• Added: 7th of March 2008
• Area: Clerkenwell
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London EC1V 0DX
020 7253 1516

neilgrayshon said
Local ++
More than a back street boozer, this place is almost good enough for a date. Maybe the third date...
A big dark room given life thanks to a breath of dusty Victoriana, serious seedy lighting more than a mouthful of writhing hipsters.
Also ft some tasty off the list lagers, homemade fish finger sandwiches of legend and a basement home to the super electro acoustic club.
Even with its uber-fashion leanings, this place still manages to feel just like a pub and I like that.

• Added: 7th of March 2008
• Area: Hackney
• Category: Restaurants

London E2 8DY
020 7613 3222

neilgrayshon said
I love this place.
I have little else to add but that it the complete opposite of the word sombre.
Please visit and eat a small piece of sunny heart like love.
Really, words are not sufficient.
Be warned, the clumsy, ineloquent and alarming turquoise interior will stay with you and you will go back.
Luckily, it is also rather cheap.

• Added: 7th of March 2008
• Area: Hackney
• Category: Food and Drink

London E2 8DP
020 7729 6855

neilgrayshon said
Ethical? Really?
Alongside the hand harvested workers co-operative fava beans and the love spun biodegradable shopping bags, which are probably sourced from the recycled yarn of tibetian monks winter jackets lies a dirtier secret; coca cola, bacardi rum and fairy liquid don't score so highly on my ethical barometer and you might ask the same question. What are these things doing here?
A good run of earth friendly stuff is at odds with these inclusions and the dubious selection of ancient veg doesn't help to enamour one to the place.
But it is around the corner and it is trying its best.

• Added: 7th of March 2008
• Area: Shoreditch
• Category: Restaurants

London N1 5QJ
020 7033 0123

neilgrayshon said
Super
Wholesome, unpretentious sister restaurant of Acorn House from the Shoreditch Trust. The restaurants support good work in neighbourhoods and promote sustainable practice, local sourcing and real food.
That bit is complicated but the food really isn't. Great tasty, honest and ingredient-led deliciousness.
There is safety in the menu, which borrows from the almost modern classic anglo-european experience but some edgier touches from a smoky rich brandade or tingly black pepper ice cream really excite.
For dinner, its not a "cheap eat" but you can comfort yourself in the knowledge that you are buying into something worthwhile, that the local community directly benefit and that you are not offsetting the costs of eating out by cheap labour, exploitation or poor farming practice.
This place is, however, first and foremost a well run restaurant with excellent culinary standards and not a charity case.
A warm, simple dining room looking over the canal and excellent personal service make this little back street hideaway something rather special.

• Added: 7th of March 2008
• Area: Marylebone
• Category: Restaurants

London W1H 5BW
020 7258 2000

neilgrayshon said
Oh my.
A revolting disappointment.
I ate here a few months ago to find disastrous food, a morgue-like sense of place, and no sense of service.
Very expensive and given the numerous accolades displayed in the window, one can only assume the proceeds from this profit swindling enterprise have been used to bribe the judges.
Please steer clear.

• Added: 7th of March 2008
• Area: Aldgate
• Category: Restaurants

London E1 6LY
020 7247 6097

neilgrayshon said
Rule
If you want a fry (a good one) you can't beat Dino's. Well, some places have better sausages and the place is bleak(ish) but really, its proper. Always choose tea.

• Added: 30th of December 2007
• Area: Mayfair
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London W1J 9HA
020 7851 2433

neilgrayshon said
FINE FINE FINE
If you're looking for a view, try Skylon instead.

The food here is fine and at the right price point for what's on offer, but don't expect any surprises.

• Added: 30th of December 2007
• Area: Leicester Square
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

London WC2H 8JL
020 7240 9933

neilgrayshon said
Cheap drinks
Cheap drinks, buzzy vibe.

Atmosphere prevails over quality but a good night to be found here.

• Added: 30th of December 2007
• Area: Covent Garden
• Category: Food and Drink

London WC2H 9DD
020 7645 3560

neilgrayshon said
Best coffee in town
Super coffee that cares and only a quid.

• Added: 25th of December 2007
• Area: Brighton
• Category: Restaurants

Brighton BN1 1HQ
01273 729051

neilgrayshon said
Seriously beefy grub
As an ardent carnivore, the subtitle might put you off. However; fear not - you will be thrilled by daring experimentation, a lightness of touch and a divine quality that will surpass any previous expectation of "vegetarian" eating.

This place kicks some welly and talks a serious mustard.