Latest reviews in St. James's

“ This little restaurant was an excellent find for breakfast in the centre of London. An Italian flavour but a full range of breakfasts (the smoked salmon and scrambled egg is good value) Service was good and the small cafe is well equipt with good toilets. Good for breakfast on the rush (Alan Hughes, 30-05-2010) 4

“ I know....if you stay in a 5 star luxury hotel, expect it to be pricey. The room was just under the £300 and by the time you add breakfast and evening drinks, you won't get much change from £400. That said the rooms are good and the service is superb. Breakfast was a delight (even at £25.00!) and the service in the (rather small) bar was superb (even though a bottle of beer was over £6!) Is this 'Rip off Britain' or just 5 star prices for 5 star service in the centre of London? I'll let you decide. (Sackville003, 24-05-2010) 4

“ This is by far the most modern cigar shop I have been to - rather minimalistic but I'm sure that the high-end interior will be to some peoples taste. There is a large sampling room and they have a good selection of whiskeys (I did ask but they are unfortunately not allowed to serve them in the sampling room). Certainly a place to go if the more historic cigar shops in Mayfair are too old-school for your liking. (Kimchi, 22-05-2010) 4

“ Home to the Freddie Fox Museum (very Winston Churchill related), this is a must-see place if you want to see a bit of retail (and cigar) history. If it is cigars you are are after, there is a large walk-in humidor and an upstairs sampling area. A charming place and don't forget to ask about the Native American statue in the shop, the shop attendants will have an interesting story to tell about it. (Kimchi, 22-05-2010) 4

“ One of the less snobby private clubs in London, the EIC boasts excellent, reasonably priced food and wine and a friendly and cliqueless atmosphere. People from all walks of life, be they jaded, alcoholic ex-public schoolboys or moneyed City gents from the depths of Stepney, can be found sipping the club's peerless White Burgundy and gorging themselves on London's finest Dover Sole. The Dining Room serves classic British club food alongside Indian and simple French dishes. The Chateaubriand steak is sublime, as is whatever Maitre D' James Dempsey has on his carving trolley. Personally, I'd avoid the curries but their quality is a matter of heated debate among members. If you are lucky enough to be invited along, expect a fantastic, old-world evening that will not give your bank manager a fit. Membership is by invitation only, but former pupils of HMC schools can join within 18 months of leaving school [with a satisfactory reference from their headmaster]. Dress code is strict. Jackets, ties and polishable leather shoes are a must. Suits are preferred and no denim gets anywhere near the place. It is frowned upon to break the dress code but members are unlikely to take issue with you personally - staff may ask you to leave. If you are a guest, it will reflect very badly upon your host member if you do not conform to the dress code. As befits such an establishment, members and their guests are expected to behave in a civilised manner. Excessive drunkenness, rudeness and other disruptions are not encouraged. Ladies are only allowed into certain rooms at certain times - if in doubt, check with a club servant or member. Don't let this put you off - they are more than welcome at the EIC. The Ladies' Drawing Room provides an elegant space for members to entertain mixed company and indeed, gentlemen are not allowed in the LDR unless accompanied by a lady. (decadman, 23-03-2010) 5

“ One of the less snobby private clubs in London, the EIC boasts excellent, reasonably priced food and wine and a friendly and cliqueless atmosphere. People from all walks of life, be they jaded, alcoholic ex-public schoolboys or moneyed City gents from the depths of Stepney, can be found sipping the club's peerless White Burgundy and gorging themselves on London's finest Dover Sole. The Dining Room serves classic British club food alongside Indian and simple French dishes. The Chateaubriand steak is sublime, as is whatever Maitre D' James Dempsey has on his carving trolley. Personally, I'd avoid the curries but their quality is a matter of heated debate among members. If you are lucky enough to be invited along, expect a fantastic, old-world evening that will not give your bank manager a fit. Membership is by invitation only, but former pupils of HMC schools can join within 18 months of leaving school [with a satisfactory reference from their headmaster]. Dress code is strict. Jackets, ties and polishable leather shoes are a must. Suits are preferred and no denim gets anywhere near the place. It is frowned upon to break the dress code but members are unlikely to take issue with you personally - staff may ask you to leave. If you are a guest, it will reflect very badly upon your host member if you do not conform to the dress code. As befits such an establishment, members and their guests are expected to behave in a civilised manner. Excessive drunkenness, rudeness and other disruptions are not encouraged. Ladies are only allowed into certain rooms at certain times - if in doubt, check with a club servant or member. Don't let this put you off - they are more than welcome at the EIC. The Ladies' Drawing Room provides an elegant space for members to entertain mixed company and indeed, gentlemen are not allowed in the LDR unless accompanied by a lady. (decadman, 23-03-2010) 5

“ Great place to go clubbing. Beautiful venue. (hotsauce, 19-03-2010) 5

“ I agree totally with the first reviewer. I came across this place totally by accident and although quite familiar with Chinese medicine and even more so with acupuncture I was impressed by their professionalism especially from the tall doctor from Shanghai. I am going again today for a massage by a lady practitioner as my doctor is back in Shanghai on holiday. So I will report if she is equally good. (Keithmacgregor, 24-02-2010) 5

“ An authentic Spaghetti House. Great for lunches with mix of everything from typical Italian food to good old British staples. Staff kind and relaxed. Ambience great. (Biffs, 27-01-2010) 4

“ If you fancy a night out in style you should try Aura. Drinks are quite expensive but they are doubles and beautifully presented in elegant cocktail glasses. Try the Strawberry Mojito, it's the best I have ever tried even though I've tried many in Cuba. Staff is kind and helpful and security guards are not arrogant. The club itself is not huge and is nicely decorated. Even though the entry is usually £20 there might be still a chance for ladies to get in for free before 11 p.m. through guest list in advance. Definitively a great place to have fun and celebrate life in style. (Raffa76, 15-01-2010) 4