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Review of Robert Dyas

15 May 08, 08:19

Aladdins Cave

My colleagues take the mick out of me for going here so much but it's a really good store for all things housey - cleaning products, hardware, tools, ironing boards, bins, cables, plugs everything. In the middle of winter i needed some of those blue blocks you put int he freezer then in cool bags for picnics and although they didn't have any out, they went and got some from out back for me. Wonderful.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Maple Leaf

14 May 08, 19:22

The best Canadian pub in London

The best Canadian pub in London...actually it's the only one i am aware of. It's not too themed, just a genuine pub for Canadians. Unfortunately this means it doesn't really stand out amongst other pubs in the area.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Porterhouse

14 May 08, 19:19

Get lost

I agree with some of the reviews above - everytime i go here i get lost. if i pop to the loo i could spend valuable drinkig time finding my way back to the bar. A decent spot to watch football in, if you like to stand amongst the corwds.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Canteen

14 May 08, 07:52

Crap when crowded

What is it about the southbank in the summer which makes every eatery unable to provide a decent service. After passing the masses of queues out side wagamama's, strada and giraffe we felt a little smug for knowing that Canteen was just around the corner. But we were left to stand for too long while waiting to be seen to, and was then told that we would be waiting over half an hour as the empty tables were all reserved and there was already people waiting at the door. The staff seemed harassed and unable to cope. The seating plan is a little unusual too - you could end up sharing a table with randoms. Fine if you are in a noodle bar where you don;'t expect much from the food, but i was looking forward to tasting this menu. The place was sparsely decorated and noisy - so noisy in fact that it didn't take me long to decide this is not a place i want to dine in, in the evenings. Read other reviews to see what the food is like - i didn't bother to find out.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Fiori Corner

12 May 08, 21:06

Hangover Heaven

A bacon and Egg bagel on sesame bagel, with cheese if you feel extra minging, from this place and you'll be ready to take on the world. Well almost - you may still feel like pants but at least you will have started the day with some good solid stodge, served by bemused staff. I'd never eat in there - i prefer to crawl back to work and hide under my desk until the bagel magic kicks in. It's all formica and tourist tackiness, but with a certain charm - i hope it never changes!

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Canteen

12 May 08, 20:55

Lovely Men

Always an entertaining pit stop for lunch, they do your usual cafe fayre, but served with a bit of a quirky attitude. Good photos on the walls too and plenty of people passing by for a spot of people watching.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Smollenskys On The Strand

12 May 08, 20:41

ooooh la la

I was quite suprised by how big this place is, and the after work crowd really do get crammed in. I'd recommend booking a sofa or two if there's a large group of you going in for drinks. They do a wide range of cocktails, but beware - order too many at once and the waitress seems to get alittle confused. Still at least they are happy to bring over chips and other nibbles when the cocktails start to take effect.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Cork and Bottle Wine Bar

12 May 08, 18:59

Only Fools and Horses style wine bar!

I've walked past here so many times and am only now kicking myself for not going in sooner! I took a pew at the bar and made myself comfortable. There was so much choice of wine, i was quite surprised! The place was busy, even for midweek. The decor is hilarious - it's so dated but i wouldn't want it updating - it's perfect just as it is.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Bedford and Strand

12 May 08, 18:57

Wine and Nibbles

I stepped into this place with much intrepidness. My boyfriend has been coming here for years and i felt like i was encroaching on his territory when i went there with the girls. Descend the stairs and say goodbye to daylight, as you'll loose track of time in here. A good selection of wine awaits, and nibbles too - perfect for sharing and a perfect accompaniment to good conversations. The staff were really prompt and efficient, and the atmosphere was great - with people gathered at the bar (but not hindering service) and small and large groups at tables. I'm claiming a stake on this bar too now!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of National Portrait Gallery Restaurant

12 May 08, 18:15

Pomp and circumstance

I have to agree with the review above. The place is all pomp and circumstance and will never struggle to get business just because of where it is. However, it could learn a few lessons about service to become a truly world class restaurant.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The End

12 May 08, 18:02

I don't get it

It's an OK enough place, but no better or worse than any other club i've been to in Central London. It gets hot and sweaty enough and has two rooms, the one to the left is slightly quirkier and more atmospheric. Queued for ages to get in and not sure it was entirely worth it, but the place seems to have some hardcore devotees who are willing to wait. Good for them! I won't be that bothered in the future.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Hamburger Union

12 May 08, 17:56

Always disappointing

I don't have high expectations of a place called Hamburger Union, and honestly just expect it to do what it says on the tin - serve hamburgers. But i am always unsatisfied by this place. Perhaps it's the way you have to order at the counter like in a fast food restaurant, but are made to sit down and have your food bought to you as if you are in a restaurant. The burgers are always overcooked. Hamburgers should only ever be served medium! Chips are usually dry too. And it's over priced - even for central London.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of World Food Cafe

12 May 08, 17:52

Freindly Fun

These guys are so friendly. I ummed and ahhed for ages over what to order and was worried the curry would be a little spicy for me. The nice man behind the counter kindly let me have a taste before i committed myself. The prices are really reasonable for a filling lunchtime meal too. And you get as much water as you can handle! Go in and try a hippy treat!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Guanabara

25 Apr 08, 09:12

Sexy Samba

Been here at the weekends and the place was so lively! Great music, great dancing. Everyone was really friendly too which made the evening much more enjoyable. Also been on a Thursday and the place is really busy from really early. Get a few Brahmas in, or a mojito, take part in the samba class, watch the capoeira display and dance or talk the night away. Shame about the massive queues for the ladies though!

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Food For Thought

24 Apr 08, 17:24

Heartwarming

Good stews and casseroles in the winter, or quiches in the summer. Eat in or takeaway. All vegetarian friendly. Always overcrowded - the queue is usually going up the stairs, and there's never any free tables. Go after the lunchtime rush and you might get lucky though.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Photographers Gallery

24 Apr 08, 17:11

Gallery-ing for beginners

Not too big that you have to spend a long time in, but big enough to have decent exhibitions on. It's airy and spacey and a bit quirky as it's split over 2 buildings! The cafe is cool too if you want to eat in unusual surroundings! And try the book shop if you're keen!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Trafalgar

24 Apr 08, 17:08

Fancy

If you want a drink, with table service and smooth sexy surroundings then this place hits the spot. It's well lit, stylish and uber cool. It's central if you want to move on afterwards, or nice enough to spend the evening. If you're feeling flush then give it a go.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Muffinskis

16 Apr 08, 08:27

Great Muffins, bad coffee

This place doesn't look very glamorous from the outside or the inside. There's never enough chairs and there's usually deliveries being bought in during the lunch rush and carried over your head - so if you can take away then do. The coffee is pretty disappointing as well, but the star attraction - the muffins, are delicious. My fave is the white chocolate and raspberry but there are lots of other choices as well. I'm yet to push the boat out and have a savory muffin but will one day.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Tossed

14 Apr 08, 16:08

Smooth Smoothies

A lot of people from work go here for lunch, and yes the salads are amazing!

It's great that they are made fresh right in front of you, and you have the flexibility to have what you want. If you don't like olives - you don't have to have them - simple as.

My only fault with the salads are the price. They are so addictive that during the summer i want one a day - and that gets pricey!

Aside from the salads the yoghurts with seeds are pretty scrumptious and the smoothies are definitely worth a try - especially when you have OD'd on coffee from nearby Starbucks!

All in all a refreshing change from your usual soggy sandwich outlets!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of Covent Garden Hotel

09 Apr 08, 17:27

Go to the film club!

On a Saturday night you can go and get a 2 course meal, glass of wine and sit in their small cinema all for less than £30 - very reasonable by London standards!

The cinema is lovely - big comfy chairs and fold out tables.

The films can be new or old - we saw The Usual Suspects and on Valentine's day they showed Breakfast At Tiffany's.

We chose to eat after - being creatures of the night. I had mussels followed by fish pie. Both were delicious.

The restaurant was small enough to be intimate, but people just wanting drinks were at the bar (in the same room) making things very crowded!

Also the stairs down to the cinema are in the restaurant which is both uncomfortable for diners with tables along the route, and those heading down to the cinema. It would be nice if there was another route to have taken.

Having said that, i'd definitely go back for the film club again.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of OSullivan Concept Salons

09 Apr 08, 17:17

They didn't pay attention!

I went here as it's a stone's throw from work but don't think i will return.

I'm not too fussy about my hair cuts as i have curly hair so it generally always looks a mess! But i do expect the person holding the scissors to at least look at what she is doing, rather than watch the world go by outside!

Seriously - she wasn't paying attention. Which she proved when she cut herself. Having to wait while she found a plaster was not good.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Cafe Pacifico

09 Apr 08, 16:30

If you fancy Mexican...

then go here. But only if you are in the area.

I'm not overwhelmed by this place, but it certainly fills a fajita sized hole in my stomach on a Friday lunchtime, without putting a hole in pocket.

I find it bizarre how when you ask for a large coke they bring you 2 small glass bottles of coke. What is that about?

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of La Tasca Restaurant

08 Apr 08, 13:36

Why bother

I went in enticed by the tapas for a tenner offer but wish i hadn't bothered. There are too many good places in London to get tapas for this place to even compete. The meatballs were still frozen and the service too slow for our time there to be enjoyable.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Freuds Cafe Bar Gallery

08 Apr 08, 13:17

Slumsville

I had my handbag knicked here and found the staff really unhelpful about the whole thing. However, i was unimpressed by the place anyway and am baffled as to why it is so crowded. The toilet can compare with the one from trainspotting. You have to roll your trousers up to stop them getting soaked, and you'll be lucky to find loo roll. The drinks are ok, but i couldn't really enjoy them as i just wanted to get out of there!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Gordons Wine Bar

08 Apr 08, 13:15

Cheese and Wine

You can't really go wrong with this place. Don't be put off by the facade the place is awesome. Descend the creaky stairs and you are confronted with lovely cheeses where you can get a selection with bread and pickles for under a tenner. Turn the corner and choose a wine. They only sell wine and have a great choice. The place is always busy so be prepared to stand but if you can get a seat enjoy the atmosphere of the arched and low roof and candlelight. It's great for the winter, but even better in summer when you can stand outside and take in a view of embankment gardens. I've taken friends from out of town here and everyone loves it! I can't fault it!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.