Helen's reviews
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!'
1 out of 1 person 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 The Gourmet Burger Kitchen
05 Nov 07, 14:37
Cosy Burger Restaurant 
I have been to this burger restaurant twice now and both times the food has been lovely. They offer a really wide variety of burgers, with lots of alternatives to beef. Both times I have had the chicken burger and they are really imaginative, unlike your usual chicken options. GBK offer chicken satay, chicken brie and cranberry and many more yummy options.
The other burgers all really imaginative as well. They do some great chunky chips and all the portions are so filling. When the burgers arrive they are of skyscraper proportions and require a knife and fork to devour. I would strongly recommend the milk shakes as they are divine Really thick and very American.
The restaurant is very small and tables are very close together, though not too close. Friendly staff, good atmosphere - this place is always so clean looking it is very reassuring.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Eds Easy Diner
27 Oct 07, 21:18
The American Way
What can I say about this place, I don't usually go for burgers, or chains, or eating so close to theatre land but I do really like Ed's.
I have been to the one in Blue Water Kent, but this one was so much better. The staff were really friendly and helpful and the atmosphere was actually really good. It hosted a strange mix of city suits, Americans and theatre goers.
The grill chef was a real old American guy dressed in the original white gill outfit. The burgers are more original, not gourmet, but still really good. You can get American classics like chili fries and peanut butter milkshakes.
Your burger comes in a paper holder, the grill chef asks how your want your burger cooked and he also takes an active interest in weather or not you liked his creation.
Give this place a go, if you want real American food, away from McDonalds and all the gourmet offering around these days.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Hamburger Union
27 Oct 07, 20:57
Hamburger Heaven 
I have been to this eating establishment on numerous occasions now and I still really enjoy their offerings. The atmosphere is clean, fresh and relaxed.
It is an ideal place for a quick meal with minimum fuss. The decor is reminiscent of early 1950's minimalism, with an American diner edge. Yes it's a chain, but it odes offer seasonal specials and the food does taste fresh.
The menu is often varied and the burgers are good quality, I rarely eat red meat - but I do enjoy a Hamburger Union burger. The chips are really chunky and can be very filling. I would recommend the milk shakes they are very yummy (especially the chocolate).
The food is served quickly, but not worryingly quick. A great place to get a quick, filling meal for a reasonable price.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Tinseltown
15 Oct 07, 10:55
Amusingly Bad! 
This place amuses me, I can't take it seriously and I think it is this attitude that keeps me from hating Tinseltown.
This crazy place is located in a dark basement, quite off putting at night, however at the end of the long dark stairwell there is light and a buzzing atmosphere (sometimes) I have only been twice and both times have been for desert and milkshakes - what it does best. Tinseltown is the type of establishment that gets better the later into the night you go. I have been here after a gig at 2 am and the atmosphere was much more lively as opposed to when I went at 7pm.
The much debated food is not the best, even the milkshakes. It is all average and I think the food, drinks and atmosphere is reminiscent of Brighton Pier mixed with a passing funfair.
Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed by this place. If you want tacky novelty comfort food then it ticks all the boxes.
Remember to see the funny side of it.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.