Catherine's reviews
Review of Cafe Pacifico
15 May 08, 13:40
Mexi-cool 
This place is packed on weeknights later in the week so be prepared to wait for a table (and to share elbow space with several others as you do so).
The wait is worth it if only for the fantasic frozen margeritas and nachos/salsa served at the bar. The staff are efficient and let's just say it... cool. They're on the ball and don't look twice at you if you start talking nonsense from all that tequila.
The food is standard tex-mex fare - if you want "Mexican" mexican food head down the road to Wahaca. You can't fault it for being what it is though, and growing up in North America this hits that south-of-the-border craving spot on.
Big portions for the main dishes but steer clear of the onion rings - not worth it - and the starters in general (over priced for what you get).
On a sunny afternoon head for a seat by the open widows and a cool Corona - nice after a spot of shopping.
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Review of The Queen Adelaide
15 May 08, 13:28
Who's quizzing tonight?
Our favourite "local".
The Queen Adelaide is deceptively large - check out the fantastic patio'd and grassed garden out back on long summer evenings.
The food is good, the beer is flowing, the service is always good standard, and (drumroll please) it has the best Monday night pub quiz thanks to quizmaster Alex. These start of the week sessions regularly bring in folks to fill the place to over capacity (NB: don't take your sweetheart there on a Monday night for a romantic dinner). It's also the spot for a perfect post picnic pint on those sunny Sundays in Wandsworth Park.
A great crowd heads to this place and the vibe is very friendly and relaxed. I've never had a bad night here. Contant and consistent, the Adelaide is one of the keepers.
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Review of Bangladesh Curry Mahal
15 May 08, 13:18
Best Putney Takeaway Curry
My absolute favourite curry takeaway in Putney (yes - I have tried them all).
All your standard curry takeaway faves are here, but unlike so many curry places, each dish they do actually "tastes" different from every other one. If you want a patia and a massala that sits identically on your pallet try the Taj on the other side of Upper Richmond Rd (whos restaurant eat-in curry is great but who just don't get how to match it via takeaway).
They always say delivery will take 30-45 mins and they always arrive in 20 - now that's service!
Best ever chicken tikka kori.
I've only gone for 4 stars because on a very rare occassion the food has arrived and been lukewarm. Other than that no complaints!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Jolly Gardener
15 May 08, 13:09
Summer sun and winter boardgames 
The Jolly Gardener has indeed had a refurb - though those with long-standing memories will know that the original one turned what was a "true local" into the trendier version it has become today.
Doing what it says on the tin, the JG delivers a spot of sun via a decent sized front "garden", complete with a few hanging vines and plenty of tables and chairs.
Inside a large eclectic space provides for cozy corners or larger group sofa spaces for any type of pub gathering for you and your mates, with a selection of boardgames on hand for long rainy afternoons, and a coveted fireside spot for winter chills.
The food is upper plain pub and lower gastro standard, tastey and not too pricey.
The place has a decent vibe and is quite chilled out. Service-wise I've never run into any real issues, though they can be understaffed on a Sunday particularly.
It's a good place to go for a chat and a chill - with no sports focus and less loud than alot of the pubs in Putney.
Be sure to check out the wallpaper in the ladies loos - what's that all about!?
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Review of Yia Mas
07 May 08, 11:46
Serious Greek 
If you fancy a real taste of Greece, head to the unassuming Yia Mas which can be found tucked away down Upper Richmond Road away from the hussle and bussle of the Putney high street. The food here is delicious and plentiful - be prepared to undo that top buckle! The best greek salad I've ever had was in Greece, but the one they serve here comes a close second. Not only is the food superb but as a family affair (dad in the kitchen, son maitre'd, and mom waiting tables) the authenticity shines through. There is true pride in what they do, which means if the choice of so many good dishes overwhelms you, it's a very safe bet to ask their recommendations, on both the food and the real Greek wines served. Great value for money too - you'll leave with a satified belly and a warm glow.
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Review of The Telegraph
07 May 08, 10:52
A Country Pub in London
Perhaps out of the way for most, but certainly not for Putnians, The Telegraph labels itself "the country pub in London" and delivers on the name. The huge garden area out front has a sincere chilled vibe which finds it's way into the interior as well. A separate dining room and large upstairs area mean you will rarely find it hard to get a seat - though for winter pints the cozy fireplace nook is the most coveted corner. Be warned to book a table for Sunday lunch however, particularly when a rugby match is on. I've given it three stars instead of four because at times the bar is simply understaffed. Saying that however, if you make it known you've been mucked about a bit, they will bend over backwards to rectify the situation to make sure you leave a happy customer. Kids and dogs very welcome.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.