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The Ambassador - review by Sami

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:37:08 +0000

The Ambassador - review by Sami

Rating: 4.1

Location: 55 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7837 0009

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

Went here with a friend over the week-end and we were terribly pleased with our meal. We started with a cheese plate - lovely, well chosen French cheeses (I can't remember exactly what they were but there was a lovely, creamy goat's cheese, a blue, and a cheese similar to Comte), their prosciutto plate, and a whipped goat's cheese and heirloom tomato salad. All fresh, excellent quality and just generally very tasty.

The lamb we both had as our main was excellent; tender, with rich bits of bacon for flavouring, accompanied by a delicious potato cake. Their wine list seems as if a good deal of thought was put into it, and the service was super. Non-intrusive, helpful, and above all, with a smile.

I've wanted to eat here for a while and I'm glad we did - highly recommended.

Fernandez & Wells - review by Niamheen

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:04:06 +0000

Fernandez & Wells - review by Niamheen

Rating: 3.6

Location: 43 Lexington Street, W1F 9AL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7734 1546

Website: http://www.fernandezandwells.com/

Tags: delicatessen, rare finds

It feels like I am letting you into a little secret, but I am sure Iâ¬"m not, itâ¬"s just that I liked this place so much, I almost want to keep it secret! I popped into Fernandez & Wells in Soho with a friend on Saturday evening. Iâ¬"d wanted to go for a while having seen it many times on treks around Soho. It looks so appealing, with legs of ham in the window, bottles of wine on the counter and lots of cheese behind. Thereâ¬"s blackboards outside and in advertising their wares.

They look like they know what theyâ¬"re doing, although looks can be deceptive - not in this instance. I was there only briefly but enjoyed a charcuterie plate with prosciutto, basque salami and chorizo with a glass of albarino. We were also offered some manchego to taste. It was delicious and well sourced, alot of time and attention had gone into these selections. The meats, served on slate and sliced wafer thin & melt in the mouth, the cheese aged and crumbly and the albarino a gorgeous white, delicious and light. I didnâ¬"t want to leave but we had dinner plans elsewhere, besides they close at 9pm (although that should be moving to 10pm soon).

It was refreshing just to sit there and be nosey, to soak it all in. The staff are really passionate and knowledgable, itâ¬"s a real treat. I will definitely be back to try more, and request their recommendations. I would recommend that you go too!

Fernandez & Wells - review by Coffeegeek

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:38:17 +0000

Fernandez & Wells - review by Coffeegeek

Rating: 3.6

Location: 43 Lexington Street, W1F 9AL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7734 1546

Website: http://www.fernandezandwells.com/

We had a strange experience here last Saturday evening. We went into the Lexington store, looked at the menu and stood at the counter. The guy behind the counter ignored us and kept chatting to customers (mates?) Then another member of staff came in with some foodâ¬¦ and a pair of old trainers on a tray. The same tray.

Still we were ignored but given the food/ trainer combo it meant we could slip out quietly.

Despite the great reviews I canâ¬"t think that Iâ¬"ll be back anytime soon.

The Ambassador - review by lenalouise

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:30:45 +0000

The Ambassador - review by lenalouise

Rating: 4.1

Location: 55 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7837 0009

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

Tags: lively, open kitchen, friendly

I came here with the Trusted places gang for the Christmas party last year. We pre-picked from a Christmas set menu so I ended up having:

*Foie gras and fig ballontine with sourdough toast
*Braised Galloway veal breast, creamed parsnips and wild mushrooms
*Cheeseboard

All 3 courses were delicious but I don't really remember much of the details as I was pretty drunk when I got there (got lost on the way aswell!) but that just means I have to go back again :D

Fernandez & Wells - review by gastro1

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 21:00:20 +0000

Fernandez & Wells - review by gastro1

Rating: 3.6

Location: 43 Lexington Street, W1F 9AL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7734 1546

Website: http://www.fernandezandwells.com/

Tags: italian, british, mediterranean, expensive

This is a remarkable sandwich emprorioum - a fusion of the best of Italian and Spanish cured meats , cheeses and salads with a smattering of British.

"Here you can taste and buy our cured meats, cheese, bread and wine. To complement these core products we have a daily menu of seasonal salads, soups and stews. There are also mountains of sandwiches in ciabatta buns or 'bocadillos' (crusty flutes), which can be grilled and seasoned to taste. Particular favourites are the Traditional English Ham with Montgomery's Cheddar and Picalilli; Grilled Chorizo, Roasted Red Pepper, Rocket and Olive Oil; and the 30 month aged Iberico 'jamon' on its own or with tomato and a drizzle of olive oil. In the evenings, the oak counter becomes a bar where you can choose a glass or bottle of wine to accompany assorted platters of charcuterie and cheese."

I was very lucky to work nearby and so could grab a great bocalillo , salad or paella for lunch on a regular basis.

Go on give Pret and Eat a swerve and stimulate your taste buds !

The Ambassador - review by sue

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 08:08:43 +0000

The Ambassador - review by sue

Rating: 4.1

Location: 55 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7837 0009

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

Tags: great food, exmouth market, international, friendly

After reading the great reviews about The Ambassador I was keen to try it for myself, so when one of my bosses (aka W) suggested a lunch meeting there how could I refuse (and if I did refuse I may well not have had a job anymore!). The Ambassador is located on Exmouth Market - an interesting strip of restaurants, cafes and bars interspersed with quirky shops and lunchtime food stalls.

We were greeted warmly on arrival (W seems to know everyone in the area) and given a great table just inside the open French windows, which allowed for plenty of people watching in-between important work discussions.

The menu changes daily and there was some tempting dishes on offer. W opted for the Fillet of grey mullet with Alsace bacon, sweet corn & turnips. From the contented grunts it appeared he enjoyed it. I had the Pork belly with carrots, pearl barley & hazelnuts, and wow - it was really really delicious! The pork was cooked perfectly and wasn't too fatty, and the flavour combinations just worked. It was one of the tastiest dishes I have had in a long while.

Dessert seemed like the right thing to do, and of course I had to order the Warm chocolate pudding. It was enjoyable, but nothing amazing. The star dessert belonged to W - he ordered the Roasted peach with mascarpone sorbet, honeycomb and lavender. Sounded bizarre, looked unusual, but tasted great.

The Ambassador lived up to my expectations, and I would happily return. I hear they do a great brunch so may well have to venture in for a breakfast meeting one day.

The Ambassador - review by ElVez

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 21:17:26 +0000

The Ambassador - review by ElVez

Rating: 4.1

Location: 55 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7837 0009

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

Simple but Effective

The Ambassador is a MUST for a weekend brunch! With specially designed morning after drinks and simple but effective dishes, this is one of the best ways to kick start your weekend.

Particularly good for all you waffle fans out there

Fernandez & Wells - review by petermcc

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:21:44 +0000

Fernandez & Wells - review by petermcc

Rating: 3.6

Location: 43 Lexington Street, W1F 9AL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7734 1546

Website: http://www.fernandezandwells.com/

Tags: quiet & relaxed, amazing brew

Best espresso - in a town with many, very ordinary espresssos - I've had in a long while.
Cakes looked great, but i was disciplined.

Fernandez & Wells - review by gastrosnob

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 14:09:13 +0000

Fernandez & Wells - review by gastrosnob

Rating: 3.6

Location: 43 Lexington Street, W1F 9AL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7734 1546

Website: http://www.fernandezandwells.com/

Fernandez & Wells is spreading like a classy virus in the Beak Street area of Soho.

First was the "concept sandwich" Â£5 a pop servings of gastro porn, all impeccably sourced and very tasty. Highlights include chrorizo and rocket, ham and cheddar and an amazing black pudding and egg sandwich that will kick the arse out of your hangover.
This coupled with cakes, fine wines and great hot food specials like rabbit stew makes F&W a winner.

Next came the Coffee shop which has converted me from the other F&W (Flat White) as well as the amazing chocolate brownies.

Only issue is price and the feeling that you could finance a good crack habit with the money spent in here

The Ambassador - review by petermcc

Mon, 28 May 2007 23:57:16 +0000

The Ambassador - review by petermcc

Rating: 4.1

Location: 55 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7837 0009

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

Tags: relaxed, good value, friendly staff, great food

it's deceptively simple, but excellent, with friendly, knowledgeable staff, who will happily recommend a wine from the funky, but well-chosen wine list.

The Ambassador - review by sokratis

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 19:49:15 +0000

The Ambassador - review by sokratis

Rating: 4.1

Location: 55 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7837 0009

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

Tags: lively, business, good value

I guess the previous reviewer cannot tell between his Harper and his Hopper. You would have thought that a man with so many points would have known better. But I guess that's why we have an 'Edit Review' option.
Enough about our internal strifes, time to talk about the Ambassador.
It is one of the best diner style places I've come across in London. The wall hugging, leather couches and simple decor on the walls create a very relaxed, yet stylish atmosphere.

The staff are friendly and knowledgeable - they were a little bit slow with the order, but that's probably the chef's fault.
The steak onglet was cooked to medium rare perfection; the pommes Anne (think potato gateau (think cake for the non-French speaking or non-'frozen Sarah Lee cake buying' amongst you)) were just soft enough without becoming mashy, while the fennel simply melted away.

The light breeze coming from the open French windows tied the whole thing perfectly together.

It was a relatively quick lunch, so no time for a starter, dessert or wine, so will have to come back to the Ambassador for more.

The Ambassador - review by walid

Wed, 23 May 2007 15:56:44 +0000

The Ambassador - review by walid

Rating: 4.1

Location: 55 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7837 0009

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

Tags: french, exmouth market, slow service, child friendly, steak, good value, spacious, brasserie

Yesterday we decided to have a lunch meeting at the Ambassador after our contact suggested it. Imagine my surprise that soon after agreeing to that meeting a review pops up of the Ambassador by K_thrn (review above). I enthusiastically read her review and promptly called Clive at the Ambassador to ensure we get a table by the window as K_thrn suggested.

Fay Maschler's from the Evening describes the interior of the Ambassador as having shades of Edward Hopper which I'd have to agree with. The interior is quite simplistic but well laid out bringing a sense of space and a feeling of being back in the 1950s. Our table was set by the window which turned out to be perfect as we could watch the people pass by and also enjoy the light breathe as today was quite a hot day!

Upon arrival I saw a young mother with her child which just went ahead to prove k_thrn's point that this place is child friendly. Deciding to test my taste compatibility with k_thrn I ordered the grilled onglet steak which was perfect. It was perfectly cooked to a medium rare, tender, and had a light taste of char-grilled which I loved.

Whilst the service was courteous it was a bit slow. This however won't stop me from coming again at the Ambassador as they do a breakfast menu which includes waffles... so expect a new review coming up soon!

PS. "Thanks" to Sokratis for pointing out the mistake in spelling. I had originally put up "Edward Harper" in the title instead of "Edward Hopper".

The Ambassador - review by k_thrn

Tue, 22 May 2007 17:00:39 +0000

The Ambassador - review by k_thrn

Rating: 4.1

Location: 55 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7837 0009

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

Tags: relaxed, child-friendly, british, gastro pub, good value, friendly

I've been sold on The Ambassador since my first visit soon after they opened over a year ago. It's a regular favourite and I've never been disappointed. The interior is simple, no-fuss, traditional and has something of the 50's with the recent addition of a large red banquette at the end of the room. On a warm day you can't beat booking a table near one of the large open french windows along the front of the restaurant where you are ideally placed for people watching and catching the cool breezes. The food has never disappointed, if you're as regular as me then perhaps there could be more choice in the menu. However, everything has always been delicious with an emphasis on fresh ingredients. My favourites are the fois gras starter, onglette beef, and London sausage sandwich. (Not necessarily in that order.) There's a good wine list and an interesting selection of beers which Clive the owner has always been very helpful in describing. I think the thing that sets this place apart are the staff who make it a great environment for adults and children alike. I go their often with my daughter (a toddler) and the staff have always been very friendly, welcoming and helpful with her. This could be because the owner has a daughter of a similar age but I suspect it's just the general ethos of the place. Highlights of my visits have included: the jugs of Bloody Mary on a Sunday afternoon, turning up in the morning after breakfast but before lunch and having the waitress offer to sort a late brunch out for me which included yogurt, muesli and coffee; waitress offered to make a milk shake (not on the menu) for my surly seven-year old niece who turned her nose up at everything on the menu; and being greeted warmly and familiarly by the staff everytime I go. While the restaurant is hardly running amok with kids it is actually very child-friendly, they have high chairs and booster seats, there's easy access for a pram and they have a table of colouring books and colours to keep little ones entertained. There are no changing facilities for babies, but it really doesn't matter. In short it's a great place for a coffee, a drink or for a long and lazy full on Sunday afternoon session.