Daniel B.

Review of Saddlers Sports Centre and Athletic Club

16 May 07, 16:22

Anyone for Squash?

I'm a big squash fan, and when I moved to London I was concerned that I wouldn't find squash courts in the city without having to pay exorbatant club fees -I mean lets face it a squash court is not exactly the most cost effective use of space.

I was surprised to find Saddlers Sport Centre just around the corner from my work with two very nice courts. Non members can book three days in advance which is fine as long as you get up early enough, while members can book up to a week in advance. The changing facilities aren't that luxurious but they do the job, and the sauna was a welcome surprise.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Med Kitchen

15 May 07, 14:35

Fast and Effiecient Maybe, but Good Food?!

I have to disagree with Caitlin. She is spot on about the speed with which you are served; in fact I'd go further to say that the staff were incredibly friendly too. But the food is nothing short of mediocre.

I was expecting something along the lines of a Strada or Pizza Express, and while I don't rate those chains particularly highly either, this place didn't even reach their standards. The portions were huge, far to big for a lunch time, and the tastes lack luster.

If this is the only place you can get a table after the theatre, then maybe, but make that your only criteria.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Slaughtered Lamb

12 May 07, 10:03

Good in the Evenings Even Better at Lunch

The Slaughtered Lamb is an archetypal trendy bar in Farringdon, but that doesn't really do it enough justice. At night this place is packed, and I mean packed, of people enjoying a good selection of draft beers (including my particular favourite Kirin Ichiban).

On my last few visits I have gone for lunch, the pace is a bit slower and there is always a seat available, what's more the door stop sandwiches are great and the fish and chips is just how it should be.

The Slaughtered Lamb also gets a great mix of people: suits from the city, hundreds of architects and just a sprinkling of media types. But please leave your pretensions at home, they won't go down well here.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of The Pineapple

10 May 07, 23:10

So Good it Gets a Little Crowded

I'm a regular at the Pineapples Monday night quiz (listen out for Quiz Team Hamilton). It's a great night out -good beer and food, and a quiz tough enough to keep you interested but not so hard that you feel embarrassed to hand in your answer sheet. Bare in mind this is a really popular quiz so you would be well advised to get to the pub straight from work if you want to get a seat.

On nights other than a Monday the Pineapple is just a nice and friendly pub with the sort of atmosphere that is perfect for a few jars post work.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Oxford

10 May 07, 20:08

Nice Pub, No Sports

"If this place was in Birmingham it would be the best bar in the city," said a friend of mine. He's not wrong, the problem is that isn't really saying much. The Oxford is a nice pub, beer is reasonably priced, and there are some good foreigners on tap. There is also a good restaurant at the back that does some hearty English food at central London prices. The pork belly is amazing.

Please note that this places does not play sports, which is quite handy if you are looking to find a seat on pretty much any night of the week during the football season.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Noodle Express

10 May 07, 15:51

Express Noodles

Fast service, big portions and refilable green tea, exactly what you want from a noodle house. This place isn't going to win any cooking awards, but that isn't really the point. At lunch time this place is packed, and rightly so, I tend to go after work when I can avoid the crowds. Chicken Ramen for £5 in the middle of Farringdon?! I challenge you to find somewhere cheaper.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of Torriano

08 May 07, 12:05

My Favourite Pub in Kentish Town

The Torriano was the venue for my first pint as a Londoner and therefore will always keep a special place in my heart. But it is the great atmosphere, BBQ on a Sunday and the lashings of boardgames that will keep me coming back. It is not exactly in Kentish Town as you have to make a short walk up Leighton road, but it is well worth the journey, and you may bump into local celebrity Jon Snow on the way.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Flavours

08 May 07, 10:00

Beautiful Deli Tucked Away in Kentish Town

I'm ashamed to admit it took me 6 months of living in Kentish Town to finally find Flavours. What is more, I literally live a stones throw away from it.

Flavours is a gorgeous little deli that also serves eat in coffee and pastries to its customers. I make a habit of visiting most Sundays and picking up some goodies for the afternoon. This usually involves the homemade flatbreads or pies, but I tend to get tempted by the other things on offer to.

All the foods are of the highest quality and in many instances locally produced. I picked up some London marmalade just this morning.

A must for locals, and well worth the trip up Leighton Road for visitors too.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Gulshan

08 May 07, 09:06

A Well Priced Indian in Kentish Town

As a former Brummie I consider myself a bit of a curry connoisseur. What is more I am used to the Brummie pricing system that tells me anything over £6 for a curry is simply not worth it. Moving to Kentish Town I was pleased to find this well priced Indian (think £5 per main) just at the bottom of my road. The food isn't phenomenal but the staff are friendly and the location is great. Highly recommended if you are in the area and looking for that curry fix.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.