of special offers. Tuesday is ladies' night - 25% off if you're a bird. They've got a projector and screen and art all over the walls. On a Tuesday night it was a third full and we enjoyed being allowed to linger of our meal. Whilst slurping our coffees we imagined what it would be like to enlarge the bar area and make the dining room more intimate. But who were we to offer design ideas!

We'll probably return at some point but only because it's local and half price! There are too many other places to try out.

Frankie's Italian Bar & Grill - Great Value by charlieo

charlieo — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:23:49 +0000

Review by charlieo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8780 3366

Website: www.frankiesitalianbarandgrill.com

Tags: italian, lively, smoking

Frankie's is in my phone memory. It's my default restaurant for catching up with friends. It's reliable venue for food, service and atmosphere. Ladies love the half portions of pasta. I even took my parent's to meet my in-laws there.Frankie's is in my phone memory. It's my default restaurant for catching up with friends. It's reliable venue for food, service and atmosphere. Ladies love the half portions of pasta. I even took my parent's to meet my in-laws there.

Collins Fish Bar - quality fish n chips by mtas123

mtas123 — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 18:55:05 +0000

Review by mtas123

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8870 3809

Tags: good value

fresh fish n chips unlike most others, fresh being the key difference. not the usual cardboard chips from a few days ago. real hearty food from friendly people. the only place my folks will get their fish n chips from!fresh fish n chips unlike most others, fresh being the key difference. not the usual cardboard chips from a few days ago. real hearty food from friendly people. the only place my folks will get their fish n chips from!

Istanbul Kebab House - Lamb Shish Heaven by Browners

Browners — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:16:47 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7223 3062

Tags: kebab, lamb shish

A regular saviour. It's not unheard of to get a lamb shish from Istanbul Kebabs sober. So they must be good. Especially when smothered in garlic sauce and chilli.

The only bad thing is that they shut far too early. On many occassions I've called them up on the way back from a night in the West End only to find out they shut early during the week. So I arrive home, hungry, drunk and heartbroken. And not necessarily in that order!A regular saviour. It's not unheard of to get a lamb shish from Istanbul Kebabs sober. So they must be good. Especially when smothered in garlic sauce and chilli.

The only bad thing is that they shut far too early. On many occassions I've called them up on the way back from a night in the West End only to find out they shut early during the week. So I arrive home, hungry, drunk and heartbroken. And not necessarily in that order!

The East Hill - Great Pub Quiz by Browners

Browners — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:59:11 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8874 1833

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

Tags: food, pub quiz, modern european

I've only been here once but really enjoyed it. We arrived after a long drive up from Somerset on a Sunday evening and it was perfect.

We tucked into roast lamb and a very tasty, if a little stingy, piece of pork belly before coming third in their pub quiz.

In terms of pub quizes it's the best we've been to with a great quiz master and very lively crowd. Maybe next time we'll improve on third.I've only been here once but really enjoyed it. We arrived after a long drive up from Somerset on a Sunday evening and it was perfect.

We tucked into roast lamb and a very tasty, if a little stingy, piece of pork belly before coming third in their pub quiz.

In terms of pub quizes it's the best we've been to with a great quiz master and very lively crowd. Maybe next time we'll improve on third.

The Freemasons - The Ultimate Local by Browners

Browners — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:55:18 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7326 8580

Website: http://www.freemasonspub.com/

Tags: good food, battersea, local pub

If this place was any closer to our house it would be our living room. It says something when you can access your own wifi connection in your local pub!

Great selection of beers including Timmy Taylors which is served from a bizarre pumping contraption! All the usual continental lagers are here too. The wine selection impressive too. Although I'm definitely not a rose man... I've been forced to get to like it here as a good friend always orders it. And you know what... their rose is great.

We often have our Sunday meal here as a house and have never been let down. Their roasts are excellent and if their steak or pork belly is on the menu then you're in luck!

The vibe is informal and relaxed. Leather chairs and wooden floors with a dining area around the back. We've made good friends over the past year or so with the staff and are keen for them to install a plaque on a favourite table!

Regulars include Johnnie Vaughan who often comes here with his bulldog for a quiet pint of Guinness.

Our only gripe is that it's too expensive to go there everyday!If this place was any closer to our house it would be our living room. It says something when you can access your own wifi connection in your local pub!

Great selection of beers including Timmy Taylors which is served from a bizarre pumping contraption! All the usual continental lagers are here too. The wine selection impressive too. Although I'm definitely not a rose man... I've been forced to get to like it here as a good friend always orders it. And you know what... their rose is great.

We often have our Sunday meal here as a house and have never been let down. Their roasts are excellent and if their steak or pork belly is on the menu then you're in luck!

The vibe is informal and relaxed. Leather chairs and wooden floors with a dining area around the back. We've made good friends over the past year or so with the staff and are keen for them to install a plaque on a favourite table!

Regulars include Johnnie Vaughan who often comes here with his bulldog for a quiet pint of Guinness.

Our only gripe is that it's too expensive to go there everyday!

Wok Wok - Woktastic by Browners

Browners — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 22:27:05 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7228 7887

Tags: lively, chinese, thai

Wok Wok on Battersea Rise is a complete winner. We live just around the corner and have never once been let down by them in terms of delivery time or quality of food.

Their red thai beef, chicken and duck are all very good indeed. And I can highly recommend their beef in black bean sauce.

It's cheap, cheerful and remarkably tasty.Wok Wok on Battersea Rise is a complete winner. We live just around the corner and have never once been let down by them in terms of delivery time or quality of food.

Their red thai beef, chicken and duck are all very good indeed. And I can highly recommend their beef in black bean sauce.

It's cheap, cheerful and remarkably tasty.

Earlsfield Bookshop - If you like your books with a touch of snobbery... by CaliSW18

CaliSW18 — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:53:18 +0000

Review by CaliSW18

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8946 3744

Tags: books, second hand

Pop in here if you're prepared for wretched customer service and generally rude staff. I had high hopes for such a sweet looking independent bookshop, and I'm all for buying used, but I'll never step foot in there again after the way I was treated!!!Pop in here if you're prepared for wretched customer service and generally rude staff. I had high hopes for such a sweet looking independent bookshop, and I'm all for buying used, but I'll never step foot in there again after the way I was treated!!!