Latest reviews by MichalD

Maison Bertaux

MichalD — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 11:10:16 +0000

Rating: 4.5

Location: 28 Greek Street, W1D 5DQ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7437 6007

Tags: cosy, quiet & relaxed, good brew, quick bite, cultured

Pure magicThis is one of the places where you can switch off - or should I say switch over - the moment you place your foot in it. Apart from an amzing selection of cakes and pastries, Maison Bertaux, a place with a very colourful history, has also an equally amazing selection of visitors.

Italiano Coffee Co

MichalD — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 21:50:51 +0000

Rating: 3.8

Location: 46 Goodge Street, W1T 4LU, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7580 9688

Saturday lunch at ICCo was a very pleasurable experience - their pizzas are quite good and even though the choice is limited to maybe 8-9 types, the most expensive one costs just Â£4.80.

The decor is reminiscent of a slightly dilapidated New York bistro with aluminium tables, tall chairs, tiles on the walls and cold light.

There's also a good if simple choice of sandwiches and desserts plus fresh papers to read while munching.

The most bizzare experience though was the toilet - located in the basement, at the back of what looked like staff quarters, to which you need to go through the food preparation area...

The Three Kings

MichalD — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 19:27:31 +0000

Rating: 4.2

Location: 7 Clerkenwell Close, EC1R 0DY, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7253 0483

There's even a The Three Kings Pub appreciation Society Group on Facebook - that should tell you a lot.

I like the upstairs bit, in fact, the whole place is great.

Lal Baag Tandoori

MichalD — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 13:14:26 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 8 Knights Hill, SE27 0HY, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 8670 0623

Ok, I haven't been inside, but only sampled their take-aways. The food has always been very nice and good value - typical Indian, but - unlike other local joints - this one won't serve you soggy onion bhajis.

I'm planning to go there soon and promise a proper review soon.

Maoz Falafel

MichalD — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 11:32:50 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 43 Old Compton Street, W1D 6HG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7851 1586

Small, poky, loud and often overcrowded. But for a reason.

Maoz, omnipresent in Amsterdam, has been feeding hordes of tourists, Old Compton St regulars and local office workers for a few good years now, and its main attraction is falafel.

Deep fried - just like their fantastic chunky chips - it actually tastes better than it sounds and in fact looks healthy. Not sure why. Maybe because you can top up your meal with an assortment of veggies, olives, couscous and sauces. But don't fool yourselves - it still is fast food. At Â£3-4 a portion it's a fantastic alternative to your lardy burger or dodgy kebabs though.

Just don't go there with a full bladder. The toilets are, well, equally cheap....

Troubadour Cafe

MichalD — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 22:58:29 +0000

Rating: 3.9

Location: 263-267 Old Brompton Road, SW5 9JA, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7370 1434

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

It's surprising how few people know about its existence, even though it's been there for decades and has played host to such names as Jimi Hendrix or Bob Dylan.

One of the most atmospheric places in London - for me at least - with great decor, helpful staff, (occasionally) weird regulars and some great food too.

My favourite is definitely their burger - always juicy, nicely served, properly cooked and relatively good value.

And if the bar staff don't decide to experiment with the soundtrack, this place can be truly magical.

Domali Cafe

MichalD — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 22:43:09 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 38 Westow Street, SE19 3AH, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 8768 0096

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

Ideal for a chilled Sunday afternoon with papers and some fantastic organic food. But then again I once had my birthday party there, so you can safely assume it'll live up to your expectations whatever they might be.

They used to have DJs at weekends, playing anything from 70s soul to modern chill-out, but I haven't been there recently, so can't really say whether this is still the case.

The garden is a bit poky, but since we don't have summers in this country any more, this shouldn't be much of a problem.

The Mansion

MichalD — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 22:28:10 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 255 Gipsy Road, SE27 9QY, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 8761 9016

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

Tags: independent pub, gastro pub, excellent pub food, beer garden, traditional pub

One of the best places for a relaxed and tasty Sunday lunch - whether just with your book, your loved one or the entire family.

The place has a vibrant, yet unpretentious atmosphere, is very spacious and is divided into three parts: the 'gastropub' bit, with funky and eclectic furniture, the restaurant bit, which looks a bit like a funkier version of Wagamama and the enormous garden.

The really nice, if a bit short menu (their burgers are just fantastic and come with proper chips) is complemented by some cool music and great desserts (the chocolate cake is allegedly made locally and has won a few awards - if that's true, then it did deserve them).

What is also important is the staff - friendly, helpful and chatty. Almost a perfect combination.

Still need to experience the place in the evening, but something tells me I won't be disappointed...