Latest favourites and wishlist by aimeealewis http://trustedplaces.com en Sketch - review by sarah2009 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/117286x/sketch
Sketch - review by sarah2009

Rating: 3.7

Location: 9 Conduit St, W1S 2XG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 0870 777 4488

Website: http://www.sketch.uk.com

Tags: lively, international, good value, brasserie, vegetarian, french

I had dinner with friends in the Gallery last week and wow! I have never seen anything like it before; the food was delicious and we were entertained by the most amazing video art projections. I will definately visit again soon, if not for dinner then just to the bar.]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:55:56 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/117286x/sketch1597548654 lively international good value brasserie vegetarian french 51.512295 -0.141839 Sketch - review by sarah2009 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/117286x/sketch
Sketch - review by sarah2009

Rating: 3.7

Location: 9 Conduit St, W1S 2XG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 0870 777 4488

Website: http://www.sketch.uk.com

Tags: lively, international, good value, brasserie, vegetarian, french

I had dinner with friends in the Gallery last week and wow! I have never seen anything like it before; the food was delicious and we were entertained by the most amazing video art projections. I will definately visit again soon, if not for dinner then just to the bar.]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:55:56 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/117286x/sketch1795356991 lively international good value brasserie vegetarian french 51.512295 -0.141839 Sketch - review by sarah2009 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/117286x/sketch
Sketch - review by sarah2009

Rating: 3.7

Location: 9 Conduit St, W1S 2XG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 0870 777 4488

Website: http://www.sketch.uk.com

Tags: lively, international, good value, brasserie, vegetarian, french

I had dinner with friends in the Gallery last week and wow! I have never seen anything like it before; the food was delicious and we were entertained by the most amazing video art projections. I will definately visit again soon, if not for dinner then just to the bar.]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:55:56 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/117286x/sketch477645940 lively international good value brasserie vegetarian french 51.512295 -0.141839 Sketch - review by sarah2009 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/117286x/sketch
Sketch - review by sarah2009

Rating: 3.7

Location: 9 Conduit St, W1S 2XG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 0870 777 4488

Website: http://www.sketch.uk.com

Tags: lively, international, good value, brasserie, vegetarian, french

I had dinner with friends in the Gallery last week and wow! I have never seen anything like it before; the food was delicious and we were entertained by the most amazing video art projections. I will definately visit again soon, if not for dinner then just to the bar.]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:55:56 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/117286x/sketch990773382 lively international good value brasserie vegetarian french 51.512295 -0.141839 Hawksmoor - review by intoxicating http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o22980/hawksmoor
Hawksmoor - review by intoxicating

Rating: 4.4

Location: 157 Commercial Street, E1 6BJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7247 7392

Website: http://www.thehawksmoor.com

â¬ÜThe widest prairies have electric fences / For though old cattle know they must not stray / Young steers are always scenting purer water⬦â¬"
[Philip Larkin, â¬ÜWiresâ¬"]

DUE TO malaise amongst the crew of Alitalia, my friendâ¬"s arrival to â¬ÜHawksmoorâ¬" via Heathrow was delayed. The stylish staff sweetly let this pass, despite the fact that our booking for 8pm rolled into a rather â¬Slast orders⬠10:30.

This critically celebrated steak house is named in honour of Nicholas Hawksmoor, Baroque architect of Christ Church, Spitalfields, several steps down Commercial Street. You would probably not deduce the link: its design is the antithesis of Godâ¬"s address.

From outside, very little is disclosed: boring blinds, a simple nameplate straight off a yacht. It could be a snooker hall, strip-club or office (and wouldnâ¬"t a combination of all three brighten the working day?) The teak cocktail counter, with Bakelite straw holder, is recycled from a thoroughly un-divine dancehall in Hull. Stools look like zimmaframes. Chairs are of the curvy Christine Keeler variety. Prints of the cuts of meat are useful.

Enough has been written about Hawksmoorâ¬"s impeccable sourcing of dead animals. Apparently they led a free range, hedonistic lifestyle, especially the 35 days deceased, dry aged Longhorn, which existed on green, green grass. Suffice to say, the supplier is the â¬ÜGinger Pigâ¬" of Observer Food Monthly fame, who operate an embassy on Borough Market. If you would like to know more, stop by their â¬ÜHog Blogâ¬".

The cocktail list is a Moonshine miscellany, providing over 2000 words of backstory into the 50 Punches, Juleps, â¬ÜTweeked Tikisâ¬" and Expat Classics. My â¬ÜBlack Forest Sazeracâ¬" was apparently â¬Üfruitierâ¬" than the original, a sturdy and stirring merge of â¬ÜCherry and chocolate infused Rye and Bourbon shaken with sugar and bitters, served in a Chartreuse rinsed glass⬦â¬"

Whilst awaiting our Foggian friend, we tackled overly substantial starters of Tamworth Ribs and Crayfish and Crab Cocktail. The Irish swine, famed for producing perky bacon, was tender and courteously seasoned. The cocktail was discreetly dressed, with moreish, meaty morsels, although the little monster on top took revenge when I cracked it open: viscera splayed over my new jumper. That is the price to pay for coming eye-to-eye with your food.

The wine list is not really built for mere mortals and features a titanic tally of first growths or their equivalents. California is a recurring theme, with albeit gentle mark-ups on those already costly bottles. It is a great shame that the best U.S. wines, still administered by the same bureau which handles firearms and tobacco, put on serious financial weight when travelling to our shores. I had a friend who wanted to open a west coast wine bar in the capital but was defeated by the dollar loss in translation and tax.

We drank Joseph Phelps â¬ÜLe Mistral â¬"01 which was utterly compelling: intense, inky, precise and plush. Black cherry, fresh vanilla and scents of spiky herb emanated from this lovingly produced Syrah and Grenache from Monterey.

My Bone-in Sirloin (600g) was as thick as a tome so tumultuous that it would damage my foot if it fell on it. I have subsequently pressed 600g on a letter scale with my finger, which required considerable force. Half way through the easily cut, prime, moist, well-sealed steak, which was dumped on a dish rather than spruced on a board, I could have done with a coach to coax me along my meat marathon. My friends had also done well with their well-done Rib Eyes, although one turned out to still be haemorrhaging (the restaurant did offer more prostration on the charcoal grill). Garlicky spinach was crisp and glossy. Triple cooked chips were a little disappointing. Legendary restaurateur Fernand Point would have been pleased by the Béarnaise, â¬Ü⬦simply an egg yolk, a shallot, a little tarragon vinegar, and butter, but it takes years of practice for the result to be perfect⬦â¬"

Au Bon Climatâ¬"s â¬"05 â¬ÜKnox Alexanderâ¬", a relatively European style of leanish Californian Pinot Noir, arrived in an outrageously heavy bottle. Apparently â¬ÜMind Behindâ¬", Jim Clendenen, also a keen cook and broccoli thief, is a regular. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the Santa Maria winery last year where his empties have been turned into chandeliers.

After the protein protagonists, there was little chance of dessert exploration. I wonder how many people make it to the knickerbockerglorries?

Would I go back? â¬Are you paying? The bill was a catastrophe! For the same money, maze Grill has more variety and that kiln of a broiler (as well as a more uplifting setting). Hixâ¬"s Oyster and Chop House is cheaper, within the buzzy meat-market surroundings of Smithfield. And the Victoria Hotel at Sheen does generously cut, triple cooked chips properly, with memorably moist, fluffy centres...]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:25:35 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o22980/hawksmoor1126242765 51.521071284143 -0.075738257105659 Hawksmoor - review by intoxicating http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o22980/hawksmoor
Hawksmoor - review by intoxicating

Rating: 4.4

Location: 157 Commercial Street, E1 6BJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7247 7392

Website: http://www.thehawksmoor.com

â¬ÜThe widest prairies have electric fences / For though old cattle know they must not stray / Young steers are always scenting purer water⬦â¬"
[Philip Larkin, â¬ÜWiresâ¬"]

DUE TO malaise amongst the crew of Alitalia, my friendâ¬"s arrival to â¬ÜHawksmoorâ¬" via Heathrow was delayed. The stylish staff sweetly let this pass, despite the fact that our booking for 8pm rolled into a rather â¬Slast orders⬠10:30.

This critically celebrated steak house is named in honour of Nicholas Hawksmoor, Baroque architect of Christ Church, Spitalfields, several steps down Commercial Street. You would probably not deduce the link: its design is the antithesis of Godâ¬"s address.

From outside, very little is disclosed: boring blinds, a simple nameplate straight off a yacht. It could be a snooker hall, strip-club or office (and wouldnâ¬"t a combination of all three brighten the working day?) The teak cocktail counter, with Bakelite straw holder, is recycled from a thoroughly un-divine dancehall in Hull. Stools look like zimmaframes. Chairs are of the curvy Christine Keeler variety. Prints of the cuts of meat are useful.

Enough has been written about Hawksmoorâ¬"s impeccable sourcing of dead animals. Apparently they led a free range, hedonistic lifestyle, especially the 35 days deceased, dry aged Longhorn, which existed on green, green grass. Suffice to say, the supplier is the â¬ÜGinger Pigâ¬" of Observer Food Monthly fame, who operate an embassy on Borough Market. If you would like to know more, stop by their â¬ÜHog Blogâ¬".

The cocktail list is a Moonshine miscellany, providing over 2000 words of backstory into the 50 Punches, Juleps, â¬ÜTweeked Tikisâ¬" and Expat Classics. My â¬ÜBlack Forest Sazeracâ¬" was apparently â¬Üfruitierâ¬" than the original, a sturdy and stirring merge of â¬ÜCherry and chocolate infused Rye and Bourbon shaken with sugar and bitters, served in a Chartreuse rinsed glass⬦â¬"

Whilst awaiting our Foggian friend, we tackled overly substantial starters of Tamworth Ribs and Crayfish and Crab Cocktail. The Irish swine, famed for producing perky bacon, was tender and courteously seasoned. The cocktail was discreetly dressed, with moreish, meaty morsels, although the little monster on top took revenge when I cracked it open: viscera splayed over my new jumper. That is the price to pay for coming eye-to-eye with your food.

The wine list is not really built for mere mortals and features a titanic tally of first growths or their equivalents. California is a recurring theme, with albeit gentle mark-ups on those already costly bottles. It is a great shame that the best U.S. wines, still administered by the same bureau which handles firearms and tobacco, put on serious financial weight when travelling to our shores. I had a friend who wanted to open a west coast wine bar in the capital but was defeated by the dollar loss in translation and tax.

We drank Joseph Phelps â¬ÜLe Mistral â¬"01 which was utterly compelling: intense, inky, precise and plush. Black cherry, fresh vanilla and scents of spiky herb emanated from this lovingly produced Syrah and Grenache from Monterey.

My Bone-in Sirloin (600g) was as thick as a tome so tumultuous that it would damage my foot if it fell on it. I have subsequently pressed 600g on a letter scale with my finger, which required considerable force. Half way through the easily cut, prime, moist, well-sealed steak, which was dumped on a dish rather than spruced on a board, I could have done with a coach to coax me along my meat marathon. My friends had also done well with their well-done Rib Eyes, although one turned out to still be haemorrhaging (the restaurant did offer more prostration on the charcoal grill). Garlicky spinach was crisp and glossy. Triple cooked chips were a little disappointing. Legendary restaurateur Fernand Point would have been pleased by the Béarnaise, â¬Ü⬦simply an egg yolk, a shallot, a little tarragon vinegar, and butter, but it takes years of practice for the result to be perfect⬦â¬"

Au Bon Climatâ¬"s â¬"05 â¬ÜKnox Alexanderâ¬", a relatively European style of leanish Californian Pinot Noir, arrived in an outrageously heavy bottle. Apparently â¬ÜMind Behindâ¬", Jim Clendenen, also a keen cook and broccoli thief, is a regular. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the Santa Maria winery last year where his empties have been turned into chandeliers.

After the protein protagonists, there was little chance of dessert exploration. I wonder how many people make it to the knickerbockerglorries?

Would I go back? â¬Are you paying? The bill was a catastrophe! For the same money, maze Grill has more variety and that kiln of a broiler (as well as a more uplifting setting). Hixâ¬"s Oyster and Chop House is cheaper, within the buzzy meat-market surroundings of Smithfield. And the Victoria Hotel at Sheen does generously cut, triple cooked chips properly, with memorably moist, fluffy centres...]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:25:35 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o22980/hawksmoor1942038010 51.521071284143 -0.075738257105659 Hawksmoor - review by intoxicating http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o22980/hawksmoor
Hawksmoor - review by intoxicating

Rating: 4.4

Location: 157 Commercial Street, E1 6BJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7247 7392

Website: http://www.thehawksmoor.com

â¬ÜThe widest prairies have electric fences / For though old cattle know they must not stray / Young steers are always scenting purer water⬦â¬"
[Philip Larkin, â¬ÜWiresâ¬"]

DUE TO malaise amongst the crew of Alitalia, my friendâ¬"s arrival to â¬ÜHawksmoorâ¬" via Heathrow was delayed. The stylish staff sweetly let this pass, despite the fact that our booking for 8pm rolled into a rather â¬Slast orders⬠10:30.

This critically celebrated steak house is named in honour of Nicholas Hawksmoor, Baroque architect of Christ Church, Spitalfields, several steps down Commercial Street. You would probably not deduce the link: its design is the antithesis of Godâ¬"s address.

From outside, very little is disclosed: boring blinds, a simple nameplate straight off a yacht. It could be a snooker hall, strip-club or office (and wouldnâ¬"t a combination of all three brighten the working day?) The teak cocktail counter, with Bakelite straw holder, is recycled from a thoroughly un-divine dancehall in Hull. Stools look like zimmaframes. Chairs are of the curvy Christine Keeler variety. Prints of the cuts of meat are useful.

Enough has been written about Hawksmoorâ¬"s impeccable sourcing of dead animals. Apparently they led a free range, hedonistic lifestyle, especially the 35 days deceased, dry aged Longhorn, which existed on green, green grass. Suffice to say, the supplier is the â¬ÜGinger Pigâ¬" of Observer Food Monthly fame, who operate an embassy on Borough Market. If you would like to know more, stop by their â¬ÜHog Blogâ¬".

The cocktail list is a Moonshine miscellany, providing over 2000 words of backstory into the 50 Punches, Juleps, â¬ÜTweeked Tikisâ¬" and Expat Classics. My â¬ÜBlack Forest Sazeracâ¬" was apparently â¬Üfruitierâ¬" than the original, a sturdy and stirring merge of â¬ÜCherry and chocolate infused Rye and Bourbon shaken with sugar and bitters, served in a Chartreuse rinsed glass⬦â¬"

Whilst awaiting our Foggian friend, we tackled overly substantial starters of Tamworth Ribs and Crayfish and Crab Cocktail. The Irish swine, famed for producing perky bacon, was tender and courteously seasoned. The cocktail was discreetly dressed, with moreish, meaty morsels, although the little monster on top took revenge when I cracked it open: viscera splayed over my new jumper. That is the price to pay for coming eye-to-eye with your food.

The wine list is not really built for mere mortals and features a titanic tally of first growths or their equivalents. California is a recurring theme, with albeit gentle mark-ups on those already costly bottles. It is a great shame that the best U.S. wines, still administered by the same bureau which handles firearms and tobacco, put on serious financial weight when travelling to our shores. I had a friend who wanted to open a west coast wine bar in the capital but was defeated by the dollar loss in translation and tax.

We drank Joseph Phelps â¬ÜLe Mistral â¬"01 which was utterly compelling: intense, inky, precise and plush. Black cherry, fresh vanilla and scents of spiky herb emanated from this lovingly produced Syrah and Grenache from Monterey.

My Bone-in Sirloin (600g) was as thick as a tome so tumultuous that it would damage my foot if it fell on it. I have subsequently pressed 600g on a letter scale with my finger, which required considerable force. Half way through the easily cut, prime, moist, well-sealed steak, which was dumped on a dish rather than spruced on a board, I could have done with a coach to coax me along my meat marathon. My friends had also done well with their well-done Rib Eyes, although one turned out to still be haemorrhaging (the restaurant did offer more prostration on the charcoal grill). Garlicky spinach was crisp and glossy. Triple cooked chips were a little disappointing. Legendary restaurateur Fernand Point would have been pleased by the Béarnaise, â¬Ü⬦simply an egg yolk, a shallot, a little tarragon vinegar, and butter, but it takes years of practice for the result to be perfect⬦â¬"

Au Bon Climatâ¬"s â¬"05 â¬ÜKnox Alexanderâ¬", a relatively European style of leanish Californian Pinot Noir, arrived in an outrageously heavy bottle. Apparently â¬ÜMind Behindâ¬", Jim Clendenen, also a keen cook and broccoli thief, is a regular. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the Santa Maria winery last year where his empties have been turned into chandeliers.

After the protein protagonists, there was little chance of dessert exploration. I wonder how many people make it to the knickerbockerglorries?

Would I go back? â¬Are you paying? The bill was a catastrophe! For the same money, maze Grill has more variety and that kiln of a broiler (as well as a more uplifting setting). Hixâ¬"s Oyster and Chop House is cheaper, within the buzzy meat-market surroundings of Smithfield. And the Victoria Hotel at Sheen does generously cut, triple cooked chips properly, with memorably moist, fluffy centres...]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:25:35 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o22980/hawksmoor1426084134 51.521071284143 -0.075738257105659 Hawksmoor - review by intoxicating http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o22980/hawksmoor
Hawksmoor - review by intoxicating

Rating: 4.4

Location: 157 Commercial Street, E1 6BJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7247 7392

Website: http://www.thehawksmoor.com

â¬ÜThe widest prairies have electric fences / For though old cattle know they must not stray / Young steers are always scenting purer water⬦â¬"
[Philip Larkin, â¬ÜWiresâ¬"]

DUE TO malaise amongst the crew of Alitalia, my friendâ¬"s arrival to â¬ÜHawksmoorâ¬" via Heathrow was delayed. The stylish staff sweetly let this pass, despite the fact that our booking for 8pm rolled into a rather â¬Slast orders⬠10:30.

This critically celebrated steak house is named in honour of Nicholas Hawksmoor, Baroque architect of Christ Church, Spitalfields, several steps down Commercial Street. You would probably not deduce the link: its design is the antithesis of Godâ¬"s address.

From outside, very little is disclosed: boring blinds, a simple nameplate straight off a yacht. It could be a snooker hall, strip-club or office (and wouldnâ¬"t a combination of all three brighten the working day?) The teak cocktail counter, with Bakelite straw holder, is recycled from a thoroughly un-divine dancehall in Hull. Stools look like zimmaframes. Chairs are of the curvy Christine Keeler variety. Prints of the cuts of meat are useful.

Enough has been written about Hawksmoorâ¬"s impeccable sourcing of dead animals. Apparently they led a free range, hedonistic lifestyle, especially the 35 days deceased, dry aged Longhorn, which existed on green, green grass. Suffice to say, the supplier is the â¬ÜGinger Pigâ¬" of Observer Food Monthly fame, who operate an embassy on Borough Market. If you would like to know more, stop by their â¬ÜHog Blogâ¬".

The cocktail list is a Moonshine miscellany, providing over 2000 words of backstory into the 50 Punches, Juleps, â¬ÜTweeked Tikisâ¬" and Expat Classics. My â¬ÜBlack Forest Sazeracâ¬" was apparently â¬Üfruitierâ¬" than the original, a sturdy and stirring merge of â¬ÜCherry and chocolate infused Rye and Bourbon shaken with sugar and bitters, served in a Chartreuse rinsed glass⬦â¬"

Whilst awaiting our Foggian friend, we tackled overly substantial starters of Tamworth Ribs and Crayfish and Crab Cocktail. The Irish swine, famed for producing perky bacon, was tender and courteously seasoned. The cocktail was discreetly dressed, with moreish, meaty morsels, although the little monster on top took revenge when I cracked it open: viscera splayed over my new jumper. That is the price to pay for coming eye-to-eye with your food.

The wine list is not really built for mere mortals and features a titanic tally of first growths or their equivalents. California is a recurring theme, with albeit gentle mark-ups on those already costly bottles. It is a great shame that the best U.S. wines, still administered by the same bureau which handles firearms and tobacco, put on serious financial weight when travelling to our shores. I had a friend who wanted to open a west coast wine bar in the capital but was defeated by the dollar loss in translation and tax.

We drank Joseph Phelps â¬ÜLe Mistral â¬"01 which was utterly compelling: intense, inky, precise and plush. Black cherry, fresh vanilla and scents of spiky herb emanated from this lovingly produced Syrah and Grenache from Monterey.

My Bone-in Sirloin (600g) was as thick as a tome so tumultuous that it would damage my foot if it fell on it. I have subsequently pressed 600g on a letter scale with my finger, which required considerable force. Half way through the easily cut, prime, moist, well-sealed steak, which was dumped on a dish rather than spruced on a board, I could have done with a coach to coax me along my meat marathon. My friends had also done well with their well-done Rib Eyes, although one turned out to still be haemorrhaging (the restaurant did offer more prostration on the charcoal grill). Garlicky spinach was crisp and glossy. Triple cooked chips were a little disappointing. Legendary restaurateur Fernand Point would have been pleased by the Béarnaise, â¬Ü⬦simply an egg yolk, a shallot, a little tarragon vinegar, and butter, but it takes years of practice for the result to be perfect⬦â¬"

Au Bon Climatâ¬"s â¬"05 â¬ÜKnox Alexanderâ¬", a relatively European style of leanish Californian Pinot Noir, arrived in an outrageously heavy bottle. Apparently â¬ÜMind Behindâ¬", Jim Clendenen, also a keen cook and broccoli thief, is a regular. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the Santa Maria winery last year where his empties have been turned into chandeliers.

After the protein protagonists, there was little chance of dessert exploration. I wonder how many people make it to the knickerbockerglorries?

Would I go back? â¬Are you paying? The bill was a catastrophe! For the same money, maze Grill has more variety and that kiln of a broiler (as well as a more uplifting setting). Hixâ¬"s Oyster and Chop House is cheaper, within the buzzy meat-market surroundings of Smithfield. And the Victoria Hotel at Sheen does generously cut, triple cooked chips properly, with memorably moist, fluffy centres...]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:25:35 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o22980/hawksmoor375161134 51.521071284143 -0.075738257105659 Vibe Bar - review by CristinaA http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1l01e7c/vibe-bar
Vibe Bar - review by CristinaA

Rating: 4.0

Location: 91-95 Brick Lane, E1 6QL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7247 3479

Website: http://www.vibe-bar.co.uk

Tags: jazz, pop, indie, live, electronica, young and fun, rock, hip-hop, house, underground, trendy, friendly, relaxed, cool

Vibe Bar rocked! I liked the young artsy crowd and the female DJ was really good. The drinks weren't that pricey, which is good since its London. The cold weather didn't stop me and my friends from chilling outside on the courtyard benches. They have tents with heaters and the catering is delicious too.


They have South African barbeque which I didn't think would be so awesome in the winter. Vibe Bar is a place worth checking out, especially if you like sitting outdoors where it's nice and warm. Trust me if you are tired of the loud music inside, you'll appreciate the heated tents.
]]> Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:06:51 +0000 /review/uk/london/bar-pub/1l01e7c/vibe-bar1374271264 jazz pop indie live electronica young and fun rock hip-hop house underground trendy friendly relaxed cool 51.520125324866 -0.072895210655289 Hawksmoor - review by sue http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1o22980/hawksmoor
Hawksmoor - review by sue

Rating: 4.4

Location: 157 Commercial Street, E1 6BJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7247 7392

Website: http://www.thehawksmoor.com

Tags: american, steak, cocktails, expensive, friendly, relaxed

When the birthday boy (BB) requested a meal at a nice restaurant where he could have a decent martini and a more than decent steak, Hawksmoor sprang to mind. From what I had read, it sounded like the perfect place for both. And it sure was.

We arrived early evening and slipped onto a comfy stool at the bar. Cocktails decided on, we relaxed at the end of a hectic week, really enjoying our perfectly mixed beverages. The place was fairly quiet at that stage, but the restaurant filled up as the night continued.

After drinks we moved to our table and had to decide just how big a piece of meat we could eat. We laughed (a little nervously) when we read on the menu - "Some people have mentioned that our cuts are on the big side - we hope you can forgive us."

I opted for the 400g Rib-eye, while BB went for the 600g Bone-in Sirloin. The steak just comes by itself, so sides are required - we ordered the Triple Cooked chips, the Honey-roasted vegetables, and the Macaroni Cheese. The steak was pretty expensive but so worth it. Lovely char-grilled flavour, rare and flavoursome. Very excellent pieces of meat. The sides were tasty too, though I did think that the Macaroni Cheese was over-priced. A big, full bodied bottle of Australian red wine complemented our meals perfectly.

Somehow we managed to clean our plates and still find room to share a dessert - the Chocolate Fudge Sundae. It was so delicious - ice cream, brownie chunks, crispy peanut brittle bits, chocolate sauce. Yum.

The prices at Hawksmoor mean this isn't going to become a regular haunt for us, but the quality of the steaks, along with the really lovely service and the relaxed atmosphere mean that next time we have an occasion that requires a decent martini and a more than decent steak we may well be back.]]> Sat, 13 Sep 2008 19:19:35 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1o22980/hawksmoor2061374195 american steak cocktails expensive friendly relaxed 51.521071284143 -0.075738257105659 Sketch - review by wordgirl http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/117286x/sketch
Sketch - review by wordgirl

Rating: 3.7

Location: 9 Conduit St, W1S 2XG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 0870 777 4488

Website: http://www.sketch.uk.com

Tags: expensive, theatrical, special occasion

If you're looking for somewhere seriously unusual and don't mind pushing the boat out, I think it's hard to beat Sketch. I went with three friends for a big birthday and it was a treat, more like a theatrical performance than a simple dinner. From the pre-dinner drinks on a crimson chaise longue, to the succession of seven main courses and then four different types of dessert (might have been five, was slightly confused by then), it was memorable. OK, some of the flavours were eccentric to say the least, and at first I thought we'd end up starving hungry because the portions were teeny, but we filled up very nicely. The waiters were great, the decor amazing if bizarre at times. Didn't like the other diners, though, they were very po-faced with that kind of expense-account ennui. Go, enjoy, be prepared to come away considerably poorer, and as others have said, you'll love it or hate it but you won't forget it.]]> Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:29:46 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/117286x/sketch1366839655 expensive theatrical special occasion 51.512295 -0.141839 Vibe Bar - review by ocean0201 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1l01e7c/vibe-bar
Vibe Bar - review by ocean0201

Rating: 4.0

Location: 91-95 Brick Lane, E1 6QL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7247 3479

Website: http://www.vibe-bar.co.uk

Tags: live music, indie, cool & smart, beer garden, young and fun, students, underground

Just off brick lane, the Vibe Bar is a trendy and fun place to be. A sunny afternoon is the perfect day to visit as you can enjoy the sun in its outside seating area. There are live bands performing on some days and no, there are no extra charges. The seating inside is comfortable with couches here and there, but the lighting is bit dark. I guess that adds to the overall underground appeal. The bar is so-so with regular beers on offer, nothing special.

A cool , trendy joint and will be specially liked by the young crowd. I would strongly recommend the Vibe Bar if for a lazy afternoon drink in a relaxed ambience]]> Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:31:29 +0000 /review/uk/london/bar-pub/1l01e7c/vibe-bar12535993 live music indie cool & smart beer garden young and fun students underground 51.520125324866 -0.072895210655289 Vibe Bar - review by gregwo http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1l01e7c/vibe-bar
Vibe Bar - review by gregwo

Rating: 4.0

Location: 91-95 Brick Lane, E1 6QL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7247 3479

Website: http://www.vibe-bar.co.uk

Tags: trendy, young professionals, young and fun

I've been to Vibe Bar on many occasions-- it's great for a night out or an afternoon sitting outside. At night it has a great buzz about it and they're good with bookings for large groups-- I've been there a few times for birthday celebrations and they've always been good about reserving an area for us. The music is quite fun, though sometimes quite generic.

In the afternoon it's nice to sit outside and have a few drinks-- if it's nice out there's a good buzz as there are so many people and it's such a big place. Definitely recommend it!]]> Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:10:32 +0000 /review/uk/london/bar-pub/1l01e7c/vibe-bar1530119146 trendy young professionals young and fun 51.520125324866 -0.072895210655289 Vibe Bar - review by izolda http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1l01e7c/vibe-bar
Vibe Bar - review by izolda

Rating: 4.0

Location: 91-95 Brick Lane, E1 6QL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7247 3479

Website: http://www.vibe-bar.co.uk

Tags: live music, indie, cool & smart, live, young and fun, sexy, underground, trendy, friendly, relaxed, cool

If you're in Shoreditch the Vibe Bar is one of the "must visit" bars in the area, it's just off Brick Lane so perfect to follow up a nice curry from one of the many surrounding Indian restaurants. Vibe bar has a nice, relaxed atmosphere and a very funky, underground, grungy style which I thought really fit in with the neighbourhood. I went with a group of friends on a Sunday and we enjoyed a live band performance which was quite good given that there wasn't an entry charge or annoying surcharges on drinks. Before the band started playing we also got up for a dance with my friends without feeling like idiots or that people were staring. Very affordable, cool, unpretentious, hip and fun. A great place to meet interesting people.]]> Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:27:09 +0000 /review/uk/london/bar-pub/1l01e7c/vibe-bar1432388430 live music indie cool & smart live young and fun sexy underground trendy friendly relaxed cool 51.520125324866 -0.072895210655289 Sketch - review by Lacrimosa http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/117286x/sketch
Sketch - review by Lacrimosa

Rating: 3.7

Location: 9 Conduit St, W1S 2XG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 0870 777 4488

Website: http://www.sketch.uk.com

Tags: romantic, expensive

We dropped into Sketch for some post-dinner tea and cake on Saturday night and, having passed some life-sized models of greyhounds laying about in the hallway, were seated in the dining area - a striking mix of sugary white baroque furniture and contemporary multi-media imagery being projected around the walls. I liked it very much.

In the event we found we couldn't squeeze down any cake, so just ordered a pot of Earl Grey each. Er... what can I say? It was a very nice cup of tea. (I don't think having just a drink is normally allowed in the dining room, but the staff didn't make a fuss.)

On the way out I also had a quick look around the adjoining lounge bar - a haven of low lighting, low tables, low sofas, and brown and red decor which apparently looks just as good during the day as it does at night. To my everlasting regret, however, I didn't visit the toilets that everyone seems to be mentioning here. Damn!]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:59:59 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/117286x/sketch976211767 romantic expensive 51.512295 -0.141839