Latest reviews by Browners's friends http://trustedplaces.com/user/Browners Reviews by friends of Browners en Lantana - review by bellaphon http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1p86p7d/lantana
Lantana - review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.5

Location: 13 Charlotte Place, W1T 1SN, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7637 3347

Website: http://www.scramblingeggs.blogspot.com/

Tags: cultured, aussie, flat white, top food, proper food, amazing brew, crowded, quick bite, lively

This year alone weâ¬"ve witnessed an unprecedented record of London restaurant openings and its inclusion of the diversity of cuisines has never been so prolific. This gregarious variety of choices includes London offshoots of 3 star chefs from the Continent, Spanish tapas, Mainland Chinese, Mexican and cafés of an Antipodean persuasion. However as expected most of these new openings may end up in tears, as there couldnâ¬"t be a worse time than trying to maintain the books during this challenging period.

Lantana, to save you the trouble is a flowering shrub thatâ¬"s pretty much prevalent Down Under and itâ¬"s also conveniently the name of this wonderful new café in Fitzrovia thatâ¬"s run by Aussies. Some places establish their reputation through word of mouth and consequently spread like wild fire, Lantana is deservedly one of them. Although a café, but itâ¬"s no ordinary one and itâ¬"s all too special to boot. Lantana ticks all the following right boxes for any new cafés to exist and survive successfully in London-

1. Itâ¬"s devoid of any false pretensions.
2. No shortcuts undertaken.
3. Its ingredients are sensibly researched and sourced.
4. Its dishes are alternatively refreshing and delicious.
5. The prices donâ¬"t break the bank.
6. The knowledgeable staff is genuinely helpful and friendly.
7. And last but not least a mean cup of Flat White can be sought here.

I first came here for breakfast and was instantly convinced that Lantana was onto something good. A second visit was necessary to placate any doubts. Now who wouldâ¬"ve thought to declare lunch at a mere café was a resounding success. My Lamb kebab was beautifully seasoned and gorgeously tender. The accompanying â¬Üchoose your own saladâ¬" of coleslaw (inventive and thankfully not swamped with mayonnaise) and roasted veg (to include purple tatties was a nice twist) were good enough to sway most diehard carnivores. The companion enjoyed her Prosciutto, beetroot and veg tart; which she thought was all too much (begged to differ, but then again Iâ¬"ve been known to gorge like a pig) but delicious nonetheless. We finished off the meal with a tiny but perfectly formed Australian fave of blueberry friand and a delectably moreish carrot cup cake from the Hummingbird Bakery. Lest I forget Lantana coin themselves as â¬Ücoffee obsessivesâ¬", I think you owe yourself to try the superb coffee thatâ¬"s been supplied by Monmouth Coffee Company. Lantana deserves success and praise, this place has that cheery soul effect about it and I donâ¬"t think itâ¬"s entirely difficult to be besotted by it. Repeat visits are most definitely on the cards.

No complains to report, except perhaps a minor one, Iâ¬"m not prepared to believe that Vegemite (on near prominent display near the cash register) can out taste my beloved Marmite, methinks humbug to the former.
]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:13:58 +0000 /review/uk/london/cafe/1p86p7d/lantana231552240 cultured aussie flat white top food proper food amazing brew crowded quick bite lively 51.5190688 -0.1362214 Lantana - review by bellaphon http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1p86p7d/lantana
Lantana - review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.5

Location: 13 Charlotte Place, W1T 1SN, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7637 3347

Website: http://www.scramblingeggs.blogspot.com/

Tags: cultured, aussie, flat white, top food, proper food, amazing brew, crowded, quick bite, lively

This year alone weâ¬"ve witnessed an unprecedented record of London restaurant openings and its inclusion of the diversity of cuisines has never been so prolific. This gregarious variety of choices includes London offshoots of 3 star chefs from the Continent, Spanish tapas, Mainland Chinese, Mexican and cafés of an Antipodean persuasion. However as expected most of these new openings may end up in tears, as there couldnâ¬"t be a worse time than trying to maintain the books during this challenging period.

Lantana, to save you the trouble is a flowering shrub thatâ¬"s pretty much prevalent Down Under and itâ¬"s also conveniently the name of this wonderful new café in Fitzrovia thatâ¬"s run by Aussies. Some places establish their reputation through word of mouth and consequently spread like wild fire, Lantana is deservedly one of them. Although a café, but itâ¬"s no ordinary one and itâ¬"s all too special to boot. Lantana ticks all the following right boxes for any new cafés to exist and survive successfully in London-

1. Itâ¬"s devoid of any false pretensions.
2. No shortcuts undertaken.
3. Its ingredients are sensibly researched and sourced.
4. Its dishes are alternatively refreshing and delicious.
5. The prices donâ¬"t break the bank.
6. The knowledgeable staff is genuinely helpful and friendly.
7. And last but not least a mean cup of Flat White can be sought here.

I first came here for breakfast and was instantly convinced that Lantana was onto something good. A second visit was necessary to placate any doubts. Now who wouldâ¬"ve thought to declare lunch at a mere café was a resounding success. My Lamb kebab was beautifully seasoned and gorgeously tender. The accompanying â¬Üchoose your own saladâ¬" of coleslaw (inventive and thankfully not swamped with mayonnaise) and roasted veg (to include purple tatties was a nice twist) were good enough to sway most diehard carnivores. The companion enjoyed her Prosciutto, beetroot and veg tart; which she thought was all too much (begged to differ, but then again Iâ¬"ve been known to gorge like a pig) but delicious nonetheless. We finished off the meal with a tiny but perfectly formed Australian fave of blueberry friand and a delectably moreish carrot cup cake from the Hummingbird Bakery. Lest I forget Lantana coin themselves as â¬Ücoffee obsessivesâ¬", I think you owe yourself to try the superb coffee thatâ¬"s been supplied by Monmouth Coffee Company. Lantana deserves success and praise, this place has that cheery soul effect about it and I donâ¬"t think itâ¬"s entirely difficult to be besotted by it. Repeat visits are most definitely on the cards.

No complains to report, except perhaps a minor one, Iâ¬"m not prepared to believe that Vegemite (on near prominent display near the cash register) can out taste my beloved Marmite, methinks humbug to the former.
]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:13:58 +0000 /review/uk/london/cafe/1p86p7d/lantana726413638 cultured aussie flat white top food proper food amazing brew crowded quick bite lively 51.5190688 -0.1362214 Lantana - review by bellaphon http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1p86p7d/lantana
Lantana - review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.5

Location: 13 Charlotte Place, W1T 1SN, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7637 3347

Website: http://www.scramblingeggs.blogspot.com/

Tags: cultured, aussie, flat white, top food, proper food, amazing brew, crowded, quick bite, lively

This year alone weâ¬"ve witnessed an unprecedented record of London restaurant openings and its inclusion of the diversity of cuisines has never been so prolific. This gregarious variety of choices includes London offshoots of 3 star chefs from the Continent, Spanish tapas, Mainland Chinese, Mexican and cafés of an Antipodean persuasion. However as expected most of these new openings may end up in tears, as there couldnâ¬"t be a worse time than trying to maintain the books during this challenging period.

Lantana, to save you the trouble is a flowering shrub thatâ¬"s pretty much prevalent Down Under and itâ¬"s also conveniently the name of this wonderful new café in Fitzrovia thatâ¬"s run by Aussies. Some places establish their reputation through word of mouth and consequently spread like wild fire, Lantana is deservedly one of them. Although a café, but itâ¬"s no ordinary one and itâ¬"s all too special to boot. Lantana ticks all the following right boxes for any new cafés to exist and survive successfully in London-

1. Itâ¬"s devoid of any false pretensions.
2. No shortcuts undertaken.
3. Its ingredients are sensibly researched and sourced.
4. Its dishes are alternatively refreshing and delicious.
5. The prices donâ¬"t break the bank.
6. The knowledgeable staff is genuinely helpful and friendly.
7. And last but not least a mean cup of Flat White can be sought here.

I first came here for breakfast and was instantly convinced that Lantana was onto something good. A second visit was necessary to placate any doubts. Now who wouldâ¬"ve thought to declare lunch at a mere café was a resounding success. My Lamb kebab was beautifully seasoned and gorgeously tender. The accompanying â¬Üchoose your own saladâ¬" of coleslaw (inventive and thankfully not swamped with mayonnaise) and roasted veg (to include purple tatties was a nice twist) were good enough to sway most diehard carnivores. The companion enjoyed her Prosciutto, beetroot and veg tart; which she thought was all too much (begged to differ, but then again Iâ¬"ve been known to gorge like a pig) but delicious nonetheless. We finished off the meal with a tiny but perfectly formed Australian fave of blueberry friand and a delectably moreish carrot cup cake from the Hummingbird Bakery. Lest I forget Lantana coin themselves as â¬Ücoffee obsessivesâ¬", I think you owe yourself to try the superb coffee thatâ¬"s been supplied by Monmouth Coffee Company. Lantana deserves success and praise, this place has that cheery soul effect about it and I donâ¬"t think itâ¬"s entirely difficult to be besotted by it. Repeat visits are most definitely on the cards.

No complains to report, except perhaps a minor one, Iâ¬"m not prepared to believe that Vegemite (on near prominent display near the cash register) can out taste my beloved Marmite, methinks humbug to the former.
]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:13:58 +0000 /review/uk/london/cafe/1p86p7d/lantana2141529260 cultured aussie flat white top food proper food amazing brew crowded quick bite lively 51.5190688 -0.1362214 Lantana - review by bellaphon http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1p86p7d/lantana
Lantana - review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.5

Location: 13 Charlotte Place, W1T 1SN, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7637 3347

Website: http://www.scramblingeggs.blogspot.com/

Tags: cultured, aussie, flat white, top food, proper food, amazing brew, crowded, quick bite, lively

This year alone weâ¬"ve witnessed an unprecedented record of London restaurant openings and its inclusion of the diversity of cuisines has never been so prolific. This gregarious variety of choices includes London offshoots of 3 star chefs from the Continent, Spanish tapas, Mainland Chinese, Mexican and cafés of an Antipodean persuasion. However as expected most of these new openings may end up in tears, as there couldnâ¬"t be a worse time than trying to maintain the books during this challenging period.

Lantana, to save you the trouble is a flowering shrub thatâ¬"s pretty much prevalent Down Under and itâ¬"s also conveniently the name of this wonderful new café in Fitzrovia thatâ¬"s run by Aussies. Some places establish their reputation through word of mouth and consequently spread like wild fire, Lantana is deservedly one of them. Although a café, but itâ¬"s no ordinary one and itâ¬"s all too special to boot. Lantana ticks all the following right boxes for any new cafés to exist and survive successfully in London-

1. Itâ¬"s devoid of any false pretensions.
2. No shortcuts undertaken.
3. Its ingredients are sensibly researched and sourced.
4. Its dishes are alternatively refreshing and delicious.
5. The prices donâ¬"t break the bank.
6. The knowledgeable staff is genuinely helpful and friendly.
7. And last but not least a mean cup of Flat White can be sought here.

I first came here for breakfast and was instantly convinced that Lantana was onto something good. A second visit was necessary to placate any doubts. Now who wouldâ¬"ve thought to declare lunch at a mere café was a resounding success. My Lamb kebab was beautifully seasoned and gorgeously tender. The accompanying â¬Üchoose your own saladâ¬" of coleslaw (inventive and thankfully not swamped with mayonnaise) and roasted veg (to include purple tatties was a nice twist) were good enough to sway most diehard carnivores. The companion enjoyed her Prosciutto, beetroot and veg tart; which she thought was all too much (begged to differ, but then again Iâ¬"ve been known to gorge like a pig) but delicious nonetheless. We finished off the meal with a tiny but perfectly formed Australian fave of blueberry friand and a delectably moreish carrot cup cake from the Hummingbird Bakery. Lest I forget Lantana coin themselves as â¬Ücoffee obsessivesâ¬", I think you owe yourself to try the superb coffee thatâ¬"s been supplied by Monmouth Coffee Company. Lantana deserves success and praise, this place has that cheery soul effect about it and I donâ¬"t think itâ¬"s entirely difficult to be besotted by it. Repeat visits are most definitely on the cards.

No complains to report, except perhaps a minor one, Iâ¬"m not prepared to believe that Vegemite (on near prominent display near the cash register) can out taste my beloved Marmite, methinks humbug to the former.
]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:13:58 +0000 /review/uk/london/cafe/1p86p7d/lantana1210333049 cultured aussie flat white top food proper food amazing brew crowded quick bite lively 51.5190688 -0.1362214 Kennedy's - review by ONscotland http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/takeaway/138at7d/kennedy-s
Kennedy's - review by ONscotland

Rating: 5.0

Location: 5, Leigham Court Road, , London, United Kingdom

Tags: bargain

Fish & Chips. The great British meal.

Just think about that sizzling batter... golden and crispy, with the slightest hint of salt and the tangy hit of vinegar. White fleshy fish that just falls off the bone...

...fish and chips are so easy to get wrong. Too soggy, and it makes for a miserable meal. There are a lot of fish and chip shops in London, and there's lots that goes wrong.

Kennedy's has been open in Streatham Hill for about a fortnight.

I must not go in.
I must not go in.
I must not go in.

I repeated 'I must not go in' to myself over and over again. I was doing so well. I wasn't on a diet, but just look at me not going to the chip shop. I felt good.

But...
Why did they have to open up opposite the railway station?
Why did my tummy give me pangs of hunger just as I reached the top of the second flight of stairs at Streatham Hill station?
Why does the smell of chips waft so far? It doesn't matter now, because I did go in.
Who can genuinely resist the urge of a good fish and chip shop?

And Kennedy's is good. It's very good. They took what was a really bad chip shop, gutted it and reopened all shiney and new and lovely. The staff are busy, but they smile. And those chips. Perfect. Golden. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. I would go on but then I'll just sound that *that* advert for chips... and then there's the fish. Fresh. And coated in the lovliest, crispiest batter. The mushy peas complete the meal. And if you don't like fish, there are battered sausages, Lincolnshire sausages, Cumberland sausages, and pies, and pasties and... you get the idea. The battered sausages are just a little too herby perhaps)... but Kennedy's is a welcome addition to Streatham Hill. It's a celebration of a classic British dish. And they do it well.]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:04:14 +0000 /review/uk/london/takeaway/138at7d/kennedy-s1044642262 bargain 51.4375306305 -0.12599945068359 Kennedy's - review by ONscotland http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/takeaway/138at7d/kennedy-s
Kennedy's - review by ONscotland

Rating: 5.0

Location: 5, Leigham Court Road, , London, United Kingdom

Tags: bargain

Fish & Chips. The great British meal.

Just think about that sizzling batter... golden and crispy, with the slightest hint of salt and the tangy hit of vinegar. White fleshy fish that just falls off the bone...

...fish and chips are so easy to get wrong. Too soggy, and it makes for a miserable meal. There are a lot of fish and chip shops in London, and there's lots that goes wrong.

Kennedy's has been open in Streatham Hill for about a fortnight.

I must not go in.
I must not go in.
I must not go in.

I repeated 'I must not go in' to myself over and over again. I was doing so well. I wasn't on a diet, but just look at me not going to the chip shop. I felt good.

But...
Why did they have to open up opposite the railway station?
Why did my tummy give me pangs of hunger just as I reached the top of the second flight of stairs at Streatham Hill station?
Why does the smell of chips waft so far? It doesn't matter now, because I did go in.
Who can genuinely resist the urge of a good fish and chip shop?

And Kennedy's is good. It's very good. They took what was a really bad chip shop, gutted it and reopened all shiney and new and lovely. The staff are busy, but they smile. And those chips. Perfect. Golden. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. I would go on but then I'll just sound that *that* advert for chips... and then there's the fish. Fresh. And coated in the lovliest, crispiest batter. The mushy peas complete the meal. And if you don't like fish, there are battered sausages, Lincolnshire sausages, Cumberland sausages, and pies, and pasties and... you get the idea. The battered sausages are just a little too herby perhaps)... but Kennedy's is a welcome addition to Streatham Hill. It's a celebration of a classic British dish. And they do it well.]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:04:14 +0000 /review/uk/london/takeaway/138at7d/kennedy-s901658538 bargain 51.4375306305 -0.12599945068359 Kennedy's - review by ONscotland http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/takeaway/138at7d/kennedy-s
Kennedy's - review by ONscotland

Rating: 5.0

Location: 5, Leigham Court Road, , London, United Kingdom

Tags: bargain

Fish & Chips. The great British meal.

Just think about that sizzling batter... golden and crispy, with the slightest hint of salt and the tangy hit of vinegar. White fleshy fish that just falls off the bone...

...fish and chips are so easy to get wrong. Too soggy, and it makes for a miserable meal. There are a lot of fish and chip shops in London, and there's lots that goes wrong.

Kennedy's has been open in Streatham Hill for about a fortnight.

I must not go in.
I must not go in.
I must not go in.

I repeated 'I must not go in' to myself over and over again. I was doing so well. I wasn't on a diet, but just look at me not going to the chip shop. I felt good.

But...
Why did they have to open up opposite the railway station?
Why did my tummy give me pangs of hunger just as I reached the top of the second flight of stairs at Streatham Hill station?
Why does the smell of chips waft so far? It doesn't matter now, because I did go in.
Who can genuinely resist the urge of a good fish and chip shop?

And Kennedy's is good. It's very good. They took what was a really bad chip shop, gutted it and reopened all shiney and new and lovely. The staff are busy, but they smile. And those chips. Perfect. Golden. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. I would go on but then I'll just sound that *that* advert for chips... and then there's the fish. Fresh. And coated in the lovliest, crispiest batter. The mushy peas complete the meal. And if you don't like fish, there are battered sausages, Lincolnshire sausages, Cumberland sausages, and pies, and pasties and... you get the idea. The battered sausages are just a little too herby perhaps)... but Kennedy's is a welcome addition to Streatham Hill. It's a celebration of a classic British dish. And they do it well.]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:04:14 +0000 /review/uk/london/takeaway/138at7d/kennedy-s1926139533 bargain 51.4375306305 -0.12599945068359 Kennedy's - review by ONscotland http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/takeaway/138at7d/kennedy-s
Kennedy's - review by ONscotland

Rating: 5.0

Location: 5, Leigham Court Road, , London, United Kingdom

Tags: bargain

Fish & Chips. The great British meal.

Just think about that sizzling batter... golden and crispy, with the slightest hint of salt and the tangy hit of vinegar. White fleshy fish that just falls off the bone...

...fish and chips are so easy to get wrong. Too soggy, and it makes for a miserable meal. There are a lot of fish and chip shops in London, and there's lots that goes wrong.

Kennedy's has been open in Streatham Hill for about a fortnight.

I must not go in.
I must not go in.
I must not go in.

I repeated 'I must not go in' to myself over and over again. I was doing so well. I wasn't on a diet, but just look at me not going to the chip shop. I felt good.

But...
Why did they have to open up opposite the railway station?
Why did my tummy give me pangs of hunger just as I reached the top of the second flight of stairs at Streatham Hill station?
Why does the smell of chips waft so far? It doesn't matter now, because I did go in.
Who can genuinely resist the urge of a good fish and chip shop?

And Kennedy's is good. It's very good. They took what was a really bad chip shop, gutted it and reopened all shiney and new and lovely. The staff are busy, but they smile. And those chips. Perfect. Golden. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. I would go on but then I'll just sound that *that* advert for chips... and then there's the fish. Fresh. And coated in the lovliest, crispiest batter. The mushy peas complete the meal. And if you don't like fish, there are battered sausages, Lincolnshire sausages, Cumberland sausages, and pies, and pasties and... you get the idea. The battered sausages are just a little too herby perhaps)... but Kennedy's is a welcome addition to Streatham Hill. It's a celebration of a classic British dish. And they do it well.]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:04:14 +0000 /review/uk/london/takeaway/138at7d/kennedy-s1122379644 bargain 51.4375306305 -0.12599945068359 Oriental Tea House - review by mazphd http://trustedplaces.com/review/australia/vic/melbourne/cafe/139at7c/oriental-tea-house
Oriental Tea House - review by mazphd

Rating: 5.0

Location: 455 Chapel Street,, , Melbourne, Australia

Phone: 9824 0128

Website: http://www.orientalteahouse.com.au/www/311/1001127

Tags: cosy, top food, amazing brew, quiet & relaxed, crowded, lively, cultured

I have found memories when I was a child of reading a charming story of The Tiger Who Came to Tea. What stands out most in my mind is the image on the front cover - the illustration of a Tiger sharing tea with a tiny girl standing on tiptoe to pour a long stream of what I learned was piping hot tea. This image has stayed with me an emblamtic of the etiquette and culture surrounding a tea party, communal togetherness and closeness that a nice, nay good, 'cup o tea' can bring.

when I was last in Melbourne, Australia it was with delight that a friend of mine took to the Oriental Tea House in Chapel Street - or the 'trendy' side of the city set amonst vintage shops with passer-by's more model-esque and disquietenly stylish in that uber-moder, but i'm-not-trying-to hard way. There are no wags here.

The Oriental Tea House is one of three in the state of Vicotoria - although once I visited Sydney I was dismayed to find that they had failed to infiltrate to this part of the northern territories - yet...

With the proximity to Asia there is, as you would expect, not only very high quality and genuiene Chinese tea availble, but a splendid dim sum menu and accompanying main Asian dishes and soups. You can also, as I discovered - and if there is room, take advatage of a super retail section to the Tea Rooms where they not only sell the tea to take home (light and compact, so I bought lots!) but also the tea sets that they serve their brews in. And it is well worth the investment, if you can find a way to either sit these glasswares in your handlugguage as I did, or wrap securely in bubble/newspaper etc. to secure their safe journey home. There's nothing worse than a spilt tea set. Worse than spilt milk.

There is an element of 'health' and bohemia to 'buy into' too. The Tea House is based on a way of life that is more than just enjoying a cuppa, but a real philosophy based on the tea's they use and food you should marry together. This for 'perfect' harmony and tranquility. And believe me it works.

So for traditional Chinese concepts, a range of amazing flavours and sights that best befits something out of Roald Dahl in terms of feasts and fancies for the eyes, nose, ears, fingers and tongue there rests a very happy and chilled atmosphere - perfect for afternoon shop stop, dining out, even a date. Nothing beats the quirkiness or quaint indulgence of the Oriental Tea House. Next time i'm passing by i'm stocking up and bringing the taste of tea and refinement of bodily health and peaceful mind home with me. An experience that's utterly pleasureable - and good for you too!

I might even bring the tiger with me next time, i'm sure he would appove.

]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:24:37 +0000 /review/australia/vic/melbourne/cafe/139at7c/oriental-tea-house1871905768 cosy top food amazing brew quiet & relaxed crowded lively cultured -37.843855 144.994512 La Tasca - review by Cedric http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o92773/la-tasca
La Tasca - review by Cedric

Rating: 2.0

Location: 6 Cathedral Walk, SW1E 5JE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7828 5515

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

Tags: expensive, business, spanish

A tapas restaurant in the middle of the Victoria Business buildings. Although most staff is Spanish speaking, and significant efforts have been put in the decorations, it sounds and looks fake. It is a good tapas restaurant, but no authenticity. So if you are after a real genuine Spanish restaurant pass your way. If you are simply after good, Spanish tapas for a quick business lunch, then this is your destination. Overall a bit pricey but worth the try.]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:04:24 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o92773/la-tasca1106695622 expensive business spanish 51.496953670656 -0.14158695563817 La Tasca - review by Cedric http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o92773/la-tasca
La Tasca - review by Cedric

Rating: 2.0

Location: 6 Cathedral Walk, SW1E 5JE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7828 5515

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

Tags: expensive, business, spanish

A tapas restaurant in the middle of the Victoria Business buildings. Although most staff is Spanish speaking, and significant efforts have been put in the decorations, it sounds and looks fake. It is a good tapas restaurant, but no authenticity. So if you are after a real genuine Spanish restaurant pass your way. If you are simply after good, Spanish tapas for a quick business lunch, then this is your destination. Overall a bit pricey but worth the try.]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:04:24 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o92773/la-tasca1378543105 expensive business spanish 51.496953670656 -0.14158695563817 La Tasca - review by Cedric http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o92773/la-tasca
La Tasca - review by Cedric

Rating: 2.0

Location: 6 Cathedral Walk, SW1E 5JE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7828 5515

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

Tags: expensive, business, spanish

A tapas restaurant in the middle of the Victoria Business buildings. Although most staff is Spanish speaking, and significant efforts have been put in the decorations, it sounds and looks fake. It is a good tapas restaurant, but no authenticity. So if you are after a real genuine Spanish restaurant pass your way. If you are simply after good, Spanish tapas for a quick business lunch, then this is your destination. Overall a bit pricey but worth the try.]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:04:24 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o92773/la-tasca1468643320 expensive business spanish 51.496953670656 -0.14158695563817 La Tasca - review by Cedric http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o92773/la-tasca
La Tasca - review by Cedric

Rating: 2.0

Location: 6 Cathedral Walk, SW1E 5JE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7828 5515

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

Tags: expensive, business, spanish

A tapas restaurant in the middle of the Victoria Business buildings. Although most staff is Spanish speaking, and significant efforts have been put in the decorations, it sounds and looks fake. It is a good tapas restaurant, but no authenticity. So if you are after a real genuine Spanish restaurant pass your way. If you are simply after good, Spanish tapas for a quick business lunch, then this is your destination. Overall a bit pricey but worth the try.]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:04:24 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o92773/la-tasca620404224 expensive business spanish 51.496953670656 -0.14158695563817 The Selkirk - review by AlexWoods http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1i5968/the-selkirk
The Selkirk - review by AlexWoods

Rating: 2.0

Location: 60 Selkirk Road, SW17 0ES, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 8672 6235

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

Tags: friendly, young professionals, beer garden, different pub food, independent pub, young and fun, students, pretentious

I have to say the chief merit of The Selkirk is that it is the only half decent pub in Tooting. And I won't hear otherwise.

It is a bit trendy, a bit "cool", a bit "hip", but it's comfy, it's clean, it's a pub rather than a trendy wine bar, it's the only pub in London I know to have bar billiards table (all be it, a slightly knackered one).

The staff are very friendly (though I'm not sure that everyone was satisfied with the recent change in management, I find the new gaffer affable, polite and he appears to have a good memory for his punters), the clientele are on the whole pretty inoffensive.

The beer is good, though to be honest I am getting a bit bored with Tim Taylor's Landlord. Nice pint but it is just every where. And I think if you are going to have two beers on then better to have one "session" beer and one... with a bit more oomph. They also do a comprehensive range of lagers and ciders and the wine list really is very good. Very good indeed. And they have Hendricks gin! A most unusual gin.

The food is, I'm afraid, not satisfactory. A large, rather random, and very expensive selection far more suited to a bistro than a pub. But those of you who have read my reviews before will doubtless be tutting under your breath and praying that I shan't bang on about it any more. So I shan't.

Now then. On to the stuff you really want to know.

1: It's expensive. Too expensive.

2: You can book tables any time, any day. That is just not right. It's a bloody pub, not a restaurant. There is little point dropping in on a Sunday unless you have booked in advance. Last couple of occasions I've been in the only seats that weren't booked were the two bar stools. Wind your bloody neck in Selkirk.

3: I don't like children in pubs. I just don't. I'm sorry but I don't think it's an appropriate environment to take young children. Especially if they are left to run feral. One of the beautiful things about a proper pub (note, I am here excluding bars, Weatherspoons, The Hawley Arms) is that it is places to which I can retreat, away from children, pikies, misanthropes, cranks, et al. The brand of pub freak (which I know, you are all baying out to bring to my attention) is a unique and specific character.
There are too many children in the Selkirk. On Sundays it's like a bloody nursery.

However. It IS the only nice pub in Tooting Bec/ Broadway, it does have a nice atmosphere most of the time, there is a lot going on with comedy nights, pub quizzes, a music club which meets upstairs, all sorts. Well worth a visit if you're in that neck of the woods. After all, there isn't any where else to go.]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:10:46 +0000 /review/uk/london/bar-pub/1i5968/the-selkirk229991481 friendly young professionals beer garden different pub food independent pub young and fun students pretentious 51.429037067934 -0.16880022602779 The Selkirk - review by AlexWoods http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1i5968/the-selkirk
The Selkirk - review by AlexWoods

Rating: 2.0

Location: 60 Selkirk Road, SW17 0ES, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 8672 6235

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

Tags: friendly, young professionals, beer garden, different pub food, independent pub, young and fun, students, pretentious

I have to say the chief merit of The Selkirk is that it is the only half decent pub in Tooting. And I won't hear otherwise.

It is a bit trendy, a bit "cool", a bit "hip", but it's comfy, it's clean, it's a pub rather than a trendy wine bar, it's the only pub in London I know to have bar billiards table (all be it, a slightly knackered one).

The staff are very friendly (though I'm not sure that everyone was satisfied with the recent change in management, I find the new gaffer affable, polite and he appears to have a good memory for his punters), the clientele are on the whole pretty inoffensive.

The beer is good, though to be honest I am getting a bit bored with Tim Taylor's Landlord. Nice pint but it is just every where. And I think if you are going to have two beers on then better to have one "session" beer and one... with a bit more oomph. They also do a comprehensive range of lagers and ciders and the wine list really is very good. Very good indeed. And they have Hendricks gin! A most unusual gin.

The food is, I'm afraid, not satisfactory. A large, rather random, and very expensive selection far more suited to a bistro than a pub. But those of you who have read my reviews before will doubtless be tutting under your breath and praying that I shan't bang on about it any more. So I shan't.

Now then. On to the stuff you really want to know.

1: It's expensive. Too expensive.

2: You can book tables any time, any day. That is just not right. It's a bloody pub, not a restaurant. There is little point dropping in on a Sunday unless you have booked in advance. Last couple of occasions I've been in the only seats that weren't booked were the two bar stools. Wind your bloody neck in Selkirk.

3: I don't like children in pubs. I just don't. I'm sorry but I don't think it's an appropriate environment to take young children. Especially if they are left to run feral. One of the beautiful things about a proper pub (note, I am here excluding bars, Weatherspoons, The Hawley Arms) is that it is places to which I can retreat, away from children, pikies, misanthropes, cranks, et al. The brand of pub freak (which I know, you are all baying out to bring to my attention) is a unique and specific character.
There are too many children in the Selkirk. On Sundays it's like a bloody nursery.

However. It IS the only nice pub in Tooting Bec/ Broadway, it does have a nice atmosphere most of the time, there is a lot going on with comedy nights, pub quizzes, a music club which meets upstairs, all sorts. Well worth a visit if you're in that neck of the woods. After all, there isn't any where else to go.]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:10:46 +0000 /review/uk/london/bar-pub/1i5968/the-selkirk1704137879 friendly young professionals beer garden different pub food independent pub young and fun students pretentious 51.429037067934 -0.16880022602779