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Moro - review by MoRaja

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:48:17 +0000

Moro - review by MoRaja

Rating: 4.4

Location: 34 - 36 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7833 8336

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

Tags: lively, north african, mediterranean, spanish, crowded, expensive

I love going to Moro. Whilst working in the area I would visit at least once a month for a treat. The food, especially the fish dishes are full of flavour and perfectly cooked. It can be very noisy when busy, so not always the best place to go if you want a serious conversation over dinner/lunch.

Monmouth Coffee Company - review by gastro1

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 09:26:18 +0000

Monmouth Coffee Company - review by gastro1

Rating: 4.7

Location: 27 Monmouth Street, WC2H 9DD, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7645 3560

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

Tags: rare finds, bargain

Selecting , Roasting , Blending and preparing coffee is an a great skill. Unfortunateley despite the huge growth in coffee consumption in this country the vast majority of coffee chains and shops serve something tha ranges from tasteless to bitter.

Monmouth is a centre of excellence you get proper espresso , espresso machiato is perfect and a cappucino is what it should be rather than the coffee milkshakes served by the likes of Starbucks .

Moro - review by mazphd

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:43:08 +0000

Moro - review by mazphd

Rating: 4.4

Location: 34 - 36 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7833 8336

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

Tags: lively, middle eastern, business, crowded, expensive, romantic

It is not often that one comes across a restaurant that has style, vibe and some seriously fabulous food. I have been lucky enough to not only dine , but also to experience the wine here, and I intend to develop this very complimentary and devastingly evocative relationship some more.

On my visit, despite being full to bursting and busy every member of staff was attentive, helpful and catchingly perky! Now my experience may have been coloured by the delightful company for the evening (a perceptive, witty and charming dining companion) but Moro also holds all these qualities on its own just on the vibe alone.

For some reason I skipped the Tapas and went straight for the weekly menu, a sardine related dish full of spice, and just the right mix of olive oil and fennel seeds. Simplicity in itself. Now the dining was divine, but better was the wine, and I heartidly recommend, the OntaÃ±on, Gran Reserva a 2001 Spanish Rioja. On the side of 'pricey' at nearly Â£50 a bottle, but mmm so sumptuous.

It has been a while since I've had such great service (especially in the UK!) and wonderful food, and reading the other reviews it seems Moro gets this balance right at least 90% of the time. I'm hoping for those disappointed diners they will return and be charmed in the same way I have been.

My own intention is to revisit and take advantage of the tapas, and moment with a suitably charming dining partner. Oh and to remember to leave room for dessert.

Moro - review by chrisp

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:42:43 +0000

Moro - review by chrisp

Rating: 4.4

Location: 34 - 36 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7833 8336

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

Tags: expensive, spanish, pretentious

Well, I'm sorry to go against the grain of reviews on this site, but I had a very disappointing experience here last weekend.

Arriving 20 mins too early for the evening menu (which was sold out anyway for some unfathomable reason), we decided to fill up on a selection of tapas and a glass of sherry. The tapas was dull - no better than from Cafe Kick across the road - with a small plate of cold and soggy Pimentos de Padron and Boquerones that had clearly just been dumped out of a jar.

But the real slap in the face came in the form of a Â£4 thimble-sized glass of Tio Pepe Sherry. The measure can't have been more than 100ml, and I know for a fact you can get a whole bottle of the stuff from Waitrose for about Â£8. A violation.

This highlights a wider problem with restaurants serving liquids out of their comfort zone. It's the same reason why a measure of Baileys (20%) costs the same as vodka (40%) in the pub and why you can happily buy shots of tequila for Â£1 each but ask for a brandy and you're given just about enough to coat the bottom of a tumbler for Â£3.50 (yes, most pubs have a perfectly good selection of brandy glasses - but when was the last time you saw one used?).

Sherry is not a spirit. In fact, at 15% it's about the in terms of alcohol content as most Riojas. The sooner these pretentious tapas places realise it the better, and one can only hope that once the credit crunch bites it will sort out the places that demand unquestioning respect from their customers from those that actually earn it.

Roxy Bar & Screen - review by bron99

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:14:31 +0000

Roxy Bar & Screen - review by bron99

Rating: 4.3

Location: 128-132 Borough High Street, SE1 1NP, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7407 4075

Website: http://www.roxybarandscreen.com

Tags: lively, good value

The Roxy on Borough High Street is possibly a perfect destination. In essence it is a bar with a full size cinema screen that has a varied and interesting programme and an audience that is interested in what's on and buzzy and chatty the rest of the time. The food they serve is okay, possibly the weakest thing, though both food and bar service is friendly and helpful. If you're looking for something interesting to do when you meet up for a drink check out the programme here.

Monmouth Coffee Company - review by Alsation

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:16:33 +0000

Monmouth Coffee Company - review by Alsation

Rating: 4.7

Location: 27 Monmouth Street, WC2H 9DD, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7645 3560

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

Tags: delicatessen, rare finds

The Monmouth Coffee House is another specialist retailer that has made this part of Covent Garden its home for more than 30 years.
If youâ¬"re into coffee, it is almost impossible to resist their freshly roasted and freshly ground coffee, especially when freshly brewed in front of you. The brilliant selection of estate coffees has some regulars, like the Kenya AA, which is always in stock. Others are rare and appear from time to time, depending on season or world harvests.
Another one of my favourites here is the Papua New Guinea estate that produces some of the most aromatic coffees I have ever tasted.
As well as sell you raw beans, roasted beans or ground coffee over the counter, they also offer a useful mail-order service, with very keen prices on the large quantities. Many customers prefer to buy raw beans and roast them at home in small quantities.
The shop doubles up as a coffee house, with a small timber-panelled seating area at the rear of the little shop. The coffee is roasted in huge drums on the premises and the smell of the roasting beans is pumped out into the Covent Garden air. Thatâ¬"s an advertisement that doesnâ¬"t cost a bean!

Moro - review by Litro_K

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:25:37 +0000

Moro - review by Litro_K

Rating: 4.4

Location: 34 - 36 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7833 8336

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

Tags: lively, north african, spanish

I'd been waiting years to try our Moro, upon countless recomendations, and finally had an excuse last Friday. Well, three, actually - a birthday, an engagement, and a leaving party, all in one. And boy, was it worth the wait.

I had booked well in advance for a table of 14, which was situated at the back of the restaurant, in a semi-private corner. In the end we had to book for 16 and they happily agreed. The staff were always lovely and helpful, whether on the phone or in person, and they took no massive deposit from my credit card, foisted no set menus on us, and we had one lovely waitress all to ourselves for the night, who coped very well with having to take orders for 16 over three courses without shouting herself hoarse!

As for the food? It was completely out of this world. All the meat tasted like each animal had lived the best life possible, if you know what I mean. It was all tender, succulent, well-seasoned, and â¬ well - moreish. Wines chosen at random from the list were wonderful; desserts were passed around and slathered over, everyone shared their food and so many noises of ecstasy came from various corners of the table that I stopped for a moment, feeling truly happy, and thought: this is really what eating out is all about. Five stars.

Moro - review by kerry_r

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 13:42:11 +0000

Moro - review by kerry_r

Rating: 4.4

Location: 34 - 36 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7833 8336

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

Tags: spanish

love the food but it's just so noisy that it's impossible to speak or have a conversation. that's what spanish tapas and the like is about--food, sherry and conversation.

but alas just not possible at moro. shame!

Moro - review by de_uk

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 01:34:32 +0000

Moro - review by de_uk

Rating: 4.4

Location: 34 - 36 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7833 8336

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

Tags: lively, family & home feel, good value, mediterranean, spanish

Last time I was in Exmouth Market, New Labour were a new force and Moro's proximity to The Guardian gave it an extra buzz.

The interior is still sparse and open, with a visible kitchen. The menu (no specials) was varied. I would usually wait for a Chinese meal before going for a pork dish, and I was a little surprised to see Middle White Pork but I enjoyed it with relish. The staff were relaxed and friendly despite our late sitting - that is, late for Britain.

I looked longingly at the chocloate tart but had no room.

Always a plus point when the house red is a fully flavoured wine - no real need to work the list.

Moro - review by dafinki

Wed, 21 May 2008 16:49:21 +0000

Moro - review by dafinki

Rating: 4.4

Location: 34 - 36 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7833 8336

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

One of my favourites.

Moro - review by gastro1

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 19:43:16 +0000

Moro - review by gastro1

Rating: 4.4

Location: 34 - 36 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7833 8336

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

Tags: turkish, family & home feel, middle eastern, business, good value, mediterranean, spanish

A really great restaurant.

Hats off to Sam and Sam.

Serious research , great ingredients and fantastic food beautifully executed covering recipes from southern Spain to Syria via North Africa.

Moro is an institution.

Monmouth Coffee Company - review by greedoe

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:52:32 +0000

Monmouth Coffee Company - review by greedoe

Rating: 4.7

Location: 27 Monmouth Street, WC2H 9DD, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7645 3560

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

Tags: amazing brew

Monmouth is two beasts in one - they sell really expensive ground coffee and fancy expensive chocolates and apple juices on one hand, but they also do the greatest Americano for only Â£1!

Add a homemade American-style chocolate biscuit for 50p and you're actually looking at change from Â£2!

It's a small place and can get busy with only a few customers, but it's hands down the best and cheapest place to get a decent cuppa on the go.

If you want ground coffee, you'll be looking at around Â£5 for 1/2 pound.

Monmouth Coffee Company - review by neilgrayshon

Sun, 30 Dec 2007 18:28:49 +0000

Monmouth Coffee Company - review by neilgrayshon

Rating: 4.7

Location: 27 Monmouth Street, WC2H 9DD, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7645 3560

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

Tags: rare finds

Super coffee that cares and only a quid.

Monmouth Coffee Company - review by MaryamF

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 00:02:21 +0000

Monmouth Coffee Company - review by MaryamF

Rating: 4.7

Location: 27 Monmouth Street, WC2H 9DD, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7645 3560

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

Tags: cosy, amazing brew, lively

One of the best Coffees I have ever had! First time I went to Monmouth was in summer and had a great coffee but unfortunately there was no space to sit... This time we sat inside and enjoyed the real coffee... The place is very cosy with its unique wooden furniture and friendly atmosphere...Had a great coffee, got refuelled and ready to do some more shopping!! ;)

Fuzzy's Grub - review by bigal76

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 18:25:29 +0000

Fuzzy's Grub - review by bigal76

Rating: 4.2

Location: 62 Fleet Street, EC4Y 1JU, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7583 6060

Website: http://www.fuzzysgrub.com/

Some say it's a City secret. Fuzzy's Grub between Bank and London Wall is so secretive, it isn't even on their own website. Trust me - walk up Coleman Street, in the block between Bank and London Wall, and there it is, hiding in one of the laneways running off Coleman Street.

I had high hopes of finding a replacement for my beloved Birley's Salt Beef. I had a roast beef with roast vegies at about 1:30pm one day. Quick and helpful service. Lovely fresh thick (i.e. 1 inch thick) slices of bread, a generous portion of sliced beef, and a good shake of roast potato/onion/something else looking suspiciously like aubergine.

Value was excellent - 4 and a bit quid in that area normally buys you a piece of prosciutto and cheap cheese on an focaccia. This was a brick of fresh bread and roasted goodies.

The meat was good, but not in the same league as Birleys. I had a bit of an issue with the vegies, they were a bit soggy and past it, but perhaps I struck a bad batch towards the end of the lunch run. In the interests of science and research, I'll give it another shot.

Good comfort food, generous serve, but the soggy roast vegies and Carvery-esque meat taste let it down on this occasion.