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1-5 Stratton Street, Mayfair, London W1J 8LW
duncan157
last updated on 01-07-2008:
(updated on 16-04-2009)
From what I understand Langan’s is a London institution, so I was delighted when a friend invited me to join her family for a Birthday lunch.
The location, reputation and appearance of the restaurant would leave anyone to expect a stuffy, formal interior. On the contrary, I found the staff friendly and the atmosphere casual and relaxed. The restaurant is large, and although the decor is somewhat dated in places, the walls are crammed with an impressive art collection.
The food is traditional, hearty English fare - don’t be surprised to hear the phrase “My mother made it just like that”. The roast duck (a huge portion) was outstanding, as were the grilled swordfish and sirloin steak (hey, that’s what I was told).
The extensive menu is hand-written and changes frequently. You can see a sample on the restaurant’s website.
http://www.langansrestaurants.co.uk/
All in all, a great place to take your parents for dinner.
1 people thought this review was helpful
Chapter Road, London NW10 1EG
duncan157
last updated on 27-11-2008:
I want to know what percentage of the people who use this station actually pay for their transport. I suspect its not high. I’ve watched them flood through the open gate for almost 3 years now. TFL seem to have realised this too, so now I am regularly faced with a barage of police officers when I make my way home.
Seldom crowded and usually manned it’s just what an Underground Station in the 'burbs should be. It even has that most mythical of station features. A clean, free toilet on the platform. We are truely blessed.
1 people thought this review was helpful
267 Kilburn High Road, Kilburn, London NW6 7JR
duncan157
last updated on 27-11-2008:
Certainly the best restaurant in the area, Casareccia is one of the best restaurants I’ve visited in London in ages. It’s a cosy little placed on Kilburn High Road, with a small terrace out front and an open plan kitchen in the back.
Although the food was very good, the outstanding service really makes this place something special. The people who served us went out of their way to make us feel at home, and (shock!) even engaged in some witty banter.
Casareccia offers traditional Italian food and a good selection of wines, all reasonably priced.
I’d recommend Casareccia unreservedly.
2 people thought this review was helpful
42-44 Battersea High Street, Battersea, London SW11 3HX
duncan157
last updated on 27-11-2008:
Le Quecumbar is a gorgeous little wine bar/brasserie/gypsy jazz club hidden down the quiet end Battersea High Street.
The French food was average, the wine selection extensive, but the real reason to visit Le Quecumbar is the music. On the evening we visited Le Quecumbar musicians and their violins, cellos and guitars filled a corner of the bar and played till (I suspect) the wee hours.
It was all very charming and Parisian and I must say I thought it was wonderful. I could quite easily visit Le Quecumbar again and sit listening to the music with a good bottle of red for hours. Others in our party were less impressed, so I’m willing to accept it’s not everyone’s idea of a good time.
1 people thought this review was helpful
80-81 Lower Marsh, Lambeth, London SE1 7AB
duncan157
last updated on 27-11-2008:
Conveniently located just minutes from the Old Vic, La Barca is something of an institution in the Waterloo area, having served well-healed theatre-goers and businessmen for almost 30 years. I work in the area and had heard many tales of a traditional 'restorante Italiano’ behind Waterloo Station, always followed by warnings that the average price per head far outstrips my normal work-lunch budget. So when a special occasion gave the reason I needed to book I table I tried to put the credit crunch out of mind and eagerly headed off.
I can’t say I was disappointed. Warmly greeted at the door, we checked our coats before being shown to our table. Pictures of La Barca’s famous devotees adorn the walls, and although the restaurant is by no means large, the interior is stylish and cosy, without being cramped. I had the distinct impression that the average age of the staff tops 60, but despite this the service was faultless.
Prices are indeed high (which is probably part of the reason they aren’t mentioned on the website), with antipasti hitting around £10 - £15, meat and fish mains £20 - 25 and deserts all £6.50. A gorgeous Pinot Grigio set us back £28. There is however a very reasonable 2 course lunch special, with a choice of 2 starters and 2 mains for £18.
I ordered the ravioli with creamy Bolognese sauce and a braised lamb shank (lunch special). Both were outstanding. My dining partner ordered sea bass (which was enormous). The waiter asked if she’d prefer it off the bone and proceeded to deftly debone it right there!
It it’s a special occasion (or if you’re lucky enough to have the money to burn) and you fancy the very best traditionally prepared Italian food La Barca makes an outstanding choice.
1 people thought this review was helpful
131 Waterloo Road, Waterloo, London SE1 8UR
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