Urbanite's Qype reviews
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283-285 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London NW6 1RD
Urbanite
wrote on 29 March 2010
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.
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237 West End Lane, London NW6 1XN
Urbanite
wrote on 29 March 2010
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.
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186 Broadhurst Gardens, London NW6 3AY
Urbanite
wrote on 21 January 2010
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.
Posted to: oot-and-aboot-in-london-town.blogspot.com/
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77 Heath Street, Hampstead, London NW3 6UG
Urbanite
wrote on 18 December 2009
I've only had takeaway from here so can't comment on the place itself but prices are decent and the food is quite tasty. The delivery took nearly and hour and I guess it wasn't the tastiest food I've ever had so on my quest for the best thai, I'm afriad Tip Top Thai falls a bit short. Perhaps something is lost in not having the ambience, but I want food that has a party in my mouth so who needs ambience then eh? Exactly. Worth ordering if you have an itch but there are a few other options in the area that may well be worth exploring so sadly, nothing too special here.
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112 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London NW6 2LS
Urbanite
wrote on 8 September 2009
This is my favourite stop when my sunglasses are flipped down, I’ve lost the bounce in my step and my head is throbbing from the previous night’s antics. Yes ladies and gents, I give you Mr Gingham aka Hangover friend. You can’t find a better deal for a bacon roll in London Town, handed to you by a friendly, non-judging man, plus it’s conveniently tucked (and I really do mean tucked) next to the West Hampstead tube station for the crawl to work. Fresh bread roll, few hot, thick slices of bacon and a dollup of ketchup slotted into a little paper bag and dished out with a serviette to bib it later in the office when no one’s looking. How much would you pay for this - £3? Don’t be silly. £2? What a rip! Yes folks - you really can get a bacon bun for just £1.30. Spread the word.
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152a West End Lane, West Hampstead, London NW6 1SD
Urbanite
wrote on 16 April 2009
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!
Posted to: oot-and-aboot-in-london-town.blogspot.com/
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291 Finchley Road, London NW3 6ND
Urbanite
wrote on 11 August 2008
We arrived a little early for dinner and the place was quite empty. It’s a family-fun restaurant with a typical Greek family, and the cold offish service was almost a little endearing. The menu said we had to try the Mezedes platter which was almost £20 (coincidence that the 'must try’ is the most dear?). Anyway we thought we’d oblige and settled in as the palce slowly started filling up.
We were brought an array of dishes, starting with the cold traditional bits; hummus, tzatziki, tahina, taramasalta, shrimps and pitta. Feeling a little full already, we then started on the big Greek salad and watched in amazement as little plates of bits to try kept floating toawrds the table. Dolmades, kebabs, chops, calamari. There was definitely a lot of food. And whilst we nibbled on what else we could tetris in, I began to wonder if it was actually that tasty. I mean it wasn’t bad, but it was a little dry and definitely not the best Greek food we’ve ever tasted. SO go and try it out and maybe a different main will yield better results.
Posted to: oot-and-aboot-in-london-town.blogspot.com/