Oot and aboot in London Town

Qype: Hummus Bros in London

2010-04-19T04:20:00.001-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - International - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Mediterranean

So I've sort of side-stepped Hummus Bros for some time due to my 'over it' feeling toward hummus. When the big hummus plague happened I was in the frontline, visitng parks and BBQs with fresh french loaves and tubs of hummus in different colours and flavours. And then one morning I awoke, and could not bare to look at another beige chunky pot. And that was that.

So somewhere called 'Hummus Bros' was as likely a perfect shoe fit for me as another termed 'Offal Aunts'. And I neglected it besides recommendations from friends.

But then a group of friends were heading down and I begrudgingly came along and was pleasantly surprised. I could get a bowl of tasty meaty lumps in a swish salty gravy with a line of hummus around the top that you could swipe in or mostly ignore as you scooped it up warm wholewheat pittas = win.

Can get busy at lunch times and they have a 'small' (medium) and 'regular' (large) - if it's just lunch the small should do - I went for the regular and ended up leaving left half.

Check out my review of Hummus Bros - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Tortilla in London

2010-04-15T08:07:00.001-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Mexican

Mexican eateries have bred like rabbits throughout London - and if you can't match or better what's already out there, you're doing Londoners a bit of a disservice.

I was thrilled to bits as I saw this joint being tediously put together down the road from my work - cutting the closest Mexican hit from a 15 min walk to a 3 min walk would be a.m.a.z.i.n.g.

But alas. The burrito that was spawned by Tortilla was under par, woefully disappointing. The sour cream was watered down to the consistency of milk. The black beans were swimming in water and slapped together with my usual favourite of pork and completely unspicy medium salsa, resulted in a big bag of liquid that continoulsy trickled through my tin foil as I hate it - luckily in-house.

My friend had gone for the 'hot' salsa and still we doused both in a bottle of chilly sauce we found off to the side. The staff seemed a bit disinterested in being there and altogether the experience was a let down.

Until something drastic happens I'm resigned to a fifteen minute walk to get some 'proper' Mexican food.

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

Qype: Pizzeria Malletti in London

2010-04-15T07:06:00.001-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Italian & Pizza

I have a habit of going to a place that specialises in something, and ordering the opposite, so in Pizzeria Malletti I opted for the pasta; £4.95 for a takeaway box.

I asked for 'halfnhalf'; an artichoke and gorgonzola tortelloni with a penne and sausage meat. And it was pretty good - a decent lunch portion that was pretty tasty.

Don't let the queue out the door put you off, it all moves along pretty quickly and the people behind the counter are friendly and boisterous.

Check out my review of Pizzeria Malletti - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Alice House in London

2010-03-29T03:52:00.001-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

Popped in for an after-work-drink and took up a table in the buzzy outside area despite rain and a chill. Inside I'd agree there's a trendy/indie feel to the place that's a little on the dark side with fairy lights around the bar and some good looking people behind it.

It seems to attract a mixed bunch of media types - dressed smart-casual and all jovially topping up their drinks and chattering loudly, which is a great atmosphere after a long week but imagine if you're a quiet pub type this wouldn't hit the spot.

I've heard the food isn't terrific but just seen they doa brunch menu so may need to head out here on a mild Sunday and try it out for myself. Will definitely return in the evening with a bunch of friends - but reackon you'd either need to get there very early or book a table.

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

Qype: Banana Tree Canteen in London

2010-03-29T02:42:00.001-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Other Asian

A collection of events unfolded that would normally have me plucking off stars in no time, but I sort of have a soft spot for the place, and would definitely return with friends...

We came by on an impromptu Friday eve and waited in a little queue to be seated at one of the basic wooden tables surrounded by mild chatter and a friendly vibe. We were soon seated and I had a hankering for a shandy but wondered what might come close. At my hesitation the waiter said 'What was what?' To which I replied 'Er I don't suppose you do a shandy do you?'. 'Of course we do!' he bellowed 'We have beer, we have sprite; no problem!' and off he went.

I went for my good ol faithful phad thai but in this instance it didn't pay off - it seems opting for prawn and chicken meant half the portions of each and it lacked some of the flavour as I swallowed my food envy at my dining partner's plate - a grilled snazzy lamb dish. It's clearly one of those spots where it pays to be a bit adventurous. Despite waiting a bit longer than normal for our food, the service was attentive and for two to have a main and a drink for £25 it's pretty decent on the money bags too.

Check out my review of Banana Tree Canteen - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Josephine' s Restaurant in London

2010-03-12T04:19:00.001-08:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Chinese - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Other Asian - Philippine

Josephine's is a perfect example of the importance of adapting to the changing environment, or face becoming extinct.

We had a large table booked for lunch but for the most part of our dining were the only ones in there. The service was extremely friendly but rather slow as the head waiter painstakingly moved along the table to each person to slowly hold out a menu for them. And wrote our food on drinks orders out slowly on two different writing pads. It's old fashioned service which can be charming, but can also be a little dreary when timing the lunch hour.

We were handed menus and after scanning through and being a little weary of the price, one of our group asked if they had a lunch menu. Yes. Oh. Well, group in here for lunch, kind of seemed like a no brainer and a bit frustrating given the feleling you're being squeezed for every penny.

The food was disappointing - I've been lucky enough to have a Filipino friend cook a few dishes for me and they were far better - I went for the adobo wich is a pretty classic dish.

I think the place lacks a bit of passion - to survive in London you either need to be a little family business with top nosh at decent prices, or be going against the grain with a new idea or theme. Sadly Josephine's needs to jack up their act a bit - and it is sad because the decor and staff are very warming. I just can't recommend the food.

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

Qype: Harms & Schacht in Hamburg

2010-02-26T07:28:00.001-08:00

Hamburg - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Cafes - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - International - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Cocktail Bars - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Austrian

We had a function here and I guess the size of the place was just not befitting to a large gathering mid-winter. Without the extension of the outside area to enlarge the space it was just a bit cramped but perhaps it was due to a misunderstanding of our team building antics.

The staff were generally pretty friendly but had a weird process of us lining up at the entrance to the bar ordering drinks off the side - bit odd as one might expect the nimble waiters to tick round and see who needs a top up.
Have to agree I wasn't a fan of the food, especially as midway through the queue everything ran out and we all waited mid-queue for them to scramble to find top ups - and sadly not many of them were found and the idea of being polite suddenly felt a little self-defeating.

The smoking section was just terrible - a big hot-box latched onto the side of the building without an air vent or a window made myself, happy with a cigarette if I have a drink, rather stand on my own out front so I could breath between puffs.

I'd definitely come back here - especially in the Summer when the outside area on the canal is open. But for functions I'm not convinced.

Check out my review of Harms & Schacht - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Last Days of Decadance in london

2010-02-25T15:43:00.001-08:00

london - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars

I love a theme or a little side show or something that offers me more than just a song, drink and bar stool. So spying the piano and being told to dress a lil old fashioned and to expect a burlesque show I was a little tickled.

In reality this place misses a lot of pert points for me - the cocktails were really disappointing and for the price you'd expect an old hand. my friend actually ended up sending her dark n stormy back as it was missing two ingredients (alledgedly by a newbie). My mojito was oddly made by squeezing two full lemon halves on a nobbly orange juicer followed by a sugar syrup, the booze and crushed ice with min leaves thrown on the top. As a bit of a mojito fanatic a little part of me died while watching this. Where's the muddling that rocks my mojito? The freshness of the leaves ground into the sharp contrast of the lime? I don't know, I had to take a moment.

The burlesque show was in the seedy bar downstairs that whiffs of beer and is so crowded you're unlikely to see much below the face - which, er, is pretty integral to a burlesque show I would have thought.

It's pretty popular soit must rock some folks boat, but for me it's hit and miss, and I'm not likely to go back unless another friend insists on celebrating a Birthday there.

Check out my review of Last Days of Decadance - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Hospital Club in London

2010-02-25T15:36:00.001-08:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Nightlife - Clubs

A little on the fence with this one - I wanted to like it more than I did but this may have been down to the fact I heard it gloated about for quite some time before I was able to visit as a plus 5 and see for myself.

There are aspects about it that are pretty cool - and hey, what's not to feel good about an exclusive club. But at the end of the day I might enjoy my time a little more in a rowdy pub where I mingle with all sorts of people.

I also think although some of the features are uber cool and the building itself is pretty flash, I like to keep work and play separate. And so when we were getting down to meeting time in a cold airy meeting room, I couldn't help but feel I was missing out on some other action near the bar area.

I get the appeal, but I wouldn't step in line for a membership just yet. But handy to know someone with one too.

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

Qype: Columbia Road Flower Market in London

2010-02-24T08:02:00.001-08:00

London - Shopping - Markets - Shopping - Arts & Crafts - Potteries & Ceramics

Not ideal whether conditions for my first visit - cold and rainy-ish but then again this is what is needed for such pretty tulips and daffodils! I think the market is sort of out-growing Columbia road and with two single-file rows of people-traffic, it was still rather nightmarish getting through.

If it's your first time it's worth walking one way through and looking at what's available (and what deals people have further on), then dive in for a second swoop and get what you want. That way you don't have to worry about your flowers getting crushed by too many passers by.

I expected it to be a bit cheaper and so would probably only pop in to take people to or if I was in the area - unfortuntely it's just a little out the way for me and doesn't warrant flocking here for fresh flowers. Even though a house with fresh flowers is a happy one.

Check out my review of Columbia Road Flower Market - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Nuffield Health Centre in London

2010-02-23T09:40:00.001-08:00

London - Sport - Leisure Centres

I did a trial here as I was in the market for a new leisure centre. Unfortunately it's not destined to be this one. While I did like aspects of this centre; free towels, great bathrooms, nice pool. It didn't help that most times I had to wait to use a machine, and two of the ones I did try claimed to be 'out of batteries'!

It's quite a small gym and I think it already has enough members without me needing to pile on too. I also didn't love the fact that the locker keys aren't on any bracelet (have the organisers not seen what other gyms have been doing to years?) so you have to carry the key in a pocket (not a common feature of gym clothes). I also had to get the change room assistant to help me on both visits to get my locker to open - one was a drop-kick-door-to-the-left affair and the other was a jiggle jiggle hold and twist. I don't have 10 minutes to fight with a locker door after and excercise and juding by the nice lady's 'don't worry, it happens ALL THE TIME' there are pretty good odss of this happening.

Nice to try new things, but for £77 a month, this is not the gym for me.

PS - unless you know London very well or have Radar you may never find this place. I had to call reception on the way in and they guided me in Harry Potteresque - don't leave the station, instead walk all the way down platform 8 and three quarters...

Check out my review of Nuffield Health Centre - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre in London

2010-02-23T09:16:00.001-08:00

London - Sport - Gyms - Sport - Climbing

This Leisure Centre was a firm 2 stars until my recent trip to another sports centre and luckily realised that considering the cost of it and number of machines, it's not *quite* as bad as I imagined.

The biggest issue I have about this spot is that no one here knows what's going on; their website is a complete joke, their staff are pretty clueless and they have no concept of rewarding customers, keeping the old ones and enticing new ones in.

Example in point: I walk in and register immediately - not from their disinterested sales team, but because it was rather large on my 'to do' list = money on legs. I come in to do my 'free assessment' where the half-asleep instructor ping pongs me between a few faulty machines to try and find one that can complete a test of measuring my heart rate while displaying all the other important vitals. After this he jots down a suggested routine on my card and shows me where to find it on the next visit.

A little unsure of the advice, given a few medical conditions including back pain I decide to give it a go. To this day I've never seen that card - it magically disappeared, shortly followed by the trainer a few weeks later. Which is only revealed to me by staff confused at who to point me to next.

After 2-3 months I want to switch to pay as you go as I'm going on extended holiday. This often loses the gym money and would be gold for them to have a little 'why are you requesting this change?' box in their form. Nope, nothing. And the sales chap doesn't say a peep when I ask him to switch.

To this day I've never received an email. In an email age where some people make millions selling email addresses, I found it hard to imagine a business running without at least a monthly 'here's what's new'.

Besides this some processes are backward; such as if you're put on a waiting list for a class you can go in and wait but you're not allowed to use the gym. And if you do go to the class you need to come back and pay after. Just silly. Can't these cards take credit? Do I really have to stand in a queue for 10 minutes every time I visit? Can't I transfer funds from my bank/charge it up online?

And besides all this how about a little welcome pack, some info on services, trainers, classes etc.

The only reason the gym is as saturated with little excercisers as it is, is because it's cheap - at £40-something a month it's very competitive with other gyms in the area.

I think they really need to take a look at their retention and education schemes to make their customers fit and happy. Rant over.

Check out my review of Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Archduke in London

2010-02-22T07:12:00.001-08:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Wine Bars

Have mixed feelings about this place and ultimately would go back, but a couple of little drawbacks.

On the plus side the decor is pretty cool - under the archways of the train tracks around Waterloo Station - so pretty easy location too. They have live jazz most nights that goes on until quite late, which neatly masks the rumble of the trains above, although they do seem to stop for quite long periods.

Having had an early dinner I just got the charcuterie starter platter which was quite good, and should be for £9, though had to order extra bread as the two mini wedges didn't cut it. They have a decent cocktail menu, each at £8, a decent wine selection but unfortunately no beers on tap.

We had a big table and service was pretty slow with only mass orders every so often so I took to ordering a couple of drinks at the bar and so came face-to-face with a few employee fights which give you that same feeling as when you're out with a couple you know and they start arguing in front of you. Awkward.

In terms of a decent spot to have a meal and few drinks in tourist central, The Archduke isn't bad. But there are a few things they could work on.

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

Qype: The Phoenix in London

2010-02-19T03:36:00.001-08:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

One of those pubs where you're always surprised to find it busy - I think in this case it's due to a lack of decent pubs in the area and so collects all the local work folk. It's decent enough with a few tables outside, a good selection of wines and beers but is on the pricey side. We came here on a Thursday evening and ended up standing near the door for most of it, reminding ourselves it's probably not worth it. I imagine it's very quite on weekends.

If you worked around the corner I could undestand why you might pop in, driven by convenience, for after work drinks. But if you don't have a location-relation, it's nothing special and not ideal as a meeting spot.

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

Qype: Zonzo in London

2010-02-19T03:09:00.001-08:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Italian & Pizza - Eating & Drinking - Fastfood & Takeaway - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Delivery

The restaurant has lovely decor that's both warming and charming. The toilets are some of the best I've ever seen in London.

The waiters and owner were a little wooden and there was a feeling of being processed through a factory, even though the place was rather empty.
We had booked with a taste London card which said '50% off the food bill' and, after double-checking the small print, booked our table stating we were card barers. As we walked in and said we had a reservation he said 'taste london yes?' and motioned to our reserved table.

We placed our order of a few starters and mains and were surprised when he shook his head and said sternly 'everyone must order a starter and a main course to get the discount' - clearly nothing about this on the taste london website, I was a bit annoyed but we ordered up and off he went. They do have their own offer of 50% off food during the week and state the main/starters thing there, but he clearly knew we were from taste london.

The starters had mixed comments - the mussels in white wine sauce weren't bad (£7.45), but the grilled calamari was tasteless and pretty disappointing (£7.45). For mains two of us went for the Saltimbocca which is a favourite of mine and again it wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing. Also only came with a few dry roast potatoes and what looked like the end of a raw leek (?!) I sort of expected some greens and these were missed (I would have happily added some spinach or vegetables of the day to it to keep the scurvy at bay). The calzone my friend ordered looked pretty good and the pasta of our fourth companion was cooked well, if a little on the bland side.

When we got our bill I was rather shocked to see that, unlike the customary 'optional 12.5%' I'd come to know and dislike immensley, they had chucked on 18%! 18%! This was just ridiculous, but we worked it out to most likely be worked out before the discount on the food. Unfortunately this left a pretty sour taste in my mouth.

All in all the setting was lovely, the waiting staff a bit off, the food alright. Doubt I'd pop back - only maybe to use the toilet.

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

Qype: Le Dolci in London

2010-02-19T02:41:00.001-08:00

London - Eating & Drinking

I have yet to venture into the little heavenly spot of Le Dolci (but really must) but have had the pleasure of the owner's company as she taught us how to fill canolli at an event recently - and of course the chance to sample tasty canolli.

I'm so thrilled by the idea of a cake club that I need to work on the office to join for a Friday as that may possibly make my week.

The cakes and desserts are all baked with traditional recipes and made freshly from seasonal ingredients - surely reason on its own to pay a visit to Maida Vale!

Check out my review of Le Dolci - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Cafe Creperie in London

2010-02-19T02:32:00.001-08:00

London

After aborting dessert at the previous spot due to it being a bit shoddy, we ambled down the road and settled in here for our coffee and sweets. The menu is quite extensive and we took our time drooling over it and eventually ordered. For sweet pancakes I found the prices a bit on the steep side, and what came was very different to what we were both expecting. The toppings were pretty sparse and didn't quite match up to the descriptions; 'melted white belgian chocolate with strawberries, toasted almonds and cream sounded A-MAZING. When it came it sported two lost strawberries, a few almond flakes, syrup and a blod of cream. With a couple of hard little chips of white chocolate on the top. Basically a syrup pancake with some pretty garnish. And considering it's around £8 it was a little disappointing.

The owners are all very French but in a good way and this really has potential to be a good spot but unfortunately a creperie is judged on it's pancakes and these failed to deliver for me.

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

Qype: RIBA Cafe & Restaurant in London

2010-02-18T09:47:00.001-08:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants

Went here as recommended by a friend and sat in the dining room but ordered from the cafe menu (weird tables plonked outside in what seems to be a walkway) as it wasn't as expensive or fancy.

After flagging down staff who didn't seem too keen to attend to us, we all ordered the hamburgers which came with a bit of greenery and a side of potato wedges. We asked how the burgers came - whether medium or well done and the reply was 'we only do them standard'. Standard, by the way, appears to be 'pretty darn dry'.

The three burgers took half an hour to arrive, quite long considering it was lunch time and the place was nearly empty - no I'm not expecting MacDonalds here by any means, but generally lunch should be viewed as an hour window, and to spend over half of it waiting for a dish means no coffee or desert, which was the case here.

Anyway, summary of what I had: for £9, burger was a bit overdone and small, coming without any relish/sauce and plonked on a bigger bun that had been toasted black. Wedges were okay.

To top it off after we flagged down someone for the bill there was an extra random item on there. But to be fair it was promptly removed once pointed out.

The food and staff let this place down - pity as the room itself is quite glorious - high ceilings and big windows letting the light in. But unless I had an architect friend who was bound to this place and I could only visit them there, I'm afraid wouldn't pop back.

Check out my review of RIBA Cafe & Restaurant - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Alimentari in London

2010-02-17T06:46:00.001-08:00

London - Shopping - Food & Drink - Delicatessen - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Cafes

A prime little gem proving that there are spots outside of the centre that rival any of those based in central London - and may be worth the few extra tube stops. Went here to learn how to make a proper cappuccino and had a lovely night with the Alimentari team - and of course ended up buying half the shop on the way out including cold meats, cheese, olives and the obligatory bag of Mulino Bianco biscuits.

Besides killer cappuccinos this cosy spot also offers wine tasting evenings, takeaway paninis, and big barrels of olive oil that you can either buy bottles of or bring your own to fill up which is really nice.
If you live anywhere in North West you should definitely book-mark Alimentari.

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

Qype: The Clifton in London

2010-02-16T02:59:00.001-08:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

A blanket for my knees while I sit outside under the heaters? Why I don't mind if I do. I think to be honest what sold this spot to me was the cupboard overflowing with board games - sure half the pieces will be missing and unless you're there from opening time on a Sunday you'll be stuck with rummy, but it just added another 'tick' to what makes a pub really cool for me. An off-the-beaten-track local - tick. Sunday roasts - tick. Pub quiz somewhere in the week - tick. Pubby menu - tick. Big space with a few different rooms - tick. Seating outside - tick. Friendly staff - tick. Decent wine list with someone who knows what they're talking about - tick.

On top of that they've got a couple of tellies and I hear sports days are pretty busy. (you can have my seat on these). Impress some friends or visitors by whisking them passed the Beatles Abbey Road crossing and straight on to a place that the tourists are less likely to know about.

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

Qype: O'Neill's in London

2010-02-11T10:15:00.001-08:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

Er, so had a hearty Irish stew craving and due to where our office is based, O'Neills popped up first on the radar and I figured 'meh, why not?'
One has to be reminded that it's a pub chain and the positioning of this particular speciman is to catch unwitting tourists as they stumble out of the bleary lights of Oxford Street. The interior is a lot bigger than you'd think - head past the bar and there's a big cavern of tomb-stone rows of 2-seater tables.

They've got a very afforable Irish special menu with all meals £4.89 > Irish stew, bacon and cheese burger (er not _particularly_ Irish in my eyes), fish n chips etc. Come on lets face it, you probably can't even eat in at Pret for that price. So for a quick dirty pub meal it's pretty good - don't think gastro but more gastro-enteritis. No just kidding, I just thought that was funny. The stew hit the spot and for a decent price and speedy delivery, why not? Don't forget to memo your table number and hop to the bar to place an order - no one will tell you this.

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

Qype: Tsuru in London

2010-02-09T09:17:00.001-08:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Japanese & Sushi

Was lucky enough to attend a cosy little sushi making event here recently - complete with warmed saki and step by step instructions from one of their chefs. We rolled cucumber maki, inside out salmon and avocado rolls, tempura prawn hand roll and salmon and tuna nigiri.

The chef was friendly and gave little tips and suggestions about making your own sushi (like you shouldn't buy raw salmon from super markets for sushi as most of it is wild salmon and there are some nasty bacteria that you don't get in controlled, farmed salmon that's not so good to have raw) and took us through the motions to produce our own little rolls of joy.

There was a little confusion over when to eat what we'd made as well as what was planned as initially we'd been told miso soup and katsu would also be involved, but on the whole was a fun evening and at a superb sushi destination with great staff and a pretty decent, authentic menu.

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

Qype: Hardy's Restaurant in London

2010-02-09T05:07:00.001-08:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - European - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Health & Beauty - Health - Mobility Services

I drooled over the menu, and waited excitedly for the bus to stop so I could dash down the road and visit Hardy's with a friend. I was so disappointed by the end of the visit after a combination of things being below par - and not just 'oh-maybe-it's-just-an-off-night' wrong - I ended up moving elsewhere for desert and coffee.

My friend had booked a table and got there a few minutes before I, by when a waiter had already whisked away one of the menus as he needed it - by menu I'm talking a black and white A4 printed page (rather different to the sample menu on their website). Fine, so chatted with my friend and oggled the menu and waited for 20 minutes for someone to come and offer me a drink. I was giving all the right signals - menu down, looking around, neck craning - even a bit of finger tapping to catch someone's eye in order to get a drink. Eventually half out of my chair I waved someone down and asked for a bit of wine advice, were met with a blank stare so we ordered a bottle and got back to chatting. It arrived and was fine and we ordered our food.

We went for the game terrine, rare steak for main. I asked if the steak came with anything to which the waiter floundered a bit and said no I need to order a side vegetable - we both opted for spinach and awaited our food. After a while I imagine the owner came to us and asked if we'd eaten yet, a bit concerned we said 'Er, no'. She disappeared and came back with our plates - 'Who ordered the herbs ont he side rather than on the steak?' It was our turn for blank stares as we had no idea what she was talking about. She shrugged and put the plates down and went off. To cut a long story short the game terrine was like a cold, thick slice of meatloaf, the steak was indeed rare but also as tough as boots - and a big piece but rather unpleasant to eat. I couldn't quite finish all my spinach because it also came with A BIG PILE OF GREENS AND POTATOES (not quite as bare as our waiter had suggested) so the windly bowl of spinach between us (£7.50) was really silly.

After trying to get another drink and waving over waiters for the next 20 minutes we were fed up and decided against tempting fate with teh deserts and asked for our bills.

One of those places I really begrudged paying the 'discretionary 12.5% service charge' which such a lack of it. So £75 for a shared starter, 2 mains, and a bottle of wine really didn't float my boat.

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

Qype: Atari-Ya Foods in London

2010-02-08T08:19:00.001-08:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Fastfood & Takeaway

Fab, fresh, well-made sushi at super low prices makes this little Sushi den my new BFF.

Went here on a Friday lunch time and worked out the trick is to pre-order (and hopefully have somewhere to eat it other than the 2 mini tables squashed in the back) then whisk in and collect. It wasn't _that_ busy when we came in, with a few people in a queue before us but they seemed to run a person through to completion rather than taking multiple orders and processing. I imagine the latter might speed things along a bit. I suppose it doesn't help that so many phone orders are coming in then too.

Very good value for money - I had two portions of sashimi, salmon and avo california rolls and 2 battered prawns and got change for £10.

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

Qype: Tricycle Theatre in London

2010-01-26T08:16:00.001-08:00

London - Nightlife - Cinemas

After sharing half a postcode for the better part of two years I decided it was time to pay the Tricycle Theatre/cinema complex an official visit.

There's the theatre bit with small production shown every night - there's a little telly outside showing the on stage action so you can take a peek at what's showing if you're in the area.

They've got a very cheap looking cafe though I've not had anything for it - £2-3 for sandwiches and £4-5 for heftier meals.

The cinema part is downstairs and costs £7-8 for a show. Interestingly if you can prove you're from the Borough of Brent you get super cheap tickets. And if you go on a Monday it's only £5. There's two show times - 6 something and 8:40 which is a smashing time as you can head home and grab some dinner before popping to see a film. The cinema is clean, comfortable and well looked after and best of all there's a distinct lack of teenagers sniggering as they throw popcorn bits at the people in front of them.

What's really nifty about this cinema is that they hold Q and A sessions with director's of some of the movies they are showing, which is pretty awesome.

The concept of independent cinemas is quite new to me, but I'm definitely a fan. The only thing missing was popcorn - drinks and snacks yes, but no popcorn. What do I snigger and throw at people in front of me? I didn't know movies could happen without popcorn. I may have to smuggle some in next time.

Check out my review of Tricycle Theatre - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Sarracino Italian Restaurant in London

2010-01-21T09:15:00.001-08:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Italian & Pizza

By chance we ordered pizzas from here the other night and at under £10 for a pizza wasn't expecting too much but was pleasantly surprised. The bases are thin and crispy and loaded with fresh ingredients - a far cry from the American oil slicks you often get. I went for the Mamma Mia which was one of the pricier ones at £9.45 but came with Cherry Tomatos, mozzarella, aubergines, rocket, parma ham, provola ,parmesan & basil. It was very tasty and very prompt! I'll definitely be calling on them again - especially as they're pricing is pretty competitive to other pizza delivery in the neighbourhood.

Check out my review of Sarracino Italian Restaurant - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: LebanEats in London

2009-11-26T06:57:00.001-08:00

London

Brand new little Lebanese fast food outlet just joined the upper Regent Street massive.

Love the concept, love the packaging and cosy little store but sadly was not bowled over by the dish of choice. After reading the little descriptions of each interesting bit of Lebanese fayre, I opted for one a warm-sounding dish with rice and a saucy mixture with lamb and butter beans in a tomato base. It came to £5 and I had it heated in store to dash back to the office and eat (they don't have any tables in the shop, just takeaway).

It wasn't bad but I counted 3 tiny bits of lamb and that was it. £5 for a lunch in London is fair but this was very disappointing - especially as you're essentially paying more for the meat that was barely there at all.

I want to go back and try more of their meze stuff but wouldn't recommend the rice n meat dishes. Also run on cash only so make sure you have some on you.

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

Qype: Polpo in London

2009-11-24T04:02:00.001-08:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Italian & Pizza

Polpo is a little eating spot on Beak street that's pakced with the punch of Italian tapas-esque dishes and is rammed in the lunch hour, so do book.
They don't take reservations for dinner, only lunch, but are as accommodating as possible.

This bustly little places has rickety wooden furniture with skinny waiters to meander between the tables laden with armloads of plates.

And we certainly did not help their cause as we decided to be 'that' group that ordered one of everything on the menu. And what a pleasant surprise. For me dishes that stuck out were the misto frito, cuttle fish in its ink (2 best from fish section I think), pork belly, steak and cold meat platter (best of the meats) - but the warm salty olive oil bread is nothing to be sniffed at either. Get a plate of garlicy spinach and bresoala on rocket to beat the scurvy back and what a yummy lunch.

Each plate is £5/6 and you need about 2 per person, £3 for the bread I think and be sure to get a plate each!

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

Qype: Hell Pizza in London

2009-11-11T02:03:00.001-08:00

London

Tuesday nights are inbetween nights for 20-somethings in the city - not far enough along the week to warrant a big bender, but just far enough in to feel you deserve a little summin summin. I've found the happy medium. Hell Pizza-all-you-can-eat-Tuesday for £6. Yes folks, it really is all you can eat and it really is £6.

Not only that but the pizzas are super - medium thick bases that are the right kind of crispy, tangy toppings with themed names - like 'Cursed; chicken, smoked cheddar, bacon, gerkins, ham, onions, honey mustard.' or one of my favourites - Pandemonium; gooey camembert, chicken and cranberry.

By the looks of things they do salad - but why you'd go to Hell Pizza for a salad is anyone's guess.

Bookmark it while you can still get a seat.

Check out my review of Hell Pizza - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Sapphire Lounge in London

2009-10-05T02:03:00.009-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Lounges

What a quirky little place. First of all it's surrupticiously plonked in the heart of a pub - very confusing if you're heading for this place. It's got a serious case of bad naming - Sapphire Lounge evokes images of tacky neon lights and glowing drinks. Instead it's more like a collection of little caves - vestibules linked by a passage on either side of a bar. Bit strange to hold a gig here, but really fun too - close nit and cosy. We went to see Rayguns Look Real Enough last night and had a great time. Nice place for intimate drinks if you get your own little cave - was pretty quiet when we went and might need to work a little on their signage!

Check out my review of Sapphire Lounge - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Noodle Noodle Restaurant in London

2009-10-05T02:03:00.007-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Chinese - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Other Asian

Seems I went for the good bits on the menu as I was quite chuffed with my food here. They've got a rather plasticy and canteen-like environment (complete with plastic cups) with laminated menus but I wasn't too fussed. The menu has a collection of noodle soups and rice dishes, we opted for the phad thai (£6.50) which was actually pretty good. It came with plump and succulent prawns that were cooked 'just right', with a slight garlic overload but I'm quite the fan. We also tried their dumplings which weren't too bad and washed it all down with a bottle of Pinot grig (£14). As a quick and good value place near Victoria station, I'd say it's pretty good.

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

Qype: The Coffee Bean in London

2009-10-05T02:03:00.005-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Coffee Shops

As fast and cheap lunch places go, this one is pretty good. It's a combo of mediterranean goodies with a 'salad valley' offering such delights as dolmades, tzatziki, cous cous salad, tuna pasta salad etc. They also offer the standard sandwiches and hot spuds and wraps and a curry. I went in there looking for something warm n tasty - I opted for the Morroccan meatball wrap (£3.50) which wasn't bad and rather large.

Staff are charming and while I was there I heard them speak to customers in English, French, Italian and Greek. Will definitely be going back but will probably try something different next time.

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

Qype: Electric Ballroom in London

2009-10-05T02:03:00.003-07:00

London - Nightlife - Clubs

Decent small-to-medium gig venue/club very close to Camden Town High Street tube station. I went to see Paolo Nutini, a sold out gig, there last night and had a great time. It was packed to the rafters but the sound was very good. For some silly reason they only seemed to turn on the air in the encore which would have been appreciated earlier on but otherwise it was a pretty cool venue.
Small street entrance opens out to a big open space below with 2 bars down there as well as one upstairs. The only other thing that was a bit annoying was that the bar does not accept credit cards - so if you don't have cash on you you're a bit stuck.

Check out my review of Electric Ballroom - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Trattoria Lucca in London

2009-10-05T02:03:00.001-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Italian & Pizza

Bellisimo. There's a very rare Urbanite 5 stars right there. But these guys just got it right on many levels. The decor is average but serves its purpose. You're likely to be served by one of two older Italian gents who niggle at each other in an endearing way and fall over each other to ensure you understand the Italian specials board they bring round to your table. Price is pretty decent for what you get - we had 2 starters, 3 mains and a bottle of vino for £60. And it's the type of place where service isn't automatically included, but one where you wouldn't actually mind.

Cherry on top for me was I went in there with a little craving for saltimbocca (a dish of veal, sage and proscuitto, that actually translates to 'jumps in the mouth' :) ) but it wasn't on the menu. A little dispondent I gazed over the other, admittadly yummy things, on the menu and when the guy came around for our order I thought I'd mention it. His reply was 'You want saltimbocca? No problem.' And it wasn't. And it was brilliant. And so was the duck breast with a cherry sauce that my friend had.

All in all a simple dining experience that can rely on its raw talent over bells and whistles.

Check out my review of Trattoria Lucca - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Old Queens Head in London

2009-10-05T02:02:00.005-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs - Nightlife - Clubs

This is a really funky pub. It's got a nice cluster of tables out front. The interior is tasteful dark wood but with a hint of modern trediness so as not to attract all the old folk. There's also a tiny garden out back if you're quick enough to nab a table so it's good for a sunny day. They have the usual spread of drinks from what I could tell and a bar menu with the usual (hamburgers) and not so usual (crispy duck pancakes) and snack platters. Really nice vibe here so definitely pop in if you're in the area.

They do hire out the rooms upstairs for private functions and they're big and bright - the reason I went here is actually to attend a 'crafternoon' that happens here every other saturday which is great fun.

Check out my review of Old Queens Head - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Bavarian Beerhouse in London

2009-10-05T02:02:00.003-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - German

As someone who's been lucky enough to experience the proper beer festival in Munich, it's hard to imagine a single place capturing just a teaspoonful of the flavour, although the Beerhouse do give it a good go. There's a tiny doorway off the main road with a staircase down to a collection of simply-decorated rooms with wooden benches and tables. Sipping on a stein is always fun and as said before, it was nice to see that the staff actually seem to be German - which you'd think is a no brainer but would be amazed by the number of people who get it wrong. There's an Oompah band who wonder around the different rooms to spread their musical joy - mixing it up with the odd unexpected tune such as 'country roads' which got everyone singing. The food was a little disappointing, but otherwise if you get a gang together and head on over, you should have yourself a good old time.

Check out my review of Bavarian Beerhouse - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Ship in London

2009-10-05T02:02:00.001-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs - Nightlife - Music Venues

To me The Ship suffers from a weird identity crisis. In the depths of Soho, it looks like a traditional English pub from the outside, and indeed even from teh inside if a little on the shabby side. But there's a juke box that they crank up in the evening with emo/goth/hard rock that seems to pierce the potential peace. The other wierd thing is that all the staff, rather than little English roses are all a little pierced and dressed in dark which is all good if you're in a pub in Camden but just bizarre in here. Like the ongoing predicament of the chicken and the egg, I wonder what came first - the juke box or the staff. Not a bad place by any means, but not a favourite.

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

Qype: Automat in London

2009-10-02T08:14:00.005-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - American

'We're actually really busy' came the snooty voice down the phone when I booked our table. Now I'd never have thought to book a breakfast table before my friend told me of the sneer when they arrived bookingless one morning. It's uber close to the Mayfair celeb-fests like Mahiki so I guess a little down-the-nose is expected but it's still not very welcoming. That out of the way, my eggs 'Norwegian' (£11) was pretty good. I also like the canteeny feel once you enter, and be prepared to dine amongst a lot of posers hoping to be scooped up by the B-listers in the area.
Service was quick and efficient, but staff were a little Ice Queeny and could work on a little natural charm. Then, agreeing with AHunter, I'd ponder another star.

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

Qype: Spicy Basil in London

2009-10-02T08:14:00.003-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Fastfood & Takeaway

"Meh". It's passable. Actually I was loving this place before I even went to it - Cool name, a 5 star review and a great little cheap eat on a nearby high street. Unfortunately where they failed to deliver was taste hence only 3 stars from me. We went in and ordered chicken phad thai (of course). They make up all the food behind a glass counter with fresh ingredients and it was super fast - and for £4.50 a really big portion. Unfortuantely it just wasn't very tasty and the noodles were a bit undercooked. So speedy service, fresh ingredients but lacking a little je nais se quiox. I might go back to try a different dish because I really like what they're doing, but their phad thai is dead to me (sweep hand to forehead, and cut).

Check out my review of Spicy Basil - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Reynolds Let's Graze in London

2009-10-02T08:14:00.001-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Tapas

Work in central London? Suffer from indecision? Reynolds should be your new BFF.
I chanced upon it while heading towards Soho and dodging the main people-mad Oxford street. I'm not sure how I haven't found it before as I will definitely go back - all the food is said to be made on site but a little less processed-looking than other leading lunch chains. There's a really endearing quality about the interior - a basket of apples here, homemade brownies there and little rolls hand-wrapped.

The idea here is to 'graze' - ie get a couple of smaller things to take the drudgery away from a single lunch decision. I went for the salmon sushi roll/wrap and a half sandwich of egg mayo with sunblushed tomatoes, an OJ and got change from a fiver. All tasty and definitely in my mental note as a good grazing spot.

Check out my review of Reynolds Let's Graze - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Player in London

2009-10-02T08:13:00.019-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Cocktail Bars

We got in here a little early so missed the hoardes - i can imagine it becoming pretty cloggeed later in the evening with its downstairs basement-esque feel. Trot down a narrow stair case from a small door on a Soho street and it opens out to a coktail lounge with circular tables and little round stools. I was really impressed by the depth of boozey knowledge sported by the staff - one of our party was specifically after a whisky and found himself a touch in the deep end when offered 14 different varieties all with different qualities. I went for the far'a'fafa (or similar) cocktail which was fruity, sweet and well mixed. Standard London extortionate rates for drinks here but at least its within a classy environment with great restrooms.

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

Qype: William IV in London

2009-10-02T08:13:00.017-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Tapas - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

Apparently this place is tops for Happy Hour - 5-8 on a Friday night I believe. Sadly we got there after 9 and although I quite like the furnishings, and the huge section out back with tables and heaters, I found some of the clientelle a little rough. We spent most of the evening outside only dashing inside to top up our tipple and bathroom trips etc but met some rather scary people in there and ultimately probably wouldn't make this a regular haunt. Still, not bad for a night out - pretty busy on the weekend so might be better for a phuza thursday (Thursday night out drinking) and catching the happy hour.

Check out my review of William IV - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Jack's Cafe in London

2009-10-02T08:13:00.015-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Cafes

It's never a good sign when you have a big breakfast and come off feeling worse than before. After a big night we tottled off to Jack's to give their Egg's Benedict a go (one of my favourite decadent dishes of all time) and they were very sub-standard. In fact they've purely scooped 2 stars on the basis of serving all-day breakfasts, and for taking back my transparent eggies to give them another go in the pot. But with hollandaise sauce tasting like runny margerine and my partner's previous experience of a barely inedible bacon and apple-like avo sandwich, they're just not doing a great service to humanity. Two strikes and you're out in my books, so I don't think I'll be heading back.

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

Qype: Paul in London

2009-10-02T08:13:00.013-07:00

London - Shopping - Food & Drink - Bakeries

Paul's = amazing fresh pastries. I have to try not to walk past Paul's on my way to work for two very good reasons:
1. I would become round. And roll down the street while pedestrians ran screaming in the other direction for fear of me engulfing them in my huge chubby mouth.
2. I would have to declare myself bankrupt and Sell Big Issues after work. And maybe move into a shopping trolley. This would be very bad.

For the finest spread of cakes, fruit tarts and French pastries Paul's is decadent and devine. I'm not much of a coffee drinker nor have I sampled their savoury goods (again a bit pricey for regular lunches), but super for the occasional treat.

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

Qype: Apple Store in London

2009-10-02T08:13:00.011-07:00

London - Shopping - Computers

Perfect examples where more workers doesn't always equal sweeter nectar. I don't even know if that's a saying. I do know that I get terribly lost in the Apple store, despite all the 'helpers' who are never available. I'm a big fan of signs as lunchtime is not the time to be feeling oneself around this rather large store. ANd even though there is T-shirted assistance, I'm always having to line up behind a few other people waiting to be seen. I once came in and found a few spare technicians in the fix-it area but because I had not pre-booked an appointment (even though they were free) I had to go home and return another day for a chat which lasted all of 3 seconds and confirmed what I already knew.

Anyway, apart from that the store is clean, shiney and has some cool gadgets - and when you do get hold of a helper, they generally are quite friendly and do their best. They just need a bit of a game plan.

Check out my review of Apple Store - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Jen Cafe in London

2009-10-02T08:13:00.009-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Chinese

China Town is often a lucky dip of places - some horrendously expensive for what's on offer, some getting it just right and others bending to meet a more western audience.

Jen's cafe is one the the larger ones but with the same kind of kitsch approach to menus etc that you'll find in most. The one thing that really bothered me about the place was that it felt a little dirty - the tables and chairs were a bit grubby and general upkeep was the little red-haired child. Doesn't give one much confidence in the food - which was actually tasty though I just went for the rather meek dumplings so can't say of the rest. They do bubble tea here which is fun and should definitely be tried if you haven't had it.

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

Qype: Mexicali in London

2009-10-02T08:13:00.007-07:00

London - Shopping - Food & Drink

So the new spat of London's Mexican fast food places has trained me to begrudgingly pay an extra 50p for my guac - even though deep down I still think its nonsense.

Being a new found Burrito fan on a Friday lunch mission I was attracted by the post office queue out the door of Mexi Cali and thought, 'this place must be good'. And while it wasn't bad, it didn't really blow my hair back. Service was fast and robotic, once I'd said 'pork' I was moved along the line and my burrito popped out the other end. I'm normally used to pointing at the glass to the jelly beans and hundreds and thousands so felt a little detached from my meal, but not to worry. The burrito itself was good but again only reached my pocket of mild salsa at the end after chomping through some rather lonely ingredients. They're gonna have to learn to spread 'em. Or miss out to some pretty hefty contenders nearby.

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

Qype: North London Tavern in London

2009-10-02T08:13:00.005-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

We went there for friend's send off and it's quite a cool pub. It's trendy enough to attract younger patrons (pre dribble and OAP passes) but not so that you feel alienated or that you have to dress up. The interior is furnished with a long wooden bar and basic furniture that's a little worn but on the good side of shabby. I've heard the food is pretty decent though I haven't given it a go. Definitely one of the better pubs in the area and one you should head for if you want a few drinks and a friendly vibe complete with smiling staff.

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

Qype: Market Place Bar in London

2009-10-02T08:13:00.003-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars

This place was pumping and would have got another star if the service wasn't so poor. On a Thursday night after dinner we hopped across and being a warmer evening the outdoors were packed with after-work drinkers struggling to call it a day.

We went to the bar and were in the first row but it took my friend and I 3o minutes to get a drink! That would be ludicrous if there were queues of people around the bar but there were really enough to handle - the guys on the other side just weren't running a very fluid operation and kept dropping things and disappering for long spurts or being interrupted by a colleague giving them shots.

Pity because I'm usually one for loud and happy places but after taking so long to get my first drink, I wasn't hanging around for another.

Check out my review of Market Place Bar - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: 4 Market Place Cafe in London

2009-10-02T08:13:00.001-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Internet Cafes

4 Market place cafe = cheap hangover remedy. In trying to stay on the thinner side of the artery clog I went for a panini which was cheap but basically because it seemed to mean half the filling. It's a little basement-like canteen affair which fills up fast during lunchtimes. As mentioned before they do all-day breakfasts which is a bonus and one I've mentally book-marked to get me through a post-drinking work day. Their bacon and egg sandwich sounds like the winner - I'll let you know once I've tried it out!

Check out my review of 4 Market Place Cafe - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Cock Tavern in London

2009-09-24T08:00:00.015-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

For those not accustomed to Samuel Smith's pubs it's an independent brewery dating back to the 1800s where; 'The beers are all produced by the Tadcaster brewery and no large-corporation spirits or soft-drinks are available. Prices are kept minimal by only increasing in line with alcohol duty and inflation increases.' (Thanks wiki)

Because of this you're sure to get good value pints in any of their pubs and they generally are furnished in a more old-fashioned way which enhances the old English feel. For a traitional pub experience it's a great place to visit - and extremely central and near to Oxford Circus if you're meeting friends. Just don't ask for a sporty cocktail or you'll be lynched.

Check out my review of Cock Tavern - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Waxy O'Connors in London

2009-09-24T08:00:00.013-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

It's like the silly toy inside a Kinder chocolate egg - gimmicky, kitche but something even as an adult you're deep down a little excited by.
Waxy O'Connors is a a central London pub not to be taken lightly. With standard central London prices you may be wondering why Waxy's is the place to head? Well surely you've already heard about the giant old fake tree running down the centre of it, the mole-tunnel rooms with little bars plonked on the ends and the popularity of it all that keeps it throbbing well into the evening. I wasn't blown away by the food and you get the odd snubby waiter, but to take some visitors to London for a fun drink during the week, Waxy's is the central bar that guarantees you the most to talk about after.

Check out my review of Waxy O'Connors - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Waxy's Little Sister in London

2009-09-24T08:00:00.011-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

Hey guys, how about we take our successful pub name one road down, open a smaller pub and give it a cutsie reference such as little brother or sister, and rake in even more money? When I first went to Waxy O'Connors I was quite taken with the huge spread of little alcoves and maze-like structure with a big fake tree plonked in the middle. How Waxy's Little Sister resembles this in anything other than name I'm a bit baffled. it's a LOT smaller, and is usually quite full and the air upstairs was a little eggy for some reason when we went - I hope not to be a permanent feature...

As pubs go it is alright but I'm not sure why you'd come here over the more substantial sibling and for the size and offerings there are some better pubs about.

Check out my review of Waxy's Little Sister - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Aunties Tea Shop in Cambridge

2009-09-24T08:00:00.009-07:00

Cambridge - Shopping - Food & Drink - Coffee & Tea Shops - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops

I think Lamb's description of the interior being "comfortingly like an elderly relative's living room complete with florals, lace and black and white photos" is pretty damn spot on. Annoyingly so actually (Arches an eyebrow). There's something so endearing about doilies and little apron-clad tea-barers. You wouldn't go to Aunties and go 'what, you guys don't do a rack of ribs?' or 'I'll have a Mojito please', there's no mistaking that Auntie's is THE place to rest tired legs around TEA time. There's even an endearing little story about how the founder brought her dream to a tiny little tea shop for Mum's to rest after a busy day of shopping. Now Auntie's is thriving but you'll be glad to hear that they still make a homemade scone like it was baked just for you.

Check out my review of Aunties Tea Shop - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: All Bar One in London

2009-09-24T08:00:00.007-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars

M-m-m-mediocre. My dining partner and I were just commenting how All Bar One was one of few chain stores that maintain a sense of decorum, and furnish their insides with liberal lashings of modern yet airy delights. Pity their food didn't quite fill the gap today - not because of portion size but more in terms of sattisfaction. I like the sound of their menu and have had a decent burger at another branch.

I branched out and had some of their tapas and my body's asking why. It was really greasy although in hindsight I good have gone for some leafier options... But the calamari was not the light fluffiness I'd hoped for as it came super crunchy and deep-friend with little else and the spinach and potato cakes were pretty greasy too. Even the humous was floating in a little puddle of olive oil. Nice for some, but not as Mediterranean as they were going for I think. Best to be careful with the tapas so as not to go for an oily overload but otherwise it's a decent joint if you're in the area and tired of the other places. But for dining you can do better.

Check out my review of All Bar One - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: La Trouvaille in London

2009-09-24T08:00:00.005-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - French

I went for their smoked haddock starter and Special fish dish of the day (I was on a very sad and distant no meat patch so options were limited but c'est la vie). Both were extremely tasty, though the main could have come with more veg - arrived with a dollup of basil mash and the fish. I would have welcomed some extra steamed veg or a salad or something. But this really is nit-picking as in London's standards this meal was very good and entertained a whack of flavours which had me smiling the rest of the afternoon. Well that and of course the wine. The waiter was very competent in his knowledge of wines and their history and geographic homes and suggested a brilliant bottle. French menu and comfortable simple ambience that puts the fine back into dining.

Book yourself a table and tuck into tasty cuisine including rabbit and pigeon (not of the Trafalgar Square variety I'm assured), your partner will be 'well' impressed.

Check out my review of La Trouvaille - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Red Pepper Restaurant in London

2009-09-24T08:00:00.003-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Italian & Pizza

On a saturday afternoon stroll through Little Venice and Maida Vale we chanced upon this place for a bit of afternoon tea - it was about 4:30 in the evening, the sun sinking slowly to the West. A waiter tottled over and gave us menus and we ordered some tea.

After a while he returned with tea and asked us if we wanted to see the wine menu 'no no, we're okay thanks'. He peered at us silently down the end of his nose and waited for us to order some food. We asked for a few more minutes and he moved to the side and waited. Under a bit of pressure and really just after a nibble we decided to share a cheese platter. 'We'll have the cheese platter please', I chimed politely. 'And for you?' he asked my silent partner. 'Oh we're sharing it'. The waiter looked at us one at a time, and headed off.

He begrudgingly brought us our cheese platter and asked if we'd like to see the dinner menu. At this time in the late afternoon I really didn't feel like we were in the way, and hated that this was implied. We repeated we would not be eating anything else and set upon our cheese platter. Not a large cheese platter by any account, but reasonably tasty. Before we'd finished our platter our waiter came over and put our bill on the table without a word and walked off and never came back.

A little surprised we eventually finished our platter, finished our tea and paid the bill, with no more 'assistance'. Because of this, I don't think I'll be coming back here. Pity I didn't get a chance to try the pizzas. :)

Check out my review of The Red Pepper Restaurant - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Apostrophe in London

2009-09-24T08:00:00.001-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops

Only been here once which is relevant in that we work just down the road. Once is enough to sample the averageyness really. Average coffee with an average baguette with average parmesan and a very scarce bit of avo that was, well you guessed it, a little average too.

They do have some funkadelic branding but they really need to pull themselves out of average land to get some repeat business going.

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

Qype: Harry Morgan in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.035-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops

With a bit of a different sandwich in mind and with a time-restriction I ducked into Harry Morgan's. I've actually been in and out of this joint before and remembered why - the prices are just a little silly. I went for a chicken escalope sandwich - very simple, and I was surprised to see it made on normal square government loaf bread. When you're shelling out £5.50 for a chicken sammich, you're hoping for something a little special.

While it was tasty, it didn't blow my mind and even in central London have experienced better bit for your buck.

Check out my review of Harry Morgan - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Ferrari Store in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.033-07:00

London - Shopping - Sport

A Ferrari fans wet dream, the flashy new store opened on Regent street two weeks ago and while I'm not a Ferrari fanatic, I was intrigued as to what would be inside. Jumpsuit-clad staff are at your full attention to point you around to the different parts of the shops - the kiddies clothing, trainers, real engine and car replica and other branded goods. It's amazing what they brand when they put their minds to it - even a little rocking horse! If you're passiontate about Ferrari, this store is definitely a must for you.

Check out my review of Ferrari Store - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Salusbury in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.031-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - British

The Salusbury has a nice feel and a great location just outside Queen's Park Station. Where it comes down is the ludicrous cost to drink there. This place should be my local, but I'd have to sublet my living room to visit here weekly and so after 2 years of living down the road, I've only made it there twice.

It actually really bugs me that they charge far more than most central London pubs which I think is just silly. How on Earth can they justify this? To give you an idea a pint of Leffe will set you back £5.50 and to order a Magners and a beer you'll be shelling out £9.20. Simply mad. As the meals start from £12 (for pub food?) I've never tried it so perhaps this is where their strength lies. Service is nothing to write home about either.

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

Qype: Imbibe Bar & Restaurant in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.029-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

This restaurant is proof that the place itself is only half of the experience. I went here the first time and was pondering 3 or 4 stars in my mind but following my second visit recently, I'd be hard-pressed to go back. We went for their pub quiz as we do enjoy a good pub quiz. And all was going swimmingly, until we ordered our food. The waitress could not be bothered with us and when she brought our burgers over and I asked for some condeiments she glared at me and suggested I use the scant remains of my friend's who had got there early. A little unimpressed I suggested a bit more would be lovely which she begrudgingly brought over then did the same thing with another friend at the table who arrived later.

I went for the chicken burger. I don't mind paying £8 for a good burger but this was not - paper thin chicken breast that was burnt with dark brown over cooked chips. I think I'll eat before going next time and save everyone the effort.

Nice outside garden in Summer though they closed it early for some reason the second time around so seems to be luck of the draw.

Check out my review of Imbibe Bar & Restaurant - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Blackfoot Butchers in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.027-07:00

London - Shopping - Food & Drink - Butchers

There's something awfully likeable about this place. The prices? Not so much. But the truth is that with all the steroids, water and stuffing many shop-bought meats sport these days, you have to fork out for a bit of quality.

I had the roast beef and horseradish ciabatta which was quite tasty but I felt lacked a little summin summin - some roasted cherry tomatoes, rocket, a quirky pickle or just something to uplift the taste. At £4.50 for this simple sandwich it's a price to pay, but you can be guaranteed of freshly made produce by people who know their stuff.

Check out my review of Blackfoot Butchers - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Westfield Shopping Centre in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.025-07:00

London - Shopping - Shopping Centres

I'd heard mixed opinions on the Westfield Shopping Centre and after giving it a wide berth I eventually tottled to it a few weeks ago. I must say I was really impressed. Hailing from South Africa originally we're all over our shopping malls and while I love a quaint High Street I'd far rather be here than on Oxford on a Saturday. It caters for all kinds of tastes with the normal High st stores like H&M and Top Shop but also has the designer brands for those wishing to really treat themselves.

The food court is pretty impressive with a nice outside section which will prove quite popular this summer me thinks.

Check out my review of Westfield Shopping Centre - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: outsider tart in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.023-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Fastfood & Takeaway

When you think of a brownie, you'll immediately picture a sort of squarish dark cakey thing, sometimes with a scattering of nuts if you're lucky. Outsider Tart takes brownies to the max. Dark chocolate and nut, white chocolate cover with a green chocolatey sponge, a white chocolate with a toasted merengue crust - the possibilities really are endless. The bakers put passion into every little concoction they come up with and personally travel to the source of all of their ingredients to check they are top notch.

Can't wait for the Chiswick store to open but in the meantime catch them in farmer's markets in the west or get in touch with them directly for a special order.

Check out my review of outsider tart - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: glo Restaurant & Bar in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.021-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants

This is a generous 4 stars because I'm quite fond of the place though if I were to score on food alone (a rather big component on eating out I'm sure you'll agree) I don't think they'd cut it. Where they do cut it is fresh and comfortable decor, attentive staff, presentation and great deals - 2 courses for £8, and 2-4-1 cocktails 5-7pm each day (and pretty damn good cocktails actually).

We shunned the special and went straight for the platter of the house (£16 each) - which turned out to be a whole lot of deep fried somethings (unfortunately). As the most expensive item on the menu, I expected a tastier offering.

With a really weird fusion of asian and Italian dishes I think they do the Italian side a lot more justice - the caprese starter winning over the prawn dumpling dim sum hands down. I think they may try to cater for too many taste buds and should perhaps concentrate on doing a few really well.

I will be back during happy hour and quite intrigued to test their duck hoi sin pizza!

Check out my review of glo Restaurant & Bar - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.019-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Seafood

Excited to be taking part in London Restaurant Week we thought we'd sample one of the great restaurants the city boasts over lunch and to be honest I was a little let down.

Firstly they made the mistake many restaurants do with specials - rather than allowing the diner the opportunity to sample their spread and rave about them to friends (and on Qype), they had a bit of a lean offering for the 'special menu'. For starters we could choose between a salmon terrine or chicken liver pate and mains was either fish stew or a cooked chicken breast. Not what I'd been expecting after drueling over the menu all morning. The fish stew was mediocre, salmon starter was quite tasty but pate was better though very rich. Perhaps if we'd sampled some of their more notorious meals I would have more to rave about but alas.

Otherwise staff were friendly and restaurant had a comfortable ambience.

Oh and as smiley as the head waiter was, I wouldn't advise telling him he looks like the Halifax guy as he apparently gets that ALOT.

Check out my review of Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Crussh in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.017-07:00

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

As a Crussh virgin I was rather dubious about 'yet another healthy bland chain' but gave it a go as my colleague was going to top up his smoothie loyalty card. I figured a smoothie would prep my body for the rough weekend ahead and scanned the many many options for one which took my fancy - a berry good one with some or other magical powers - £3. I then lazily scanned the usual wrap/salad/sandwich fair, but stopped before a very new and exciting prospect. A chicken salad sushi roll. Bizarre concept really - like a normal wrap, except instead of a tortilla type jacket, it's snuggled in a bit of rice and nori. Like an archeologist I beamed after my successful dig and decided Crussh was pretty cool. It came with a sweet sesame peanut satay sauce and was pretty tasty - also £3. I'll definitely be heading back with my tool belt to try one of their soups.

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

Qype: Food Secret in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.015-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - International

Specialise in healthy quick meals - especially soups consisting of finely chopped raw veg in a broth. Great concept but, being a newcomer, they have a few teething problems largely based around messaging - first thing people want to know if they're doing a build-your-own is prices. We've learnt the concept - we know whether it's a salad or a burrito or whatever that there's a base, a meat, sauces etc - just tell us how much each is. I shunned the soups on the shelf to go through the experience of making my own. Same tub, similar ingredients but it worked out to £6.60 instead of the shelvely £4.40 I was hoping for. Even though they tell you how much the total is before they make it up for you, it's one of those awkward situations where it's a little uncomfortable to back out of. You cannot see the separate parts and they could help you out by doing things like 1 veg = x, 2 veg = x etc. I am, and think many others are like this, happier to work out costs to my own budget in my head.

Otherwise soup was pretty tasty but just not worth the cost. Will check back to see how they're coming along though because I do like the idea.

Check out my review of Food Secret - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Kati Roll in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.013-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Indian

Great in theory and loving the Bollywood-esque interior.
What brought it down was unfortunately (as is the case with many places these days) the staff who barely acknowledged our existance - a pity a. because I'm an avid reviewer, and b. because it's really a place I would have rushed back to in my usual avaoid-the-standard-sandwich lunchtimes. The food was fun and tasty though overloaded with onion (seriously) which I plucked half out. It was a warm tastiness though, because of which I think I'll give it another shot some day for a second try. Give it a go and see what you think.

Check out my review of Kati Roll - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Snog in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.011-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Cafes

Snog frozen yoghurt - so simple yet so rare. It's opened just in time for the slim-down-for-summer panic, and will no doubt take the burn off the three days of heat wave we can hope for.

It's fresh, the decor is funky with clean retro designs and vibrant colours. You can choose from three different bases - natural, chocolate and green tea (I opted for green tea cos it sounded gnarly) and one topping of strawberry goodness. Now the pricing seems a little over-bearing and it is a bit much I think, but if you go for the small tub with one topping it's £3.50 and that's a decent size. There's two other tub sizes - the large one really more like a pail. And toppings top up the price so go big or go home, but you probably can't go here every day :)

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

Qype: Chilango in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.009-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Mexican

3 Fs - Fast, fresh and fabulous. We had a fun night in here last week in the upstairs area and got our hands on a burrito and even an educational piece on tequila (a la jose cuervo) to put an end to the bad rep tequila has as the studenty 'lets get wasted' tendency. Although many seemed to still give this a go :)
The Burritos were tasty and plump and as usual it's a great way to taylor it to your own tastebuds and have a meal that's a lot more effort to make in your own home, and you'd never get it quite as good. They also whip up a mean frozen margarita. Thanks Chilangos - Déjelo para usted ;)

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

Qype: Pho in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.007-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Other Asian - Vietnamese

Nifty lil' Vietnamese rezzie near Oxford street named after a traditional rice noodle soup. It's a great stop off for fresh, healthy meals that are good for the heart and soul with smatterings of ginger, chilly, coriander and lime.
I opted for the lemon grass chicken on cold noodles which was quite tasty but not a-MAZING. I did like the spring roll thrown in and definitely a fan of the brightly coloured decor and friendly environment. Average meals about £6/7 so not every day lunch but good for a change. Try the fresh juices as they're made right then and there so get in your 5 a day on the sly.

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

Qype: Japan Centre in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.005-07:00

London - Shopping - Food & Drink - Delicatessen - Eating & Drinking - 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: Pure California in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.003-07:00

London - Shopping - Food & Drink - Health Food

I always feel good after a visit to Fresh Cal, but you can't really do it more than once a week. Although with the current Qype voucher where you spend £5 four times, and get a £5 voucher, may just make March my healthiest month ever.

There's something fun about making your own salad and I like loading up with a tuna/feta/carrot/sweetcorn n lotsa dressing combo. Mind you if they did roast lamb salad, or salad-a-top a wrack o ribs they'd probably have me in there more regularly.

Salads will cost you £4-6 depending on toppings, great smoothies from £3. Voucher ends 31 March so if you want to hop on the band wagon you'd better start jogging.

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

Qype: Scandinavian Kitchen in London

2009-09-24T07:59:00.001-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Danish - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Shopping - Food & Drink - Catering - Shopping - Food & Drink - Wine, Beer & Spirits

I'm so chuffed I took Qypers' advice and tried this little place out - it's my new bff. It's a little Scandinavian deli boasting yummy delicacies and intriguing kitchen cupboard-fillers.

I went for the 3 Smorgasbord (£4.50) which allows you to choose 3 small but tasty and beautifully-put-together open sandwiches to create your tailor-made meal. I opted for the roast beef, hot smoked salmon and Danish meatballs and all were tasty - the roast beef my best I think :)
The place has a great atmosphere and is really friendly, and the guy behind the counter is a hottie. In the horribly over-used words of Arnie, 'I'll be back'.

Check out my review of Scandinavian Kitchen - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Relais de Venise in London

2009-09-10T07:53:00.019-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Steak Houses - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - French

If you didn't have school book French to fall back on, you would be forgiven for thinking the English name of this place was 'Steak n chips' because that's what it serves. Really. And this may have been a problem if it wasn't incredibly tasty steak and chips. So tasty in fact, that one in our party declared unprompted 'if I was on death row, I think steak and chips would be my final meal'. You heard it here first.

The place is authentically French from the passé little decorated tables to the aloof waiting staff. They don't waste time with menus or selection, in a way you kind of feel like a regular. They mooch up and ask what you'd like to drink and how you like your steak and no other communication about what to expect or at what price. Medium-rare doesn't cut it - you have to pick medium or rare. Simple. You're then left alone until a plate of salad arrives without a word. Semi-startled you munch through it and make way for the main, which arrives on a plate with a standard combination of steak-sauce-chips. I don't imagine anyone has ever tried to change the set combo or order, but there luckily is no need. Like mint and lamb, popcorn and movies, drunk people and kebabs; they're just meant to go together.

Food is tasty but will set you back £20 for the standard fare without drinks or 'else' which is a little steep for ever day lunch so save for special occasions. If only my belt line and purse strings could have supported dessert as it seems fellow Qypers have been raving about those.

Check out my review of Relais de Venise - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: H T Harris in London

2009-09-10T07:53:00.017-07:00

London - Shopping - Food & Drink - Delicatessen - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Cafes - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Coffee Shops

This place slots in with the old 'don't judge a book by its cover' fandango - this little unassuming deli has probably been walked passed by hundreds who never knew of its soft chewy centre. It's amaaazing. The ciabattas are the size of rugby balls and the fillings are very generous. It's the kind of place where when you stipulate your toppings they make them on both sides of the roll then smack them together. Brilliant. When I was handed my warm toasted delight I wanted to climb over the counter and hug the little family behind it. But I thought they'd prefer cash. Prices start from £3, my parma ham, mozzarella, tomato and rocket ciabatta set me back £4.50 and I was very happy to hand it over given I've eaten half of it and am already full. But will be nibbling it throughout the afternoon because it's extra tasty. If you're in the area screw the chain stores, this deli is a must for super fresh, tasty Italian sandwiches.

Check out my review of H T Harris - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: El Burrito in London

2009-09-10T07:53:00.015-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Mexican

Look, I'd never admit it out loud, but I'm no Mexican food connoisseur. My idea of amazing Mexican food is an old el paso burrito/fajita box set with some chicken strips and powdered seasoning. Slap on as much cheese, salsa and guac as I can stuff in there (yes even if all three accompanying every Mexican dish is pure sacrilage) and have an elbow-licking good time.

So given this, I may not be the best to give advice on the best spots to dine Mexican around the capital. But I have visited most and can say that El Burrito certainly hold their own. The Burrito was packed full but not greasy or runny but with a decent pack of flavour in there. As others have said, it's about £4.50 for a tummy-filling burrito, with an extra 50p for guac (a tad annoyingly). I was a little bemused by the dry tortilla chips they throw in the box, not quite sure what to do with them and wishing I had my salsacheeseguac trio to ease my worries but I guess I need to learn some time. Great for a hangover/work lunch hour/something different and affordable.

Check out my review of El Burrito - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Benugo in London

2009-09-10T07:53:00.013-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Cafes

Firstly I should mention that as a coffee shop, and seeing as I didn't get a coffee, my review may be slightly tainted. But we can't always have coffee now can we.

So,that in mind, my coke and sandwich were okay. They have their own little oven to freshly bake there bread and you can be assured of fresh food. But to be honest it feels a bit like Pret except the prices are a little more, and I want to havea little more for what I'm paying. Wraps and bagels are £3-4 and sandwiches range from £2.50 - £4 which is a little steep for every day living. But I didn't have the coffee. So maybe it's THAT delicious that people come from far and wide to buy it at Benugos. But now I'll never know.

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

Qype: The Royal Oak in London

2009-09-10T07:53:00.011-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

The Royal Oak did not hold my attention for very long - and I was surprised, given it's bustle on a midday week night. The place is relaxed-bordering shabby, and it's in a convenient location right near Clapham tube station. That's a good thing for them actually, given that it's not really the type of pub you'd go out of your way for.
There's some seating outside which is great for the summer. The toilets are dingy but on the whole it would make do for a meeting place, but I couldn't really imagine it being a favourite.

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

Qype: Bagelmania in London

2009-09-10T07:53:00.009-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Fastfood & Takeaway - Sandwiches

I've always been a tad annoyed by bagels - I mean why the hole? Why waste a bit of the roll like that and come on, it must be easier to through a blob of dough on a tray rather than worry about shaping it to have a hole. I read it was because in the early days they were sold on sticks. Since I have never seen a stick-weilding bagel salesman I'm guessing that's a little redundant. Anyway...

Bagelmania is a cost-effective, quick and decent way to get lunch in your body. The staff are not the friendliest but perhaps neither would I be if I had to explain the logic of a bagel and coke being more expensive than a bagel, coke, apple and packet of crisps - don't argue and always go for the less money more stuff approach. Not bad going considering you get all that for £3.99 (bagel and coke on it's own is £4.10. I know).

So near the top on the credit crunch lunch, if you're a silly roll with the hole fan you certainly won't be disappointed by bagelmania's offerings.

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

Qype: Match Bar in London

2009-09-10T07:53:00.007-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Cocktail Bars

I was hovering between 3 and 4 stars and erred in their favour as there's nothing wrong about the place, it's just not a show-stopper. There are some yummy cocktails £6.50-7 each - try the ladyboy. There's also something quite novel about saying you had a fun night with ladyboys. Maybe just me.
As other's have said, great location and we visited as we've just moved offices nearby and it's something we'll definitely return to (so please give us discounts).
Will then try the food. And let you know. Because my opinion counts.
Book if you're a group otherwise expect it to be busy but it's bigger than other pokey bars so not nose-to-nose busy.

Check out my review of Match Bar - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Cantina Tequila in Johannesburg

2009-09-10T07:53:00.005-07:00

Johannesburg - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Mexican

A new edition to the Fourways social scene, tucked away behind Cedar Square, this themed bar is ideal for a bunch of friends to meet up, have a few laughs and a good time. There's happy hour 6-8 I think but don't quote me, where cocktails are half price so about R15 each which is not bad going. Here it pays to be adventurous as while the daiquiris were so-so, there's one that sort of combines a pina colada with a daiquiri which sounds suspicious at best but is actually really yum.
Haven't eaten here but friends say the food is tasty.

Music is fun and decor is colourful and creative with corrogated iron sheets which give it a beach-side shack sort of feel.
Best or worst part depending on who you are, they walk around with bottles of tequila and give everyone free shots.

Check out my review of Cantina Tequila - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: travelzoo in London

2009-09-10T07:53:00.003-07:00

London - Hotels & Holidays - Travel Agents

Travelzoo's strength is in its simplicity. It's not a sell-out littered with garish advertising or annoying second-hand-car-salesman-like tactics to get you to buy stuff. It's like a friend saying - Ooh look what I found, thought you'd be interested. And the deals they bring up are extremely tempting - 20 hand-picked travel deals to send your mind around the world by lunchtime.

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

Qype: YouMeSushi in London

2009-09-10T07:53:00.001-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Japanese & Sushi - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Delivery

Sick of tunneling through dry rice hunting for the so-called salmon that you were expecting when ordering inside-out SALMON rolls? The nigiri with a wafer-thin slice of fish that could go with any gust of wind? Maybe the maki roll with the pink dot sticker the put on either side because 'that don't taste nothin like fish?' Then call up YouMeSushi. I think they're the first place I've had sushi from where I think the rice-fish balance swings in favour of the fish.

The ingredients are fresh and the portions are very generous and are laid out neatly in a box with lashings of soya sauce and bucketfuls of wasabi. Congrats YouMeSushi for making sushi a main meal!

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

Qype: Icco in London

2009-09-10T07:52:00.021-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Italian & Pizza

This place is cheap - but not in the way like eew, *Shudder* cheap, but like 'Wow, not bad' cheap. The pizza toppings are pretty standard and for a decent-sized pizza cost £3.50-5.00. They're fast, tasty and you can generally grab a spot at the counter-like tables and bar stools to gobble them down. It's fast food at its best and great for a pizza fix. Just a warning - keep your arms close to your body or you may lose them in the quick swoops the staff do of the table - continuous swipes at anything not being held down - plates and cutlery to half-full glasses etc. It really isn't one of those kick back and relax places so if you're planning a chinwag you might want to find somewhere a little more laid back.

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

Qype: Leon in London

2009-09-10T07:52:00.019-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - International

This place quite appeals to me. It's a little different int he decor, in fact I was unaware of its chain-gang as it certainly doesn't feel like one. It's tucked away just off Oxford Street and is perfect for healthy tasty meals - soups, wraps and hummus - but a cut above the Pret kind of cookie cutter meals. They also do lovely fresh juices and considering their location, the prices are very decent. My friend had their grilled haloumi wrap which was pretty tasty - £3.50 eat it, and seeking a mini snack I got a hummus pot and giant warm flat bread for £2.25.

They have a scrummy-sounding breakfast menu with baps with fillings ranging from egg to sausage and bacon, as well as oats with 'pick-you-own toppings.

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

Qype: Ember in London

2009-09-10T07:52:00.017-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars

I had a rather pleasant Ember experience contrary to my fellow Qypers below. Whether this was because I did not eat, so did not chance the suggested slow service, nor think it's struggling with an identity crisis, I cannot say. But with a few drinks in me it was just the right balance of smart meets friendly and I had a good time. It wasn't snobbish, but it was smart enough to feel like you're on a night out. There was a l The mojitos are pretty good at around £6 each, and the music was vibrant but nothing special. It has a heated outdoor area in the centre where dirty smokers can go which probably gave it a star just like that. If you're in the area and want a bit of a night out I'd suggest heading here.

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

Qype: The Jerusalem Tavern in London

2009-09-10T07:52:00.015-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

This place is right out of the shire. It's a bit tricksy as whilst this place was not my cup of tea, it certainly would be for other people so it's hard to know what rating to give it. First off it is tiny. We went in winter so 'spilling outside' was not really an option. It was a thursday evening and just too packed to be pleasant. The second thing that makes it difficult is that it is an ale-drinker's paradise with fresh ales on tap, flavoured ales and the like. So my preppy magners was far far from present and so, not being a beer drinker, could not really find my niche.

Other than that it's full of character and the way it's crept down a quiet street and off the beaten track it does feel like a secret place you're privvy to knowing about and more likely to find locals in here than tourists.

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

Qype: The Rock & Sole Plaice in London

2009-09-10T07:52:00.013-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Fastfood & Takeaway - Fish & Chips

When slipping into this fishncips joint, you'd be forgiven for mistaking it for an averagy 'deep-fried-n-dirty' sort of place - not terribly sparkling, modern or organised. But that's not really why you came here is it? The queue for the takeaways streams out the door (as the deal here is a lot cheaper, shaving 3-4 squids off an avg meal). If you hover around the dining area between waiters darting back n fourth you may be lucky to nab a table - simple straight back wooden chairs and laminated tables. But in this instance simple is good.

When the food arrives you reach in your bucket for malt vinegar and salt, and salt up your good ol' fashioned hand-cut chips and climb in. The meals are not cheap, but for the occasional treat, this tenner is worth it. The fish was moist and tasty with a crunchy outer casing, squeeze on a bit of lemon and you're good to go. This is not going to fit in with a South Beach, Atkinson or any other kind of diet. It will in fact almost definitely give you a heart attack with prolonged consumption. But for a treat on a chilly day or after a big night, this will put your right.

Check out my review of The Rock & Sole Plaice - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: The Brewmaster in London

2009-09-10T07:52:00.011-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

'What was that?' was my reply when the man at the bar told me the normal draft beer I'd ordered was £5. Now I'm not a particularly thrifty person but that was a little short of crazy. Now to be honest it was very unexpected. I'm sure if you took the wrong staircase when exciting the Liecester Square tube station you would pop up in the lavatory (does anyone actually use this word anymore?) - it is that close. So, tourist trap, my friends fell in it, but luckily this 'Londoner' swiftly shimmied them on to far better places to spend their pennies and night. I didn't have the food but the pub itself is fairly large with an upstairs area to cope witht he over-flow. But nothing special so unless you have to meet someone a heel-tap away fromt eh station and they're taking their sweet time, keep trucking.

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

Qype: Cha Cha Moon in London

2009-09-10T07:52:00.009-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Chinese

I cannee believe it took me so long to find this place. We really must work on our word of mouth people. So Cha cha moon is a Chinese restaurant which is kind of like a big school caffeteria - but in a nice way. You'll be elbow to elbow with a stranger so if you're a person who savours their personal bubble, go get your booth elsewhere. The menu is very simple - EVERYTHING is £3.50. Yes, everything. So you can have your little prawn dumplings (yummy) and yes, that's £3.50. Or you can have your noodle dish - again, you must be seeing a pattern by now, £3.50. They sadly lost a star as my beef noodle dish was slightly less flavoursome than I was hoping, but I will msot definitely be back. Great cheap, fast food. There was a queue when we got there but it zips along so just be patient.

Check out my review of Cha Cha Moon - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Sicilia in London

2009-09-10T07:52:00.007-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Eating & Drinking - Fastfood & Takeaway

Long queue - check. Pumping 90s rave music - check. 3 faster-than-a-whip-crack wrappers - check.
The vibe in here is contagious and the pace is fast. Fast, tasty food. You read the windows outside for the extensive listings of various types or wraps with a few panini here and there. Best you make a choice as you do not want to be singled out when they yell 'You at the back, what are you having?'. If you're too quiet they'll gladly tell you and chatter away as the production line hots up to quench the lunch rush.

I'll definitely go back here as it's a place with a pulse. The reason I had to knock off a star was because I got the Sicilian - roast chicken, avocado, pesto, grilled veg and rocket. Only mine came sans the rocket, and the pesto was also missing out on the action. I will be watching with a beady eye next time. Oh and wraps are around £4-4.50 and are quite big. They don't take cards so come with cash.

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

Qype: Mangosteen in London

2009-09-10T07:52:00.005-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Thai

For it's location, Mangosteen's prices are excellent, but I'm afraid this seems to affect the taste and quality. It wasn't awful, it just wasn't right. I went for my favourite pad thai, which was really a bad thai, sadly down to the fact that the noodles must have been sitting all day as they were slimy and mushy, which made the rest of the dish taste a bit off and the texture a bit creepy. It's a pity as I had high hopes for this palce - it's still not bad for what you pay, but I might pay a few more pounds to get it spot on.

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

Qype: bea's of bloomsbury in London

2009-09-10T07:52:00.003-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Cafes

Not a normal sweet-tooth-so-early-in-the-morning, I arrived at Bea's with a little trepidation. The coffees were good, the yoghurt, muesli and fruit was nice but not amazing. And I was hoping for one or two really yummy options which I didn't find. Perhaps they can consider some savory croissants like country ham with emental cheese. Or maybe I just missed the idea.

If you're a cake fan, pop in and have a look around as I'm sure you'll be pleased.

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

Qype: Janets Bar in London

2009-09-10T07:52:00.001-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs - Nightlife - Music Venues - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars

It's been said so I won't harp on about it, but Janet's would be one of those unique little places that you'd love to have as a secret place to go to - that you couldn't help but tell your friends about - if it weren't for the crazy prices. And judging from other reviews, they would have made a lot less money out of all of us if they'd just scooched the prices down a bit - and we'd all undoubtedly be returning customers. But alas it's now somewhere I probably would not go back to.

Its quirkiness lies in the fact that it looks like it was decorated by an 80 year-old granny with an affinity for fluff. It's marinading in uber-kitsch decor which gives it some charm but alas, charm doesn't cover the drinks bill...

Check out my review of Janets Bar - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Old Ship Inn in London

2009-09-10T07:51:00.015-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

This should be called 'The steak ship' because that's what I remember it for. We found it when looking for a space to claim during the Oxford/Cambridge boat races, even though we saw sweet fanny adams from where we were...

But that's not important. Meat is important (drool) because meat is good. Soo good. I'm straying. What I mean to say is that they really do a spectacular steak here - or did when I was there. Cooked to my specifications and oh-so-tender. Perhaps if I ask them for a job they'd pay me in meat. Ok ok I'll stop. But seriously, if you're a meat fan you should head over and give this place a go. And my unfortunate veggie friend was quite chuffed with the vegetarian lasagne. ANd the chocolate cake was 'nca' (good). Oh it also has lovely outside tables and is right on the edge of the Thames so has the pretty meaty view. Did I say the do meat here? Hop to it.

Check out my review of Old Ship Inn - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Buddha Bar in London

2009-09-10T07:51:00.013-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Other Asian - Malaysian

When I shimmied inside this lush venue I thought I'd accidentally stumbled into Dans le noir - it was so dark I had to stand and squint for a few minutes while my eyes adjusted and I tried to scan the balconies for my friends. Yeah there were beautiful intricate asian-themed decorations, bouncers and maitre d's and the table settings were all very grand. But there was something distinctly not me about it. With a £9 glass of wine nestled in my hand, looking at my friend in a borrowed jacket as they'd turned him away with his jumper, I realised I couldn't wait to leave. I like a place where every now and then someone tips their head back and laughs uproarously, where lighting is delicate but natural, where people are friendly in a natural way. Buddha bar I'm sure would be many a girl's dream. But not this one.

Check out my review of Buddha Bar - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Casareccia in London

2009-09-10T07:51:00.011-07:00

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Italian & Pizza

Fantastico. I'm a true believer that you know a place is good if it attracts people local to the country the food is from. In this case the Italians were out in full force as they streamed in and were welcomed like family into the restaurant by the owner and staff. The inside layout is simple but charming and effective in not detracting from the staff and the food, the kitchen open-plan and bustling in the back.

Without a doubt the most special part of the restaurant is the staff. I ordered a pasta (pollo e funghi) which was missing something to make it amazing, but it wasn't bad at all. I'd requested linguine and noticed it came with a mixture of spaghetti and linguine presumably as they had run out, but it really was not a big issue but we did mention it to the owner when he asked how we were doing. Without asking (as we had already forgotten the minor slip up) he offered a panna cotta on the house, that was very good. And of course we were delighted.

Why more restaurants will never get the idea of service and what little costs mean in the bigger picture I will never understand. But it would do them a world of good to visit Casareccia and experience a meal that puts the pleasure back into dining out.
Recommendations - the Pinot Griggio at £12/bottle and the amazing pizza whose name I've just forgotten - but it's a calzone type stuffed with ham and mushrooms, then on top it has parma ham, rocket and a round of goat's cheese, all bubbling from the wood fire and costing about £10. Starters all sound amazing but we went for the parma ham and melon (about £4) and a tricolore insalata with avocado, tomato, mozzarella and pesto which were both excellent.

Just proves that you don't have to go into central London for a great dining experience, and I will most definitely be returning.

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