Helen E.

Review of Crumpet

26 Aug 08, 15:29

If It's Good Enough For Mark Owen

Decided on Crumpet for a Saturday morning brunch and wasn't disappointed. The thing the lured me in was the person sitting outside with Eggs Benedict - it looked good and made with bacon over ham how could you resist.

It is open and airy inside and although one half (the back) is sectioned off for children, prams and babies this didn't put me off. The front section is reserved for adults and is far enough away to hear yourself think.

Nice range of cakes, food and drinks all with organic theme and all pretty tasty. I went for the Eggs Benedict and and a fresh Orange juice, my fellow diner the same plus a banana milkshake. Drinks portions were small but food was nice and generous.

When I ventured to the back of the cafe to use the facilities I realised that the guy sitting at a child's table with his wife and kid was Mark Owen! Well, if it's good enough for Mark it's definitely good enough for me!

Crumpet is a winner!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Review of Shapla Tandoori

09 Jun 08, 16:09

I have to Agree

As a group of 8 looking for somewhere to eat on a Saturday night we should have know that there was something a little bit off that we managed to get a table here for with 30 mins notice.

Ok, so I think Craig R has hit the nail on the head these guys are just not very good with groups - especially 8. The service was patchy and a bit rude at times, and this was not helped by the fact that they didn't want to write the order down which resulted in the drinks order being wrong and long winded.

Food was ok, but just ok - nothing special and nothing really jumped out to me. The decor is pleasant and surprisingly airy for and Indian restaurant but this doesn't make up for the lackluster food and service.

I am local to Whitstable and would advise other restaurants to eat at as this one could do so much more.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Automat

02 Jun 08, 16:37

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 Claridges Hotel

12 May 08, 11:53

Relaxed Tea Drinking

I must admit I am an afternoon tea obsessive. I prefer afternoon tea somewhere lovely to a posh three course meal out somewhere.

Crazy? Maybe but I am starting to think I am becoming a bit of a pro at knowing good places for a good tea guzzle and scone scoff.

Claridges is stunning both inside and out, and from the minute you walk through the revolving doors you feel transported to another (more elegant time). The tea saloon is nestled in the entrance foyer and is perfect for people watching. The thing I really loved was the vintage furnishings - 1930's originals, still in perfect condition.

Everything about this place is luxury and the attention to detail is meticulous. The afternoon tea is far less formal than that offered at the Ritz, where tea is generally served to the whole tea room at the same time. There is not a strict dress code either, attire is more smart casual.

The food and service was of a great quality, finger sandwiches - followed by light fluffy scones, finished off with French pastries. There is real emphasis here on tea, they offer a whole menu of different teas to try! As a bit of a tea fanatic I was pretty impressed, all teas I sampled were lovely.

Overall it was a fantastic experience. We went quite late in the afternoon (5.30), and even though this was the last tea sitting we were not rushed out and sat leisurely for almost 2 hours listening to the musicians perform and sipping tea.

Ambiance aside I do feel the food was slightly better at the Ritz, more classic British however for a more intimate and less formal tea Claridges really does exceed expectations.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of St James's Restaurant

22 Apr 08, 11:50

Lazy Afternoon Heaven

I can't vouch for all the food that this restaurant offers, but I when I went on a sleepy/snowy bank holiday Monday in the late afternoon the afternoon tea that was on offer was delightful.

Sundays and weekday afternoons are reserved for people taking afternoon tea and they have quite an extensive tea menu. From fine teas to breakfast teas - and one pot is plenty big enough for two to share.

Food was also of a superior quality - I opted for the clotted cream scones and jam, they were beautiful. I love expensive scones they cut like fresh cake, don't crumble and have no chalky flour anywhere in sight. The prices on the other hand were, as you would expect seriously inflated. I don't mind this as the quality was second to none, however the scones were tiny and two came in just under £6!

My fellow diner had the smoked salmon scrambled eggs and at £10 this looked a little more substantial for the money - but I was still pleased as punch with my scones (damn my sweet tooth).

The setting itself is very nice and has a rustic kitchen crossed with fine dining feel to it. Worn wooden tables adorn the room while huge chandeliers loom over head. You get lovely views over London - so bag a window table.

Lovely experience and a great place to come if you don't fancy going for a full afternoon tea somewhere - just be careful not to trip over all the lingering tourists.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of Laduree

21 Apr 08, 12:07

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 Noodle Express

11 Apr 08, 15:30

Pretty Yummy Noodles

I went for lunch here today despite Dan (see below) telling me it was average and bland - my thinking was it is best to give these things a try.

This little place is really well hidden, so well hidden that in my 6 months of lunch times in this area I never really spotted it. It doesn't look like much from the outside, however the inside is set out in the usual benches and is pretty cosy.

The general feeling is quite rushed as once you are seated the queue of eager diners extends out of the door. This didn't put me off, I was too busy browsing the extensive menu that caters for quite a wide audience with both, Chinese and Japanese options.

I went for the chicken ramen and was not disappointed. It was tastier than any Wagamama or Dim T noodle soup I have had, and at £5 you really cant go wrong. Service was a little abrupt and sometimes slow, but it was full to capacity and a lunch time, anyway I got my food very quickly, my fellow diners were not so fortunate!

The noodles were really fresh tasting and the chicken was nice a crispy - all round awesome Friday lunch (splash out on food day) option. I'll be back!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of City Fish Bar

07 Apr 08, 17:07

I would tend to agree

I would have to agree with Amber's review. As a local to Canterbury for most of my life I was always dubious of this fish and chip shop. I always approached with caution due to the fact that it really annoyed me the hoards of people that queue up for day in day out. I always thought what is so great about average fish and chips?

It appears that I was pretty wrong to give this place a wide berth as one day, I think only a year ago I succumbed to the smell due to severe after work hunger.I ordered my fish and chips!

They were good, no they were really good. Cooked to perfection, and seriously yummy. Now I am one of those people who queues up for their chips with everyone else in the city centre.

I sold out - but 'hey' it was worth it!

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of The Orange Tree Theatre

01 Apr 08, 12:08

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.