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Upper Southern Terrace, Westfield London, Ariel Way, London W12 7GB
meike_b
last updated on 08-06-2009:
Like the previous reviewer I was also lured here by the attractive 2for1 voucher. This made the disappointment a bit more bearable.
Staff are obviously trained to sell as many items as possible, and before we even had time to properly look at the menu agreed to some marinated olives with our drinks. They were very vinegary and came with mini cucumbers and large numbers of pickled garlic, but at least made the long wait for the main order a bit more bearable.
While the drinks order is taken by the staff when you first arrive, you have to go up to the counter to place your food order. Well, I suppose this is just a souped up burger bar after all.
Very happy with the fairly large choice of vegetarian options. However, the butternut squash variety we both opted for was rather disappointing. If you want to add some flavour, you have to pay for the additional sauces it seems … This burger at least came just with a lettuce leaf, some raw onion rings an a small dollop of tomato pickle.
But the main reason for the low rating are the chips. They are expensive at almost £3 and the opposite of gourmet. They looked promising, nice and chunky but tasted nasty and somewhat artificial. No idea if they are meant to taste like this, but this has certainly put me off GBK for good.
As you pay for your food as you order, staff show no interest in you once they have brought the food. So the only means of feedback is a bad rating on Qype.
I won’t go back, not even with a money off voucher.
Posted to: www.twitter.com/meike_b
5 people thought this review was helpful
202-206 Union Street, London SE1 0LH
meike_b
last updated on 08-06-2009:
An Italian friend told us about this place and organised a wine tasing for a large group last Friday. For a fixed price of just £20 we were treated to a very generous taste of some beautiful and unusual wines (well, I had never heard of Zibibbo before - my favourite!), as well as a wonderful Chianti to round off the evening. Each of the four wines was accompanied by a dish selected to match the wine. These were mainly meat and seafood based, but the vegetarian alternatives were equally delicious and suitable. The Italian version of creme brulee that followed the feast was one of the best I have ever tasted (and, believe me, I have eaten a few …), actually this may well have been the best meal I have had so far this year.
I had actualy walked past the restaurant on several occasions as it is on route from Southwark Station to Tate Modern. The location doesn’t do any justice to what is on offer inside.
Not sure how often they offer this type of wine tasting event, or if I was just incredibly lucky to have been invited by my friend. However, I will definitely return - soon. Apparently, it is an Italian tradition for restaurants to offer an “aperitivo” with your drink before the main meal starts. This idea has been adopted by The Wine Theatre, and a free “tasting table” is available with all wine orders from 5 to 8 - almost a little too good to be true, especially when you consider the quality of the food here.
Posted to: www.twitter.com/meike_b
5 people thought this review was helpful
116 Holland Pk Avenue, Notting Hill, London W11 4UA
meike_b
last updated on 29-05-2009:
(updated on 05-06-2009)
The last reviewer sounds rather biased - do you happen to work there? Perhps not as you would then know that this local take away pizza place goes by the name of Mister Pumpernink.
I have lived in the area for well over ten years and Mister Pumpernink has always been here. It has gone through a lot of changes in management and the quality of the pizzas has varied greatly.
It has recently reinvented itself with a smarter looking waiting/dining area, to blend in a bit more with the surrounding posh-ness. Seems to work, and luckily the quality of the food has been improved as well.
They still do my favourite “Gnome Eat” (spot the pun - no meat!), as well as a couple of other vegetarien options. This is unusual for a take away pizza place. The other choices are a bit more imaginative as well.
This is miles above Domino’s pizza, but Pizza Express it ain’t. Perfect, if - like me last night - you have stayed too late at the office, nothing in the fridge, need some tasty food - fast.
The next time I may try and order online and get a 10% discount!
4 people thought this review was helpful
255 harrow road, London w25ez
meike_b
last updated on 21-05-2009:
What an excellent find! My favourite exercise class has just moved venue and is now taking place in this beautiful centre.
It’s better than any public sports centres I have been to in London: clean changing/shower rooms with lockers, dance studio with full length mirror (actually, not sure if I actually like seeing my face turning red in real time), lovely exercise mats - and a music system that actually works!
It’s a bit difficult to find on the first visit as it’s a concrete block hidden between the main building and the Westway flyover. Now that I know the way, I’ll definitely return, perhaps not just for Rikki’s class.
6 people thought this review was helpful
61 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London W1D 6LD
meike_b
last updated on 20-05-2009:
I was lucky enough to be taken for lunch here recently.
Century is very unassuming from the outside, just a plain door on a noisy road. Once inside you feel better instantly, even though you have to walk up a flight of stairs before being greeted.
Being used to the hyper-professional and over-friendly service at The Hospital Club, I was a bit taken aback by two staff members who shared the lift and completely ignored me when I got lost. Oh well, perhaps it was too obvious I didn’t belong …
Well, lunch more than made up for the rocky start. The famous roof terrace was covered up as it wasn’t quite warm enough to brave the elements.
Food was lovely, and so was the wine.
4 people thought this review was helpful
Forty Green, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 1XS
meike_b
last updated on 20-05-2009:
I was first introduced to the Royal Standard quite a few years ago. Finding it down a winding country lane was quite an adventure - entering this ancient pub via an old barrel just added to its quaintness.
Have been back with visitors regularly since.
What a shame though that the food has been changed. This was one of the best pubs, not just for the scenery.
The food now is quite a disappointment, especially if you’re not much of a meat eater.
We chose fish’n’chips and an interesting sounding salad. The batter and chips were too greasy, the salad came without dressing.
I am sure I will be back, though, but probably just for a drink and for the atmosphere.
4 people thought this review was helpful
Hayward Gallery, London SE1 8XX
meike_b
last updated on 20-05-2009:
Even though I spent quite a lot of time at the South Bank and have been to the Hayward Gallery loads of time, I wasn’t previously aware of Concrete.
It’s a little concrete block stuck to the side of the main building and quite easy to miss.
Went to see a friend gigging here on Saturday and loved it. I think they regularly host music nights, and I will definitely look out fore more.
Apparently they do food during the day, but my experience is limited to bar drinks. Small selection, but good choice at OK prices.
Perfect if, like me, you hate oversized cattle markets and prefer smaller venues which allow you to enjoy your friends company and conversation.
Had such a good time, almost missed the last tube …
4 people thought this review was helpful
58 High Street, Leighton Buzzard, Buckinghamshire LU7 0RQ
meike_b
last updated on 20-05-2009:
I first came across this pub on a cycle ride along the Grand Union Canal. The surrounding area is so beautiful (Ivinghoe Beacon is nearby - recommended!) I recently came back for more.
This is a beautiful old pub, just as you expect in the countryside.
The food is a good mix of traditional Sunday roast and gastro pub fare. The puddings are particularly lovely.
Extremely busy on both occasions, with locals as well as quite a lot of cyclists.
4 people thought this review was helpful
5 Regent Street, London NW10 5LG
meike_b
last updated on 20-05-2009:
(updated on 29-05-2009)
Last week a friendly guy came around the offices and handed out some intriguing vouchers. They are announcing that The Regent is now open for lunch. Hmmm … I can’t believe this excellent pub is just around the corner, and I didn’t even know it was there.
The trip across the canal and the nasty junction at Harrow Road was well worth it.
The voucher turned out to give us a free lunch - yes, there is such a thing!!! The food was lovely - will definitely be back and pay happily.
The decor and staff make you feel welcome instantly; it’s got a really cosy feel to it without trying too hard.
4 people thought this review was helpful
222 Kensal Road, Canalot Studios, London W10 5BN
meike_b
last updated on 08-05-2009:
This floral designer runs his studio from the same building I come to work to every day. Every week we are treated to another amazing arrangement greeting us on our way to work.
Nichlas Vilsmark is originally from Denmark, and the natural Scandinavian style really appeals to me.
The next time I have an excuse to send a floral greeting or decorate an event I will definitely use them - beats many of the more glitzy florists hands down, and just forget about Interflora!!
According to their brochure they will be offering flower arranging classes soon - sounds tempting …
6 people thought this review was helpful