Rob's reviews
Review of Cumberland Arms
04 Aug 07, 19:10
Great food, good beer, nice ambience 
Just round the corner from Olympia, this pub does good-quality food at sensible prices (£6-9 dish). Always has proper cask bitter on and a good selection of wines. You can reserve tables for a large party and it also has a nice spacious outside area down one side of the pub. Definitely to be recommended
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Ritzy Cinema
02 Aug 07, 21:29
A good night out guaranteed
Can't ensure the quality of the film, but the environs are great. Properly un-chainy, the Ritzy shows a massive selection of films, has a bar, proper snacks, special kids clubs, and best of all, it's a lovely old building. It reminds you of what it used to like to go to the flicks as a kid!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Hollybush Stores
02 Aug 07, 20:07
Jack for all trades 
You need something for the home? Hollybush Stores will have it. A family-run business, they are extraordinarily helpful and will find what you want, regardless of whether it costs £2 or £200. The ideal shop you want on your doorstep and, best of all, it's not a huge chain!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Domali
31 Jul 07, 09:37
Veggie & yummy mummy heaven
In a "village" that abounds with food outlets, Domali has quietly established itself as the place to go for a good, high-quality plate of food, or a drink, during the day. With a beautiful, if slightly cramped, garden at the back, Domali serves a whole host of veggie delights, although you could be forgiven for not realising that there was no meat on offer. The sandwiches are like doorsteps, but incredibly tasty, the breakfasts are wonderful, the thick-cut chips are great, they do some lovely freshly-squeezed fruit juices and their hot main courses are also recommended. My one criticism would be that it's a little cramped, both inside and out, but generally, a consistently good place to eat and drink
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Le Beaujolais
31 Jul 07, 09:21
Ultimate authentic French wine bar
This is officially the oldest French wine bar in London and is still the most authentic and best. On the downside, it is tiny, but that is actually what makes it so great. You can hardly fit more than 30 people in here, but this gives it ultimate charm. You'll find yourself squeezed in, on rickety chairs and tables, but this intimacy helps the atmosphere. The wine list changes frequently and is, as you'd expect, extensive. If you have no idea what to order, simply ask them at the bar. They'll suggest things that suit your palate and even allow you to try before you buy. Food is sparse, but again, very French: olives, cheese plate, meats, that sort of thing. The staff are also incredibly friendly and will happily chat away to you in French, should you so wish. I've spent many an enjoyable evening in here and probably shouldn't share this place with too many people, otherwise it will get too popular!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Old Parrs Head
31 Jul 07, 09:11
Great Thai food
Nestled in the back streets of Olympia and Brook Green, The Old Parrs Head is one of those pubs that offers more than its exterior promises. There's a good selection of beers and they do a fantastic Thai menu, which is fast, tasty and also reasonably priced. What's more, not only are there tables dotted around outside, but there's also a large beer garden tucked away out back, which on sunny lunchtimes, is a beautiful sun-trap.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Eagle Bar Diner
31 Jul 07, 09:07
Great burger and thick chips
You could be forgiven for missing the Eagle Bar Diner, bearing in mind how unassuming and tucked away it is. A mere 2 minutes walk from Oxford Street, it offers some of the best burgers and chunky chips I've had anywhere. A large selection of different beers and a great US-style diner interior, makes EBD worth a visit. You can nearly always get a seat during the day and the service is good, if a little surly. It turns into a chic and sophisticated cocktail bar in the evenings and gets really busy. Try it - you might be surprised
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of H K Diner
27 Jul 07, 21:23
Quick and functional 
The food is pretty good, it comes quickly, it's not expensive and there are usually a lot of Chinese eating here (especially downstairs), which I usually take as a good sign.
You won't get the greatest Chinese meal ever, but if you fancy a quick bite in Chinatown and don't know where to go, you could do a lot worse than HK Diner.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Rock and Sole Plaice
27 Jul 07, 21:16
Definitive London chippie
If I wanted chips in town, I'd always head here. The sit-down prices are a little expensive, but the taste is authentic. A hectic, small, bustling cafe, but the food is great. But don't take my word for it - go try it for yourself
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Review of Conrad Fox
27 Jul 07, 21:12
Inefficient 
In an area swarming with estate agents and letting agents. you'd have thought that it was important to pull out all the stops. Sadly Conrad Fox doesn't.
Having let a property with them more than once (although I'm not sure why I went back), I've found their red tape and unhurried attitude frustrating and irritating. Moving is bad enough as it is, without your letting agent making things even more difficult. If you're looking to rent in the Crystal Palace area, I'd choose someone else
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.