Edward's reviews
Review of The Happening Bagel Bakery
13 Nov 07, 10:06
First Class Bagels 
Happiness is a big bag of warm bagels!
These bagels are made fresh in the store and as you wait to be served you can watch the bagelers bageling in the back.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Ambala Sweet Centre
29 Jul 07, 13:47
Sweets for my sweet! 
Take a stroll down Turnpike Lane with its many Asian supermarkets and colourful sari shops, and don't forget to stop off at Ambala. This shop will have you reaching for your wallet and stocking up on their wide range of delicious sweets and savoury snacks.
You might find yourself blinded by the choice, so just ask for a selection - you can buy different sized boxes of sweets and the friendly staff will offer suggestions and tell you what the various sweets are.
Towards the back of the shop are the savoury snacks...now these really will make your mouth water! The samosas are the best ever, with a lovely light pastry and try the small round lentil balls which pack a spicy punch.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of LHirondelle Coffee Shop
29 Jul 07, 13:35
What friendly staff! 
This cafe, along Hoe Street, is a lovely place to go and sit with a book, or to take some friends for coffee and cake. The staff here are always very friendly and courteous and make a lovely cup of coffee from the fantastic copper coffee machine, complete with a golden eagle sitting atop its shiny dome.
The seating area is small, but you can usually grab a seat, and people will generally be happy to share a table if it's busy.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Monmouth Coffee House
29 Jul 07, 13:13
Coffee know-how
These people know their coffee!
As you wander through Borough Market, you will notice a queue of people snaking out into the road from this fabulous coffee shop - people really don't mind waiting for something this good (and the staff are very prompt, often with someone walking down the queue to take your order).
If you are very lucky, you might get a place at the big table, to tuck into some simple bread and jam, or you can perch yourself on a stool in the window but, more often than not, you will find yourself on a bench out in the street, which is great in this area, with so much going on.
Why not team your excellent coffee with a cake from next door (see my review of Konditor and Cook) and wander around the market?
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Tinder Box
29 Jul 07, 13:06
Come fly with me!
If you don't mind lurking about for a bit to get a seat, then it's worth the wait - personal favourites are the old aeroplane seats and the little booth style seats nearer the front.
It is usually quite busy, especially at the weekend, but once you secure a seat, you can happily chill out with the papers and a big bowl of coffee. With Islington being such a good place for people watching, you might like to sit in the window area and see how many actors you can spot on Upper Street!
Particularly yummy are the huge, French style bowls of coffee and the chai tea latte is lovely and frothy and served in a sundae type glass.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Konditor and Cook
29 Jul 07, 12:47
Have your cake and eat it!
Simply the best cake shop (or chain of cake shops) in London. Pass-by this shop quickly if you don't want to be tempted by the fantastic rich butter-tastic delights on display. There are so many to choose from. Each cake is beautifully and lovingly created. All exquiste and consistently wonderful. To mention but a few; Millionaries Shortbread, Almond Slice, Treacle Tart, Boston Brownie, Breakfast Muffins. They are all amazing!
Also they make very nice sandwiches, soups and other lunch foods that are worth sampling!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of The Trawlerman Fish shop
29 Jul 07, 12:34
Give George a wave!
The best thing about The Trawlerman (or George's Chippy as we call it) is the chief chip man, George. He is a real character and loves a good chat. Always willing serve so sounds advice with your tasty fish and chip supper.
Sit in or eat out - the fish is always fresh and the batter is always crisp and tasty and the chips are proper. Chunky and lots of them. Fancy a chip roll? The rolls are fresh from the bakery next door.
A great fish and chip shop -I would even go as far to say that this is the best in North London and if you go in say hello to George from me!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Euphorium Bakery
29 Jul 07, 12:21
Going doughy eyed
We *heart* Euphorium :)
We used to live just near this bakery, so were well and truly filled up on their gorgeous range of bread and their delicious cakes. They have expanded now to offer a larger seating area so you can hang around with a coffee and sample their wares...try the chocolate eclair with vanilla cream...drooooool.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Tottenham Sports Centre
29 Jul 07, 12:17
A bit grubby! 
I have been using this leisure centre and swimming pool now for over a year, and I don't think they have cleaned the changing rooms properly once in that time. I am constantly disgusted by just how dirty the changing facilities are (I have complained in the past and have been reassured that things will improve, but they never do).
On the other hand, the range of classes available are very good and the facilities cater for all age groups, with a special gym for young people and full accessibility.
So, if you can turn a blind eye to the grubiness, it's good for a swim (but avoid the kids' splash times if you want to swim in the lanes, it's mayhem!)
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of New Tayyab
29 Jul 07, 12:10
Worth the wait!
We started going to Tayyab before they extended their premises and are pleased that the standards have not gone down since they have grown. You often have to wait for a table, such is the popularity of Tayyab, but it is well worth the wait!
The staff are friendly and efficient and the service is prompt. The food is absolutely delicious and we would highly recommend the mixed grill, which comes to your table sizzling mouth wateringly. A good accompaniment is the lovely creamy mango lassi and the naan is lovely and light.
Tayyab is slightly off the beaten track, but it is worth ignoring the Brick Lane chaos and seeking out this friendly, tasty establishment...and it's cheap too!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.