• Added: 26th of February 2007
• Area: Temple
• Category: Restaurants

London WC2R 1JA
020 7836 0650

DaleAndRachael said
Authentic Curry
Authentic Curry

This Indian restaurant has been a favourite of mine for some time. My first visit was with the work crew for a boozy Friday lunch, we were lead by a work colleague who has been frequenting this place for 30 years. In fact I believe this is one of London's oldest Indian restaurants. It was originally built to service the staff at the Indian High Commission which is still located just around the corner.

I must admit that on my first visit I wasn't that impressed. The food is much more traditional than your typical British high street curry house, and I guess I was expecting the typical Chicken Korma type menu. But it did grow on me quickly, so if you're a seasoned curry monster and would like to try something different then do give this place a visit.

It appears as thought the restaurant is still in its original condition from when it first opened, and this really adds to its charm. The cutlery is kept in a wicker basket in the corner, tables are wobbly and formica topped and old paintings hang on the wall. The restaurant isn't licensed so you need to visit the bar downstairs for your beers. But the food is wonderful!! You'll be offered the set menu - which is great but do try and order a few dishes from the menu. We always get the chilli barges whole green chilli's deep fried in batter and manage to consume 4 or 5 each.

The prices are cheap and the staff friendly.

It can be hard to find. It is on the 2nd floor of 143 The Strand. My last visit, weekday lunch, all tables were taken by half twelve. But I have noticed in the evenings can be quiet and sometimes closes around 23:00 if not busy. Do call ahead 020 7836 0650.

• Added: 26th of February 2007
• Area: Fulham
• Category: Restaurants

London SW6 1AA
020 7385 6595

DaleAndRachael said
Thai Delight
Wow. We recently visited this restaurant and had a great experience!

We visited on a Sunday for their special all you can eat buffet priced at around 23 per person. The term all you can eat buffet is usually associated with greasy cheap food in eateries that have more visits from the health inspector than customers. But not this place.

We were shown to our table through a maze of boarded walkways, overhanging trees and a flowing stream with fish. The restaurant has been divided into separate areas so although it can accommodate 100+ people you never really feel part of a large restaurant. The buffet system was explained by the professional and friendly staff. The range of soups, starters, mains and deserts was varied and plentiful. One lasting memory was of the Dim Sum style starters, 8 9 individual dishes, that each had their own different sauce to compliment.

The meal was relaxing and the two hours passed quickly (the Sunday lunch special is from either 12:00 14:15 or 14:30 onwards). The bill for four people including service charge was just under 150 which may seem expensive but we felt it was worth the treat. We'll definitely be going again.

• Added: 18th of February 2007
• Area: Farringdon
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London EC1R 3DJ
020 7837 1336

DaleAndRachael said
Cozy winter dining in gastro pub
The Coach and Horses is a gastro pub with a ground floor area divided between drinking and dining. There is also an upstairs area for dining but we didn't venture up stairs. Most of its interior is dedicated to dining with a small area (15ish people) for drinking. The downstairs dining area can comfortably seat 25 people and there's more room up stairs.

The atmosphere was relaxed and the staffs were attentive and friendly. The menu is modern British and although small it changes regularly. The night we visited there was a choice of four mains (including one vegetarian) and a number of starters, sides and deserts. For starters we had a side of bread and olive oil (we suspected it was from St Johns Bakery and it was simply fabulous) and a roast garlic and leak soup. For the mains I had black leg chicken breast with garlic puree, cavolo nero and bacon. Rachael had the rib eye steak with shallot and parsley sauce and chips.

The ingredients were fresh and of a high quality. The portions were large and very rich. One down side was that there were no side orders of vegetables to accompany the mains.

The wine list was comprehensive and you can order pints of beer from the bar with your dinner.

Our meal for two consisting of starters, mains, shared desert, water, beer and glass of wine came to approximately 60. C&H is a short walk from Farringdon tube station and is therefore also close to several clubs/bars in the Clerkenwell area.