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

Oxford OX1 2EP
01865 200705

kranti said
Better than Thai in London
Bangkok House is located on Hythe Bridge Street in Oxford, a short walk from Gloucester Green.

It is almost worth going to the restaurant just for the table and chairs which are wooden and carved (the only downside being that it is difficult to move the weightly wooden chair once sat in it). The menu is varied and also provided a good selection for vegetarians. The food is excellent and is better than the Thai restaurants I have tried in London or elsewehere (Crazy Bear, Thai Square, Blue Elephant etc). The portion sizes are decent enough for both the starters and the main courses. The service is not as good as in the plusher Thai restaurants but am happy to forgive that for the food quality. Prices are relatively expensive for Oxford

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Oxford
• Category: Nightlife

Oxford OX1 1JD

kranti said
Town and Gown
The club is based on the Park End Street from which it takes its name. Infamous in the city, it is one of the venues where drunken town meet drunken gown.

As part of a large stag party we descended on Park End recently to relive the student days of the groom in Oxford. With the stories we had heard the club had much to live up to. With three dancefloors and many bars there should have been something for everyone. It is not quite the case though. Cheesy music on each floor, dated decor and the town's clientele, the night was better for the drink. I am still not sure why we went back on the second night....

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

Isleworth TW7 5NA
020 85689981

kranti said
Better than expected
The Bukhara restaurant is located in the Osterley hotel on the busy Great West Road (A4). It is a short drive from Osterley underground station or from the Syon Lane and Iselwroth mainline stations. Wit the restaurant being part of a hotel, there is ample parking within the grounds for those that drive.

I went here recently with a friend when looking for somewhere to eat in the evening. I had passed it many times before without a second glance. On entering the decor is somewhat dated, however, this should not deter you from taking a table and ordering. The menu is of a good size and there is a good selection for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The service is on par for an Indian restaurant of its type but the food was excellent. We were both very suprised and would definitely eat here again

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

London W1S 4HW
020 7629 9802

kranti said
Food bazaar
Chor Bizarre maybe a smaller and lesser known Indian restaurant than some of it michelin-starred brethren but punches well above its weight.

The restaurant is relatively small, yet quite cozy with glass topped tables enclosing ornaments from India and carved chairs. The menu is extensive and well written making it easy to order for even the most inexperienced in an Indian restaurant. Following my mandatory mango lassi (a yoghurt-based drink with mango), the starters and main course food was excellent - there were decent sized portions that were delicious and yet still leaving you wanting more. The service is polite and fast. There is parking outside in the evenings for those driving. An excellent evening had by everyone.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Farringdon
• Category: Food and Drink

London EC4M 7DE

kranti said
Fresh Italy
The Fresh Italy take-away/restaurant is part of a small chain selling pasta and gnocchi in takeaway coffee cups.

The branch on Ludgate Hill is a short walk from St Pauls or Blackfriars tube stations. The restaurant provides both eat-in and take away options (similar to the Pret a Manger or Eat chains). Once you have chosen what to order, it is prepared freshly in front of you in an open kitchen behind the pay counter. There is a 'meal deal' option if you want more than just the pasta (e.g. fruit, drink, bread, salad). The food is good and is served hot. The queues are large but move quickly. Quite often there is no space to sit and eat at lunchtime. Fresh Italy provides relatively good value for money in the area with a change from the usual sandwich.

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

London W1G 0DH
020 7493 5050

kranti said
One of the better ones
Maroush V is just off Oxford Street near Debenhams. The Maroush chain of restaurants never disappoint and I have been a regular at a number of their branches. With friendly service, a lively atmosphere and space, this is a great venue for parties (small or large) or meetings.

I am a big fan of the meze (cold or hot) and often do not order a main course. The olives, breads, salads and fresh juices are excellent. Moutabel is one of my favourites here (a roasted aubergine dish with a texture similar to that of houmous) and few restaurants make it better than Maroush. The also caters both vegetarians and non-vegetarians well, though there are less main course options for vegetarians. It has been and still is one of the best Lebanese restaurants in London.

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

London EC4V 5EA
020 7248 6361

kranti said
Stable
Bengal Tiger is located in between Blackfriars and St Pauls stations. Tucked away in a small lane, you might not get to eat here unless you knew where it was.

I have eaten here a number of times and the quality of food and service has been similar on each occasion. The menu is varied, has an extensive drinks menu including mango lassi, and caters for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The food is good, not too greasy or oily, and appears fresh. Presentation is not their strong point though. The service is polite though could be sharper. Meals are relatively good value for money given the location. This is a great venue for a working lunch or a meal after work with colleagues or friends.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Hampstead Garden Suburb
• Category: Restaurants

London N2 8AG
020 8444 5666

kranti said
South Indian
I was quite excited when I heard that a South Indian restaurant had opened up in East Finchley, a short walk from the underground station. I recently got the chance to sample their cuisine.

The restaurant decor is well done, though the restaurant itself is not large. There is an extensive menu including a wide range of choices for vegetarians, as is often the case with Indian restaurants. The food itself was good, though portions were small and relatively expensive. The food is not as good as a Sakoni, but the setting is much better. Value for money-wise it is more expensive that similar restaurants in Wembley but similar to Woodlands. I would go again.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Muswell Hill
• Category: Restaurants

London N10 3HA

kranti said
Real Gem
The Yien restaurant in Muswell Hill is a real gem. It is located opposite to the Odeon Cinema. It is easy to get to and there is plenty of parking nearby.

The restaurant is not large and the decor is basic in black and white yet looks both clean and fresh. The service is attentive and non-obtrusive. The menu is extensive and caters well for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. One of the best starter dishes is the salt and pepper tofu and what better way to end a great meal than with a delicious banana fritter! This is a great place for any occasion, social or work. The restaurant is a real gem and I have continued to be impressed with the quality of the food.

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

London W4 1TH
020 8994 9333

kranti said

I have been a regular at the Woodlands in Leicester Square and Marylebone Lane over the last few years. I recently tried their branch in Chiswick for a work meeting.

We were a group of 5. Surprisingly, the restaurant was fairly empty on a Saturday evening. At the Chiswick restaurant the menu is similar if not the same as their other restaurants. I was disappointed by the food and the service. The WC facilities had water across the floor and there was a leak from the ceiling. The waiters had not warned any of us about this and made no apology. I do not think that I will be trying any of their branches in the near future.... maybe stick to Sakoni