<![CDATA[Greater London - Islington - Barnsbury - Reviews]]> http://www.welovelocal.com Reviews from welovelocal.com en A new florist for the King's Cross area http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/barnsbury/florists/aflorum-florist-n19dt.html#r43532 Aflorum opened up near by work last year and since then I've used them regularly.

The owner Wichet can always be relied up to come up with something new and he changes the look of his shop and the range of flowers weekly. They stock many unusual flowers and Wichet can quickly make up an personalised bouquet to order at a specified budget.

I've used Aflorum for receptions at work too and I've been very impressed with their efficiciency and friendliness.

]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:41:51 BST Over-ambitious and over-priced ! http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/barnsbury/european-restaurants/fig-n11da.html#r43429 The dining room is fairly small, though that was hardly a problem, as there were only four other diners there.

The menu is ambitiously priced.

Presentation was quite OK in itself but It should be said that portions were really small, unusual these days, and after three courses I was by no means full.

All in all a disappointment, and priced at a level that I think will cause it to struggle in the area. It is quite ambitious cooking without taking care of the basics. Service was fine. Will not go back!

]]> Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:41:29 BST lovely shop always worth a visit! http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/barnsbury/florists/aflorum-florist-n19dt.html#r17425 This little flower shop near Kings Cross station only opened a couple of month ago. I live in the neighbourhood and find it difficult to go past without popping in and buying something. They always have a nice choice of flowers. But even better is their selection of orchids. They come in all colours, variations and sizes. All their flowers are reasonably prized and the staff is always really friendly and helpful.

]]> Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:40:39 BST Food glorious foam http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/barnsbury/european-restaurants/fig-n11da.html#r3512 Blimey yes, this food at this little restaurant (ate there this week, Tuesday night) was absolutely beyond our expectations, quite amazing! Everything I ordered seemed to have a delicious 'foam' or veloute element and the combinations of ingredients were surprising but turned out to be fresh, seasonal and glorious.

Not too expensive and a must return restaurant in a sweet neighbourhood (cor wish could afford to live there) well served by the no 53 bus - stops just outside. Very lovely staff and a genius (Danish?) chef who was unperturbed by my nut allergy, hoorah! We enjoyed a very romantic dinner there on a quiet night and would certainly recommend it!

]]> Thu, 18 Oct 2007 10:18:56 BST Wonderful little place http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/barnsbury/european-restaurants/fig-n11da.html#r3038 A friend of mine recommended and booked this restaurant for an anniversary dinner and it was heavenly.

On a quiet street in Barnsbury, you'd be unlikely to stumble across this cosily romantic little gem.

The service was outstanding - friendly and knowledgeable waiter who would chat about options on the menu and give good advice on wine choices. The food was delicious: a small and carefully thought out menu of seasonal and well-sourced ingredients. I had duck which was wonderful but the surprise star was the quirky dessert 'pumpkin, pumpkin and pumpkin' - pumpkin nougat, sorbet and syrup. Yum! A pretty good bet for foodies.

The whole experience was lovely. It just showed through in every aspect that they really care what they are doing.

The friend of mine gets 5 stars herself as she'd arranged a couple of glasses of champagne to be given to us when we sat down to peruse the menu. Husband gets 5 stars as well for sorting out such a nice surprise! Sorry neither of those are included.

]]> Fri, 31 Aug 2007 12:03:50 BST Feels local http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/barnsbury/pubs/the-drapers-arms-n11er.html#r2594 The Drapers Arms does exactly what it says on the tin - if the tin were to say nice pub, good atmosphere, adequate selection, nice staff, off the beaten track.

The food isn't all that though for what I was told was a bit of a gastro pub, but it's far from awful and if a wee bit cheaper I would have given it 4 stars.

]]> Wed, 01 Aug 2007 19:25:23 BST Favorite restaurant as of 2005 to... http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/barnsbury/european-restaurants/fig-n11da.html#r2580 I love this place. Everything about it I love. Every time I've been there I've enjoyed the atmosphere, the service and of course the food. It's the place I've returned to more than anywhere else in London.

It changed hands in 2006 and I've heard other people say it's not as good as it use to be, but I've been under both managements and it's all good.

Also it's off the beaten track enough to ensure the Upper St hordes don't stumble across it and mess it up. NIce.

]]> Wed, 01 Aug 2007 09:24:19 BST Car and Van Hire http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/barnsbury/car-hire-van-hire/sixt-kenning-rent-a-car-n79qj.html#r1556 I've hired cars and vans from this place several times. Service has always been fine. Its about 5 minutes walk from Caledonian Road tube so pretty easy to get too.

]]> Sat, 23 Jun 2007 22:42:23 BST Car and Van Hire http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/barnsbury/car-hire-van-hire/sixt-kenning-rent-a-car-n79qj.html#r1556 I've hired cars and vans from this place several times. Service has always been fine. Its about 5 minutes walk from Caledonian Road tube so pretty easy to get too.

]]> Sat, 23 Jun 2007 22:42:23 BST