Latest reviews by annika

Cafe Noe!

annika — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:30:59 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: Glinkastrasse 23, 10117, Berlin, Germany

Phone: 030 2010871

Website: www.cafe-noe.de

Tags: delicatessen

A little gem hidden away in MitteThis is a place tourists never usually come to. It's a few blocks away from Unter den Linden and Friedrichstrasse hidden away in the quieter side streets of Mitte. It's a great place for a few glasses of excellent wine with friends or colleagues accompanied by some small special dishes from South-Western Germany (try the Speckpflaumen, they're delicious!). It's a somewhat bohemian place that you enter through a door hidden away under ivy and a lot of the people there are regulars and yet very open-minded and always curious to meet new people. In the summer there's a cute little garden terrace, too. If you want to get a glance at 'real Berlin', this is the place to spend a few hours at!

FC Magnet

annika — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:20:25 +0000

Rating: 4.3

Location: Veteranenstr. 26, 10119, Berlin, Germany

Best place in town for FUSSBALLThere are simply no two opinions about this place (and I rarely agree with my sister ;-)): cheap beer, great location, fun atmosphere and lovely people to hang out with, just across from a park for the break... perfect.

Gallipoli Again

annika — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 12:58:37 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 120 Upper Street, N1 1QP, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7359 1578

Website: http://www.gallipolicafe.com/

I absolutely agree with Mez. This is the sort of place that once you entered it you forget that it's bustling London on the outside. It's where you wanna be with some friends with lots to talk about, some good wine and food and forget about time, commitments, work and all the other annoying realities of life in London.

Cafe Des Amis

annika — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 11:08:05 +0000

Rating: 3.5

Location: 11-14 Hanover Place, WC2E 9JP, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7379 3444

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

Tags: jazz, opera, mature, trendy, friendly, posh

Post-Opera DrinksAlthough there also is a well-known restaurant attached, this is a review purely about the basement bar of Cafe des Amis. It's a small but incredibly well stocked gem in the middle of bustling Covent Garden, to which I was introduced by a friend of mine who performed as a tenor in Puccini's 'La Boheme' at the Royal Opera House that is just around the corner. If you come here at around 10:30pm, you will inevitably bump into the stars and starlettes of that day's opera and other performers from theatreland, the stage directors and assistant costume designers, you name it. It's an intriguing crowd with a great somewhat bohemian (not too much so because it's quite pricey...) attitude, who are always up for a laugh and a quick song/imitation and for sharing some extraordinary stories about the crazy world of opera/theatre. Cafe des Amis offers an amazing selection of wines, ports, champagnes to satisfy all tastes and (almost all) wallets and is open late. Definitely a trendy place to go after the theatre/opera is over and muse over the meaning of art, music and life in general in the company of some sophisticated artists and performers.

Meson Don Felipe

annika — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 23:06:07 +0000

Rating: 3.4

Location: 53 The Cut, SE1 8LF, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7928 3237

Tags: lively, friendly; flamenco, Spanish; tapas;, good value, crowded

Crowded...I guess the mixed reviews exactly reflect the divided opinions among the friends with whom I went to Meson Don Felipe. While I loved the 'cosiness', it was 'crowded like a platform at Clapham Junction during rush hour' for a friend of mine. Whereas I was quite happy to indulge in the sardines and the chorizo, it was all too greasy for another friend. And while I appreciated the elevated noise level as somewhat authentic and loved the flamenco guitar in the background, my friends found it close to unbearable and couldn't wait to take our conversation to the pub around the corner (The Ring - another great place). I guess, you can't please everyone but as regards tapas and in terms of value-for-money I'm afraid this is as good as it gets here in London.

Bar Italia

annika — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 03:58:43 +0000

Rating: 3.8

Location: 22 Frith Street, W1D 4RP, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7437 4520

Tags: relaxed, eclectic, amazing brew, quick bite, friendly

Home away from homeThis place had been among my personal favourites ever since a London-based Italian friend took me there shortly after arriving in the big smoke. But ever since celebrating Italy winning the 'Mondiali 2006' over there, this cafe/bar has turned 'cult' for me. I will never forget the packed streets and the impression that, suddenly, just about everyone in Soho was 'Italian'... and the chants and jumping around to 'chi non salta un xxx e', e'...' Magical moments. Aside from that, yes, they do make decent panini, the coffee rocks and the waiters/barmen are as cheesy as any Brit would expect Italians to be based on their last holidays in Rimini...

Madame Jojos

annika — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 13:41:57 +0000

Rating: 3.8

Location: 8-10 Brewer St, W1F 0SP, London, United Kingdom

Tags: cool, reasonably priced, sexy, friendly

Eclectic, Hot and SweatyI had already heard loads of stuff about this club in the heart of Soho but only made it there myself last Friday. It really is different from the white leather Soho bars and the pretentious crowd most of us would rather avoid on a Friday night - and it def is a great place to go if you feel like dancing away all night. On Friday nights they have a night of 'legendary deep funk' with super-danceable music from the 'last five decades of black American music'. The place itself is dark, the walls are covered in weird mirrors and dark-red suede/velvet and there are super-comfy sofas all around, which altogether gives the club a super-loungy atmosphere. From what friends told me, it always seems to be pretty packed. But on Friday there always seemed to be enough room to boogie away on the sunken dancefloor at the back, to watch some of the best breakdancers I certainly have seen on these shores and jazzophiles strut their stuff and generally have a great time. Noone is taking him/herself too seriously here, which is probably the secret 'je ne sais quoi' about this little Soho gem. The place closes at 3am and is conveniently located to grab a panino at Bar Italia on the way home...

Exmouth Market

annika — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 14:10:16 +0000

Rating: 4.4

Location: Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QE, London, United Kingdom

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

Tags: chilled out, cafes, fresh food, neighbourhood feel, market

Weekly MarketFor those of you who live in central London and think it's quite a treck out to Notting Hill, Exmouth Market Street Market is a nice, much smaller but also much less touristy alternative. Surrounded by loads of restaurants and cafes, it's a great place to meet friends on weekends for a chat over coffee.

Strada

annika — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 14:04:13 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 8-10 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QA, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7278 0800

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

Tags: chilled out, better Pizza Express, risotto heaven, dark

Best Risotto con Zucca e PancettaHaving sent you to my Pizza Heaven (see La Porchetta), it would be somehow unfair not to also share where, in my opinion, the best 'Risotto con Zucca e Pancetta' is served. To be honest, I'd never been too keen on the Stradas, Pizza Expresses and so on out there but this risotto made me change my mind. It's an amazing risotto with thyme-roasted butternut squash, smoked bacon finished with parmesan, spinach and roasted pinenuts. My friend had a pizza and was equally delighted (but I doubt it could ever be as good as the Porchetta ones...). What makes the Strada at Exmouth market much more appealing than any of the cold decor Pizza Expresses is the dark lighting, decent background music and simply the location. Exmouth Market is such a little gem and on a late summer evening it almost has continental flair.

La Porchetta

annika — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 19:11:20 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 33 Boswell Street, WC1N 3BP, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7242 2434

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

Tags: friendly staff, great pizza, authentic, noisy

Pizza HeavenHaving grown up in Italy, I admit being a little picky when it comes to Italian food. La Porchetta will never get any Michelin stars but what they really do pretty well is the pizza. I still think it's one of the best to be found in London (but am always open to new suggestions!). Definitely try the one with pears and gorgonzola, it's simply to die for. The other great thing about the place is just how great the prices are. The house wine is decent and the staff (exclusively Italian) are extraordinarily friendly and cheerful (with groups of girls they sometimes are a little too cheerful and friendly...). The other downside (which for me, however, makes the place only more authentic) is the noise level - it's not a place for intimate conversations...
If the one close to Holborn is inconvenient for you, check out their outlets in Islington, Clerkenwell and Finsbury. Go to their website at http://www.laporchetta.co.uk/ to check out the menu. Buon appetito!

Babylon at the Roof Gardens

annika — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 18:52:26 +0000

Rating: 3.5

Location: 99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7937 7994

Website: http://www.roofgardens.com

Tags: great cocktails, exotic, tropical, roof garden, amazing, unique

Remember this place for next summer!Ok, Sir Richard Branson just gave away some of his (future) fortune for the fight against climate change, but he's given us Londoners a real 'urban oasis' with this restaurant-club venue on the 6th floor in the heart of Kensington. Think a Spanish-themed garden with palm trees, waterfalls, flamingoes, great cocktails and great live music against the backdrop of London's skyline. Simply awesome! However, there are some downsides to the Roof Garden. For one, it is pricey (guest list only - £15 on Fri and £20 on Sat). Not to mention the cocktails - but they are worth every penny... Secondly, and this really could ruin it for me, it attracts a curious mix of people ranging from VERY young kids with daddy's golden credit card to elderly sugar-daddies. Fortunately, if you go there with a group of friends and stay outdoors you can largely avoid this 'crowd with an attitude'... but it really ruins the atmosphere indoors. A real shame considering just how amazing this place is. Anyway, put this into your diary for next summer and see for yourself!
Just one last thing: You can visit the roof gardens during the day - they are open to the public (ring to check for times).

Na Zdrowie Polish Bar

annika — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 19:35:23 +0000

Rating: 3.0

Location: 6 Little Turnstile, WC1V 7DX, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7831 9679

Tags: "different fun vodka Polish"

A hidden jewelNa Zdrowie means 'cheers' in Polish and couldn't be more appropriate for this bar that is tucked away in an alleyway between the corner of High Holborn and Kingsway. It's vodka heaven. In England, people often think that vodka is flavourless - this is the place to dispell this myth. I love the Szarlotka - a word meaning apple and cinnamon cake, which is Zubrowka (vodka infused with a single bison grass stalk) and apple juice. If vodka's really not your thing, then the bar is still worth a visit: There's a selection of Polish beers, the ubiquitous house red and white wines. Plus, although Poland is not necessarily famous for its gastronomy, they certainly offer some great Polish 'food' (right, Walid?!)- especially the dumplings - that are worth a try.

Hare & Tortoise

annika — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 17:59:59 +0000

Rating: 3.8

Location: 15-17 Brunswick Centre, WC1N 1AF, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7278 9799

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

Tags: cheap, great soups, cheerful, Thai, tasty

Cheap and cheerfulThis is the perfect place for someone who cherishes great Thai food at super-decent prices without caring too much about the athmosphere. The food is absolutely amazing and surprisingly cheap - a menu with something for everyone, huge portions, beautifully presented, very tasty (definitely try the seafood and/or the curry laksa!). But admittedly the place feels a little too 'wagamama' if you know what I mean. Anyway, an evening with friends combining dinner at the H&T with an arthouse movie next door at the Renoir and a drink afterwards at 'The Perseverance' is difficult to beat.

Gordon's Wine Bar

annika — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 20:17:19 +0000

Rating: 4.3

Location: 47 Villiers Street, WC2N 6NE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7930 1408

Tags: great, candlelight, wines;, of, selection, romantic;, cozy;

Candlelight Atmosphere and Excellent WineThis is one of those places most women would like to be taken out for a date... that is assuming one is lucky enough to get one of those candle-lit tables in the darker corners of the wine cellar, which seems to be a very rare thing to happen. As it's close to my workplace, I don't know just how many times I have been there but I could count the numbers of times we managed to get a seat on one hand. Nevertheless, this is a great place for some truly decent wine (as opposed to the vinegar most other pubs/bars seems to serve) in a unique atmosphere. For some reason, I've never sampled the food there but asking around people seem to be rather split on its quality. In short, go and have a glass (or two) of some wine (ask the guy behind the bar - he's a very approachable and non-pretentious wine expert). You'll love it.

Cafe Kick

annika — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 19:53:55 +0000

Rating: 3.9

Location: 43 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7837 8077

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

Tags: great, seating, snacks;, Portuguese, atmosphere;, football;, outdoor, friendly

Football with a 'je ne sais quoi'This is a fantastic place, great for hanging out whether interested in football or not. The world cup nights there were unforgettable... Put this place down for 2010, or just drop by next weekend!