Latest reviews by Observer

Balans

Observer — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 08:24:44 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 34 Old Compton Street, W1D 4TR, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7439 3309

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

Tags: cool, british, good brew, young and fun, house, good value, trendy, friendly

Forget a dodgy hot dog or kebab after a night out in the West End! Balans is the final stop -nothing beats a Balan's full English breakfast or eggs Benedict to soak up the alcohol and is more reasonably priced than Bar Italia nearby. Service is good and there's an upbeat yet relaxed atmosphere.

There are two Balans restaurants both with the same menu on Old Compton St - one serves alchol until 4am whilst the other is just a Cafe.

93 Feet East

Observer — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 08:04:49 +0000

Rating: 3.7

Location: 150 Brick Lane, E1 6QL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7247 3293

Website: http://www.93feeteast.co.uk

Tags: cool, "free to get in", indie, "live music", live, "reasonably priced", "young and fun", electronica, students, rock, hip-hop, underground, trendy, friendly, dance, relaxed

A Brick Lane destination93 Feet East has all the factors for a successful club in Brick Lane - a good space including two spacious rooms, a variety of leading and/or cutting edge DJs and acts, a diverse following including fashionista, musicians, artists and the like and finally a courtyard which is the perfect setting for great parties during the summer months.

Don't forget to sample some Caribbean Jerk chicken available from the BBQ in the courtyard when available.

Crazy Bear

Observer — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 07:54:17 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 26-28 Whitfield Street, W1T 2RG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7631 0088

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

Tags: cool, british, "cool & smart", mature, glamorous, business, sexy, chinese, underground, expensive, french, romantic

The Crazy Bear is a chic, intimate restaurant and bar and is on the contenders list not only for romantic dinner locations but also for gastronomes who appreciate Asian fusion. The waiting list is testiment to its popularity. Not to be missed is the basement bar and the David Collins-esque designed bathrooms.

Prices are relatively steep in comparison to other restuarants in the vicinity of Goodge Street but having dinner and drinks at Crazy Bear would be considered to be nothing short of a great evening.

The Player

Observer — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 07:39:01 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 8-12 Broadwick St, W1F 8HW, London, United Kingdom

Tags: jazz, "free to get in", "young professionals", mature, electronica, house, underground, trendy, friendly, relaxed, cool

A Soho gem waiting to be discoveredDespite being situated in the heart of Soho, this great venue is tucked away from the eyes of the masses with an unassuming entrance. It would be just as easy to walk past without noticing save for the door host generally venturing occasionally past the entrance.

Upon entering, one steps into a cosy lounge cum club drinking den open until 2am on weekends with patrons generally hailing from the art media and music industries. The DJ provides background music early on during the evening but eventually has almost everyone grooving to his beat.

Drinks are reasonably priced and there's an extensive list of cocktails to ensure that you don't step outside with a slightly less than sober smile. A must for bar-o-philes.

Note: the door has a guestlist policy.

Kitts

Observer — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:40:34 +0000

Rating: 3.0

Location: 7-12 Sloane Square, SW1W 8EG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7881 5990

Website: http://www.kitts-london.com/

Tags: posh, pop, rock, hip-hop, house

Sloane HomeThis venue is to become the Kitts Club, www.kitts-london.com