• Added: 17th of September 2007
• Area: Bayswater
• Category: Restaurants

London W2 5RT
020 7985 0900

lewiswebb said
Should of had a burger....
Unfortunately, I didn't read the TP reviews before going so I opted for Cajun sea bass, which was actually pretty tasty of itself. My issue is that we were a large group (11), it was all booked in advance, we ran 15 minutes late and they had the cheek to tell us that they'd given our table away as we didn't show. They then claimed they'd called to confirm (no missed calls on said phone) and eventually shoved us in the corner, giving us two tables that we had to manually rearrange in order to get our group together. The service was slow and patchy, and for a place that seems to encourage a party atmosphere (good music, up tempo and above background-noise volume), the staff seemed all too dour for a Saturday night. The burger eaters in the group were all satisfied with their choices, but for what it is, the rest of the menu is potentially 10-15% overpriced.

• Added: 12th of September 2007
• Area: Fitzrovia
• Category: Restaurants

London W1T 2RG
020 7631 0088

lewiswebb said
Not just about the bathrooms...
Ok, so they are a little special, but not the sole reason to visit. I've not eaten at the restaurant, so this review can only speak for the downstairs bar. Crazy Bear has opted for a seating-only policy - given the size this isn't such a bad thing, but it does mean that spontaneous visits should be kept for the first half of the week. Attentive staff, eye-catching 20s-esque decor and some of the best mixed drinks in London all add up to a memorable experience whether you go for a quick pre-dinner cocktail (try one of the martinis for size) or settle in for a night.

• Added: 11th of September 2007
• Area: Bankside
• Category: Restaurants

London SE1 1QR
020 7357 0057

lewiswebb said
Get yourself some really original lunch
Fabulous little place, not so much of a hidden gem these days, as I think word of mouth has done it a huge amount of good over the last twelve months and the hoards flock to El Vergel at peak hours (12-2pm). The walls are decorated with customer's scribbles in bright felt-tip colours and the friendly staff from all over South America create a real buzz behind the counter. I've not sampled much of the menu, sticking instead to its churrasco palta sandwiches - steak and tomato/avocado with chilli in Chilean village bread - which are always fresh and a welcome change to high street sandwich blandness.

• Added: 11th of September 2007
• Area: Mayfair
• Category: Restaurants

London W1S 3PR
020 7534 7000

lewiswebb said
A well tailored lunch experience
Being a fan of Savile Row for its more garment-oriented establishments, Sartoria does its best to live up to the reputation of quality and service that has earned the street its global reputation. Staff are dressed in slick suits, and tailoring paraphernalia adorn the walls. Head chef Alan Marchetti has created a staple menu of modern Italian dishes that are delicious if a little unadventurous - but do we expect more from a Conran restaurant? Ideal for a business lunch as its rarely buzzing mid-week, but if you're a fan of Italian wine, be sure to take a client or associate that will join you in a glass or two as I missed out on my most recent visit due to non-drinkers in the party.

• Added: 11th of September 2007
• Area: Aldgate
• Category: Restaurants

London E1 6DW
020 3116 2000

lewiswebb said
A place for the brunch bunch
The billing as "World Cusine" is a pretty thin veil for a place that does at least half its business on the back of a great brunch menu - the ranch style eggs tostada are a revelation, and some inventive burgers - lamb satay anyone? Giraffe Spitalfields is wonderfully laid back during the week for a post-work bite and perfect for a chilled-out bite and a smoothie on Saturdays. Living just around the corner I have to point out that Sunday is actually the market's "big day" so be prepared for a queue and pretty inattentive staff should you visit between 11-3. But even this doesn't take the edge of a wonderful people-watching spot, and they're not in a hurry to move you on if you opt for an outside table.

• Added: 11th of September 2007
• Area: Liverpool Street
• Category: Restaurants

London EC2M 7QA
020 7247 3227

lewiswebb said
Has the potential to be more
A sushi restaurant in a railway station. There's something right about the context, but Moshi Moshi could do a lot more with it. It seems to be a great place to grab a quick bite at the Kaiten-zushi conveyor belt. Should you choose to take advantage of the secluded booths that overlook the Liverpool Street platforms, you'll find the service to be polite and efficient and a healthy choice of food - my advice would be to give preference to the nigiri over the temaki selection, the seaweed wrap was not the freshest. Group diners also benefit from interestingly designed pods to separate them from the main restaurant. However, there's a lacking cutting edge that could give the place a much needed boost. Simple things like having fresh flowers, keeping the windows clean, and the ability to pay at your table would give Moshi Moshi a more professional and city-chic feel that its diners are currently missing out on.