• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Farringdon
• Category: Restaurants

London EC1M 5RJ
020 7324 4444

wordgirl said
Chic hotel for city stays or special nights
We recently stayed at the Zetter and also had dinner and breakfast there. It's a funky, stylish hotel and restaurant in Faringdon/Clerkenwell, houses in a former warehouse belonging to the Zetter Football Pools family.

The one negative up front: the female receptionist was pretty sour and unsmiling. This was in sharp contrast to every other staff member we encountered. At first I wondered if I'd said the wrong thing, but I saw her next morning too, talking to another guest, and she did the same: no eye contact, sullen looks, sighing. We all have our bad days, after all, but the hotel isn't cheap and for us was a nice treat, so things didn't get off to the best start.

They improved later, though. Our standard room was small but well designed, with flattering pink lights, large shower with Elemis goodies, and interesting furniture. The standard rooms have a small screen which allows you to access 4000 different albums for free, so you can choose whatever music suits your mood. It was slightly tricky to navigate the system, and the TV channels had variable volume levels, but a nice idea. Also fun was the ice machines and drinks vending machine on each floor instead of minibar (probably no space for one in the room...), very retro, plus a coffee machine for free hot drinks. The rooms on the road are noisy, but the double glazing's effective, so you probably need the air con during a warm evening.

We ate a light supper from the bar menu, and the food was delicious - salads and dips and drinks. Service here, and at check-out was smiling and helpful. At breakfast (also great - with an a la carte selection if you don't fancy the full, and slightly pricey, buffet), they apologised for laughing, but it was really nice to see people enjoying their morning. There are also magazines and second-hand paperback Penguins to read.

At weekends, the City's very quiet, so bear that in mind if you want to explore - not many places will be open to eat unless you walk or get on the bus! But it's a good place to stay, with personal touches and good last minute offers.

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Mayfair
• Category: Restaurants

London W1S 2XG
0870 777 4488

wordgirl said
Strictly for special occasions!
If you're looking for somewhere seriously unusual and don't mind pushing the boat out, I think it's hard to beat Sketch. I went with three friends for a big birthday and it was a treat, more like a theatrical performance than a simple dinner. From the pre-dinner drinks on a crimson chaise longue, to the succession of seven main courses and then four different types of dessert (might have been five, was slightly confused by then), it was memorable. OK, some of the flavours were eccentric to say the least, and at first I thought we'd end up starving hungry because the portions were teeny, but we filled up very nicely. The waiters were great, the decor amazing if bizarre at times. Didn't like the other diners, though, they were very po-faced with that kind of expense-account ennui. Go, enjoy, be prepared to come away considerably poorer, and as others have said, you'll love it or hate it but you won't forget it.

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Teddington
• Category: Restaurants

Teddington TW11 8HA
020 89433988

wordgirl said
Closed down - now the Prem Indian Restaurant
This closed down in Spring 08. It's now a slightly upmarket Indian restaurant which serves reasonable curries in a nice atmosphere.

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Richmond Upon Thames
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Richmond Upon Thames TW9 1TH
020 8940 6844

wordgirl said
Nice, non-chain pub by the river
The White Cross is on the stretch from Richmond Bridge that includes all the usual chains, Pitcher and Piano, Slug and Lettuce etc, and is a nice change, with a mixed clientele. It feels traditional, with a wide enclosed terrace with its own bar on sunny days/evenings (with plastic glasses if you want to head right to the water's edge) and lots of space upstairs and downstairs. It feels like a pub from about twenty years ago, but in a pleasing way, with dark furniture and traditional decor. Haven't tried the food but always looks OK, and it's a decent place to go if you don't want loud music or alcopops (sure you can buy alcopops if you REALLY want though).

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Twickenham
• Category: Restaurants

Twickenham TW1 3SG

wordgirl said
Best pizza delivery in the area
You know when you get a pizza craving and order a delivery and it's like a soggy circular teatowel covered in nasty tomato puree? Well, Village is the answer. We've tried 'em all, and theirs are the best (promise I don't work for them). They have a seriously long menu with lots of unusual options but the crusts are thin and crispy, the toppings generous, and the cheese always the right melty, slightly toasted texture. Yum. I haven't eaten there - not sure you actually can, in fact - and I know they recently moved and we thought they'd closed down until they reappeared. Hoorah. Biggest veggie range I've had, too: I love the one with feta, or the roasted veggies.

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Twickenham
• Category: Restaurants

Twickenham TW1 3NR
020 8892 1096

wordgirl said
Good fun, good food
Like Sue (with her excellent review, which I won't be able to match), we chanced upon Pincho when wandering down Church St looking for something different from the Indian restaurants. We've been back a couple of times since as the food is lovely: a great choice of traditional tapas and some more unusual dishes (including a good range of veggie choices). Downstairs is bigger, with some terrace tables, and upstairs tends to house parties (there was a birthday when we were there) and is a good venue for larger groups.

Sue's review is so extensive that I shan't say more, but just wanted to add a second recommendation.

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Richmond Upon Thames
• Category: Restaurants

Richmond Upon Thames TW1 2EB
020 8288 0108

wordgirl said
One of the best for food and atmosphere
Even thinking about writing this review is making me want to go again! It oozes class and elegance, yet it's not overdone, from the decor to the menu. I'm a vegetarian and though the choice isn't always extensive, it's always delicious, with regularly changing dishes making the most of the seasons. As others have said, it's pricey but, hey, for a treat or special dinner or to cheer yourself up, it's perfect. Book in advance, though.

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Teddington
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Teddington TW11 8BG

wordgirl said
Nice views but expensive
The location of this restaurant is great, if a little odd. Good views of the Thames, but you have to walk through a development of apartments to get there and it feels a bit like a private club for residents. The dining rooms upstairs and downstairs are airy and elegant (in a slightly WAG-like way) and the menus nice, but we've found it a bit over-priced by the time you factor in wine etc, with food as good available elsewhere in Teddington, so I guess you're paying for the river. They do have lots of events and special nights, e.g. Salsa nights and it's worth signing up for their newsletter for discounts.

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Teddington
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

Teddington TW11 8HG

wordgirl said
Better menu than the average coffee shop
The Coffee Mill - close to M&S and the Post Office - is an airy, popular cafe in Teddington, with floor to ceiling windows that open on a sunny day, and a few outside tables. The menu is extensive - breakfasts, quiches, cakes, plus a great range of salads and paninis etc, with some unusual twists. Very busy at weekends, and a bit cramped at yummy mummy buggy time, but deservedly popular.

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Teddington
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Teddington TW11 8EW

wordgirl said
Buzzy pub with good food and music
There's always a buzz about this pub, and it's very welcoming and central. Mix of ages and drinkers, with a main bar area, and an adjoining lounge/dining area with booths or comfy leather sofas. They have regular live music, a big screen for sports events, and lots of community activity - I believe they won an award as best community local recently. The food is a cut above pub grub, with tasty specials, although the main menu doesn't change very often. Service generally good, though slightly variable if you want to get a table to eat, we've walked out once, but that was unusual - definitely worth a detour.