• Added: 3rd of April 2007
• Area: Mayfair
• Category: Restaurants

London W1K 2HE
020 7495 7309

simonB said

This restaurant is the newly refurbished sister to the perennial celebrity favourite, J Sheekey and the similarities are obvious from the fish-biased menu and the luxurious brown and wood theme to the decor. In some respects this restaurant is an improvement on Sheekey's as the overall space is less cramped, brighter and it has a great bar situated prominently in the centre of the room. As you would expect, the lunchtime clientle is predominately well-groomed Mayfair (probably a favourite of the locally-based hedge-fund managers already) and it attracts a smattering of celebrities.

I've eaten their twice the first time was a relaxed Saturday lunch where service was excellent and unobtrusive and the Dover Sole was probably the best I've eaten in town. More recently I was there on a weekday lunch and the place was packed unfortunately the staff seemed unable to cope with the rush and we ended up waiting for an hour between ordering and our first course. However, the food was still first rate (the morelle risotto was fantastic) and the manager was apologetic and comp'd us our coffee and deserts.

The fact that some of the tables are quite close together also caused a bit of a problem.

If you're feeling flush or have a generous expense budget (the place is not cheap) this place is worth a visit.

• Added: 27th of March 2007
• Area: Westminster
• Category: Hotels and Travel

London SW1A 1NY
020 7491 4840

simonB said

A mate recommended Dukes Hotel for its martinis so I went their before dinner on a Friday evening with 3 friends.

The bar is cosy, quite small and with a pleasant 'old world' rather than trendy feel. It's hidden just off St James's and it's not somewhere you're likely just to chance across.

There was a mix of well-heeled 30- and 40-somethings when we got there at about 8pm and it seems to be a great place to relax and have a catch up with old friends/business colleagues over a cocktail or two. I probably wouldn't recommend it if you were looking for a romantic 'first date' kind of venue though.

Part of the theatre of the place is that they prepare the martinis on a small trolley by your seats...its a nice touch. I agree with the other reviewer that their cocktails are leathal in their size and strength!

It's a gem of a bar and definitely one I'll return to.

• Added: 23rd of March 2007
• Area: Charing Cross
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

London WC2N 4HG
020 7836 0060

simonB said

This place is a daily stop for me....A proper workman's cafe in the heart of Covent Garden

Chandos is an Italian-run place that's been there for over 20 years and it's a bit of an institution. It's just changed hands and had an extensive refurbishment (February '07) but the quality of the food and the prices are still as good as ever.

Opens at 6am and is winding down by about 4.30pm...in the mornings you can get a full english fry up and at lunch their pasta dishes (generally 4.80 - and you can get them to take away) are tasty and you're given enormous helpings. It also does very tasty sandwiches (e.g. the special today was duck with spring salad in Ciabbata).

Great place if you want a meal that's a bit of a change from the usual lunchtime fast food eateries.

• Added: 23rd of March 2007
• Area: Bankside
• Category: Food and Drink

London SE1 9AB
020 7645 3562

simonB said

Whether it be on a trek through Covent Garden or just Borough Market on a cold Saturday morning, Monmouth never fails to deliver a fantastic cup of coffee.

Not the place for those who are into their "iced-nonfat caramel grande macciatos" or other such tongue-twisting combos....(there is sure to be a Starbucks nearby...). However, it can't be beaten if your tastes are simpler and you like a plain old filter, cappuccino,latte or machiatto with delicious jersey milk.

The best coffee in London...possibly?

• Added: 22nd of March 2007
• Area: Chelsea
• Category: Restaurants

London SW10 0SZ
020 7351 3113

simonB said

Went there for the first time last night after recommendations from friends about it being the best Indian food in London.

The service and decor could definitely not be faulted and my starter was ok. However, my main course was very unappetizing and consisted of just 4 very small pieces of chicken breast submerged in a thin (although quite tasty) orange sauce.

Having said that, the other 3 diners with me all ready enjoyed their meals so I'll probably give the place another go.

• Added: 22nd of March 2007
• Area: Covent Garden
• Category: Restaurants

London WC2E 8JD
020 7379 9696

simonB said

This is a regular lunchtime venue for me when entertaining clients and it has never yet disappointed. The lunchtime menu with choice of 3 starters and 3 mains is very good value, but if you are feeling flush, the wine list goes on for miles and caters for every budget!

The blossom laden branches at the back of the restarant create a really good atmosphere and the fire they have going in the winter months is a nice touch.

Never been in the evening, but recommend you book for lunch - the place is popular

• Added: 22nd of March 2007
• Area: Leicester Square
• Category: Restaurants

London WC2H 9DD
020 7240 3757

simonB said

This is a favourite restaurant of mine and its classic French dishes never disappoint. Probably the most authentic 'french bistro' experience you'll find in London?

The only negative I have is that the tables at the front of the restaurant are exceptionally close together....you dining neighbours are definitely going to hear every word you say so it's definitely not the place for wispering amorous thoughts or doing high powered business deals!

• Added: 22nd of March 2007
• Area: Kensington
• Category: Restaurants

London SW7 4QT
020 7584 1118

simonB said
Japanese/French Fusion
Went there for the first time a couple of weeks ago and wish I'd known about it before!

Food was amazing....the "Hamashi Sashimi with Bonito Crisp" was a work of art on the plate and tasted equally as good, whilst my main of caramallised black cod with miso was a melt in the mouth affair.

I was a little dubious about a Japanese-French fusion restaurant but this place certainly pulls it off. Btw...The diners also seem to keep French eating times...we arrived at 8.15pm on a Tuesday evening and the place was fairly empty but it was packed by the time we left at 11pm...so expect to eat alone if you arrive at 7pm!

My only slight negative of this place was the attitude of some of the staff; it's french and it's expensive but sometimes the staff appeared to veer over the line from professional to just plain haughty. Other than that, however, we had a perfect evening.

• Added: 22nd of March 2007
• Area: Holland Park
• Category: Restaurants

London W8 6NW
020 7603 3888

simonB said
Wonderful italian!
This little gem of a restaurant is perfectly suited for the designer-clad masses of Kensington. Whilst it is thankfully not a place 'to see and be seen' it is always faultless in its welcome and the food rarely disappoints.

Went there again last Tuesday with a friend. (Be warned...the bread-basket is highly addictive!) The place is a not huge and a party of 20 at the back unfortunately made the place noisy, but my daily special of grilled tuna with sweet & sour vegetables was simple and done to perfection whilst my friend's duck was also beautifully cooked.

On previous trips I've also sampled some of their varied pasta dishes and they've always been wonderful.

Not the cheapest place in the world (meat/fish mains are 18-22 generally) but you can be fairly sure of good food, sophisticated atmosphere and great service. Good place for a special date or to business meal.