Louisa's reviews
Review of Alwyne Castle
02 Feb 08, 23:19
good for a drink but avoid the food 
My title says it all - convenient pub that is good to sit in and enjoy a beer with friends. But having eaten here several times - there is nothing to recommend about the food - sub standard gastro pub fare.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Med Kitchen
05 Jan 08, 10:53
substandard chain 
I'd agree with Daniel - I've had several very disappointing meals here. I've only ever ended up here out of convenience, eg before the theatre, or after wandering around Covent Garden, and somehow you always expect it to be better.
Given the prices they charge you'd expect something much tastier - £30 for two main courses which we couldn't even finish because they were so bad. I get very cross paying money for terrible food and next time I need some food at speed, it won't be at Med Kitchen.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Strada
30 Dec 07, 18:20
best italian chain restaurant 
We discovered this by chance one day when bored in the LSE library and wanted somewhere nice to eat, and since then have been back to Strada on far too many occasions - as they are all over London. It's turned into one of those places we go when there's something to celebrate (finding a flat, getting a new job); when parents are in London and need feeding; or when you just want some reliably yummy Itlalian food.
It can feel a bit unoriginal to go to a chain restaurant, but Strada is far ahead of most. There are specials which change regularly, the pizzas are huge, and the pasta dishes are fresh and filling. Excellent desserts - especially the melting chocolate pudding. You can't really go wrong.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of The Bagel House
30 Dec 07, 18:11
all night bagel shop?
This won't be the most balanced review - as I have to confess that my most regular trips to the Bagel House have been when slightly tipsy/very drunk and in need of food before heading home. It seems to be open very late/all night, and it was always worth staying on the bus for an extra stop to pick up a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel. They do lots of other things too, but I never managed to progress beyond my favourite.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Finsbury Superstore
30 Dec 07, 17:31
very useful local shop!
I fear that Finsbury Superstore might have suffered a bit since Tesco opened on Seven Sisters Road. I still make a point of dropping in here as it has lots and lots of useful things that I like - Taylors coffee, herbal teas, salsa, sun dried tomato paste, spices, huge packets of rice, flour tortillas, tropicana, fresh coriander etc. Things you can probably get elsewhere too, but I have a soft spot for the shop -it always makes me smile that its called 'Superstore'. They once gave me a free keyring which was nice.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Good For Food
30 Dec 07, 17:26
peaceful oasis of a cafe
This cafe stands out a bit on Blackstock Road amongst the endless fried chicken and kebab shops, and is good to drop into for a coffee, homemade soup and salad. They have lots of interesting foodie things on sale too. It's nice to relax here with a paper at the weekends. I feel bad mentioning it, but I did once find a hair in my soup which rather put me off, but hopefully this was a one off.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of The Blue Legume
30 Dec 07, 17:18
busy stokey cafe
This place is always packed at weekends - comprehensive menu with salads, panninis, sandwiches and larger dishes. They have a counter too with fresh salads and stuffed aubergines, quiches and other things which is about £5/6 from what I can remember for a large plate of food! Very good freshly squeezed juices too. If you can squeeze in it's a good place to linger over lunch and coffee - cheap and tasty.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Two Wheels Good
30 Dec 07, 17:04
always willing to sort out any bike problem
I've repeatedly taken my bike in here with problems that I really should be able to sort out myself after eight years of cycling regularly (jammed chain, tyre with holes in etc), but the staff are always helpful and don't mock or comment on my general uselessness when it comes to all things bike related. The service options are good value too. The shop is full of things that are for serious cyclists too.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Yum Yum
30 Dec 07, 16:57
thai food in a lovely setting
I'd agree with the other reviews that the menu is fairly standard, but there are some good things hidden away that have become firm favourites so it's worth ordering the slightly more unusual dishes.
But really, it's the restaurant itself that impresses - with unusual decor and a part of the restaurant where you have to take your shoes off and sit at sunken tables. It's always packed - you often have to wait in the bar beforehand where there are some amazing (if expensive) cocktails.
This is my boyfriend's favourite restaurant - I'm not quite as enthusiastic as him, but would recommend it for sure.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of The Shakespeare
30 Dec 07, 16:50
back street gem of a pub 
Unfortunately, this isn't my local anymore, but I do still make the odd trip back. I can't quite put my finger on why this is my favourite pub, but there are a whole list of things that make it great: the jukebox (particular thumbs up as it has the Smiths on it); some unusual lagers; much less crowded and pretentious than some of the other pubs nearby; you can order pizza from the takeaway next door and eat it in the pub... I could go on, but almost don't want more people to discover the Shakespeare!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.