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

London N1 8LU
020 7226 1082

niamh49 said
Deservedly popular local
A few years ago this was a grotty old men's pub, albeit with rather nice green tiled exterior - the sort of pub that closes by the dozen every month.
Now, with a judicious overhaul, it's been transformed into a buzzing and trendy young hangout, featuring loads of music, djs, decently priced grub, and is always buzy.

This pub deserves to be popular because of the way the original features have been preserved and enhanced. Yes it's good wooden floors and comfy leather seats (everyone likes these). But it has bags of character - check out the stained glass in the women's loos, and joy of joys, a real fire.
This is a pub to enjoy a quiet pint in by day, and have a fun time out at night.

• Added: 28th of August 2008
• Area: Camden Town
• Category: Restaurants

London NW1 1BA
020 7387 2789

niamh49 said
Great food in unassuming eatery with nice garden
A group of us met for a birthday celebration last night. I was a little disappointed that they had given away our reservation in the garden, but then we were 15 minutes late. They were very apologetic and offered to re-seat us after 30 min but we opted to stay in the perfectly acceptable but unexciting - even boring - main restaurant.

There was luckily nothing boring about the menu when it arrived. A wide range of meat, fish and vegetarian tapas that were interesting and well described. We had some delicious broad bean dip, as well as a garlicky fresh mayonaise and a rather oily crushed nut dish for starters while we pondered our options.

Two tapas dishes apiece was more than adequate, so we didnt get round to even looking at the dessert menu.... there was lots of choice and plenty of sharing washed down with a very nice Spanish house red. And tap water came in a large pitcher, along with the fizzy we had ordered.

The food was very tasty, with the veggie options especially well presented. I had a sweet potato dish with roast onions and feta cheese, melt in the mouth yummy, and a delicious if less generous octopus tentacle. Other notable dishes were a grilled red tipalia from the daily specials, and a beautifully tender marinaded steak (which I wish I'd ordered).

• Added: 28th of August 2008
• Area: Marylebone
• Category: Restaurants

London W1U 5HN
020 7258 8595

niamh49 said
More than just a pile of old lentils
This is a perfect place to take someone to confound their expectations of vegetarian food. Too often, being vegetarian means going to Indian or non-European restaurants, or being fobbed off by uninspiring veggie "choices" on standard menus.
Or ending up in a place full of/run by hippies...

There is nothing Hippy-ish about Meat and two veg. The menu is British based but vaguely American themed, with traditional (meat-based) dishes such as shepherd's pie replaced with meat-free ingredients.

I had a fantastic and calorific brunch here with tasty veg sausages and egg fried exactly as requested with some sort of hybrid bubble'n'hash browns, VERY nice.
The atmosphere was nice and lively, youngish, upmarketish, as you'd expect on this upandcoming bit of Marylebone High St. I was reminded of San Fransisco restaurants until I had a coffee, which was definitately of European quality!

• Added: 22nd of August 2008
• Area: Hackney
• Category: Restaurants

London E8 3NH
020 7249 6727

niamh49 said
Eccentric eatery in E8
It's unlikely you'd stumble upon this place by accident, as it's on a fairly mundane residential street and looks like a decrepit local pub you'd hesitate to step into, but wow... imagine what a surprise awaited.

Inside the place is decked out in a lavish and not a little camp way, with open fire roaring between the paws of a lion. There are a number of unusual alcoves, including a 'pod' which seats 4, and little eyeries at the top of a staircase.

The food is good, and reasonalby priced, although portions could be a little more generous. Dishes are mainly French inspired with a few daily specials. The house wine is fine also. Toilets feature murals not recommended for the ultra-prudish! A fun place for a very unusual night out, worth booking in advance at weekends.

• Added: 22nd of August 2008
• Area: Monument
• Category: Health and Beauty

London EC3R 5DD
020 7283 8908

niamh49 said
Top Shiatsu
I can highly recommend Bev who offers Shiatsu treatment from this practice, which is very well located in the city. The clinic is well run with friendly and efficient reception cover and appointments are easy to make.

I came to see Bev on the recommendation of a friend, and was initially sceptical but gave it a go, and have been more than impressed. Nor only am in MUCH less pain than before, but she has helped with my overall levels of vitality and energy as well. I can't thank her enough.

She has a warm and caring way about her, and her manner and attitude give you confidence in her treatments.

Bev has lots of experience and works with some of the big firms in the city, giving treatments as well as teaching stressed out executives how to handle their bodies.

I can't comment on any of the other practitioners at this clinic but a range of other therapies are on offer also. Prices are good value for the area.