• Added: 21st of June 2007
• Area: Soho
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London W1B 5PE
020 7439 9910

Samantha said
Great wine with good food
Quaint and far removed from the many chain restaurants that adorn London, this little hideaway boasts an expansive wine list to enjoy. The staff will always recommend something and tell you what will best accompany your meal...

which is also guaranteed to be a great medley of tastes. I'd say the food incorporates superior British and classic French food with a good selection of fish - if that sounds good to you, your taste buds will love this place.

• Added: 21st of June 2007
• Area: Waterloo
• Category: Restaurants

London SE1 8XT
020 7620 1328

Samantha said
Love cocktails, Love South American food, Love Latin?
On the South Bank next to the National Theatre, this Latin hangout is fabulous for cocktails (made even more fabulous with happy hour 2for1!) With a relaxed seating area inside and plenty of space out, it is buzzing with after work drinkers in the summer.

The homemade salsa and tortilla chips are scrummy, followed by classic fajitas or perhaps an interesting twist on paella... plenty to make your mouth water and it tastes pretty good too!

• Added: 31st of May 2007
• Area: Southwark
• Category: Restaurants

London SE1 9PP
020 7928 3188

Samantha said
Original pizza with a view
Best to go in summer, when you can get a seat outside by the river. This pizzeria has an original menu and is also reasonably priced. Great if you're passing by on a day out on the South Bank.

• Added: 30th of May 2007
• Area: South Woodford
• Category: Restaurants

London E18 1AY
020 8989 3999

Samantha said
Californian Sunshine
This little bistro is L.O.V.E.L.Y. The essence of the Californian' menu is to pay tribute to all the dishes that have found a home in the state. The Mexican food is great and the pizzas are fabulous original and stone baked in an open kitchen area at the back. For something a bit more special, the steak and tuna are also good. Freshly cooked and wonderfully presented, I'm always going back for moreand with the funky cocktail list in hand too.

• Added: 30th of May 2007
• Area: Covent Garden
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London WC2E 7JS
020 7439 4089

Samantha said
Cheeky Cocktails
Jewel is a nice hideaway for after-work weekday drinks. With two floors and various sections in various decors, you're bound to feel comfortable somewhere inside. Hit happy hour to get the cocktails cheaper and the better service. On weekends it is very busy and unfortunately that is conveyed in the level of service. Oh, and home of the best Bramble I've found...

• Added: 22nd of May 2007
• Area: Lambeth
• Category: Restaurants

London SE1 8XX
020 7401 9126

Samantha said

This Italian is smart and friendly and draws a mature crowd of professionals and tourists in from the South Bank.

It was very busy on the Thursday evening that I stopped by but we were seated straightaway and had our drinks brought over with complimentary filtered water.

I ordered the special - porcini ravioli with pea shoots, which was rich in flavour but not overbearing. The pesto bread was also good. What pleased me was how conscientious the waitress was in enquiring about the quality of the dish and whether it should go on the main menu - that instilled confidence in me about the quality standards.

Overall, a nice place for dinner with a reasonable price tag.

• Added: 22nd of May 2007
• Area: Charing Cross
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London WC2N 5DJ
020 7839 6548

Samantha said
Beer on a boat
Always the first thing to pop into my mind when the sun comes out, this boat bar is one of the best places to enjoy a summer aternoon in London.

The drinks are no more expensive than most good London bars and it serves proper draft beer and a good couple of wines and spirits. There is also a tasty bar menu and a bbq on board in the summer :o)

Below deck becomes a club on certain evenings, but above deck is where you'll want to be - with stunning views of the London Eye, Parliament and other London treasures.

You'll have to fight for a table when the weather is nice, but there is plenty of leaning space.

Only word of warning - you'll be convinced that 'swaying feeling' is the boat... but that can be very misleading!

• Added: 18th of May 2007
• Area: Bankside
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London SE1 9UD
020 7633 9081

Samantha said
A British Pub on the Thames
Doggetts is a great pub, spread over 4 floors with a roof terrace and plenty of outside seating at the back and front. The second floor is a sports bar with screens and pool tables and it is possible to hire the top bar for functions (with great views over the river).

But the best thing about this pub is that it is a specialist pie house selling a good range of British pies and mash daily - yum, yum!

• Added: 18th of May 2007
• Area: Finsbury
• Category: Restaurants

London WC1X 8TP
020 7404 7553

Samantha said
Mediterranean Music
This mediterranean restaurant serves dishes with quality ingredients which cater for everyone.

Add to that the dimmed atmosphere and live pianist, it is a lovely venue for a romantic meal.

• Added: 18th of May 2007
• Area: Hammersmith
• Category: Restaurants

London W14 8QZ
020 7603 8887

Samantha said
Who knew heaven was via Japan
OH my god. Without a doubt the best Japanese restaurant I have eaten in.

All sushi is freshly prepared and the noodle and rice dishes are also cooked to order. The Blackbean and Chilli Lo Mein is my favourite, with so much more flavour than your typical dish. The raw juice is also great.

With each dish costing about 5 including rice or noodles, this place is incredible value for Kensington and is usually full by 12:30 each lunchtime.

In fact, this is the thing I miss most about not working in Kensington anymore - make sure you try it if you're in the area.