Qype: The Boathouse in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs - Arts & Entertainment - Day Trips

The Boathouse is best experienced on a warm Summer's evening when you can make optimum use of the outdoor terrace and gorgeous river views. It's not cheap but is a lovely way to take in the river with a chilled drink in your hand and some good company. They have a decent selection of snacks though if memory lasts they weren't the most appertising. There's loud vibey music downstairs late night on the weekends turning it into a clar (club/bar) type thing. And it gets packed so book a table for any time of the day.
I'd say more bar than pub but somewhere you should visit if you find yourself in Putney.
Check out my review of The Boathouse - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Tuk Tuk Noodle Bar in London

London - Restaurants - Take Away - Chinese

With a Phad Thai craving I sought out Tuk Tuk hoping to find 'the' place for it in the area. The prices were great - £3.90 for chicken phad thai and my expectations were high. It was speedy, efficient service, but the food was a bit disappointing. The noodles were really oily and it was missing that slightly sweet taste I so love - it was plain savory.

I did have a taste of my colleagues noodle dish which seemed tastier which is why I'd go back to try a different offering from Tuk Tuk.
Check out my review of Tuk Tuk Noodle Bar - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Baker & Spice in London

London - Food & Drink - Bakeries

Difficult to say whether you get what you pay for at this place or if the costs are just plain extortionist. It's unfortunate because the food all looks amazing - extremely fresh, well-presented and just scrumptious. But for £5 for a chocolate fondant? Bit steep. I popped in the other day and everything looked tasty and the staff were very friendly. I went for an almond croissant for £2 and it was delicious but bizarre - it looked like a croissant but on the inside it was like cupcake texture. I loved it although I'm sure I could feel the heart-attack coming along. So as yet undecided on this place.
Check out my review of Baker & Spice - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Pure California in London

London - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Juice, Shakes & Smoothies

I try and have the odd salad every week to feel a little healthier and was very impressed with Pure although I do think it's expensive. They have prepacked salads, or an extensive bar where you can pick your own ingredients. But they're all priced in categories so that you will rarely pay less than £5 for a fairly simple salad - £1.85 for the lettuce base, another £1.60 for meat/fish and then 80p for other veg etc. You can pick your dressing and that's no extra cost.

Great for a healthy lunch and they do smoothies too, but does feel a little pricey considering the ingredients. Sad that healthy = costly.

Check out my review of Pure California - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Big Easy & Crabshack in London

London - Restaurants - Fast Food & American

I loved the place from the minute I walked in. Off the posh Chelsea streets it's a lot more familiar and vibey. It was happy hour so the yumminess of their frozen margaritas (in lemon, raspberry and strawberry) was doubled.

When we were seated the decor is relaxed and while there's a sense of an American diner, there's a definite mix of Caribbean/steak house feel to it. The specials were decent but sadly the quality of the food knocked a star off for me. I had the lobster (£15 for half lobster plus a free margarita) which was kind of ho-hum. A taste of the steak had a similar appeal - not bad, but not as awesome as I was hoping for.

By 9 o'clock the chilled covers band had started up and there wasn't a free table above or below deck. It's a popular place and somewhere I'd definitely go back to with a bunch of friends.

Check out my review of Big Easy & Crabshack - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Freebird Burritos in London

London - Restaurants - Take Away - Restaurants - Mexican

There's something quite endearing about a little stand that magically appears in the middle of a street. The negative perceptions around street food is thankfully waning and rather than stagnant, pre-cooked food, you now tend to expect fresh ingredients and quick, tasty meals.

The burritos and fajitas offered here are huge and filling. Although we were lucky to get our first one's free with a business card, it will normally cost about £4.50, £5 with proper, home-made guacamole.

There's a good selection for toppings and three different levels of salsa depending on your preferred heat levels.

If you need lunch on the run, give them a go.

Check out my review of Freebird Burritos - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Cadogan Arms in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

I guess average is a fair way of summing up The Cadogan Arms. There's nothing particularly wrong or bad about it, it just doesn't have anything unique and is one of those places where company will make or break the evening.

The background music was a startling array of pop from the 90s, the decor didn't strike any chords and if it weren't for the two pool tables, I would've probably have written it off altogether.

So yes, it serves drinks from a bar, a few on tap and has pool tables. But if you find yourself in this side of town you could probably do a bit better if you keep looking.

Check out my review of The Cadogan Arms - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Hellenic in London

London - Restaurants - Greek

We arrived a little early for dinner and the place was quite empty. It's a family-fun restaurant with a typical Greek family, and the cold offish service was almost a little endearing. The menu said we had to try the Mezedes platter which was almost £20 (coincidence that the 'must try' is the most dear?). Anyway we thought we'd oblige and settled in as the palce slowly started filling up.

We were brought an array of dishes, starting with the cold traditional bits; hummus, tzatziki, tahina, taramasalta, shrimps and pitta. Feeling a little full already, we then started on the big Greek salad and watched in amazement as little plates of bits to try kept floating toawrds the table. Dolmades, kebabs, chops, calamari. There was definitely a lot of food. And whilst we nibbled on what else we could tetris in, I began to wonder if it was actually that tasty. I mean it wasn't bad, but it was a little dry and definitely not the best Greek food we've ever tasted. SO go and try it out and maybe a different main will yield better results.

Check out my review of Hellenic - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Papaya in London

London - Restaurants - Thai

Was hovering between the 2 and 3 stars for this one. I was expecting yummy food and was a bit let down. I went for the Pad Thai which I would not recommend at all. You get a decent sized portion in a neat little box, but the contents was not good - I couldn't even eat half. It seemed to be tomato-based and was dry and red and bitter. Bit bizarre but nothing like the yummy goodness of the Pad Thai I'm used to.

I might try this place once more as it appears the green thai curry has yielded some good reviews. But sadly the Pad Thai is a big disappointment.

It's takeaway only and a meal is about £3.90. They do freshly squeezed orange juice but it was quite bitter and warm.

Check out my review of Papaya - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Plumtree in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars

Encased in a lovely old building tucked under the Holborn viaduct, The Plumtree is a lovely place for evening drinks. There is an extensive winelist, a good choice of beers, and while I did not order from the menu, I would have high expectations.

The lighting and new furnishings guides it towards more a trendy bar than a dank old pub and it's a great destination for work drinks, meeting a friend or a fun night out. Staff are friendly and happy to help.

Check out my review of Plumtree - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Ten Ten Tei in London

London - Restaurants - Japanese & Sushi

A little ransacked-looking, we were ushered down a worn stair case and plonked at an average table. By the menus and general layout, the place did not seem overly fussed with presentation. The food however, was much better than I anticipated. If you're not quite a pro on Japanese food, be brave and go for one the many mysterious sounding titles as, in this case, it really appears to pay off. The only downside was the fact that the kitchen sent each person's food out 10 minutes apart which doesn't make for a united meal.
Good value for money.

Check out my review of Ten Ten Tei - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Coffee, Cake & Kink in London

London - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Cafes - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Nightlife - Adult Entertainment

It's difficult to give a fair review on the offerings as, with the sad news this little establishment is moving on, they were out of stock of my first few choices. I eventually settled on the iced coffee which comes with quirky heart-shaped coffee ice cubes; a nice touch.

The decor is dazzling, if a little intimidating with bondage posters and book covers that make one blush. Down a steep and narrow staircase there's a larger area with themed decor and comfy couches.

Those who had cakes were quite satisfied and I can believe how some have grown quite attached. May it find a new home soon!

Check out my review of Coffee, Cake & Kink - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Joy Foods in London

London - Restaurants - Take Away - Restaurants - Moroccan - Restaurants - Middle Eastern - Restaurants - International

What a funky little place. It's family-run and you sense that with the staff. The communal tables are really great for people doing the inevitable 'on your own' lunch crawl so that they don't actually have to sit at a table 'for one'.

The food is a modern take on Moroccan, without the cheesy OTT Moroccan decor. It really is a place you can go for a tasty meal with a difference, and feel a little buzz of others enjoying their food. I had the Chicken pastilla for £5.20; a fillo parcel with chicken, almonds and cinnamon with a side salad which was really tasty - pity about the chicken bone which knocked off a star for them.

Check out my review of Joy Foods - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Canela in London

London - Cafes & Coffee Shops

I love this little restaurant just off the 7 dials in Covent Garden.
I chanced upon it by accident on my way to see Chicago.

Their offerings are displayed behind a glass counter and each is served with a scrunchy fresh salad and sweet home-made dressing. There are a variety of things you'll recognise and some you won't but they all scream "I was made fresh this morning, eat me now".

I have twice had two different quiches and again they are very tasty, fresh and have a bit of a twist from the norm by using unique ingredients like green beans and fresh thyme. I like that.

I've never eaten in probably as I'm too cheap to on my own - if the two dinky tables outside are engaged it hardly seems worth it and there is a remarkable difference in price - £5 to take away a generous helping of fresh quiche and salad, or £7.50 to eat it in. They pop it in a neat little cardboard box and give it to you along with wooden knives and forks (which I like the idea of but not terribly practical).

Check out my review of Canela - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: New China Restaurant in London

London - Restaurants - Chinese

The cashew nut chicken didn't blow my hair back, neither did the service, half smiles or value for the big bucks buddy. But I am still rather novice in Chinatown's offerings so I will need to venture further in to have a true and fair comparison.
But from the off-set I would suggest trying another one if you're in the area. It was about £8 for a main without the portion of rice, a further £3.50 or so. And yes, as CaribQueen pointed out the tea is not a complementary venture, but not bad for an extra squid.

Check out my review of New China Restaurant - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Camden Markets in London

London - Food & Drink - Farmer's Markets

I am quite a fan of Camden Town and just love the variety that greets you but it's one hell of a tiring day out. Great place to drag overseas visitors to as it reflects the fusion of London itself. But I would avoid it on a Sunday as just pushing along the streets is quite a struggle and it really is a market town that can feel too busy.
Apart from the market, there are pubs and restaurants in the area that our worth checking out as well as some great little fancy dress stores.
If you've got a stern stomach the different food up for grabs can be quite tasty and quite cheap. And if you're really hanging on for pay day, it gets cheaper in the afternoon when the lunch rush is over and the piles of sweet and sour 'chicken' and pizza slices are screaming to be eaten.

Check out my review of Camden Markets - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Angelic in London

London - Restaurants - British - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

I was surprised at how big this place was, and how full it was on a Thursday night. We went for a little function and spent most of the night upstairs. The decor is really great and there's a nice atmosphere that raises it from amongst the average London pub. We had a dire array of tapas and I'm not entirely sure who kept ordering the same bloody trio but I was not blown over by the calamari rings, hummus or cocktail sausages. Having a quick scan of the menu now it seems we missed out on what could have made this pub stand out from the crowd, but packed to the rafters until midnight during the week it's certainly doing something right.

Check out my review of The Angelic - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Woody Grill in London

London - Restaurants - Take Away - Falafel

Think of this place as an up-market kebab shop. We sat down and although the order-placing, food-to-table process was a touch confusing, we had a tasty meal for a very decent amount.
Fresh bread arrives while you await your order (placed at the counter) with two yummy dips. The food arrives promptly with surprisingly fresh ingredients. Two of us ate our fill with a coke each and it came to £10.
Do take note, they only accept cash so come prepared or you'll have to leg it down the road like I did (to get to the ATM as opposed to skipping the bill!)

Check out my review of Woody Grill - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Swintons Public House in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

This pub should have a tagline of 'We're okay I guess' because they're dangling dangerously around being extremely average.

Ten minutes from King's Cross tube station, you'll find them on a semi-quiet street off Gray's Inn Road. A few tables lounge averagely outside and you enter a door to find a rather, yes you guessed it, average-looking place. Average food, average service, average prices. Perfect for Mr Average - not for me I'm afraid.

Check out my review of Swintons Public House - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Harrison in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs - Pubs & Bars - Pubs & Bars - Bars

Having worked about 100m from this place for a year I thought a visit was rather overdue - and quite so after deciding it's the nicest pub in the area. I'm not sure how you would find it if you didn't actually work in the area as it's just out of reach of either Holborn or King's Cross tube stations. But it's a really nifty little pub.

There are tables outside, big windows to let in lots of light, great retro decor and decent staff. I had the roast beef open sandwich, a little different but still quite tasty, for £4.90 and a Magners for £3.80.

It's just refreshing to find a pub in King's Cross that doesn't have OAPs drueling at the bar nor a lingering urine smell. Hoorah.

Check out my review of The Harrison - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Tootsies in London

London - Restaurants - Fast Food & American - Pubs & Bars - Bars

On a bit of a shop, we spied Tootsie's and decided it was a perfect place to rest our weary legs. We were drawn by the yummy smells and chilled decor.

Perhaps if we'd had the burgers we would have been more pleased but my friend went for the CBLT - BLT with chicken mayo that was so dry you could hear the tumbleweeds rolling down his throat.

I went for the chicken pesto pasta which was a packet powdered 'just add water' sauce and was certainly not worth even half the £9 I forked out.

When we were asked how the meal was I politely shared my disappontment with our waitress who coyly said 'Well you're obviously a better chef then we are.' To which I nearly replied 'Oh I think you dropped something - why it looks like your tip!' Bitch.

Don't bother with this place, there are other places to choose from.

Check out my review of Tootsies - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Green in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

The only reason I would return here would only be for its convenient location across from the Willesden Green tube station, on a hot Summer's day to take advantage of it's outside area.

The food was A-ppalling and over-priced. We opted for the shared finger foods which were skint on the border of being mean and the little lamb kebabs were off. Shoddy service made matters worse and although I actually live rather close, have never been back since. Pity. If they pulled finger it could be great.

Check out my review of The Green - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Defectors Weld in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

Not much to add so really just throwing in my 5 cents. Great pub - one of my favourites around She Bu as it's not as dirty as many of the others. Inside it's got great old-fashioned kind of furniture and being a dirty smoker, I love that I can push onto a private patio cradling my drink rather than being stick-poked on the pavement by non-smokers. Never eaten here but imagine the food would be quite good - great place to go before catching a gig at the Empire. It isn't cheap though with beers just strating from £3 and ciders starting from £4. So if you're planning an all night bender best start/end elsewhere.

Check out my review of The Defectors Weld - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Shepherds Bush Library in London

London - Education - Libraries

Unless things have dramatically changed in the year sinced I lived near here, the Shephard's Bush library is seriously lacking. The book selection is as old as the assistants behind the old desk, the decor needs refurbishing as I'm sure it still brandishes bomb shelter adverts and the latest thing to hit this library was The Never Ending story in colour - out now on VHS.

To be a little fair, if they did not have the book your were after (which is rather frequent) they did offer for it to be brought up from the Hammersmith library so in a sense the service was helpful. I'd only visit if I had no other choice. It really needs a new coat of paint, some lively posters and some very obvious 'community involvement'/PR stunt to up its profile.

Check out my review of Shepherds Bush Library - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Yuzu in London

London - Restaurants - Japanese & Sushi

Merely takeaways so can't say I've seen the interior, but the food is decently priced and of a fairly high standard. The sushi is fresh and affordable as Sushi goes - 18 piece platter for £12.50. Main dishes are also decent prices but are a little average. They do a great take on the good ol' edemame - mixing it up with garlic and black bean sauce at £3 a pop. Not the best but not bad at all. Check if they deliver to your area and treat yourself after a rough day.

Accept cards of all sorts and order time is up to 45mins depending on how busy they are, delivery on orders over £12.

Check out my review of Yuzu - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Wolseley in London

London - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Cafes - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Restaurants - British

A mark of a true breakfast haunt isn't in their full English or even in their coffees. Nay, for me it's in his kiss. What? Sorry, I meant it's in their Eggs Benedict. Rather simple dish one would think but getting all the bits just right is quite an art. The hollandaise sauce needs to have the right texture, the subtle zing, the eggs soft but able to hold their shape. You get the picture. Eggs Ben at The Wolseley was quite a treat and hence I will be returning. Take an out-of-towner along to feel a little bit posh. Good decor, 'buzz' et al.

Check out my review of The Wolseley - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The London Dungeon in London

London - Arts & Entertainment - Landmarks

What more can be said? It's a great fun day out as a tourist in London and perfect if you've got some visitors and want to show them a little bit of the folk tale history of London without the drab museum aura. They'll hear of ancient torture devices, old English courts, diseases, the famous Jack the Ripper and S Todd and the rest. Yes it's fake, yes it's expensive but I think it's worth it. Best advice is to look out for 2for1 prices on Oyster card deals or reduced tickets through lastminute.com
Doesn't need to cost you an arm and a leg - well the price anyway. Muhahaha. Go and have a laugh. Or a scream.

Check out my review of The London Dungeon - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Mongolian BBQ in London

London - Restaurants - Other Asian - Mongolian

This is one of those clever places I praise purely because they fool you into doing all the work all in the name of 'experience'. And it's brilliant - you merrily go up and pick the ingredients and sauces and spices you fancy (with guides suggesting spice combos for whatever you're eating). You write your little name on a lolly paddle and go sit back down.

When your food's done they'll bring it to your table hollering for your name. Quite fun and like others have said - you have only yourself to blame or congratualte for your meal, which is kind of cool too.

Great for groups, very central, reasonably priced and extremely popular on weekends. More people = long queues and longer to wait for your supper.

Check out my review of Mongolian BBQ - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Queen's Park Farmers' Market in London

London - Food & Drink - Farm Shops

Now admittedly I am not a farmer's market expert and so can only go on what little experience I have. The small farmer's market is, well small. And rather extortionate - £14 for an 'organic whole raw chicken'. Have they not been into a supermarket in the last 20 years??

But that said, the quality cannot be matched. Veg and meat purchased from here will ensure a sumptuous Sunday Roast without the remarkable shrinkage of hormone-saturated lumps and the freshly made apple juice is c'est manufique. Just can't win. Visit on pay day, dodge the chickens and expect less of a selection.

Check out my review of Queen's Park Farmers' Market - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Amano Cafe in London

London - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Cafes

By chance on a rainy bank holiday looking for nosh pre a Tate tottle, we enetered Amano. The decor and vibe were right up my alley and I was excited about the yummy looking dishes in front of people and the great aromas wafting through the air.

We took our own seats as it was rather busy and we didn't have all day. We then went and got our own menus. After deciding what we wanted we waited, furiously waving at any member of staff who got within range. No luck. I went to the counter to place my order 15 minutes into this role play and were told the surprisingly cheap menu we had picked from was the wrong one, and it was replaced with a heftier brunch menu. Deciding the prices, although now doubled - many of the items the same, were still stomachable with £8-10 for a pizza, £5-6 for a breakfast.

We grabbed an unsuspecting waiter clearing a table nearby to try and order again - eggs benedict and brunch pizza which sounded rather intriguing (apologies family in Italy!). A waitress returned rather rapidly and although she was met with thrilled faces, on hearing that they were out of eggs, among other things, she lost a few popularity points. On a brunch menu, being out of eggs is slightly less than catastrophic and with our skimpy choice we went for two other pizzas.

The food wasn't bad to be honest, and loving the vibe of the place I think it's unfortunate such shoddy service (no one ever came to clear away the remains of the meal before ours) let the place down. But this is fixable, so there is hope.

Check out my review of Amano Cafe - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: London Eye in London

London - Arts & Entertainment - Landmarks

When I got on the eye I thought it was so tedious I was going to pull all my eye-lashes out by the time it 'landed' again (cheesy reference to the 'Enjoy your flight' message courtesy of BA). But once you've paid a pretty high price and climbed into your coccoon, you're transported high over London and for once the weave of underground tunnels and landmarks come together and you can appreciate it as a whole. And you actually get to the end a lot quicker than you'd think.

Pick a clear day and expect long queues. Great to take visitors up to 'take in' London - and of course get a fairly good photo.

Check out my review of London Eye - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Nando's in London

London - Restaurants - International

I'm a big Nando's fan, not just because I'm South African - few realise this is where this great chicken-licious Pora place was born.

It's sort of healthy as it's flame-grilled, and there are healthy options instead of chips - like corn on the cob, salads etc. Even if you're not into the hot peri peri you can try a lemon and herb marinade and if you're eating in, try their array of different sauces - garlic peri peri is one of the best in my opinion.

No it's not gourmet food, but for decent grub that costs under a tenner it's fun to treat yourself to every once in a while. Also if you are eating in drinks are bottomless and you help yourself which is kind of fun.

Check out my review of Nando's - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Ping Pong Restaurant in London

London - Restaurants - Japanese & Sushi

If you're looking for a good value, tummy-filling meal, Ping Pong may not be the place for you. Entertaining, yes. Convenient, yes. A break from the norm - definitely. But the little bits that arrive in their own parcels have the same affect as certain Tapas bars where if you're after a proper meal, you may be disappointed.

But you should go knowing that Ping Pong only does dim sum so expect to be ordering 4-5 dishes costing around £3 each.
I did have the yummy cocktail of the month - strawberry crush with rum, vanilla sugar and fruit juice, about £6.

Fun for trying something different but not the best dim sum in London. Going to try out JW26's suggestions. Was also surprised at having to wait for a table when going downstairs to the ladies to find a whole floor of empty tables.

Check out my review of Ping Pong Restaurant - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Coco Momo Cafe Bar in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars

Although I did not get to sample their food or fantastic-sounding cocktails (like chocolate and vanilla martini) the vibe of this place was one of those that buzzes merrily and is perfect for after-work drinks. There's also a lovely outside section on the corner if the weather permits. Was a-drizzle when we were there so we did struggle to find seats.

I wouldn't go out of my way to try it, but if you're in the Bakerstreet/Marylebone area do stop by. Drinks are avg-high prices with a glass of wine starting from £3.35 for a small glass and cocktails starting from £6.

Check out my review of Coco Momo Cafe Bar - I am Urbanite - on Qype