Nina's reviews
Review of Masala Zone
13 Apr 08, 20:18
Hectic zone 
I went here last night with five friends because it can be quite daunting to try and find a good and at the same time reasonably priced curry in town. Turns out Masala Zone is the perfect solution to this problem.
The grand thalis on the silver platter come with rice and chapattis, two veg dishes, dhal, indian salad, rhaita, an indian canape and a curry of your choice from the main menu.
The only reason I am not rating this restaurant with another star was the service. One of our friends was a little late and we had ordered some wine and told our waitress that we would be waiting until she arrived to order food.
In the end we did order without her, only after having at least five different waiters ask us whether we wanted to order and, yes, five times we had to literally fend them off.
At one stage we counted no less than 14 staff runing around like headless chickens when one probably only would have needed half that.
However, the food was gorgeous and very very reasonably priced. If are looking for a quiet night out don't go here as it's loud and a little chaotic but after a few glasses of wine you'll probably not notice anymore.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Base Cuts
11 Apr 08, 14:24
Mental but great 
This hairdresser has been here forever and no doubt, has one of the prime spots on Portobello Road.
Given its location it is no surprise that this place gets very busy on a Saturday and I've had my picture taken by Spanish tourists through the window many times.
They also used to have a DJ with proper decks but thankfully he has gone now who was so loud that you couldn't hear the hairdryers for bad techno!
The stylists here are young, trendy and know their trade and can be trusted to tell the truth when you ask for somethig they don't think will suit you at all which I think is great.
Any of the guys are great but Sophia is my fave.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Hospital
11 Apr 08, 13:57
Members only
I've been here a few times with a friend who is a member and can't really fault the place. The food is great and so are the cocktails (although they can be lethal).
I'm not sure I would pay to become a member because, frankly, I think members clubs are a bit 2003 but I will certainly not complain if someone wants to take me there once in a while. You calling me a hypocrite? Well, who cares.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Body Control Pilates
11 Apr 08, 13:47
Zip and tuck 
I have been going here for nearly a year and I am really pleased with Matthew's mat classes. They also offer classes on the pilates machines which look a bit scary but also a lot of fun.
I'll be going back for a while yet!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Cow
11 Apr 08, 13:40
Oysters and Guinness galore
Tom Conran's tiny Irish pub is brilliant at what it does. It's simple, unpretentious (in relation to some of the clientele from nearby 'Notting Hill, darling!) and the food ain't half bad either.
I used to live in the area and it's a really nice pub to chill out in in the day, especially in the summer if you're lucky enough to get a spot in the sun outside on one of the rustic wooden benches.
It's also great for St. Patrick's day. People go crazy, there is a bar set up outside, too and the atmosphere is amazing.
Also, don't forget the small, more pricey restaurant upstairs. If you like good grub and a pint, you can't go wrong with The Cow.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Kentish Delight
11 Apr 08, 13:28
Proper Turkish fare
This is not just your bogstandard kebab shop. They also have a sort of wine bar/restaurant to the side of it.
Kentish Delight do everything you'd expect, from chips to shishs but the burgers are exceptional, too.
I recommend the chicken kebab with LOTS of their scumptious garlic sauce. Not just a treat when you're drunk on your way out of the nearby Forum...
If Ali should serve you, tell him I said hi.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Tossed
10 Apr 08, 21:30
Good but not the best
I agree with everything people are saying - nearly everything. Tossed is a great idea but let's face it, they weren't the first and I still to this day believe that Vital Ingredient have better salads.
However, this one is nearer to my work and that's why I go. One thing I must give them praise for is their hot stews - they change the menu daily and they always have a veggie and a meat option. Served on brown rice they are pretty much as healthy as a salad and I wouldn't be surprised if some of them aren't actually healthier (if you usually opt for the gorgonzola salad dressing, for example).
All in all, good for lunch once a week but I'd rather make my own salad at home for a fraction of the price (and less the plastic packaging).
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of 100 Club
10 Apr 08, 21:21
Legendary
Half of the people who end up here these days probably don't know how history laden this basement establishment they are setting foot in actually is.
Although it's nothing special when you see it pretty empty, the really wide low and wide stage must be wicked to play on whether you're a massive band going back to your roots or a newbie starting off with just an acoustc guitar in tow.
It can get a bit tricky getting from from side to the other when it's (i.e the bar to the toilets) busy but the atmosphere at some of the best gigs you'll ever experience will make up for that.
Just pee in your pants, it's SO rock 'n' roll.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Chandos
10 Apr 08, 21:12
One pint of the man in the box, please!
I am not sure what people expect from a Sam Smith pub that is bang in the middle of town and next to one of the busiest tourist spots in the country.
Of course it's full of tourists, of course the beer is cheap and the wine rubbish.
However, I really like the old booths downstairs and the 'man in the box' lager - shame they changed the display a few years ago though. Ayingerbrau all the way!
The Chandos gets my vote and deserves more credit than it seems to be getting.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Fiori Corner
09 Apr 08, 12:48
Kebab and anything else you can think of
Thanks Mobile-Marina. The staff at Fiori's and I are still trying to forget about that one.
However, Fiori's is great. On first glance most people (and tourists who probably make up most of their passing business due to location) probably think this is only a pizza and kebab shop but there is so much more to it.
The sandwiches, bagels are made to order and the pasta is gorgeous (and at £3.95 a real bargain) and portions are massive.
Also, if you have a sweet tooth, try one of the gorgeous homemade continental cakes from the chiller next to the till!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.