• Added: 31st of March 2008
• Area: Chiswick
• Category: Restaurants

London W4 1PU
020 8747 4822

ceedoubleu said
Pleasant surprise
Got here on a wet Friday night, soaked and wanting to hate everything that had been responsible for me being dragged out on such a night. Walked in to a very friendly welcome and was surprised at what a great use of the space they had made (previously Southey's, where I had eaten forever). The menu is simple, we started with some fantastic Moules, plump and tasty and in our case served in either a cream or chilli tomato sauce, both tasty served with fresh bread with free top ups.

For the main course I had a parma ham pizza, light and fresh. All the others declared themselves pleased with their main courses but I can't for the life of me remember what they had. Puds were great, sweet and filling.

The bill came to a very reasonable £28 a head, including a fair amount of wine.

I like it.

• Added: 19th of March 2008
• Area: Bermondsey
• Category: Restaurants

London SE1 2UP
020 7357 7826

ceedoubleu said
Location
I see that it is popular because of its location, which is good because it has little else going for it.

A lunchtime visit witnessed charmless service, including throwing the wine list onto another table when we didn't order any and perhaps the worst indian food I have eaten in London. Sagwala Murgh had clearly been reheated from the day before, the chicken was tough and chewy and the entire dish seemed to lack spice of any kind. The only good point was the naan bread.

I don't like to give a negative review, but this place deserves one.

• Added: 23rd of February 2008
• Area: Chiswick
• Category: Restaurants

London W4 1PU
020 8994 6816

ceedoubleu said
Now open
Gravy has been open for a couple of weeks now so I thought it was time to try it. We hadn't booked but were able to get a table for four on a Friday night, it wasn't full. We were made very welcome and the service was first class, friendly without being cloying. There were no problems when we asked for Tap rather than still or sparkling water.

I would describe the menu as being good comfort food. I had belly of pork which was substantial and tasty, so did two others which is a bit limiting when it comes to commenting on the menu, although Maryam described her sea bass as being very well cooked and tasty. Puddings went down well.

The bill was reasonable, £120 for four including a bottle of wine and a couple of extra glasses plus a Cognac.

Nice place, I will go again.

• Added: 12th of February 2008
• Area: Mayfair
• Category: Restaurants

London W1B 4BS
020 7440 2510

ceedoubleu said
Price and value change
Aubaine have obviously taken onboard the local lunchtime clientele. They now offer two courses plus a glass of wine for £9.95 which, given the quality of the food, is really good value.

• Added: 12th of February 2008
• Area: Mayfair
• Category: Restaurants

London W1B 4BG
020 7287 4029

ceedoubleu said
Losing the plot
This place is really going downhill. We tried to get in last week but the unfortunate lady manning the front desk could not cope with a party of six in front of us. The restaurant was almost empty and other staff were hanging around chatting.

Today, we wanted to sit outside, but not a single heater was working which indicates sloppy management. Happily Aubaine, just 3 meters away, was in much better shape, more about which shortly.

• Added: 2nd of February 2008
• Area: Chiswick
• Category: Health and Beauty

London W4 5DS
020 8987 9478

ceedoubleu said
Was it worth it?
The Boot Camp is over, a month of attending three nights a week and being pushed hard for about an hour and I can now review how it went.

The sessions were great. Good fun and physically demanding at the same time. It definitely helped to be a part of a group.

I delighted with the results. I have lost 4kgs and am generally much more toned than I was a month ago. I have a lot more energy, I am sleeping well and waking up refreshed and looking forward to the day ahead. My overall attitude has become very positive.

I'm now going to have a month of exercising under my own steam and then sign up for another Boot Camp in March.

It has been a very positive experience and I am pleased to highly recommend The Urban Vitality Company.

• Added: 15th of January 2008
• Area: Chiswick
• Category: Health and Beauty

London W4 5DS
020 8987 9478

ceedoubleu said
A real lifestyle change!
So, feeling unmotivated and lethargic after Christmas and generally unfit, I decided to do something about it. I came across the Urban Vitality Company, run by John Limpus. Urban Vitality offer advice on lifestyle and diet and, most importantly for me, thrice weekly outdoor bootcamps. These take place mornings or evenings in parks in Acton and Chiswick respectively.

I'm now into my second week and I am delighted with the changes that I am already experiencing. I feel fitter already, I'm sure that I have lost weight and am starting to tone up and my general outlook is far more positive. It's not easy, it does take a little motivation to go and exercise in a muddy park on a rainy night but it really is the best experience that I have had for a long time.

Try it!

• Added: 8th of January 2008
• Area: Chiswick
• Category: Restaurants

London W4 1PU
020 8994 6816

ceedoubleu said
Re-opening soon
Just a note to mention that after extensive refurbishment, Gravy is opening again shortly. I have peered in through the window and they have gone for a different layout, with softer chairs and tables spread about rather than the earlier bench seating. It is one of the few independent restaurants left in the area, I hope it does well.

Not risking awarding any stars though until I have tried it!

Well, only one star then because I have to!

• Added: 17th of December 2007
• Area: Ravenscourt Park
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London W6 0UR
020 8749 1291

ceedoubleu said
great food
The Anglesea is everything a gastro pub should be - simple food using great ingredients that are really well prepared.

It was very busy on a Saturday night, but we managed to get a table by sending in an advance party.

There was some pressure to order quckly, but this wasn't a major problem given that the menu is short, a choice of four starters and four mains if I recall.

I enjoyed a Duck terrine followed by roast pheasant.

• Added: 17th of December 2007
• Area: Ravenscourt Park
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London W6 0ET
020 8748 6174

ceedoubleu said
Below par
The Thatched House is a large pub in a mainly residential area. On a cold Saturday night it was surprisingly quiet, especially after leaving the packed Anglesea Arms. There appears to be a restaurant at the back, however I couldn't see anything such as a menu to describe what kind of food it might serve.