Latest favourites and wishlist by Observer

The Jazz Cafe - review by travelwhammy

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:12:47 +0000

The Jazz Cafe - review by travelwhammy

Rating: 4.7

Location: 5 Parkway, NW1 7PG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7916 6060

Website: http://www.meanfiddler.com/displayPage_jazz.asp?PageID=387

I booked tickets to see Nitin Sawhney play live alongside a number of multi-talented musicians from around the world. The tickets were not cheap at Â£35.00 each, but it was an experience I will not forget. The venue is quite small, but this gives a really cosy feel, especially you will never be more than a few meters away from the stage - keeping you close to the musicians.

A meal could have been included for around another Â£20.00 per ticket, but this option had sold out a number of weeks before the event had taken place. This would have been an excellent way to enjoy the performance, as the dining area is set on the first floor, overlooking the stage. However, I certainly wasn't disappointed with dinner tickets being sold out, as I was able to get very close to the front of the crowd and really appreciate the live show. A real treat...

Tate Modern - review by PinkPink

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:38:24 +0000

Tate Modern - review by PinkPink

Rating: 4.2

Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7887 8008

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern

The Tate Modern is very popular with tourists and in a popular and easily accessible location. Personally, I didn't like the Tate Modern at all, and the must hyped up crack in the floor didn't really live up to expectations. Before arriving I'd heard that some unfortunate people had become casualties because of the crack, so it was a disappointment when I saw it.

The Tate Modern is the home of a modern international and contemporary art. Before I visited the museum I hadn't seen much of ''modern art'', but personally I hated the ''art'' that I saw there a lot. If you are interested in modern art, then this gallery is for you, as it has many exhibits, but it's definitely not somewhere that houses something for everyone.

They do hold workshops, courses, and discussions, so if contemporary art is your thing, you should definitely visit!!

Tate Modern - review by gillygilly

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:12:37 +0000

Tate Modern - review by gillygilly

Rating: 4.2

Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7887 8008

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern

Tags: modern art

Ok so we all wanted to see what all the fuss was about. 5 must admit the place did not disapoint. we walked across the fantastic millenium bridge to get there and the place was full of happy people getting close to art. when we visitied there was an exhibit that was made of metal, hanging from the roof that you were able to walk through and that was superb, some of the andy warhols are really quite tacky looking in the flesh, but are a must see, like the huge elvis piece. The cafe was over priced and so full we did not bother. Would we go again yes, although it is not really great for very small kids but there were still loads there when we went.

Balans - review by emmanx

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:06:39 +0000

Balans - review by emmanx

Rating: 3.9

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

Phone: 020 7439 3309

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

Tags: lively, international, crowded

I used to live just around the corner from Balans and for a year or so it was my local. The staff is friendly and personable but I noticed an inconsistency with food quality on few occasions.

My favourite dish, the veggie club, went from loaded with roast vegetables, goat cheese and a side of fresh chips to a mush of hardly toasted bread, some half-grilled pepers and stale crisps.

Nonetheless, the kitchen is practically open 24/7, it's fully licenced and some of the other dishes are quite nice, especially after a few pints of vodka.

Balans - review by arcantara99

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:10:17 +0000

Balans - review by arcantara99

Rating: 3.9

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

Phone: 020 7439 3309

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

Tags: american, lively

This is a small branch of a popular trendy chain. It's best in the summer when you can sit outside at a table on the pavement as inside can be quite cramped and dark if you're right at the back. The atmosphere is very vibrant though as it's right in the heart of Soho. The portions are decent sizes and really tasty. The all-day breakfast (which you can have at two in the morning) is particularly good â¬ from healthy options like yoghurt and muesli to everything fry-ups. And the cappuccinos are large and very frothy. At more reasonable hours dishes like beer battered haddock and upmarket sausage and mash might appeal more. Service has always been efficient when i've been there yet we've never been rushed out.

Tate Modern - review by simonlarois

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:08:49 +0000

Tate Modern - review by simonlarois

Rating: 4.2

Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7887 8008

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern

Tags: modern art, photographic exhibition, paintings, sculptures

Worth a vist just to see the awesome and iconic installation art that hits the headlines year after year. The Tate Modern is an awe inspiring gallery which is well worth a vist if you are in London for the day. About fifteen minutes walk from the London Eye it can offer a nice injection of culture in to any family day out. Be warned that there are some works of art that will not be appropriate for the younger kids, but ask any of the helpful and very friendly staff about this and they will be happy to help. Prepare to be challenged though by some of the more extreme works, which may stretch the boundaries of what art is in your mind. A challenging gallery that will open your mind as well as giving you space to think.

Crazy Bear - review by kranti

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:42:15 +0000

Crazy Bear - review by kranti

Rating: 4.0

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

Phone: 020 7631 0088

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

Tags: thai

I recently ate here as part of a group of 7 people. After a drink in the bar, we went up to eat in the restaurant. The seating was somewhat awkward and not conducive to group of this size. Annoyingly, the waiters bumped into the chairs taking food to other tables and plates back to the kitchen.

The atmosphere is great and relaxed. The service is okay. The good was good, not excellent, in small portions. However, the dessert was the real star and a clear differentiator to other Thai restaurants in London. Might be perfect for a date, not so great for a group booking.

Tate Modern - review by jmcfar

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:38:54 +0000

Tate Modern - review by jmcfar

Rating: 4.2

Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7887 8008

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern

The tate modern is my favourite art museum in London. Although I do not like the outside very much, I find it a bit gray and drab, but inside the galleries are very impressive indeed. The big hall where you enter (I do tend to enter from the side entrance rather than the side facing the river) is very huge and impressive, and usually houses an impressive work of art. The permanent collection that the Tate has on display is very good and the non permanent exhibitions which change quite frequently are very good also. You should definitely go if youâ¬"ve never been.

Tate Modern - review by codam

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:47:41 +0000

Tate Modern - review by codam

Rating: 4.2

Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7887 8008

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern

The Tate Modern is one the highlights of the museum world of London - even before you go in, itâ¬"s extremely impressive, housed in a converted power station on Londonâ¬"s Southbank. The main turbine hall usually houses a special exhibit which is always fascinating â¬ they have had some amazing exhibitions, including huge slides! And the collections themselves â¬ which are generally free to enter - are no less impressive to wander around. The frequently changing special exhibitions are usually fantastic also, do look up in advance to see what exhibitions are going to be on. A place you simply must visit in London.

Tate Modern - review by sparklepants

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:35:40 +0000

Tate Modern - review by sparklepants

Rating: 4.2

Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7887 8008

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern

Tags: modern art, photographic exhibition, paintings, sculptures

â¬¢If you are having a lazy wander along the Southbank, I would highly recommend popping into the Tate and seeing what the latest installation in the turbine hall is, you can then have a look around and check out the free exhibitions within the various rooms that the Tate holds.
If you are heading over specifically to visit the Tate Modern, itâ¬"s advisable to check out the website first to make sure they actually have something in the Turbine Hall, as sometimes they are preparing for the next.
I would also suggest that you donâ¬"t eat in the Tatâ¬"s own restaurants or bars, but try somewhere along the Southbank itself.

Tate Modern - review by doodlekitten

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:25:57 +0000

Tate Modern - review by doodlekitten

Rating: 4.2

Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7887 8008

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern

Tags: modern art, photographic exhibition, sculptures

I was a little disappointed by my visit to the Tate Modern Museum. Timing is crucial and unfortunately we went late on a Friday afternoon- being one of the last attractions to close its doors it does attract a rush hour around 4pm. We didnâ¬"t leave ourselves sufficient time to stroll through the different quarters and consequently spent the hour briskly walking from room to room dodging the swarms of people and trying not to miss out too many rooms. The audio-visual exhibitions were quite stunning and well worth seeing, and we literally stumbled on some fantastic interactive exhibits. Give the audio-guide a miss unless you are a fanatic or always use them- although it is quite a funky gizmo it takes 5 minutes just to key in the exhibit number.

Tate Modern - review by ajay73

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:00:58 +0000

Tate Modern - review by ajay73

Rating: 4.2

Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7887 8008

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern

The Tate Modern is a very pleasant way to spend 90 minutes. The building is quite interesting and strongly recommend you start on the top floor and work down. It is not necessary to view any or every piece of art in a modern museum. The video work is of little interest to some, but great for others. The Tate has a good mix of contemporary styles. It isn't the Guggenheim or MOMA in New York, but it is free and has some nice pieces.

The bridge across the Thames is a work of art in itself and a very nice walk.

Recommend this museum as a pleasant stop on the South Bank.

Tate Modern - review by deadleg21

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:14:47 +0000

Tate Modern - review by deadleg21

Rating: 4.2

Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7887 8008

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern

Tags: modern art, documentaries, cult, photographic exhibition, paintings, sculptures, alternative, amateur

If you want to see modern art in the UK what is the first place people mention? The tate modern ofcourse and i can see why. I visited the tate modern while studying art and found it very useful. The sheer variety of different art on offer is enough to boggle your mind and is a great place to visit if you require inspiration. I cannot really comment on the exhibitions as they are always changing, but when i have visited they have usualy been very good and don't follow the steriotypical view of modern art - "anyone could have done that".

Balans - review by mrsevans101

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:10:51 +0000

Balans - review by mrsevans101

Rating: 3.9

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

Phone: 020 7439 3309

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

Tags: american, british, good value, crowded, breakfast, lively

I had breakfast / brunch here two mornings in a row last weekend (return visit after a failed trip to nearby Amato's).

I'll keep this short.

Service was friendly (with a hint of California) and very efficient (without making you feel rushed.
I had amazing pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. Fluffy and light and gooey all at the same time with properly cooked bacon. Hubby had the cooked breakfast and was disappointed. He sent it back the first time because it was cold and was overall a bit disappointed that the sausage was not fab quality and the bacon a little underdone. I suspect that it didn't help that my pancakes were so delish.

And when I went back the second day they recognised me. Which was a nice touch but how embarrassing to be seen in the gay area of London tucking in to pancakes AND syrup AND bacon two days in a row, when all the other punters are so fit!

Balans - review by DebE17

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:51:55 +0000

Balans - review by DebE17

Rating: 3.9

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

Phone: 020 7439 3309

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

Tags: lively, crowded, brasserie

Recommend eating here pre-theatre (or any other time) - during the week any of their fantastic cocktails are 2 for the price of 1 between 5pm and 6pm - an offer too good to miss. Moving on to the food - it is always is of a good standard - the waiting staff are friendly and there is a great vibe and atmosphere in the restaurant.