tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65720569823200231812024-03-06T05:45:42.567+00:00ProvenderLondon and UK Restaurant ReviewsHChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-9083498508182305472009-02-23T12:35:00.004+00:002009-02-23T12:49:18.875+00:00Tagine, Balham<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3td20sEdy1pQDX62wLxbK7BpuQD16U_nKnHQrrGJB02-Enznir7pLgHGJ8PMEeSMHIXRZmMwJMMVTFQO-sJZgpIKjsrqtUoJFcyyFVRa2vEgT2CjAkJsiD27CEPmAOuM9BQDd5nlfzU/s1600-h/1192528942640.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 271px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3td20sEdy1pQDX62wLxbK7BpuQD16U_nKnHQrrGJB02-Enznir7pLgHGJ8PMEeSMHIXRZmMwJMMVTFQO-sJZgpIKjsrqtUoJFcyyFVRa2vEgT2CjAkJsiD27CEPmAOuM9BQDd5nlfzU/s320/1192528942640.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305970819705621858" /></a>Sunday lunchtime. We didn't want to spend much money, we weren't too hungry, we wanted to drink champagne. <div>This combination of factors led us to return to Tagine in Balham as we knew their huge portions of houmous, pittas, aubergine and pepper dips and their BYO policy were perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div>The three of us were the only customers which didn't bother us. We settled and ordered our food, which arrived promptly, with friendly service.</div><div><br /></div><div>The problem was that they didn't tell us that shortly a film company would be using the restaurant as a set. Cameras started being set up, huge hot lights were erected, makeup and costume ladies started doing their thing. In short, we were right in the way. Staff all directed their attention to the crew and then half way through our meal someone came over and asked if we'd mind pausing our meal to be extras (we would mind, yes). Eventually we just paid up and left. The restaurant should have been shut that day, simple as.</div><div><br /></div><div>One course: £9 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 5/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 2/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 23/40</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Tagine, 1-3 Fernlea Road, London, SW12 9RT. Tel: 020 86757604.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-21030629456911831082009-02-18T11:00:00.003+00:002009-02-18T11:21:52.480+00:00Ask, Mayfair<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHeC6pXNeUho4QZLzsSkDDL-q7yYM_bBeo4UUQ29rHojTXEleZMnPoLgE50EuYj3U-seNytoOaof_DAQ9VOmqPW724st8TuOINvvGEnI4p05sI8muwvBBODS6EnYLr4uRIvcihh5MLYc/s1600-h/longgood_ask.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHeC6pXNeUho4QZLzsSkDDL-q7yYM_bBeo4UUQ29rHojTXEleZMnPoLgE50EuYj3U-seNytoOaof_DAQ9VOmqPW724st8TuOINvvGEnI4p05sI8muwvBBODS6EnYLr4uRIvcihh5MLYc/s320/longgood_ask.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304092994694157522" /></a>There was a 2 for 1 deal going at <a href="http://www.askrestaurants.com/mainpage.html">Ask</a> and a little strapped for cash, three of us decided to do that and split the bill threeways. That is the only real reason I would go to this restaurant, as I have always found it to be a fairly middle of the road pizza chain, inferior to Pizza Express and certainly to Strada.<div><br /></div><div>Anyway, we arrived without booking but it was only a Wednesday night and there were plenty of tables.</div><div>We waited by the door for about five minutes without any acknowledgment from staff that we were there. Eventually I weaved through the tables and asked a waitress who was standing by the till, if we could have a table. She didn't answer but turned to another more senior waiter and he gestured for us to follow him. We made our way towards the table but it then became apparent that they were still clearing it, and so we had to hover in the middle of the restaurant. Then, yet another waiter came over to us and very rudely said "Can you wait by the door to be seated please? You're in everyone's way!". We began to return that way when the second waiter called us back... A dreadful start, and no apology.</div><div><br /></div><div>We ordered soft drinks and pizzas, which arrived in a reasonable amount of time and were reasonable themselves. My Pollo Piccante had a good amount of chicken and some nice lightly roasted red peppers, Penne del Giardino looked good with lots of veg and Spaghetti e Polpette was a triumph of meatballs for my friend, who enjoyed it very much.</div><div><br /></div><div>The atmosphere in there was buzzy but fairly bland. The whole experience was quite meh, especially when it took an absolute age to get, and then pay for, the bill.</div><div><br /></div><div>One course and a soft drink: £12 per head (without offer)</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 4/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 24/40</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Ask, 56-60 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 2RZ. Tel: 020 72243484.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-44091743020565784052009-02-17T11:16:00.003+00:002009-02-17T11:31:21.391+00:00All Star Lanes, Bayswater<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYEJy1brNr7WqEG7gf-Ps91ylCLQ6htYgBVHosIhntH_0lD1-Za8IbYb_hrCdkMYpoQfq0EnQZ1qmXuMakkur4-0KFWEvYSe8Zpf3TpUd4bx6Q5eThtWt1rPYwWE_Hs28PFzgaaMvrHk/s1600-h/1191322226087.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 271px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYEJy1brNr7WqEG7gf-Ps91ylCLQ6htYgBVHosIhntH_0lD1-Za8IbYb_hrCdkMYpoQfq0EnQZ1qmXuMakkur4-0KFWEvYSe8Zpf3TpUd4bx6Q5eThtWt1rPYwWE_Hs28PFzgaaMvrHk/s320/1191322226087.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303723959264486274" /></a>A company team-building event took twenty of us again to <a href="http://www.allstarlanes.co.uk/bayswater/eat.aspx">All Star Lanes</a> in Bayswater. The staff provided tap water on the table before we were seated and offered drinks without hassling or annoying us.<div><br /></div><div>To begin I ordered salt and pepper popcorn squid, which unfortunately they forgot and so I received just as the mains were arriving. However, it was very good - not greasy and well flavoured, a very generous portion as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>My steak for main course was delicious, a lovely piece of meat and cooked exactly as requested.</div><div>Everyone seemed happy with what they had, from pot pie to burger. String fries are really good - hot and salty and crunchy but soft on the inside (but they are extra...).</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a very cool venue for a group, if a little on the expensive side.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two courses and half a bottle of wine: £40 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 29/40</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>All Star Lanes, Whiteleys, 6 Porchester Gardens, London, W2 4DB. Tel: 020 73138363.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-69527113741020704362009-02-12T11:45:00.003+00:002009-02-12T12:17:42.649+00:00Mr Underhill's, Ludlow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionVwr3yNo-W5VaivYhtA-uRWwlzay6LB7PK96_Yywao4xcoPY6DmDxyAEv-n5rEfALbj7CtFwQOYDFkh85IjoT7KHg6hnn858bL2giPaRzvtQ_C0z_p3SwKltOYmvOB9urfjwWRtARPE/s1600-h/mr_underhills_shropshire_original.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionVwr3yNo-W5VaivYhtA-uRWwlzay6LB7PK96_Yywao4xcoPY6DmDxyAEv-n5rEfALbj7CtFwQOYDFkh85IjoT7KHg6hnn858bL2giPaRzvtQ_C0z_p3SwKltOYmvOB9urfjwWRtARPE/s320/mr_underhills_shropshire_original.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301876009283000626" /></a>I was so excited to visit <a href="http://www.mr-underhills.co.uk/">Mr Underhill's</a>, a birthday treat for my ma. We only got in by luck - the first date I tried for (two months away) was fully booked and the second had had a cancellation half an hour before.<div><br /></div><div>It was a Saturday night and the restaurant was full. </div><div>The room wasn't quite as I had imagined. The exterior is a period building, next to the weir, but the interior is ever so slightly bland, a little like someone's formal dining room. However, the service was fantastic: we had a youngish waiter who was really friendly and the owner, Mrs Bradley, worked the room, checking everything was ok and advising the next table on wine (incidentally, after asking them a few questions she recommended they go for the house). </div><div><br /></div><div>There is only the tasting menu available and they called me the day before to let me know we would be eating venison, and to check if anyone would prefer a different main meat (we were happy with venison). I decided to just enjoy the food and not make a note of every course and so here are a few snippets of what we had: salmon mousse in a small cone (delicate and flavoursome), butternut veloute with parmesan froth and aged balsamic (great flavour combos), monkfish with cep pasta (beautiful fish and light pasta), the venison which was the best meat dish any of us had ever had - fabulously tender with a rich, deep red wine, elderberries and thyme with soft chive mash, iced plum sponge with star anise ice cream (a gorgeous finish). You could select a pudding - I chose a Highland parfait with flapjack wafer, Scottish oat praline and Drambuie which was divine. Deeply hot chocolate tart with white chocolate ice cream, greengage crumble with verbena icecream and lemon tart with orange and marscapone ice cream were all well received too - everything was the perfect portion size too - generous but just enough. There were handmade sweets and cake with coffee and a few other amuse bouche, which I forget. All this was accompanied by a couple of lovely bottles of Rioja.</div><div><br /></div><div>As we left we were given two packets of homemade fudge to have with our morning coffee. Mr Underhill's feels like a family operation with a professional touch. Food and service were fabulous and value wise, I have had many many meals for much more, to a much lower standard. This restaurant deservedly has a Michelin star.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tasting menu and half a bottle of wine: £60 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 10/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 9/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 34/40</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>Mr Underhill's, Dinham Weir, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1EH. Tel: 01584 874431.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-64089686698469423882009-02-10T12:43:00.003+00:002009-02-10T12:58:52.243+00:00Boulevard Brasserie, Covent Garden<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcJs3OEM9c5M_ZqbKi97oVj86uv9kthjH7Pyfx29pUhfpdFKgawgjOv9DQj_yQ6L2jrou9IyLrUhPMMBErJtEB-Qj2CRgIuBnVkNDfzhRhU_p-FJAZ3wtamXhrGGuKh6tbUnFX28RbcA/s1600-h/boulevard-brasserie.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 172px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcJs3OEM9c5M_ZqbKi97oVj86uv9kthjH7Pyfx29pUhfpdFKgawgjOv9DQj_yQ6L2jrou9IyLrUhPMMBErJtEB-Qj2CRgIuBnVkNDfzhRhU_p-FJAZ3wtamXhrGGuKh6tbUnFX28RbcA/s320/boulevard-brasserie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301149104973272546" /></a>I needed to catch up with a friend and <a href="http://www.boulevardbrasserie.co.uk/">Boulevard Brasserie</a> was central and convenient for both of us. It is a very buzzy location and was packed, even on a Tuesday night.<div>We had a cocktail whilst we perused the menu and then to begin we had duck parfait with toasted brioche and fig chutney. It was really delicious, the sweet flavours of the fig and the brioche contrasting with the rich duck. For main course we both had steak - cooked to perfection with slim French fries and a bearnaise sauce. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a great place for a pre or post theatre meal, or for catching up. The service was professional and friendly. Centrally, you couldn't do much better.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two courses and a cocktail: £29 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 9/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 32/40</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>Boulevard Brasserie, 40 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7BD. Tel: 020 72402992.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-53080834491959504442009-02-04T12:42:00.003+00:002009-02-04T12:55:53.763+00:00Soho Thai, Soho<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2Xi5flrUSPC_gJVA47bZDBJljWcTIJpL77OENBUVOEq7EtvxJa2MICl9nGi3_FyJR-rkkepHvzGzukWmzttsfqC5X7pfPbyPs77X1XlwAMPKE1r-KueWZ7_RerPgmwFdxU0MBb5Fpgs/s1600-h/2209.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2Xi5flrUSPC_gJVA47bZDBJljWcTIJpL77OENBUVOEq7EtvxJa2MICl9nGi3_FyJR-rkkepHvzGzukWmzttsfqC5X7pfPbyPs77X1XlwAMPKE1r-KueWZ7_RerPgmwFdxU0MBb5Fpgs/s320/2209.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298922337618354162" /></a>Six of us were wandering through Soho looking for somewhere to eat. A plan to go to Cha Cha Moon had been scuppered by the length of the queue.<div><br /></div><div>Soho Thai caught our eye and we were ushered into the back room where they had a big enough table but lacked the atmosphere of the main dining area. The service was efficient, if not overly friendly.</div><div><br /></div><div>To begin, tom yum soup went down very well, prawn toasts were tasty (if a little heavy) and not too greasy with a generous sprinkling of sesame seeds. The menu doesn't offer any surprises, but it delivers the classics with ease: green Thai curry, chicken massaman curry, pad se-iew, pad Thai - all polished off with no problem. House wine was decent enough.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two courses and half a bottle of wine: £20 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 26/40</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Soho Thai, 27-28 St. Anne's Court, London, W1F 0BN. Tel: 020 72872000.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-54458243310432369322009-01-28T15:37:00.003+00:002009-01-28T16:16:36.678+00:00La Tasca, Soho<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFP8Esllw57vtIzt-gLoo6sivjQKObYOjNU9K2fkosaMbhOBplC-riKD-bCunR_9l7InN40PEvWxkPb5lRG00lHcUwMIt84goswIypD37mHGSWgR49YBiGL9OXSnUN20bcgzlhoQqreL0/s1600-h/tapas_alt.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFP8Esllw57vtIzt-gLoo6sivjQKObYOjNU9K2fkosaMbhOBplC-riKD-bCunR_9l7InN40PEvWxkPb5lRG00lHcUwMIt84goswIypD37mHGSWgR49YBiGL9OXSnUN20bcgzlhoQqreL0/s320/tapas_alt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296372084699644178" /></a>I had a hangover. A dreadful hangover. The kind that resulted in my being trapped between methods of transport: unable to face getting on the tube and unable to return home on the bus.<div>When I eventually made it to Oxford Circus to meet two friends all I wanted to do was sit, and eat.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of them suggested <a href="http://www.latasca.co.uk/find-us/regent.html">La Tasca</a> as they do an offer - all you can eat tapas for a tenner. I am not a huge fan of the La Tasca chain - I have always found service, food and sangria to be lacking in pizzazz and authenticity but on this occasion I was willing to give it another go (not the sangria).</div><div><br /></div><div>The offer has no real catches - tapas, and as much as you want.</div><div><br /></div><div>We went slightly mad and ordered almost everything. The bread with olive oil and sherry vinegar was soft and fresh, if a little dull. Marinated chicken wings were moreish, Spanish sausage in red wine was greasy, deep fried white fish in batter was very good, squid rings were just on the wrong side of chewy but the garlic mayonnaise was good, aubergine topped with cheese and tomato was boring, patatas bravas were fine but to be fair even in Madrid they let me down - the only good ones I have ever had were at the now closed Global in Wandsworth. Finally, the paella rice was good but the chicken was bony and limited.</div><div><br /></div><div>We ordered again and again after that and were never rushed, the waitress served us in bemused silence as we ate our own body weight in tapas. The atmosphere on a Sunday afternoon was actually not bad - the gentle hum of couples and groups of friends soaking up the previous night's excess.</div><div><br /></div><div>All you can eat tapas and a soft drink: £12.50 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 9/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 29/40</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>La Tasca, 300 Regent Street, London, W1B 3AR. Tel: 020 76372886.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-62644633171216608912009-01-27T11:08:00.004+00:002009-01-27T14:48:07.866+00:00La Movida, Battersea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgb2FJaBI0cW8WU0F9yWkZPTj_TQ7xUVuhDRCIzwmGbWn32rMSRZtBmU6t5QvKtEox7qYV9s6Av5l0-Cp6CBohPwteoQPFR0NpjvF_UgAi7M4ktL5xdSLv1PKPfXed19rNCqbrBeL-mG8/s1600-h/300-SW11-3BU-p1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgb2FJaBI0cW8WU0F9yWkZPTj_TQ7xUVuhDRCIzwmGbWn32rMSRZtBmU6t5QvKtEox7qYV9s6Av5l0-Cp6CBohPwteoQPFR0NpjvF_UgAi7M4ktL5xdSLv1PKPfXed19rNCqbrBeL-mG8/s320/300-SW11-3BU-p1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295929308361254786" /></a>It was a Saturday night and a friend and I wanted some food before a night out. Walking down Battersea Park Road we found only a handful of options and all of them fairly dead. <div><br /></div><div>We chose La Movida and dashed in out of the pouring rain. It looks authentically Spanish inside - minimal decor, plain wooden tables, basic laminated menu displaying tapas and paella. We decided to share the Paella Valencia for two and were happy to wait the twenty five minutes it would take to prepare, chatting over the decent house red and eating bread. </div><div><br /></div><div>It arrived packed with chicken and seafood, beautiful saffrony rice sticky with tomato flavour. It was a generous portion and absolutely delicious. The service was friendly and not overbearing, despite the fact that there was only one more table bar us, at 8pm on a Saturday night. A great little local.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bread, one course and half a bottle of wine: £20 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 5/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 27/40</span></div><div><br /></div><div>La Movida, 300 Battersea Park Road, London, SW11 3BU. Tel: 020 79242595.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-9400388822667888212009-01-26T11:48:00.004+00:002009-01-27T14:48:23.856+00:00The Prince of Wales, Battersea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYw31gQSFKGcX5IlLigQO17u1hkElTAJdg6WAX_qWdkSEyv-8-zPKcHEJloYH_7ory5AipfwkpMliExelO3AWoax-UGR1M-CWgn6L2bgvp47riDrbl16EV1P1dEwXYQACDR6tJTBT3Mo/s1600-h/prince_eve_002.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYw31gQSFKGcX5IlLigQO17u1hkElTAJdg6WAX_qWdkSEyv-8-zPKcHEJloYH_7ory5AipfwkpMliExelO3AWoax-UGR1M-CWgn6L2bgvp47riDrbl16EV1P1dEwXYQACDR6tJTBT3Mo/s320/prince_eve_002.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295568365231388434" /></a>I remember <a href="http://www.theprinceofwalesbattersea.co.uk/index.php">this pub</a> being the rowdy, hockey team favourite The Settle Inn. Its atmosphere couldn't have been much more different when I went for lunch with a friend and her parents. It is very much a food orientated pub (when I popped in recently on a Sunday every table was occupied by diners, there was nowhere to have a drink) and we sat in the large dining room. Everyone went for a sandwich - some of us for chicken and some for steak. Mine (a chicken version) was good, if a little dull - salad etc all fine but nothing that sticks in the memory and some decent chips. The steak, though was tough and chewy - served on a skewer to be placed into the bread yourself - and at one point a member of our party had to discreetly spit a particularly unpalatable piece into her napkin.<div><br /></div><div>Determined to end the meal on a better note we had sticky toffee pudding with icecream which was delicious, and a generous size. </div><div><br /></div><div>As it's local, I expect I will give it another go sometime but a disappointing start.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two courses and a glass of wine: £16 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 27/40</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The Prince of Wales, 186 Battersea Bridge Road, London, SW11 3AE. Tel: 020 72280395.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-23167960723122628812009-01-20T14:01:00.004+00:002009-01-20T14:25:01.636+00:00The Westbourne, Notting Hill<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmS4tgX_xYrs3UQ6__h-0WEq3BCad2zRAFt3ttKXVjj9Y74N9oRTOzZIxy5vZ1XqSDWXCbMUbZZB-WJkxvo_CcPDcm1tjNNvMLoDE-4n79soo_Av6nZQgr0P9VIj6DDE_cKFo4SOuC1ZE/s1600-h/westbourne350.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmS4tgX_xYrs3UQ6__h-0WEq3BCad2zRAFt3ttKXVjj9Y74N9oRTOzZIxy5vZ1XqSDWXCbMUbZZB-WJkxvo_CcPDcm1tjNNvMLoDE-4n79soo_Av6nZQgr0P9VIj6DDE_cKFo4SOuC1ZE/s320/westbourne350.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293376435012756338" /></a>A former colleague was over from Dublin and she wanted to revisit an old haunt - <a href="http://www.thewestbourne.com/">The Westbourne</a>, not far from our workplace.<div><br /></div><div>It's a trendy place, which veers much more towards gastro than typical pub food. A typical menu (which changes daily) would offer more than one fish option, possible some game, a couple of salads, vegetarian options and pasta.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the day in question I selected a mushroom risotto, which was creamy and beautifully cheesy with the slight bite of perfectly cooked rice. The only complaint would be that there wasn't very much and it didn't come with anything at all - a little salad might have been nice for variety. Others chose mackerel, chicken pie and seafood linguine, all of which were freshly cooked and packed with flavour. </div><div><br /></div><div>The ordering system could be better here - you must order from a till at one end of the bar and it can be very slow given the number of tables. Also, in our experience, the staff can be very brusque to the point of rude.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, the atmosphere is good and in the summer they have a good amount of outdoor tables. The wine, beer and cider selection is excellent and for the area you can't really beat it for a long lunch.... except perhaps on price.</div><div><br /></div><div>One course and a soft drink: £13 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 5/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 25/40</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The Westbourne, 101 Westbourne Park Villas, London, W2 5ED. Tel: 020 72211332.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-44568819374840071662009-01-13T12:44:00.003+00:002009-01-13T13:03:13.216+00:00Tagine, Balham<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxXCHkR-KHzYMaNF9lsRWMDnBgcxcDYL2Q13DZ8zq0wYxLuqh9GvJSw4iI6Qwf49E3xr-C2b9eiFBHbuleKaAHGDqxVSjxI1C1IXYhmKArJxzwstHwQBfcSOcnFCgqWrcI4yHO-6hq80/s1600-h/1192528942640.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 271px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxXCHkR-KHzYMaNF9lsRWMDnBgcxcDYL2Q13DZ8zq0wYxLuqh9GvJSw4iI6Qwf49E3xr-C2b9eiFBHbuleKaAHGDqxVSjxI1C1IXYhmKArJxzwstHwQBfcSOcnFCgqWrcI4yHO-6hq80/s320/1192528942640.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290759145448463122" /></a>The brief was simple - good, cheap food, somewhere central London that is easily accessible from Earl's Court. As with all things simple, this didn't go to plan and thus it was that five of us found ourselves with a table reserved at Tagine in Balham for a farewell dinner. It adhered to the first two criteria at least, especially as it's BYO.<div><br /></div><div>Everyone in Tagine seems to drink champagne (or at least something with bubbles) and we didn't break the mould. To begin we shared three of their dips with pitta. Absolutely delicious - smooth, creamy houmous topped with chick peas, soft aubergine with just enough garlic, peppers with a delicious bite to their marinated strips, all mixed with beautiful olive oil. The quantities, too, are very generous - we had to request more pitta (hot, soft and hugely moreish). The service is fast and friendly.</div><div><br /></div><div>For mains tagines are, obviously, the way forward. I chose lamb shank - the most gorgeously tender meat with soft, juicy vegetables in a fabulous sauce (running out of adjectives here). </div><div>Everyone agreed that they were fantastic. A huge mound of couscous was ordered as a side. This is one of my favourite foods and this one was a simply perfect fluffy accompaniment.</div><div><br /></div><div>No room for puddings so we lounged on our Moroccan cushions and soaked in the atmosphere - it was packed full on a Thursday night, and rightly so.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two courses: £13 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 31/40</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>Tagine, 1-3 Fernlea Road, London, SW12 9RT. Tel: 020 86757604.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-17435421817458558782009-01-12T12:47:00.003+00:002009-01-12T12:58:28.171+00:00Breads Etcetera, Clapham<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuMxEdIh87TSs_VWwOn3qM-9gN9wQ-xXVoh0QHVjBZ6kZJDRvcJ7D4pES02KkHoBfZTMKF4-fKyD44Gxn8-O4YmJLHINWxjNpAuV2-fdlZKOkmUkoQ8mTjuVMz8UuneYKDjcgKD0uXek/s1600-h/1142590178449.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 271px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuMxEdIh87TSs_VWwOn3qM-9gN9wQ-xXVoh0QHVjBZ6kZJDRvcJ7D4pES02KkHoBfZTMKF4-fKyD44Gxn8-O4YmJLHINWxjNpAuV2-fdlZKOkmUkoQ8mTjuVMz8UuneYKDjcgKD0uXek/s320/1142590178449.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290388224621031138" /></a>I was excited to have a brunch with a good friend on a sunny Saturday and I was even more excited when we decided on <a href="http://www.breadsetcetera.com/">Breads Etcetera</a> as the venue. I had heard a lot of good things about it, and I knew a few friends had failed to get a table in the past as it was so busy but we crossed our fingers and met at 11.30. Sure enough there were a few people spilling out of the door, waiting next to the delicious smelling bread stall as they waited their turn.<div><br /></div><div>As luck would have it though, a little outdoor table became free and we were happy to keep our coats on and sit in the sun. The only downside to this is that you don't get to use the Dualit toasters on the indoor tables to make your own toast. All the same, we manage to attract a waitress (the table service is very slow) and order two cappuccinos and two mushrooms on sourdough bread. </div><div><br /></div><div>The coffee is excellent and I think the food would have been if it was a little bit warmer and the bread a little less chewy. It reminded me of a home made dish, which is no bad thing - real butter, hand cut bread...but somehow for the price I would have liked a bit more. Paying for it was a chore too, resulting in us going inside and chasing someone round until they would take our money.</div><div><br /></div><div>One course and a coffee: £10 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 5/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 23/40</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>Breads Etcetera, 127 Clapham High Street, London, SW4 7SS. Tel: 020 77203601.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-15001637341248878782009-01-07T17:10:00.004+00:002009-01-12T12:46:05.934+00:00Rooburoo, Angel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXdMpWb0JhQE5Ockr58vVDM0ns8PVX1QToxzdpwqjdvrMBJqxzdVa_EWK-5WUqiHi6ymsYksmYNwLkyWHM_XHEQ11Ag69Mw_eguUmRoCKkp09yHMiBUENnQT1EDnxgBimSwvmPyb2Vac/s1600-h/3696.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXdMpWb0JhQE5Ockr58vVDM0ns8PVX1QToxzdpwqjdvrMBJqxzdVa_EWK-5WUqiHi6ymsYksmYNwLkyWHM_XHEQ11Ag69Mw_eguUmRoCKkp09yHMiBUENnQT1EDnxgBimSwvmPyb2Vac/s320/3696.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288601212049797346" /></a>A friend chose <a href="http://www.rooburoo.com/">Rooburoo</a> as a last minute venue for his birthday meal and so five of us turned up at 8pm on a Saturday night, hoping we could get a table. We needn't have worried - there was noone else in there. Not a good sign.<div><br /></div><div>However, the staff were very friendly and we were seated in front of the unusual (read as difficult to follow) menu within seconds. There are roasts, cooked on the tandoor and served with salad, stir fried noodles and 'lite bites' amongst the mixture of more standard offerings.</div><div><br /></div><div>The poppadoms were light and crispy and fresh, served with a selection of tasty pickles in modern glass jars - a refreshing change. We skipped starters and went straight for the curries. I was glad I had selected a medium strength option as, despite the fact I am not a hot curry fan, my lamb rogan josh had a bit of spice to it - as opposed to the fairly bland chicken korma kashmiri that Tom had. Other chicken and prawn curries along the table were well received and the meat was tender and plentiful but the sauces were fairly watery and nothing was above average. On the plus side rices, in pots to share, were generous and service throughout was exemplary.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two courses and a beer: £19 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 9/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 3/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 5/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 23/40</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Rooburoo, 21 Chapel Market, London, N1 9EZ. Tel: 020 72788100.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-74852730534289087532009-01-06T16:02:00.003+00:002009-01-06T16:23:55.829+00:00The Champion, Notting Hill<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VEgfG3TNoFDAHJFTj6bLot_npgScEwzCAF8dN7XV66LWSxVdT8qaDNCi93WJ2adZAW1JBsqgrsdRVLQh96taY3wm-PrZfFrWydMSxsqQ-Q7ZoHoU_IiqzFDNHRJvzXh0-ar2GCjJF4c/s1600-h/233.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VEgfG3TNoFDAHJFTj6bLot_npgScEwzCAF8dN7XV66LWSxVdT8qaDNCi93WJ2adZAW1JBsqgrsdRVLQh96taY3wm-PrZfFrWydMSxsqQ-Q7ZoHoU_IiqzFDNHRJvzXh0-ar2GCjJF4c/s320/233.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288212074548960066" /></a><a href="http://www.thechampionpub.co.uk/">The Champion</a> is a typical Notting Hill boozer. Seating consists of worn leather sofas and stools and mismatched dining chairs. It's an occasional venue for post-work drinks and one Friday we decided to eat there.<div><br /></div><div>The classic burger with chips was the favourite choice, with one of us choosing the steak sandwich and the vegetarian selecting the hot falafel in flatbread. Everyone was impressed. The burger was good quality and the whole meal tasted hot and fresh, unlike a lot of pub food. To me, the veggie option looked a bit thin but apparently it was tasty and the steak went down very well. The bar staff can be a bit sharp but as a place for a bite and a few drinks, it would be hard to beat.</div><div><br /></div><div>One course and a glass of wine: £10 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 28/40</span></div><div><br /></div><div>1 Wellington Terrace, London, W2 4LW. Tel: 020 77924527.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-36987940623908502322009-01-05T16:10:00.004+00:002009-01-06T16:02:02.747+00:00Cha Cha Moon, Soho<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7g3N3yg1P-yjc8r71Pnel2N_UQbrp9QuE1sZ5hZzLhvqP2SaRFGX-aPjri-xcfrelhL1QkANEAeBZSYmLACe_OYQVH04CK3IBFV0pKBoV1YynMP0T1KTt4aVuogFwao-fZur7Lt3418/s1600-h/grill-385_348774a.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7g3N3yg1P-yjc8r71Pnel2N_UQbrp9QuE1sZ5hZzLhvqP2SaRFGX-aPjri-xcfrelhL1QkANEAeBZSYmLACe_OYQVH04CK3IBFV0pKBoV1YynMP0T1KTt4aVuogFwao-fZur7Lt3418/s320/grill-385_348774a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287843350871435170" /></a>I had heard mixed reviews of Alan Yau's latest offering but the place intrigued me and, at least while the £3 per course offer remained, I thought it was worth a try. <div><br /></div><div>The design is stunning, reminiscent in some ways of a ski lodge with big heavy wooden doors and a back to nature kind of feel (or maybe that's just me).</div><div><br /></div><div>The three of us had to queue on a Thursday evening, for perhaps fifteen minutes, before we were seated at our communal table with benches. Atmosphere wise it is buzzier than Wagamama, and more grown up, with the sleeker design of Busaba Eathai. We each selected a main course and shared two sides. They arrive as and when they are ready, meaning you have to get on with it, possibly leaving, as we did, one diner waiting. However, my Singapore noodles were just the right amount of spiciness and full of meat and seafood. Others' curries were similarly good. Sides arrived in a staggered fashion towards the middle to end of the meal and the pork dumplings were a particular favourite. The red wine was very good and we were never rushed to finish and free up the table space.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whilst the offer continues the food is very good value, especially for the location, but one glass of wine cost more than the main dish. Once the prices go up, I may revise my opinion!</div><div><br /></div><div>One course, a side and a glass of wine: £12.50 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 28/40</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Cha Cha Moon, 15-21 Ganton Street, London, W1F 9BN. Tel: 020 72979800.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-73556223883104468542008-12-23T10:44:00.003+00:002008-12-23T11:22:24.267+00:00Eagle Bar Diner, Soho<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCz8DG-c8I4I_Lwcs2y3x7_-eN2wXAX0j1Nv-Kzxo40YJganWtW0BIrb4delt96B7W1BU159L3mhl_0vhJWwHsRFDzXh1-duM8jny07mlBouXKRSKubwDFUb3TwbSMKkCMyz-w0DnYwk/s1600-h/1186152118705.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 271px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCz8DG-c8I4I_Lwcs2y3x7_-eN2wXAX0j1Nv-Kzxo40YJganWtW0BIrb4delt96B7W1BU159L3mhl_0vhJWwHsRFDzXh1-duM8jny07mlBouXKRSKubwDFUb3TwbSMKkCMyz-w0DnYwk/s320/1186152118705.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282935054261452642" /></a>It find it frustrating that in order to meet friends conveniently after work we have to go central and I feel like I am running out of good, fair-priced dinner options.<div><br /></div><div>However, there are still a few places on my list to try and three of us made our way to <a href="http://www.eaglebardiner.co.uk/index.php">Eagle Bar Diner</a>, just off Oxford Street, one weekday evening. It was about half full and quite a smart interior compared to, say, The Diner on Ganton Street. We had two waiters, both extremely flirty, and we ordered some house white whilst perusing the menu. It is a pretty standard diner style menu, which was exactly what we fancied, and all we all had burgers - mine classic and my friends' Arkansas BBQ. Fries are sold separately which bumps up the price and so we shared two portions between us - one plain, one cheesy. The burgers were good, nice meat and generous fillings, and the fries more than enough for us. The meal was nothing too out of the ordinary but for the price and location a good option. My friends shared a brownie and ice cream which seemed to go down well. If you're passing this place and fancy some fries, there are certainly worse options.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two courses and a glass of wine: £22 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 27/40</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>Eagle Bar Diner, 3-5 Rathbone Place, London, W1T 1HJ. Tel: 020 76371418.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-42910022728894099852008-12-08T13:44:00.004+00:002008-12-08T14:02:43.001+00:00The Frog and Forget-Me-Not, Clapham<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0vQm_hw4zjNvxl5DgZr1f3cSkE-nNYftT2ur2LSYSxVz4ZcT54Qp9WbXExAUo7yj69IlWjPdu4m4Q7-wtsI_s0SsaeoJuXu_Ev1f6aiiv-SXLN8JYce6QJZseef55ZabKwkKJ3AmnHY/s1600-h/frog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277415073840941410" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0vQm_hw4zjNvxl5DgZr1f3cSkE-nNYftT2ur2LSYSxVz4ZcT54Qp9WbXExAUo7yj69IlWjPdu4m4Q7-wtsI_s0SsaeoJuXu_Ev1f6aiiv-SXLN8JYce6QJZseef55ZabKwkKJ3AmnHY/s320/frog.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Frog and Forget-Me-Not is an unprepossessing pub which serves Thai food, recommended to me by a friend who loves her Thai food. In fact, I went with her, and another three friends, for a chilled Sunday evening bite.<br /><br />The interior is tatty - dark red walls surround a mish mash of tables and worn sofas but the room lacks atmosphere and the music and lighting weren't quite right. You have to order food from a hatch, where you also pay. It arrived a few minutes later, it was obviously all waiting to be heated and served.<br /><br />Tom Yum soup was good - spicy and tangy and just the right amount. Prawn toast was less successful - greasy and a bit soggy. My nasi goreng was good, nothing to shout about, but certainly not the worst I have had. Others' noodle options, such as the pad thai, went down well and one of us chose an English option - fish and chips - which was typical pub grub.<br /><br />Not one to add to my list of favourites.<br /><br />Two courses and a soft drink: £14 per head<br /><br />Value: 7/10<br /><br />Service: 6/10<br /><br />Atmosphere: 5/10<br /><br />Food: 7/10<br /><br /><strong>SCORE: 25/40<br /></strong><br />The Frog and Forget-Me-Not, 32 The Pavement, London, SW4 0JE. Tel: 020 76225230.HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-17088195015749028392008-11-18T11:19:00.004+00:002008-11-18T11:31:45.243+00:00The Windmill on the Common, Clapham<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8VkULI8MmFEyfq_WLXHRLesvnibSibmkkhyoFIrn2A4EN2JpHmmcMOuGZCq6oxMg7VD7LWCyvBvcvjOX1RD8UJUXBC17ENiflidH6OtV301eJ4iazsHtT-jZrJ3ja2pple13DoGM4Tw/s1600-h/c98468f2a15d53e3606cdfd4869fb933.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8VkULI8MmFEyfq_WLXHRLesvnibSibmkkhyoFIrn2A4EN2JpHmmcMOuGZCq6oxMg7VD7LWCyvBvcvjOX1RD8UJUXBC17ENiflidH6OtV301eJ4iazsHtT-jZrJ3ja2pple13DoGM4Tw/s320/c98468f2a15d53e3606cdfd4869fb933.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269956160693600658" /></a> It was a sunny Sunday and a roast called. Settling into one of the last remaining outside tables at <a href="http://www.windmillclapham.co.uk/">The Windmill</a> we congratulated ourselves on our choice. There is a lot of outdoor seating and inside is cavernous too. A mix of trendy twenty-somethings and groups of thirty-somethings with prams are the core clientele.<div><br /></div><div>It's a Youngs pub and so the menu is pretty standard fare but what we order (two roast beef and a pollock and chips) is very good and the portions are generous (even of the lovely medium rare meat and light flaky fish).</div><div><br /></div><div>It's probably not a destination venue, only because you could get the food in a million and one pubs across London, but it's friendly and location is pretty good too.</div><div><br /></div><div>One course and a glass of wine: £20 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 28/40</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>The Windmill, Clapham Common Southside, London, SW4 9DE. Tel: 020 86734578.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-61810685804427507922008-11-10T16:51:00.004+00:002008-11-10T17:08:29.864+00:00Albannach, Westminster<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB7Le-Fifyo3y24kOMTjpS58IMbAfFxrrt3iinA8XhvI4hGMZMIQOfYOJ60o6a3s5LjiFt4j9p_1sPclwtsnveBwXEN9aNI3-zKumliFne37Belushotznr5tkHyWnRVivBuGBX3RKNM/s1600-h/photo001.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB7Le-Fifyo3y24kOMTjpS58IMbAfFxrrt3iinA8XhvI4hGMZMIQOfYOJ60o6a3s5LjiFt4j9p_1sPclwtsnveBwXEN9aNI3-zKumliFne37Belushotznr5tkHyWnRVivBuGBX3RKNM/s320/photo001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267073165463942610" /></a>My parents were in London and we wanted an early dinner before the theatre. Their hotel was moments from Trafalgar Square and so I suggested <a href="http://www.albannach.co.uk/home/splash.asp">Albannach</a>.<div><br /></div><div>We didn't have a reservation on a Saturday night but it was early enough that we managed to get a table for three at about 6.30pm. We were seated upstairs in the restaurant area after having a lovely Rioja in the bar.</div><div><br /></div><div>The decor was attractive if a little bit nineties. The staff were very friendly and directed our attention to a set menu available before 6.30pm, which suited our purpose perfectly. My ma and I both had roasted peach and tomato salad with grilled Inverness goat's cheese to start, which was delicious - the sweet flavours of the peach and cheese melted together, complemented by the zingier tomato. My dad had North Sea herring with grain mustard potato salad and horseradish creme fraiche, which he enjoyed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Main course for all of us was a Scotch Broth of braised lamb neck, baby turnips and herb dumplings which was lovely - the meat was so tender and the dumplings sat in a lovely rich, meaty broth. The portions weren't huge but I almost expect this on an 'offer' menu, perhaps wrongly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two course set menu and a glass of wine: £25 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 28/40</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>Albannach, 66 Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DS. Tel: 020 79300066.</div><div><br /></div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-61029187307047735822008-10-28T11:09:00.005+00:002008-10-28T11:38:30.586+00:00The Grey Goose, Clapham<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9vxh2eQyGtjdQOJ8Dz5mKf_LiYV-S7o5f2a0LUa6S2TUS9-hkXUw2iQcr7glqoskfCQh3w3ZceLPkM2MMEDatzWKoh0ADUegGqty29alLcdHcJ2aCL_pWFwuS3BxunY4BTZ0B0Nh5WE/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9vxh2eQyGtjdQOJ8Dz5mKf_LiYV-S7o5f2a0LUa6S2TUS9-hkXUw2iQcr7glqoskfCQh3w3ZceLPkM2MMEDatzWKoh0ADUegGqty29alLcdHcJ2aCL_pWFwuS3BxunY4BTZ0B0Nh5WE/s320/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262162276391475650" /></a>Saturday lunch with the girls outside at <a href="http://www.thegreygoose.co.uk/">The Grey Goose</a> was lovely, if the food was a bit of a mix.<div><br /></div><div>We just about managed to secure a table with two big parties taking up all the other benches. Two of us went for burgers and the other two ordered two houmous with feta and pittas and two squid.</div><div><br /></div><div>The burgers and houmous came first and they were very good, good quality meat in the former and a generous delicious portion of dip with the latter.</div><div><br /></div><div>The squid when it came a bit later was a big greasy and soggy and actually, too chewy, although this is the nature of the dish.</div><div>The service was friendly if scatty (we had bill problems) and the menu is varied so I am sure we will be back.</div><div><br /></div><div>The back yard could do with some beautifying as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>One course and half a bottle of wine: £17 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 26/40</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The Grey Goose, 100 Clapham Park Road, London, SW4 7BZ. Tel: 020 77208902.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-1980447597556983862008-10-21T17:26:00.003+01:002008-10-21T17:39:13.617+01:00Hare and Tortoise, Kensington<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgij-6zMDyV664-5Z0ZoTQMeiJPV2_rl_oTG7MpIqs4vMOpzTzs7tZ-dW4JiUqScguYsqBjCYz8cBpDUcRzUnqv7URJZtQi_OdGVppklucpRJgnk9FXpTyTPS2iIBk6ZAU77tTjRKA4mrg/s1600-h/1a52m86_8986d813.c300x220.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgij-6zMDyV664-5Z0ZoTQMeiJPV2_rl_oTG7MpIqs4vMOpzTzs7tZ-dW4JiUqScguYsqBjCYz8cBpDUcRzUnqv7URJZtQi_OdGVppklucpRJgnk9FXpTyTPS2iIBk6ZAU77tTjRKA4mrg/s320/1a52m86_8986d813.c300x220.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259645725194186098" /></a>A pre-cinema bite was needed and High St Kensington being the restaurant black hole that it is we decided that the best way to go might be <a href="http://www.hareandtortoise.co.uk/kensington.htm">Hare and Tortoise</a>.<div><br /></div><div>We scooted in rather hurriedly as we had taken too long over the pre-dinner wine and left ourselves tight. We were seated immediately and both selected the same (adventurously).</div><div>Two chicken katsu curries and two beers arrived and they were served by very polite and friendly staff. The food was presented beautifully and was absolutely delicious. Big tender pieces of chicken in a light batter, and really flavoursome sauce. I wish we had had longer, I would have really liked to try some side dishes too. The restaurant itself is a lot cooler than Wagamama, its obvious comparison, and you have individual tables. The only downside is that it is much further down the High Street (but nearer the cinema which is a bonus).</div><div><br /></div><div>One course and a beer: £10 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 31/40</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Hare and Tortoise, 373 Kensington High Street, London, W14 8QZ. Tel: 020 76038887.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-77274287112666733902008-10-10T11:44:00.004+01:002008-10-10T12:27:44.527+01:00Ma Goa, Putney<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEUfoTY_ooIes9osSfRIJvASk70q3jtJn_oW5toSgUSpDm32W6ClefOkL5HpGRopqKPxahzCs77f8wf7cF5HMrdps3a5ximy_7Hg2pkqlvKhvYfkeJUy4Nq3jcA8E3BB7UB89hCdhf5U/s1600-h/resta.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEUfoTY_ooIes9osSfRIJvASk70q3jtJn_oW5toSgUSpDm32W6ClefOkL5HpGRopqKPxahzCs77f8wf7cF5HMrdps3a5ximy_7Hg2pkqlvKhvYfkeJUy4Nq3jcA8E3BB7UB89hCdhf5U/s320/resta.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255478984140089970" /></a>There were five of us who fancied a curry on an Autumn evening and being in Putney we decided to see if we could get a table at <a href="http://www.ma-goa.com/">Ma Goa</a>. Diane had wanted to try it for ages and we were lucky to get a table as it's a popular place and was soon packed out, even on a Tuesday. <div><br /></div><div>It's smarter than your average Indian restaurant and the atmosphere reminded me of someone's dining room -gentle chatter, soothing colour schemes and soft lighting.<br /><div><br /></div><div>We had beautiful freshly made poppadoms to begin with dips served in small white china pots. Our starter selections we shared with mixed success; ragra pattice were fried potato and herb patties served with spicy chickpeas (quite spicy but not much too them flavour-wise) and dhai puri were fried puris filled with potato, coriander, yogurt and chutneys (moreish).</div><div><br /></div><div>Main courses are not your typical Indian choice - I went for zafrani murgh korma which is chicken cooked in saffron, tomato, yogurt, rose water and nutmeg. It was very mild, tasty but not extraordinary. The rice was very good though. Other selections from the group included a bhajee thali which was a vegetable selection, apparently delicious which is a good job because their vegetarian selection is either that or choosing three of the vegetable sides - they offer no vegetarian curries at all, which is pretty poor. A special of the day was whole Spring chicken which my friend enjoyed, although it was quite a fiddly dish to eat. The others both had hot curries which they loved. A side of spinach was really good - soft and flavoursome but cold. The service was mixed - two excellent waiters who recommended a nice wine but then when we went to order a second bottle it had run out and two scatty useless waitresses who got in the way and didn't know what they were doing.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had an enjoyable evening but it was a mixed success - it's expensive for curry so the service and cooking really need to be top notch - they nearly are but just not quite.</div><div><br /></div><div>Poppadoms, two courses and half a bottle of wine: £30 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 27/40</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>Ma Goa, 242-244 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 6TG. Tel: 020 87801767.</div></div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-49414256987860888102008-10-09T14:04:00.005+01:002008-10-09T14:22:00.991+01:00Patisserie Valerie, Chelsea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sFRcnAwLhCzGHTcMA4tKSYHI2hiOaDMoISkPkeV0iOx3kSwZDYLmK4YrQ7B8D1nkgD7ckcEYQpBwcqj9GUtkKUn2gjcsUbwZw_ONIhSBWDhXHq-vLWiqocDohNQPidy9IpYeJdPByY4/s1600-h/leftwing2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sFRcnAwLhCzGHTcMA4tKSYHI2hiOaDMoISkPkeV0iOx3kSwZDYLmK4YrQ7B8D1nkgD7ckcEYQpBwcqj9GUtkKUn2gjcsUbwZw_ONIhSBWDhXHq-vLWiqocDohNQPidy9IpYeJdPByY4/s320/leftwing2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255141081489075842" /></a>Seriously bad value for money would be my overriding impression of this <a href="http://www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk/location/chelsealeftwing.html">Patisserie Valerie</a>. A coffee with a friend ended up taking place at lunchtime and so we decided to order from their limited 'grilled snacks' menu. A croque monsieur was made from average white sliced bread, some cheap ham and topped with a meagre offering of cheese. Claire's toastie was just the same - cheap bread and no better than something you whip up in five minutes at home. They had run out of fresh orange but tried to charge the same on the bill for one from the carton.<div>The best part of the meal was the coffee, which was very good.</div><div><br /></div><div>I understand that the location demands high prices, and we sat in a very pleasant courtyard surrounded by beautiful shops and beautiful people, but it's just not that hard to make the food miles better. Service was also slow and scatty.</div><div><br /></div><div>One snack, an orange juice and a coffee: £11.50 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 3/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 4/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 4/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 17/40</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>Patisserie Valerie, Left Wing Cafe, Duke of York Square, London, SW3 4LY. Tel: 020 77307094.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-40597514874723553942008-10-06T14:20:00.003+01:002008-10-06T14:43:12.874+01:00Little Italy, Embankment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ825_r_oCNv52wAQK02NVH5I40P6nQokADFmOr-Y5BINgfA8WIAZ3WnXPA6nrZ6VZ-_3sl1u_lMu1fRhpN3IjS7eWtHKe5NevziHLwJRn6JThEW_6hPwuyagj5ZHBZnkAx8utm_6POA/s1600-h/white-wine-web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ825_r_oCNv52wAQK02NVH5I40P6nQokADFmOr-Y5BINgfA8WIAZ3WnXPA6nrZ6VZ-_3sl1u_lMu1fRhpN3IjS7eWtHKe5NevziHLwJRn6JThEW_6hPwuyagj5ZHBZnkAx8utm_6POA/s320/white-wine-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254032769245276850" /></a>I had intended a repeat visit to Gordon's but alas, as I suspected, we were thwarted by the flocks of post-work drinkers and lucky tourists who got there before us.<div><br /></div><div>A short walk further up Villiers Street brought us to Little Italy, an unassuming and reasonably priced Italian (the clue's in the name) restaurant. </div><div><br /></div><div>Only a few tables were occupied at 7 on a Thursday evening but the service was hurried and two different waiters hassled us for our order within the first five minutes of being there. However, we chose quickly - house white wine, seafood linguine for Clare, spinach and ricotta cannelloni for me. Mine was really good and Clare seemed to have no problem polishing hers off, the wine was ok, quite average but very cheap so who's complaining? We finished with a tiramisu each - not so good this time, I think bought in.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a hassle getting the bill after the over zealous initial serving but if you're in the area and would like a good value Italian meal, this could be the place.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two courses and half a bottle of wine: £20 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 7/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 26/40</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>Little Italy, 23 Villiers Street, London, WC2N 6ND. Tel: 020 73210137.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572056982320023181.post-36366729881628255632008-10-02T15:19:00.004+01:002008-10-02T15:53:28.197+01:00Hot Stuff, Stockwell<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLCqv6MztEhljzI2U0eIMB2jEHvNCE2dD3t9eEoNTsndOBYE6Q8V9ROwJKIqFLXlidjC6dt-pz2nL1RsojAHVJ4xbVAWj7_mUyrncuJ5obuHbXBds9fKsADTsF_sqn1xBw6i9QiinCCU/s1600-h/droppedImage.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLCqv6MztEhljzI2U0eIMB2jEHvNCE2dD3t9eEoNTsndOBYE6Q8V9ROwJKIqFLXlidjC6dt-pz2nL1RsojAHVJ4xbVAWj7_mUyrncuJ5obuHbXBds9fKsADTsF_sqn1xBw6i9QiinCCU/s320/droppedImage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252565852141677426" /></a>I had wanted to visit <a href="http://www.eathotstuff.com/">Hot Stuff</a> for quite a while and yet I didn't see how I would ever persuade anyone to make the trek to the backstreets of Stockwell. But then it turned out that one evening my friend and I would be both be in the vicinity and wanting a cheap meal. Perfect.<div><br /></div><div>I called the day before to book for a Tuesday night and they could only offer me a table for 2 at 7pm or 9pm and when we arrived at 7 I could see why. The place is tiny and it was packed out. The clientele looked entirely out of place for the locality as well, which goes to show that it really is a destination restaurant. </div><div><br /></div><div>We had poppadams first with some lovely dips, then vegetable samosas and for main we shared a chicken korma and a chicken tikka makhani with pilau rice and a paratha. Delicious. Everything had a rich flavour, not oily and not sweet, and the rice was light and and fluffy.</div><div><br /></div><div>The service too is fantastic - uber friendly and easy going. It's BYO and they were straight over with glasses. At the end of the meal the owner comes over and mentally tots up your bill. We will be back, in a flash, and would make a special journey any day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two courses: £9 per head</div><div><br /></div><div>Value: 9/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Service: 9/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere: 6/10</div><div><br /></div><div>Food: 8/10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SCORE: 32/40</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>Hot Stuff, 19 Wilcox Road, London, SW8 2XA. Tel: 020 77201480.</div>HChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039622148482644832noreply@blogger.com2