Latest reviews by Bernd's friends

Zena's Cafe - review by designertom

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 14:12:27 +0000

Zena's Cafe - review by designertom

Rating: 4.0

Location: 144 Victoria Road, W3 6UL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 8992 5908

Passers by might be forgiven for not looking twice at this inauspicious looking cafe, but believe me, this is a hidden gem that all the locals know about (the back room is always packed!). I eat a lot of indian food, I cook it, my local take away appears on my BT friends and family list(!), so I can really vouch for the fact that the food they serve here really is top notch. The place itself has a definate cafe feel rather than a restaurant, is very basic, and won't win any awards for decor or comfort, but if you can get past this, and want some authentic, damn good indian, clean and crisp tasting food, (that unlike most indian takeaways isn't overdone with garlic and fat), then do give this place a try. I have to say that when i find a place like this that serves indian food, that is packed with indian people, my eyes light up.

Macondo - review by designertom

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 13:39:53 +0000

Macondo - review by designertom

Rating: 4.2

Location: 8-9 Hoxton Square, N1 6NU, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7729 1119

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

Tags: cosy, cool & smart, good value, trendy, friendly, relaxed

Macondo is a cosy friendly space and the moment you walk into this narrow room, with its hodge podge of low level furniture (leather sofas, stools, poofs and teeny wooden tables), you have the sense of finding a really special place. A wall of raw brickwork is covered with 'modern' artwork from the likes of Tom Hammick, and there's interest in every corner, from the shelves of home made cakes, to the hanging wicker chair suspended from the ceiling, to the bowls of salad, olives, tortillas and quesadillas. the home made feel extends to the hand written labels, and to the pricing - pick 2 of anything for £6, and finish with a wodge of cake for £3. The food is excellent and the portions are generous. Because of the small size its always busy around lunch times, and there's no space for standing room, so expect a fight for the comfy sofas!

Ember - review by designertom

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 13:06:12 +0000

Ember - review by designertom

Rating: 3.5

Location: 99-100 Turnmill Street, EC1M 5QP, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7490 3985

Website: http://www.faucetinn.com

Tags: cool, comfy sofas, trendy, friendly, bar, cozy, relaxed

Met a date at Farringdon tube station, and discovered this great bar. Being so close to the tube its always busy with young professionals, and having been a couple of times now, the atmosphere is always great. As you walk in, the bar is dotted with couches and leather stools, giving it an informal, friendly feeling. Down the stairs leads to SubEmber, which has even more couches in corners, which can be reserved on request. Has a club night on saturday with DJs till 2am. Thoroughly recommend.