• Added: 21st of November 2008
• Area: Bankside
• Category: Restaurants

London SE1 2HD
020 7403 7373

ceedoubleu said
Something missing
I can't quite put my finger on Kwan Thai. The location is great, right on the riverside and the food is well executed and the set menus offer reasonable value: Satay, prawn spring rolls, a selection of meat curries and vegetables all of which are perfectly acceptable. It is just a little soulless. Acceptable, just bland.

• Added: 2nd of November 2008
• Area: White City
• Category: Shopping

London W12 7GE

ceedoubleu said
The elephant in the room
So I took a trip to the new centre for the worship of Mammon, and it certainly seems to live up to the hype. First of all getting there: Very easy, served by the Central, Hammersmith and City Lines and a mainline station or, in my case, a bus. It was the first Saturday and it was crowded, I mean very, very busy but surprisingly easy to get around. I didn't have any particular purchase in mind but Maryam wanted to buy some cheese, given that I had singularly failed in my Borough Market task the previous day.

So we wandered around and what struck me was the genuine enthusiasm of the people working there - they really are proud of being part of such a massive project.

Coming in from the Shepherds Bush entrance, you pass the restaurant row and then arrive in the luxury goods atrium - I think it is called the Village. Smack bang in the middle is a Champagne Bar, so we found time for a quick drink before going on to shop - it's fine and makes a good pit stop and is strategically placed fpr Tiffany's for some champagne fuelled shopping that I fear will cost a few people close to Christmas!

The opening hours are 0900 - 2200 with the restaurants remaining open until midnight. The cinema multiplex opens early next year.

So, its easy to get to, has shopping for all budgets but I would try and arrive early.

• Added: 13th of October 2008
• Area: Conwy
• Category: Restaurants

Conwy LL32 8DB
01492 583142

ceedoubleu said

Amelies is a family run Bistro in the centre of Conwy. The menu is simple, focussing on good quality mainly locally sourced ingredients with seafood and vegetarian options available. The portions are large and there was a genuine note of concern from the owner when she npticed that I could not finish my main course! The service is friendly and was unfazed by three large groups dining at the same time.

• Added: 5th of October 2008
• Area: Chiswick
• Category: Restaurants

London W4 1PU
020 8994 6816

ceedoubleu said
Closed again
Probably for good this time.

• Added: 4th of October 2008
• Area: Chiswick
• Category: Restaurants

London W4 2HD
020 8987 3180

ceedoubleu said
Great local addition
This place has been open a few weeks now and I have been meaning to try it, but have failed because it has always been full. It is small and probably seats about 10 at tables and the same number at the bar. Anyways, we managed to get in today. It serves a range of Sushi, Sashimi, Nigiri and Donburi. We opted for Sashimi as the fresh fish on ice looked enticing. A set Sashimi lunch consisted of Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel and prawns together with Miso soup and rice.

It really was good quality and the fish was freshly prepared. They also serve a range of takeaway food (no delivery) which I an very tempted to try such as Sahimi for £20 - 3 pieces each of 7 fish and Sushi.

It is rightly popular and is a good addition to the local restaurant scene but do note that it is small, very busy and quite warm because of the open kitchen.

• Added: 26th of September 2008
• Area: Marylebone
• Category: Restaurants

London W1U 1LD
020 7935 8992

ceedoubleu said

Good no frills Cantonese restaurant just a short walk from Oxford Street and St Christophers Place. The food is freshly prepared and comes in generous portions.

• Added: 26th of September 2008
• Area: Bankside
• Category: Restaurants

London SE1 2YR
020 7357 9001

ceedoubleu said
Lunch
They serve a good set lunch - two courses for £10. The food is well cooked and very tasty - it clearly does not come from a pre-prepared pot. I've been there twice for lunch now and the only thing lacking is atmosphere, it is strangely quiet with only a handful of customers on a Friday.

• 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.