Kieran M.

Review of Space Station Sixty Five

07 Mar 08, 22:54

In the name of art?

I love art and culture, its one of the main reasons I live in London. I have never understood the point of this gallery. I look in the window with a feeling every time I walk past, like Im about to see witness the abject horror of a car crash, I just cant help myself and look. There is always something absurd on display that must be considered art by some people. "It must be art, this is an art gallery for crisakes".

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Tales On Moon Lane

07 Mar 08, 22:32

Far from average bookshop

The best range of children's books available in South London. The highly imaginative window displays, never fail to draw me in. My favourite was the recent Maurice Sendak scene.

The staff give very helpful suggestions if you're stuck for choice. The Tuesday morning storytelling for under 5s by Once Upon A Story http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/southwark/herne-hill/childrens-activity-playcentres/once-upon-a-story-sw22dp.html is not to be missed.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Jacks Tea & Coffee House

07 Mar 08, 21:58

friendly café off the beaten track

This café is tucked away on the outer edges of the East Duwich mainstream. The food is great quality and fresh tasting, with a warm friendly service. Good falafel is hard to find in south london, and the falafel baguette is one the highlights that draws me back for more. My wife is a regular here, because it is friendly and intimate, a great place to catch up with friends over some tasty treats. It can be quite cramped if its busy, but the garden is open during the warmer months.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of Rye Hotel

07 Mar 08, 16:20

Relaxed atmosphere, great food

Rye Hotel is a regular destination of ours. The menu at this Gastro pub has something to please everyone: shareable snacks like mezze, spring rolls and tasty main course dishes always fresh tasting and well presented.

The atmosphere is great, eclectic victoriana decor, big open fireplace, big comfy sofas (if you get there before the rush) and enough open space to not feel cramped. The staff are generally quite friendly too.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of Caffe Nero

07 Mar 08, 01:22

Boo to the franchises

Cafe Nero, the coffee is better than the average franchise. Yet it was a sad day when this place sprang up. Maybe it heralded the beginning of the end for the area? There were already plenty of great little cafés around, I fail to see why a big franchise needed to come and spoil the fun? Now the high street is lined with franchises posing as wanabee boutiques, all selling the same tat.

I saw a great poster in a window saying, why dont we all go to the foxtons over the road to order our free coffee and put both these chains out of business in one foul swoop. Hear hear...

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Le Chandelier

07 Mar 08, 01:08

Le Chandelier, for a little divine decadence

One of the newest and trendiest arrivals in East Dulwich, where you can find some of the finest cakes, teas and coffee in South East London. If you fancy a good quality meal in a wonderful setting, Le Chandelier is the place. I came with my wife on our anniversary, and the food was lovely.

The rooms are filled with antique chandeliers and Moroccan influenced mosaics, and the display of in-house made cakes and breads is certain to get your mouth watering. The tea selection features some rare and exotic treats. We've been a few times now, and service isnt quite up to scratch, but the ambiance is quite something, hence the 4/5 stars.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Blue Mountain Cafe

07 Mar 08, 00:52

long standing east dulwich landmark

Blue Mountain heralded the rise of the East Dulwich trendyfication - Ive been local for 20 something years and seen all the changes. There's a great offering of food and cakes, which hits the spot. The decor is nice, especially the mosaic work out front - reminiscent of Barcelona.

But... the place does feel cramped at weekends. Expect to pay more than average prices. There certainly are a lot of kids about, which I can see is off-putting if you don't have any, but there are other places to go in the area for a quieter bite.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of El Vergel

07 Mar 08, 00:18

an undiscovered gem

El Vergel offer a tantalising mix of Latin American and Mediterranean foods, which never fails to satisfy. I have been going there for several years, and the standards are consistently high. The ingredients taste fresh and prepared with love. I recommend you arrive early to get a table at lunch time as it gets very busy!

The café is a little off the beaten track, a stone's throw from Borough Tube, walking distance from Borough Market. I don't work or live in the area, but I often go out of my way just to go there for a weekday lunch, however, I saw a sign today saying they're now open on Saturdays 10.30 til 3pm. Woohoo, at long last!

Whatever you do, leave room for CHEESECAKE. The best I've had. Ever.

http://www.elvergel.co.uk

P.S. Rob's review incorrectly says it's an Argentinian restaurant.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of The Albany

18 Jan 08, 17:08

Fantastic community arts centre

Ive seen some great music and theatre performances at The Albany over the years. Highlights have included surreal clown Paka and his mechanical horse, hip hop theatre by Jonzi D, and rare performances by artists such as Junior 'Police and Thieves' Murvin. They also offer plenty of courses for the whole community.

The cafe food is pretty good (although a little expensive), especially when they offer a special menu such as Cuban food (celebrating the anniversary of Che Guevara's death!). With free WiFi access provided by Boundless, this is a great meeting place, and right next door to the fabulous Dickensian thrift market!

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.