Simon's reviews
Review of Il Chicco
24 Apr 08, 13:09
Bada Bing! 
A nice traditional family run Italian coffee place. The location isn't ideal (stuck at the bottom of the CI Tower, next to the train station) but they do nice, good quality coffee that doesn't arrive by the pint! (like most chains).
The staff are always friendly and up for a chat, and there's usually an iPod plugged in playing nice chilled out jazz etc.
Oh, and the milkshakes aren't half bad either!
Recommended...
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Review of The Duke Of Devonshire
24 Apr 08, 08:58
A refurb isn't always a wise move... 
This used to be my local. A group of us would head down The Duke (of old) for an evening, then come 9pm we would secretly eye the twitching of the red velvet curtain that was the gateway to "the back room" that would then serve drinks till the early hours.
The back room was dark, filthy and brilliant! It had a cheap pound shop glitter ball hanging from the ceiling, crusty old flickering candles on all of the few tables it housed and they used to play some great music... It also had limited space, so it had a pang of exclusivity if you were lucky enough to gain entry!
Since the refurb, the whole place is open till the early hours and it has definetly lost its charm. It's all modernised and souless...
The only thing it has going for it is a great beer garden, but that's not enough to lure me back...
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Review of Gordon Ramsay At Claridges
23 Apr 08, 22:50
Perfection 
I took my girlfriend here for her birthday a few years ago and can honesty say I couldn't fault the food or the service. All the courses were superb and well paced, and the wine was fantastic.
The ambience has a reserved feel, so not a first choice for a big group. But as above, the waiter service was impeccable and when we went I didn't mention the fact that is was my girlfriends birthday at all and they still remembered to present her with a suitably decorated sorbet plate when we had retired to the lounge/bar area with our coffee. Just spot on!
As expected it is an expensive meal, but worth every penny!
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Review of Malden Centre
23 Apr 08, 20:59
Gym = Good / Swimming = Bad 
I've been a member of The Malden Centre for a few years now and you cannot fault the gym facilities; especially as it has been recently refurbished so there's more room and better kit! Plus the staff in the gym are genuinally heplful and are not gym snobs that you sometimes get in the more popular and pricier chains.
I only really use the gym and the pool, and the only criticism I have is the lack of opportunity for lane swimming at weekends. If I fancy a refreshing few lengths at the end of the week I either have to get up at the crack of dawn, or strategically time my Saturday afternoon with military precision so I can get there during the hour and a half window that lane swimming happens to be available!
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Review of Pitcher and Piano
23 Apr 08, 13:09
Okay bar for a quick drink after work...
A great location, good size and a good selection of beers and other beverages. The only thing that lets it down is that it gets really busy due to its location (so it ends up being rammed full of people having a few drinks after work) and they still insist on reserving the entire first floor and other areas on the ground floor that can be really infuriating!
I can't remember the last time I had a drink upstairs! So, in summation, if the P&P stop sticking 'reserved' signs all over their premises every night it may get another star, although currently it can only recieve a paltry 3 stars...
Still a good bar though...
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Review of Farmer Brown
23 Apr 08, 12:56
Old Skool Cafe!
A great cafe just off Covent Garden. They do an awesome line in full english breakfasts that aren't swimming in grease, and equally do great jacket spuds, salads and sandwiches! The staff are always friendly and the prices are reasonable considering the central London location.
If I had to recommed anything it would be the BLT club sandwich with avocado! Pretty special... Oh, and they do a great cup of tea (the cornerstone of any decent cafe)
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Review of De Hems
22 Apr 08, 17:33
Thank Frulli for De Hems!
I love this bar, although it is very popular and gets really busy on an evening. It's well located on the periphery of Soho and their selection of Dutch beers is very impressive.
We usually frequent the top floor, although the trek to the toilets in the basement can be annoying once you've been there a few hours!
A great venue for a few cheeky drinks after work (although I am yet to sample their food!)
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Belgo Centraal
22 Apr 08, 13:41
Belgian comfort food
A firm favourite! Belgo is famous for it's signature dish of moules with frites (and mayo) with a side of good quality strong Belgian beer, of which there is a ridiculous amount to choose from!
A great atmosphere and another great venue to go to if there is a group of you!
I recommend the above dish initially, although the wild boar sausages are awesome!!
If you like your beer, you'll be truly at home, ranging from the Belgian staple Hoegaarden to more obscure flavours such as chocolate (very nice) or banana! For those not keen on beer will love the long wooden rack of schnapps shots!!
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Review of Wahaca
22 Apr 08, 13:21
The best Mexican in the West (End)
A great Mexican restaurant to visit as a group with a great atmosphere and really friendly and helpful staff! Has a great buzzy market feel which adds to the communal feel of the dining (basically order a load of different dishes and dig in!)
It's fairly priced and you recieve complimentary jalepeno chilli seeds when you leave so you can grow your own!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Scotts Sandwich Bar
22 Apr 08, 11:14
The best salt beef in town!
A great spot; the staff are really friendly and genuine (without coming across as false) and the salt beef on rye sarnie is the best sandwich I've ever tasted (and comes complete with gherkin accompaniment!)
It is quite pricey, so I don't make regular trips, but once in a while I get drawn back for more hot salt beef action!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.