Latest favourites and wishlist by marys

Bar Kick - review by VickieMac

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:33:06 +0000

Bar Kick - review by VickieMac

Rating: 4.4

Location: 127 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7739 8700

Website: http://www.cafekick.co.uk/BK_location.html

Tags: cool, young and fun, trendy, friendly, relaxed

I first found Bar Kick when looking for a suitable venue to bring my diverse selection of friends together for my birthday celebrations. This place had music, activites and a place to for me to stash my presents so I decided to give it a go. I was very glad I did!

We arrived at happy hour which lasted long enough to get my party a few drinks and found that my name had been scrawled over a Fussball table convieniantly located beside my table so my friends didn't have to go far for some extra fun.

The bar staff were quick and friendly, the prices were reasonable and the fussball provided a fantastic conversation starter and helped my friends bond over some semi competitve banter.

I had great birthday and have been back many times since. I love this place.

The Funny Side of Covent Garden - review by nip_and_nosh

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:35:00 +0000

The Funny Side of Covent Garden - review by nip_and_nosh

Rating: 4.7

Location: Downstairs at The Corner Store, WC2E 7BN, London, United Kingdom

Website: http://www.thefunnyside.info/

I have been to the Corner Store for their Funnyside comedy (downstairs) 3-4 times and typically, I have a sore stomach the day after... from all the belly-laughing. I have come here with a large group or with 1-2 others and have had loads of fun!

The food that they serve fills a hole more than tickles the tastebuds - but for a comedy night out, that suited my needs.

Lineups vary by night (typically quite an internationally diverse set) - you can go to their website (the comedy club is called Funnyside), check out the programme, and decide which night appeals. You can book online in advance, which is what I would recommend as many of their shows sell out.

The main bar, above the comedy club, is quite loud and boisterous.. and very crowded. I'd recommend that you go straight to the comedy when the doors open if you're looking for a little more relaxed envirnment.

Bar Kick - review by CristinaA

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:02:28 +0000

Bar Kick - review by CristinaA

Rating: 4.4

Location: 127 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7739 8700

Website: http://www.cafekick.co.uk/BK_location.html

Tags: cool, sport pub, mature, excellent pub food, cool & smart, young professionals, independent pub, young and fun, students, trendy, friendly

Its kitsch, unpretentious dÃ©cor means you can literally kick back and chill. Get involved with some table football or watch the real thing on the flat screens.

They serve good wholesome, world influenced food. Sit outside with a coffee and read the paper or for those secret people watchers it the perfect spot! With an eclectic crowd and friendly staff youâ¬"ll always feel welcome. Itâ¬"s busy on the weekends.

Bar Kick - review by chrisp

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:08:15 +0000

Bar Kick - review by chrisp

Rating: 4.4

Location: 127 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7739 8700

Website: http://www.cafekick.co.uk/BK_location.html

Tags: jazz, sport pub, pop, indie, excellent pub food, young and fun, rock, friendly, relaxed

Like its sister bar in Exmouth Market, Bar Kick is a cosmopolitan, friendly and trendy place to spend an afternoon or evening. Bar staff are approachable and (in most cases) can mix a decent cocktail. The food menu - a much expanded version of the tapas at the other place - looked tempting but I have to admit I wasn't there to eat. We spent an hour and a half in the darkened basement watching the footie, and were grateful for the expanse of seating and thoughtful placing of flatscreen TVs. Always popular and never dull, Bar Kick is the pick of the drinking holes on Shoreditch High Street.

Troubadour Cafe - review by foodbymark

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:20:10 +0000

Troubadour Cafe - review by foodbymark

Rating: 3.9

Location: 263-267 Old Brompton Road, SW5 9JA, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7370 1434

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

Tags: lively, proper food, crowded

I had heard much about the venue as a restaurant but only ever walked through to the venue downstairs. Arriving a half hour early we apparently threw their system into malfunction as we were greeted by manic staff. We were seated in the busy backroom about 15 minutes later and we quickly ordered. They did bring us the wrong starter, a vegetable platter with assorted dips which was huge and certainly appealing. When we did get our mains they were generous and tasty. The Parsley Liquor with the pie was a touch and the pie and mash topped with onion gravy was a little too sweet for my liking.

The tables are very close and as a result it is a little overcrowded but a fun experience in a somewhat bohemian setting. As food goes, it was above average homely comfort food. Unfortunately I didn't know about this mysterious garden.

Champor Champor - review by expired2008

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:17:35 +0000

Champor Champor - review by expired2008

Rating: 4.8

Location: 62 Weston Street, SE1 3QJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7403 4600

Website: http://www.champor-champor.com

Tags: thai, family & home feel, good value, chinese

I really wasn't sure what to expect when i went to champor champor. Iâ¬"ve been to a few asian restaurants before and have always left thinking the food was over spiced and over priced. When we arrived here, we were greeted at the door by a friendly and polite waiter who took us to our seats. The dÃ©cor of the venue is as youâ¬"d expect of a thai / asian / Chinese but the smells were delicious and I soon wanted to get ordering! They have a HUGE range of food so be prepared to spend some time looking! The food itself is delicious and Iâ¬"d thoroughly recommend them

Le Boudin Blanc - review by Brodule

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 22:58:27 +0000

Le Boudin Blanc - review by Brodule

Rating: 4.4

Location: 5 Trebeck Street, W1J 7LT, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7499 3292

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

Tags: lively, good value, french

The restaurant is in a very old, atmospheric building in Shepherds market in the centre Of Mayfair. We were a party of 12 (the miniumum) in a private room for dinner on a Friday. We were greeted very nicely and served fizz so we could mingle & chat before being seated. We had a Mersault and a lesser Burgundy from their list with our meal and both were above average. After we sat and during ordering we were served excellent 'Frenchâ¬" bread that was freshly made, if a little heavy. There was a slight delay in getting the starter to table but thereafter all flowed in a timely manner and our waitress was attentive throughout. I had Beef Carpaccio followed by pan roasted Chicken. The starter portions were too large in my opinion & others. They were however good eating all agreed, though I found my beef a little bland. The follow on dish had moments of above average flavouring and was correctly cooked. Thanks to stuffing myself with the bread & starter I wilted a little, but finished most of my dish. The vegetarian risotto alternative was good & flavourful, though after a few mouthfulls you realised it was over salted, and again too generous and so did not get finished by those who chose it. I chose the Tart Tatin to finish, and though flavourful it was a little too caramelised and the icecream accompanyment was much needed. The cost was Â£65 a head. I would go again if in the area and it was appropriate, but there is huge competition closeby!

Troubadour Cafe - review by nopstar

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:51:48 +0000

Troubadour Cafe - review by nopstar

Rating: 3.9

Location: 263-267 Old Brompton Road, SW5 9JA, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7370 1434

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

Tags: cosy, top food

One of the best burgers I've had in London. I'm tired of all the places that try to dress up their burgers, you can put as many toppings or sauces on burger, doesn't make it a good burger.

Troubadour has a thick hand formed patty, (yes it matters) excellent mix of ground beef,juicy but not too greasy. A simple but good quality roll, with a little salad and shoe string chips.

As I was walking out I saw someone digging into a massive steak... next time!

Le Boudin Blanc - review by StephenGrayston

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:47:08 +0000

Le Boudin Blanc - review by StephenGrayston

Rating: 4.4

Location: 5 Trebeck Street, W1J 7LT, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7499 3292

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

Enjoyed the food and the atmosphere, although typicallly, you cannot park anywhere in that area.

Champor Champor - review by Cedric

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:36:43 +0000

Champor Champor - review by Cedric

Rating: 4.8

Location: 62 Weston Street, SE1 3QJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7403 4600

Website: http://www.champor-champor.com

Tags: romantic, family & home feel, good value, thai, malaysian

This is definitely one of the best Asian restaurants that I have had the opportunity to eat at in London. The tiny front window with its low-key style could easily turn you down, but as soon as you enter the space, you are blown away: fragrances, carved-wood decorations, hanging masks, smiles on the staff faces... Simply great.

The food was also great, with an extensive selections of SE Asia specialities of different degree of spiciness, for all tastes: I opted for some Chicken serunding and plum tomato paneer and Thai basil salad as a starter, followed up by beef rendang with yellow rice and pineapple pajeri. And the desert? Fresh papaya cubes covered in a mango lassi and a scoop of lemongrass sorbet.

everything beautifully presented with a strong attention paid to details. The waiters are very helpful and do not hesitate to guide your choices, or to introduce the dishes with detailed descriptions.

The main drawback of this restaurant is its location... But that could reveal to be an advantage to protect it. Located a few minutes walk from London Bridge it is in a boring, lifeless area. For the better because it is quite small and require to book in advance to ensure a seat.

The Funny Side of Covent Garden - review by laurierose21

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:29:18 +0000

The Funny Side of Covent Garden - review by laurierose21

Rating: 4.7

Location: Downstairs at The Corner Store, WC2E 7BN, London, United Kingdom

Website: http://www.thefunnyside.info/

Tags: friendly, pop, standard pub food, traditional pub

I had my Hen night at the Funny Side, we ate upstairs at the Corner Store. It took an hour to be served our food and we had 15 minutes to eat it before the comedy show started. I had made the restaurant staff aware that we were booking both and they advised us it would be ok. We just about got to eat our main course - no time for desert. They had ran out of fish, chicken and cheese (all by 6pm) - the staff got our drinks wrong and one of my friends meals wasn't put on the order so she got given a bowl of chips.

Comedy show was brilliant - no probs with going back there. Then we went back upstairs for a few more drinks and decided to have some shots. We were left waiting at the bar for almost 15 minutes whilst they served everyone else because they couldn't find the person who knew how to do the shots!! How stupid! So we ordered a cocktail and left.

I would def go back to the comedy club, but I would never eat or drink in the Corner Store ever again. They can just about speak English too!

Troubadour Cafe - review by mkdtw

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:25:52 +0000

Troubadour Cafe - review by mkdtw

Rating: 3.9

Location: 263-267 Old Brompton Road, SW5 9JA, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7370 1434

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

Tags: cosy, good brew, lively

Ah, Iâ¬"m a bit biased as I have so many childhood memories of this place! My Portuguese mum and English dad met in Earlâ¬"s Court during the 70â¬"s and our family spent many-a-Saturday afternoon in the Troubadour...I even have an old photo of my mum peering in through the coffee pots displayed in the window. Ok so to bring the review up to date...yes the place has a shabby chick feel to it and yes when itâ¬"s busy the service can be a little slow but you canâ¬"t beat the cozy feel and you could quite easy kill a few hours here chatting with friends.

Troubadour Cafe - review by ilovelucy

Fri, 30 May 2008 12:23:59 +0000

Troubadour Cafe - review by ilovelucy

Rating: 3.9

Location: 263-267 Old Brompton Road, SW5 9JA, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7370 1434

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

Tags: cultured, proper food, lively

I'll give this place four stars for the great night i had here yesterday. Service not perfect - had to go up a couple of times to get someone to serve us but they were friendly and attentive. Its the kind of sleepy place where you want to spend a bit of time. There are several parts to the cafe and we were in a part that reminded me of a skiing chalet with all the pine furniture - there's also a little garden out back. Food was homely and plentiful - we were starving after rock climbing session and washing down the meal with a couple of bottles of wine, a lively conversation ensured and lots of laughter. Will have very fond memories of the place.

Troubadour Cafe - review by mazphd

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:04:22 +0000

Troubadour Cafe - review by mazphd

Rating: 3.9

Location: 263-267 Old Brompton Road, SW5 9JA, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7370 1434

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

Tags: cosy, proper food, amazing brew, quick bite, lively, cultured

Between rushing around meetings etc. I was taken to Troubadour. A gem of a place, and one that would have been easily missed had i not had someone 'in the know' with me! Although given my directions involved the words 'across the road from the champagne shop', before i had even set foot in the place i felt that i couldn't go wrong!

We arrived 4.30pm apparently THE 2,4,1 cocktail (2) hours. So mix me a mojito - that looked just lush and perfect for a spring sprung afternoon!

Do not sit outside pavement side, go on in through the door and duck down into the 'secret' patio garden. Nice spot for sun lounging.

Bathrooms creatively thought out with communal 'zen' focussed wash basin. This means clean hands and opportunity for a little bit of cheeky eye flirting if thats your thing in bathrooms.

Staff very attentive, a little bit hippy and a lot happy.

As for wine selections, there's a rather devine Laroche 2006 chablis on the menu that's a dream: delicate and delicious! Otherwise have some new worldly fun with a South Africa Hartenberg Shiraz for something bold and beautiful!

i'd love to come back in the evening time and enjoy the promised live entertainment, and maybe run into the next Hendrix. Well a girl can dream.

Troubadour Cafe - review by Gavroche

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:38:34 +0000

Troubadour Cafe - review by Gavroche

Rating: 3.9

Location: 263-267 Old Brompton Road, SW5 9JA, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7370 1434

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

Tags: crowded, cheap eat

This institution in Earls Court has got nothing extraordinary.

The little garden at the back however is like a secret and quite place away from the busy street around.

The food is mediocre.