Latest reviews for Food & Drink in Westminster, London, United Kingdom

Patisserie Valerie - Beautiful cakes by CPaskell

CPaskell — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:54:18 +0000

Review by CPaskell

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 3466

Website: http://www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk

Tags: hot / cold drinks, seating area / eat in

I think this may be the original Valeries - but it is definitely the best! I agree with some of the more negative reviews of other branches for this cafe, but trying this one on Old Compton Street is a must. The cakes and gateaux range is extensive with the most beautiful and tastey treats imaginable. These are not just cakes - baked on site, they are more masterpieces of confectionary and need to be tried to be believed. A large slice of chocolate gateaux with real strawberries is about Â£4 - but worth it. They have an extensive range of teas (darjeeling, oolong, ceylon etc) and lovely rich roasted coffee. On a busy saturday, this place is a haven as most shoppers and tourists choose the Starbucks/Neros options. They also do lovely breakfasts and lunch snacks and a huge fresh fruit salad. I have always found the staff to be friendly and helpful - but have also seen them being rude to customers who were rude to them first, so I think it helps to be smiley. I have often sat there for over an hour on saturday afternoons reading a book with one pot of tea, a cake and fruit salad and have never been made to feel I should leave or hurry up - so a good refuge.I think this may be the original Valeries - but it is definitely the best! I agree with some of the more negative reviews of other branches for this cafe, but trying this one on Old Compton Street is a must. The cakes and gateaux range is extensive with the most beautiful and tastey treats imaginable. These are not just cakes - baked on site, they are more masterpieces of confectionary and need to be tried to be believed. A large slice of chocolate gateaux with real strawberries is about Â£4 - but worth it. They have an extensive range of teas (darjeeling, oolong, ceylon etc) and lovely rich roasted coffee. On a busy saturday, this place is a haven as most shoppers and tourists choose the Starbucks/Neros options. They also do lovely breakfasts and lunch snacks and a huge fresh fruit salad. I have always found the staff to be friendly and helpful - but have also seen them being rude to customers who were rude to them first, so I think it helps to be smiley. I have often sat there for over an hour on saturday afternoons reading a book with one pot of tea, a cake and fruit salad and have never been made to feel I should leave or hurry up - so a good refuge.

Haagen Dazs - by Reshma

Reshma — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:13:46 +0000

Review by Reshma

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 9577

Website: http://www.haagen-dazs.co.uk

The ice cream and hot chocolate at this place is brilliant. The price however is extortionate. I guess haagan daaz can get away with these sort of prices as it is located smack bang in leicester square. There is frequently large queues outside which often stretch out far in the middle of the night, often there is a 30 min wait!! Once seated the waitors seem to take a long time to come to take your order, especialy if there is a large group, often I find that they try to rush you out of the place to let other poeple in. I suggest if one wnats some quality ice cream they should visit roundevous cafe which is across the road from this place.The ice cream and hot chocolate at this place is brilliant. The price however is extortionate. I guess haagan daaz can get away with these sort of prices as it is located smack bang in leicester square. There is frequently large queues outside which often stretch out far in the middle of the night, often there is a 30 min wait!! Once seated the waitors seem to take a long time to come to take your order, especialy if there is a large group, often I find that they try to rush you out of the place to let other poeple in. I suggest if one wnats some quality ice cream they should visit roundevous cafe which is across the road from this place.

Thorntons - choccy heaven by jollyroger

jollyroger — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:35:26 +0000

Review by jollyroger

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 2173

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

Tags: truffles

Thorntons choccies never fail to please, the ice creams are lovely too. There is also a range of diabetic chocolates for those who need them. The individual bags of different varieties are always good value for money. I often give thorntons chocolate selection boxes as gifts, they usually go down well. You can also get gift vouchers to give as gifts for the times when you are unsure of exactly what to choose. Whilst in store it is sooo tempting to get your self some thing as a treat too, but hey, thats what this shop is all about, treating yourself. Wish they still did the chocolate orange ice cream though as it was scrummy.Thorntons choccies never fail to please, the ice creams are lovely too. There is also a range of diabetic chocolates for those who need them. The individual bags of different varieties are always good value for money. I often give thorntons chocolate selection boxes as gifts, they usually go down well. You can also get gift vouchers to give as gifts for the times when you are unsure of exactly what to choose. Whilst in store it is sooo tempting to get your self some thing as a treat too, but hey, thats what this shop is all about, treating yourself. Wish they still did the chocolate orange ice cream though as it was scrummy.

Gerry's Off Licence - Incredible selection by codam

codam — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:04:09 +0000

Review by codam

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7734 4215

Tags: soho, spirits, booze

This shop, located on Old Compton Street, has ever single drink you could possibly think of! I went in there looking for mead (that popular medieval beverage) of all things, having failed to get it everywhere else I had tried, and not only did they have it, but they even had different varieties, which I found very impressive. On the more conventional drinks front, they have got a vast selection of wines, vodkas, whiskeys, spirits, gins, rums, tequilas, brandys, you name it and they have probably got it! For specialist drinks and a fantastic selection, Gerryâ¬"s wines and spirits is the place in London to go.This shop, located on Old Compton Street, has ever single drink you could possibly think of! I went in there looking for mead (that popular medieval beverage) of all things, having failed to get it everywhere else I had tried, and not only did they have it, but they even had different varieties, which I found very impressive. On the more conventional drinks front, they have got a vast selection of wines, vodkas, whiskeys, spirits, gins, rums, tequilas, brandys, you name it and they have probably got it! For specialist drinks and a fantastic selection, Gerryâ¬"s wines and spirits is the place in London to go.

Thorntons - thorntons by Cymru

Cymru — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:05:33 +0000

Review by Cymru

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7828 6487

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

Tags: truffles

Very friendly staff who are always willing to help in deciding the best gift to choose for a loved one.

This particular outlet has a larger than expected array or chocolates to choose from when considering the size of the outlet. Chocolates are available to buy singularly or in boxes/packs.

Seasonal treats are also available such as chocolate easter bunnies and christmas related shapes. Each product can be written on with icing in a message of your choosing quickly and easily by a member of staff on the til.

Gift bags are also available which makes Thorntons one of the first places i visit when buying a present.fggVery friendly staff who are always willing to help in deciding the best gift to choose for a loved one.

This particular outlet has a larger than expected array or chocolates to choose from when considering the size of the outlet. Chocolates are available to buy singularly or in boxes/packs.

Seasonal treats are also available such as chocolate easter bunnies and christmas related shapes. Each product can be written on with icing in a message of your choosing quickly and easily by a member of staff on the til.

Gift bags are also available which makes Thorntons one of the first places i visit when buying a present.fgg

Thorntons - thorntons by Cymru

Cymru — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:02:35 +0000

Review by Cymru

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7493 7498

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

Tags: truffles

Very friendly staff who are always willing to help in deciding the best gift to choose for a loved one.

This particular outlet has a larger than expected array or chocolates to choose from when considering the size of the outlet. Chocolates are available to buy singularly or in boxes/packs.

Seasonal treats are also available such as chocolate easter bunnies and christmas related shapes. Each product can be written on with icing in a message of your choosing quickly and easily by a member of staff on the til.

Gift bags are also available which makes Thorntons one of the first places i visit when buying a present.Very friendly staff who are always willing to help in deciding the best gift to choose for a loved one.

This particular outlet has a larger than expected array or chocolates to choose from when considering the size of the outlet. Chocolates are available to buy singularly or in boxes/packs.

Seasonal treats are also available such as chocolate easter bunnies and christmas related shapes. Each product can be written on with icing in a message of your choosing quickly and easily by a member of staff on the til.

Gift bags are also available which makes Thorntons one of the first places i visit when buying a present.

Fernandez & Wells - Indulgence in Soho by Niamheen

Niamheen — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:01:23 +0000

Review by Niamheen

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 1546

Website: http://www.fernandezandwells.com/

Tags: italian, takeaway, expensive

It feels like I am letting you into a little secret, but I am sure Iâ¬"m not, itâ¬"s just that I liked this place so much, I almost want to keep it secret! I popped into Fernandez & Wells in Soho with a friend on Saturday evening. Iâ¬"d wanted to go for a while having seen it many times on treks around Soho. It looks so appealing, with legs of ham in the window, bottles of wine on the counter and lots of cheese behind. Thereâ¬"s blackboards outside and in advertising their wares.

They look like they know what theyâ¬"re doing, although looks can be deceptive - not in this instance. I was there only briefly but enjoyed a charcuterie plate with prosciutto, basque salami and chorizo with a glass of albarino. We were also offered some manchego to taste. It was delicious and well sourced, alot of time and attention had gone into these selections. The meats, served on slate and sliced wafer thin & melt in the mouth, the cheese aged and crumbly and the albarino a gorgeous white, delicious and light. I didnâ¬"t want to leave but we had dinner plans elsewhere, besides they close at 9pm (although that should be moving to 10pm soon).

It was refreshing just to sit there and be nosey, to soak it all in. The staff are really passionate and knowledgable, itâ¬"s a real treat. I will definitely be back to try more, and request their recommendations. I would recommend that you go too!It feels like I am letting you into a little secret, but I am sure Iâ¬"m not, itâ¬"s just that I liked this place so much, I almost want to keep it secret! I popped into Fernandez & Wells in Soho with a friend on Saturday evening. Iâ¬"d wanted to go for a while having seen it many times on treks around Soho. It looks so appealing, with legs of ham in the window, bottles of wine on the counter and lots of cheese behind. Thereâ¬"s blackboards outside and in advertising their wares.

They look like they know what theyâ¬"re doing, although looks can be deceptive - not in this instance. I was there only briefly but enjoyed a charcuterie plate with prosciutto, basque salami and chorizo with a glass of albarino. We were also offered some manchego to taste. It was delicious and well sourced, alot of time and attention had gone into these selections. The meats, served on slate and sliced wafer thin & melt in the mouth, the cheese aged and crumbly and the albarino a gorgeous white, delicious and light. I didnâ¬"t want to leave but we had dinner plans elsewhere, besides they close at 9pm (although that should be moving to 10pm soon).

It was refreshing just to sit there and be nosey, to soak it all in. The staff are really passionate and knowledgable, itâ¬"s a real treat. I will definitely be back to try more, and request their recommendations. I would recommend that you go too!

Algerian Coffee Stores - Coffee treasure trove by Niamheen

Niamheen — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:16:38 +0000

Review by Niamheen

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7437 2480

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

Tags: take-away, soho, coffee

Gorgeous coffee shop full of bits and pieces that I don't need but want and buy all the time. Added to the fantastic selection of beans, which you can buy whole or that they will grind for you to take home, you can get very cheap take away coffee (double espresso is less than a pound). Last time I went, I got 250g fresh ground Brazilian coffee and some gorgeous chilli chocolate for just over Â£5. Yum.Gorgeous coffee shop full of bits and pieces that I don't need but want and buy all the time. Added to the fantastic selection of beans, which you can buy whole or that they will grind for you to take home, you can get very cheap take away coffee (double espresso is less than a pound). Last time I went, I got 250g fresh ground Brazilian coffee and some gorgeous chilli chocolate for just over Â£5. Yum.

The Convenience Shop - Support this charming old fashioned shop by Hugo

Hugo — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:55:33 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7580 1350

Tags: rare finds, fresh fruits & vegetables, helpful staff

This is an usual review, as I only bought a single banana from this shop. However, I felt compelled to write a review because it was the best service I have had in a shop ever and I guess that is what TrustedPlaces is all about.

The shop itself is a wonderful throwback to a bygone era, a bit like stepping into 1970's film set. Charmingly old fashioned and the lady (proprietor I suspect but I wasn't sociable enough to ask) behind the till was unfeasibly friendly.

My banana was absurdly good value, served with a captivating smile and a painstakingly found napkin. What more could I ask for?

Sadly this shop is not a local for me but if you are local it then I suggest you try it out and hopefully find it the same as I did. This shop needs support as it is a dying breed.This is an usual review, as I only bought a single banana from this shop. However, I felt compelled to write a review because it was the best service I have had in a shop ever and I guess that is what TrustedPlaces is all about.

The shop itself is a wonderful throwback to a bygone era, a bit like stepping into 1970's film set. Charmingly old fashioned and the lady (proprietor I suspect but I wasn't sociable enough to ask) behind the till was unfeasibly friendly.

My banana was absurdly good value, served with a captivating smile and a painstakingly found napkin. What more could I ask for?

Sadly this shop is not a local for me but if you are local it then I suggest you try it out and hopefully find it the same as I did. This shop needs support as it is a dying breed.

Boulevard Deli - Chicken delight by sheilaellen

sheilaellen — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:24:01 +0000

Review by sheilaellen

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7240 2992

Website: http://www.boulevardbrasserie.com

Tags: mediterranean, cosy, delicatessen

A great place for interesting sandwiches. The main draw is their spit roast chickens, which they sell in baguettes (half a chicken!) or with salad. Most people seem to buy take-out - the eating area is very small: cosy and relaxed during quiet times but cramped and a little stressful when busy.A great place for interesting sandwiches. The main draw is their spit roast chickens, which they sell in baguettes (half a chicken!) or with salad. Most people seem to buy take-out - the eating area is very small: cosy and relaxed during quiet times but cramped and a little stressful when busy.

La Bella Sicilia - Not Bella by gastro1

gastro1 — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:45:06 +0000

Review by gastro1

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7630 5914

Tags: italian, mediterranean, deli

This place is poor and be sure to check the sell by date on anything you buy.

When will someone open a world class Italian Deli in London instead of this type of disgraceful establishments.

M&S sell better Parmigiano than nearly all Italian delis in London including Camisa ,Terrone ,Luigis, Lina Stores et al

It's sad to say that many of the first or second generation of Italians imigrants who opened these establishments prospered on the ignorance of the local market but the UK has made huge gastronomic progress in the last 15 years. Selling too young Parmesan and inferior Procuito crudos will not cut it anymore.

Why don't they look at Peck in Milan or Valvona & Crolla in the capital of bonnie Scotland as benchmarks......This place is poor and be sure to check the sell by date on anything you buy.

When will someone open a world class Italian Deli in London instead of this type of disgraceful establishments.

M&S sell better Parmigiano than nearly all Italian delis in London including Camisa ,Terrone ,Luigis, Lina Stores et al

It's sad to say that many of the first or second generation of Italians imigrants who opened these establishments prospered on the ignorance of the local market but the UK has made huge gastronomic progress in the last 15 years. Selling too young Parmesan and inferior Procuito crudos will not cut it anymore.

Why don't they look at Peck in Milan or Valvona & Crolla in the capital of bonnie Scotland as benchmarks......

Oriental Delight - A wide selection, but check expiry dates. by Bluey

Bluey — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:54:46 +0000

Review by Bluey

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7439 1183

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

Tags: chinese

I purchased some Koala no March chocolate cookies, and when I got home I noticed that they had expired in late November last year. This was the same with some Pretz, but they expired at the beginning of December.

While these foods are not too badly affected by expiry dates, it's still poor business to put expired products on shelves and allow people to purchase them. There was some other food there that would be potentially dangerous after expiration. I wonder how fresh those products were?

One thing's for sure - I won't be going back.I purchased some Koala no March chocolate cookies, and when I got home I noticed that they had expired in late November last year. This was the same with some Pretz, but they expired at the beginning of December.

While these foods are not too badly affected by expiry dates, it's still poor business to put expired products on shelves and allow people to purchase them. There was some other food there that would be potentially dangerous after expiration. I wonder how fresh those products were?

One thing's for sure - I won't be going back.

Delicias De Portugal - A bit of Portugal in Pimlico by Hugo

Hugo — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 18:03:17 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7630 5597

Tags: cafe, delicatessen, shop

The full Portugese equation in the middle of Pimlico. Delicias de Portugal has a deli, shop and a cafe.

A fun place to have a coffee or pick-up some classic Portugese custard tarts - Pastel de Nata and the tasty paper-wrapped cakes - Bollo de Arroz.The full Portugese equation in the middle of Pimlico. Delicias de Portugal has a deli, shop and a cafe.

A fun place to have a coffee or pick-up some classic Portugese custard tarts - Pastel de Nata and the tasty paper-wrapped cakes - Bollo de Arroz.

Paul - Eye Candy but Overrated by girlswear

girlswear — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 22:06:32 +0000

Review by girlswear

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7836 3304

Website: http://www.paul.fr

Tags: french, bakery, covent garden

Been hearing about Paul Boulangerie & Pattiserie for ages. I finally went to one of the chain (Covent Garden) in the hunt for THE croissant place in London. You see, I'm quite a croissant connoisseur. I had a pain au chocolat. It was slightly disappointing. It was a bit stale and dry, perhaps it was towards the end of the day. But the display of various flans, cakes, tarts, claufouti and sweets sure look delicious!
Been hearing about Paul Boulangerie & Pattiserie for ages. I finally went to one of the chain (Covent Garden) in the hunt for THE croissant place in London. You see, I'm quite a croissant connoisseur. I had a pain au chocolat. It was slightly disappointing. It was a bit stale and dry, perhaps it was towards the end of the day. But the display of various flans, cakes, tarts, claufouti and sweets sure look delicious!

Lina Stores - by BasilKhalil

BasilKhalil — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 11:20:59 +0000

Review by BasilKhalil

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7437 6482

Tags: italian, deli, mediterranean

Very friendly owners, wide selection of great authentic Italian food.
Try their home-made pasta. Itâ¬"s the BEST!
Very friendly owners, wide selection of great authentic Italian food.
Try their home-made pasta. Itâ¬"s the BEST!

The Tea House - All the tea you ever needed by walid

walid — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 13:31:30 +0000

Review by walid

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7240 7539

Tags: covent garden, rare finds, asian

First of all a few disclaimers, I am not a tea drinker (I love coffee), and I go the Tea House a few times a year to buy the tea for my mom when I go back to Paris.

I like this place a lot as most places in London where you get your tea is from chains like Whittards. As soon as you enter The Tea House you feel as though you've entered this little Asian microcosm. The tea they stock isn't exclusively Asian but they do carry a large amount of tea from this part of the world.

Most of their customers at the moment seem to be tourists, which is obvious due to their central location in Covent Garden. They do have a local group of recurrent customers who come to the Tea House due to the friendliness of their staff, knowledge, but of course their huge choice in tea.

If you are a tea aficionado, or not, and are looking for this unique tea or just for high quality tea you should definitely check out the Tea House.

Opening and Closing Times
Mon-Sat: 10:00am-7:00pm
Sun: 12:00pm-6:00pm
First of all a few disclaimers, I am not a tea drinker (I love coffee), and I go the Tea House a few times a year to buy the tea for my mom when I go back to Paris.

I like this place a lot as most places in London where you get your tea is from chains like Whittards. As soon as you enter The Tea House you feel as though you've entered this little Asian microcosm. The tea they stock isn't exclusively Asian but they do carry a large amount of tea from this part of the world.

Most of their customers at the moment seem to be tourists, which is obvious due to their central location in Covent Garden. They do have a local group of recurrent customers who come to the Tea House due to the friendliness of their staff, knowledge, but of course their huge choice in tea.

If you are a tea aficionado, or not, and are looking for this unique tea or just for high quality tea you should definitely check out the Tea House.

Opening and Closing Times
Mon-Sat: 10:00am-7:00pm
Sun: 12:00pm-6:00pm