• Added: 21st of February 2008
• Area: Marylebone
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London W1G 6EP
020 7486 7420

david_2001 said
Inn and out!
As the previous reviewers have noted the toilets, as well as being functional, are something of a feature here.

As are the goldfish which if keep growing at the rate they are may well soon qualify to be on the menu.

The first floor has now been converted to a Thai restaurant although most people appear to prefer to have their food delivered to their tables in the bar.

Several sofas and two open fires ensure for a comfy relaxed atmosphere.

• Added: 20th of February 2008
• Area: Clerkenwell
• Category: Restaurants

London EC4A 1EJ
020 7831 1622

david_2001 said
Kitsch, kitch!
This is another venue promoting a live performance and dining experience and is a rarity given it's location in the legal district of the City centre.

The cabaret is currently in the vogue of the Burlesque mould as is the decor which is entertainingly louche.

The food is of the English/European modern variety and well prepared and presented.

A full compliment of cocktails is available from the ground floor bar, stockings, basques, berets and boas are the order of the day.

Post your own picture, I dare you, bottle of Champagne to the most entertaining review.

• Added: 15th of February 2008
• Area: Queen's Park
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London NW6 6JH
020 7624 1820

david_2001 said
Big up the Cock
I never new this place existed until recently when on passing I was attracted to a poster advertising 'live jazz' which is played on Sunday lunch times.

Great discovery, not only live music but comedy and music hall performances too.

Comedy is on Saturdays and includes performances by veterans Barry Cryer and Ronnie Golden (last weekend) and this Saturday (February 16th) is Ed Byrne and Hattie Haybridge).

There was a music hall show on Sunday (once a month) and was structured around the the format of the 'Good Old Days' TV programme that was/is very popular. The show featured the MC and many of the performers from the original shows.

More live music is scheduled this Friday, link to the website for a full itinerary.

• Added: 13th of February 2008
• Area: Marylebone
• Category: Health and Beauty

London W1H 5TJ
020 7724 8008

david_2001 said
Footfall!
This place is quite magnificent and offers a range of treatments that will give comfort to anyone suffering pain from a sports related injury.

Physiotherapy, Sports Massage, Shiatsu, Acupuncture, Chiropody and Podiatry are all delivered by highly qualified and experienced staff.

Did you know that podiatrists are qualified to treat people with arthritis, diabetes, sports injuries and those needing nail surgery.

Book in advance, you may have to wait for an appointment.

• Added: 9th of February 2008
• Area: Marylebone
• Category: Restaurants

London W1U 2PY
020 7935 9311

david_2001 said
Manage a trois !
I have been to the Conduit several times now and found something new on each visit.

It is owned and ran by a group of partners and indeed my first drink of the evening was served and presented by one of them.

There are plenty of choice for everyone here, the main bar is elegant and practical with a variety of seating options.

The evening bar menu is good value giving you 4 options (e.g; English goat cheese and red pepper wrap, devilled kidneys, glazed pork belly with Thyme and perfumed truffle, Bloody Mary oyster shot) for £10.

The basement area is completely different and very "rock n' roll" as is the exclusive dining room on the top floor which reminded me of a French boudoir (manage a trois ;-).

If you do visit here do make the effort to visit the top floor restaurant, the atmosphere and ambiance that has been created is quite sumptuous and will not remain a 'hidden gem' for long.

• Added: 9th of February 2008
• Area: Kensington
• Category: Restaurants

London SW7 4PP
020 7589 7969

david_2001 said
More Moorers!
There is something of a 'theme park' disney feel to this venue but judging by the the happy, smiling staff and clients, the theme works.

I was on a strictly liquid diet when visiting prescribed by my doctor so stuck to the cocktail menu and sampled several which were prepared, as if by magic, right in front of me.

As usual in the best pharmacies the concoctions are put together by the chief chemist, who in this case was a very very charming lady who mesmerized me further with her beguiling smile....pure alchemy.

Belly dancers perform here every evening, join the dance, it adds to the fun.

Moor d'amour,

• Added: 1st of February 2008
• Area: Piccadilly Circus
• Category: Restaurants

London W1J 9HS
020 7930 0488

david_2001 said
Viva la Franc !
Marco Pierre White’s decadent restaurant in the heart of the West End is a sumptuous haven from the chaos of Piccadilly Circus and is currently enjoying a renaissance with the reintroduction of a magnificent French menu.

Situated, as it has been since 1873, across the road from Eros and his contemporary backdrop of animated electronic advertisements for Diet Coke, the Criterion is a resplendent, Neo-Byzantine palace of gold and claret with an elaborate mosaic ceiling, enormous bronze-coloured mirrors within ornate arches and plush leather seating. It’s like a feast for the eyes - so they don’t become envious of your stomach later.

During lunchtimes, the Criterion is suitably busy but not unattractively so. A warm murmur from the mature clientele flows throughout the restaurant, creating an ambience of sophistication coupled with sheer pleasure obtained from the food being consumed. The staff are impeccable and their attentiveness never falters.

The menu contains a variety of delights from across the Channel such as seared tuna with aubergine caviar and duck confit with braised red cabbage, together with daily specials including pork cutlet and apple sauce, and classic Lancashire Hotpot. However, for true value, try the pre-theatre set menu of around £15.00 for two courses or £18.00 for three. The pan fried cod on a bed of leeks with balsamic sauce is delicious, beautifully cooked and immaculately presented while the elegant vanilla panacotta and poached strawberries were simply divine. There are few venues in the West End that combine lavish and rewarding dishes with such reasonable prices.

The one complaint, however, would be the price of the wine; the list is comprehensive to say the least with a fine international selection of reds and whites but some bottles – such as the Puligny Montrachet ‘Les Noyers Brets’ or the Barrua, Agricola Punica – could match or possibly surpass the price of your whole meal.

The Criterion is a magnificent venue with cuisine to match. A lunchtime visit is highly recommended.

• Added: 28th of January 2008
• Area: Maida Vale
• Category: Health and Beauty

London W9 1HQ
020 7286 8448

david_2001 said
Tennis, bowls, squash anyone?
I must declare a degree of bias here as this is my local club but in the interests of balance I will try and be objective (uuurrhum).

As well a tennis, bowls and squash there is also a gymnasium, sauna and beauty therapies available.

Additional options are yoga and pilates.

The tennis courts are superior although a little open to the elements being no indoor facilities.

All standards of players are welcome and all 3 coaches are friendly, qualified and organised.

Discount membership is available to LTA 3.1=> ratings.

There is a huge indoor bowls green and an extremely well tendered outdoor green. All levels of player from all ages are welcome. You will be keeping good company as the club has produced 25 national champions and 35 internationals over the years.

Squash is just and enthusiastically pursued with ladies, mens and veterans league teams and numerous club tournaments.

Oh, did I mention that there is an excellent bar, Thai restaurant and this weeks social events include salsa dancing on Monday and the well renowned Odyssey Blues Band playing live on Friday, February the 1st, 2008.

Non members are encouraged to attend the social events and generally (unless you are a tennis, bowls, squash guest) there is no charge.

Please treat the staff and officials at this club with respect and the courtesy that they deserve.

• Added: 27th of January 2008
• Area: Southwark
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

London SE1 0HX
020 7401 2760

david_2001 said
Top Table
This is a modern 'canteen' restaurant with hard wood bench or breakfast bar style seating arrangements.

The food is an excellent choice of staples (including freshly baked bread and soup) and tried and trusted favorites such as risotto, pasta, chille con carne, shepherds pie or quiche type options.

There is a 'serve your own' selection of salads as well as a choice of delicious home baked puddings.

I have only been here at lunchtime and for me it has the ideal combination of being quick, tasty, reasonably priced and catering to the local community and office workers.

Utilitarianism at it's best, cup of tea or fruity red optional.

• Added: 22nd of January 2008
• Area: Chelsea
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London SW3 4PL
020 7352 9479

david_2001 said
Latte, frappe, smoothie or Beer?
Pub, cafe or juice bar, quite a novel idea but most assuredly a pub.

Well set up with a great atmosphere, sports TV, food and refreshments, smoking/seating area, did not check for a compendium of games and newspapers but I am sure they are there if you look!

Bang in the center of the King's Road shopping area, what more could you want for, short pants and cowboy boots...don't turn around, she just walked in.