Alex's reviews
Review of Robert White Photographic
22 Jun 08, 19:50
Excellent photographic dealers 
I've always had superb service from Robert White, they're primarily a professional dealership though. They're a little bit more expensive than other dealers but they'll price match and are direct agents for Zeiss and Ebony. Their staff are tremendously knowledgeable and nothing is ever too much trouble. Highly recommended.
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Review of Tom's Place
22 Jun 08, 19:45
Excellent Fish and Chips
The only word for this restaurant is superb. You won't find better fish and chips in London and you can luxuriate in the fact that you're supporting an enterprise that only sources from sustainable stocks.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Wahaca
22 Jun 08, 19:41
Great Food, Ridiculous Wait 
Wahaca is great, the food is good and they serve Pacifico beer (the latter being a reason to like them alone) but the worst thing is the no reservations system.
We've frequently abandoned dinner plans here due to the fact that there is usually a 2 hour wait on a Saturday night for a group of 4. If there are just two of you, it's not so bad at about 20-40 minutes but it's a testament to the popularity of the place.
The food is good but get there early.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Matchless Print
04 May 08, 09:42
One of the best bookshops in London
There is something satisfying about a good bookshop, something even more so about one solely devoted to photography.
Matchless are also Steidlville London, a retail outlet for Steidl's books and they stock the entire back catalogue of works. If you've never seen a Steidl book, you should because they're printed in Germany by master printers and their titles are set apart from virtually all other publishers by craftmanship and perfectionism.
The shop is exactly what a local shop should be, friendly service and extremely knowledgeable staff.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Bountiful Cow
04 May 08, 09:29
Self service optional. 
This is a gastropub which was started by the owner of the Seven Stars in Carey Street and its raison d'être is steak which they don't do badly at all. The rib eye would be my recommendation. Other dishes on the menu are borrowed from the Seven Stars.
The atmosphere upstairs is great but the downstairs leaves you feeling like they ran out of money and good luck getting table service.
Food is by and large pretty good and not bad value but the serving staff are utterly inept which really puts me off.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Clos Maggiore
19 Apr 08, 21:56
Excellent French Restaurant
Covent Garden is generally hit and miss with a multitude of food outlets catering for tourists and I was pleasantly surprised by Clos Maggiore.
Exhaustive wine list, superb food and great ambience mean that I'll certainly be going back. £180 for 3 people including a £50 bottle of wine is not unreasonable given the quality of food and service.
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Review of Pure California
05 Jan 08, 21:33
California? Pah! 
I had a smoothie and wrap for lunch from Pure California the other day. I've always wondered what chamois leather tasted like and thanks to these guys, wish granted.
The smoothie with dates and honey was good but really, a smoothie isn't difficult. Too many decent places competing for my lunch dollar...I wouldn't bother.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Bodeans BBQ
01 Jan 08, 14:46
For the love of food...
Unashamedly American. Gratifyingly good.
This place represents one of the reasons that I have to resume my lapsed gym membership.
If you're in the mood for American style BBQ, this place beats all contenders. I don't think I've had anything on the menu that I've not enjoyed. The Boston Butt sandwich, pulled pork and the ribs will always have a special place in my heart though. Thank god for Gaviscon.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Hare and Tortoise
01 Jan 08, 14:30
Unimpressive....
I've never been impressed with this restaurant. They have an unerring ability to get orders wrong and I really can cook better Chinese at home. On the few occasions that I've eaten at this restaurant, I've always felt that I'd have done better with a ready meal.
I know that's not the point and they're largely responsible for keeping the nearby UCL students in MSG and so I suppose they serve some purpose.
I just shake my head in disbelief every time I walk past and see a queue snaking into the New Brunswick Centre.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of The Lighthouse
01 Jan 08, 14:19
Great Neighbourhood Seafood Restaurant
The Lighthouse is situated in no man's land really which is a bit of a shame because it's a real find. It's a firm favourite of ours and the food is always well prepared using high quality ingredients. Their salads always look like they've just been picked right from the garden and there is always a great selection of fish on the menu.
It's what a good neighbourhood restaurant should be.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.