Andrea's reviews
Review of The Slug And Lettuce
26 Jun 08, 17:22
Best one in London? 
I'm not usually a fan of big bar chains. But this branch of the Slug And Lettuce is exception. Not one that you'd probably go to this one at the weekend because I think it's shut, but if you work close by or are doing some post-work shopping at Oxford Circus then it's a pretty good choice for a restorative gin and tonic on a week day.
Half the bar has stools, high tables and bar service. The other half has big tables, comfy seats and table service. Food-wise, burgers are ok but I prefer the nachos to share.
Not a bad place for a spot of celeb spotting either...
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Bam Bou
23 Jun 08, 18:50
Disappointing` 
I returned to Bam Bou last week on the strength that I loved the food on my last visit. Admittedly the gap has been about 7 years, but it stood out in my memory as a place for great food and service.
The food was just ok. I had the sea bream, which had great flavour, but was tepid. The beef was average. The only bright spark on the culinary front was the morning glory.
Service was a little out of balance: at times over-zealous with the waiters (possibly the root of the problem here as we were served by more than one) popping up repeatedly over a 10 minute period and at other times distinctly absent (it look us 20 minutes to flag a waiter to get coffees).
I wouldn't rush back here to eat - the combination of food, service and price would make Yauatcha a better option.
Maybe in another 7 years it will be worth a return visit...
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Liberty and Co
18 Jun 08, 19:28
I want to live here 
It's fabulous. I love the building with its carved staircases and uneven floors. I love the layout - not cluttered. I love the eclectic mix of designers and the handbags. The makeup department stocks Kiehls, NARS and Elemis which makes me very happy. It stocks a great range of products that use the Liberty prints (amazing bags and fabrics). And it has a bonkers vintage furniture within homewares which is brilliant.
Most of all I love the personal shopper. Not that I use her very often. But if you've got a special occasion coming up and you need an outfit, there's nothing better than trotting round the store and getting someone to pick out clothes that normally you wouldn't go anywhere near. It's marvellous . And a total eye-opener because they get it absolutely right. Every time. Just be prepared to take a hit to the wallet!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Pizza Express Restaurants
16 Jun 08, 18:11
Find the front door! 
This is a larger branch of the ever consistent Pizza Express. Serving the same variety of pizzas as per the rest of the chain this is a bright airy restaurant with a nice squishy sofa by the door if you're waiting for a table to free up. And in summer, go eat out on the terrace, or at least have a glass of wine there.
Best thing about it must be the fact that the entrance is not on Chapel Street, although the restaurant's big windows overlook the road. Much comedy can be had watching people trying to work out how to get into the restaurant (door is at the back facing the Waitrose).
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Crown and Sceptre
10 Jun 08, 20:40
"The hat and stick"
Another decent boozer on Great Titchfield Street. Food's not bad (good sharing platters), service a bit slow, but a good place to start drinking after work. In summer it gets really rammed on a week day night, but you can stand outside or bag one of the few tables. You can reserve an area at the back of the pub for private drinks.
If it gets too busy, run across the street to The Yorkshire Grey!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Ranelagh
10 Jun 08, 00:47
Tuesday pub quiz night is legendary
The only decent pub in Bounds Green, The Ranelagh has a lovely garden and is an excellent place to while away a Saturday afternoon with a bottle of rose. Not the best place for eating - for some reason they always seem to be out of ingredients when I'm there. But the best thing about it: Tuesday Pub Quiz Night. Get there for 8pm and have a pint or two and then try answering the flag questions. Genius and hysterical!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of TK Maxx
09 Jun 08, 14:53
Tiny TK Maxx
Small but perfectly formed and located on the first floor of The Mall at Wood Green Shopping City. Typical of most of the TK Maxx stores, but always seems a bit less crowded and stressful. And the staff are always helpful here, unlike some of the other London branches.
Good bargain tips: handbags, pashminas and toiletries - I spotted some Pout lipsticks there on Saturday!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Muddiford Inn
18 May 08, 22:27
Lovely country pub
If you're looking for a really good meal and want to get away from the throng at Woolacombe, then head to the Muddiford Inn, a ten minute drive away.
Food is typical pub fare and on Sundays they have an excellent choice of roasts for the meat eaters and a good choice for veggies too: the mushroom stroganoff gets my vote. The roast potatoes are to die for!
However what really does it for me is the huge, lovely garden. In summer it is by far the best place to have a g&t. And it has a wooden playhouse to keep the children occupied. Perfect.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Quay Restaurant
18 May 08, 22:10
Art on the walls and plates
Owned by Damien Hirst, this restaurant and bar is worth a visit if you're in Ilfracombe. It's a showcase for some of his work as well as an amazing restaurant.
During the day sit in the bar and have a drink (excellent hot chocolate) and when you're not watching the boats in the harbour you can stare at the walls as they have pieces of art featuring butterflies: even the wallpaper has butterflies arranged like a children's kaleidoscope.
But come back in the evening for dinner. Booking is a must. We sat Harbourside (you can also book the Atlantic room, but sadly fully booked when we were there) which has some of the decoration from the now defunct Pharmacy bar. Food is stunning and well worth it for a special occasion.
Thumbs up for the Scallop & Chorizo with mash, the sardine tartlet or the fish cake and mango salsa to start. Followed by the lemon sole or the steak. And do not leave without dessert! I went to heaven with the Passionfruit souffle and raspberry coulis. Lots of local seafood too. And there's an excellent UK wine on the menu, from Devon, for those that are conscious of the food miles.
One last thing: the art in the loos. Not that I'm obsessed with toilets, but the loos have original drawings by wildlife illustrator Jonathan Kingdom hanging in them. V stylish!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Studio 6
18 May 08, 21:45
Bizarre lack of customer service 
This bar would be a lovely place to have drinks and dinner: outside seating, stones throw to the river and part of the group of shops and restaurants in Gabriel's Wharf.
But they have a bunch of inflexible and bonkers rules for customers that make it difficult to enjoy the experience. These include not being able to pop into the bar if you're dining and pay for a round of drinks separately from your meal (you have to use the waiter), not being able to have your drink in a glass glass unless you are seated eating and not allowing patrons of the bar to put their name down for a table to eat (you have to queue, or have one of your mates queue for a table whilst the rest of you drink).
I did eat there with some friends: the food is OK (Mediterranean). Unfortunately our waitress banged a plate into one of my friends, smacking his forehead. She never apologised.
On top of that the loos are a disgrace.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.