• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Shoreditch
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London E1 6QL
020 7247 3479

izolda said
Good vibes!
If you're in Shoreditch the Vibe Bar is one of the "must visit" bars in the area, it's just off Brick Lane so perfect to follow up a nice curry from one of the many surrounding Indian restaurants. Vibe bar has a nice, relaxed atmosphere and a very funky, underground, grungy style which I thought really fit in with the neighbourhood. I went with a group of friends on a Sunday and we enjoyed a live band performance which was quite good given that there wasn't an entry charge or annoying surcharges on drinks. Before the band started playing we also got up for a dance with my friends without feeling like idiots or that people were staring. Very affordable, cool, unpretentious, hip and fun. A great place to meet interesting people.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Wood Green
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London N22 6EJ

izolda said
Rude staff
I live in Wood Green and decided to pop in the local Wetherspoons one evening after the cinema. It was quite late so we didn't expect to be served food. We didn't expect much from a chain other than regular hassle free service, but were disappointed with the heckling me and my friend received from the person checking IDs. He was quite rude to both of us when it took us a while to find our evidence (keep in mind I am 30 so am not used to being asked for ID!). When we finally got inside I was further accosted by a manager or supervisor there, who very rudely asked me to remove my hat, while I was ordering at the bar, as it was "against company policy". Needless to say I felt very uncomfortable and won't be going again, my party were all dressed very respectably and didn't appreciate being talked to as if we were a gang of yobos. Oh, and the house wine was cheap too. Avoid.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Brighton
• Category: Restaurants

Brighton BN1 2FA

izolda said
Absolutely brilliant (and authentic)
I discovered this greek restaurant/taverna while on a day out in Brighton. Even though it's on the main road facing the beach it's really easy to miss, however it is a real hidden gem and thoroughly recommended. I am Greek and have lived in Greece for thirty years, so I know my Greek food when I see it, and this is as close to authentic as no other Greek restaurant I have ever dined at. The choice of food is overwhelming but everything was cooked to brilliant quality. The atmosphere was casual and relaxed, and the waiting staff were very friendly. The mezedes were flavoursome and the portions very generous. I would recommend "gigantes plaki", runner beans cooked in red sauce, moussaka and many of the salads. By the end of our meal we were stuffed and had no room for desert. Will definitely go back on my next trip to Brighton!!

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Wood Green
• Category: Restaurants

London N22 6YQ
020 8888 2282

izolda said
Not bad
Although this is a small restaurant it is relaxed and friendly and the staff are polite and quick to deal with your request. You can get the usual deals here, i.e. the "eat as much pizza, pasta, salad" etc for lunchtime. I thought the food was well prepared and the lunch buffet was topped up properly, especially the salad bar. I estimate that you would get a lot of families in here so it could get noisy, but the day I went it was surprisingly quiet, so no screaming children in my ear. The only thing I didn't like was desert, they do a cookie dough desert which was really sickly for me, we had to share it between 3 of us and it was still too much of a sugar high.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Hackney
• Category: Restaurants

London N4 0RG
020 88092777

izolda said
Not a good experience
Had food poisoning after visiting this place which lasted a week, so wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless immune to the pathogens that frequent these sorts of places. This is a run of the mill turkish kebbab joint cum restaurant that I made the mistake of visiting when I first arrived in the UK. The cooked food is pre-prepared and is reheated - I actually wouldn't put it past them topping up the same three dishes daily, which is unjygienic to put it mildly. The food didn't taste bad though, and a lot of the locals were in enjoying a meal which is what attracted me and my friend to the restaurant. However given the fact that we both came down with food poisoning this was obviously not a coincidence. To be avoided.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Finchley
• Category: Restaurants

London N3 2DN
020 8349 9968

izolda said
Good value for money
With so many run of the mill kebab places in London it is hard to find a good, authentic Turkish restaurant to eat it. I frequent the restaurant as I work in the area and must say it's very good for a quality lunch if you are looking to have something different from the regular sandwich. Starters are good to be shared between people, they also bring a choice of dips for your bread. Main meals are good portions and the choice is great if you'd rather have vegetables rather than meat. They also bring you a complimentary digestive tea when you're done, which is a nice touch.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Finchley
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

London N3 1XY
020 8343 1414

izolda said
Excellent food, excellent service
I work in the area and ofter come here for lunch. They have a good deal on for lunch with pizza or pasta and a drink for around £5.50-£6 (can't remember the exact amount). The restaurant is clean and you can see the kitchen while the food is being prepared. However since the seating area is quite small it is always a good idea to book before going. The portions are generous, I couldn't eat a whole pizza so two people are best ordering a pizza and a salad and sharing. Great for veggies as well - try the pasta ambiente, delicious and juicy!

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Piccadilly Circus
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London W1D 6DD
020 7287 0255

izolda said
Fun place, hip people, very crowded
I have been here with friends on a Friday evening - the pub is huge and resembles more a club than a pub (barring the absence of a dancefloor). The place is so vast it's easy to get lost in, so if you've arranged to meet with friends try and meet them outside, as the mobile phone reception is not good in the lower decks of the pub). I had a fun time here and it's a great place to rub shoulders - literally - with other young student types, although the popularity of the place can mean it gets uncomfortably crowded at times. The food is also good, nachos were delicious and a very generous portion. Recommended.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Leicester Square
• Category: Restaurants

London W1D 6ND
020 7437 0237

izolda said
Clean, good value
Good place for vegetarians, as Young Chen has a good selection of veggie choices in the buffet - broccoli, zucchini, corn, mushrooms and 2-3 vegetarian stir fries served with rice, good quality noodles and oven baked potato slices are all on offer. The food is hot and well presented and the restaurant is always spotlessly clean which is a big plus. I have been here a couple of times and it's never packed to the brim, so the atmosphere is relaxed and laid back, although they make a point of quickly take away your plate when you've finished which can be a bit off-putting(don't worry though, you can always go back for more). They have a good selection of teas as well which I would recommend.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Leicester Square
• Category: Restaurants

London W1D 6QN
020 7287 3885

izolda said
Okayish
I first discovered Mr Wu while looking for a cheap place to eat around Leicester square - no easy feat these days! As I don't generally frequent chinese restaurants I thought the food on offer was good and adequate, although I couldn't understand why they were also serving massses of chips, as this is obviously not a staple in chinese cooking! I thoroughly enjoyed my meal, but after coming back a few times I got a bit bored as the selection really isn't all that great and if you're a vegetarian you're a bit stuck for choice. Try and don't go too late in the evening as well, as they don't top up much at night so you might end up with the leftovers - not a pretty sight. Good if you're in a hurry and on a budget.