Latest reviews in Waterloo, London, United Kingdom

Livebait - Great food, crap staff by DanWilkinson

DanWilkinson — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:20:19 +0000

Review by DanWilkinson

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7928 7211

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

Post-theatre on a Friday night, the missus and I went here mainly as it was nearby, partly as the menu looked pretty good. The food was indeed brilliant, from the bread to the grilled tiger prawns (her) and a perfectly cooked seabass, both of which were beautifully fresh. The wine list, although as you might expect very heavy on the white side, was well-picked and relatively reasonably priced.

What let this place down, unfortunately, was the staff, doing that sort of mindlessly aimable incompetence that seems to be standard these days. They blotted their copybook early on by offering us (in a largely empty restaurant) a table right in the middle by the door, and although they accommodated our polite request to sit somewhere else, it doesn't really say 'welcome', does it? Moving on, my order of a pre-dinner martini was met with a blank look followed by a request for instructions on how to make it. I don't think I'm being unduly harsh here, but it's a pretty basic thing for a barman not to know and personally this is verging on the unforgivable. I had a Peroni instead.

Lastly, following the main course, the waitress who'd been ignoring the empty plates covering our table for some time, chose precisely the one moment when the missus and I were deeply involved in a bit of a heart to heart, holding hands over the table and sharing a kiss, to decide to barge in and clear our table. Way to ruin the moment. Given that we were one of only two other parties in the place, I can only guess that she'd actually been waiting for just the right time.

So there you go, possibly a bit harsh, but it doesn't take much to learn some basic manners and cocktails. Both of which are kind of important to me. Post-theatre on a Friday night, the missus and I went here mainly as it was nearby, partly as the menu looked pretty good. The food was indeed brilliant, from the bread to the grilled tiger prawns (her) and a perfectly cooked seabass, both of which were beautifully fresh. The wine list, although as you might expect very heavy on the white side, was well-picked and relatively reasonably priced.

What let this place down, unfortunately, was the staff, doing that sort of mindlessly aimable incompetence that seems to be standard these days. They blotted their copybook early on by offering us (in a largely empty restaurant) a table right in the middle by the door, and although they accommodated our polite request to sit somewhere else, it doesn't really say 'welcome', does it? Moving on, my order of a pre-dinner martini was met with a blank look followed by a request for instructions on how to make it. I don't think I'm being unduly harsh here, but it's a pretty basic thing for a barman not to know and personally this is verging on the unforgivable. I had a Peroni instead.

Lastly, following the main course, the waitress who'd been ignoring the empty plates covering our table for some time, chose precisely the one moment when the missus and I were deeply involved in a bit of a heart to heart, holding hands over the table and sharing a kiss, to decide to barge in and clear our table. Way to ruin the moment. Given that we were one of only two other parties in the place, I can only guess that she'd actually been waiting for just the right time.

So there you go, possibly a bit harsh, but it doesn't take much to learn some basic manners and cocktails. Both of which are kind of important to me.

Steve's Bed & Breakfast - trilly by trilly

trilly — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:04:06 +0000

Review by trilly

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7928 4079

i cant even give this place a rating,we booked to stay overnight with our children before going to Paris,we never stayed, what dose that tell you? Should have take photos and sent them to public health and the fire service the place is a death trap! I have only rated this because the web site asked for it but don't stay there!!! i cant even give this place a rating,we booked to stay overnight with our children before going to Paris,we never stayed, what dose that tell you? Should have take photos and sent them to public health and the fire service the place is a death trap! I have only rated this because the web site asked for it but don't stay there!!!

London Eye - Birthday party not to forget by francesca_marie

francesca_marie — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 19:34:16 +0000

Review by francesca_marie

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0870 500 0600

Website: http://www.ba-londoneye.com

Tags: fun, views, view

The view from the London Eye is more amazing than words can say, even pictures can't catch it true beauty.
I went on the London Eye over a year ago with my friends for one of their birthdays, my first thoughts were 'this is going to be boring, seeing the same scenery for half an hour', but one we got on I was blown away.
Every time you turn around the scenery seems to change, every angle is a different experience.
We went on in the early evening, so by the time we were at the top you could see the whole of London in a mystic dusk view, the best time to go I think.

My best advice, book your tickets!The view from the London Eye is more amazing than words can say, even pictures can't catch it true beauty.
I went on the London Eye over a year ago with my friends for one of their birthdays, my first thoughts were 'this is going to be boring, seeing the same scenery for half an hour', but one we got on I was blown away.
Every time you turn around the scenery seems to change, every angle is a different experience.
We went on in the early evening, so by the time we were at the top you could see the whole of London in a mystic dusk view, the best time to go I think.

My best advice, book your tickets!

Concrete - Hidden Gem on Bustling South Bank by Hugo

Hugo — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:39:16 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 79284123

Website: www.concrete-daynight.co.uk

Tags: cosy, quick bite, cultured

Concrete, the cafe adjacent to The Hayward Gallery, was like an oasis of calm in the frenetic and bustling South Bank. Not only that but it is a funky but relaxed cafe with bundles of style and fantastic food.

My coffees were simply delicious and the chocolate browny was (as far as I can remember) the best I have ever had in my life. Friends were raving about their cheese toasties and hot chocolates.

Please don't tell everyone as this place is small and it is a wonderful haven in an area dogged by chain restaurants, queues and irritating crowds.

I'd almost go to the Southbank just to go here but if you are going to the Hayward then I would recommend doing a pit stop here beforehand and perhaps afterwards too...

Concrete, the cafe adjacent to The Hayward Gallery, was like an oasis of calm in the frenetic and bustling South Bank. Not only that but it is a funky but relaxed cafe with bundles of style and fantastic food.

My coffees were simply delicious and the chocolate browny was (as far as I can remember) the best I have ever had in my life. Friends were raving about their cheese toasties and hot chocolates.

Please don't tell everyone as this place is small and it is a wonderful haven in an area dogged by chain restaurants, queues and irritating crowds.

I'd almost go to the Southbank just to go here but if you are going to the Hayward then I would recommend doing a pit stop here beforehand and perhaps afterwards too...

Tas Restaurant - Perfect for privacy by Angella

Angella — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:00:10 +0000

Review by Angella

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7928 2111

Website: http://www.tasrestaurant.com

Tags: turkish, live music, vegetarian dishes

A great place for a leisurely Sunday lunch if you want to talk to an old or new friend.

Outside
Pleasantly decorated and understated. Not luxurious but green tubs either side of the door.

Food
Lamb is their speciality.

For my main course I chose chicken with ginger. Didn't really taste the ginger, but was happy enough. Ordered a side dish of couscous.

My companion's lamb (kebab - or a work like it - looked more like huge minced meat sausages) dish came with couscous but he changed that to rice.

Desserts
Baklava. I was told you accent the first syllable. Three pieces, really good nuts on top as well as inside, looked green like pistacchio. Not over-sweet and sickly. Just right.

Coffee
I had Turkish coffee. You have to specify how sweet you want it. It's really thick and sludgy, in a small cup, no room for milk. You don't need to add sugar as you've already specified medium or whatever.

Speed and Timing
Very leisurely. We arrived about 1.30 Sunday lunchtime, ad no starter, but were not rushed were able to sit chatting until about 4.30.

Decor
Slightly echoing. Able to absorb children without noise disturbing you. Upmarket spartan. White. Cloths.

Seating
Good, comfortable high back chairs. Plus a little seated waiting area in the window by the door. Tables for two by the far wall, well away from the nearest table, offering total privacy.

Staff
Foreign language staff efficient enough, no conversation.

Cleanliness
You can see them cooking at the back which is always fun and reassuring. Makes the place look bigger, too.

Drinks
My companion was driving and not drinking so I looked for a glass of wine.
Glass of champagne or I had a pink Zinfandel and lots of bottles.

Toilets
Neither wonderful nor awful. Large roomy one person toilet suitable for a wheelchair. Containing a private washbasin in the toilet which is always handy for washing, cleaning teeth, whatever you like, without other watching.

Location
Very convenient.
Next to Southwark station.
Or Waterloo. Bakerloo tube line or Northern. Only three to five minutes walk from the back left of Waterloo station (exit 4) near Marks and just beyond Tie Rack. From Waterloo The Old Vic theatre is on the corner. Cross the lights in front of the Old Vic and follow the sign to Southwark station and there it is on your right.

What else to do in the area? A few yards away is a theatre bookshop with performances and secondhand books downstairs.

Waterloo station has shops open on Sunday. I passed a musician playing a hurdy-gurdy which lots of people videoed as they passed before dropping a few coins in his hat. He was happy to explain how it worked to passers-by. He told me he was featured on the Waterloo station website.
A great place for a leisurely Sunday lunch if you want to talk to an old or new friend.

Outside
Pleasantly decorated and understated. Not luxurious but green tubs either side of the door.

Food
Lamb is their speciality.

For my main course I chose chicken with ginger. Didn't really taste the ginger, but was happy enough. Ordered a side dish of couscous.

My companion's lamb (kebab - or a work like it - looked more like huge minced meat sausages) dish came with couscous but he changed that to rice.

Desserts
Baklava. I was told you accent the first syllable. Three pieces, really good nuts on top as well as inside, looked green like pistacchio. Not over-sweet and sickly. Just right.

Coffee
I had Turkish coffee. You have to specify how sweet you want it. It's really thick and sludgy, in a small cup, no room for milk. You don't need to add sugar as you've already specified medium or whatever.

Speed and Timing
Very leisurely. We arrived about 1.30 Sunday lunchtime, ad no starter, but were not rushed were able to sit chatting until about 4.30.

Decor
Slightly echoing. Able to absorb children without noise disturbing you. Upmarket spartan. White. Cloths.

Seating
Good, comfortable high back chairs. Plus a little seated waiting area in the window by the door. Tables for two by the far wall, well away from the nearest table, offering total privacy.

Staff
Foreign language staff efficient enough, no conversation.

Cleanliness
You can see them cooking at the back which is always fun and reassuring. Makes the place look bigger, too.

Drinks
My companion was driving and not drinking so I looked for a glass of wine.
Glass of champagne or I had a pink Zinfandel and lots of bottles.

Toilets
Neither wonderful nor awful. Large roomy one person toilet suitable for a wheelchair. Containing a private washbasin in the toilet which is always handy for washing, cleaning teeth, whatever you like, without other watching.

Location
Very convenient.
Next to Southwark station.
Or Waterloo. Bakerloo tube line or Northern. Only three to five minutes walk from the back left of Waterloo station (exit 4) near Marks and just beyond Tie Rack. From Waterloo The Old Vic theatre is on the corner. Cross the lights in front of the Old Vic and follow the sign to Southwark station and there it is on your right.

What else to do in the area? A few yards away is a theatre bookshop with performances and secondhand books downstairs.

Waterloo station has shops open on Sunday. I passed a musician playing a hurdy-gurdy which lots of people videoed as they passed before dropping a few coins in his hat. He was happy to explain how it worked to passers-by. He told me he was featured on the Waterloo station website.

Canteen - If this is great British food God help us! by lowtide

lowtide — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 17:09:29 +0000

Review by lowtide

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 0845 686 1122

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

Tags: lively, good value, crowded

I first dined at Canteen when it opened in 2007? My experience then totally positive, the food was superb the puddings delicious â¬ the treacle tart amazing. I have retuned on a number of occasions. Sadly each subsequent visit the disappointment has increased and my last visit on Saturday will definlty be the last. I can't help feeling Canteen's policy at RFH is cram 'em in, feed 'em pre-cooked food and get rid of 'em. A truly terrible eating experience. I wanted to put no stars but it wouldn't let me!I first dined at Canteen when it opened in 2007? My experience then totally positive, the food was superb the puddings delicious â¬ the treacle tart amazing. I have retuned on a number of occasions. Sadly each subsequent visit the disappointment has increased and my last visit on Saturday will definlty be the last. I can't help feeling Canteen's policy at RFH is cram 'em in, feed 'em pre-cooked food and get rid of 'em. A truly terrible eating experience. I wanted to put no stars but it wouldn't let me!

Waterloo Brasserie - Meet your Waterloo by lattebird

lattebird — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:08:59 +0000

Review by lattebird

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7960 0202

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

Tags: french, pretentious

A more upmarket Waterloo stop but tries too hard to be everything to all people.

I didn't even know that this place had opened and stumbled across it when I couldn't face the hectic Fire Station. At first glance it looked like a great find. A classy looking brasserie with a stylish bar and lounge area - ok a bit poncey but some occassions call for poncey don't they?

The bar menu looked nice enough with staples like Croque Monsieur and Quiche Lorraine for between Â£7-9.

The main restaurant is tucked away discreetly at the back (it's well laid out with nooks and crannies so that it feels like 5 different places)

The main resturant menu was more sophisticated French cuisine with some delicious sounding fish dishes and a traditional section which included Cassoulet and Moules.
I couldn't find any particular fault with the meal but it was fairly average for the price. I can't help feeling that they're trying too hard to cover all bases and certainly on the a la carte menu, are missing the mark.

I would go back for a drink (you know, on those poncey occasions) and possibly a quick bar bite but you can keep your Halibut en Papillote I'm afraid and as for the Â£30 Hungarian white that came highly recommended...well, I should have known better.
A more upmarket Waterloo stop but tries too hard to be everything to all people.

I didn't even know that this place had opened and stumbled across it when I couldn't face the hectic Fire Station. At first glance it looked like a great find. A classy looking brasserie with a stylish bar and lounge area - ok a bit poncey but some occassions call for poncey don't they?

The bar menu looked nice enough with staples like Croque Monsieur and Quiche Lorraine for between Â£7-9.

The main restaurant is tucked away discreetly at the back (it's well laid out with nooks and crannies so that it feels like 5 different places)

The main resturant menu was more sophisticated French cuisine with some delicious sounding fish dishes and a traditional section which included Cassoulet and Moules.
I couldn't find any particular fault with the meal but it was fairly average for the price. I can't help feeling that they're trying too hard to cover all bases and certainly on the a la carte menu, are missing the mark.

I would go back for a drink (you know, on those poncey occasions) and possibly a quick bar bite but you can keep your Halibut en Papillote I'm afraid and as for the Â£30 Hungarian white that came highly recommended...well, I should have known better.

Camel & Artichoke - Nice friendly space by sizemore

sizemore — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 05:30:07 +0000

Review by sizemore

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7633 0270

Tags: food, events, pub

Lower Marsh is tucked away near Waterloo and full of interesting places that never seem to be open when I'm passing. Although I'd walked past this pub many time I'd never been in - so perhaps its old name, The Elusive Camel' was appropriate. It's now under new management and I got the chance to pop along as part of a London Bloggers Meetup group.

There's a nice size bar downstairs and then extra seating available upstairs. With events such as the one this evening the first floor is either half or fully booked depending on the expected numbers. So basically if you can get together 20 or 40 people you can have a large slice of the pub all to yourselves and with no silly booking fee.

The atmosphere downstairs in the regular bar seemed really nice and the staff were certainly helpful. After a quick chat while ordering drinks, myself and a friend were invited to look at the newly renovated beer garden. A little while back it was overgrown and not used, but now they've created a great little space for another 20 to 40 people to hang out once the weather improves. The barbecue is an added bonus. Expect this place to be packed in the summer.

Pretty standard selection of beer, but a nice little place that I'll be going to again. Lower Marsh is tucked away near Waterloo and full of interesting places that never seem to be open when I'm passing. Although I'd walked past this pub many time I'd never been in - so perhaps its old name, The Elusive Camel' was appropriate. It's now under new management and I got the chance to pop along as part of a London Bloggers Meetup group.

There's a nice size bar downstairs and then extra seating available upstairs. With events such as the one this evening the first floor is either half or fully booked depending on the expected numbers. So basically if you can get together 20 or 40 people you can have a large slice of the pub all to yourselves and with no silly booking fee.

The atmosphere downstairs in the regular bar seemed really nice and the staff were certainly helpful. After a quick chat while ordering drinks, myself and a friend were invited to look at the newly renovated beer garden. A little while back it was overgrown and not used, but now they've created a great little space for another 20 to 40 people to hang out once the weather improves. The barbecue is an added bonus. Expect this place to be packed in the summer.

Pretty standard selection of beer, but a nice little place that I'll be going to again.

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.

Inshoku - Nice price Japanese by stantoncarlisle

stantoncarlisle — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 02:36:34 +0000

Review by stantoncarlisle

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7928 2311

Tags: japanese, lively, vegetarian

Nestled in the buzzing market alley, Lower Marsh is a fine, fine Japanese restaurant that puts Wagamama and the fast food Jap clip joints to shame. The food is fresh. The prices reasonable and the ambiance low-key and unhurried. One gripe tho - the new lighting makes the place look like a submarine. Previously they had umbrella lamp-shades which added a softened hue. Now the glare is cold and blue. Lunch-times are heaving here mainly because of the tasty sushi and sashimi lunch boxes they whip up in a trice for the hungry salarymen at under Â£7 they're good value. The sushi is excellent and won't flatten you wallet. Some of the side dishes are also top notch - spring rolls - chicken with lemon - edame beans - they're all good. They also serve excellent Japanese green tea for Â£1.50 a pot. I wish this place was my local I'd be there everyday. Nestled in the buzzing market alley, Lower Marsh is a fine, fine Japanese restaurant that puts Wagamama and the fast food Jap clip joints to shame. The food is fresh. The prices reasonable and the ambiance low-key and unhurried. One gripe tho - the new lighting makes the place look like a submarine. Previously they had umbrella lamp-shades which added a softened hue. Now the glare is cold and blue. Lunch-times are heaving here mainly because of the tasty sushi and sashimi lunch boxes they whip up in a trice for the hungry salarymen at under Â£7 they're good value. The sushi is excellent and won't flatten you wallet. Some of the side dishes are also top notch - spring rolls - chicken with lemon - edame beans - they're all good. They also serve excellent Japanese green tea for Â£1.50 a pot. I wish this place was my local I'd be there everyday.

The Fire Station - Converted Fire Station at Waterloo by sue

sue — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 13:13:49 +0000

Review by sue

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7620 2226

Tags: jazz, lively, cool

The Fire Station is located right next to Waterloo Station. There is a large bar area at the front of this converted fire station, which has a really high beamed ceiling and memorabilia from the old fire station days on the wall.

You can order bar snacks and eat them in the main bar, or move to the rear to the restaurant area, where you can sit and relax over a tasty meal.

The Fire Station specialises in modern British cuisine. We ate the most delicious duck breast with roast sweet potato and bok choy - it was very yum. Our friends ate the spinach canneloni and a type of vegetable pie. The servings were very generous.

There was a large number of wines available by the glass, and service was friendly, though a little vague.
The Fire Station is located right next to Waterloo Station. There is a large bar area at the front of this converted fire station, which has a really high beamed ceiling and memorabilia from the old fire station days on the wall.

You can order bar snacks and eat them in the main bar, or move to the rear to the restaurant area, where you can sit and relax over a tasty meal.

The Fire Station specialises in modern British cuisine. We ate the most delicious duck breast with roast sweet potato and bok choy - it was very yum. Our friends ate the spinach canneloni and a type of vegetable pie. The servings were very generous.

There was a large number of wines available by the glass, and service was friendly, though a little vague.

Caprini Restaurant - Intimate Old Fashioned Italian by Chub

Chub — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:55:29 +0000

Review by Chub

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7928 6645

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

Tags: italian, good value, family & home feel

This reminds me of family cafes in Barcelona which are not at all pretentious, with good food and good service. I have been here on several occasions. I went yesterday with a couple of friends. We asked for, and got, tap water with ice and lemon, and a large glass of red house wine. One of us had whitebait for a starter, the other had tricolore salad and I had garlic prawns, with some delicious toasted garlic bread. I followed with liver and saute potatoes and vegetables, perfectly cooked, and the others had chicken, which was all delicious. The service was attentive without being obtrusive. We could not manage desserts so settled for cappucinos to follow. My friends were there for the first time, and loved the place. It is easier to find a table on a Sunday as it can get packed during the week.This reminds me of family cafes in Barcelona which are not at all pretentious, with good food and good service. I have been here on several occasions. I went yesterday with a couple of friends. We asked for, and got, tap water with ice and lemon, and a large glass of red house wine. One of us had whitebait for a starter, the other had tricolore salad and I had garlic prawns, with some delicious toasted garlic bread. I followed with liver and saute potatoes and vegetables, perfectly cooked, and the others had chicken, which was all delicious. The service was attentive without being obtrusive. We could not manage desserts so settled for cappucinos to follow. My friends were there for the first time, and loved the place. It is easier to find a table on a Sunday as it can get packed during the week.

Indigo - New Indian/Bangladeshi in Waterloo by jamiewallace

jamiewallace — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:26:09 +0000

Review by jamiewallace

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7593 0009

Website: http://www.indigorestaurant.net/

Tags: indian, business, good value

Just opened on Stamford Street. Sadly the atmosphere was pretty cold and soulless when we went - just one other set of diners at 10.15 on a Saturday evening.

Not for party animals.

But the food was really pretty good, and definitely plan to go back to try out more options. Staff friendly too.

Give them a go - independent restaurants are getting rarer in Waterloo as the chains move in.Just opened on Stamford Street. Sadly the atmosphere was pretty cold and soulless when we went - just one other set of diners at 10.15 on a Saturday evening.

Not for party animals.

But the food was really pretty good, and definitely plan to go back to try out more options. Staff friendly too.

Give them a go - independent restaurants are getting rarer in Waterloo as the chains move in.

The Kings Arms - Always a Great Atmosphere and Great Food by Liss

Liss — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:17:56 +0000

Review by Liss

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7207 0784

Tags: food, dj, friendly

I have been to the Kings Arms a number of times now and keep going back - it is so easy to get to, only a few minutes from waterloo station

They serve great value tasty Thai dishes. It is always busy so you may find yourself waiting a few minutes at the bar or for a table if you are eating but it is always well worth the wait.I have been to the Kings Arms a number of times now and keep going back - it is so easy to get to, only a few minutes from waterloo station

They serve great value tasty Thai dishes. It is always busy so you may find yourself waiting a few minutes at the bar or for a table if you are eating but it is always well worth the wait.

Thames Tandoori - Alright, small portions by qwghlm

qwghlm — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 15:06:25 +0000

Review by qwghlm

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7928 3856

Tags: indian, takeaway, delivery

Nipped in here as there was nowhere else around at 11 in the area - it's OK in a bind, but the portions were a bit small and the sag aloo lacking - too much onion, not enough spinach or ghee.Nipped in here as there was nowhere else around at 11 in the area - it's OK in a bind, but the portions were a bit small and the sag aloo lacking - too much onion, not enough spinach or ghee.

Meson Don Felipe - Little Gem on the South Bank by DavidMuir

DavidMuir — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 19:55:15 +0000

Review by DavidMuir

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7928 3237

Tags: tapas, spanish, lively

Before the Tate Modern and the redevelopment of the South Bank, eating out in this manor was always slim pickings.

Meson Don Felipe was a little oasis of good quality authentic Spanish tapas.

Thankfully it still does this in abundance.

Before the Tate Modern and the redevelopment of the South Bank, eating out in this manor was always slim pickings.

Meson Don Felipe was a little oasis of good quality authentic Spanish tapas.

Thankfully it still does this in abundance.

Upper Crust - Displayed ingeniously - nothing inside by StellaSaunders

StellaSaunders — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:06:15 +0000

Review by StellaSaunders

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7401 8269

Website: http://www.compass-group.co.uk

Tags: sandwiches, vegetarian dishes, sandwich

These enterprising people are selling baguettes at Â£3.39 each. The display of interesting fillings looks enticing, but don't bee fooled...there is virtually nothing inside the baguette. :(These enterprising people are selling baguettes at Â£3.39 each. The display of interesting fillings looks enticing, but don't bee fooled...there is virtually nothing inside the baguette. :(

Marie's Cafe - by qwghlm

qwghlm — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 14:14:15 +0000

Review by qwghlm

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7928 1050

Tags: cheap, breakfast, friendly

Top cafe with basic but tasty fried breakfast options, as well as a selection of good-looking Thai dishes and curries. Very cheap but very cheerful, it was a joy to eat there.Top cafe with basic but tasty fried breakfast options, as well as a selection of good-looking Thai dishes and curries. Very cheap but very cheerful, it was a joy to eat there.

Delice De France - Yummy! by Jimbo

Jimbo — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 11:53:06 +0000

Review by Jimbo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7401 9663

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

Tags: delicatessen, bargain, healthy food

Anybody who hates junk food should give Delice De France a try. I mean, seriously, why would a smart human being prefers the stinky MacD to the freshky baked crispy ham and cheese croissants?!Anybody who hates junk food should give Delice De France a try. I mean, seriously, why would a smart human being prefers the stinky MacD to the freshky baked crispy ham and cheese croissants?!

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.