Robin's reviews
Review of Hakkasan
30 May 08, 16:31
Brilliant Chinese - shame about the black forest gateaux 
We went there last night and I'd say that I agree with most of what's already been said..... pricy but good food. The soft shell crab is great and the two duck dishes we had were superb - they do something weird with peanuts and the mini pak choi the best I've had.
dim sum platter to start magnificent
I kind of feel it's a bit too corporatey - but then again with these prices it's what you'd expect.
Coming to the deserts.... frankly don't bother.... a big let down after the wonderful earlier foods.. The black forest gateaux (how inappropriate is that) was frankly bland and tasted like it had been made many hours before......
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Central YMCA Club
26 May 08, 13:50
Good pool.... 
So you're looking for a central london swimming pool.... you can either: - pay £90 a month and get to swim up and down a 15M oxygen injected swank fest in the third space - pay £4 to go to the Oasis and hope you miss the floating debris in the water - pay £40 a month and get the YMCA - the pool is great - it's a full 25M and not too packed.....
overall this is a great and well managed Gym.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of The French House Dining Room
21 May 08, 17:45
I thought it was overpriced
I took my French in-laws here years ago and it was very disappointing..... also I went here with my mum a few years ago and she got chatted up by some dodgy alcholic bohemian. Nice beer though - if it's good enough for Francis Bacon and Tom Baker it's good enough for you.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Barbers Point
18 Apr 08, 16:45
like having your hair cut by the family
the atmosphere is great - friendly chat, they remember who you are and they do your hair well. It's not cheap but then again where is in the centre of London. Sue and Alison have ruled the roost here for years and years.....
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Maison Bertaux
23 Feb 08, 17:56
ooh la la!
magnificent cakes, like walking into a scene from an art house movie - all pink chiffon and french chintz everywhere..... r the who place is overseen by a wonderfully barking english lady who dresses and acts like an eccentric french widow.
I bought a big plum and almond tart for a dinner party - it had just been baked and was all rather lovely - if not a bit pricey at £25 - but it would have fed 12 easily.
the service was great - complete with the elaborately tied pink ribbon around the cake box
apparently the place has been there since the 1920's and judging by the clients I reckon it might feature highly in Japanese cook books.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Lina Stores
01 Feb 08, 09:15
you must must must try the fresh pasta 
This is my favourite food shop in London. It's been run by the same two guys for 30-40 years and they are a great double act. Always welcome you into the shop and have a laugh with the locals.
Their fresh raviolli are amazing - especially the pumpkin one - it's instant dinner party material - boil for 4 minutes and serve with butter and some of the fresh sage they sell as well.
The decors not bad as well - like walking back to the 60's.
Long may they thrive!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.