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Vertigo 42 - review by DanWilkinson

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:50:25 +0000

Vertigo 42 - review by DanWilkinson

Rating: 3.9

Location: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7877 7842

Website: http://www.vertigo42.co.uk

Tags: posh, champagne, cool & smart, young professionals, glamorous, view, trendy

I have to agree with the general sentiments below on Vertigo 42 - the view is without exception the best in London, and really has to be seen at least once in one's life. The three stars relate to the fact that, without the view, this would be a pretty crap bar, and they do rely on that a bit more than they should, I think.

The two downsides in my mind are:

1. I know it's always going to be expensive, but the pricing of the drinks list, mainly Champagne, does verge on the cynical. Still, they don't charge an entry fee, so once you take that into account it sort of balances out. I suppose.

2. The layout of the bar, sort of in a thin strip around the outside of the building, makes it totally unsuitable for groups of more than four or so. My advice would be to book a table for two to four, and leave it at that.

On the whole though, what an experience, and the staff do their best to make it feel that way. Kick the night off here with a bottle of Pol Roger, marvel at London spread out before you, and then head off somewhere more comfortable to rave about how great it was.

I proposed to my fiancee here, and there's something quite nice about being able to see the venue where she said yes from pretty much anywhere in the city.

Dans Le Noir - review by Browners

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 12:41:19 +0000

Dans Le Noir - review by Browners

Rating: 3.1

Location: 30-31 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R 0DU, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7253 1100

Website: http://www.danslenoir.com

Tags: lively, dark, expensive, romantic

In a sudden fit of bravery we decided to take our wonderful Client out for an adventurous dinner. She is based in the States so we rarely get to see each other face to face.

This will now seem like a non-sequitor...

So we took her to Dans le Noir in Farringdon for a fabulous night of dining in the dark. We are working on a project that is all about sensual experiences, so it made perfect sense to finish the day's hard work with a meal that would push all of our sensual boundaries.

Arriving at the restaurant we were greeted in the foyer by a collection of very engaging maitre d's. They made us put all of our kit in a locker so that no mobile phones or watches with illuminated faces could disturb the sheer blackness of the dining room.

I don't think any of us were ready for the attack on our senese that was to follow. After a quick cocktail to instil a bit of Dutch courage in all of us, we queued up behind a blind waitress/guide and were led into the pitch black room. Some squealed. Others were a bit more stoical. We found our table using our hands and all sat down around what we all thought was a round table, but turned out to be oblong!

We groped around the table looking for water glasses and bottles. The only way you can pour everyone's wine is to put your finger in the glass and keep pouring until your finger gets wet! Not very hygenic. But great fun.

We all spoke very loudly to begin with as we acclimatised to the dark. Towards the end of the meal our voices became more calm and we shouted a lot less! It's bizarre just how reliant we all are on our sense of sight.

I found it really hard to determine what I was eating and to be honest can't quite remember. Memory works very badly when you remove the sense of sight. My starter may have involved something resembling spring rolls filled with what I thought was minced chicken and somebody else thought was tuna - which turned out to be duck.

Likewise I got terribly confused by my main course which I still swear to the this day was lamb, but turned out to be a mixture of ostrich fillet on one side of the plate and venison on the other. But we all recognised the distinctive smell and flavour of the truffled risotto that acted as a division between the two meats.

Personally I loved the whole experience. There is something very liberating about being in the dark. It may have been the amount of wine I was drinking because I was thirsty and couldn't find my water glass... but I found myself saying things at a work dinner that I would never otherwise have said. I've never had so much fun chatting a joking around a (now clearly rectangular) table. Everything seems funnier in the dark.

Be careful about coming here if you know people are claustrophobic or are a bit strapped for cash as it isn't cheap. But remember you are coming here for an experience and not simply a meal. In many ways this is the idea of a restaurant pushed to the extreme. It's not about the food. It's about opening your mind and having an entertaining time. We learnt a lot about each other during the course of the meal and feel like we all bonded along the way.

Will any of us return? Unlikely. But not in a bad way. We've all been talking about the experience ever since and won't ever forget that crazy meal we all had in the dark! It's a great place to come if you want to break the ice.

Vertigo 42 - review by QueenB

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:29:40 +0000

Vertigo 42 - review by QueenB

Rating: 3.9

Location: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7877 7842

Website: http://www.vertigo42.co.uk

Tags: cool, mature, cool & smart, young professionals, glamorous, sexy, trendy, friendly, relaxed, posh

Head for the tallest building in the city. You can see the blue strip of lighting from miles away.

Enter through a lilac-lit building entrance that reminded me of the Mayors Office.

Check in with a very smart glamour-puss of a receptionist and get shown to the lift that will whisk you directly up to the ear popping 42nd floor.

There you enter a dark, stylised reception area, greeted warmly by staff who take your coats and show you to your seats. With mirrored walls on your right and glass from floor to ceiling on your left, you can't help but feel a little unsteady on your feet!

Gazing out over a moon lit London, we spotted many buildings and got a breath taking view while sipping Lychee Bellinis (Â£12.50 each)and a plate of lovely marinated olives and shared a bottle of red (Australian Shiraz).

The staff were attentive, smiling and very helpful. Our waiter was sweet and took photos for us and when the more sought after seats with the better view became available (the first seats as you walk in) he kindly moved us and our drinks there without us even having to ask.

There was nice soulful house music playing quietly in the background, the clientelle was wealthy 30 somethings of all nationalities, along with a handful of tourists.

I would def would come back here, for a special night out out or a romantic evening.

If you don't have ahead for heights though, don't even attempt this! I had legs like Bambi for the 1st 15min!

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!

Dans Le Noir - review by smileylaura0

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:32:05 +0000

Dans Le Noir - review by smileylaura0

Rating: 3.1

Location: 30-31 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R 0DU, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7253 1100

Website: http://www.danslenoir.com

Tags: lively, expensive, french

I made a visit to this restaurant in a party of 9, feeling a little nervous about how I would cope inside the restaurant, considering that it is totally and utterly dark! You enter in a conga line, directed to your table, expecting to find that your eyes might adjust to the darkness and perhaps you'd start to see the outline of the room, or the doorway - but nothing happens, it really is pitch black.

After a tricky moment or two fiddling with cutlery, you quickly abandon your knives and forks in favour of eating with your hands - well, why not? It's not as if anyone can see you! It is also very loud inside the restaurant, but I don't think this is only because our other senses are heightened when sight is taken away, I think that it's also because guests genuinely did raise their voices. Perhaps to over compensate for the fact that they could not see each other?

Unfortunately, I was right to be nervous - after about 10 minutes I had to leave as I felt claustrophobic, no matter how much I tried to convince myself that it was a large room, I still felt closed in by the darkness. The rest of my party were fine, so I ended up paying Â£50 for a meal which I ate on my own in the empty, lit bar on the second floor. To make matters worse, I was not at all impressed with the food - the fact that I could see my food didn't help, it still tasted no better than a school dinner!

The only redeeming feature about this place is the fact that they hire blind people as waiters/waitresses, and support Deaf-Blind charities with donations - hence the 1 star.

Dans Le Noir - review by misstravelbug

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:22:14 +0000

Dans Le Noir - review by misstravelbug

Rating: 3.1

Location: 30-31 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R 0DU, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7253 1100

Website: http://www.danslenoir.com

Tags: expensive

This is an overpriced restaurant selling itself on a gimmick. The food here is worse than average though the sensation of eating completely in the dark is something different. Though not sure this experience is worth 40 quid with questionable cuts of meat and soggy overcooked vegetables.

Dans Le Noir - review by baks162

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:31:53 +0000

Dans Le Noir - review by baks162

Rating: 3.1

Location: 30-31 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R 0DU, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7253 1100

Website: http://www.danslenoir.com

This restaurant is more for the experience rather than the food.

A bunch of us went there a couple of months back after reading about it. It didnt dissapoint. When you arrive, you are given lockers to put all your belongings in (you arent allowed to take your mobile phones, watches, etc to the dining area) and then led by a blind waiter into the dark dining area. And trust me, it is dark and you cant see a thing!

We ordered the vegetarian surprise dish - it tasted average but it was exciting trying to figure out what was on the plate! Woudl recommending not ordering any wine - if you miss the glass in the dark...!!

By the end of the evening, I mused to myself - how important is our sight.

Vertigo 42 - review by oogywawa

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:04:32 +0000

Vertigo 42 - review by oogywawa

Rating: 3.9

Location: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7877 7842

Website: http://www.vertigo42.co.uk

Tags: posh, cool & smart, young professionals, friendly

Want to impress someone? Then V42's your place.

Yes it's expensive, full of liggers on expense accounts and has the atmosphere of a corporate office but that pales into insignificance the moment you peer out of the glass.

If you pick the end of the day when the light is fading from a hazy sunshine through that glorious transition period from day into early evening and finally night you get 3 experiences in one.

Once you get used to the sheer height of the place (the lift covers 42 floors in 20 seconds or so...) and that indefinable feeling of being slightly unsettled and heady then you can enjoy the panoramic view of London and the horizon for as far as you can see.

You have to book well in advance and you get your own amount of space at the window, which depends on the size of your party. Drinks are mainly Champagne, with Wine & Cocktails available and snacks such as peanuts and olives. Service is attentive and the bill attention grabbing !

Dans Le Noir - review by gilka

Thu, 22 May 2008 23:14:42 +0000

Dans Le Noir - review by gilka

Rating: 3.1

Location: 30-31 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R 0DU, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7253 1100

Website: http://www.danslenoir.com

Tags: expensive

ok so first don't expect too much from the food-
I had better food in other places. For me it was all about the experience: getting rid of anything that can produce light at the entrance, choosing if your meal is veggie or not and not knowing what you are going to get...
One staff member leads you to your seat (hand on his back)
It is completely dark! Can't see a thing!
You need to be creative and learn how to eat like this, how to pour the wine into your glass and how to pass things around to your friends... It is quite loud and there is no music playing. You don't know what you are eating until you finish and that's part of the fun. About Â£50 per head with wine.
A place to try once and no need to come back again...

Bloody French - review by chernandezg

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:08:51 +0000

Bloody French - review by chernandezg

Rating: 4.0

Location: 149 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RS, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7727 7770

Website: http://www.bloodyfrench.com/

Tags: french, good value, crowded

Two of us went for dinner on a Saturday... I loved the menus on a chalk board and the food was indeed quite good and it reminded me of ... well a "Notting Hill-ized" french Bistro. The one "issue" was when they took the four seats to our left in the central communal table and decided to squeeze in six people because someone's friend decided to bring their (very talkative and loud) friend... Almost ruined a good evening... a bottle of decent read saved it!

Bloody French - review by belinda

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:29:14 +0000

Bloody French - review by belinda

Rating: 4.0

Location: 149 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RS, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7727 7770

Website: http://www.bloodyfrench.com/

Tags: cosy, top food, proper food, fire, crowded, funky, trendy

Great decor, friendly staff and fresh tasty food. My only complaint is the lack of veggie options (but then they are French so I can't complain too much) and they need to change their menu more often. Otherwise a great choice for any night of the week.

202 Cafe - review by patelimran

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 13:10:43 +0000

202 Cafe - review by patelimran

Rating: 4.6

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

Phone: 020 7792 6888

Tags: cosy, top food

Great great place. Ambience is just perfect, food is fantastic. Completely and utterly recommend it!

Dans Le Noir - review by Ladis19

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 10:38:43 +0000

Dans Le Noir - review by Ladis19

Rating: 3.1

Location: 30-31 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R 0DU, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7253 1100

Website: http://www.danslenoir.com

Tags: lively, good value, First Date, crowded, french, romantic

I went there last night (21/8/07) and had what can only be described as one of the most exciting dining experiences I have ever had. It's one of those Marmite places, some will love it, others will hate it but you just have to try.

We arrived shortly before the time of our booking (best all to arrive at the same time because they can only seat you all in one go) and were greeted by a slightly cheesy but polite, enthusiastic and charming Frenchman. He explained procedures, dos and don'ts, offered us a drink at the bar whilst we waited for our waiter, took our order and sent us on our way. The Surprise Menu is divided into 4. White (anything), Red (No Fish), Blue (No Meat), Green (Vegetarian). So you make your choice of food and drink before entering the room.

You walk into the Dark Room led by a blind or partially sighted waiter in a single file with your right hand over the right shoulder of the person in front until you reach your table, you are seated and then he explains protocol. Don't move, don't get up and walk around, if you need something ask etc&

So there we were, just seated, feeling around trying to familiarise ourselves with our new surroundings and co-diners (Did I mention I only knew 1 person out of the 6 others). Talk about a blind date! there's no better way to find out about someone

The experience is great, there's a fair amount of touchy feely going on because you have to feel your neighbour's hand before you pass her a bottle of wine or some bread etc. You suddenly become much more intimate with the person sitting next to you than you would if you were in a lit room (make sure you sit next to someone you have no problem touching).

The conversation at dinner was also completely different. A lot more comments about the food, what are we eating? Who's nicked my wine? (btw Melanie that was me:)) where's the water? No not that one, the still water&etc. I wonder what we would have done if someone had asked for the salt? You have to put in a lot more effort in HOW you say things, normally a lot is said just by a smile or a deep look, there you have to use your voice in a very different way, it's fascinating.

I would have liked to stay there a little longer and just sit and chat but we felt that they needed the space for other customers and felt, although very politely and discreetly, slightly pressured into leaving.

The only down side to this restaurant is the food. This place having very strong French roots you would expect the food to be tastier. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad, just nothing to write home about. The price is around £50 a head (service not included) which in itself is acceptable considering we had aperitifs and wine and a great experience.

I definitely recommend the place and if you can't find friends to go with you, call me, I'd love to go again.

Bloody French - review by luv2eat

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:24:55 +0000

Bloody French - review by luv2eat

Rating: 4.0

Location: 149 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RS, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7727 7770

Website: http://www.bloodyfrench.com/

Bloody French in Notting Hill is by far one of the best dining experiences I've had in London. Take a trip to Paris without crossing the Channel. Relaxed, great food, and excellent service. Take someone close to your heart or meet a group of mates-- either way you're bound to have a good time.

Bloody French - review by elena

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 14:10:17 +0000

Bloody French - review by elena

Rating: 4.0

Location: 149 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RS, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7727 7770

Website: http://www.bloodyfrench.com/

Tags: french, french cuisine, notting hill, expensive

One place in London where I had the chance to find good french cuisine was in Bloody French at Notting Hill. The restaurant is quite small with big shared wooden tables but the atmoshpere is friendly. I tried the pumpkin soup which was excellent and as a main course the boeuf bourguignon which was equally tasty. The price is a bit high but it really worths trying it even for once!