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Out of the Blue Bar & Kitchen - review by ilovelucy

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:01:04 +0000

Out of the Blue Bar & Kitchen - review by ilovelucy

Rating: 3.7

Location: 140 St Johns Hill, SW11 1SL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7207 8548

Tags: family & home feel, international

Came here on Monday night to exploit my tastelondon card with the 2 for 1 offer. Out of the Blue is an independent restaurant and from looking at reviews it is quite popular with the locals. The restaurant had a homely feel with low lighting and mismatched wooden furniture. Not sure i'd be able to sit in my wicker chair for more than a couple of hours though and some of the tables were really close together - so i was impressed that the waitresses could get round them. The menu was divided into two parts - one section had heavier meals, your standard starters, mains, and puddings. On the other side were smaller tapas like plates, 5 of which we decided to go for. We ordered the battered halloumi cheese, the rocket and grapefruit salad, the lamb kebabs, the nachos and the chicken burritos. All were delicious and i had nothing to fault them for. I particulary liked the rocket and grapefruit sald with parmesan - great combination of flavours. However, after having the 5 dishes we were still hungry and we ordered a plate of fries. I liked the way the dishes had their own touches - for example the fries had parsley and garlic on them. You could tell that care had gone into making them. Not sure if I would come back though as I did think that Â£5.50 per dish was a little pricey and we weren't full after 5 dishes.

Souk Medina - review by curlynewf

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:36:20 +0000

Souk Medina - review by curlynewf

Rating: 3.4

Location: 1A Short Gardens,, WC2H 9AT, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7240 1796

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

Tags: lively, morrocan, african & caribbean, cheap eat, north african, good value, crowded, romantic

I wasn't all that impressed with the food here. Admittedly we didn't eat much, but what we did have didn't really whet my appetite for more. We had the mezze plate for two, grilled halloumi, calamari and a bottle of of Cuvee Du President (Moroccan red wine). We enjoyed the wine, but the halloumi was dry, the falafel was too hard and the calamari was too rubbery. The tabouleh wasn't bad and the pita was nice and warm but there was too much of it. We also ordered a bottle of sparkling water which arrived warm (when we asked for ice we were given a gigantic bowl of ice cubes with a spoon :-)) I'm pretty sure the tiny tables and low-lighting are meant to be part of the charm, but we sat at a *really* cramped table downstairs which was literally squished up against the next table, and it was so dimly lit that we could barely see the food on our plate. The wait staff was friendly though (and like amandaharrison our waitress spoke little English). But considering it was extremely busy and we'd no reservation the staff were all really attentive and accommodating. The belly dancer was good too - and it was pretty cheap! Considering the location, the vibrancy and the cost I might go again and try some other dishes. Maybe it was just an off-night.

Souk Medina - review by ben1982

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:23:03 +0000

Souk Medina - review by ben1982

Rating: 3.4

Location: 1A Short Gardens,, WC2H 9AT, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7240 1796

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

A beautifully low-lit interior of flagstones and plush fabrics makes an atmospheric setting for meeting friends. Downstairs is even more luxurious with beds and endless cushions for reclining after meaty tagines and plenty of garlic and coriander-based dips. Service is friendly and the place genuinely feels a world away from the west end.

Souk Medina - review by ummy

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:20:44 +0000

Souk Medina - review by ummy

Rating: 3.4

Location: 1A Short Gardens,, WC2H 9AT, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7240 1796

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

3 ladies who like to lunch ! We couldn't have found a better place and a wonderful introduction to Morrocan food - we had a complete variety of random dishes from the party menu I think. I'm a vegetarian and there were more than enough really tasty dishes to keep me eating for ages - and the meat eaters were just as impressed. The staff were very attentive and helpful with explaining the dishes.

As for atmosphere - wonderful - so authentic and very cooling on what was a very hot day.

I would definitely recommend

Souk Bazaar - review by angelgirl

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:45:29 +0000

Souk Bazaar - review by angelgirl

Rating: 4.2

Location: 27 Litchfield Street, WC2H 9NJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7240 1796

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

Can only add to previous reviewers' opinions-a lovely charming restaurant, excellent food, vegetarians very well catered for. You do feel transported away from the bustle of central London into an exotic world! I visited as part of a hen party and have to say it was a little squashed, but somehow that just adds to the charm. Highly recommended, I definitely intend to go back as soon as I can.

Souk Bazaar - review by xLHGx

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:43:28 +0000

Souk Bazaar - review by xLHGx

Rating: 4.2

Location: 27 Litchfield Street, WC2H 9NJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7240 1796

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

Tags: romantic, african & caribbean, cheap eat, good value

This is possibly the most beautiful restaurant I have ever been to. We went for my 19th as I really love moroccan food but haven't been to a restaurant! Well it was like a dream walking in, all of a sudden it was like you weren't in the centre of London at all but in the centre of morocco. The atmosphere is lovely and intimate with draping fabrices, low seating and moroccan music playing softly in the background. Our food was just amazing and we ordered a bottle of their moroccan wine which was brilliant, especially for the price! I really want to come back and try it again, perhaps with a larger group. It's difficult to explain in words the charm of this restaurant but I would strongly recommend a visit! The staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful, making the experience an even better one.

Souk Medina - review by Gerrymouse

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:32:40 +0000

Souk Medina - review by Gerrymouse

Rating: 3.4

Location: 1A Short Gardens,, WC2H 9AT, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7240 1796

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

Tags: romantic, cheap eat, north african, good value

I must have been luckier than some of the people that reviewed here and didn't like it as I found the service, food and drinks fantastic! Went on a first date (brillant place for a first date!) just this weekend and loved it so much taking a friend there tonight for birthday cocktails. Meze for 2 at only Â£8 is excellent value and just the right amount of food to soak up the amazing cocktails! You would never guess you were in the middle of busy Covent Garden, its so secluded and quiet away from the hustle and bustle. Great music but not so loud you cannot each other speak. Def recommend going and trying it out with an open mind.

Out of the Blue Bar & Kitchen - review by Browners

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:00:56 +0000

Out of the Blue Bar & Kitchen - review by Browners

Rating: 3.7

Location: 140 St Johns Hill, SW11 1SL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7207 8548

Good breakfast. Probably one of the best in the Clapham Junction area. No idea what it is like as a bar.

Souk Medina - review by amandaharrison

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:40:07 +0000

Souk Medina - review by amandaharrison

Rating: 3.4

Location: 1A Short Gardens,, WC2H 9AT, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7240 1796

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

Tags: Moroccan, cushions, low tables, candles, north african, good value, romantic

I liked this place, I really did, but I can't get over the fact that we couldn't order because the waitress couldn't speak English. Getting her attention to try and order was the first hurdle, then attempting to order that really difficult thing, er, the set menu for two, was the second. Like it was our fault! Much pointing to the menu and ten minutes later on someone else came out "to double check your order". But her belly-dancing belt was nice and swishy sounding, which distracted from the appalling service. The food was quite nice, nothing amazing, but pretty good. Ans you can get a bottle of Meursault for Â£26!

Frankie's Italian Bar & Grill - review by charlieo

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:23:50 +0000

Frankie's Italian Bar & Grill - review by charlieo

Rating: 4.0

Location: 263 Putney Bridge Road, SW15 2PU, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 8780 3366

Website: www.frankiesitalianbarandgrill.com

Tags: italian, family & home feel, good value, lively

Frankie's is in my phone memory. It's my default restaurant for catching up with friends. It's reliable venue for food, service and atmosphere. Ladies love the half portions of pasta. I even took my parent's to meet my in-laws there.

Jim Thompson's - review by MandL

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:28:00 +0000

Jim Thompson's - review by MandL

Rating: 4.0

Location: 408 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 6JP, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 8788 3737

Tags: lively, cheap eat, good value, asian, garden, thai, pub, bar

Jim Thompson's offers very good value thai-like food in a very nice environment. It has a bar/gastro-pub area by the entrance with comfortable seating and a chatty barman. The bar has its own limited menu where you can pick from some of the more popular dishes from the restaurant to reduced prices.

In the summer there is a seating area in a smaller garden at the back and also at the front (not sure why anyone would want to sit along the south circular, but maybe if the sun is out, why not?)

The restaurant itself is in the back and has a more extensive menu with some tasty and interesting south east asian dishes.

I am however mainly giving Jim Thompson's a 4 star review because of the good value meals you can enjoy in the comfortable bar area.

Souk Medina - review by londongiirl

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 11:27:36 +0000

Souk Medina - review by londongiirl

Rating: 3.4

Location: 1A Short Gardens,, WC2H 9AT, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7240 1796

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

Tags: good value, halaal, family & home feel, middle eastern

We went to the Souk Medina for lunch.
On entering the place it was very dark and felt we had wondered into a far of place and then it opens up to lots of tables.
There were two main seating areas both of which were full and the upstairs was booked out by a party... we were sat near the bar but it felt as if we were sitting in the walk way area wasnt very private.
The staff were nice but one of them was wearing this annoying skirt that had these little bells on them, made so much noise...
Also, the one thing that topped it off was the low tables... i dont understand why they were so low. i know they wanted to create a more relaxed atmosphere or something but it was difficult to eat...

Souk Bazaar - review by Cedric

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:42:08 +0000

Souk Bazaar - review by Cedric

Rating: 4.2

Location: 27 Litchfield Street, WC2H 9NJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7240 1796

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

Tags: lively, north african, good value, romantic

Exotic location with typical food from Northern Africa. I liked eating in a cave-like alcove, seating on cushions. Not very practical but friendly. The food is good, as long as you like couscous and tajine, and if you do, the portions are enormous. The lower rooms are a bit dark, but that could be interesting for a romantic evening. A bit noisy when the traditional bands and the belly dancers get active.

Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill - review by DannyB2007

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 10:46:29 +0000

Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill - review by DannyB2007

Rating: 4.7

Location: 11-15 Swallow Street, W1B 4DG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7734 4756

Tags: romantic, business, good value, expensive

Not being a very big fish loving person I wasnt entirely sure what to expect at Bentleys Oyster Bar & Grill.

but I have to say I did opt for some fish as it sounded too good to be true.....it wasnt....I had Roast Plaice with Fennel, Tomato & Aubergine and a fantastic sauce, along with some mash potatoe....I can't fault any of it.

My girlfriend even pursuaded me to down an Oyster which tasted like it had just been plucked out of the sea...absolutely delicious.

Staff were great...the girl waiting on us was watching in awe as I attempted to eat my first Oyster and said she will try one sometime.

The wine list was immense, I cannot fathom where they actually stored all of it...I have never seen a list so big definately something for everyone here.

Its located on a wonderful back street, the decor takes you back to a time when you feel eating out was every bit the romantic luxury it used to be.

I will certainly go back and next time maybe have a plate of Oysters to myself.

Paul - review by girlswear

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 22:06:33 +0000

Paul - review by girlswear

Rating: 3.5

Location: 29 Bedford Street, WC2E 9ED, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7836 3304

Website: http://www.paul.fr

Tags: romantic, croissant, tea, bakery, coffee, cafe, french

Been hearing about Paul Boulangerie & Pattiserie for ages. I finally went to one of the chain (Covent Garden) in the hunt for THE croissant place in London. You see, I'm quite a croissant connoisseur. I had a pain au chocolat. It was slightly disappointing. It was a bit stale and dry, perhaps it was towards the end of the day. But the display of various flans, cakes, tarts, claufouti and sweets sure look delicious!