Latest reviews in West Hampstead, London, United Kingdom

Jack's Cafe - POOR FOOD by yumyum

yumyum — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:12:12 +0000

Review by yumyum

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7624 8925

Website: http://www.jacks-cafe.com

Tags: terrace, seating area, average brew

ONLY ON STAR AS IT WAS FOOD, BUT ONLY JUST !ONLY ON STAR AS IT WAS FOOD, BUT ONLY JUST !

Bake-a-boo - I heart Bake-a-boo by Pixington

Pixington — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:06:08 +0000

Review by Pixington

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7435 1666

Website: http://www.bake-a-boo.com/

Tags: cakes, wifi, bakery

The Bake-a-boo website calls itself a unique hideaway...and it really is! I live down the road from this place and it is my safe haven when I am working from home and want to treat myself for my hard work with one of their lovely non-dairy fairy cakes, or want to have a quiet gossip with mybest friend on the weekend over a cup of tea and a gluten-free brownie. And it's even got Wi-Fi too!

The cakes, muffins and cupcakes are so so lovely. They are beautofulyl decorated in such lovely colours and they taste amazing. And yes they cater for those with what, gluten and dairy allergies so everyoen can eat there! They do lovely cream teas and coke floats too and you can even rent out an area in the back for afternoon tea parties with scones and little sandwiches too.

I love it and whenever I am going to a dinner party now always pick up a few treats here.

It's very pink and pretty so if you're in a girly mood, this is the place to be!The Bake-a-boo website calls itself a unique hideaway...and it really is! I live down the road from this place and it is my safe haven when I am working from home and want to treat myself for my hard work with one of their lovely non-dairy fairy cakes, or want to have a quiet gossip with mybest friend on the weekend over a cup of tea and a gluten-free brownie. And it's even got Wi-Fi too!

The cakes, muffins and cupcakes are so so lovely. They are beautofulyl decorated in such lovely colours and they taste amazing. And yes they cater for those with what, gluten and dairy allergies so everyoen can eat there! They do lovely cream teas and coke floats too and you can even rent out an area in the back for afternoon tea parties with scones and little sandwiches too.

I love it and whenever I am going to a dinner party now always pick up a few treats here.

It's very pink and pretty so if you're in a girly mood, this is the place to be!

The Kitchen Table - Lovely people, lovely brekkie by Pixington

Pixington — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:10:19 +0000

Review by Pixington

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7209 9386

Tags: cosy, quiet & relaxed, quick bite

My boyfriend and I sometimes pop in here on a Saturday morning for breakfast - the granola and yoghurt is just lovely and the people are so friendly. There's free WiFi access too so if you are working from home and want to get out of the house for a while, it;s great to come here with a laptop, order a cup of tea and a slice of cake and just quietly work away...occasionally stopping ofr a chat with the guys that work there. As it;s not on West End Lane it never gets stupidly busy on the weekend and you can always get a table. Ver ychilled, very nice. My boyfriend and I sometimes pop in here on a Saturday morning for breakfast - the granola and yoghurt is just lovely and the people are so friendly. There's free WiFi access too so if you are working from home and want to get out of the house for a while, it;s great to come here with a laptop, order a cup of tea and a slice of cake and just quietly work away...occasionally stopping ofr a chat with the guys that work there. As it;s not on West End Lane it never gets stupidly busy on the weekend and you can always get a table. Ver ychilled, very nice.

Angeles - Spicy Sichuan in Kilburn by Niamheen

Niamheen — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:04:02 +0000

Review by Niamheen

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8328 3255

Tags: cheap, thai, lively

And I mean spicy. REALLY spicy. So spicy that at one point in the meal when I accidentally inhaled a chilli that had been idling on my prawn I got an intense coughing fit, followed by streaming tears (which I swear were spicy too - they burned!) and temporarily acquired a breaking voice not unlike your average pubescent boy. But it was good! And I went back for more, ate loads more chillis and peppers and cried a little bit but left Angeles proclaiming - that was good! I'll go back there again!

Angeles is in Kilburn, London, on the Kilburn High Rd to be specific. I have walked past it almost daily for the last 3 years but I'd never been. It doesn't look that enticing from the outside, there's a buffet on display with lots of pre-cooked food sitting under seemingly endless rows of nightlights which is very popular but not my thing so I've avoided it. Recently, however, I have heard & read some good things about Angeles. The clientele is primarily Chinese also which, in itself, is a great recommendation. Sichuan is becoming quite a big thing in London with Bar Shu in Soho & now Snazz Sichuan opening in Euston. However, it's said that Angeles and Sichuan Restaurant in Acton are the originals. Now, I haven't been to Bar Shu or Snazz Sichuan (yet!) so I can't compare, but I've read that Angeles represents more of the home-cooked style Sichuan Food.

So, we had a look at the menu in the window and it really did not look like a sichuan menu, it was more like the cantonese menus you see in Chinese restaurants all over London. We thought we'd go in anyway and have a look. We were promptly approached by a friendly waitress asking if were here for the buffet or the restaurant. We said restaurant and were directed to the restaurant, but what surprised me was that the restaurant is actually two restaurants dicided by a wall, one for the buffet and the one we were now about to try. We were given two menus each, the cantonese one in the window and a bamboo one - the sichuan one. Now, this looked to be authentic sichuan food. I was very happy!

The restaurtant itself is nice, the tablecloth and tableware all white & posters of chinese leaders on the walls. There was a range of items on the menu, lots of offal (beef stomach anyone?), lots of meat in general, seafood and vegetable dishes. There was lots of things that I had never eaten before so it was difficult to choose. We decided in the end on Dumpling Soup with Hot Chilli Oil, Stir Fried Double Cooked Belly Pork, Hot & Delicious Stir Fried King Prawns and steamed rice. The food and drinks arrived promptly. The prawns were delicious and numerous, very generous portions, cooked briefly and not overdone as you see in so many places. They were drowned in chillis and oil but the flavour was very good. It certainly had the renowned sichuan "hot" spicy and "numbing" spicy. The dumpling soup was minced pork dumplings in chilli oil which were tasty but not spectacular. The pork belly was quite greasy but flavoursome.

Throughout the meal I couldn't help watch what everyone else was eating. The waitress indulged me by telling me what the various dishes were. Steamed sichuan bread & bean tips really took my fancy and I will go back to try them.

The meal came to a total of £35 for the two of us with 3 drinks & service (which we added) included. The service was really efficient and friendly, they were super helpful even with all my annoying questions and promised to remind me to order the steamed bread next time I go back, which I will, as there's lots more to try there and for the price it's good value.And I mean spicy. REALLY spicy. So spicy that at one point in the meal when I accidentally inhaled a chilli that had been idling on my prawn I got an intense coughing fit, followed by streaming tears (which I swear were spicy too - they burned!) and temporarily acquired a breaking voice not unlike your average pubescent boy. But it was good! And I went back for more, ate loads more chillis and peppers and cried a little bit but left Angeles proclaiming - that was good! I'll go back there again!

Angeles is in Kilburn, London, on the Kilburn High Rd to be specific. I have walked past it almost daily for the last 3 years but I'd never been. It doesn't look that enticing from the outside, there's a buffet on display with lots of pre-cooked food sitting under seemingly endless rows of nightlights which is very popular but not my thing so I've avoided it. Recently, however, I have heard & read some good things about Angeles. The clientele is primarily Chinese also which, in itself, is a great recommendation. Sichuan is becoming quite a big thing in London with Bar Shu in Soho & now Snazz Sichuan opening in Euston. However, it's said that Angeles and Sichuan Restaurant in Acton are the originals. Now, I haven't been to Bar Shu or Snazz Sichuan (yet!) so I can't compare, but I've read that Angeles represents more of the home-cooked style Sichuan Food.

So, we had a look at the menu in the window and it really did not look like a sichuan menu, it was more like the cantonese menus you see in Chinese restaurants all over London. We thought we'd go in anyway and have a look. We were promptly approached by a friendly waitress asking if were here for the buffet or the restaurant. We said restaurant and were directed to the restaurant, but what surprised me was that the restaurant is actually two restaurants dicided by a wall, one for the buffet and the one we were now about to try. We were given two menus each, the cantonese one in the window and a bamboo one - the sichuan one. Now, this looked to be authentic sichuan food. I was very happy!

The restaurtant itself is nice, the tablecloth and tableware all white & posters of chinese leaders on the walls. There was a range of items on the menu, lots of offal (beef stomach anyone?), lots of meat in general, seafood and vegetable dishes. There was lots of things that I had never eaten before so it was difficult to choose. We decided in the end on Dumpling Soup with Hot Chilli Oil, Stir Fried Double Cooked Belly Pork, Hot & Delicious Stir Fried King Prawns and steamed rice. The food and drinks arrived promptly. The prawns were delicious and numerous, very generous portions, cooked briefly and not overdone as you see in so many places. They were drowned in chillis and oil but the flavour was very good. It certainly had the renowned sichuan "hot" spicy and "numbing" spicy. The dumpling soup was minced pork dumplings in chilli oil which were tasty but not spectacular. The pork belly was quite greasy but flavoursome.

Throughout the meal I couldn't help watch what everyone else was eating. The waitress indulged me by telling me what the various dishes were. Steamed sichuan bread & bean tips really took my fancy and I will go back to try them.

The meal came to a total of £35 for the two of us with 3 drinks & service (which we added) included. The service was really efficient and friendly, they were super helpful even with all my annoying questions and promised to remind me to order the steamed bread next time I go back, which I will, as there's lots more to try there and for the price it's good value.

Cafe Noosh - Awful service by LordF

LordF — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:21:03 +0000

Review by LordF

Rating: 1.00Went to Cafe Noosh on Monday around 1.30pm, they serve Iranian style sandwiches. Popped in and asked the owner what they had and he told me what they had. Left to fetch my wife and kids, back there after 10 minutes and he had shut up shop and gone. No sign of him at all!!!!

We had driven a whole hour to get there and my kids were left hungry. Went to Cafe Noosh on Monday around 1.30pm, they serve Iranian style sandwiches. Popped in and asked the owner what they had and he told me what they had. Left to fetch my wife and kids, back there after 10 minutes and he had shut up shop and gone. No sign of him at all!!!!

We had driven a whole hour to get there and my kids were left hungry.

The Black Lion - Gorgeous pub tucked away on the Kilburn High Rd by Niamheen

Niamheen — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:00:29 +0000

Review by Niamheen

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7624 1520

Tags: cool, friendly, gastro pub

Kilburn, like so many other London areas, is going through the much maligned or lauded gentrification process - depending on which local resident you speak to. The Black Lion is one pub that has benefitted from this. Previously an old irish pub, it has been refurbished but it's character has been retained.

Bright and spacious with gorgeous high ceilings (believe me, they're worth a mention), it's lovely for a few drinks. Decent pub grub - sausages and mash, burgers, that kind of thing. There's an attached dining room, although, the food isn't amazing, it's a good filler of an evening. I've often wished that they would just declare it all a pub and if you want to eat, you can.

There's a guesthouse upstairs which friends and family have stayed at, it used to be better I must admit. The Good Ship across the road tends to be very noisy and it's not as friendly as it used to be, but, it's reasonably priced and well located.

Go for the pub and if you're hungry whilst there, the grub. You won't be disappointed. Kilburn, like so many other London areas, is going through the much maligned or lauded gentrification process - depending on which local resident you speak to. The Black Lion is one pub that has benefitted from this. Previously an old irish pub, it has been refurbished but it's character has been retained.

Bright and spacious with gorgeous high ceilings (believe me, they're worth a mention), it's lovely for a few drinks. Decent pub grub - sausages and mash, burgers, that kind of thing. There's an attached dining room, although, the food isn't amazing, it's a good filler of an evening. I've often wished that they would just declare it all a pub and if you want to eat, you can.

There's a guesthouse upstairs which friends and family have stayed at, it used to be better I must admit. The Good Ship across the road tends to be very noisy and it's not as friendly as it used to be, but, it's reasonably priced and well located.

Go for the pub and if you're hungry whilst there, the grub. You won't be disappointed.

Elephant Walk - Award Winning Sri Lankan Restaurant by walid

walid — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:45:59 +0000

Review by walid

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7328 3308

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

Tags: friendly staff, good value, takeaway

I have to admit that I have no knowledge of Sri Lankan food and that I would make the mistake of amalgamating Sri Lankan food with Indian food.
So when I heard that not too far away from where I live is a Sri Lankan restaurant I decided to walk over there and order some take away.
Elephant Walk is a small sized restaurant that is clean and spacious. What it slightly lacks in decoration to make it feel different from most London restaurants it makes it up with a friendly staff and incredibly tasty food.
I ordered the following:
* Devilled Lamb (Â£6.50) - A dry dish of lamb marinated in ginger, garlic and green chillies tossed and cooked with spices and capsicum & sesame.
* Dry aubergine curry (Â£3.50) with tamarind base
* Basmati rice (Â£2.25)
The Devilled Lamb was incredible. Perfectly cooked and tender. It was hot but not too spiced. Associated with the dry aubergine curry and basmati rice was simply delicious. I understand why Charles Campion rated the Elephant Walk as "One of the three best new comers in London" and why it won the Cobra Good Curry Award as the best Sri Lankan Restaurant in the UK.
As you can see from the prices above they're already very competitively priced but they also have a 50% discount on selected days during the week. I also understand that they have a function room downstairs which can be used for large groups dinning out or for parties.
If you live in the North West I strongly encourage you to try this restaurant, not just for the great food they serve there but also to learn about Sri Lankan cuisine.I have to admit that I have no knowledge of Sri Lankan food and that I would make the mistake of amalgamating Sri Lankan food with Indian food.
So when I heard that not too far away from where I live is a Sri Lankan restaurant I decided to walk over there and order some take away.
Elephant Walk is a small sized restaurant that is clean and spacious. What it slightly lacks in decoration to make it feel different from most London restaurants it makes it up with a friendly staff and incredibly tasty food.
I ordered the following:
* Devilled Lamb (Â£6.50) - A dry dish of lamb marinated in ginger, garlic and green chillies tossed and cooked with spices and capsicum & sesame.
* Dry aubergine curry (Â£3.50) with tamarind base
* Basmati rice (Â£2.25)
The Devilled Lamb was incredible. Perfectly cooked and tender. It was hot but not too spiced. Associated with the dry aubergine curry and basmati rice was simply delicious. I understand why Charles Campion rated the Elephant Walk as "One of the three best new comers in London" and why it won the Cobra Good Curry Award as the best Sri Lankan Restaurant in the UK.
As you can see from the prices above they're already very competitively priced but they also have a 50% discount on selected days during the week. I also understand that they have a function room downstairs which can be used for large groups dinning out or for parties.
If you live in the North West I strongly encourage you to try this restaurant, not just for the great food they serve there but also to learn about Sri Lankan cuisine.

Classic Tandoori Indian Restaurant - EXCEPTIONALLY TASTY by Hori

Hori — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 01:16:07 +0000

Review by Hori

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7372 8828

Tags: indian, good value, lively

We were recommended this restaurant by our neighbour when my family first moved in London. We have been ordering takeaway from them since a year now, the staff have been polite and efficient. We have tried a range of dishes and the food has always been exceptionally tasty cooked with very little oil and price is very reasonable. It was just like a takeaway I used to go to in our home Town in Surrey. Honestly, I don't know how we got so lucky to live so close to my favourite Indian place in LondonWe were recommended this restaurant by our neighbour when my family first moved in London. We have been ordering takeaway from them since a year now, the staff have been polite and efficient. We have tried a range of dishes and the food has always been exceptionally tasty cooked with very little oil and price is very reasonable. It was just like a takeaway I used to go to in our home Town in Surrey. Honestly, I don't know how we got so lucky to live so close to my favourite Indian place in London

Penk's - excellent local eaterie by Qqueenie

Qqueenie — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:13:00 +0000

Review by Qqueenie

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7604 4484

Tags: romantic, brasserie, french

we love it here, best breakfast in the manor - they serve brunch all day (my standard order is eggs benedict and a smoothie) which is a winner when you have a sore head and its 2pm! They have on occasion persuaded me to have a Bellini too which is ALWAYS a fantastic idea. Large garden room at the rear for parties (20 people I think) and the lunch and evening menu is interesting and inviting - always made with the freshest of ingredients. Its a local gem without a doubt!we love it here, best breakfast in the manor - they serve brunch all day (my standard order is eggs benedict and a smoothie) which is a winner when you have a sore head and its 2pm! They have on occasion persuaded me to have a Bellini too which is ALWAYS a fantastic idea. Large garden room at the rear for parties (20 people I think) and the lunch and evening menu is interesting and inviting - always made with the freshest of ingredients. Its a local gem without a doubt!

Cookies & Cream - Quantity or quality, now you must choose... by mizzallure

mizzallure — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 15:25:20 +0000

Review by mizzallure

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7328 9262

Tags: takeaway

What is not to like about a cafe that serves *massive* pieces of cake? We are talking about slices that are so decadently large, you feel naughty just by looking at them. Well, you knew there had to be a catch. It's not the most delicious tasting cake in the world.

Between my friend's double-chocolate cake that didn't taste chocolaty, the free piece of carrot cake that was given to me (you've got to love middle-eastern hospitality), and my own choice of chocolate cheesecake, mine was the only one which I considered to be worth the three hours I would have to spend in the gym to make up for it.

But, would I go back? Of course I would! Have you seen the size of those pieces??!!What is not to like about a cafe that serves *massive* pieces of cake? We are talking about slices that are so decadently large, you feel naughty just by looking at them. Well, you knew there had to be a catch. It's not the most delicious tasting cake in the world.

Between my friend's double-chocolate cake that didn't taste chocolaty, the free piece of carrot cake that was given to me (you've got to love middle-eastern hospitality), and my own choice of chocolate cheesecake, mine was the only one which I considered to be worth the three hours I would have to spend in the gym to make up for it.

But, would I go back? Of course I would! Have you seen the size of those pieces??!!

Akrms Cash & Carry - excellent by Dina

Dina — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 20:24:28 +0000

Review by Dina

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7625 3678

Tags: bargain, fresh vegetables, helpful staff

excellent service and very good quality of food and a veery honest place. i highly recommend.; xxxexcellent service and very good quality of food and a veery honest place. i highly recommend.; xxx

The Cock Tavern - Big up the Cock by david_2001

david_2001 — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 06:30:06 +0000

Review by david_2001

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7624 1820

I never new this place existed until recently when on passing I was attracted to a poster advertising 'live jazz' which is played on Sunday lunch times.

Great discovery, not only live music but comedy and music hall performances too.

Comedy is on Saturdays and includes performances by veterans Barry Cryer and Ronnie Golden (last weekend) and this Saturday (February 16th) is Ed Byrne and Hattie Haybridge).

There was a music hall show on Sunday (once a month) and was structured around the the format of the 'Good Old Days' TV programme that was/is very popular. The show featured the MC and many of the performers from the original shows.

More live music is scheduled this Friday, link to the website for a full itinerary.
I never new this place existed until recently when on passing I was attracted to a poster advertising 'live jazz' which is played on Sunday lunch times.

Great discovery, not only live music but comedy and music hall performances too.

Comedy is on Saturdays and includes performances by veterans Barry Cryer and Ronnie Golden (last weekend) and this Saturday (February 16th) is Ed Byrne and Hattie Haybridge).

There was a music hall show on Sunday (once a month) and was structured around the the format of the 'Good Old Days' TV programme that was/is very popular. The show featured the MC and many of the performers from the original shows.

More live music is scheduled this Friday, link to the website for a full itinerary.

Little Bay - Hidden Secret in NW6 by Saz23

Saz23 — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:53:20 +0000

Review by Saz23

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7372 4699

Tags: romantic, french, brasserie

Little Bay is such a great find! The food is delicious and extremely reasonably priced, the atmosphere is great and the service is good. I've had many meals here and even celebrated one birthday at the Little Bay. Highly recommend it!Little Bay is such a great find! The food is delicious and extremely reasonably priced, the atmosphere is great and the service is good. I've had many meals here and even celebrated one birthday at the Little Bay. Highly recommend it!

Gustoso - Gustoso PLUS by david_2001

david_2001 — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 06:49:57 +0000

Review by david_2001

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7435 2329

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

Tags: delicatessen, bargain, rare finds

I have already reviewed this Maida Vale delicatessen but do feel I haven't done it justice (this is the West Hampstead branch).

There is a real 'hands-on' approach here by the management team who really appear to attack their roles with relish (no pun intended).

Given the competition in this sector (Sainsburys, Tescos, Waitrose) who all have deli counters and will deliver, the Gustoso team offer a more comprehensive, superior service at a better price.

I could bang on about the cheeses, cured meats, pates, olives, antipasti, fresh sauces and dips, quiches, pies, soups, ready prepared meals and cakes. But I won't.

On top of this you can order and have food delivered on-line.

BBQs, buffets, dinner parties, christenings and even personalized birthday cakes are all catered to (again no pun intended).

Oh, there are even seasonal vegetables, fresh bread and rare breed eggs (coming soon) that can be purchased on a daily basis.

Heaven is a place on earth, more local shops like this please.

PS I have posted this review to the wrong category, not sure how to correct the error though. I have already reviewed this Maida Vale delicatessen but do feel I haven't done it justice (this is the West Hampstead branch).

There is a real 'hands-on' approach here by the management team who really appear to attack their roles with relish (no pun intended).

Given the competition in this sector (Sainsburys, Tescos, Waitrose) who all have deli counters and will deliver, the Gustoso team offer a more comprehensive, superior service at a better price.

I could bang on about the cheeses, cured meats, pates, olives, antipasti, fresh sauces and dips, quiches, pies, soups, ready prepared meals and cakes. But I won't.

On top of this you can order and have food delivered on-line.

BBQs, buffets, dinner parties, christenings and even personalized birthday cakes are all catered to (again no pun intended).

Oh, there are even seasonal vegetables, fresh bread and rare breed eggs (coming soon) that can be purchased on a daily basis.

Heaven is a place on earth, more local shops like this please.

PS I have posted this review to the wrong category, not sure how to correct the error though.

The Wet Fish Cafe - Coffee Par Excellence by david_2001

david_2001 — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:50:23 +0000

Review by david_2001

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7443 9222

Tags: romantic, takeaway, expensive

This cafe' is a bit misleading as it also serves alcohol but no fish.

The name relates to a previous incarnation of the premises
which is now exclusively limited, I suspect, only to the perfectly sterile ceramic tiles. The tiles add an almost translucent quality to the light which is in turn reflected in the marvelously louche atmosphere.

I have been here several times and they simply serve the best cup of coffee in London, at least I am yet to taste better.

This cafe' is a bit misleading as it also serves alcohol but no fish.

The name relates to a previous incarnation of the premises
which is now exclusively limited, I suspect, only to the perfectly sterile ceramic tiles. The tiles add an almost translucent quality to the light which is in turn reflected in the marvelously louche atmosphere.

I have been here several times and they simply serve the best cup of coffee in London, at least I am yet to taste better.

J - Best all day hangover retreat by Genef33

Genef33 — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:10:54 +0000

Review by Genef33

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7435 3703

Tags: italian, good value, family & home feel

The carbonara is to die for as is the english breakfast. A west hampstead institution. The carbonara is to die for as is the english breakfast. A west hampstead institution.

Geeta Restaurant - Shocked what they served by tcrichton

tcrichton — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 21:59:32 +0000

Review by tcrichton

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7624 1713

Tags: indian, takeaway, cheap eat

Went out for an Indian, assumed that food would be good due to local competition, severely let down.

Ordered Kofta curry expecting some a lovely lamb kofta kebab in a indian curry sauce, was shocked to recieve processed meatballs looking identical to the Ikea meatballs we eat from time to time. We also ordered a Lamb Tikka Masala. This was nice an spicy (as requested) but it wasn't lamb tikka and the masala sauce was not a thick creamy sauce as I've come to expect.

The only plus point, the rice was seasoned and flavoured well with Cinamon and cardamon.

Very dissapointed, would avoid and take a slightly longer walk and spend a little more at Ruchi on Kingsgate Road, been there a couple of times and never dissapointed.Went out for an Indian, assumed that food would be good due to local competition, severely let down.

Ordered Kofta curry expecting some a lovely lamb kofta kebab in a indian curry sauce, was shocked to recieve processed meatballs looking identical to the Ikea meatballs we eat from time to time. We also ordered a Lamb Tikka Masala. This was nice an spicy (as requested) but it wasn't lamb tikka and the masala sauce was not a thick creamy sauce as I've come to expect.

The only plus point, the rice was seasoned and flavoured well with Cinamon and cardamon.

Very dissapointed, would avoid and take a slightly longer walk and spend a little more at Ruchi on Kingsgate Road, been there a couple of times and never dissapointed.

Gambrinus Czech & Slovak House - Czech this out by iamroninator

iamroninator — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 07:39:57 +0000

Review by iamroninator

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7372 5251

Tags: east european, lively, european

Not sure about the food, but the beer here (Urquell, Budvar) is fantastic.

Feels like going into a working men's club (old school - not too many of these type of places still in London) and at the same time, like stepping into Eastern Europe (in a good way). Pictures of ice hockey players abound, and bright lighting, but, at least for me, that's just part of the appeal.

Also try the Beckerovka (spelling?) a medicinal Czech digestif, similar to Jagermeister, which is apparently a cure for stomach ache.

A real one-off. I love it.Not sure about the food, but the beer here (Urquell, Budvar) is fantastic.

Feels like going into a working men's club (old school - not too many of these type of places still in London) and at the same time, like stepping into Eastern Europe (in a good way). Pictures of ice hockey players abound, and bright lighting, but, at least for me, that's just part of the appeal.

Also try the Beckerovka (spelling?) a medicinal Czech digestif, similar to Jagermeister, which is apparently a cure for stomach ache.

A real one-off. I love it.

Kovalam - Excellant Indian restaurant! by lexie

lexie — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:38:59 +0000

Review by lexie

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7625 4761

Tags: indian, lively, romantic

I have been in London for 7mths and have been searching everywhere for a decent Indian place, after many less than average places and a decent amount of money wasted I finally found the perfect place and after being back more than a few times it is definitely worthy enough to recommend.

This restaurant has a warm genuine feel the moment you walk in the door, the decoration is not the usual Indian attire, rather this place is quite bright and snazzy,has a nice classy feel and all of the staff are friendly and helpful.

The menu is quite extensive and if you need some ingredient change they are more than happy to try to accommodate. The prices are also very comfortable on the hip pocket as well.

Overall this place is great for a romantic dinner or a nice outing with a bunch of friends.
I have been in London for 7mths and have been searching everywhere for a decent Indian place, after many less than average places and a decent amount of money wasted I finally found the perfect place and after being back more than a few times it is definitely worthy enough to recommend.

This restaurant has a warm genuine feel the moment you walk in the door, the decoration is not the usual Indian attire, rather this place is quite bright and snazzy,has a nice classy feel and all of the staff are friendly and helpful.

The menu is quite extensive and if you need some ingredient change they are more than happy to try to accommodate. The prices are also very comfortable on the hip pocket as well.

Overall this place is great for a romantic dinner or a nice outing with a bunch of friends.

La Brioche - La Brioche by fartmouth

fartmouth — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:17:41 +0000

Review by fartmouth

Rating: 0.00

Phone: 020 7431 8175

Tags: cosy, high ceilings, quick bite

Quiet and ambient place to come for a coffee or light snack. Not over pretentious as some others shops in the area so would recomment coming down and trying it out. The only negative is that friendly service is hit and miss, often the waitresses forget to smile. But then again this is London. Quiet and ambient place to come for a coffee or light snack. Not over pretentious as some others shops in the area so would recomment coming down and trying it out. The only negative is that friendly service is hit and miss, often the waitresses forget to smile. But then again this is London.