<![CDATA[Greater London - Camden - Covent Garden - Eating, Drinking and Nightlife - European Restaurants - Reviews]]> http://www.welovelocal.com Reviews from welovelocal.com en Thriving Ivy ??????????? http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/camden/covent-garden/european-restaurants/the-ivy-wc2h9nq.html#r41358 I am probably one of the very few who was disappointed when i finally got to eat at The Ivy. I suppose it was because i was expecting crisp linen table cloths, silver service and cut crystal glass .... and there's none to be seen . However once I got over the shock the meal was "nice" the service was "good" and the hot berries with white chocolate sauce a real suprise. However I didnt see any celebrities and I really don't know what all the fuss is about.

]]> Wed, 28 May 2008 20:39:53 UTC Not expensive, just exclusive .. http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/camden/covent-garden/european-restaurants/the-ivy-wc2h9nq.html#r28476 If you can get in, it's worth it for the charm and the food. If you call out of the blue, you will be told there's a 3-6 month waiting list, so best get someone whom they know to get you in.

The decor is so so (the lead windows make it look like a beefeater from the outside), the floorplan is cramped and the toilets couldn't be less conveniently placed but hey ... it's The Ivy.

For starters, go for the pasta (starter size) and avoid the bang bang chicken at all cost, unless you have a craving for peanut butter! The fish is uniformly excellent; if there's a finer Dover Sole (apart from Sheekey's, of course) I've yet to try it. The game and poulty is very good, but I find the red meat pretty average.

If you're in a hurry, skip the starter and go for a dessert. The baked alaska is pure theatre, the iced berries are great and sticky toffee pudding is a treat. After some lobbying, the trial of the new chocolate pudding with mint choc chip has made itself onto the menu and is destined to become an Ivy classic!

If you want to make someone feel special, there's The Ivy.

]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 14:30:47 UTC Rock Food http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/camden/covent-garden/european-restaurants/rock-garden-wc2e8ha.html#r25881 In this place you can eat food from everywhere. There is a good food offer and ethnically inclusive list of starters (for vegetarians too). Go Greek with the green and Kalamata olives, Italian with the house antipasti plate (for vegetarian too), the Thai fish cakes for a scrumptiously spicy and tangy Asian taste, or the delectably creamy, whipped chicken liver parfait for something á la Français.

]]> Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:50:00 UTC Too Expensive http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/camden/covent-garden/european-restaurants/marcus-wareing-at-the-savoy-grill-wc2r0dw.html#r24532 The Savoy Grill is characterized by an elegant and modern atmosphere. I've been here one time and I had a good experience, apart prices. Food was good and there was a long wine list but I think that prices are too high. The quality of food is not comparable to the prices.

]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:59:15 UTC Good grub http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/camden/covent-garden/european-restaurants/the-ivy-wc2h9nq.html#r22601 The Ivy is renowned for its simple well cooked British classics. I tucked into sausage and mash, a dish cooked with flair and care. The food is so good that I almost didn’t notice that sitting across from me sat a famous director, television presenter and celebrated actor who were discussing the outrageous antics of a well known politician and his famous wife. I innocently called the waiter over and ordered dessert - a simple but delicious Spotted Dick.

]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:58:19 UTC Great find http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/camden/covent-garden/european-restaurants/skylon-se18xx.html#r18800 I was recently taken here and I have to say that I was very impressed - what a hidden gem this is.

It has the most amazing views of London (think Oxo Tower) and food for a reasonable price.

I would agree that the view does a lot for this place and makes up for the food which is good but not outstanding.

I would definietly recommend this place though and will be returning.

]]> Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:22:44 UTC Ivy http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/camden/covent-garden/european-restaurants/the-ivy-wc2h9nq.html#r16355 I knew this restaurant because I read that famous people used to come here sometimes, so I was curious. There's good menú and a lively but private atmosphere. At the beginning I was a little bit threatened because i didn't know I could be the atmosphere. After a while I could see that the staff was very friendly with everyone, without any difference between famous people and not famous people. It's a really nice place.

]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:25:17 UTC Nice, but the space deservces better http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/camden/covent-garden/european-restaurants/skylon-se18xx.html#r3958 Anywhere else in London Skylon would easily be getting four if not five stars from me. There is little to complain about when it comes to the food. A well rounded menu and equally strong wine list provide little to complain about. But for me that was just it, it was nothing hugely exciting. Pork belly -check, pumpkin foam or soup -check, seared scallops -you guessed it- check.

Glance over your shoulder however, and you get a vista few cities in the world can compete with.

And therein lies the problem with Skylon, you leave talking about the view and not the food.

]]> Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:37:26 UTC Uber Modernist Restaurant http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/camden/covent-garden/european-restaurants/skylon-se18xx.html#r3193 Beautiful restaurant as part of the Royal Festival Hall's recent refurbishment.

While not cheap (£37.50 for three courses), thanks in part to the beautiful decor it is worth a visit regardless. Sadly, we did not have a window seat, but the huge wall of glass which runs the length of the restaurant means you're unlikely to miss its stunning river view across the Thames.

The food itself was excellent - though the menu is very fish-heavy and vegetarians would struggle to find any real choice. Nonetheless, for a restaurant that is setting itself out on the 'finer' side of dining, the overall atmosphere relaxing and never stuffy, - indeed thanks to the uber-50's modernist design, low lighting and a lot of wine its a great place for a long relaxing meal.

]]> Mon, 24 Sep 2007 15:28:47 UTC Uber Modernist Restaurant http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/camden/covent-garden/european-restaurants/skylon-se18xx.html#r3193 Beautiful restaurant as part of the Royal Festival Hall's recent refurbishment.

While not cheap (£37.50 for three courses), thanks in part to the beautiful decor it is worth a visit regardless. Sadly, we did not have a window seat, but the huge wall of glass which runs the length of the restaurant means you're unlikely to miss its stunning river view across the Thames.

The food itself was excellent - though the menu is very fish-heavy and vegetarians would struggle to find any real choice. Nonetheless, for a restaurant that is setting itself out on the 'finer' side of dining, the overall atmosphere relaxing and never stuffy, - indeed thanks to the uber-50's modernist design, low lighting and a lot of wine its a great place for a long relaxing meal.

]]> Mon, 24 Sep 2007 15:28:47 UTC