Latest favourites and wishlist by lisas

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

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.

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.

Tate Modern - review by PinkPink

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:38:24 +0000

Tate Modern - review by PinkPink

Rating: 4.2

Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7887 8008

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern

The Tate Modern is very popular with tourists and in a popular and easily accessible location. Personally, I didn't like the Tate Modern at all, and the must hyped up crack in the floor didn't really live up to expectations. Before arriving I'd heard that some unfortunate people had become casualties because of the crack, so it was a disappointment when I saw it.

The Tate Modern is the home of a modern international and contemporary art. Before I visited the museum I hadn't seen much of ''modern art'', but personally I hated the ''art'' that I saw there a lot. If you are interested in modern art, then this gallery is for you, as it has many exhibits, but it's definitely not somewhere that houses something for everyone.

They do hold workshops, courses, and discussions, so if contemporary art is your thing, you should definitely visit!!

Tate Modern - review by gillygilly

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:12:37 +0000

Tate Modern - review by gillygilly

Rating: 4.2

Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7887 8008

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern

Tags: modern art

Ok so we all wanted to see what all the fuss was about. 5 must admit the place did not disapoint. we walked across the fantastic millenium bridge to get there and the place was full of happy people getting close to art. when we visitied there was an exhibit that was made of metal, hanging from the roof that you were able to walk through and that was superb, some of the andy warhols are really quite tacky looking in the flesh, but are a must see, like the huge elvis piece. The cafe was over priced and so full we did not bother. Would we go again yes, although it is not really great for very small kids but there were still loads there when we went.

Aziz & Delaziz - review by Bash

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:33:44 +0000

Aziz & Delaziz - review by Bash

Rating: 4.5

Location: 24-32 Vanston Place, SW6 1AX, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7386 0086

Website: http://www.delaziz.com/

Tags: cakes, desserts, sweets

A lot of the reviews for Delaziz have focused on the rather delicious savoury menu, but I haven't yet seen any that mention the mouth-watering selection of cakes, tarts, tortes and sweet pastries offered by this restaurant. I was introduced to it over the weekend by a friend who is an authority on the best cake shops in London, and I was not disappointed.

I had a strawberry and custard tart which was almost too rich to finish and my dining companion ordered a slice of marble cake which would more accurately be described as a slab - very generous portions indeed. This will definitely become one of my regular haunts. :-)

Coq d'Argent - review by sweettirana

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:16:42 +0000

Coq d'Argent - review by sweettirana

Rating: 4.7

Location: 1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7395 5000

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

Tags: romantic, expensive, french

Paradise on top of London! I love this place! I love the food, the location, the views, the wine, the garden, the service...

I have been in the fortunate position where friends have taken me here for special celebrations so I havent been privy to the bill although I have been told that it certainly isnt cheap!

Although pricey Coq d'Argent should definitely be considered as a place to take someone special for a birthday lunch or for a relatives anniversary perhaps? It is certainly a place that I could not afford very often so is a special occasion type place that will always hold fond memories for me.

The lift that you go into go up to the restaurant is also fanatastic and the rooftop gardens are mesmerising. It certainly is one of London's hidden gems!

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.

Ping Pong Dim Sum - review by WB1

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:38:21 +0000

Ping Pong Dim Sum - review by WB1

Rating: 3.8

Location: 74 Westbourne Grove, W2 5SH, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7313 9832

Website: http://www.pingpongdimsum.com

Tags: lively, good value, chinese

Ping pong is a great dim sum restaurant with a difference. The decor is modern and stylish but still comfortable enough to spend a whole Sunday afternoon there. The list of dim sum is good - not the most comprehensive ever, but certainly good enough so that everyone can find several things they like. You are given a list and a pencil and mark your choices. The food arrives in wicker baskets and while the waiter tells you which is which it's easy to forget! The food is good and excellent value. As other reviewers have mentioned the jasmine tea is a real treat to watch and not bad to drink either! The cocktail list is also good and while I'm not sure that cocktails and chinese food are a classic combination, if you have time they are definitely worth trying after your meal. The staff are friendly and happy to help and advise on choices for both food and cocktails.

Tate Modern - review by simonlarois

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:08:49 +0000

Tate Modern - review by simonlarois

Rating: 4.2

Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7887 8008

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern

Tags: modern art, photographic exhibition, paintings, sculptures

Worth a vist just to see the awesome and iconic installation art that hits the headlines year after year. The Tate Modern is an awe inspiring gallery which is well worth a vist if you are in London for the day. About fifteen minutes walk from the London Eye it can offer a nice injection of culture in to any family day out. Be warned that there are some works of art that will not be appropriate for the younger kids, but ask any of the helpful and very friendly staff about this and they will be happy to help. Prepare to be challenged though by some of the more extreme works, which may stretch the boundaries of what art is in your mind. A challenging gallery that will open your mind as well as giving you space to think.

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!

Tate Modern - review by jmcfar

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:38:54 +0000

Tate Modern - review by jmcfar

Rating: 4.2

Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7887 8008

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern

The tate modern is my favourite art museum in London. Although I do not like the outside very much, I find it a bit gray and drab, but inside the galleries are very impressive indeed. The big hall where you enter (I do tend to enter from the side entrance rather than the side facing the river) is very huge and impressive, and usually houses an impressive work of art. The permanent collection that the Tate has on display is very good and the non permanent exhibitions which change quite frequently are very good also. You should definitely go if youâ¬"ve never been.

Tate Modern - review by codam

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:47:41 +0000

Tate Modern - review by codam

Rating: 4.2

Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7887 8008

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern

The Tate Modern is one the highlights of the museum world of London - even before you go in, itâ¬"s extremely impressive, housed in a converted power station on Londonâ¬"s Southbank. The main turbine hall usually houses a special exhibit which is always fascinating â¬ they have had some amazing exhibitions, including huge slides! And the collections themselves â¬ which are generally free to enter - are no less impressive to wander around. The frequently changing special exhibitions are usually fantastic also, do look up in advance to see what exhibitions are going to be on. A place you simply must visit in London.

Hakkasan - review by Weeboo

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:43:29 +0000

Hakkasan - review by Weeboo

Rating: 4.2

Location: 8 Hanway Place, W1T 1HD, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7907 1888

Tags: lively, chinese, crowded, expensive

This is by far one of the best dim sum restaurants I've tried in London. I cannot recommend the food enough. My mouth is watering right now as I type this *grin*.

The surroundings are suitably trendy, with an almost nightclub feel. Its lively and tends to get very loud in there. A good venue choice for a social night out with workmates or a hen party.

Regrettably, the service can feel overstretched or inattentive. Last time I dined here I waited over half an hour for the food to arrive after it had been ordered, and that was only after nudging the waiter. Considering how pricey the menu is, they could do more to improve the service.

Tate Modern - review by sparklepants

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:35:40 +0000

Tate Modern - review by sparklepants

Rating: 4.2

Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7887 8008

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern

Tags: modern art, photographic exhibition, paintings, sculptures

â¬¢If you are having a lazy wander along the Southbank, I would highly recommend popping into the Tate and seeing what the latest installation in the turbine hall is, you can then have a look around and check out the free exhibitions within the various rooms that the Tate holds.
If you are heading over specifically to visit the Tate Modern, itâ¬"s advisable to check out the website first to make sure they actually have something in the Turbine Hall, as sometimes they are preparing for the next.
I would also suggest that you donâ¬"t eat in the Tatâ¬"s own restaurants or bars, but try somewhere along the Southbank itself.

Tate Modern - review by doodlekitten

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:25:57 +0000

Tate Modern - review by doodlekitten

Rating: 4.2

Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7887 8008

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern

Tags: modern art, photographic exhibition, sculptures

I was a little disappointed by my visit to the Tate Modern Museum. Timing is crucial and unfortunately we went late on a Friday afternoon- being one of the last attractions to close its doors it does attract a rush hour around 4pm. We didnâ¬"t leave ourselves sufficient time to stroll through the different quarters and consequently spent the hour briskly walking from room to room dodging the swarms of people and trying not to miss out too many rooms. The audio-visual exhibitions were quite stunning and well worth seeing, and we literally stumbled on some fantastic interactive exhibits. Give the audio-guide a miss unless you are a fanatic or always use them- although it is quite a funky gizmo it takes 5 minutes just to key in the exhibit number.