Latest reviews in Kensington, London, United Kingdom

Soprano's Piano Bar - Fun and games... by nat08

nat08 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:31:48 +0000

Review by nat08

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7937 2458

Is how I would describe this place. Very small, intimate place but seems to attracts big groups of friends all out for a mad night out singing along to their favourite songs.

It's a great night out but be prepared and book in advance otherwise you will feel really out of sorts propping up the tiny bar...

Everyone is really friendly but the place is a little rough round the edges. An inperfect diamond....but definitely a little sparkler in the making.

If they could find the funds for a little make-over it would be perfect. But I still love the place and the guy who sings is amazing - great voice. The pianist is great and you can even sit at the piano and gaze at the wonders of their musical harmony.

Worth a visit if you are in the mood for big crowds in a tiny venue.Is how I would describe this place. Very small, intimate place but seems to attracts big groups of friends all out for a mad night out singing along to their favourite songs.

It's a great night out but be prepared and book in advance otherwise you will feel really out of sorts propping up the tiny bar...

Everyone is really friendly but the place is a little rough round the edges. An inperfect diamond....but definitely a little sparkler in the making.

If they could find the funds for a little make-over it would be perfect. But I still love the place and the guy who sings is amazing - great voice. The pianist is great and you can even sit at the piano and gaze at the wonders of their musical harmony.

Worth a visit if you are in the mood for big crowds in a tiny venue.

Famous Three Kings - Wicked pub by petrapuskas

petrapuskas — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:13:18 +0000

Review by petrapuskas

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7603 6071

Tags: food, friendly, pool

The atmosphere of this great Victorian pub changes. During the day it's a great place, being very large in size, to find a quiet corner to chat with your pals.
In the evenings it's lively and funky, but good service, lots of sexy guys (and glammed up girls!). I'll always keep coming back.
Oh yes, and I saw Gwyneth Paltrow and her hubby in here a few months ago (I'm told his cousin lives in the Gothic church conversion nearby..)
You know, this was where the Rolling Stones played in 1969, so a bit of history behind it.
I'd recommend it highly.The atmosphere of this great Victorian pub changes. During the day it's a great place, being very large in size, to find a quiet corner to chat with your pals.
In the evenings it's lively and funky, but good service, lots of sexy guys (and glammed up girls!). I'll always keep coming back.
Oh yes, and I saw Gwyneth Paltrow and her hubby in here a few months ago (I'm told his cousin lives in the Gothic church conversion nearby..)
You know, this was where the Rolling Stones played in 1969, so a bit of history behind it.
I'd recommend it highly.

Wine Factory - Great for a night out... by nat08

nat08 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:19:39 +0000

Review by nat08

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7229 1877

Website: http://www.brinkleys.com

Tags: italian, lively, good value

Wine factory is part of the Brinkley's wine merchants and as a result offer good quality and well priced wine. It's excellent value for money as usually it's the wine that really bumps up the bill.

Went last weekend and really enjoyed the meal. I personally went in to see them as my original reservation was for 7 but my party were struck down by some flu-bug spreading itself across London. So it was just me and my good friend who strolled down Westbourne Grove on that breezy and rainy Saturday evening.

They were very accommodating and as I was with a friend over from Hong Kong we literally chatting until they were putting the chairs on the table - a big hint...but they were charming and even offered us a free limoncello.....

It's a lovely restaurant with excellent service and I highly recommend it.Wine factory is part of the Brinkley's wine merchants and as a result offer good quality and well priced wine. It's excellent value for money as usually it's the wine that really bumps up the bill.

Went last weekend and really enjoyed the meal. I personally went in to see them as my original reservation was for 7 but my party were struck down by some flu-bug spreading itself across London. So it was just me and my good friend who strolled down Westbourne Grove on that breezy and rainy Saturday evening.

They were very accommodating and as I was with a friend over from Hong Kong we literally chatting until they were putting the chairs on the table - a big hint...but they were charming and even offered us a free limoncello.....

It's a lovely restaurant with excellent service and I highly recommend it.

L-Restaurant & Bar - Good food - shame no atmosphere by nat08

nat08 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:57:42 +0000

Review by nat08

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7795 6969

Website: http://www.l-restaurant.co.uk/

Tags: restaurant, spanish, international

Went yesterday for a Sunday lunch catch up with a friend and we were particularly tempted by the Â£9.95 offer of 3 tapas each with a glass of wine or beer.

Service was good and the restaurant is very well designed - very smart without being pretentious or intimidating.

There were only two other tables which I thought was surprising for Sunday lunch. The food was good and we had a lovely selection of chorizo, gambas, croquetas, squid and it all was served well.

Lack of atmosphere was the only down side. I really hope business on Sunday picks up for them as it's a nice, friendly placeWent yesterday for a Sunday lunch catch up with a friend and we were particularly tempted by the Â£9.95 offer of 3 tapas each with a glass of wine or beer.

Service was good and the restaurant is very well designed - very smart without being pretentious or intimidating.

There were only two other tables which I thought was surprising for Sunday lunch. The food was good and we had a lovely selection of chorizo, gambas, croquetas, squid and it all was served well.

Lack of atmosphere was the only down side. I really hope business on Sunday picks up for them as it's a nice, friendly place

Drayton Arms - What a Pity! by scrummy

scrummy — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:20:06 +0000

Review by scrummy

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7835 2301

Tags: relaxed, friendly, live music

I was invited by friends on trusted places to celebrate a sunday lunch in October. There was a real lack of harmony in the kitchen I would guess. The only barperson had lost her voice and was clearly overworked. I have never seen so many empty glasses in an occupied pub as punters tried to get another drink. It appeared there had been a rush for lunch. I counted 30 covers all finished and waiting for service. Four of our group got lunch the remaining six were told there was no more fresh veg, or roast. We were invited to wait until the next service at 1700.We ordered at 1700 and were fiven the wrong food with a take it or leave it attitude.
This pub needs more staff a tiny bit of tidying up i.e.furniture and toilets and it could be as good as the other reviews say but for the moment I could not recommend it.I was invited by friends on trusted places to celebrate a sunday lunch in October. There was a real lack of harmony in the kitchen I would guess. The only barperson had lost her voice and was clearly overworked. I have never seen so many empty glasses in an occupied pub as punters tried to get another drink. It appeared there had been a rush for lunch. I counted 30 covers all finished and waiting for service. Four of our group got lunch the remaining six were told there was no more fresh veg, or roast. We were invited to wait until the next service at 1700.We ordered at 1700 and were fiven the wrong food with a take it or leave it attitude.
This pub needs more staff a tiny bit of tidying up i.e.furniture and toilets and it could be as good as the other reviews say but for the moment I could not recommend it.

Bombay Brasserie - A night to remember by SPS6659

SPS6659 — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:02:33 +0000

Review by SPS6659

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7370 4040

Website: http://www.bombaybrasserielondon.com

Tags: indian, good value, live music

After a major mix up with our booking, we were told our reservation had to be cancelled. My sister and I (eventually) took our mother here for her 70th birthday. The owner was extremely apologetic and made it a night to remember. On arrival my mother received a beautiful bouquet of flowers and we all sipped champagne in the lovely bar area until our table was ready. The decor was lovely - a very tranquil setting. The food was exceptional, we all had an asparagus, lime and coconut soup to start and we all had meat thalis for main course. It was all absolutely delicious. To complete the evening the owner said that because our reservation had been messed up, everything was on him! It was definitely a night to remember.After a major mix up with our booking, we were told our reservation had to be cancelled. My sister and I (eventually) took our mother here for her 70th birthday. The owner was extremely apologetic and made it a night to remember. On arrival my mother received a beautiful bouquet of flowers and we all sipped champagne in the lovely bar area until our table was ready. The decor was lovely - a very tranquil setting. The food was exceptional, we all had an asparagus, lime and coconut soup to start and we all had meat thalis for main course. It was all absolutely delicious. To complete the evening the owner said that because our reservation had been messed up, everything was on him! It was definitely a night to remember.

Babylon at the Roof Gardens - WOW! by neil_b

neil_b — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:26:01 +0000

Review by neil_b

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7937 7994

Website: http://www.roofgardens.com

Tags: lively, romantic, expensive

What can I say about Babylon! From the moment you walk in from the street and are escorted to the lift to the 7th floor, through to the moment you use the stunning loos, this place is class!

We were fortunate enough to visit Babylon through an experience voucher bought by a friend and didn't have to pay a penny but looking at the menu, you could eat there without spedning the earth so long as you don't overdo it on the wonderful champagne mojitos!

I thought it a good time to experiment with some dishes I would not normally ahve and opted for a starter of smoked eel with creamed apple sauce and horseradish. Words escape me when trying to describe how good this was - I can't complain when it's the first time I've eaten eel either!

The main was just as sublime and how anyone can make pork taste so good is beyond me!

Vicki went for soft boiled quails eggs to start and surf and turf for main. She was equally as impressed, particularlyu with the size of the langoustine that arrived on top of her cooked to perfection steak.

The waiter we had was excellent, recommending a wine to suit our meal and providing us with more than our fair share of complimentary boxes of chocolates to take away!

Babylon is a must visit restaurant - particularly if, like us, you didn't have to pay!What can I say about Babylon! From the moment you walk in from the street and are escorted to the lift to the 7th floor, through to the moment you use the stunning loos, this place is class!

We were fortunate enough to visit Babylon through an experience voucher bought by a friend and didn't have to pay a penny but looking at the menu, you could eat there without spedning the earth so long as you don't overdo it on the wonderful champagne mojitos!

I thought it a good time to experiment with some dishes I would not normally ahve and opted for a starter of smoked eel with creamed apple sauce and horseradish. Words escape me when trying to describe how good this was - I can't complain when it's the first time I've eaten eel either!

The main was just as sublime and how anyone can make pork taste so good is beyond me!

Vicki went for soft boiled quails eggs to start and surf and turf for main. She was equally as impressed, particularlyu with the size of the langoustine that arrived on top of her cooked to perfection steak.

The waiter we had was excellent, recommending a wine to suit our meal and providing us with more than our fair share of complimentary boxes of chocolates to take away!

Babylon is a must visit restaurant - particularly if, like us, you didn't have to pay!

The Regency Hotel - Nice hotel by Hmm

Hmm — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:41:07 +0000

Review by Hmm

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7370 4595

Website: http://www.regency-london.co.uk

A bit off, but nice rooms and friendly staffA bit off, but nice rooms and friendly staff

Beirut Express - One of my faves by LKnight

LKnight — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:27:00 +0000

Review by LKnight

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 75910123

Website: http://www.maroush.com/

Tags: lively, good value, middle eastern

Had a fab dinner at Beirut Express last night - itâ¬"s one of my regular favourites. Fabulous lebanese food, with quick service, and quality ingredients.

Just one warning - the portions are generous, so be careful not to over-order. If youâ¬"re still hungry once youâ¬"ve finished you can always order more and itâ¬"ll be on your table in just a couple of minutes.

Iâ¬"ll be back there in a week or two, no doubt.

Had a fab dinner at Beirut Express last night - itâ¬"s one of my regular favourites. Fabulous lebanese food, with quick service, and quality ingredients.

Just one warning - the portions are generous, so be careful not to over-order. If youâ¬"re still hungry once youâ¬"ve finished you can always order more and itâ¬"ll be on your table in just a couple of minutes.

Iâ¬"ll be back there in a week or two, no doubt.

Tootsies - Great burgers, location and service with a smile by Litro_K

Litro_K — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:00:07 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7229 8567

Website: http://www.tootsiesrestaurants.co.uk

Tags: american, lively, good value

Tootsies was buzzing on the Saturday afternoon we visited, and had a really lively, family-friendly ambience. It was a warm and welcoming respite from a cold grey day and although apparently a chain restaurant, it didn't really feel like one.

We were welcomed by attentive staff and seated quickly. The menu is fairly diverse and will cater to most tastes. I'm American-born and although I don't eat burgers very often, I do have pretty high standards when it comes to the beef, the bun, and the sides on offer. I went for the classic burger, which came with bacon and Monterey Jack cheese (something you don't see often enough on British menus!), and my fellow diner went for the jalapeno burger, which was full to bursting with onions, sour cream, jalapenos and guacamole. Both were cooked to taste and juicy. They came with chunky, decent chips and condiments came without us having to ask.

I can see why this place is popular with the W11 brunching crowd. It's an unpretentious hangout with a large variety of dishes and decent, welcoming service. I heard a few American accents there, which is proof of authenticity and high praise indeed for a burger restaurant in the middle of deepest US ex-pat London. I'd certainly recommend it to anyone either side of the pond!Tootsies was buzzing on the Saturday afternoon we visited, and had a really lively, family-friendly ambience. It was a warm and welcoming respite from a cold grey day and although apparently a chain restaurant, it didn't really feel like one.

We were welcomed by attentive staff and seated quickly. The menu is fairly diverse and will cater to most tastes. I'm American-born and although I don't eat burgers very often, I do have pretty high standards when it comes to the beef, the bun, and the sides on offer. I went for the classic burger, which came with bacon and Monterey Jack cheese (something you don't see often enough on British menus!), and my fellow diner went for the jalapeno burger, which was full to bursting with onions, sour cream, jalapenos and guacamole. Both were cooked to taste and juicy. They came with chunky, decent chips and condiments came without us having to ask.

I can see why this place is popular with the W11 brunching crowd. It's an unpretentious hangout with a large variety of dishes and decent, welcoming service. I heard a few American accents there, which is proof of authenticity and high praise indeed for a burger restaurant in the middle of deepest US ex-pat London. I'd certainly recommend it to anyone either side of the pond!

Nyonya - A nyo nyo for me by Litro_K

Litro_K — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:21:34 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7243 1800

Tags: good service, malaysian, great location

What a shame about our experience at Nyonya! The location is fantastic, near Notting Hill Gate and en route to the markets of Ladbroke Grove and Portobello Road. It's a stylish little place too, set on a corner and boasting large convex windows that allow for great people-watching opportunities.

However, the day we came (a Saturday, around 5pm, when they should have been gearing up for customers), the two staff members could not have been more disinterested in us. (The restaurant was empty save for another couple). We were vaguely waved over to a table, had menus thrown down haphazardly, and were then left to our own devices while our waitress stood chatting to the front of house man standing behind the serving counter. He went off for a cigarette a few minutes later (we could see him smoking outside the window) and she found a copy of Vogue to read while we waited, aghast, to have our orders taken.

Once we did order, food appeared quickly - almost oddly so, and although hot and spicy, our rice noodles in the Penang Char Kway Teow were flabby and overcooked and the large, appealing-looking prawns in both our dishes were actually pretty flavourless. Had our service been better, I'd probably have left feeling fairly satisfied, because nothing here costs too much.

Maybe we were just being overly fussy. Maybe watching too many episodes of 'The Restaurant' and hearing Raymond Blanc purr about customer happiness had made too great an impression on us. But I doubt it. They just weren't that interested in us. Never a good sign.What a shame about our experience at Nyonya! The location is fantastic, near Notting Hill Gate and en route to the markets of Ladbroke Grove and Portobello Road. It's a stylish little place too, set on a corner and boasting large convex windows that allow for great people-watching opportunities.

However, the day we came (a Saturday, around 5pm, when they should have been gearing up for customers), the two staff members could not have been more disinterested in us. (The restaurant was empty save for another couple). We were vaguely waved over to a table, had menus thrown down haphazardly, and were then left to our own devices while our waitress stood chatting to the front of house man standing behind the serving counter. He went off for a cigarette a few minutes later (we could see him smoking outside the window) and she found a copy of Vogue to read while we waited, aghast, to have our orders taken.

Once we did order, food appeared quickly - almost oddly so, and although hot and spicy, our rice noodles in the Penang Char Kway Teow were flabby and overcooked and the large, appealing-looking prawns in both our dishes were actually pretty flavourless. Had our service been better, I'd probably have left feeling fairly satisfied, because nothing here costs too much.

Maybe we were just being overly fussy. Maybe watching too many episodes of 'The Restaurant' and hearing Raymond Blanc purr about customer happiness had made too great an impression on us. But I doubt it. They just weren't that interested in us. Never a good sign.

The Hoop & Toy - No no no by suzianny01

suzianny01 — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:08:53 +0000

Review by suzianny01

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7589 8360

Tags: food, tv for sporting events, vegetarian dishes

I would not recommend this pub to anyone, in fact I would encourage people not to go. I went there after an evening at the Proms for a couple of drinks and there was a sign on the wall which stated that closing time was 1pm. So when I noticed this we bought another bottle of wine at just before 11pm. Five minutes later the bell was rung and 10 minutes after that we were asked to drink up. I pointed out the notice on the wall and the member of staff said 'that is out of date' and ripped it off the wall. 10 minutes later the manager came over and ordered us to leave. With still a full glass of wine to drink I said that I couldn't rush and that the sign that was on the wall did show it was open much later. He told me that his colleague had already explained and that they were now closing and we had to leave. I was very angry, there was no apology and he was extremely rude. I told him there was no need to be rude and he replied telling me that there were much worse things he could have said to me. What???
I am still upset about it and that was a couple of months ago now.
Also I noted it had another sign on the wall which stated they did not serve tap water. I thought that everywhere had to serve tap water now??
I would not recommend this pub to anyone, in fact I would encourage people not to go. I went there after an evening at the Proms for a couple of drinks and there was a sign on the wall which stated that closing time was 1pm. So when I noticed this we bought another bottle of wine at just before 11pm. Five minutes later the bell was rung and 10 minutes after that we were asked to drink up. I pointed out the notice on the wall and the member of staff said 'that is out of date' and ripped it off the wall. 10 minutes later the manager came over and ordered us to leave. With still a full glass of wine to drink I said that I couldn't rush and that the sign that was on the wall did show it was open much later. He told me that his colleague had already explained and that they were now closing and we had to leave. I was very angry, there was no apology and he was extremely rude. I told him there was no need to be rude and he replied telling me that there were much worse things he could have said to me. What???
I am still upset about it and that was a couple of months ago now.
Also I noted it had another sign on the wall which stated they did not serve tap water. I thought that everywhere had to serve tap water now??

Ambassade de l’Ile - Vanity vs. Sanity: The Alienating Island by intoxicating

intoxicating — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:32:03 +0000

Review by intoxicating

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7373 2027

Website: http://www.ambassadedelile.com/

Tags: french, expensive, business

â¬ÜAMBASSADE DE lâ¬"Illeâ¬" is striking, beautiful and immaculate. Picture an elegant Edwardian library faÃ§ade, with a chic Italian furniture showroom behind it. An odd union, but it works. Careful, cardinal purple lighting smoothly illuminates white leather seating and panels, contrasting with amusing, tactile shag-pile and dark, urbane blinds. In the loos, fountains glow in a rainbow of colours. In the little lounge, what looks like a stainless steel seat (which I nearly sat on) is actually a low trellis of fire.

Plasma screens are a quirky, but well-intentioned aperture into the kitchen. A live feed into your food. Two shelves of battered, fading Michelin guides are the only tomes in this former place of books, and it almost goes without saying, clearly signal chef's intent. An authority on London restaurants described these as being 'like those leather bound books gentrified pubs have - apparently they are all glued together and you buy them by the yard...'

Incidentally, Morgan Meunier is another chef who used to display the Michelin bibles (before he grew out of nappies).

Jean-Christophe Ansannay Alex already has two Michelin stars for his Lyonnais restaurant, lâ¬"Auberge de lâ¬"Ile. One critic described him as one of â¬Üâ¬¦the most under-rated two star holdersâ¬¦â¬" Come January, he may well garner a couple more in Blighty (equating to one per name).

And that would be a profound disgrace.

The reasons? -Glacial service and astonishing food, which neither my friend, nor I could engage with.

From the Lyonnais menu, a giant quenelle of (may contain) Pike was served on a slippery frond of Spinach (as if squashed to death) with tomatoey Sauce Nantua and a homeopathic trace of Crayfish. Apart from looking like a pasty administered growth enhancing Georgeâ¬"s Marvellous Medicine, it had the texture of street soiled mattress and left a sour, almost metallic aftertaste. Filling rather than thrilling - and I am sorry to say this - what little of it I ate shot through me.

A giblet of moussed cheese which looked like a mouse made a mockery. It was saddled by chive ears and joined by a dolls house portion of St. Marcellin and weedy mesclun.

Dessert from the former world dessert champion, Pascal Molines justified his victory as being very much in the past tense. A thin triangle of gharish, jammy flan served on a greasy plate.

With coffee, patronising popcorn came dusted with raspberry sugar.
Give me strength.

Whilst I suspect they could do better, it feels as if Ansannay Alex exists in his own world. The fact that he left his insulated kitchen to tour the padded restaurant said much for the thickness of his hyde. Had he not registered the still heaving plates returning to the wash-up?

Fate requires little provocation. If Ambassade continues with this estranging tunnel vision, the credit crunch will Pacman his little, lavishly priced imported Lyonnais island unto oblivion...â¬ÜAMBASSADE DE lâ¬"Illeâ¬" is striking, beautiful and immaculate. Picture an elegant Edwardian library faÃ§ade, with a chic Italian furniture showroom behind it. An odd union, but it works. Careful, cardinal purple lighting smoothly illuminates white leather seating and panels, contrasting with amusing, tactile shag-pile and dark, urbane blinds. In the loos, fountains glow in a rainbow of colours. In the little lounge, what looks like a stainless steel seat (which I nearly sat on) is actually a low trellis of fire.

Plasma screens are a quirky, but well-intentioned aperture into the kitchen. A live feed into your food. Two shelves of battered, fading Michelin guides are the only tomes in this former place of books, and it almost goes without saying, clearly signal chef's intent. An authority on London restaurants described these as being 'like those leather bound books gentrified pubs have - apparently they are all glued together and you buy them by the yard...'

Incidentally, Morgan Meunier is another chef who used to display the Michelin bibles (before he grew out of nappies).

Jean-Christophe Ansannay Alex already has two Michelin stars for his Lyonnais restaurant, lâ¬"Auberge de lâ¬"Ile. One critic described him as one of â¬Üâ¬¦the most under-rated two star holdersâ¬¦â¬" Come January, he may well garner a couple more in Blighty (equating to one per name).

And that would be a profound disgrace.

The reasons? -Glacial service and astonishing food, which neither my friend, nor I could engage with.

From the Lyonnais menu, a giant quenelle of (may contain) Pike was served on a slippery frond of Spinach (as if squashed to death) with tomatoey Sauce Nantua and a homeopathic trace of Crayfish. Apart from looking like a pasty administered growth enhancing Georgeâ¬"s Marvellous Medicine, it had the texture of street soiled mattress and left a sour, almost metallic aftertaste. Filling rather than thrilling - and I am sorry to say this - what little of it I ate shot through me.

A giblet of moussed cheese which looked like a mouse made a mockery. It was saddled by chive ears and joined by a dolls house portion of St. Marcellin and weedy mesclun.

Dessert from the former world dessert champion, Pascal Molines justified his victory as being very much in the past tense. A thin triangle of gharish, jammy flan served on a greasy plate.

With coffee, patronising popcorn came dusted with raspberry sugar.
Give me strength.

Whilst I suspect they could do better, it feels as if Ansannay Alex exists in his own world. The fact that he left his insulated kitchen to tour the padded restaurant said much for the thickness of his hyde. Had he not registered the still heaving plates returning to the wash-up?

Fate requires little provocation. If Ambassade continues with this estranging tunnel vision, the credit crunch will Pacman his little, lavishly priced imported Lyonnais island unto oblivion...

Tendido Cero - Excellent Tapas Bar by nip_and_nosh

nip_and_nosh — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:23:30 +0000

Review by nip_and_nosh

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7370 3685

Website: http://www.cambiodetercio.co.uk

Tags: lively, spanish, bar

This is an excellent tapas bar that stays pretty busy on all evenings. The owners of this restaurant also own the Spanish restaurant across the street, Cambio de Tercio.

It is actually quite fun to sit at the bar, which I opted for on my second visit there when I had not booked in advance... The service is professional and knowledgeable about the food on offer.

The food is delicious! Typical dishes like Spanish cheeses with quince, patatas bravas, Serrano ham and bechamel croquettes, and Spanish omelette are all lovely. And then there are some stand-out dishes I had never had before like: Fillet of pork with fresh figs and a light blue cheese sauce (the bartender, who served as our waiter recommended this one when we asked for his personal favorite) - absolutely wonderful! The almond tarte for dessert was also a wonderful finish.

The delicious food and helpful service at Tendido Cero will keep me coming back - whenever I'm missing the taste of Spain, this is the restaurant I head to.This is an excellent tapas bar that stays pretty busy on all evenings. The owners of this restaurant also own the Spanish restaurant across the street, Cambio de Tercio.

It is actually quite fun to sit at the bar, which I opted for on my second visit there when I had not booked in advance... The service is professional and knowledgeable about the food on offer.

The food is delicious! Typical dishes like Spanish cheeses with quince, patatas bravas, Serrano ham and bechamel croquettes, and Spanish omelette are all lovely. And then there are some stand-out dishes I had never had before like: Fillet of pork with fresh figs and a light blue cheese sauce (the bartender, who served as our waiter recommended this one when we asked for his personal favorite) - absolutely wonderful! The almond tarte for dessert was also a wonderful finish.

The delicious food and helpful service at Tendido Cero will keep me coming back - whenever I'm missing the taste of Spain, this is the restaurant I head to.

The Muffin Man Tea Shop - A great little find! by nip_and_nosh

nip_and_nosh — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 19:19:47 +0000

Review by nip_and_nosh

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7937 6652

Tags: cosy, quick bite, quiet & relaxed

If you are in the general area, it is worth a stop for some tea and a scone at the Muffin Man. A quaint and cosy tea room, the Muffin Man is how one pictures a British Tea Room to be. You feel more like you are in someone's home, or in a Bed & Breakfast - it has that comfortable, no-fuss feel.

The scone was nice - nothing too out of the ordinary, but just as you would expect from a nice little tea room.

It's probably not one I'd go out of my way to see, but if you are in the area, doing a little shopping, and want a nice quiet escape to rest the feet and have some nice tea, the Muffin Man is a perfect respite.If you are in the general area, it is worth a stop for some tea and a scone at the Muffin Man. A quaint and cosy tea room, the Muffin Man is how one pictures a British Tea Room to be. You feel more like you are in someone's home, or in a Bed & Breakfast - it has that comfortable, no-fuss feel.

The scone was nice - nothing too out of the ordinary, but just as you would expect from a nice little tea room.

It's probably not one I'd go out of my way to see, but if you are in the area, doing a little shopping, and want a nice quiet escape to rest the feet and have some nice tea, the Muffin Man is a perfect respite.

Abbaye - A little piece of Brugge in South Ken by nip_and_nosh

nip_and_nosh — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 19:10:03 +0000

Review by nip_and_nosh

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7373 2403

Tags: romantic, family & home feel, good value

Close to Gloucester Road or South Ken tube stations, Abbaye is a wonderful restaurant filled with dark, wooden tables and soft lighting - a nice, relaxed and inviting place.

If you are a Belgian beer lover, this is a great place to know about. Their menu is very extensive - spanning Trappist, Lambics, Ales, Wheat Beer, Brown Ales... many are on tap and others are by the bottle. They even have the famous Kwak which is served in the wooden holder (just order one if you have never experienced it before!).

Beyond all the great beer, Abbaye offers some delectable Belgian fare... a variety of moules frites (mussels and chips) go down a treat.

A great spot that is never too terribly busy, yet has a good buzz about it. There is a small outdoor seating area, but most is inside.Close to Gloucester Road or South Ken tube stations, Abbaye is a wonderful restaurant filled with dark, wooden tables and soft lighting - a nice, relaxed and inviting place.

If you are a Belgian beer lover, this is a great place to know about. Their menu is very extensive - spanning Trappist, Lambics, Ales, Wheat Beer, Brown Ales... many are on tap and others are by the bottle. They even have the famous Kwak which is served in the wooden holder (just order one if you have never experienced it before!).

Beyond all the great beer, Abbaye offers some delectable Belgian fare... a variety of moules frites (mussels and chips) go down a treat.

A great spot that is never too terribly busy, yet has a good buzz about it. There is a small outdoor seating area, but most is inside.

Curry Palace - Good food and halal... by syed1

syed1 — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 13:12:25 +0000

Review by syed1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7243 8992

Tags: indian, good value, family & home feel

well first of all i would like to take an oppurtnity to dispute the last reviewer as i went to curry place last week and had a good blast the place is clean compare to few restaurant round in queensway probobily the best in queensway ....secondly i was looking for the dahl makhni which the last reviewer said unfortuanattly did not find that on there menu so if an item they dont list on the menu how can someone complain about it i found that last reviewer never went to curry place ...well back to curry place well as you walk you see curry place with the red awining and red plant box in the front terrace which has few electric heater and gas heater too...2 elephant on each side of the entrance which is made out of real brass and looks great..as you walk in you are imidiatly on visiuel with a futestic fish tank and indside has chairs and deco red and white with uplight in redish colour looks cosy and worm as you sit you notice lcd screen with bollywood music video ...on with the order i tried the chicken pakora as starter very nice andtender with tramrind sauce then for the main i tried the labm jalfrezi as i like my curry spicy it was just perfect with curry place special fried rice and enjoyed it throughly....after the meal i had an hour to hand and thought to try the shisha on the outside space with mint tea it was great...to smoke the flavourd pipe and sip on the mint tea and watch people from alover the world walking by ...over all great food good service and lovly place....i recomand it to anyone ...well first of all i would like to take an oppurtnity to dispute the last reviewer as i went to curry place last week and had a good blast the place is clean compare to few restaurant round in queensway probobily the best in queensway ....secondly i was looking for the dahl makhni which the last reviewer said unfortuanattly did not find that on there menu so if an item they dont list on the menu how can someone complain about it i found that last reviewer never went to curry place ...well back to curry place well as you walk you see curry place with the red awining and red plant box in the front terrace which has few electric heater and gas heater too...2 elephant on each side of the entrance which is made out of real brass and looks great..as you walk in you are imidiatly on visiuel with a futestic fish tank and indside has chairs and deco red and white with uplight in redish colour looks cosy and worm as you sit you notice lcd screen with bollywood music video ...on with the order i tried the chicken pakora as starter very nice andtender with tramrind sauce then for the main i tried the labm jalfrezi as i like my curry spicy it was just perfect with curry place special fried rice and enjoyed it throughly....after the meal i had an hour to hand and thought to try the shisha on the outside space with mint tea it was great...to smoke the flavourd pipe and sip on the mint tea and watch people from alover the world walking by ...over all great food good service and lovly place....i recomand it to anyone ...

Zaika - Phenomenal Indian - East Meets West by nip_and_nosh

nip_and_nosh — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:29:47 +0000

Review by nip_and_nosh

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7795 6533

Website: http://www.cuisine-collection.co.uk

Tags: indian, crowded, business

I have eaten here 7 or 8 times and have never been disappointed. Zaika provides more than just fantastic food, they provide an entire experience. The first Indian restaurant to receive a Michelin Star, this restaurant is not your typical London curry house.

After ordering, you will receive a complimentary pre-starter - a gorgeous soup served in a small cup with lovely skewered chicken on top. The flavors might not be like any other Indian that you have tried before - you won't find dishes like tikka masala, korma, or jalfrezi on the menu. Instead, there are incredible fish and prawn dishes (my personal favorite is the Kingfish dish), an exceptional lamb rogan josht, and a variety of other options to satisfy everyone's palettes. Even their naan has Zaika's creative touch, with flavors such as naan with mushroom and truffle, or naan with goats cheese... the chef has taken the best of Indian spices and cooking techniques, and married them perfectly with some Western flavors and ingredients -- all of which makes for an unforgettable meal that will keep you coming back.

Their wine list is extensive and their staff is very knowledgeable with recommendations. Even their desserts offer something a little different - trio of creme brulee was a standout.

Whether you'd like to impress a date, entertain business associates, or simply enjoy Indian that is a step above anything you may have had before, Zaika is an excellent choice for an evening out.I have eaten here 7 or 8 times and have never been disappointed. Zaika provides more than just fantastic food, they provide an entire experience. The first Indian restaurant to receive a Michelin Star, this restaurant is not your typical London curry house.

After ordering, you will receive a complimentary pre-starter - a gorgeous soup served in a small cup with lovely skewered chicken on top. The flavors might not be like any other Indian that you have tried before - you won't find dishes like tikka masala, korma, or jalfrezi on the menu. Instead, there are incredible fish and prawn dishes (my personal favorite is the Kingfish dish), an exceptional lamb rogan josht, and a variety of other options to satisfy everyone's palettes. Even their naan has Zaika's creative touch, with flavors such as naan with mushroom and truffle, or naan with goats cheese... the chef has taken the best of Indian spices and cooking techniques, and married them perfectly with some Western flavors and ingredients -- all of which makes for an unforgettable meal that will keep you coming back.

Their wine list is extensive and their staff is very knowledgeable with recommendations. Even their desserts offer something a little different - trio of creme brulee was a standout.

Whether you'd like to impress a date, entertain business associates, or simply enjoy Indian that is a step above anything you may have had before, Zaika is an excellent choice for an evening out.

Ashbee's - mr_borje by Mr_borje

Mr_borje — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:04:46 +0000

Review by Mr_borje

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7373 6180

Tags: pretentious, east european

wery nice stafwery nice staf

Min Jiang - One Fine Duck by bellaphon

bellaphon — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 22:23:05 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7937 8000

Website: http://www.royalgdn.co.uk/dining_and_bars/min_jiang_restaurant.htm

Tags: romantic, chinese, expensive

Letâ¬"s be absolutely clear on this, Min Jiang is indeed very high end and you come here for the duck.

I found Brian Sewellâ¬"s review for thisislondon.co.uk misrepresentative, he didnâ¬"t order the duck let alone mention it. Imagining going to the Le Gavroche for the first time and not ordering the SoufflÃ© Suissesse. Sacrilege.

Booking is essential for the two simple reasons that the duck takes up to an hour to roast and youâ¬"ll want a window table. The view of Hyde Park and our great City elates the appetite even more. To give it its full name, the wood-fired Beijing Duck is presented in two servings. One of the chefs will start to appear and expertly carve the bird at your table. The First serving is ironically two tiered, first the delicious crispy skin (just below the neck as itâ¬"s allegedly the best tasting) with a dipping dish of fine granulated sugar. This is then followed by the fine slivers of breast meat that can only be described as divine and totally melting. The usual accompaniments that you normally have with your Crispy Aromatic Duck in other Chinese joints of pancakes, hoisin sauce, shredded leek and cucumber are also included. The Second Serving comes with six options that include fried rice, fried noodles to soup. This serving deals with whatâ¬"s left of your duck. My daughter and I opted for the classic industry standard of Fried Rice with diced Duck, it was thankfully superior tasting and not run of the mill. Beware of the fact that when the duck appears at your table, the head and the parsonâ¬"s nose are still evidently there, but donâ¬"t let that put you off. The reason for that is traditionally the Chinese believe that everything in life has a beginning and an end and is thus presented that way, the in between simply doesnâ¬"t register as itâ¬"s incomplete. That said, this is the best duck Iâ¬"ve had in London, and please donâ¬"t harp about Beijing, Hong Kong or Singapore to draw comparisons. Iâ¬"m stuck in London for the time being so this will have to do.

Other dishes that were ordered from the Dim Sum menu included parcels of Baked Char Siew Puffs and Egg Custard Tarts, these were tiny and painfully expensive. They were fortunately deliciously baked and classy tasting. The one let down was the so-so Crispy Fried Squid with Salt, Pepper and Chilli (the batter was gritty tasting).

Service from such an esoteric outfit like this was exemplary as expected. The near clinical ambience of this toppish hotel restaurant simply fades away with the said views of the park and skyline.

Go save your money and enjoy a fine duck here.

Letâ¬"s be absolutely clear on this, Min Jiang is indeed very high end and you come here for the duck.

I found Brian Sewellâ¬"s review for thisislondon.co.uk misrepresentative, he didnâ¬"t order the duck let alone mention it. Imagining going to the Le Gavroche for the first time and not ordering the SoufflÃ© Suissesse. Sacrilege.

Booking is essential for the two simple reasons that the duck takes up to an hour to roast and youâ¬"ll want a window table. The view of Hyde Park and our great City elates the appetite even more. To give it its full name, the wood-fired Beijing Duck is presented in two servings. One of the chefs will start to appear and expertly carve the bird at your table. The First serving is ironically two tiered, first the delicious crispy skin (just below the neck as itâ¬"s allegedly the best tasting) with a dipping dish of fine granulated sugar. This is then followed by the fine slivers of breast meat that can only be described as divine and totally melting. The usual accompaniments that you normally have with your Crispy Aromatic Duck in other Chinese joints of pancakes, hoisin sauce, shredded leek and cucumber are also included. The Second Serving comes with six options that include fried rice, fried noodles to soup. This serving deals with whatâ¬"s left of your duck. My daughter and I opted for the classic industry standard of Fried Rice with diced Duck, it was thankfully superior tasting and not run of the mill. Beware of the fact that when the duck appears at your table, the head and the parsonâ¬"s nose are still evidently there, but donâ¬"t let that put you off. The reason for that is traditionally the Chinese believe that everything in life has a beginning and an end and is thus presented that way, the in between simply doesnâ¬"t register as itâ¬"s incomplete. That said, this is the best duck Iâ¬"ve had in London, and please donâ¬"t harp about Beijing, Hong Kong or Singapore to draw comparisons. Iâ¬"m stuck in London for the time being so this will have to do.

Other dishes that were ordered from the Dim Sum menu included parcels of Baked Char Siew Puffs and Egg Custard Tarts, these were tiny and painfully expensive. They were fortunately deliciously baked and classy tasting. The one let down was the so-so Crispy Fried Squid with Salt, Pepper and Chilli (the batter was gritty tasting).

Service from such an esoteric outfit like this was exemplary as expected. The near clinical ambience of this toppish hotel restaurant simply fades away with the said views of the park and skyline.

Go save your money and enjoy a fine duck here.