Fiona A.

Review of Jolly Gardener

13 Apr 08, 22:51

Check it out when the sun is shining

Another local that has under gone a refurbishment making it "trendy" for the naughties and the local under 35s.

Victorian style, tables and chairs mixed and matched, such as chesterfield wing backed chairs with large wooden tables, making a nice enough setting with candles in votives in the evening, ambient lighting.

Extensive beer list and plenty of out door seating, brilliant for when the sun comes out.

Food menu looks good, but to be fair I've not yet sampled.

I've been a couple times since New Year '08. And the service has been very poor. Nice people, just didn't know what they were doing. We sent one of our larger pints back as it was from the tap but was definately not quiet right. (pipes?). The bar staff replaced it after checking with the duty manager. It seemed like a bit of a hassle, but unnecessarily so. Just seemed like teething problems but made our experience on that occasion a bit crap.

It has potential to be a really nice place, lots of space and dividing walls which create hidden away corners so you can have you own group space. Alternatively sit in the main open plan section and check out the other drinkers.

This place has definitely been taken over by the younger set and with busy after work drinkers.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Oliver Bonas

13 Apr 08, 21:59

Handy gift shop

Oliver Bonus, has a few branches is the south west of London (perhaps more...) stocking, predominantly gift items, cards and trinkets.

Worth checking out for presents for birthdays, christenings, mums to be and new mothers, boys gadgets and toys, coffee table books, classic affordable jewellery, house warming presents and surprisingly flattering women’s clothing.

The Northcote Road branch unfortunately does not have changing room facilities for their limited but lovely clothing. However as with most shops if you buy the item and it is not suitable when you get home and try it on, they will give you a full refund if you bring it back with receipt. The clothing they stock is contemporary fashion, a lot of it cotton dresses, skirts and tops. Very feminane, the designer “Eucalyptus” makes items, which are cut very flattering for the larger busted / curvy lady.

Great place to pop in an emergency present, card and wrapping paper/gift bag, or pop in and browse, check out the new stock/clothing and be surprised.

Northcote Road branch has lovely staff. The girls there are lovely helpful and a giggle.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Banana Leaf Canteen

13 Apr 08, 21:43

standard fusion thai, worth a try at least once

Good food, in a canteen style setting. Shared tables, with a shelf underneath for you personal items. Popular with the local young professional brigade and families. The food is fine and reasonably priced.

But not an authentic restaurant, I think people who know and appreciate their fusion / thai food may be disappointed. However good portions and nice flavour.

Worth booking a table for the weekends at peak times. Good location for a meal and drink before hitting the local bars.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Prince Of Wales

13 Apr 08, 21:31

Worth a look in

This place under went a refurbishment and transformation about Sept 2007.

I've been here prior to the transformation and thought, local old mans pub, NOT warm and friendly.

Post "transformation"... it has an amazing menu and wine list, competent staff and a quiz on Sundays. The clientiee in my opinion has changed to the Putney/Fulham young professional set.

Outdoor seating which is handy for the smokers and for the rare bit of sunshine that we get here in the UK. Although it is facing onto Upper Richmond Road, so you are on a busy traffic through-fair, watching the cars go by.

Inside part of the pub is under skylights/conservatory(?) probably best way to describe it, light and airy not at all stuffy.

Check it out, food is good and it is a very different incarnation.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Alma

13 Apr 08, 21:12

Good food, nice pub

Lovely pub. I can't recommended highly enough. Good menu, great atmosphere. Lovely for catch ups, big groups and sunday lunch or couples wanted to quietly read the papers and sip their beers in peace.

A function room upstairs is of a good size (capcity about 80 people) and decked out is a nice non-offensive neutral fashion. Great for hire for watch sporting events with a large group or private party. They are licenced for civil weddings ! Hey its an option. Cheap too at £150 for the room.

Food is good, staff are warm and friendly.

Worth checking out !.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of The East Hill

13 Apr 08, 21:02

check it out, decent food, nice decor

I booked a table for Sunday lunch here for a group of friends to celebrate my birthday.

Lovely looking place and very pleasent atmosphere and service.

Our order seemed to take quite a while to arrive, perhaps that was due to the size of our table... but the drinks were going down well.

The food was very good, the pork belly, roast chicken and shepherds pie all scored highly on the yum scale. And I enjoyed the veggie option (mushroom & goat's cheese), the smell when the dishes were served were delightful.

Mains priced from £8-£11, very reasonable. and a great selection of beers and wine.

Nice decor and a mix of families, young professionals and older locals. I understand there is a pub quiz on Sunday evenings, but we didn't stay long enough to join in.

I managed to reserve our table on line with the manager and the communication was really good, very quick.

Although, now I've made it home, a little wobbly, I've realised I've left a birthday present under the table. I'm still trying to get in touch via phone with the pub, the phone line is constantly engaged (internet ?), hopefully my present will be handed into the bar, and I'll be able to pick it up...

Nice enough staff, good food and lovely atmosphere. Definately worth checking out.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Spice Lounge

26 Dec 07, 18:38

Nice quiet place

The location of this place makes its a great place to go with friends. It is above a pub called The Blue Eyed Maid, so if you are early to meet friends hang out and have a drink downstairs before moving to your table up stairs in the restaurant.

The restaurant upstairs is a nice space with big windows. Not many tables, which means you do get good service.

The food is good, but not extra ordinary, and very reasonably priced. Dinner for 4 with a couple bottles of wine was £88. They do have a specials board which is worth checking out.

A good place for groups, couples or for catch ups.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of The Volunteer

15 Dec 07, 09:43

Popular & Busy; good location

Depending on what you want from a pub, and what time /day of the week you are going this could be perfect or not.

Its warm and buzzing full of people. After work the masses and locals decend. Work your way through the groups of smokers outside by the door and then work your way through the crowd to the bar.

It is quite large inside with a couple different spaces but all open plan.(some spaces can be reserved, making it good for get togethers). Extensive list of beers.

Outdoor seating which is nice for the summer and people watching. Its a stones throw from Regents Park.

On the weekend in the day its a different pub, place you can come for Sunday lunch (they have a good varied menu) and lazy paper reading. It is not touristy but great location.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Two Point

15 Dec 07, 09:24

Two Points, gets 10 points!

High Recommended Thai restaurant and bar. Located a short walk from Baker Street. This is a fantastic little find.

The people, food, wine and service were great.

Tried this on my sisters recommendation and was so impressed. As it was early evening I didn't even consider booking a table. Being the Xmas season, they did have two large bookings which took up most of the restaurant, but they made up another table for us especially.

Really lovely atmosphere, warm and welcoming. Great place for date, catch up or larges groups.

I am very keen on thai food and the menu is impressive, is tastes even better. I will definately be going back many, many more times.

Did I mention that it is cheap too !!! 2 course meal for two with wine came to £35.

Fantastic value for money, lovely people working there. Great food.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.