Latest favourites and wishlist by benzevenbergen

The Rock & Sole Plaice - review by KateGreat

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:07:23 +0000

The Rock & Sole Plaice - review by KateGreat

Rating: 4.0

Location: 45-47 Endell Street, WC2H 9AJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7836 3785

I went in for a take away full of hope and came away disappointed. Maybe they were having a bad fry day.

The chips are an old shape- not the original chunky fish and chip shop variety that my local Chinese Take Away manages to perfect, not sure if it's the oil, potato or shape, somehow they rendered the chips inedible.

The batter is soggy and oily. I didn't enjoy the meal.

If you are after good fish and chips look else where, it's fair to say that there aren't many around central London, however just a few minutes walk away on Theobald Road is the best one for miles around, and it offers better value for money and atmosphere.

The Rock & Sole Plaice - review by KateGreat

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:07:23 +0000

The Rock & Sole Plaice - review by KateGreat

Rating: 4.0

Location: 45-47 Endell Street, WC2H 9AJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7836 3785

Tags: cheap eat, british

The Rock & Sole Plaice - review by KateGreat

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:07:23 +0000

The Rock & Sole Plaice - review by KateGreat

Rating: 4.0

Location: 45-47 Endell Street, WC2H 9AJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7836 3785

Tags: cheap eat, british

The Rock & Sole Plaice - review by KateGreat

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:07:23 +0000

The Rock & Sole Plaice - review by KateGreat

Rating: 4.0

Location: 45-47 Endell Street, WC2H 9AJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7836 3785

Tags: cheap eat, british

Shunt Vaults - review by Brooklyn45

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 02:38:14 +0000

Shunt Vaults - review by Brooklyn45

Rating: 4.6

Location: 20 Stainer Street, SE1 9RL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7378 7776

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

Tags: friendly, mature, cool & smart, young professionals, underground

Not sure what the Shunt Vaults are like today. But, when we visited two years ago (to see a show called "Tropicana") the experience was terrific. Tropicana was the show and the main task (at least for us) was to find out how to get in. The entrance to the "show" was through a door in a wall (very well concealed) in the side of a tube station. Once we figured this out we were escorted through the entrance into what appeared to be the locker room for the tube employees. Then we went through a locker (no kidding) and entered into an area where we could order (and get) drinks through a rather small window. After that we went down an elevator to the "vaults". The rest of the evening was a mixture of completely dark (entirely) and then rather extraordinary props and characters. Overall it was a great evening. We would do it again in a heartbeat. And now that the UK pound is coming down from the stratosphere we may very well be in London in a few weeks. We always look forward to our return. We love the U.K. and can't wait to get back.

The Funny Side of Covent Garden - review by nip_and_nosh

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:35:00 +0000

The Funny Side of Covent Garden - review by nip_and_nosh

Rating: 4.7

Location: Downstairs at The Corner Store, WC2E 7BN, London, United Kingdom

Website: http://www.thefunnyside.info/

I have been to the Corner Store for their Funnyside comedy (downstairs) 3-4 times and typically, I have a sore stomach the day after... from all the belly-laughing. I have come here with a large group or with 1-2 others and have had loads of fun!

The food that they serve fills a hole more than tickles the tastebuds - but for a comedy night out, that suited my needs.

Lineups vary by night (typically quite an internationally diverse set) - you can go to their website (the comedy club is called Funnyside), check out the programme, and decide which night appeals. You can book online in advance, which is what I would recommend as many of their shows sell out.

The main bar, above the comedy club, is quite loud and boisterous.. and very crowded. I'd recommend that you go straight to the comedy when the doors open if you're looking for a little more relaxed envirnment.

Beach Blanket Babylon - review by Browners

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:22:04 +0000

Beach Blanket Babylon - review by Browners

Rating: 3.4

Location: 45 Ledbury Road, W11 2AA, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7229 2907

Tags: unhygenic

Beach Blanket Babylon is one of London's trendiest bars and has a buzzing restaurant. It is beloved by the Notting Hill set and typifices the idea of style over substance. Which is why we went there in the first place!

Your senses are blown away by the over the top decorations - it couldn't be more rococo if it tried.

No matter how trendy or posh you think your restaurant is... there are some basic catering rules that you can't break. Such as don't swear at the customers. Don't serve unhygenic food. Make sure there aren't any mouse-traps on show... etc. Common sense basically.

3 plates of perfectly good sushi arrived at our table along with some sets of chopsticks. The light wasn't great... but it was bright enough to detect a luminous green glow. On closer inspection we realised that the chopsticks were covered in a furry green mould. Gross! The elegant waitress simply took them back and didn't even consider apologising for it!

Our next course was very tasty... but sadly undermined by such a major lapse.

The Rock & Sole Plaice - review by Alsation

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:20:24 +0000

The Rock & Sole Plaice - review by Alsation

Rating: 4.0

Location: 45-47 Endell Street, WC2H 9AJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7836 3785

Tags: crowded, british, family & home feel, good value

Imagine cheap outdoor light, lots of them, with row upon row of benches and tables. Then, once youâ¬"re seated and look up, your mouth drops open in unbelief. Between the trees and the tacky lights is a huge shark, strung up from its nose to its tail fin.
Unfortunately, these occasions are rare, as the elderly Cypriot has handed over to his son, who seems less inclined to do something bold and imaginative.
There is plenty of space inside, but the big attraction of the Rock & Sole Plaice is the outdoor seating. Some of the seats are uncomfortably close to the endless row of taxis speeding down this narrow street, but generally speaking you can find a better or quieter place to sit.
One of the more annoying â¬Ütreatsâ¬" is the troupe of street musicians that tours the surrounding area. They are quite pushy and must be making a small fortune on a warm summerâ¬"s evening!
The fish is generally fresh and well cooked. The chips are big and chunky and tend to be cut on the premises by one of Ishmaelâ¬"s many assistants.
This is a great, traditional chippie in an unlikely location. Go and touch that sharkâ¬"s skin â¬ it feels amazing!

Beach Blanket Babylon - review by pindulgence

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 16:34:27 +0000

Beach Blanket Babylon - review by pindulgence

Rating: 3.4

Location: 45 Ledbury Road, W11 2AA, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7229 2907

Tags: expensive, international, pretentious, crowded

I really wanted to love the Beach Blanket Babylon, it has a reputation for the decor which is most definately deserved. However once you get past the spectaular decor, you are left with a bar and restuarant which loves itself so much it literally has its head where the sun doesn't shine. When we first arrived it was packed. It took ages to served by an obnoxious and quite literally rude member of staff. We were seated for our meal by an equally obnoxious and rule waiter who unfortunately continued to get rude throughout the evening. To top it off, we were forced to pay the service charge for that rudeness. You will NOT be allowed to get away without paying the automatically added charge. An utter disgrace.

202 Cafe - review by pindulgence

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 16:28:41 +0000

202 Cafe - review by pindulgence

Rating: 4.6

Location: 202-204 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RH, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7792 6888

Tags: friendly, cool & smart, sexy, trendy

I haven't been here for a while and i really must go back! The food here is amazing, as is the service. Their menu is predominantly for the lighter bite, but they do have other delicious main meals as well. Lots of choice and everyone will find something to eat. its quite a trendy place and you also occasionally catch a glimpse of someone famous! Not going to name them though! I had fish and chips (i see a previous reviewer had them too!) and i thought they were fantastic, probably the best i've had so far! I have tried other food here and have been equally impressed. As you would expect, its not that cheap but well worth it for a good night out!

Brick Lane Beigel Bake - review by foodbymark

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:32:35 +0000

Brick Lane Beigel Bake - review by foodbymark

Rating: 4.6

Location: 159 Brick Lane, E1 6SB, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7729 0826

Tags: delicatessen, jewish history

Little remains of Brick Lane's Jewish past except for the famous two remaining bagel shops that neighbour each other at the end of the street. 24 hours a day you can satisfy your hunger with bagels filled with of mounds of soft delicious salt beef or smoked salmon and cream cheese, and again, 24 hours a day!

Late night drinking at Shoreditch house can often lead to a stumble to the busy bakery and waking up at home with 20 bagels and a shirt covered in English mustard (Have you ever tried to pay a cabbie in bagels... I am told I have more than once). The salt beef here is good, but certainly not the best in London. The Brass Rail Salt Beef Bar at Selfridges ranks highly as does B&K in Edgware. Harry Morgans chain not nearly as good as either but still quality. The staff are typically East London and I love it.

As far as a comparison between the two bakeries, I am a Beigel Bake man.

Brick Lane Beigel Bake - review by Artemidor

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:31:32 +0000

Brick Lane Beigel Bake - review by Artemidor

Rating: 4.6

Location: 159 Brick Lane, E1 6SB, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7729 0826

Tags: bargain

I love beigels. And this bakery is everything waiting for. The queues can be huge, especially at night. It is full of taxi drivers and late clubbers. But the foodâ¬¦ ah, the salted beef beigel is my best snack in London. The beef is absolutely tasty (not something that you can find elsewhere).

I would like to add that they also sell cakes. I tried a chocolate fudge cake and it almost melted in my hand. It was absolutely lovely. I think I saw some Jewish cakes (or similar), but I had no more cash at hand! So, my advice: go for a salted beef beigel and a cake.

The Rock & Sole Plaice - review by Polkadot

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:25:30 +0000

The Rock & Sole Plaice - review by Polkadot

Rating: 4.0

Location: 45-47 Endell Street, WC2H 9AJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7836 3785

Tags: lively, british, cheap eat, crowded

Theatre posters on every inch of wall space welcome to you into this old and venerable London institution, serving fish and chips to London for decades. The places is small inside but offers lots of tables outside in the summer and even if you can't get a seat straight away it's worth waiting for the fat and crispy hand cut chips and various kinds of fish both typical and unusual freshly battered and fried to order. Speedy service and lots of fish options you can't find in your traditional chippy, this place is legend. Don't miss it if you're in the area!

Beach Blanket Babylon - review by WB1

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:37:57 +0000

Beach Blanket Babylon - review by WB1

Rating: 3.4

Location: 45 Ledbury Road, W11 2AA, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7229 2907

Tags: expensive, pretentious

I had heard great things about this venue and went to the bar on a Saturday night with some friends for a treat. We were disappointed to say the least! The decor was as spectacular as I had been led to believe with chandeliers, nook and crannies, cabinets with jewels, ornate tables and chairs etc and really has to be seen to be believed. Unfortunately that was as good as it got. The bar was packed and it took an age to get served. When we eventually did get to the bar we almost wished we hadn't - the prices are astronomical. The crowd around the bar were snooty, pretentious and often downright rude. The staff seemed rather harassed (unsurprising) but were pleasent enough. Having got our drinks we squeezed ourselves into a little nook between two tables (I think you would have to get there very early to find somewhere to sit) and spent an unpleasant couple of hours being jostled by the crowds. I will not be going back. I have not visited the restaurant so cannot comment on that area.

Shunt Vaults - review by gregwo

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:04:58 +0000

Shunt Vaults - review by gregwo

Rating: 4.6

Location: 20 Stainer Street, SE1 9RL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7378 7776

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

Tags: relaxed, cool & smart, young and fun, underground, friendly

The Shunt Vaults have an atmosphere that can't be matched-- deep in the tunnels of London Bridge Shunt is making amazingly craetive work in the context of a members bar. It's a fantastic evening where you can enjoy some drinks and check out whatever is on offer that week to see-- bands performance art, theatre or a range of other things. The place has a great buzz about it and there's nothing that I know of like it around. The work they create there is so interesting and diverse, you'll always be in for something new every time you go!

Most definitely worth checking out!