• Added: 9th of September 2008
• Area: Camden Town
• Category: Restaurants

London NW1 1BA
020 7388 8399

LOVEANDKATE said
CUTE, AUTHENTIC AND DELICIOUS
I decided to try out Asakusa on reading the reviews on Trusted Places and.....you're ALL right- its ace!

I took everyones advice and booked a table. Upstairs was reccomended but we could only get downstairs, which I enjoyed all the same.
The sushi and sashimi took a while but we filled the time by having amazing starters such as half an aubergine cooked in a sweet rich sauce, broccoli cooked to perfection [not too soft] with a sweet sauce and delicious japanese fish cakes.

the food just kept on coming.

The sashimi was beautiful and we couldnt eat all the sushi so they let us take it home in a little box.

Yes it is a bit grimey but more authentic and yes, next time I will try something off the menus written in japanese on the wall!!!

Can't wait to go again and tell all my friends! : )

• Added: 1st of September 2008
• Area: Soho
• Category: Restaurants

London W1F 7QZ
020 74949644

LOVEANDKATE said

I was starving when I entered this tucked away little joint at lunchtime today. And excited, as bangers and mash is such great comfort food.

I got a fentimans ginger beer to begin [always a good start].

This is similar to S+M cafes around London where you choose your mash, your sausage, gravy and then and sides. This place has pies too.

Obviously I had to have Cheesy mash, but I'm trying to eat more fish at the moment so I went for a fish pie over meaty sausages. A parsley gravy and some beans!

However when the waitress came over they ahd run out of fish pie which added mild panic amongst the ordering and i opted for cheesy mash with mustard, veggie sausages, beef stock and red onion gravy and beans!!!!

tasted absolutely devine though and arrived in under 15 munites of ordering.

I'd like to go back and try the fish pie next time.

The venue itself was set like a diner style but seating was wooden. the ceiling was a series of slanted window pains which menat you could see the blue skies and speedy white clouds cruising by and it created a natural lighting . I can imagine even on a stormy rainy day this would be a great venue as even with the rain beating down you'd feel great comfort in being cosy and stuffing prize mash in your face.

Staff were welcoming and efficient and the whole place was clean.

Cost about a tenner a head.

Nice little central joint. will re-visit.

• Added: 1st of September 2008
• Area: Somerstown
• Category: Food and Drink

London W1T 7LQ
020 7580 2522

LOVEANDKATE said
cupcake heaven!
I used to work in the offices above The Heals Building and if ever there was a special occasion at work, boxes and boxes of these delightfully, sweet and sensational cupcakes were bought and passed round the office!!

I then went to peruse for myself only to find the dinkyest little old fashioned shop laden with sponge treats.

Yes, pricey but fantastic.

I even found the savory muffins more tempting at times. spinach and parmesan - to die for!

everything from experience, to presentation to first mouthwatering bite.

This place exerts nothing but excellence!!!!

• Added: 31st of August 2008
• Area: Kentish Town
• Category: Food and Drink

London NW5 2AE
020 7482 2211

LOVEANDKATE said
Food Treats
I really like the Earth Natural Foods store. Yes it is shockingly expensive for some goods like all organic shops are. But, if you're clever and have the time you can sucessfully combine shopping here with other stores and still win price wise.

They often have a reduced basket near the tea section and a reduced bread shelf opposite the cereals.

I tend to buy non fresh product here such as cordials, preserves, sauces and tinned goods that will change the taste of my cooking and may sit in my kitchen cupboard for a while to be used more than once.

I do, however treat myself at their cheese counter where the assistant is very knowledgable and helpful.

Its the choice that I like, I enjoys seeing product that is unfamiliar and that I want to try. i like reading the labels and I feel that it is a learning experience every time I visit.

I also like the fact that it is on my doorstep and stepping inside always means a food treat!!

• Added: 31st of August 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Restaurants

Manchester M1 1DF

LOVEANDKATE said
DIVINE CHEESEBOARD
I went here with my best friend for a rich bottle of red wine and ended up haveng a delightful cheeseboard.

5 different types of cheese, [one hard, one blue, one squidgy, one smoked and a camenbert of some kind], apple and grapes, big hunks of granary bread, olives, butter and a spendid dollop of goosberry and tomato chutney!!!

LOVELY JUBBLY

Gay waiters gave excellent service. set in trendy northern quarter, environment of big wooden tables, candles, large drapes, was fantastic.
Thoroughly enjoyable. I will return!

• Added: 31st of August 2008
• Area: Barnsbury
• Category: Restaurants

London N1 1RA
020 7354 2605

LOVEANDKATE said
Delightful
I've never actually eaten dinner here but i do often pop in for coffee and cake in the evening if i'm out at the weekend but not partying.

The selection is fantastic and you can choose from a fresh cake counter! Last night I shared a pistachio tart and a lemon and cherry pie. Both with subtle flavours and were rich and delightful. I beleive they were £3.50 each which i think is very reasonable for the surroundings.

Coffee here is excellent and very strong.

restaurant is clean and dimly lit. The appearance is quite modern and fresh and the main courses always smell beautiful.

I should really go back and have dinner then review the place again but I can't see how it would dissapoint!

• Added: 31st of August 2008
• Area: Hackney
• Category: Food and Drink

London E2 8DP
020 7729 6855

LOVEANDKATE said
UBER BREAKFASTS IN THE CAFE
I've never actually shopped for produce here but i do like the cafe at the back of the shop.

the menu is basic but you can feel the love. Its set out like you'd want a kitchen of your own to be, big wooden tables, papers and dim lighting.

One of the reasons this place gets mega brownie points is that they have a self service jug of tap water near the paper rack. [WHY do other places not follow suit. I'm always thirsty when i enter a place and the waitress never brings water over fast enough and always tries to get you to buy bottled!!!]

The breakfast here is amazing, everything is grilled including the thick doorstep toast. and poached eggs were cooked perfectly.

teas, coffes and cakes are also ace.

had a bit of attitude with the uber wanna be stereotypically shoreditch student waitress but hey, what did i expect in that neighbourhood??

I definitely go in everytime i pass and try to combine being hungry so I can indulge.

lovely girl behind till in the shop also will let you use the toilet without buying anything- BONUS!!!

• Added: 31st of August 2008
• Area: Dalston
• Category: Shops and Amenities

London E8 2NP

LOVEANDKATE said
CHEAPEST MARKET IN LONDON
This has to be the cheapest market in London and it sells everything. You can buy a box of 'turning' mangoes for a quid on one stall AND organic eggs and herbs etc on the next.

socks, dvds, saucepans, bandanas, spices......it goes on and on.

Last time I went i got 3 fresh red snapper for a fiver and a bunch of fresh parsley for 50p!

Its busy, its rowdy, its dirty and its a serious shopping experience. You only go to Ridley Road to buy, not to browse like other London markets; borough, broadway, spitalfields etc.

This place is for bargain shopping and you have to have patience to squeeze through all the locals who do their whole shopping here with little granny wheelie trolleys and suitcases full of produce.

they sell off 'turning' product real cheap so its great if you're cooking a big meal for others that night.

You will also need to go straight back home after as you'll end up with loads of bags of goodies. Best to go in the morning to buy and then a more quaint middle class market for browsing and indulging and tasters in the afternoon.

Great east London community atmosphere. [often people handing out leaflets over community issues there. a central point for hackney residents]

Highly recommended

• Added: 31st of August 2008
• Area: Hackney
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London E8 3RH
020 8985 3727

LOVEANDKATE said
PROBABLY BEST TO BE OFF YOUR BARNET
Its not exactly good but it is fun......

Hackney's favourite late night boozer-costs you a fiver to get in and drinks choices are limited- i always end up drinking bottled beer for £3-£4 quid.

Theres an outside shed for smokers and some dirty sofas and rickety wooden chairs and tables.

the best thing is the kareoke. i've never joined in myself but i've watched some maniacs perform!!!

Last time I ventured there, they had a really small, i hate to say it but, chav MC who was hilarious. Definitely ' brought back the old skool' I wouldnt be surprised if he had a technics jacket and drove a 90's square escort van!!!

fabulously entertaining.

DEFINITELY not everyones cup of tea and full of peaches geldof wannabes and boys that need a wash with small statement moustaches but ignore them and enjoy The Dolphin for what it is.

Be warned though- toilets always run out of toilet roll.

Also DONt be the last to leave - THAT is just wrong!!!!

DONT get there too early or sober either!!

• Added: 31st of August 2008
• Area: Soho
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London W1D 4TQ
020 7437 7820

LOVEANDKATE said
SUPER ACE SUPER BUSY SUPER TASTY
I love LAB- if you get there early on a weekday you may have the opportunity to secure yourself a table. [they do table service which, is often quicker than queing at the bar] But standing at the busy bar is also fine as the mixologists are experienced enough to know who came in first, who to serve and they can actually do 3 orders at once.

The bloody marys are the best ever, always served with celery and chilli flakes on the lip of the glass!!!! GREAT HANGOVER CURE

The cocktail list is extensive but the bar tenders always ask you what you like and can customise your order for your personal tastes.

Last time I went i had a lychee martini and a vodka based garden cocktail with fresh mint and lemon grass- delicious!

I love the fact its always busy and you always want to stay for more than one drink.

Great for treats in the week after work or to stimulate you before you go out at the weekend. its close to Mixmaster C's club, The End.

Staff are friendly and service is efficient and great to watch.

I do often get asked for iD there and have my bag searched too which I don't mind but if you look young like me you might want to go prepared.