Qype: Oliva Dolce in London

London - Restaurants - Italian & Pizza

When we lived in the Bush this was my pizza parlor of choice - with thin cripsy bases and yummy fresh toppings like parma ham and rocket or red balsamic onions and camembert. Also very decently priced and far better than your standard Americanised versions. Traditional? Not strictly. Great pizza? Absolutely. I'm trying not to drool on my keyboard.
Check out my review of Oliva Dolce - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Wishing Well in London

London - Restaurants - Mediterranean

When I first moved to London this was one of my favourite restaurants and would still be if we hadn't moved a bit further away.

It has a sort of fusion/European/Polish menu that is super-affordable and really tasty. I loved that we could go there, get a good meal for two and a bottle of wine and spend just £25! I haven't been there recently so not sure if they still have the meal deals - a starter and a main for £6 - including yummy things like duck en croute and mussles.

It's family-run and the best part about it is the quirky decor - with little witches and pumpkins hanging from the cavernous ceiling. Full of character and greatvalue for money, if you're in the area you should definitely check this place out.
Check out my review of The Wishing Well - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Primark in London

London - Fashion

There's one thing you have to ask yourself when holding up a pair of shoes for £2: 'Can I live with the fact that this was quite likely stitched together by some under paid lady/child/lady carrying child in another country?' Luckily I seem to be able to. Primark is great for what I love to call 'disposable fashion' - the everyday women's answer to staying up to date with the rapidly changing fashion. No of course it's not going to last long but if you think things at those prices are you're horribly mistaken. But there as some great. colourful clothes and accessories out there and as much as we'd deny it, we all own something from Primark.

This shop is one of the large ones but avoid on Saturdays as you could queue for a very long time to try on clothes and pay.
Check out my review of Primark - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: pomegranate in London

London - Restaurants - Thai

Gave it the ol' Phad thai test and sadly it failed - didn't have the slightly sweet tang and was quite dry. Disappointing as I was really hoping it would become my local but alas. Also offered a beef option of the dish which is new to me.

It started so well - it really is tiny and the English breakfast menu in the morning seems a bizarre combo. It's BYOB which is quite nice actually as you don't pay £20 for a bottle you could get up the road for a fiver. The starters were excellent and I must comment that the satay sauce was authentic and very fresh. One of the skewers was a little underdone (always a worry with chicken) but otherwise lovely staff and decent prices with starters £4/5 and mains £6/7. But not amazing and wouldn't hurry back myself.
Check out my review of pomegranate - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Zuccato - O2 in London

London - Restaurants - Italian & Pizza

There's nothing like going to a place where, when you walk in, the waiting staff saunter over and look at you like you've made the unforgivable mistake of existing. And I might add this was the second time I've come here - giving it another chance after the rather shoddy experience the time before.

We were seated and someone took our order. I'd been cajoled in by the giant board outside brandishing an icy dripping freezachino, and felt for a little bit of pud... No freezachinos I was told by a woman twice as frosty. With all the coffees on the menu I thought a coffee milkshake of sorts would do. 'No we have none.' Quite politely I offered that a vanilla milkshake with a shot of espresso would go down a treat. Her shoulders dropping, she went over to the bar and shared my suggestion with a disgruntled bar hand who gestured to me where I could stick my coffee surprise. No cold coffee of any sort was doable.

So I went for a tame pot of tea and a chocolate fondant with white chocolate centre. My partner went for a vodka coke and waffle and we waited. A few minutes later a waffle arrived, was plonked down. A little later still, my tea appeared. When I enquired of the vodka coke the man looked at us strangely and said 'Oh, you want to order a vodka coke?' Our earlier waitress had obviously gone to find her icy crown and had not passed on the rest of the information. I received my pudding, coke n vodka still amiss. My pudding looked a little suspicious and cutting it in half I was disappointed to see no white anything.

Calling one of the many waiters hanging around avoiding eye-contact I explained my problem to which he said 'I'll get the manager'. Said manager came over and, although very polite, asked me if the problem was that it tasted different. I said I hadn't a clue as I'd never had this here before (and it was becoming rapidly apparent I would not be again) but I could definitely sense a lack of white chocolate. She whisked it away and ten minutes later a new one arrived with the so-called chocolaty centre that was somewhere between custard and condensed milk, but had certainly never seen a cocoa bean in its wee life. I banally munched on a bit and pushed it around. In vein we tried to wave over a waiter for our bill and eventually had to man-handle one who brought it over (service charge included) with the vodka coke. Go figure. We spent more on tea and cake than our earlier lunch and left far from satisfied. Pity as two times is more than enough for me to know I won't make the mistake of going back.
Check out my review of Zuccato - O2 - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Harp in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

Seems more an institution than anything else. We went for drinks after work on a chilly Thursday eve and it was packed to the rafters so we had to stand outside. It's a small but very popular place - primarily for it's good location but also its apparent selection of ales. Not being an ale drinker myself this doesn't add to my rating and must admit that I fail to see the awesomeness as implied by earlier reviews. Toilets aren't fantastic and you nearly have to stand on the seat to be able to shut the door. Yeah I'd go back for work drinks if everyone else was an ale drinker, but wouldn't go there specifically myself.
Check out my review of The Harp - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Roxy,The Bar & Club in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Nightlife - Clubs

We'd heard mixed reviews on this place and decided to check it out on a sat. It opens at 9:30 and is £7 at the door, £9 after 10:30. Unhappy Hour is 9:30-10:30 and I've called it that as this is the reason I will never go back here.

We got in at 10 and it was really quiet and the music was weak and unrecognisable. Handed in our coats and headed to the bar and got a pitcher of cocktail. We headed off to a corner and noticed it was 10:20 and figured we'd get another pitcher. We ambled over and got in our order, congratulating ourselves on slipping it in. The lady took her sweet time, brought it over and then rung it up and asked us double the price. When I asked why she said 'Happy hour's over'. I showed her my watch which still said 10:28, my friend's 10:27. She looked at us, turned away without saying anything and called the bar manager over who very rudely said 'You have to pay for that, now.' Again we showed our watches and explained and offered the money for happy hour price he cut us off and said he didn't care, we had to pay full price, started getting rather roudy and just extremely rude. I finally said 'So we ordered this before happy hour was over, and you won't accept the happy hour money?' 'No.' So I said not to worry, we wouldn't have it then thank you. He glared at us and we walked off back to our group of friends, all dismayed at how we'd been treated.

A minute later a big bouncer walked up to me, tapped me on the shoulder and said 'What's your problem?' I told him I don't have one. He said we owe the bar money and we'd better go and pay it or he will kick us out of the club. I said 'Excuse me?' I tried in vein to explain what happened, he replied 'I don't care, I don't want to have to tell my manager so you better pay.' We were now rather livid and asked to speak to the manager. I believe we are both very fair and calm people but do not believe people should ever be treated like this and wished to explain this to the manager. Needless to say he must have gone to tell the manager who laughed in his face as no one came. The music improved and despite the earlier annoyance, were able to have a decent time with our mates. The only other downside was that the guy at the bar who'd been so rude refused to serve me all night, so I had to get my friends to buy my drinks. I'm sorry, but that's just bullsh*t - they could really do with a course in customer service and learn some manners. Maybe then I'd return.
Check out my review of Roxy,The Bar & Club - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Busaba Eathai in London

London - Restaurants - Thai

Continuing my phad thai pilgrimage I headed off to Busaba and must say I was quite impressed by their take on the dish - the vegetables were fresh and crisp and the sauce was the right side of tangy. I quite liked the communal tables but was suprised at how many times we got reprimanded for spreading out past our 10 inch seating space. Staff could have been friendlier but I will definitely return to try out some of their other dishes. Main meals are around £7/8 and they don't do bookings so get there early to avoid queuing.
Check out my review of Busaba Eathai - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Avenue Q in London

London - Arts & Entertainment - Theatres

I'd heard quite a bit of noise about Avenue Q and so while it wasn't the funniest thing I've ever seen (milk out the nose funny), it was extremely entertaining and well done. What I found really cool was that after a while you don't really see the people holding the puppets any more, they just seem to fade into the background. And with songs like 'Everyone's a little bit racist sometimes' how can it not be a good night out?
Check out my review of Avenue Q - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Franco Manca in London

London - Restaurants - Italian & Pizza

You know when you've found a place you covet when you're sitting there awaiting your bill and wondering just how you are going to get everyone you know to try the place - especially with the sparse opening hours of 12-5 during the week.

The pizzas were absolutely fantastic. Truly bloody scrumptious. The sour dough base holds as much flavour and texture as the toppings as it is thrown in a scorching oven for just 40 seconds which makes it crispy on the outside, but soft and squiggy on the inside. For me the tomato layer was the best part as it is unbelievably fresh and flavoursome.

Apart from everything else, it shows that less is more - the basic tables and chairs (unfortunately plonked alongside a fish market which was the only slight downside), the menu with only a few items on each pizzas and a drinks list of:
- One type of Beer
- One type of lemonade
- One type of wine
- Water.
And best of all, it's all great value for your money. Hurry before they realise!
Check out my review of Franco Manca - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Portobello Gold in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

First time I visited a favourite of a friend and glad a did as it's a really funky place. Apparently it had a fire a while back and took some time finding it's feet but it is now a quirky, popular place with unique decor and an interesting mix of clientelle. Food was a little on the pricey side - £14 for a tapas platter with some cold meats, cheeses and a couple of slices of bread - not a huge portion. But saying that they've also got some nifty things like oysters - done either the American (with parmesan and stuff), Japanese (with wasabi and ginger) or English (with lemon juice) way.
There's also a really cool area through the back which is sort of in a green house and littered with palms and things which makes for an interesting setting. I like a pub that goes off the beaten track.

Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.
Check out my review of Portobello Gold - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Pret a Manger in London

London - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Sandwiches

Not normally a fan of reviewing chains but my experience today proves that two can differ dramatically.
Sent to fetch their Italian chicken salad I was not too surprised that they did not stock, nor had the capacity to make this salad option given their size. Looking at the avo chicken salad, I wondered if the two were similar enough to substitute so I inquired after the contents of the Italian chicken salad. They hadn't a clue. No documentation, no inclination, no bloody idea.
They offered to tell me the ingredients of the avo chicken salad in my hand which I thought was remarkable considering it's got a clear plastic top and with my 20/20 vision I'd already worked it out. I explained that I purely wanted to know the difference to save me the walk for, as an example, if one has onions and the other doesn't, then that's a doable swap. 'Most of our salads contain onions, so it probably will.' I could but blink. I asked if they could call their branch up the road to which they replied 'They're very big, I'm sure they'll have it.' 'No, to find out what the difference is between the two to save me the walk.' 'Look we're very busy and they are too.' 'So there's no possible way you can tell me the contents of the other salad?' 'No.'
So I spun on my heel and walked out.
This rather small Pret plonked between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square is ideally placed, but I'd suggest a walk past Leicester Square to a larger franchise and hopefully staff who know their elbows from their *rseholes.
Check out my review of Pret a Manger - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Wheatsheaf in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

I satisfied a recent meat craving at the Wheatsheaf and had a rather tasty steak - cooked just how I had asked for it. The staff were attentive, and overall the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. There's just something pleasant about it - nothing too garish or in your face. Worth a pop in if you find yourself in Fulham.
Check out my review of The Wheatsheaf - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Offside Bar in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Sports Bars

This place really didn't blow my hair back and is begging for a makeover. A certain something to make it more attractive nad pull in the crowds that would otherwise be enticed by the layout and location.
Specific to our night it looked like a closing down sale with worryingly low levels of stock behind the counter and was horrified to be offered a diamond white cider as the only alternative to ciders/alchopops. The furniture is really worn down and the toilets were unfortunately below par. There are many better places around the corner and think they may need to pull up their socks in order to survive and thrive.
Check out my review of The Offside Bar - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Just Falafs in London

London - Restaurants - Mediterranean

Little pockets stuffed with goodness is what you'll find here - with a combination of healthy and not-so-healthy wrap options. There are two different sizes - regular for around £4.70 and large for about £5.80. I went for the regular and was fed-up :). It was packed with fresh juicy goodness, splashed with chili and garlic sauce (at my request). I went for the smoked chicken one which, although was tasty, was overun by sweet potato.

Although it's always great to pick up lunch for under a fiver in Soho, the drinks (coke and a bottle of water) were nearly £2 each which was a bit odd. Nonetheless I'll definitely be going back, if only to try some of the other yummy-sounding concoctions.
Check out my review of Just Falafs - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: La Cave A Fromage London Ltd in London

London - Food & Drink - Cheese Shops

About a year ago something wonderful happened around the corner from South Kensington tube station - La Cave a Fromage was born. For cheese lovers this is the place to get your fix - with staff eager to find up to 1000 different cheeses to meet any and every requirement.

A modern take on cheese shops, the air is lightly chilled and the cheeses are easily accessable for you to oggle if you're not sure what you're after. From a cheese tasting event we had last night, we were reminded that curiosity is often rewarded. So bend away from your cheddars and camemberts, and open your mind to a whole world of different cheeses out there (many of which are stoacked at la cave!). And as Tim pointed out, they also do bread (baked fresh on site from next week), cold meats, preserves and unique wines.
Check out my review of La Cave A Fromage London Ltd - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Cyber Candy in London

London - Food & Drink - Sweets & Chocolates

The only place I've ever seen that sells Duff beer, well, not the alcoholic stuff, but the branding is to the T if you're ever dressing as Homer for a dress up.

There are sweeties from all over the world in this store - and you really do feel like a little kid looking at all the bright colours on the shelves. The only slight reality check is that you pay for the privaledge, with many of the sweeties costing quite a bit. But that's often the price of nostalgia and new things, so stick your head in if you're in the area.
Check out my review of Cyber Candy - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Be At One in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Cocktail Bars

What a great place. It might not have the pinache of presentation that LAB bar does, but it doesn’t come with the pretention either. The best idea is to get in there for happy hour and give the raspberry daiquiri a whirl - you will thank me. Cocktails are all £5-7 each and at 2-4-1 you really can’t beat it. Great location and very friendly staff make this place a must-swing-by if you’re heading out in town and need somewhere to kick-start your evening.

Besides, anywhere that has spiced poo on the menu can't be that bad.
Check out my review of Be At One - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: dumpling in London

London - Restaurants - Thai

If you don't know the area very well, you're most likely to reach the O2 centre and think that's it for Finchley Road's offerings but how wrong you'd be. A little down the way is this interesting little place that serves a mixture of asian delights from dumplings to chow meins and thai curries.

The dumplings are quite good and reasonably priced, as are the main meals. It's a nice break from the chains of restaurant. But what's really neat is that they do deliveries for orders over £15, the last order can be as late as 10:45pm which is good to remember if time runs away with you.
Check out my review of dumpling - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Vue Cinemas in London

London - Nightlife - Cinemas

Decent spread of cinemas and general upkeep. They've also got a Ben and Jerry's ice cream parlor on site. This chain is often very busy so best to get in on time to get a seat as, for those unaccustomed to British cinemas, there are no seat reservations. One thing that gets my goat here is that there's no extra salt to add to your popcorn - and the popcorns often a tad under-salted, and needs the kick to get past that 'standing here all day' taste. But otherwise pretty decent cinemas. Don't forget to flash your student card, if you've got one, for a discount.
Check out my review of Vue Cinemas - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Carluccio's in London

London - Restaurants - Italian & Pizza

After booking a table for a dinner party we headed to this branch of Carluccios. It was quite full for a mid week evening - which surprised me as it was on the whole rather mediocre. The layout and decor of the restaurant were quite pleasing to the eye, but the staff and the actual food portions were quite disappointing. For what you pay you'd expect big hearty dishes of pasta - of course this is the Italian way. But what you get in reality is bordering mean, and although some of it is quite tasty, it really didn't feel like worth the pennies put in.
As Amethyst already mentioned, there is quite a loud chatter which can be quite nice but also quite distracting - perhaps some carefully-selected music would go down well to soften the edges.
Check out my review of Carluccio's - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: O2 Center Finchley Road in London

London - Shopping - Shopping Centres

This is a handy centre to live near as it's packed with places to see and do. There's a book shop, gym, cinema, Sainsbury's, a wide range of restaurants including Indian, Italian, American, Japanese. There's also little carts peddling cheap bags, sweets and jewellery.

There's also a cool pure glass lift and a big aquarium on the bottom level. There used to be a nifty fountain thing happening along the escalators to the upper level but it is currently being refurbished so will have to see what they do with it.
Check out my review of O2 Center Finchley Road - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The O2 in London

London - Nightlife - Music Venues - Nightlife - Cinemas - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Arts & Entertainment - Theatres

There's a hell of a lot more in the O2 dome than you'd imagine - from concerts to restaurants, and even an ice rink. The facilities are always clean and maintained and you could pretty much spend a whole evening in here. The only mischief is it being a bit far from central London - and a royal pain in the arse if the bottom end of the jubilee line isn't running.
Check out my review of The O2 - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Pomodori e Baci in London

London - Restaurants - Italian & Pizza

Great, great pizzas. We've only ever picked up takeaways from this joint but they have so scrumptious. There's a special deal for takeaways where it works out to like £6 per pizza if you order two off a specific page of pizzas. There's still a mighty choice and ends up being excellent value for money. Toppings range from traditional Italian to slightly more modern but still very European-style; goat's cheese, parma ham and zucchini or mushrooms, rocket and cherry tomatoes. Thin crispy base and fresh, quality ingredients.

I hate the American pizza types so really glad that this place is down the road because they're the bes tizzas in town.
Check out my review of Pomodori e Baci - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Subway in London

London - Restaurants - Take Away

One of those places you should rather take away from than eat in, Kilburn's Subway is not the roomiest. I'm not a big subway fan as it is though because I reckon it's not really as healthy as they'd like to pretend and the rolls taste quite artificial to me. Still, it's a food provider and is loved by many others so go on and design-your-own lunch roll if you dare.
Check out my review of Subway - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Golden Heart in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars

This place really didn't blow my hair back - bit average on the inside and expect it's more its location that brought in the clientèle than its charm or 'certain something'. The bathrooms were horrid with a single cubicle that was quite dirty and hadn't seen toilet paper in quite some time. I think this place is one that is dependent on the crowd you're with to have a good night, but if you can't rely on that, I'd really avoid it.
Check out my review of The Golden Heart - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Commercial Tavern in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

What a nifty joint. There were tons of people spilled out onto the pavement, but inside was not crowded. I can't recall the music so it can't have been very offensive nor very loud as we spent most of the time outside. What makes this place really nifty is the beautiful decorations, painted walls and little details. Outside it's also overgrown with dear little creepers. The lady's lavs were clean and modern even if you had to scally around the single pool table to reach them.

I'd really recommend this place if you're in the area.
Check out my review of Commercial Tavern - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Pride Of Spitalfields in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

Pretty dire place really - real old traditional pub that hadn't been remodeled in about 50 years but was never very attractive to begin with. Once you cross the threshold you immediately age so that there's no one under 60 years old inside. It's only mildly saved by the nice big table outside and the amazing weather we chanced upon.
Check out my review of Pride Of Spitalfields - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Chiang Mai in London

London - Restaurants - Thai

Hmm, found this a tad over-priced for what it was, and didn't taste that great. Went for the Pad Thai for a change and takeaway box was £7.50 and it was really rich. Not sure what they did to it but the sauce was quite dark in colour and very peanutty - not like the light salty sweet sauce I was expecting. Although the location's great, if you're looking for a quick takeaway meal in this part of town you could probably do better.
Check out my review of Chiang Mai - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Kulu Kulu Sushi in London

London - Restaurants - Japanese & Sushi

This is like the more authentic, rustic, less clinical version of YoSushi. This branch is quite small and evidently quite popular as we had to wait a little while for a seat. Similar to Yo there's the conveyor belt and plate system - although the plates have patterns rather than colour differences which makes it a bit slower to tally.

I love the fact that the presentation was a littel sloppy; rather than the cookie-cutter nigiri shape, the sliced fish hung lazily over the edges, and there were some peculiar-looking things you had to try. Definitely pop in if you're a sushi fan and tired of the more westernised franchises.
Check out my review of Kulu Kulu Sushi - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Be at One in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Cocktail Bars

I wasn't as bowled over with this place as it's sister venue down the way. The bar area is ridiculously crammed anywhere near happy hour, and the cocktails aren't as yummy. But that said, I got in 5 minutes before happy hour ended and, three rows back, the bar tender pointed at me and said 'You're the last one for Happy Hour ok'. And even though it wasn't until about 7:20 that we actually got our cocktails, he stuck to his word and gave it to us at happy hour prices.

If you're in the area it's always fun, but if you can get to the other bar instead, I'd highly recommend it.
Check out my review of Be at One - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Gaby's Deli in London

London - Food & Drink - Delicatessen - Restaurants - Take Away - Falafel

I'll happily add my 4 stars to the Gaby collection as I am now a firm fan. I'd agree that from the outside it doesn't inspire much confidence, but Gaby's for me was one of those places that rewards you for shunning places like Pret, 'sticking it to the man', if you will, and shows you there's some darn good places out there for about the same cost. They've got an array of hot and cold salads with options to mix a few for a couple of pounds.

I went for the tasty and filling chicken tikka pitta which was just great. For £4 no it's not a giveaway, but it certainly is pretty good going for this side of town and guaranteed to hit the spot.
Check out my review of Gaby's Deli - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Taro Japanese Restaurant in London

London - Restaurants - Japanese & Sushi

In my ever-eager quest for London's best Sushi I gave Taro a whirl. I'd heard about the owner looking exactly like the little stick drawing on the card, but with two branches it's hard to know which one he's at.

The sushi was great - the rice was perfect texture and the fish was very fresh. I think the bento box is best value for money - I had the extravagent Salmon A that came with 5 pieces of sashimi, 2 pcs nigiri, 2 pcs maki, edemame beans and a rice compartment covered with thin slices of cooked salmon. It also came with a bowl of miso soup and was £11 - a full meal on it's own.

We also sampled their gyoza, other maki and nigiri offerings and think that the asking price is fair for what you get. The place is clean and welcoming and the food arrives extremely quickly from a little magic metal lift of awesomeness in the corner.
Check out my review of Taro Japanese Restaurant - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Japan Centre in London

London - Food & Drink - Delicatessen - Restaurants - Japanese & Sushi

As a Sushi lover I was amazed I had not stumbled upon this little Aladin's cave sooner. Not only can you get trays of maki 6/8 rolls to take away for between 2-3 squids, but also all the weird and wonderful ingredients you could ever wish for to make your own.
I love poking around vegetables I have no idea about, and finding a place this central that has such decent prices is always a little bit exciting. Pity about the nonsense poundland-type stuff at the back, but a small price to pay.
Check out my review of Japan Centre - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Bar Soho in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Cocktail Bars

After a boozy dinner we stumbled over to this watering hole and I was drawn to it initially by the merry-makers outside lining the pavements. It's quite a classy bar but draws a mixed crowd which is quite nice - very London and as some have mentioned above, a great place to meet friends at. The drinks are pretty expensive - house wine by the glass is £4.50 and they don't accept anything under a tenner on a card.

Decor and music were pretty standard for this kind of joint and the bathrooms are plagued by the 'I'll offer you gum and tissues if you put some money on my late people' who really get on my t*ts sometimes, but we all have to earn a living somehow eh.
Check out my review of Bar Soho - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Little Bay in London

London - Restaurants - British

What an awesome little place. There are two parts to the restaurant - obviously expanding to seat all the eager diners. Both are full with character and array of decorations to enhance your dining experience. Tables are tucked away in little nooks and imbued with candle light. Next to our table we had a big sphinx head.

It's difficult to pinpoint exactly what you'd class this restaurant as; I suppose mediterranean with an Eastern European sway.

For starters I had the mussles which were great - and only £3!! My partner had the crab atop an avocado salsa which was alright but also just £3. The mains were £8 each and were a hearty beef goulash and a braised lamb knuckle, which came with potatoes and boiled cabbage.

You can get other sides which I would advise as the meals tend to be rather carb-heavy and a little salty. Also the array of waiters were great but had quite limited english and so was often hard to check things on the menu. But in terms of value for money and ambience, this place gets both thumbs up.
Check out my review of Little Bay - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Priory Tavern in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

It's quite a sizeable pub with a long wooden bar and lots of windows which I always like - plonked on the corner so benifits from a lion's share of natural light. I know all this is nonsense to most pub goers but thought I'd throw it in. What I do appreciate are the picnic tables outside - it's quite a nice quiet street and if the weather's playing along, really nice to have an evening drink out there. Drinks aren't badly priced and they've got TVs for the sport nuts.
Check out my review of The Priory Tavern - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Lamb and Flag in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

This pub has a lot of character and on a Friday evening, you can hear it before you see it. Rounding the corner people are spilled into the street like jelly beans, er with beers. Working your way through the outdoor crowd, it's surprisingly empty inside - perhaps owing to the clingy heat and peculiar odour. Once our pints were pulled we joined the masses outside and I quite like that - standing outside with a drink after work, toasting a sunny evening. Not bad if you're a local but nothing too special either, although I didn't check out the upper floor.
Check out my review of Lamb and Flag - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Fox and Anchor in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs - Restaurants - British

Great pub. You walk in and the atmosphere and decor blend well to serve a traditional English pub with a pulse. Freshly baked pork pies and trays of oysters line the one end of the bar. We had a particularly friendly waitress who was very helpful and quite a delight. One really fun thing here are the metal beer mugs with glass bottoms. There's a long story here about enlisting sailors but you'll have to find out when you get there.

One bit that left me umming and ahhing is the menu. I'd heard amazing things about the food and what resulted was a mixture of dishes - some big and hearty and others a bit plain. I went for the poached salmon which was actually pan-fried. It was quite bland and coudl've done with something other than the little bucket of fat chips, which were quite good.

Another person went for the home-made sausage roll and beans. It came as a dinky sausage roll with a swamp of beans and the token chips (they really do milk them). All meals were extremely stodgy and while much traditional pub fare is, it wouldn't have hurt to give me a little hand reaching my 5 a day.
Check out my review of Fox and Anchor - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: LAB Bar in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Cocktail Bars

For one of the most extensive cocktail lists in London, head to LAB. It really is a little laboratory of science experiments, but I guess they're way too trendy for test tube shooters and sexy little lab coats (that would be awesome by the way).

But with selection and quality does come cost and their's was rather extortionate at up to £10 per cocktail. Great place to try a few different cocktails with wicked ingredients like crushed watermelon and chili garnishings, but not somewhere to spend the whole night (for me anyway, sniff).

There's a bit of pretension; downstairs the ladies loos are titled 'bitches' (um, okay) and the food menu they offer is actually from the restaurant next door - I think they could do with some mod bar snacks for that little extra je nais se quoi.
Check out my review of LAB Bar - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Battersea Barge Tide Way in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Restaurants - European

I had a great time on the barge, but fear this was largely owed to the company and steady supply of drinks - and lovely summer evening. The barge is smaller than I imagined with decor that had perhaps past its prime. I also was silly in presuming it moved from its rocky outcrop to shimmy down the river but alas not. Other than that it is positioned in a lovely part of the river, has a cosy feel inside with old ship-restaurant type fittings and a dinky little, well-stocked bar. The food was tasty although somewhat oily and had to stop eating fearing the clot would make its way to my heart.

I think it can be a lovely venue for private events but should perhaps consider a bit of a makeover to ensure its longevity.
Check out my review of The Battersea Barge Tide Way - I am Urbanite - on Qype