• Added: 9th of August 2008
• Area: Soho
• Category: Restaurants

London W1F 9BN
020 7297 9800

jezirwin said
Great cheap food
I have been here a couple of times for lunch and I can say with confidence the food is great, it arrives quickly (although when its ready, not in any particular order). I guess the menu is best described as asian fusion, with cuisine from various parts of asia.

But the real kicker is the price. Every dish is £3.50, be it a side order, or main. Two dishes would fill most people and one would definitely fill a hole.

It's constantly busy and it's a bit of a lottery as to where you will be seated. But for me this just adds to the charm.

• Added: 28th of June 2008
• Area: West Kensington
• Category: Restaurants

London W14 0LB
020 7371 3999

jezirwin said
Great little tapas restaurant.
Once we finally found it (after discovering my knowledge of Olympia backstreets isn't what I thought it was) I felt that it would probably live up to my expectations (after two independent recommendations).

I wasn't disappointed. Food, service, atmosphere are all spot on, it costs between £4 and £6 per dish. We had 5 between the two of us which was plenty. The menu has a wide selection and I'm sure there is something for everyone.

Also worth mentioning, I'm not sure how accurate a gauge the bread is for the quality of the restaurant, but the bread was amazing.

I'm not really qualified to talk about interior design or such things never-the-less it's a really nice setting probably geared more towards a romantic meal or dinner with a small group of friends.

Priory House certainly gets my seal of approval.

• Added: 26th of June 2008
• Area: South Kensington
• Category: Restaurants

London SW3 6QJ
020 7589 5876

jezirwin said
Mmmmm Steak.
I was eager to check out the Bowler Bar and Grill after reading the reviews below - it seemed like it would be right up my alley. I was somewhat surprised once we got there though - I think I was expecting more of a burger and steak house with sort of pub food rather than a fine restaurant with a penchant for carnivorous feasting.

The starter list was dominated by seafood dishes (I had the Salt Chili Squid) while the main menu had a broad selection of steaks available in different sizes, I soon realised this was pretty much Mecca for any steak lover. In addition to the steak choices there were some more seafood and other modern european meals - however these never really came into serious consideration.

Since the folks were paying I went halves in a ChateauBriand with the old man, plus a few vegetable accompaniments, no regrets there.

There was also the option for a competitively priced 2 and 3 course set menu.

Despite feeling absolutely stuffed, I couldn't resist the chocolate pudding, we were warned that it would take about 20min (which it did), while a bit rich for my taste it was still very nice.

All the wait staff were very friendly, helpful, professional and well, easy on the eye also.

The bill came to about £150 for the three of us, including a delicious rioja. I'm definately looking forward to a return visit.

• Added: 12th of June 2008
• Area: Istanbul
• Category: Restaurants

Istanbul
(0212) 293 4989

jezirwin said
Turkish Delight
Down a winding back street we found the entrance to Leb-i derya, an unassuming dilapidated old apartment block. We stepped into the elevator which took us to the top floor.

As we stepped out we were greeted with a spectacular view across the Bosphorus to the Old City, the Santa Sofia and stunning Blue Mosque. The view is simply breath taking.

An unpretentious young crowd made up the bulk of the clientele many just having a drink at the bar or on the outside terrace.

I had made a reservation two weeks previous via email and they had saved us a table at the window.

The food was delicious and the menu had something for everyone, while it wasn't cheap it didn't break the bank. Drinks on the other hand were... bloody expensive. We shared a selection of dips for starters. For the main course I had a steak with a delicious turkish sauce and my friends had bass, all got the thumbs up.

This is definately off the the tourist track and a local favourite, we all agreed that it was a highlight. If you visit Istanbul I cannot recommend this place highly enough, a modern Turkish experience to treasure - even if it's just for a few drinks on the rooftop.

• Added: 12th of June 2008
• Area: Hammersmith
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London W6 9HA
020 7385 3929

jezirwin said
Beer Garden of Eden
I have a certain fondness for pubs along the Thames, especially those with a beer garden - and the Crabtree has an absolute cracker. It's huge.

I've been here a few times and when the weather is right, I imagine it's pretty hard to beat - especially with a big group.

I understand on Sunday's they do roasts (winter) and bbq's (summer) - although I haven't tried either. Both occasions I have eaten there I have been somewhat disappointed, but I wasn't really going for the food.

A decent enough selection of tap beers, service was pretty/very slow last time I was there - granted it was quite busy.

It's a bit of a hike from the tube station.

Conclusion: All in all a great place to spend an afternoon in the sun* with a frosty cold beer or three.

* or London equivalent.

• Added: 10th of June 2008
• Area: Tunbridge Wells
• Category: Restaurants

Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RA

jezirwin said
Buona cucina Italiana
I was meeting my visiting Uncle who was staying down south so we decided to meet in the middle at Tunbridge Wells. Carluccio's was very convenient - opposite the station. It was quite busy with a mixed crowd of families and couples.

The food was pretty good and very well priced. I had a plate of bruschetta for entree which was excellent, they had gone beyond your standard fare bruschetta and mixed in some roasted yellow peppers and some herby mixed lettuce leaf as well as a splash of balsamic - which was most welcome. My cousin and uncle shared an anitpasto plate which looked superb.

I had penne with a spicy sausage sauce, not bad, but hardly sending shockwaves through the culinary world. My cousin and uncle had penne with deep fried spinach balls, I must say I was struck down with a bout of food envy when their dishes were served.

I would recommend dropping in here, probably not for an intimate dinner, but for lunch or dinner with family and friends. The service was fast and friendly.

I think the bill came to around 40 quid for the three of us, no wine but a few beers.

• Added: 23rd of May 2008
• Area: Bayswater
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London W2 5BE
020 7313 9491

jezirwin said
Good beer, good nosh.
I have been here a few times to meet friends for a few pints, they have a good range of beers on tap and usually a fun lively crowd.

The food here is great and not just your standard pub grub.

There are a few good pubs in the area but this is one definitely worth stopping in at.

• Added: 23rd of May 2008
• Area: Hammersmith
• Category: Restaurants

London W14 0HA
020 7602 9333

jezirwin said
Good karma...
I went here late on a Sunday night with my flatmate, so it was pretty quiet.

It had a nice relaxed atmosphere and our waiter was extremely helpful and friendly. The food was excellent - especially the recommendations that our waiter had made.

I definitely plan to head back there, probably with a larger group and on a busier night.

• Added: 22nd of May 2008
• Area: Bankside
• Category: Restaurants

London SE1 1TL
020 7940 1300

jezirwin said
Great Breakfast
I visited 'Roast' for breakfast mid-week and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The location, overlooking the Borough markets makes for an excellent atmosphere.

I had the 'Full Borough' (bacon, eggs, sausages, mushroom and black pudding) which was, as expected - big, filling and tasty. My cousin and aunt had kippers which they enjoyed.

The service was excellent, while it wasn't cheap it wasn't exorbitant either, it cost about £35 for the three of us.

• Added: 22nd of May 2008
• Area: West Kensington
• Category: Restaurants

London W14 9EX
020 7610 1050

jezirwin said
Possibly the best kebab shop in London
I was introduced to Best Mangal a few weeks ago and have managed to stop in there on the way home at least once a week for the mandatory kebab since then.

The lamb and chicken shish kebabs are fantastic - fresh, well cooked ingredients and huge portions. Very clean premises and friendly staff.

I haven't actually dined there but have only heard good things.