maggiebob's Qype reviews
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12 Upper St Martins Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9FB
Ah Dishoom! I love love Dishoom, and I can't believe it's taken a Qype event to get me to review it (bad Maggie!). Dishoom is a self-styled Bombay Cafe. The fun and relaxed atmosphere is echoed in the decor and the staff. You can't pre-book for small groups, but I've never struggled to get a seat - evenings or weekend. The waiting staff will be more than happy to talk you through the menu, which features a number of 'small plates' as well as grills and side dishes (rice, bread etc). My personal recommendations are the calamari (and everyone at the Qype event with me agreed), the Keema Pau (a spice minced lamb dish), and of you're having a curry of any description you must get one of Dishoom's amazing (and HUGE!) rotis to sop up the juices.
maggiebob
wrote on 17 August 2012
Reviewed using iPhone. Get the app
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3 Garrick Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9BF
I've been in to Cyber Candy a few times (including picking up popping candy for a previous Qype event at Frae), so I sort of knew what to expect when I went here as part of Qype's review crawl. Even from the window display and the entrance to the store, you feel like you're walking in to Willy Wonka's magical world. There's lots of sweets here I remember from childhood (Jolly Ranchers, Nerds, Pretzel Flipz) and those I've only ever seen on American TV (Kool Aid, Tootsie Rolls, Twinkies) all sourced and imported by Cyber Candy, and tantalisingly displayed. Due to this import, the prices aren't cheap, but that's probably best for your waistline and dentist bills. The staff are friendly, and enthusiastic about their products, making this store great for an occasional treat and a trip down memory lane!
maggiebob
wrote on 17 August 2012
Reviewed using iPhone. Get the app
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5 Langley Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JA
I was invited to Cafe Pacifico as part of a Qype review crawl. It's a lovely Mexican bar, tucked down a side street near Covent Garden. It's obviously popular as it was already buzzing when we arrived just after 6pm on a Wednesday. We were settled down with a (incredibly refreshing) margarita, and given a really interesting talk on the history of tequila. We were taught how to properly 'taste' tequila as a liqueur by sampling Cafe Pacifico's own brand (apparently it's best to breathe through your mouth when smelling it so that you don't get too strong a hint). We also got to sample some of the bar food - usual Mexican fare of quesadillas, nachos with cheese and guacamole. My favourite thing was pork strips which came complete with mini tacos, avocado sauce and shredded veg - yum!
maggiebob
wrote on 17 August 2012
Reviewed using iPhone. Get the app
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11 Langley Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JG
maggiebob
wrote on 8 November 2010
It's hard for me to review Hawksmoor based on the Qype event I attended. I guess that means I'll have to make a repeat visit. But for now...
It's not easy to find, tucked down a little side street in Covent Garden, but when you step inside Hawksmoor makes for a very sumptuous location. After checking your coat you descend to the bar which, as many people have described, wouldn't look out of place on Mad Men.
We had a sample of the snacks menu, and everything we tried was top of it's class. The lamb was succulent and then lobster rolls are innovative.
I think I'll have to return (with a full wallet) and sample the legendary steaks and extensive cocktail menu. I'll let you know if I do...
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19 New Row, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4LE
maggiebob
wrote on 14 July 2010
(updated on 28 February 2012)
- I was part of a small group of Qypers invited to a preview night of this new branch of Benito’s Hat***
Visiting Benito’s Hat came at the end of a 2 week long craving for burritos, and this was the ideal place to sate it. We had a sample of fillings from the menu – I think I tried pork, chicken and veg. All were very tasty, but my particular favourite was the succulent and delicious pork – especially when combined with the black beans which were so amazing I could (and practically did) just eat them with a spoon. Even the nacho chips here are ideal – not salty or greasy, just the perfect receptacle for scooping up any of the wonderful salsas (try the salsa verde!). Or indeed for scooping up those scrumptious black beans.
The main reason we Qypers were invited was to sample the new signature cocktail menu which Benito’s is rolling out. We were taken on a journey through the history of the drink, why your cheap off-licence version with the worm in it just doesn’t cut the mustard, and what works well with tequila to make a top-notch cocktail. Then the poor unsuspecting staff of Benito’s Hat let us loose to formulate our own crazy concoctions – watch out for the winning cocktail in store!
So, what is this new branch like? The décor is bright and fresh – it doesn’t lean towards the tacky “let’s hang a whole bunch of Mexican rubbish on the walls” school of decorating, but neither does it come across as self-consciously trendy. The staff are friendly, and the obvious passion for authentic Mexican food and drink shines through.
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London
maggiebob
wrote on 17 January 2010
These are easily the best cupcakes I've ever had (and I've had a few). Everyone I have given these to has agreed. The sponge itself is light and soft, which means the creamy butter icing isn't too overwhelming. The range of flavours means there should be something everyone likes (my personal favourite was the summer staple, lemon & raspberry). If you're trying to be good/on a diet, you could always have one of the mini cupcakes as a little indulgence.
The shop is small, but there is some outside seating. Staff are friendly, and despite the long queues, I've always been served very quickly. Prices are reasonable given the quality and location.
dotmit There was a Qype event at Dishoom??
why-wasn’t-I-informed-of-this
drooling over the thought of a bacon naan roll
22 August 2012