Helen E.

Review of Automat

02 Jun 08, 15:37

How do you like your eggs in the morning?

Automat is deservedly getting 5 stars and here's why:

From the moment I spotted this American eatery I was determined to sample it's wears, however being this over zealous about a place can lead to disappointment. I was so pleased that this was not the case with Automat.

It is nestled snugly - almost hidden on Dover Street and looks incredibly unassuming from the outside. However on entering you are propelled into what feels a little bit like the 1930's America. The decor is immaculate and interesting the white and bottle green rectangular titles the cover the walls contrast beautifully with the dark wood paneling. Making the scene feel reminiscent of a Hopper painting, or a set from Bugsy Malone.

The most interesting bit about the decor is the amazing trailer type tunnel that leads you through to the conservatory main dining area. It hosts a bunch of Vintage American booth style seating, whilst being low in celling height - adding the the trailer feel.

On to the food, now this is a place that knows how to do brunch. Weekend brunch is extensive and hearty. Despite the main American theme the menu is varied and you know you have hit gold when you want almost everything on the menu. Different types of eggs, burgers, macaroni cheese, pasta, pancakes, soups and much more are all on offer - guaranteed to fill you up.

The portions were big and though prices were not the cheapest (it is in Mayfair) I thought they were better value for money than many other, not so good places I have had brunch. The food was great value for money considering the quality, however the drinks are very over-priced, but it's worth it for the great food.

I opted for the Eggs Benedict and my fellow dinner the brunch burger. Both were huge and dreamily tasty. We then shared American pancakes for a desert and they came topped with syrup, fresh strawberries and sauce. Yum!

The service was excellent, I thought it might have been stuffy, but everyone was lovely and professional. Great quality everything and even when I was full up all I could think about was 'when am I coming back for my next visit - and what I'm going to have!'

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of Laduree

21 Apr 08, 11:07

Macaroon Swoon!

I have a confession - I am totally in LOVE with macaroons and if you appreciate a fine macaroon then this is the only place to get them from.

The shop is swathed in gold and piled high with French delicacies including; cakes, macaroons, sweets and much more. The atmosphere is formal and traditional (as you would expect from The Burlington Arcade) - the service is impeccable. Staff with white gloves serve you your chosen treats and box them up beautifully. I don't think a shop or product could be more stunning and luxurious.

The macaroons themselves are feather light and dreamy in texture. The flavours really set Laduree apart from other macaroon makers, with delicious rarities like orange blossom and rose petal flavours they will have you drooling. They also have a whole range of seasonal flavours that they offer - of the same great quality.

They are expensive a small box of 8 will set you back around £10, but who can put a price on LOVE right?

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of The Orange Tree Theatre

01 Apr 08, 11:08

The Best Off-West End Around

I had no idea what to expect when I recently went to see the much hyped 'Chains of Dew' here. It was one of those impromptu bookings - which meant I barely looked at the theatre itself.

However it was stunning both inside and out. The theatre is set in an old school and once resided in the pub opposite, which is equally lovely. It's London's only full -time professional theatre in the round, and this makes for an amazing audience experience.

I was truly blown away by how dainty and small this theatre was - yet it was perfectly formed in all respects. The feel of this venue is similar to that of a local secret - without making you feeling out of place.

The foyer is small and serves up coffees, teas and soft drinks along with biscuits and sweets - however the performance was so gripping I think I barely paused to blink, let alone sip my water I bought.

Again, I can't say enough times that the quality of the performance was astounding. It deservedly has been hailed as one of the 'finest off-West End theatres around'. It was an amazing experience having actors create such atmosphere and drama so close to your seat.

I can't rate this quality theatre enough - you must sample it for something different and entirely refreshing.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of The Banana Leaf

15 Feb 08, 09:58

The Best Indian Food I've Ever Tasted!

Last night I was faced with a real problem - it was valentines night, I had promised to cook a lovely meal, but in my haste had actually forgotten to plan the meal!

Everything else was well prepared - but not the meal! So I resorted to the trusted phrase 'we'll get a take-away, it will be a nice change'. Second problem was I have lived in Croydon for nearly for 6 months and not sampled any take-away in that time - so I didn't know a good one!

After some time browsing a local Croydon website I found lots of good comments on Banana Leaf, which is conveniently located 4mins down the road from me - so I went for it. We were able to save time by looking at the menu on-line, make our selection then order over the phone. Phew!

When we got the food home it smelt divine, and when we eventually tucked in it was even better. This place has won some serious awards, best curry chef in Croydon, nominated for best curry chef in London and the list goes on.

When I both looked at the food and tasted it I instantly knew why - it was dream like. Every dish that I had tasted before was made differently, and I am no expert but it tasted really authentic. The dishes were really light and not your usual, drenched in oil type, the vegetables were incredibly fresh and every single thing was of top quality.

They offer some really unusual dishes that I had never seen before - the menu is very extensive. I can't describe the food well enough so, I would just recommend that if you are in the area try it, better still if you anywhere near come and try it!

Incredibly reasonable, a feast for two came it at a mere £24.50?! This is now my local takeaway and I feel pretty proud of that!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of Daisy Cakes Bake Shop

11 Feb 08, 10:00

Cupcakes and Supplies

This little bake shop maybe small in stature but it's mighty in cupcakes and cake baking supplies. Don't miss it though as it is hidden in the lanes that surround Greenwich market and could easily be overlooked.

They sell the loveliest raspberry cupcakes made with fresh raspberries, both on top and in the cake. The sponge is really fluffy and the cream icing is really fresh tasting. My fellow cupcake consumer went for the jammy dodger cake and this involved a lot of jam - which was really yummy also.

The shop is very small and it can get a little busy especially at the weekend. However once inside it is filled with cakes to eat, and supplies to take away and bake with including some really unique cake cases and decorations.

The staff are really friendly and will order things in for you if they do not have it. This place has a really independent feel - where nothing is too much effort. A real treat if you are in the area.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of Il Bacio

28 Jan 08, 16:49

Perfect Pizza!

This places serves up some seriously authentic pizza. Not only is it authentic, it is also huge and amazingly tasty.

The restaurant it's self is very rustic and totally European - a million miles away from clinical minimal dinning - but in a good way. I went on a Saturday lunchtime, it does get rather busy and cramped with push chairs and prams, however if you don't mind sitting with the kids it makes for an enjoyable lunch.

As it was a lunch I opted to miss a starter and went straight for the main - a pizza. However I was pleasantly surprised when the waiter bought over complimentary fresh marinated olives and crispy flat bread to nibble. I was even more impressed when, my boyfriend and I finished this off and they replaced it! Good Service and lovely to get something for nothing in London.

Back to the pizza, after much 'urrmming' and 'aahhrring' over the menu I spotted a pizza with sweetcorn on a went for it. I am a big fan or sweetcorn on pizza's and you never seem to get it any more? When it arrived it was the size of two pizza's anywhere else and the base was fluffy, packed with air and crisped to perfection.

I could only manage half of mine, however they are understanding and box up your remains and lovingly send you on your way. The bill was a nice surprise too, £26 for two amazing pizzas and 2 drinks each plus ooddles of free nibbles. Not forgetting the left over pizza that made a great evening supper!

Great choice if you are on Church Street, best pizza in London so far!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Chair

24 Jan 08, 15:05

Seriously Good Cuts!

I have been frequenting the Chair for nearly two years now after my old hairdressers did a bad colour where by I emerged from the salon looking like a badger.

I always try to see George, she is a true wonder with scissors and really listens to what you want and delivers. The salon is off the beaten track of the Hight street but I don't mind as it makes it feel even more like my own little secret place.

It has a real laid back feel, away from any trendy salon stuffiness. I love the way the salon and staff all know what is going on, but don't try to give you a hair cut that is difficult to maintain or will be out of fashion in a week.

They enter and have won lots of hair dressing competitions and this is reflected in their cutting abilities. The best thing about this cute and cosy hairdressers is not all the usual stuff like; head massages, free drinks and product advice but the fact the cut they give you grows out well, and looks as good in 3months as is did when it was done - which when you don't have all the money in world is a real treat.

They also do free fringe trims, and that means not just the one but as many as you need between cuts. Now that adds great value to already reasonable hair cut!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Ritz Hotel

16 Jan 08, 17:38

Tea for two, and two for tea!

All the great things people say about the Ritz are all true - they really are! I recently got taken here for afternoon tea on my Birthday and what a treat it was. From the moment you walk into the lobby the quintessential Englishness is overwhelming.

The decor is fantastically grand and kept to an impeccable standard, the waiters and staff are attentive yet incredibly discreet and the quality of everything in the building is amazing.

High Tea is served in the Palm Court area of the hotel and as you dine you are entertained by an impressive pianist at a baby grand piano. The tea room is breath taking in all its cream, gold and mural glory. It is awash with starched white linen, silver teapots and three tiered cake stands. There was not one table free and its popularity was even more apparent in the six week waiting list - up to six months for a weekend slot.

The food was divine sandwiches and hand crafted cakes were served first - followed by fresh warm scones (raisin and plain). The choices of tea were overwhelming, but as a real tea fanatic I opted for the Darjeeling - the champagne of teas! It says something of the quality when this place can make sandwiches, cakes and scones taste so good. Portions were re-filled often - thus it was incredibly filling.

I can't rate the overall experience enough, it was lovely from start to finish - not just because it was the Ritz but because it was all such quality and attention to detail at every level.

Expensive but worth every penny!

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Review of Leon

17 Dec 07, 12:07

The Best!

I loved everything about this place - everything!

I adore the food, the fact that it is empty a lot of the time really suits my nature of liking space,peace and somewhere to escape! The thing is, the streets of London are crazy enough as it is, and so many eating establishments seem to be even crazier, so this Leon was a real treat.

When I went here I felt like I knew a secret that everyone else didn't. It was busy as it was a Saturday, but it was so refreshing to go somewhere to eat that wasn't scarily busy. The chilled out atmosphere makes for a great lunch.

Ok, on to the food. The food is amazing, I love how fast simple and fresh it is. Good quality for a real steal. They do meals of varying sizes and cater for all food needs and allergies. It is so healthy and really well balanced.

I opted for the sweet potato falafel with brown rice pilaf and raw slaw - with a side of fresh real chicken nuggets. It was all to die for, I was so impressed at what my £10 got me.

I loved the shabby chic interior and the highlight was the super cool clashing colours and floral tiles in the bathroom! Plus the old tin can stools were pretty special.

Can you tell I am a fan?

I'll be going back for more very soon!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of James Smith and Sons Umbrellas

27 Nov 07, 15:03

Hand Crafted Wonders

I always have the utmost respect for any business that has been around for 175 years, especially in a market that is now dominated by cheap, machine made imports.

This shop is a London institution and very exciting. I love the old- worldy style shop front and the excellent customer service within.

It is a real wonder all the different umbrellas on display, and to think that they are custom made- it really is inspiring.

Located in the heart of New Oxford Street, it is worth the detour off Oxford Street, even if for nostalgic reasons. A truly beautiful shop.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Pick More Daisies

27 Nov 07, 10:14

Best Breakfasts in London, By Far!

What can I say about this place? Well, 'wow' pretty much covers it. I was totally blown away by their 'All American' Breakfast offerings. This is the best breakfast I have had in a very long time - scrap that, I think might actually be the best I have ever had!

I love American breakfasts but this had a dash of English flair. By that I mean it was cooked with English produce, and was much lighter and less greasy than the same breakfast in the USA (trust me I have been a few times).

The atmosphere is really cool, and where I was sitting I could see the chefs working. The American breakfast came with buttermilk pancakes and they too were the best that I have tasted. They offer such a great array of different breakies; from granola and yogurt to a full English - with everything American in the middle.

This is a real must if you are in the area, or if you like me and have made an almost 2 hour trek to get to it you won't be disappointed.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Hummingbird Bakery

26 Nov 07, 18:03

Love it, Love it, Love it!

I have been to both the Portobello Road store and now this one. I think I am sold on this one. It is just that bit calmer, plus they have a seating area which is a real bonus. You can eat your cupcakes in the warm, with a nice glass bottle of Diet Coke (heaven).

I am totally smitten with their vanilla frosted cupcakes - they are so fresh tasting, they just melt in your mouth. The sponge is so light, they don't feel like a lead weight after you have eaten them.

Everything about this place is beautiful and stylish, it's pink and brown interior is very chic and so complimentary to the cakes that they serve. They are a little expensive, but as a treat they are totally worth it, plus it really is an experience.

The staff are always upbeat and get to wear great super cute uniforms of fitted pink hummingbird sweat tops (I want one).

The bakery has a great atmosphere and not only are the cakes amazing, but they also play some pretty hot tunes too (Nouvelle Vague is a nice sound to eat cakes to).

I can't recommend this place highly enough.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Co-operative Funeralcare

25 Oct 07, 13:22

Exceptional Professional Service

This review maybe considered a little macabre by some, but my family have used this funeral directors four times now and, as sad as it is their professionalism can not be faltered. They provide a very personal and sensitive service. Loosing a loved one is never easy, and for a company that has to deal with this every day they always endeavor to make you feel comfortable while still respecting the privacy of mourning. I would highly recommend their service. The four times we have enlisted their services they have given consistent service with the up most respect being given to the deceased and their family. A sensitive and professional company that deserves recognition.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of Fara Charity Shop

12 Oct 07, 23:41

This is the Cream of the Crop!

If I were the richest person in the world I would still seek out an original bargain. This is the cream of the crop of all charity shops. I am reluctant to review this place as I fear that others will cotton on - and I will loose all the great designer lovelies that fill the rails.

This shop is rammed with designer clothes at cracking prices, Prada coats for £30, Cacharel dresses for£20 and Reiss skirts for £6. This is unlike most luxury charity shops in that, the designer items that they have are not really dated and reminiscent of the early 1990's (the power dressing era that is best forgotten)

I love this place and always walk out with bags of bargains, from Office shoes to MaxMara knitwear. Prices are reasonable and the staff are friendly.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Review of Frank

12 Oct 07, 17:09

Inspirational

It was love at first sight when this shop arrived in my home town. It was to me the thing that Whitstable had been lacking for many years. Frank is inspirational - quite literally, I walk in the door and I feel inspired. Surrounded by all the wonderful hand crafted items adorning crisp white brick walls and white shelves I am in heaven. I always leave thinking 'I am going to go home and I am going to make something today'. Frank is stocked with an array of UK artist's handy work, from John Dilnott to Johnny Hannah. It sells everything a shabby chic lover/design lover could ever dream of. They stock prints, badges, gift wrap, greetings cards, tea towels, ceramics, jewelery, notebooks and much more. You can get bespoke ceramic magnets ordered here, or even bespoke screen prints ordered straight from the artists (the owners know all the artists personally). I love this shop, I love the atmosphere, I love the location and most of all I love the inspiration.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.