Latest reviews by david_2001

Inn 1888

david_2001 — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:08:00 +0000

Rating: 3.3

Location: 21 Devonshire Street, W1G 6EP, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7486 7420

Inn and out!As the previous reviewers have noted the toilets, as well as being functional, are something of a feature here.

As are the goldfish which if keep growing at the rate they are may well soon qualify to be on the menu.

The first floor has now been converted to a Thai restaurant although most people appear to prefer to have their food delivered to their tables in the bar.

Several sofas and two open fires ensure for a comfy relaxed atmosphere.

Volupte

david_2001 — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:15:03 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 9 Norwich Street, EC4A 1EJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7831 1622

Website: http://www.volupte-lounge.com

Kitsch, kitch!This is another venue promoting a live performance and dining experience and is a rarity given it's location in the legal district of the City centre.

The cabaret is currently in the vogue of the Burlesque mould as is the decor which is entertainingly louche.

The food is of the English/European modern variety and well prepared and presented.

A full compliment of cocktails is available from the ground floor bar, stockings, basques, berets and boas are the order of the day.

Post your own picture, I dare you, bottle of Champagne to the most entertaining review.

The Cock Tavern

david_2001 — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 06:30:06 +0000

Rating: 4.5

Location: 125 Kilburn High Road, NW6 6JH, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7624 1820

Big up the CockI never new this place existed until recently when on passing I was attracted to a poster advertising 'live jazz' which is played on Sunday lunch times.

Great discovery, not only live music but comedy and music hall performances too.

Comedy is on Saturdays and includes performances by veterans Barry Cryer and Ronnie Golden (last weekend) and this Saturday (February 16th) is Ed Byrne and Hattie Haybridge).

There was a music hall show on Sunday (once a month) and was structured around the the format of the 'Good Old Days' TV programme that was/is very popular. The show featured the MC and many of the performers from the original shows.

More live music is scheduled this Friday, link to the website for a full itinerary.

Physio in the City

david_2001 — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 05:43:59 +0000

Rating: 5.0

Location: Seymour Place Leisure Centre, W1H 5TJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7724 8008

Website: www.physiointhecity.co.uk

Tags: physiotherapy, alternative medicine, massage

Footfall!This place is quite magnificent and offers a range of treatments that will give comfort to anyone suffering pain from a sports related injury.

Physiotherapy, Sports Massage, Shiatsu, Acupuncture, Chiropody and Podiatry are all delivered by highly qualified and experienced staff.

Did you know that podiatrists are qualified to treat people with arthritis, diabetes, sports injuries and those needing nail surgery.

Book in advance, you may have to wait for an appointment.

The Conduit of Tybourne

david_2001 — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 22:18:02 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 88 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2PY, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7935 9311

Website: www.theconduit.co.uk

Tags: romantic, british, cheap eat

Manage a trois !I have been to the Conduit several times now and found something new on each visit.

It is owned and ran by a group of partners and indeed my first drink of the evening was served and presented by one of them.

There are plenty of choice for everyone here, the main bar is elegant and practical with a variety of seating options.

The evening bar menu is good value giving you 4 options (e.g; English goat cheese and red pepper wrap, devilled kidneys, glazed pork belly with Thyme and perfumed truffle, Bloody Mary oyster shot) for Â£10.

The basement area is completely different and very "rock n' roll" as is the exclusive dining room on the top floor which reminded me of a French boudoir (manage a trois ;-).

If you do visit here do make the effort to visit the top floor restaurant, the atmosphere and ambiance that has been created is quite sumptuous and will not remain a 'hidden gem' for long.

Pasha

david_2001 — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 21:32:33 +0000

Rating: 3.4

Location: 1-3 Gloucester Road, SW7 4PP, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7589 7969

Website: http://www.pasha-restaurant.co.uk/

Tags: romantic, north african, good value, crowded

More Moorers!There is something of a 'theme park' disney feel to this venue but judging by the the happy, smiling staff and clients, the theme works.

I was on a strictly liquid diet when visiting prescribed by my doctor so stuck to the cocktail menu and sampled several which were prepared, as if by magic, right in front of me.

As usual in the best pharmacies the concoctions are put together by the chief chemist, who in this case was a very very charming lady who mesmerized me further with her beguiling smile....pure alchemy.

Belly dancers perform here every evening, join the dance, it adds to the fun.

Moor d'amour,

The Criterion

david_2001 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 09:03:46 +0000

Rating: 2.4

Location: 224 Piccadilly, W1J 9HS, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7930 0488

Viva la Franc !Marco Pierre Whiteâ¬"s decadent restaurant in the heart of the West End is a sumptuous haven from the chaos of Piccadilly Circus and is currently enjoying a renaissance with the reintroduction of a magnificent French menu.

Situated, as it has been since 1873, across the road from Eros and his contemporary backdrop of animated electronic advertisements for Diet Coke, the Criterion is a resplendent, Neo-Byzantine palace of gold and claret with an elaborate mosaic ceiling, enormous bronze-coloured mirrors within ornate arches and plush leather seating. Itâ¬"s like a feast for the eyes - so they donâ¬"t become envious of your stomach later.

During lunchtimes, the Criterion is suitably busy but not unattractively so. A warm murmur from the mature clientele flows throughout the restaurant, creating an ambience of sophistication coupled with sheer pleasure obtained from the food being consumed. The staff are impeccable and their attentiveness never falters.

The menu contains a variety of delights from across the Channel such as seared tuna with aubergine caviar and duck confit with braised red cabbage, together with daily specials including pork cutlet and apple sauce, and classic Lancashire Hotpot. However, for true value, try the pre-theatre set menu of around Â£15.00 for two courses or Â£18.00 for three. The pan fried cod on a bed of leeks with balsamic sauce is delicious, beautifully cooked and immaculately presented while the elegant vanilla panacotta and poached strawberries were simply divine. There are few venues in the West End that combine lavish and rewarding dishes with such reasonable prices.

The one complaint, however, would be the price of the wine; the list is comprehensive to say the least with a fine international selection of reds and whites but some bottles â¬ such as the Puligny Montrachet â¬ÜLes Noyers Bretsâ¬" or the Barrua, Agricola Punica â¬ could match or possibly surpass the price of your whole meal.

The Criterion is a magnificent venue with cuisine to match. A lunchtime visit is highly recommended.

Paddington Sports Club

david_2001 — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:37:31 +0000

Rating: 5.0

Location: Castellain Road, W9 1HQ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7286 8448

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

Tennis, bowls, squash anyone?I must declare a degree of bias here as this is my local club but in the interests of balance I will try and be objective (uuurrhum).

As well a tennis, bowls and squash there is also a gymnasium, sauna and beauty therapies available.

Additional options are yoga and pilates.

The tennis courts are superior although a little open to the elements being no indoor facilities.

All standards of players are welcome and all 3 coaches are friendly, qualified and organised.

Discount membership is available to LTA 3.1=> ratings.

There is a huge indoor bowls green and an extremely well tendered outdoor green. All levels of player from all ages are welcome. You will be keeping good company as the club has produced 25 national champions and 35 internationals over the years.

Squash is just and enthusiastically pursued with ladies, mens and veterans league teams and numerous club tournaments.

Oh, did I mention that there is an excellent bar, Thai restaurant and this weeks social events include salsa dancing on Monday and the well renowned Odyssey Blues Band playing live on Friday, February the 1st, 2008.

Non members are encouraged to attend the social events and generally (unless you are a tennis, bowls, squash guest) there is no charge.

Please treat the staff and officials at this club with respect and the courtesy that they deserve.

The Table

david_2001 — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 07:48:09 +0000

Rating: 3.2

Location: 85 Southwark Street, SE1 0HX, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7401 2760

Website: http://www.thetablecafe.com

Top TableThis is a modern 'canteen' restaurant with hard wood bench or breakfast bar style seating arrangements.

The food is an excellent choice of staples (including freshly baked bread and soup) and tried and trusted favorites such as risotto, pasta, chille con carne, shepherds pie or quiche type options.

There is a 'serve your own' selection of salads as well as a choice of delicious home baked puddings.

I have only been here at lunchtime and for me it has the ideal combination of being quick, tasty, reasonably priced and catering to the local community and office workers.

Utilitarianism at it's best, cup of tea or fruity red optional.

Chelsea Potter

david_2001 — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 09:37:09 +0000

Rating: 5.0

Location: 119 Kings Road, SW3 4PL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7352 9479

Latte, frappe, smoothie or Beer?Pub, cafe or juice bar, quite a novel idea but most assuredly a pub.

Well set up with a great atmosphere, sports TV, food and refreshments, smoking/seating area, did not check for a compendium of games and newspapers but I am sure they are there if you look!

Bang in the center of the King's Road shopping area, what more could you want for, short pants and cowboy boots...don't turn around, she just walked in.

Odette's

david_2001 — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 06:05:28 +0000

Rating: 4.5

Location: 130 Regent's Park Road, NW1 8XL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7586 8569

Website: http://www.odettesprimrosehill.com/

Shaken not StirredIf you like your pubs, gastro pubs and bars you are again spoiled with choice once you arrive in the Haverstock/Primrose Hill area.

However, my clear favorite is Odette's, this is a restaurant with 3 different dinning areas, all with a very different style.

I must admit I generally head straight for the basement where they serve simply the best cocktails in London.

Not only a sensual treat for eyes and touch but also for the palate and imagination.

Ground level is dining room splendor for the 'grown ups' amongst us, then step down into the funky 'chill out'
area for the Ibiza generation.

The basement area is strictly Cole Porter/PG Woodhouse/Somerset Maughan/Scott Fitzgerald territory.

Order the bar snacks and don't fall off your perch.

Treat the waiting staff with the respect they deserve for providing you with an experience that is reserved for the immortals.

Lord Nelson

david_2001 — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 04:45:18 +0000

Rating: 5.0

Location: 243 Union Street, SE1 0LR, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7207 2701

Pub Games AnyoneI love this pub, it's a local bar for local people without any pretensions.

A boozer that has kept up with times in terms of facilities and services, taxi sir/madam, for what time?

There is even a poker tournament on Mondays with a Â£10 entry fee.

Music is bespoke and played all night via an i-pod.

Mine's a pint and a packet of crisps please.

229 Club

david_2001 — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 09:19:15 +0000

Rating: 2.7

Location: 229 Great Portland Street, W1W 5PN, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 8333 7777

Website: http://www.ish.org.uk/ishevents/229

Live WireI do believe I may be the first to review a live music venue, I do hope I am not the last as I can count on one hand the number of pubs and clubs that offer this facility in the true altruistic 'rock n'roll' spirit.

You have the Dublin Castle, Monsta Bar in Camden and The Marathon and The Sir Richard Steele in Chalk Farm, then I am struggling.

This venue is part of the ISH and immediately in front of the student residential block.

It has great acoustics and the close proximity of the stage reminded me a little of The 100 Club in that respect.

The seating areas of comfy leather(like) sofas at the back gave you distinct areas of choice where you could listen to the music with friends or partake in the camaraderie and fun of standing in front of the band.

The promoter of the evening's events (and should be applauded) was www.clubfandango.co.uk who even published an inaugural fanzine for the night.

The door staff were quite strict and very courteous which is always a good sign.

Door entry was Â£6 and a quie formed at 7.00pm which was due to the general popularity of Grand Central who were playing on the same bill as the Skeletons.

Both bands were very good although for me Grand Central were more competent in their performance and had a better resonance with the audience, I suspect the majority of the crowd had come to see them.

Don't forget you read it hear first.

A great real night out for not a lot of lucre, excellent.

Gustoso

david_2001 — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 06:49:57 +0000

Rating: 5.0

Location: 267 West End Lane, NW6 1QS, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7435 2329

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

Tags: delicatessen, bargain, rare finds

Gustoso PLUSI have already reviewed this Maida Vale delicatessen but do feel I haven't done it justice (this is the West Hampstead branch).

There is a real 'hands-on' approach here by the management team who really appear to attack their roles with relish (no pun intended).

Given the competition in this sector (Sainsburys, Tescos, Waitrose) who all have deli counters and will deliver, the Gustoso team offer a more comprehensive, superior service at a better price.

I could bang on about the cheeses, cured meats, pates, olives, antipasti, fresh sauces and dips, quiches, pies, soups, ready prepared meals and cakes. But I won't.

On top of this you can order and have food delivered on-line.

BBQs, buffets, dinner parties, christenings and even personalized birthday cakes are all catered to (again no pun intended).

Oh, there are even seasonal vegetables, fresh bread and rare breed eggs (coming soon) that can be purchased on a daily basis.

Heaven is a place on earth, more local shops like this please.

PS I have posted this review to the wrong category, not sure how to correct the error though.

Cafe Montpeliano

david_2001 — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 07:08:29 +0000

Rating: 5.0

Location: 144 Brompton Road, SW3 1HY, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7225 2926

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

Tags: cultured

Viva ItaliaThis restaurant is directly opposite/next to Bonhams in Knightsbridge and hence has a very stylish eclectic mix of clientÃ¨le and decor.

The lay-out, ambiance and lighting is quite extraordinary with a tardis like feel that you would not perceive on entry.

This is a restaurant for grown up children with the Matradie being the head of your surrogate family.

Montpelier is a feast for the eyes as well as the spirit, sit back and enjoy with your friends or wander in on on your own.

Be aware that there is a cover charge so you will not be able to pop in for a lunch time coffee, the benefit is that you will not be jostling with the local tourists.