Latest reviews by Niamheen's friends

Azzi, Korean & Japanese Fusion Restaurant - review by bellaphon

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 08:00:19 +0000

Azzi, Korean & Japanese Fusion Restaurant - review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.0

Location: 47, Poland Street, W1F 7NB, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7287 0997

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

Tags: lively, korean, family & home feel, good value, romantic

The inclusion of the word fusion that appears on the full name of this restaurant or any other for that matter is enough to deter me from making an appearance. Fusion of different cuisines can only lead to a kankedort. Ermâ¬¦maybe for except Peter Gordon, Nobu Matsuhisa or perhaps Ian Beale from EastEnders.

The impossibly long queues (think Disneyland or the Nemesis ride at Alton Towers) at Cha Cha Moon and Bodeanâ¬"s were responsible for my well-fated destiny with Azzi. Iâ¬"m also well aware that this place is only around the corner from my distraught experience at Ran.

The ambience is bright, airy but most definitely not Japanese, so it must be contemporary Korean. Service was efficient but little English spoken, however the delightful Eastern European waitress assisted no end and avoided any â¬Ülost in translationâ¬" moments with her employers and yours truly. I came here for lunch, so on this account alone Iâ¬"ll only suggest you go straight to the special lunch set menu where everything seems to be under a tenner. The lunch deal to go with your choice of mains includes an amuse bouche of some sort (seaweed omelette on my visit), bowl of dressed salad, impressive display of kimchee, pickled daikon, beansprouts, spinach, more shredded radish and miso soup (bring your vegan friends!). That, folks, is a meal unto itself. My chosen mains of Dolsot Bibimbab (Rice in Hot Stone Pot) was beyond the realms in presentation and taste. My dining companionâ¬"s So Bulggoggi (Marinated Beef) was pronounced â¬Üitâ¬"s alright in all, Iâ¬"m cominâ¬" back for moreâ¬". A token slice of fruit is served to complete the meal. Â£8.50 for the my companionâ¬"s set and 8 quid for mine, together with no cover and service charge this place is worth a patronage; ridiculously good value, ginormous portions and good tasting to boot.

As for the fusion thing, thereâ¬"s no evidence on the menu, although sushi and pork katsu is featured, I think this place is purely and wholly Korean. I like, I like it so very much.

The French House Dining Room - review by DanWilkinson

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:51:40 +0000

The French House Dining Room - review by DanWilkinson

Rating: 4.0

Location: 49 Dean Street, W1D 5BG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7437 2477

Tags: lively, crowded, brasserie, french, romantic

I'm a bit of a Francophile, if I'm honest. I'm generally appreciative of things Italian, Spanish and so on, but it's earthy, rustic French cooking that does it for me every time. The sort of cuisine that says zinc bar, forthright vin de pays, brasserie, noncommittal shrugs, Gauloises. I'm happy to languish in a cliche like this.

I like the way aspects of Frenchness have remained stoically untouched by the modern world - the continuing love affair with rollnecks, the sanctity of lunch and the merry disregard for personal safety once behind the wheel of an automobile.

The French House is like this impression of Frenchness made brick and mortar. Whilst the rest of Soho either went uber-exclusive and expensive, or touristy and expensive, the French House has carried on being friendly, knocking out lager in half pints, and serving great, simple food in a tiny room upstairs, accompanied by an excellent wine list.

The food is generally excellent, robust fare. Think things like salades tiedes to kick off, and carefully grilled beasts to follow, with hearty accompaniments and desserts to excite the child in you. The wine list is predictably Gallic, but unusually diverse for it and exceptionally well-priced. You'll get out of here for about Â£40-50 a head, I reckon. In fact everything, down to the gently self-deprecating telephone system, is so pleasant at this place it's a wonder I'm not there every week.

I should also note that booking ahead is pretty much essential on most nights, and although there's a bit of room between tables, you'll be reasonably well-known to your neighbours by the end of the night. Weirdly though, whilst in some places this is Really Irritating, here it's sort of part of the charm.

Rotunda Lounge, Mariott Hotel County Hall - review by curlynewf

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:51:02 +0000

Rotunda Lounge, Mariott Hotel County Hall - review by curlynewf

Rating: 4.0

Location: London County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE17PB, London, United Kingdom

Website: http://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/lonch-lond

Tags: romantic, international, good value

If ever you've been down on the south bank on a sunny Saturday or Sunday afternoon then you're probably already familiar with the insanity that is Queens Walk. It always seems like a good idea at the time..."Lets go for a nice relaxing stroll along the river, darling. The wind will blow in our hair, we'll feed the birds, maybe get an ice cream..." But before you know it you're amidst the hordes of tourists, buskers and overly excited children and it is anything but relaxing. You try to escape to a nearby cafe or restaurant for some peace and quite but they're just as crowded and manic. What to do? Head for The Rotunda Lounge at Mariott Hotel County Hall. Itâ¬"s really not as overpriced as it sounds and it is a real sanctuary. They have lots of fresh, uncomplicated options on the menu, most of them under Â£10. I usually have a smoked salmon sandwich and a bowl of minestrone or the niÃ§oise salad; my partner usually goes for the fish and chips. They also do afternoon tea here. Itâ¬"s a beautiful setting with lazy leather armchairs and big windows overlooking the Thames and Big Ben. You get a selection of newspapers and professional service, and most importantlyâ¬¦ it's quiet.

Northcote Fisheries - review by chrisp

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:09:36 +0000

Northcote Fisheries - review by chrisp

Rating: 4.0

Location: 14 Northcote Road, SW11 1NX, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7978 4428

Tags: rare finds

Sadly, due to punative rises in rent imposed by Northcote Road landlords, Northcote Fisheries are now operating from a van parked down a side road off Northcote Road itself. Fortunately they still offer the same good selection of fish and crustaceans and although it seemed initially like they were in danger of being overshadowed by the Fishworks newly opened a few doors down, the poor fishmongery and heavy markups of the corporate joint soon saw their regular flock returning.

Sure, it's not the greatest fishmongers in the world, but it's privately owned, friendly, reasonably priced and characterful. So before Wandsworth council finally admit that their plans for the redevelopment of SW11 involve the flattening of the whole of Northcote Road to make way for a single giant branch of Fat Face, it will continue to get my custom.

Hennessy's - review by chrisp

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:52:54 +0000

Hennessy's - review by chrisp

Rating: 4.0

Location: 80 Northcote Road, SW11 6QN, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7228 0894

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

Tags: rare finds, bargain

It may not have the pedigree of Dove's or Moen & Sons, but Hennessey's is an unassuming, straightforward butcher that will sell you decently sourced cuts of meat and poultry without huge markups.

I've never really been that disappointed with anything I've bought here - which is more than I can say about its rivals - and they are generally a cheery lot. It's also the only butchers I know that has a piano.

A Dove & Son - review by chrisp

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:47:17 +0000

A Dove & Son - review by chrisp

Rating: 3.0

Location: 71 Northcote Road, SW11 6PJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7223 5191

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

Tags: delicatessen, rare finds

Like many of these "traditional", posh old butchers in posh old parts of London, you really have to know what you're doing to safeguard against ludicrous markups and cynical pricing. The sausages are good enough value and are often very tasty. The bacon tastes nice but is stupidly expensive, but their cuts of lamb are worth trying. I've never thought much of their beef, which doesn't seem to be of a great pedigree, and they needed a lot of persuading to make a decent steak cut, rather than just slicing off a sliver of boring red meat last time I asked.

I usually go to Hennessey's over the road. They may not have a queue snaking out of the door every Saturday, but at least you don't feel like a mug when you ask for 6 slices of bacon and have to hand over a tenner.

M Moen & Son - review by chrisp

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:41:57 +0000

M Moen & Son - review by chrisp

Rating: 4.0

Location: 24 The Pavement, SW4 0JD, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7622 1624

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

Tags: delicatessen, rare finds

I have very mixed feelings about Moen and Sons. They do often have a good selection of interesting meats (grouse in season, they sell home-made haggis for Burns night, etc.) and the shop itself is very attractive, all victorian glass and tiling.

But it's just so darned expensive - they seem to have adopted the look and feel as well as the prices of Harrod's Food Hall, and unless you really know what you're doing you can be taken for a ride. On more than one occasion they've attempted to sell me substandard pork (too lean) and the last beef ribeye didn't have a great deal of flavour. To be fair, I have occasionally also struck gold with a brilliant pheasant and you can sometimes find speciality chicken.

All in all, it's better than Sainsbury's, but it's still not quite as good as Hennessey's on Northcote Road. Hennessey's may not have fancy tiled walls and organic bread, but they don't rip you off and the whole experience is a great deal less intimidating.

La Tasca - review by herb

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:05:02 +0000

La Tasca - review by herb

Rating: 2.8

Location: 23-24 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7NA, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7240 9062

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

Tags: good value

well tapas you can have everywere in london, but good tapas with a smile ...very hard to find, you will enjoy this restaurant, good atmosphere and great food.

Cork & Bottle - review by herb

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:02:51 +0000

Cork & Bottle - review by herb

Rating: 4.2

Location: 44-46 Cranbourn Street, WC2H 7AN, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7734 7807

Tags: cheap eat

well it's and ok place to eat, but if you go on a date, bad choice, they have a good selection of wines and good beers, but the food could be a little bit better...

Piada - review by herb

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:57:38 +0000

Piada - review by herb

Rating: 4.0

Location: 12-14 St John Street, EC1M 4AY, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7253 0472

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

Tags: good value

va bene, this is a type of food that you cant get in london, it's already dying in italy and it's hard to find, i first came here i found that the food is good and the atmosphere is just right.

Little Italy - review by herb

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:54:24 +0000

Little Italy - review by herb

Rating: 4.0

Location: 21 Frith Street, W1D 4RN, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7734 4737

after a couple of drinks in a bar nearby, we came to this restaurant to found out that they just dont have a good pasta, but a good pizza as well, good selection of salads, and a good service as well.

Chowki - review by herb

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:49:57 +0000

Chowki - review by herb

Rating: 4.1

Location: 2 Denman Street, W1D 7HA, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7439 1330

Website: http://www.chowki.com/

Tags: business

this is the great idian restaurant that i have been for a long time, dont miss out, great real food and amazing service .

Zilli Fish - review by herb

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:44:21 +0000

Zilli Fish - review by herb

Rating: 4.0

Location: 36-40 Brewer Street, W1F 9TB, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7734 8649

Website: http://www.zillialdo.com

Tags: business

nice place to be, expensive place but the quality of food tell it all

Cote - review by herb

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:41:14 +0000

Cote - review by herb

Rating: 5.0

Location: 124-126 Wardour Street, W1F 0TY, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7287 9280

Website: http://www.cote-restaurants.co.uk

what can we say about cote, the best french restaurant around, one of the best in the uk, famous for the great food and the service.

Restaurant Cal Pep - review by foodbymark

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:53:41 +0000

Restaurant Cal Pep - review by foodbymark

Rating: 4.0

Location: PlaÃ§a de les Olles, 8, 08003, Barcelona, Spain

Phone: 93 310 79 61

Website: www.calpep.com

Tags: lively, seafood, fun, spanish, noisy, tapas

Cal Pep is a favourite amongst locals and highly regarded as serving the very best in tapas in downtown Barcelona and perhaps all of city. It is a short walk from the Basilica Santa Maria Del Mar. There is no menu and everything served is on a day by day market fresh basis. Chef Pep personally goes to the markets in the morning to get the freshest of produce and so for example, if the baby octopus is not good in the morning, you will not be able to order it that day.

We arrived after 9pm on a Thursday night and it took over half an hour to be seated at the bar which is, I am told, the best place to enjoy the food - right in front of the action. You are advised to get a drink and look at what everyone else is eating and devise what you would like to eat. With eyes far bigger than our stomachs we ordered dishes including tuna steak tartare, sea bass, beautifully cooked steak with sautÃ©ed potatoes, chickpeas and baby octopus, fresh clams with garlic butter (almost as if they were plucked from the sea fresh), fried whitebait with a fried egg and more.

Seven dishes with traditional bread lightly brushed with tomatoes, and garlic, a bottle of rioja, a glass of cava, an espresso and a spanish coffee (cognac and coffee shot) came to just over EUR120. The service is fun with constantly joking staff and the wine is fantastic. Locals do still go which is surely a great sign. I look forward to returning to Barcelona on a holiday trip and visiting Cal Pep again!

(edited as I wrote this whilst drunk and it was badly written)