Amy's reviews
Review of Bardo
01 May 07, 08:41
Grim interior... 
This is the newer branch of Bardo (cross reference, fulham rd) and although the space is nice and big, the atmosphere is a bit odd. I think this may have a lot to do with the furniture, which is made up entirely of sad looking squidgey sofas in muted mud colours. Miserable. I'm sure the amount of foam in this place soaks up any atmosphere at all. Do not go on a first date here, you'll be doomed. Good cocktails. Somewhat sleazola clientèle.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Japan Centre
01 May 07, 20:03
Easy peasy 
This long-established store caters for all your Japanese culinary needs. Whether you're just starting out sushi-making and are in search of rolling mats and seaweed, if you're an afficionado, or if you're an ex-pat looking for a taste of home, this is a one-stop shop. Dried soups, noodles and sauces are all on sale, though the stock here goes far beyond the basics. Staff are well versed on the myriad products on sale, and can answer can help you track down whatever you're looking for.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Mo Tearoom
02 May 07, 17:25
Boho chic 
This North African style tearoom is a relaxing spot tucked away off Regent Street and is the little sister of Momo (next door). In addition to the lovely selection of (mainly mint) teas, you can get pastries and mezze from the shared menu. Shisha pipes are on offer too. The seats and stools are very small, so perhaps not one for claustrophobics.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Zest Essentials
05 May 07, 13:27
A spoonful of sugar
This pharmacy far exceeds the realms of Brill Cream and blister plasters with a great range of gift ideas, cards and odds'n'sods, plus staff on hand with pretty sensible sounding advice for health-related queries. The grooming brands are pretty high-end (Neal's Yard, Babington House), though it also stocks the old-school essentials like soaps for old ladies, hairgrips and the like.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Ooh-La-La
08 May 07, 13:20
And say, oh oh oh oh la la
This quirky antique/junk shop on Holloway road, is run by a charming, boisterous couple, who are always on hand for a chat. There are lots of seats outside (unless its raining) giving a welcoming impression - and demonstrating the fact the store is bursting at the seams with stock. In addition to the unconventional tat/treasures, there is also a selection of vintage and second hand clothing at the back.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Bento
09 May 07, 18:16
Good at half the price
This Japanese has got an unfairly shoddy reputation for poor service and average food, which might explain why it's rarely full, but I've never had anything other than good experiences, albeit served up at a leisurely pace. The menu is vast, but everything is prepared to order. Portions are generous and, mid-week, you'll often find half price offers.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Aglio e Olio
10 May 07, 08:45
Fasten your seatbelts...
This restaurant is always rammed. It is also a very odd shape. Long and thin. It has a canteen feel, it's noisy and bustling and a bit stressful. It is also a great deal of fun. The weird shape also makes it strangely atmospheric. The food itself is wonderful. I love Italian and this is really, very good. Don't go here for a leisurely dining experience. The service was a bit hurried but I think that adds to the overall sense of the place.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Sacred Cafe
14 May 07, 09:26
Nice teapots
This newish coffee shop on Ganton Street is the place to go for unusual teas served in unusual teapots. Fair-trade coffee, cakes and pastries are also available. Smoking is allowed though, which can be horrible if it gets busy. Staff are pleasant, and it's worth a visit if you're after a bit of respite from the streets of Soho.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Poilane
14 May 07, 15:55
It really is better bread
This is the most exclusive bakery in London, supplying the top chefs and only select delis. It is mind-blowingly expensive, but also very, very good. This is artisan food at its very, very best. The legendary sourdough is the Rolls Royce of the bread world, baked in a woodchip oven (built exactly to the owner's specifications), and containing pro-biotic yeast, so it is actually good for you. If you thought bread was just bread, try this - you'll never want to eat anything else. Excellent croissants, pastries and other baked goods are also on sale.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Cowling and Wilcox
15 May 07, 14:23
Old masters
This large, old-fashioned shop is packed with everything from large-scale canvases to easels, portfolios and all the necessary to create your artwork (spray paints, cards, acrylics, oils, watercolours, brushes, pencils, and pens, card - more or less anything you could need). There's a large cutting board and scalpels available for clients to use to resize card, and the atmosphere is convivial - however, the prices are hugely inflated compared to CASS Art around the corner - a difference not really worth paying for a bit of old-school ambience.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.