Latest reviews by darika's friends

Bloomsbury Ballroom - review by susiweaser

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 17:11:56 +0000

Bloomsbury Ballroom - review by susiweaser

Rating: 3.0

Location: Victoria House, WC1B 4DA, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7287 3834

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

I went to go and see King Creosote there last night, and it was.. an experience. The doors were supposed to open at 7, and didn't open til 8. They confiscated all chewing gum including unopened packages when they searched bags. They only served bottles of beer, spirits and white wine (why they wouldn't serve red remains a mystery - surely they've heard of stain devil?). The lighting was reminiscent of a Home Counties Amateur Dramatics play ("right, we've got red, purple, yellow and green." "How shall we use them?" "Let's just put them each on for 5 seconds and repeat").
Having said that, it's a beautiful art deco ballroom and the gig was fantastic. It felt a bit like watching your best mate's boyfriend's brother's band in the local church hall when you were 15. Which is no bad thing.
I think the staff are just not used to young people. And by young, I mean people under 45. You'd think the harlots they get at the All Star Bowling Lanes next door would have introduced them to skinny jeans.

Bar Oporto - review by ShinyGemma

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 21:07:42 +0000

Bar Oporto - review by ShinyGemma

Rating: 5.0

Location: 168 High Holborn, WC1V 7AA, London, United Kingdom

This place is a bit of a hidden gem. Unassuming from outside, we ended up there purely because it was the closest place when we had time to kill one night. It's small, it's been quiet every time I've been in since, and it has a happy hour that goes on until 9pm in the week and includes some amazing cocktails.

Upstairs is quiet with only a handful of seats so this isn't the place to go with a big group. However if you need somewhere to wind down after work with a Cosmo or two, it makes a nice change from busy pubs and cheap chains. Downstairs there's a bigger area with much more seating which gets busier later on though it's sometimes booked for private functions so do check before you settle in for the night!

The staff are great and the drinks even better. My tip is the gorgeous Vanilla Rose Cosmo, though the Mojitos are great too (just don't mix them like we did). There's an extensive menu of cocktails to get through (not all are in the happy hour but they're not too pricey anyway - about Â£6 a pop) as well as spirits, mixers, beers and so on. Definitely worth dropping by if you're in the area and in need of a bit of indulgence.

Fire & Stone - review by ShinyGemma

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 20:52:37 +0000

Fire & Stone - review by ShinyGemma

Rating: 3.2

Location: 31/32 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7JS, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7257 8613

Website: http://www.fireandstone.com

Tags: italian, good value, crowded, lively

If you're judging Fire and Stone on food alone, it should get five stars...provided you like pizza. They take a tired classic and give it a gourmet twist, whacking all kinds of unusual international toppings onto a pizza base. I've been a few times because of its proximity to work, and even veggie friends and fussy eaters mates managed to find something to suit. From an Aussie pizza with sour cream, sweet chilli sauce, roast potato and chicken to a goats cheese and caramelised onion offering, there's something for everyone.

The restaurant decor is nothing to complain about, though it's a bit cramped and plasticy. Prices are fair with some good lunchtime offers and specials. However, as with all Covent Garden restaurants, it gets super busy and this is where things get interesting...

Service seems to be a constant problem at this place judging by other reviews. When I've been with just one or two friends it's been slow but tolerable. In big groups, it's not so good. On a birthday night out we booked in advance for about 9 people. We were given a 'time slot' during which to eat our meal and got some VERY dirty looks when we continued to sit there past our kicking out time. We were only there because they'd not come to sort out the bill and process our card.

Service charge is added to the bill by default, but of course you don't have to pay it if you don't want to. This particular night, we chose not to. The food may be good for the price but it's not outstanding - it's only pizza after all - and service with a smile costs nothing.

Mahiki - review by ShinyGemma

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 20:28:51 +0000

Mahiki - review by ShinyGemma

Rating: 3.3

Location: 1 Dover Street, W1S 4LD, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7493 9529

Website: http://www.mahiki.com

Tags: posh, pop, young professionals, glamorous, hip-hop, sexy, pretentious, trendy

If you're heading to Mahiki and you don't know the right people, I'd suggest getting there early. Even though we were 'on the list' we had trouble getting in and when we did the place was packed and the drinks were ridiculously overpriced.

But what more do you expect from a club/bar that draws a paparazzi-friendly crowd almost every night? You don't go here for a few drinks with mates (not at Â£17 for two vodka and cokes, anyway). You go here to glam it up, see and be seen, schmooze with the Sloanes and flash your cash. It's worth a trip just to see what the fuss is about and check out the tiki themed decor, which is tacky but fantastic. But you'll know instantly if it's your kind of place, and it wasn't really mine.

There's a surprising amount of space, which is a plus, with two main rooms and loads of tables. Unfortunately those tables are off limits unless you're willing to spend - great for parties, not so good on a regular Wednesday night out. Luckily, there are places put aside to stand and pose with your drinks instead (just beware of the predators - there are plenty of blokes willing to buy drinks for groups of girls, but if they're all like the idiot we met, it's not worth it).

There's nothing wrong with Mahiki - it looks good, the music is ok if a bit cheesy and uninspiring, and bar staff are friendly and mix up all manner of exotic cocktails with a smile on their face. It does what it says on the tin, but I can think of better places to spend my hard-earned cash in a tiki-themed venue without the air of 'look how cool we are' (Trailer Happiness in Notting Hill for one)!

Tamnag Thai - review by Shinykatie

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:38:39 +0000

Tamnag Thai - review by Shinykatie

Rating: 3.3

Location: 50 Westow Hill, SE19 1RX, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 8761 5959

Website: http://www.tamnagthai.com/

Tags: thai, bargain

Tamnag Thai has a reputation as the best Thai restaurant in the triangle (and there are many!). The food is excellent, the decor includes as much gold as you could ever hope for, and there's a very good lunch menu with cheap deals.

Despite having such a good reputation for its fresh and tasty food, Tamnag has suffered in the past with complaints about the grumpy waiting staff. Either I'm so used to it that I just don't notice anymore, or the staff have bucked up their ideas, because I haven't had any reason to grumble for a long time.

The Pineapple - review by susiweaser

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:15:21 +0000

The Pineapple - review by susiweaser

Rating: 4.0

Location: 51 Leverton St, NW5 2NX, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7485 6422

Tags: traditional pub

They've succumbed. They've succumbed to the Thai menu, which totally sucks if you wandered in after some of their amazing sausage and mash.
They've still got the bar staff's iPods on, loads of comfy seats, people reading books over a glass of wine and two fires going in the winter though, so it still gets 4 stars.

Harlem - review by lewiswebb

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 21:43:55 +0000

Harlem - review by lewiswebb

Rating: 3.4

Location: 78 Westbourne Grove, W2 5RT, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7985 0900

Website: http://www.harlemsoulfood.com

Tags: American, Expensive, Lively

Unfortunately, I didn't read the TP reviews before going so I opted for Cajun sea bass, which was actually pretty tasty of itself. My issue is that we were a large group (11), it was all booked in advance, we ran 15 minutes late and they had the cheek to tell us that they'd given our table away as we didn't show. They then claimed they'd called to confirm (no missed calls on said phone) and eventually shoved us in the corner, giving us two tables that we had to manually rearrange in order to get our group together. The service was slow and patchy, and for a place that seems to encourage a party atmosphere (good music, up tempo and above background-noise volume), the staff seemed all too dour for a Saturday night. The burger eaters in the group were all satisfied with their choices, but for what it is, the rest of the menu is potentially 10-15% overpriced.

Oca Restaurant - review by jazamina

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 18:22:16 +0000

Oca Restaurant - review by jazamina

Rating: 4.5

Location: Waterside Plaza, M33 7ZF, Sale, United Kingdom

Tags: Lively, Business, Good value

Really nice Mediterranean menu. Lots of yummy pizza and pasta as well as alternatives like my goats cheese and fig tart salad which was gorgeous...if a bit small!

Quick service, not too expensive and good cocktails too. There's a really nice bustle and atmosphere, with couples, families and larger parties all mixing well. There's nice outdoor decking seating by the canal and it's a great place for a light meal before a night out in Manchester!

Crazy Bear - review by lewiswebb

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:58:03 +0000

Crazy Bear - review by lewiswebb

Rating: 4.0

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

Phone: 020 7631 0088

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

Tags: Expensive, tottenham court road, interesting, cocktails, unique, intimate

Ok, so they are a little special, but not the sole reason to visit. I've not eaten at the restaurant, so this review can only speak for the downstairs bar. Crazy Bear has opted for a seating-only policy - given the size this isn't such a bad thing, but it does mean that spontaneous visits should be kept for the first half of the week. Attentive staff, eye-catching 20s-esque decor and some of the best mixed drinks in London all add up to a memorable experience whether you go for a quick pre-dinner cocktail (try one of the martinis for size) or settle in for a night.

El Vergel - review by lewiswebb

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:45:08 +0000

El Vergel - review by lewiswebb

Rating: 4.0

Location: 8 Lant Street, SE1 1QR, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7357 0057

Tags: Lively, sandwich, Cheap Eat, steak, Crowded, latin

Fabulous little place, not so much of a hidden gem these days, as I think word of mouth has done it a huge amount of good over the last twelve months and the hoards flock to El Vergel at peak hours (12-2pm). The walls are decorated with customer's scribbles in bright felt-tip colours and the friendly staff from all over South America create a real buzz behind the counter. I've not sampled much of the menu, sticking instead to its churrasco palta sandwiches - steak and tomato/avocado with chilli in Chilean village bread - which are always fresh and a welcome change to high street sandwich blandness.

Sartoria - review by lewiswebb

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:18:15 +0000

Sartoria - review by lewiswebb

Rating: 3.5

Location: Heathcoat House,, W1S 3PR, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7534 7000

Website: www.sartoriabar.co.uk

Being a fan of Savile Row for its more garment-oriented establishments, Sartoria does its best to live up to the reputation of quality and service that has earned the street its global reputation. Staff are dressed in slick suits, and tailoring paraphernalia adorn the walls. Head chef Alan Marchetti has created a staple menu of modern Italian dishes that are delicious if a little unadventurous - but do we expect more from a Conran restaurant? Ideal for a business lunch as its rarely buzzing mid-week, but if you're a fan of Italian wine, be sure to take a client or associate that will join you in a glass or two as I missed out on my most recent visit due to non-drinkers in the party.

Giraffe - review by lewiswebb

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:42:08 +0000

Giraffe - review by lewiswebb

Rating: 3.4

Location: 1 Crispin Place, E1 6DW, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 3116 2000

Website: http://www.giraffe.net

The billing as "World Cusine" is a pretty thin veil for a place that does at least half its business on the back of a great brunch menu - the ranch style eggs tostada are a revelation, and some inventive burgers - lamb satay anyone? Giraffe Spitalfields is wonderfully laid back during the week for a post-work bite and perfect for a chilled-out bite and a smoothie on Saturdays. Living just around the corner I have to point out that Sunday is actually the market's "big day" so be prepared for a queue and pretty inattentive staff should you visit between 11-3. But even this doesn't take the edge of a wonderful people-watching spot, and they're not in a hurry to move you on if you opt for an outside table.

Moshi Moshi - review by lewiswebb

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:18:43 +0000

Moshi Moshi - review by lewiswebb

Rating: 2.5

Location: Liverpool Street Railway Station, EC2M 7QA, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7247 3227

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

A sushi restaurant in a railway station. There's something right about the context, but Moshi Moshi could do a lot more with it. It seems to be a great place to grab a quick bite at the Kaiten-zushi conveyor belt. Should you choose to take advantage of the secluded booths that overlook the Liverpool Street platforms, you'll find the service to be polite and efficient and a healthy choice of food - my advice would be to give preference to the nigiri over the temaki selection, the seaweed wrap was not the freshest. Group diners also benefit from interestingly designed pods to separate them from the main restaurant. However, there's a lacking cutting edge that could give the place a much needed boost. Simple things like having fresh flowers, keeping the windows clean, and the ability to pay at your table would give Moshi Moshi a more professional and city-chic feel that its diners are currently missing out on.

The New Angel - review by elliemoff

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:26:38 +0000

The New Angel - review by elliemoff

Rating: 2.8

Location: 2 South Embankment, TQ6 9BH, Dartmouth, United Kingdom

Previously the Carved Angel, this place had a lot to live up to...unfortunately, it didn't.

Over priced food, oily pigeon, small sea bass, pretentious clientele.

Ok Ok, I am being quite harsh - the service was fine, the view lovely (request a seat by the window) and the wine very good. I just felt like there was something lacking.

I may have just ordered badly (and when I do this I get very upset) as my Mum and sister both had the lobster which was delicious (although rather small).

This is THE place everyone goes when they visit Dartmouth and I think that they rely on this rather than produce fantastic produce. I know I keep going on about portion sizes and maybe I have been spoiled as I grew up by the sea and had fresh fish practically every day, but it just really annoys me when you go to a restaurant on the coast and their fish is not top standard - there is just no excuse.

Ok, Rant over - the homemade olive bread is exceptional though :)

Fifteen - review by elliemoff

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:18:13 +0000

Fifteen - review by elliemoff

Rating: 3.9

Location: 15 Westland Place, N1 7LP, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 0871 330 1515

Website: http://www.fifteenrestaurant.com

Amazing beef carpaccio and perfect Tuna steak - really wanted a dessert as well but as it was a business lunch didn't feel I could order one as no one else had! :) The wine list was extensive but my colleague chose a fabulous white which tasted exactly like lychees and was probably the best white I have ever tasted.

I was not really sure what to expect following all the hype but I was very impressed. The decor/ location was interesting (graffiti and strange sunken seating areas with very high windows below pavement level).

I'll definitely be going back (although may perhaps have to save up for a while unless another business lunch crops up somethime soon...:)