Latest favourites and wishlist by Browners http://trustedplaces.com en Zafferano - review by intoxicating http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e61y7f/zafferano
Zafferano - review by intoxicating

Rating: 4.6

Location: 15 Lowndes Street, SW1X 9EY, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7235 5800

Website: http://www.zafferanorestaurant.com/

I AM a fanatic of the leisurely lunch. Meals for me provide the most satisfying memories. My more decadently inclined have run for over ten hours. Whilst one particular meat marathon ended in blurred vision, and a lethargic shuffle home, the majority conclude gently - even elegantly. Plenty of H2O, a balanced, engaging menu and wine made by artisans rather than accountants generally prevent exhaustion and calamity!

Courtesy of â¬ÜAstoriaâ¬", a market conscious north Italian producer, I was recently invited to â¬ÜZafferanoâ¬" (meaning saffron) a fêted Italian in Knightsbridge. Also from the north of the peninsula, chef Giorgio Locatelli landed his first Michelin star here in the mid 90â¬"s, before moving to pastures new with the world renowned â¬ÜLocanda Locatelliâ¬".

About 20 wine and food writers and celebrated culinary professionals, including Alberico Penati (formerly of â¬ÜHarryâ¬"s Barâ¬" and now at the helm of â¬ÜAspinalsâ¬") gathered around a sturdy table within the restaurantâ¬"s bottle lined, brick vaults. Our aim: to discover more about the liquid behind the sexily packaged bottles.

With bresaola, a ruddy, air-dried beef, sliced thinly with a piped fringe of goatâ¬"s cheese mousse and raucously peppery rocket, we drunk the â¬ÜLounge Cuvéeâ¬". Believe it or not, this surprisingly rich, but mineral tingled, green hued Prosecco intended to lure the younger generation away from big brand beer and sugary alcops, even has its own soundtrack. A tailored composition of acid jazz was put in our goodie bags for later evaluation⬦

With radicchio risotto from Treviso, we tasted â¬ÜMinaâ¬", a simple, but strident, densely aromatic blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and the local speciality, â¬ÜIncrocio Manzoniâ¬". The rice was ⬠in a good way - the texture of mouse droppings and the purple chicory crisp and refreshingly bitter. The wine added supple, pineapple moisture.

The highlight however was the roast rack of veal, supplied by â¬ÜAllenâ¬"sâ¬", Mayfairâ¬"s oldest and most revered butcher. Expertly carved at table and pink centred, it was classily complemented by the sleek, caramel, spice and cassis scented â¬ÜCroderâ¬", which was almost opaque. A blend of Bordeaux grapes alongside a little local, the gentle texture of the tannins melted alongside the veritable baby calf. The wine was almost sobering proof that the Prosecco region, from where all the bottles were produced, offers much more than bubbles.

After a lush mandarin sorbet with frozen mint, we sampled the houseâ¬"s dark crimson coloured sweetie, made from raisened grapes. â¬ÜFervoâ¬" was wholesomely rustic: grapey with notes of sweet chestnuts, walnut husks and a trace of tartness. Finally tea coloured, oak aged grappa bevelled another long lunch.

To find your local stockist of Astoria wines, please contact â¬ÜAliviniâ¬": 020 8220 2526.]]> Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:46:01 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e61y7f/zafferano224381287 51.499023634184 -0.1587921369218 Zafferano - review by intoxicating http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e61y7f/zafferano
Zafferano - review by intoxicating

Rating: 4.6

Location: 15 Lowndes Street, SW1X 9EY, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7235 5800

Website: http://www.zafferanorestaurant.com/

I AM a fanatic of the leisurely lunch. Meals for me provide the most satisfying memories. My more decadently inclined have run for over ten hours. Whilst one particular meat marathon ended in blurred vision, and a lethargic shuffle home, the majority conclude gently - even elegantly. Plenty of H2O, a balanced, engaging menu and wine made by artisans rather than accountants generally prevent exhaustion and calamity!

Courtesy of â¬ÜAstoriaâ¬", a market conscious north Italian producer, I was recently invited to â¬ÜZafferanoâ¬" (meaning saffron) a fêted Italian in Knightsbridge. Also from the north of the peninsula, chef Giorgio Locatelli landed his first Michelin star here in the mid 90â¬"s, before moving to pastures new with the world renowned â¬ÜLocanda Locatelliâ¬".

About 20 wine and food writers and celebrated culinary professionals, including Alberico Penati (formerly of â¬ÜHarryâ¬"s Barâ¬" and now at the helm of â¬ÜAspinalsâ¬") gathered around a sturdy table within the restaurantâ¬"s bottle lined, brick vaults. Our aim: to discover more about the liquid behind the sexily packaged bottles.

With bresaola, a ruddy, air-dried beef, sliced thinly with a piped fringe of goatâ¬"s cheese mousse and raucously peppery rocket, we drunk the â¬ÜLounge Cuvéeâ¬". Believe it or not, this surprisingly rich, but mineral tingled, green hued Prosecco intended to lure the younger generation away from big brand beer and sugary alcops, even has its own soundtrack. A tailored composition of acid jazz was put in our goodie bags for later evaluation⬦

With radicchio risotto from Treviso, we tasted â¬ÜMinaâ¬", a simple, but strident, densely aromatic blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and the local speciality, â¬ÜIncrocio Manzoniâ¬". The rice was ⬠in a good way - the texture of mouse droppings and the purple chicory crisp and refreshingly bitter. The wine added supple, pineapple moisture.

The highlight however was the roast rack of veal, supplied by â¬ÜAllenâ¬"sâ¬", Mayfairâ¬"s oldest and most revered butcher. Expertly carved at table and pink centred, it was classily complemented by the sleek, caramel, spice and cassis scented â¬ÜCroderâ¬", which was almost opaque. A blend of Bordeaux grapes alongside a little local, the gentle texture of the tannins melted alongside the veritable baby calf. The wine was almost sobering proof that the Prosecco region, from where all the bottles were produced, offers much more than bubbles.

After a lush mandarin sorbet with frozen mint, we sampled the houseâ¬"s dark crimson coloured sweetie, made from raisened grapes. â¬ÜFervoâ¬" was wholesomely rustic: grapey with notes of sweet chestnuts, walnut husks and a trace of tartness. Finally tea coloured, oak aged grappa bevelled another long lunch.

To find your local stockist of Astoria wines, please contact â¬ÜAliviniâ¬": 020 8220 2526.]]> Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:46:01 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e61y7f/zafferano1207520805 51.499023634184 -0.1587921369218 Zafferano - review by intoxicating http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e61y7f/zafferano
Zafferano - review by intoxicating

Rating: 4.6

Location: 15 Lowndes Street, SW1X 9EY, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7235 5800

Website: http://www.zafferanorestaurant.com/

I AM a fanatic of the leisurely lunch. Meals for me provide the most satisfying memories. My more decadently inclined have run for over ten hours. Whilst one particular meat marathon ended in blurred vision, and a lethargic shuffle home, the majority conclude gently - even elegantly. Plenty of H2O, a balanced, engaging menu and wine made by artisans rather than accountants generally prevent exhaustion and calamity!

Courtesy of â¬ÜAstoriaâ¬", a market conscious north Italian producer, I was recently invited to â¬ÜZafferanoâ¬" (meaning saffron) a fêted Italian in Knightsbridge. Also from the north of the peninsula, chef Giorgio Locatelli landed his first Michelin star here in the mid 90â¬"s, before moving to pastures new with the world renowned â¬ÜLocanda Locatelliâ¬".

About 20 wine and food writers and celebrated culinary professionals, including Alberico Penati (formerly of â¬ÜHarryâ¬"s Barâ¬" and now at the helm of â¬ÜAspinalsâ¬") gathered around a sturdy table within the restaurantâ¬"s bottle lined, brick vaults. Our aim: to discover more about the liquid behind the sexily packaged bottles.

With bresaola, a ruddy, air-dried beef, sliced thinly with a piped fringe of goatâ¬"s cheese mousse and raucously peppery rocket, we drunk the â¬ÜLounge Cuvéeâ¬". Believe it or not, this surprisingly rich, but mineral tingled, green hued Prosecco intended to lure the younger generation away from big brand beer and sugary alcops, even has its own soundtrack. A tailored composition of acid jazz was put in our goodie bags for later evaluation⬦

With radicchio risotto from Treviso, we tasted â¬ÜMinaâ¬", a simple, but strident, densely aromatic blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and the local speciality, â¬ÜIncrocio Manzoniâ¬". The rice was ⬠in a good way - the texture of mouse droppings and the purple chicory crisp and refreshingly bitter. The wine added supple, pineapple moisture.

The highlight however was the roast rack of veal, supplied by â¬ÜAllenâ¬"sâ¬", Mayfairâ¬"s oldest and most revered butcher. Expertly carved at table and pink centred, it was classily complemented by the sleek, caramel, spice and cassis scented â¬ÜCroderâ¬", which was almost opaque. A blend of Bordeaux grapes alongside a little local, the gentle texture of the tannins melted alongside the veritable baby calf. The wine was almost sobering proof that the Prosecco region, from where all the bottles were produced, offers much more than bubbles.

After a lush mandarin sorbet with frozen mint, we sampled the houseâ¬"s dark crimson coloured sweetie, made from raisened grapes. â¬ÜFervoâ¬" was wholesomely rustic: grapey with notes of sweet chestnuts, walnut husks and a trace of tartness. Finally tea coloured, oak aged grappa bevelled another long lunch.

To find your local stockist of Astoria wines, please contact â¬ÜAliviniâ¬": 020 8220 2526.]]> Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:46:01 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e61y7f/zafferano1226997705 51.499023634184 -0.1587921369218 Zafferano - review by intoxicating http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e61y7f/zafferano
Zafferano - review by intoxicating

Rating: 4.6

Location: 15 Lowndes Street, SW1X 9EY, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7235 5800

Website: http://www.zafferanorestaurant.com/

I AM a fanatic of the leisurely lunch. Meals for me provide the most satisfying memories. My more decadently inclined have run for over ten hours. Whilst one particular meat marathon ended in blurred vision, and a lethargic shuffle home, the majority conclude gently - even elegantly. Plenty of H2O, a balanced, engaging menu and wine made by artisans rather than accountants generally prevent exhaustion and calamity!

Courtesy of â¬ÜAstoriaâ¬", a market conscious north Italian producer, I was recently invited to â¬ÜZafferanoâ¬" (meaning saffron) a fêted Italian in Knightsbridge. Also from the north of the peninsula, chef Giorgio Locatelli landed his first Michelin star here in the mid 90â¬"s, before moving to pastures new with the world renowned â¬ÜLocanda Locatelliâ¬".

About 20 wine and food writers and celebrated culinary professionals, including Alberico Penati (formerly of â¬ÜHarryâ¬"s Barâ¬" and now at the helm of â¬ÜAspinalsâ¬") gathered around a sturdy table within the restaurantâ¬"s bottle lined, brick vaults. Our aim: to discover more about the liquid behind the sexily packaged bottles.

With bresaola, a ruddy, air-dried beef, sliced thinly with a piped fringe of goatâ¬"s cheese mousse and raucously peppery rocket, we drunk the â¬ÜLounge Cuvéeâ¬". Believe it or not, this surprisingly rich, but mineral tingled, green hued Prosecco intended to lure the younger generation away from big brand beer and sugary alcops, even has its own soundtrack. A tailored composition of acid jazz was put in our goodie bags for later evaluation⬦

With radicchio risotto from Treviso, we tasted â¬ÜMinaâ¬", a simple, but strident, densely aromatic blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and the local speciality, â¬ÜIncrocio Manzoniâ¬". The rice was ⬠in a good way - the texture of mouse droppings and the purple chicory crisp and refreshingly bitter. The wine added supple, pineapple moisture.

The highlight however was the roast rack of veal, supplied by â¬ÜAllenâ¬"sâ¬", Mayfairâ¬"s oldest and most revered butcher. Expertly carved at table and pink centred, it was classily complemented by the sleek, caramel, spice and cassis scented â¬ÜCroderâ¬", which was almost opaque. A blend of Bordeaux grapes alongside a little local, the gentle texture of the tannins melted alongside the veritable baby calf. The wine was almost sobering proof that the Prosecco region, from where all the bottles were produced, offers much more than bubbles.

After a lush mandarin sorbet with frozen mint, we sampled the houseâ¬"s dark crimson coloured sweetie, made from raisened grapes. â¬ÜFervoâ¬" was wholesomely rustic: grapey with notes of sweet chestnuts, walnut husks and a trace of tartness. Finally tea coloured, oak aged grappa bevelled another long lunch.

To find your local stockist of Astoria wines, please contact â¬ÜAliviniâ¬": 020 8220 2526.]]> Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:46:01 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e61y7f/zafferano1188985858 51.499023634184 -0.1587921369218 The Red Lion - review by mdsteel http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/northampton/bar-pub/1p2zs7/the-red-lion
The Red Lion - review by mdsteel

Rating: 3.5

Location: 36 Bridle Path, Brafield-on-the-Green, NN7 1BP, Northampton, United Kingdom

Phone: 01604 890707

Tags: friendly, gastro pub

Very nice little pub, great atmospher, really well decorated, food was v nice, good service.

I had the handmade burger with handmade chips, it was very well presented. My girlfriend chose the steak with chips, again, very well cooked and well presented. The staff were very friendly, and accomodated our every need.
]]> Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:56:54 +0000 /review/uk/northampton/bar-pub/1p2zs7/the-red-lion1124574107 friendly gastro pub 52.220363950553 -0.79959841301871 The Red Lion - review by mdsteel http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/northampton/bar-pub/1p2zs7/the-red-lion
The Red Lion - review by mdsteel

Rating: 3.5

Location: 36 Bridle Path, Brafield-on-the-Green, NN7 1BP, Northampton, United Kingdom

Phone: 01604 890707

Tags: friendly, gastro pub

Very nice little pub, great atmospher, really well decorated, food was v nice, good service.

I had the handmade burger with handmade chips, it was very well presented. My girlfriend chose the steak with chips, again, very well cooked and well presented. The staff were very friendly, and accomodated our every need.
]]> Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:56:54 +0000 /review/uk/northampton/bar-pub/1p2zs7/the-red-lion817948704 friendly gastro pub 52.220363950553 -0.79959841301871 The Red Lion - review by mdsteel http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/northampton/bar-pub/1p2zs7/the-red-lion
The Red Lion - review by mdsteel

Rating: 3.5

Location: 36 Bridle Path, Brafield-on-the-Green, NN7 1BP, Northampton, United Kingdom

Phone: 01604 890707

Tags: friendly, gastro pub

Very nice little pub, great atmospher, really well decorated, food was v nice, good service.

I had the handmade burger with handmade chips, it was very well presented. My girlfriend chose the steak with chips, again, very well cooked and well presented. The staff were very friendly, and accomodated our every need.
]]> Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:56:54 +0000 /review/uk/northampton/bar-pub/1p2zs7/the-red-lion1964663317 friendly gastro pub 52.220363950553 -0.79959841301871 The Red Lion - review by mdsteel http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/northampton/bar-pub/1p2zs7/the-red-lion
The Red Lion - review by mdsteel

Rating: 3.5

Location: 36 Bridle Path, Brafield-on-the-Green, NN7 1BP, Northampton, United Kingdom

Phone: 01604 890707

Tags: friendly, gastro pub

Very nice little pub, great atmospher, really well decorated, food was v nice, good service.

I had the handmade burger with handmade chips, it was very well presented. My girlfriend chose the steak with chips, again, very well cooked and well presented. The staff were very friendly, and accomodated our every need.
]]> Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:56:54 +0000 /review/uk/northampton/bar-pub/1p2zs7/the-red-lion1139754862 friendly gastro pub 52.220363950553 -0.79959841301871 Le Relais De Venise L'Entrecote - review by Niamheen http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1g52u8x/le-relais-de-venise-l-entrecote
Le Relais De Venise L'Entrecote - review by Niamheen

Rating: 3.6

Location: 120 Marylebone la, W1U 2QG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7486 0878

Website: http://www.relaisdevenise.com

Tags: lively, crowded, expensive, french

I really wanted to love Le Relais de Venise. It looks fantastic and I'd read some great reviews. It looks every inch an authentic Parisian brasserie. I love the quirky nature of it, there's just one menu choice, salad followed by steak with chips and green sauce all dished up by waitresses in old school uniforms.

I've passed it countless times but never went in. This particular time with a friend, we tried and failed to eat a Sunday lunch in The Providores, and subsequently La Fromagerie, so we thought, let's give Le Relais de Venise a go.

First impressions on a wet and dreary Sunday were that it was cosy and inviting. We were seated immediately, cosy being the right word, the tables are on top of each other. That didn't bother me too much but my dining partner was uncomfortable.

The waitress approached and brusquely asked if we were ok with the menu setup. Within minutes our starter salads arrived with some bread and a half bottle of house Bordeaux. The salad was delicious, nice leaves and vinaigrette with a small amount of walnuts. The wine was very pleasant. The service continued to be abrupt however, they cleared the table while I was still eating which I found a little off and uncomfortable.

Shortly after our steak arrived, 4 small slices covered in their trademark green sauce, thrown on to the plate with a mountain of frites. It was very messy, the plate was covered in smudges and sauce, it certainly didn't feel like it was £19 a head. The steak was good, and the frites ok, if a little overcooked. Sometime later they came around with an unexpected steak refill, which I indulged in, but my friend had filled up on frites, so with disappointment, declined.

There was no room for dessert, and we really felt like we were being rushed. We had had about 5 different waitresses at this point, all very keen to clear everything as soon as we appeared to be finished, whether we were or not. It definitely felt like a chain (which it is), the staff just didn't care, and we left feeling a little cheated.

It's a shame but I found it overpriced and unfriendly and would be reluctant to go back. It just wasn't that special or worth that much. 3* because the food was decent and that vinaigrette was really good, 1* for the service.
]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:18:28 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1g52u8x/le-relais-de-venise-l-entrecote1363005074 lively crowded expensive french 51.518173720587 -0.15112373837928 Le Relais De Venise L'Entrecote - review by Niamheen http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1g52u8x/le-relais-de-venise-l-entrecote
Le Relais De Venise L'Entrecote - review by Niamheen

Rating: 3.6

Location: 120 Marylebone la, W1U 2QG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7486 0878

Website: http://www.relaisdevenise.com

Tags: lively, crowded, expensive, french

I really wanted to love Le Relais de Venise. It looks fantastic and I'd read some great reviews. It looks every inch an authentic Parisian brasserie. I love the quirky nature of it, there's just one menu choice, salad followed by steak with chips and green sauce all dished up by waitresses in old school uniforms.

I've passed it countless times but never went in. This particular time with a friend, we tried and failed to eat a Sunday lunch in The Providores, and subsequently La Fromagerie, so we thought, let's give Le Relais de Venise a go.

First impressions on a wet and dreary Sunday were that it was cosy and inviting. We were seated immediately, cosy being the right word, the tables are on top of each other. That didn't bother me too much but my dining partner was uncomfortable.

The waitress approached and brusquely asked if we were ok with the menu setup. Within minutes our starter salads arrived with some bread and a half bottle of house Bordeaux. The salad was delicious, nice leaves and vinaigrette with a small amount of walnuts. The wine was very pleasant. The service continued to be abrupt however, they cleared the table while I was still eating which I found a little off and uncomfortable.

Shortly after our steak arrived, 4 small slices covered in their trademark green sauce, thrown on to the plate with a mountain of frites. It was very messy, the plate was covered in smudges and sauce, it certainly didn't feel like it was £19 a head. The steak was good, and the frites ok, if a little overcooked. Sometime later they came around with an unexpected steak refill, which I indulged in, but my friend had filled up on frites, so with disappointment, declined.

There was no room for dessert, and we really felt like we were being rushed. We had had about 5 different waitresses at this point, all very keen to clear everything as soon as we appeared to be finished, whether we were or not. It definitely felt like a chain (which it is), the staff just didn't care, and we left feeling a little cheated.

It's a shame but I found it overpriced and unfriendly and would be reluctant to go back. It just wasn't that special or worth that much. 3* because the food was decent and that vinaigrette was really good, 1* for the service.
]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:18:28 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1g52u8x/le-relais-de-venise-l-entrecote95036325 lively crowded expensive french 51.518173720587 -0.15112373837928 Le Relais De Venise L'Entrecote - review by Niamheen http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1g52u8x/le-relais-de-venise-l-entrecote
Le Relais De Venise L'Entrecote - review by Niamheen

Rating: 3.6

Location: 120 Marylebone la, W1U 2QG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7486 0878

Website: http://www.relaisdevenise.com

Tags: lively, crowded, expensive, french

I really wanted to love Le Relais de Venise. It looks fantastic and I'd read some great reviews. It looks every inch an authentic Parisian brasserie. I love the quirky nature of it, there's just one menu choice, salad followed by steak with chips and green sauce all dished up by waitresses in old school uniforms.

I've passed it countless times but never went in. This particular time with a friend, we tried and failed to eat a Sunday lunch in The Providores, and subsequently La Fromagerie, so we thought, let's give Le Relais de Venise a go.

First impressions on a wet and dreary Sunday were that it was cosy and inviting. We were seated immediately, cosy being the right word, the tables are on top of each other. That didn't bother me too much but my dining partner was uncomfortable.

The waitress approached and brusquely asked if we were ok with the menu setup. Within minutes our starter salads arrived with some bread and a half bottle of house Bordeaux. The salad was delicious, nice leaves and vinaigrette with a small amount of walnuts. The wine was very pleasant. The service continued to be abrupt however, they cleared the table while I was still eating which I found a little off and uncomfortable.

Shortly after our steak arrived, 4 small slices covered in their trademark green sauce, thrown on to the plate with a mountain of frites. It was very messy, the plate was covered in smudges and sauce, it certainly didn't feel like it was £19 a head. The steak was good, and the frites ok, if a little overcooked. Sometime later they came around with an unexpected steak refill, which I indulged in, but my friend had filled up on frites, so with disappointment, declined.

There was no room for dessert, and we really felt like we were being rushed. We had had about 5 different waitresses at this point, all very keen to clear everything as soon as we appeared to be finished, whether we were or not. It definitely felt like a chain (which it is), the staff just didn't care, and we left feeling a little cheated.

It's a shame but I found it overpriced and unfriendly and would be reluctant to go back. It just wasn't that special or worth that much. 3* because the food was decent and that vinaigrette was really good, 1* for the service.
]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:39:11 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1g52u8x/le-relais-de-venise-l-entrecote1142440646 lively crowded expensive french 51.518173720587 -0.15112373837928 Le Relais De Venise L'Entrecote - review by Niamheen http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1g52u8x/le-relais-de-venise-l-entrecote
Le Relais De Venise L'Entrecote - review by Niamheen

Rating: 3.6

Location: 120 Marylebone la, W1U 2QG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7486 0878

Website: http://www.relaisdevenise.com

Tags: lively, crowded, expensive, french

I really wanted to love Le Relais de Venise. It looks fantastic and I'd read some great reviews. It looks every inch an authentic Parisian brasserie. I love the quirky nature of it, there's just one menu choice, salad followed by steak with chips and green sauce all dished up by waitresses in old school uniforms.

I've passed it countless times but never went in. This particular time with a friend, we tried and failed to eat a Sunday lunch in The Providores, and subsequently La Fromagerie, so we thought, let's give Le Relais de Venise a go.

First impressions on a wet and dreary Sunday were that it was cosy and inviting. We were seated immediately, cosy being the right word, the tables are on top of each other. That didn't bother me too much but my dining partner was uncomfortable.

The waitress approached and brusquely asked if we were ok with the menu setup. Within minutes our starter salads arrived with some bread and a half bottle of house Bordeaux. The salad was delicious, nice leaves and vinaigrette with a small amount of walnuts. The wine was very pleasant. The service continued to be abrupt however, they cleared the table while I was still eating which I found a little off and uncomfortable.

Shortly after our steak arrived, 4 small slices covered in their trademark green sauce, thrown on to the plate with a mountain of frites. It was very messy, the plate was covered in smudges and sauce, it certainly didn't feel like it was £19 a head. The steak was good, and the frites ok, if a little overcooked. Sometime later they came around with an unexpected steak refill, which I indulged in, but my friend had filled up on frites, so with disappointment, declined.

There was no room for dessert, and we really felt like we were being rushed. We had had about 5 different waitresses at this point, all very keen to clear everything as soon as we appeared to be finished, whether we were or not. It definitely felt like a chain (which it is), the staff just didn't care, and we left feeling a little cheated.

It's a shame but I found it overpriced and unfriendly and would be reluctant to go back. It just wasn't that special or worth that much. 3* because the food was decent and that vinaigrette was really good, 1* for the service.
]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:39:16 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1g52u8x/le-relais-de-venise-l-entrecote1692333516 lively crowded expensive french 51.518173720587 -0.15112373837928 Yauatcha - review by mandylayton http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1852o7p/yauatcha
Yauatcha - review by mandylayton

Rating: 4.5

Location: 15 Broadwick Street, W1F 0DL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7494 8888

Went for afternoon tea with the family. The food is excellent and the quality and range of green tea's are superb. The service is not very good though. I kept asking for water and after asking for the forth time I went and got it myself from the bar. It is a mystery to me how varied the service can be when the food is so great and actually pretty reasonable priced.]]> Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:38:57 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1852o7p/yauatcha1146822512 51.513742 -0.135295 Yauatcha - review by mandylayton http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1852o7p/yauatcha
Yauatcha - review by mandylayton

Rating: 4.5

Location: 15 Broadwick Street, W1F 0DL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7494 8888

Went for afternoon tea with the family. The food is excellent and the quality and range of green tea's are superb. The service is not very good though. I kept asking for water and after asking for the forth time I went and got it myself from the bar. It is a mystery to me how varied the service can be when the food is so great and actually pretty reasonable priced.]]> Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:38:58 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1852o7p/yauatcha1539055711 51.513742 -0.135295 Yauatcha - review by mandylayton http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1852o7p/yauatcha
Yauatcha - review by mandylayton

Rating: 4.5

Location: 15 Broadwick Street, W1F 0DL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7494 8888

Went for afternoon tea with the family. The food is excellent and the quality and range of green tea's are superb. The service is not very good though. I kept asking for water and after asking for the forth time I went and got it myself from the bar. It is a mystery to me how varied the service can be when the food is so great and actually pretty reasonable priced.]]> Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:38:58 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1852o7p/yauatcha2004328131 51.513742 -0.135295