Rose's reviews
Review of Don Fernando's
07 Feb 08, 22:36
Tops for tapas 
In Richmond this family run bar and restaurant might become your default eating place. We have been going there for over 15 years and still have to force ourselves to try the other foodie delights Richmond offers.
Close to train and bus links it boasts service which is never less than friendly and efficient. Even on the busiest weekend night they will get you a table and you will know how long you will have to wait while you enjoy a drink at the bar.
Food is authentic Spanish but it is served without any pretensions. Splash out on the Jamon Iberico for a light but delicious starter. I would love to know how to cook their delicious lomo a la plancha. However, vegetarian chums love this place for its wide range of veggie choices - try the pinientos del padron. Eat as little or as much as you like. There is a great value wine list and you will never have to wait long for your food.
I've devoted a lot of time looking for decent Spanish food in London and Don Fernando's comes closest to the real thing in an out of town restaurant.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of White Cross Hotel
05 Feb 08, 22:39
Possibly the best view in Richmond? 
I don't think my fondness for the White Cross is just sentimental, although I have spent some very romantic evenings there. It has been consistently well-run for as long as I remember, although it can sometimes get very crowded and rowdy on a rugby weekend - like any Richmond Pub. A Young's House, it serves excellent beers, wines and at lunchtimes a good range of well-priced pub grub. There is a loyal group of Richmond regulars who are lucky enough to have this riverside pub as their local. Close to the independent Richmond Filmhouse, it is the ideal stop for a pre or post film drink. There are at least two great views from the White Cross - the one from the terrace balcony in the upstairs bar in the summer gives you a tremendous view out onto the river - only big enough for couples and you may have to wait for a seat but worth waiting for. My favourite view at night is from the bay window looking towards Richmond Bridge. There is always something happening on the riverside and you can spend an age drinking a quality glass of beer or wine, watching the lights from the boats on the river and the buses across the bridge.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Terra Mia
30 Jan 08, 20:20
La La Lives on
The fact that Terra Mia - formerly La La Pizza - has survived so long demonstrates that it serves great food at a great price. The pizzas at this local favourite are thin and tasty - there is a huge choice and they are excellent value if you are on a budget. The restaurant is always full on weekend evenings when you can struggle to get a table but it also does a good trade throughout the week. The guys who run it are friendly and know all their many locals - they will always try to fit you in. The service is always efficient. It is popular with students, families (because of the pizza) groups and couples. Take away pizza is also an option. The pasta is always good and there is a limited range of specials - starters and mains which are a little more expensive but invariably provide excellent value. Try the deep fried anchovies - if you can get them (they always seem to be off when I ask). Also the Linguine dello Chef - a seafood pasta best served spicy. Wine is reasonable priced and the espresso tastes like it was made in Milan. Long live Terra Mia
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.