london restaurants

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this has probably been done before. but can people say their favourite restuarants in London. in the next month i'll be going out for a few meals (including the house christmas meal!). i'm not sure where to go. small&beautiful (hey, proximity!) and rasa have been mooted so far.

so, any others. North or Central preferred.

― gareth, Monday, 3 December 2001 01:00 (11 years ago) Permalink

La Forchetta or La Porchetta on Upper Street, yum yum yum, with pleasing proximity. Or that amazing vegetarian curry house behind Euston Station whose name I can never remember.

― kate, Monday, 3 December 2001 01:00 (11 years ago) Permalink

w/o doubt the best quality/value vegetarian proper restaurant is The Gate in Hammersmith. out of your way i see, but there you go.

― Alan Trewartha, Monday, 3 December 2001 01:00 (11 years ago) Permalink

Wait, I assumed that the vegetarian option was necessary due to your housemate's soy milk in the fridge. Is this a necessity or are you lot not bothered?

― kate, Monday, 3 December 2001 01:00 (11 years ago) Permalink

Pollo (super cheap but yummy pasta'n'pizzas) on Old Compton St, Soho. It was our Max's Kansas City for a while. Super cheap and has KEG WINE! I actually back up Kate here with La Porchetta (Upper St, pizza place) whot RickyT took me to and larffed at my face when PIZZAS THE SIZE OF THE TABLE ARRIVED. Num. The W-Bar, Harringay Green Lanes. I'm obvious. I'm SORRY, I'm BROKE and a PLEB, OKAY?

― Sarah, Monday, 3 December 2001 01:00 (11 years ago) Permalink

OOOH that Oyster Bar/pub somewhere near Cork St. That's classy. The CAVIAR shop on Picadilly!!! You can sit in a bus shelter and eat £10000000000 caviar!!! Yesssss!!!!

― Sarah, Monday, 3 December 2001 01:00 (11 years ago) Permalink

Oh, and the place we went to last night in Crouch End or wherever the fuck that was, was actually the original La Porchetta. You'll have to ask Ed or Suzy, cause I have no idea where I actually was, except we passed yours on the way back, so it must be quite near.

― kate, Monday, 3 December 2001 01:00 (11 years ago) Permalink

There used to be a fabby viet place in lisle st. called pho, closed long ago — or DID IT MOVE!? (i need to know this too)

when you asked for small noodle soup it was as big as yr head (if yr head was liquid and in a bowl); i never dared ask for large noodle soup, in case the seas ran dry and it was my greedy fault

― mark s, Monday, 3 December 2001 01:00 (11 years ago) Permalink

souk, just round the corner from the ivy. not particularly cheap, but wicked moroccan stuff and very cosy inside. like being in a cave or something .nice tagine/meze and lush peppermint coffee.

― ambrose, Monday, 3 December 2001 01:00 (11 years ago) Permalink

the other La Porchetta is on Stroud Green Road, up from Finsbury Park station, and just round the corner from my humble abode.

― michael, Monday, 3 December 2001 01:00 (11 years ago) Permalink

Citrus - where else can you get a three course meal for under 15 quid in the Park Lane area? Their French menu is unsurpassed, and they do the best honey glazed roast duck I have *ever* tasted.

― Trevor, Monday, 3 December 2001 01:00 (11 years ago) Permalink

Thats not actually the other Porchetta as there is another other La Porchetta in Muswell Hill too. But the Stroud Green Road is the original. The Pizza as the size of a cow but I am not convinced of the well cooked nature of the centre (which still tastes like sloppy dough to me).

As the WCDS is starting soon I will be able to give more info, but Ethiopian Merkato on Caledonian Road is good, Crouch End (wherever the fuck that is) is full of top restaurants but latest discover of BYO curry house just off Marchomont Street in central London has had me going back 4 times in 2 weeks.

― Pete, Monday, 3 December 2001 01:00 (11 years ago) Permalink

i lived in london for 6 months after university. i still miss "new culture revolution" in camden town. americans don't have chinese food like that. we don't have good curry anywhere, either. you guys have it good over there.

― kristen, Tuesday, 4 December 2001 01:00 (11 years ago) Permalink

10 months pass...

has anyone been to the ethiopan restaurant in tufnell park? i think i am going there later this week, wondered what it was like...

― gareth (gareth), Sunday, 27 October 2002 21:43 (10 years ago) Permalink

w/o doubt the best quality/value vegetarian proper restaurant is The Gate in Hammersmith. out of your way i see, but there you go.

The Gate in Hammersmith is better than the one next to my house. Rasa in Stoke Newington is better than the one near Oxford Circus. But the best vegetarian restaurant in London is Manna, on Erskine Road, near Primrose Hill. I love this place (it equals The Gate for tastiness of food, and has a much better atmosphere).

― Eyeball Kicks (Eyeball Kicks), Sunday, 27 October 2002 22:22 (10 years ago) Permalink

i am in love with cafe lazeez in soho. great atmosphere, yummiest indian food EVER and nice location. apparently, the other ones are not as good as the soho location.

― sand.y, Monday, 28 October 2002 00:37 (10 years ago) Permalink

All the ethiopian restaurants in the Kentish Town / Tufnell Park area are great. Have the honey wine and Derek Tibbs.

― Pete (Pete), Monday, 28 October 2002 10:31 (10 years ago) Permalink

Cheap restaurants I'm willing to go public with:

Kulu Kulu sushi in Brewer Street.

Mandola in Westbourne Grove.

Churchill Arms pub thai in Kensington.

― suzy (suzy), Monday, 28 October 2002 11:21 (10 years ago) Permalink

is there more than one ethiopian restaurant in tufnell park then? i thought there was only one (which is the best one to go to?)

― gareth (gareth), Monday, 28 October 2002 11:27 (10 years ago) Permalink

I can't remember the names of all of them but there are a couple on Fortess Road at least.

― Pete (Pete), Monday, 28 October 2002 11:47 (10 years ago) Permalink

I am now dating a lovely Italian woman, and since Italian is also my favourite food, I think we will be going to many Italian restaurants, so recommendations are welcome - I knew of Pollo already, and where is La Forchetta on Upper Street, because if it's at the Angel end that would be very convenient, because she works around there?

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Monday, 28 October 2002 19:35 (10 years ago) Permalink

the ethiopian restaurant was quite nice, i had a chicken/peppers/onion/tomato thing qhich was nice, but S had lamb and pumpkin and the pumpkin was cold. the bread it was served with was weirdly like loft insulation and wasnt palatable at all (if you go, get the rice instead).

― gareth (gareth), Friday, 1 November 2002 19:10 (10 years ago) Permalink

it's closer to the highbury and islington end, martin, but only marginally

― mark s (mark s), Friday, 1 November 2002 19:17 (10 years ago) Permalink

We went to La Porchetta on Thursday, which was okay. She is unimpressed with La Forchetta!

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Sunday, 3 November 2002 11:31 (10 years ago) Permalink

u shd try la aorchetta but avoid la borchetta

― mark s (mark s), Sunday, 3 November 2002 13:57 (10 years ago) Permalink

La Corchetta is in Ireland, so inconvenient. La Dorchetta is full of nerds.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Sunday, 3 November 2002 16:41 (10 years ago) Permalink

1 month passes...

the masala zone is absolute shit. i've now been to both the soho and upper street ones. they are equally dire. do not go there

― gareth (gareth), Friday, 6 December 2002 10:38 (10 years ago) Permalink

Its the kind of thing that gets on LDN when they talk about 'trendy modern asian fast food'. You want good asian fast food there are many good places to go but the masala zone is not one of them its not even that cheap.

― Ed (dali), Friday, 6 December 2002 10:49 (10 years ago) Permalink

Not a restaurant at all, but a friend recently took me to a bar called Positively 4th Street on Hampstead Road between Mornington Crescent and Euston. Great bar food, cocktails, excellent jukebox, and motorized leaf-imitation ceiling fans! Does anyone else know this place?

― Big Hogleg, Friday, 6 December 2002 10:53 (10 years ago) Permalink

i wanted to try the afghan restaurant but they wouldnt listen

― gareth (gareth), Friday, 6 December 2002 10:54 (10 years ago) Permalink

That Positively 4th St place is wacky as. Amusing fans (look like they should be running off steam hydraulics or something), kind of pricey pints according to my semi-drunken memory. Didn't try the cocktails, but hey! Whatever burns yr Bunsen. They have *jazz* occasionally, I believe. Could be fun, could be Euston-corporate-tit hell.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Friday, 6 December 2002 11:00 (10 years ago) Permalink

When I stayed with my brother in Drayton Park near Arsenal tube station a few years ago, we walked to a Thai place which I think was called Cats. He used to go there all the time and I have to say it was really really nice, a lovely place aswell as great food (and thai beer). We ended up going there a few times over the years when he lived there.

― Ronan (Ronan), Friday, 6 December 2002 11:04 (10 years ago) Permalink

i used to live round the corner from drayton park!

― gareth (gareth), Friday, 6 December 2002 11:06 (10 years ago) Permalink

Cats (or Cafe des Artistes), if it's the same one, is up Stroud Green Road a 1/2 mile or so down from La Porchetta. Finsbury Park is heaven for cheap and grebt restaurants. Mmmmm curry.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Friday, 6 December 2002 11:08 (10 years ago) Permalink

Did you go to the Drayton Arms or whatever the pub was called? I remember I went there and all the people were like "orlroigh' mate my parents is cawed o'donoghue".

― Ronan (Ronan), Friday, 6 December 2002 11:17 (10 years ago) Permalink

If you ever find yourself with some extra money, Gareth, go to Gaudi on Clerkenwell in EC1. It was one of my favorite meals ever. And the decor is nice too. If you go for lunch, you won't have to get too dressed up.

― Aaron Grossman (aajjgg), Friday, 6 December 2002 18:16 (10 years ago) Permalink

1 month passes...

revive!

― gareth (gareth), Monday, 27 January 2003 12:54 (10 years ago) Permalink

ok im out with some people to try this Pollo place out

but then im with some other people later in the week and we need another recommendation.

― gareth (gareth), Monday, 27 January 2003 17:25 (10 years ago) Permalink

The new brisket and ribs place in soho looks good. I can't remember the name though.

― Ed (dali), Monday, 27 January 2003 18:10 (10 years ago) Permalink

After a friends glowing review, I'm pondering trekking to Willesden Green (!) to go to Sushi-Say...

― Sarah (starry), Monday, 27 January 2003 18:13 (10 years ago) Permalink

Bah, murasaki has closed. http://www.murasaki.co.uk/

They recommend the place you mention sarah

― Alan (Alan), Monday, 27 January 2003 18:19 (10 years ago) Permalink

sushi-say is closed at the mo. actually maybe it reopens tomorrow? we were going to go there a couple of weeks ago but went to cafe japan in golders green, which was pretty good.

sushi-say is like 15mins walk from my house...

― toby (tsg20), Monday, 27 January 2003 18:21 (10 years ago) Permalink

pollo was good! but the wine was bizarre, it had like flakes of something in it when you got to the bottom. luckily i was drinking beer

― gareth (gareth), Thursday, 6 February 2003 13:24 (10 years ago) Permalink

Ed was thinking of Bodean's and their pulled Pork.

Sarah, sushi-say is fantastic, and the chef thre is very very cool.

― chris (chris), Thursday, 6 February 2003 13:29 (10 years ago) Permalink

Pollo? That's the place my friend found a large chunk of metal in her pasta and the staff seemed to regard as her fault. I've never been back. Loathe as I am to recommend anything whatsoever about our already overpublicised capital, the best London meal I've had recently was Gallipoli in Islington. Fantastic Turkish food and very amiable staff.

― Tag, Thursday, 6 February 2003 13:40 (10 years ago) Permalink

mmm, Gallipoli is lovely.

I've heard far too many stories about Pollo ever to go back there, which is a shame as I used to like it.

― chris (chris), Thursday, 6 February 2003 13:49 (10 years ago) Permalink

I've only been to Pollo once. Friendly staff, fast service, a lengthy menu, cheap, and better food than you have a right to expect at the price. I'll go again.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 6 February 2003 18:22 (10 years ago) Permalink

Gallipoli is grebt and I've never had anything that wasn't lovely at Pollo either.

― RickyT (RickyT), Thursday, 6 February 2003 18:25 (10 years ago) Permalink

We're trying Bodean's tonight, I'll report back.

― Ed (dali), Thursday, 6 February 2003 19:20 (10 years ago) Permalink

Bodean's is great. We sat in the upstairs fast food/order at the counter bit. We ate ribs and chicken wing. The food was perfect. Nice smoky taste good marinade an sauce, great beans and pickles on the side. Let down by poor beer selection, Becks, Budvar, Miller G Draft. Downstairs looks nice but upstairs sets the right mood, Food is served on plastic trays with a greaseproof sheet no ceremony. Quality fast food.

― Ed (dali), Thursday, 6 February 2003 22:03 (10 years ago) Permalink

I was quite a regular visitor to Pollo on my London jaunts up until a couple of years back and found it cheap and cheerful. But sharp metal objects in pasta tend to spoil an appetite. Besides, it was my idea to go there that day and they made me look bad in front of two Swedish laydeez and I can't forgive them for that.

― Tag, Friday, 7 February 2003 13:44 (10 years ago) Permalink

I heard about the cockroach crawling over the ceiling and decided not to go back.

― chris (chris), Friday, 7 February 2003 13:48 (10 years ago) Permalink

Just down the street from Pollo is Derek Jarman's old haunt, Presto. You will be served by nice down to Earth staff and will not find anything in your order but what you ordered.

― suzy (suzy), Friday, 7 February 2003 14:10 (10 years ago) Permalink

6 months pass...

Any recs for me? Anna's goth luncheon? I like the more veg and Asian side of the spectrum.

How is Cafe Grove? Has anyone tried Viet Hoa? What about Goddards Ye Olde Pie Shop?

― Mary (Mary), Thursday, 21 August 2003 04:17 (9 years ago) Permalink

Has anyone tried Viet Hoa?

Viet Hoa is very reliable (and popular) but since the opening of about a dozen Vietnamese restaurants next to it, of course there are one or two of these that are better than Viet Hoa, like Song Que a few blocks up and the Viet community centre on the Dalston end of Englefield Road.

― suzy (suzy), Thursday, 21 August 2003 04:31 (9 years ago) Permalink

2 months pass...

I think the best Indian food in London by far is the Muhib Indian Cuisine at 71 Brick Lane. Blinding Dansak and the best Onion Bajia since Star Of India on Old Brompton road was still trendy.

― Steven Burke, Friday, 31 October 2003 19:24 (9 years ago) Permalink

sorry that's 73 Brick Lane

― Steven Burke, Friday, 31 October 2003 19:25 (9 years ago) Permalink

1 year passes...

a sushi place seems to have popped up on seven sisters road, (i think its called Hana, or something), its between hornsey road and finsbury park. i am...tempted

― charltonlido (gareth), Tuesday, 10 May 2005 11:50 (8 years ago) Permalink

wow that sounds awesome.

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 10 May 2005 11:52 (8 years ago) Permalink

there's one on 7 sisters near to holloway road that's great - maybe colette remembers the name? fantastic raw tuna salad and tempura rolls, mmm.

― toby (tsg20), Tuesday, 10 May 2005 11:56 (8 years ago) Permalink

which side, the camden or the finsbury park side?

― charltonlido (gareth), Tuesday, 10 May 2005 12:15 (8 years ago) Permalink

Finsbury Park side. I've seen it too and been tempted. Though round there I am usually about the Caribbean.

― Pete (Pete), Tuesday, 10 May 2005 12:37 (8 years ago) Permalink

Sushi? In FINSBURY PARK?! Blimey. Must be gunning for the Highbury type clientele but keeping rent down by keeping north.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Tuesday, 10 May 2005 12:49 (8 years ago) Permalink

yeah, i think the one we went to is called hana. very good. any other good restaurants i've been to lately have been in chicago, so not so helpful in this thread!

― colette (a2lette), Tuesday, 10 May 2005 13:08 (8 years ago) Permalink

ah, ok, was the outside kind of red? i think i shall go there soon

― charltonlido (gareth), Tuesday, 10 May 2005 13:10 (8 years ago) Permalink

can't remember the color, but it was between hornsey road and finsbury park on seven sisters, and it's pretty nice, so pretty unique along that stretch of road! toby and i have been meaning to go again soon, want to have a sushi* party?

*ok, i don't eat sushi, but i like loads of their food.

― colette (a2lette), Tuesday, 10 May 2005 13:12 (8 years ago) Permalink

maybe it was pink?! i can search for the email when i get home and check...

― toby (tsg20), Tuesday, 10 May 2005 13:15 (8 years ago) Permalink

FAF(ish)?

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Tuesday, 10 May 2005 13:16 (8 years ago) Permalink

We tried to hve a FAF before, but it seemed impossible to organise. People would not commit.

― Pete (Pete), Tuesday, 10 May 2005 13:18 (8 years ago) Permalink

they were always faffing about, then?

― colette (a2lette), Tuesday, 10 May 2005 14:34 (8 years ago) Permalink

World Cup Dining Club lives again?

― Lucretia My Reflection (Lucretia My Reflection), Tuesday, 10 May 2005 14:36 (8 years ago) Permalink

email research confirms it is indeed hana. it also suggests it's number 50, but i'm 99% sure that turned out not to be true...

― toby (tsg20), Tuesday, 10 May 2005 18:49 (8 years ago) Permalink

its 150, not 50

― charltonlido (gareth), Thursday, 12 May 2005 09:23 (8 years ago) Permalink

I'm game for sushi.

― $V£N! (blueski), Thursday, 12 May 2005 09:25 (8 years ago) Permalink

Are you also sushi for game? I know I am.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Thursday, 12 May 2005 14:33 (8 years ago) Permalink

the last time i checked there isn't a camden side of seven sisters road.

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 12 May 2005 15:16 (8 years ago) Permalink

did you check behind the sofa?

― charltonlido (gareth), Thursday, 12 May 2005 16:17 (8 years ago) Permalink

there was a big article in the new york times recently about how CLERKENWELL is now the place for GREBT RESTAURANTS.

― Tracer Hand (tracerhand), Thursday, 12 May 2005 17:59 (8 years ago) Permalink

They mentioned the naff looking placing near The Eagle (Little Bay), but not the phenomenal little narrow place on Exmouth Mkt that makes their own oatcakes. (can't remember name off top of head; suzy or Ed could help me out here)

― Tracer Hand (tracerhand), Thursday, 12 May 2005 18:08 (8 years ago) Permalink

http://travel2.nytimes.com/2005/05/08/travel/08clerk.html

― Tracer Hand (tracerhand), Thursday, 12 May 2005 18:09 (8 years ago) Permalink

i want to go to st. john. where else combines authenticity and quality?

― gabbneb (gabbneb), Thursday, 12 May 2005 18:31 (8 years ago) Permalink

NOWHERE IN THE WORLD.

― Tracer Hand (tracerhand), Thursday, 12 May 2005 18:37 (8 years ago) Permalink

*cries*

― gabbneb (gabbneb), Thursday, 12 May 2005 18:44 (8 years ago) Permalink

If they loved St John's they would have loved the Quality Chophouse, too, but maybe they saw the "Working Class Restaurant" frosted glass on the Farringdon shopfront and moved on, taking it literally.

― Tracer Hand (tracerhand), Thursday, 12 May 2005 18:49 (8 years ago) Permalink

yeah, we saw that article on the way back here...i wasn't impressed with the choices, as a vegetarian.

so, when should we FAH? (fancy a hana?)

― colette (a2lette), Thursday, 12 May 2005 20:11 (8 years ago) Permalink

Did you mean medcalf on exmouth market?

Apparently the little bay is meant to be really good, but I've not been in. I've also heard that the quality chophouse has gone downhill.

Moro on exmouth market is absolutely fantastic, if a little pricey, but the service in Sofra, the turkish place, is absolutely dire. We didn't even wait to order, having seen everyone else suffering while we waited 10-15 mins without a waiter coming near us. They even tried to give us someone elses starter!

― Porkpie (porkpie), Thursday, 12 May 2005 21:17 (8 years ago) Permalink

yes, Medcalf, exactly. That place makes me very happy.

London def needs some cheap sushi although given how expensive even normal restaurants are, is there any hope for that?

― Tracer Hand (tracerhand), Thursday, 12 May 2005 21:24 (8 years ago) Permalink

there are loads more sushi places than there used to be, though a lot just cater for the office lunch market. Prices are about £5 for a good plate - 5 pieces and 4 rolls, so not cheap, but not much more than getting a substantial lunch elsewhere

― Porkpie (porkpie), Thursday, 12 May 2005 21:29 (8 years ago) Permalink

i was not overly taken with kulu kulu

― charltonlido (gareth), Saturday, 14 May 2005 09:11 (8 years ago) Permalink

Gareth, Kulu Kulu is always excellent on a Thursday, or when it's REALLY busy. Although I must admit that I have agedashi tofu, chicken toriage and Japanese potato salad with miso more often than sushi, and nowadays having eaten the menu I prefer a hand roll and miso soup. Try a chirashi box at Taro instead - best new place since Kulu Kulu. And cheap.

Clerkenwell trufax: it's not that the Chophouse has gone downhill, it's just been kicked into touch by Moro/Metcalf and the ever-reliable Eagle. You can still have a nice meal there. I'm glad the NYT didn't discover Metcalf, and it can KEEP the Little Bay - part of a chain of restaurants with cheap three-course meals where one of the courses is always bitty and one of the puddings offered is always banoffee pie. It has a few branches and although it offers the same meals at every one, the EC1 branch is more expensive.

Colette, veggies don't do well in Clerkenwell because of the Smithfield factor but at least Edible, the restaurant where they served BUGS, has closed. All the same, I'd still rather eat chocolate-covered scorpions than ever go to the Exmouth Market Sofra (which might, ironically, be your best bet for a veggie dinner).

― suzy (suzy), Saturday, 14 May 2005 10:03 (8 years ago) Permalink

hana was actually really rather good!

i regret not having the sea urchin though.

i'd go again for sure

― charltonlido (gareth), Thursday, 19 May 2005 04:09 (8 years ago) Permalink

They mentioned the naff looking placing near The Eagle (Little Bay), but not the phenomenal little narrow place on Exmouth Mkt that makes their own oatcakes.

Were they hanging with Grauniad/Observ3r journos or summat? Little Bay is king of the cheapo management chat work hangout, apparently. The food's OK, decor OTT and tacky.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Thursday, 19 May 2005 08:39 (8 years ago) Permalink

Or that amazing vegetarian curry house behind Euston Station whose name I can never remember.

Any recommendations from the cluster of indian restaurants around Euston?

― Bob Six (bobbysix), Thursday, 19 May 2005 10:50 (8 years ago) Permalink

Not an indian at all, but go to the African Kitchen Gallery on Drumond Street. Its aces.

― Pete (Pete), Thursday, 19 May 2005 11:35 (8 years ago) Permalink

i've been looking forward to trying the new location of the malaysian student cafe, which i used to go to many years ago when it was in bryanston square (my friend's father worked in student services). but curses - i just found out that one needs to have a malaysian passport to eat there, or be accompanied by a passport holder. any ideas?

― lauren (laurenp), Thursday, 19 May 2005 11:53 (8 years ago) Permalink

I used to go there too! Where is the new one?

― suzy (suzy), Thursday, 19 May 2005 12:20 (8 years ago) Permalink

it's in queensway.

― lauren (laurenp), Thursday, 19 May 2005 12:22 (8 years ago) Permalink

3 weeks pass...

revive because i'm having real problems picking a spot for dinner tomorrow. w1 preferred, under £30/person, and unfortunately no chinese/japanese/thai/vietnamese/malaysian.

― lauren (laurenp), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 15:23 (7 years ago) Permalink

get one new york.

sorry, that wasn't very helpful was it.

― Tracer Hand (tracerhand), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 21:24 (7 years ago) Permalink

Andrew Edmunds is one of my faves, top of Lexington St, Soho.

http://www.london-eating.co.uk/171.htm

― mzui (mzui), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 21:55 (7 years ago) Permalink

bored of la porchetta?

― charltonlido (gareth), Thursday, 16 June 2005 14:15 (7 years ago) Permalink

no, never. but we need something a bit more upscale, and in town, so sardo has been chosen. i've been wanting to try andrew edmunds for a while, but it's going to have wait.

― lauren (laurenp), Thursday, 16 June 2005 14:23 (7 years ago) Permalink

Ed took me to Sardo for my birthday once and it was ace! You'll have a blast and come out of there wanting to eat your way through Sardinia.

Andrew Edmunds is absolutely gorgeous and has NEVER disappointed me over 10 years of going there. Last time I had a lovely lobster salad because H4rp3r's and Qu33n were paying.

― suzy (suzy), Thursday, 16 June 2005 14:39 (7 years ago) Permalink

3 weeks pass...

we got pizza from la porchetta yesterday evening, and i couldn't help noticing that when i went to pick it up, it wasnt very full, but pappagones was quite full, as was another one also on stroud green road

have la porchetta taken their eye off the ball, and been overtaken by their stroud green road rivals?

― charltonlido (gareth), Monday, 11 July 2005 13:13 (7 years ago) Permalink

the last few times we've had pizza from the s.g.r branch, it wasn't that great. i'm worried. i wonder if the new joint is any good...

― lauren (laurenp), Monday, 11 July 2005 13:42 (7 years ago) Permalink

has anyone been to sabor do brasil on highgate hill, by archway?

― charltonlido (gareth), Tuesday, 12 July 2005 12:59 (7 years ago) Permalink

and can anyone recommed any restaurants in camberwell or peckham?

― charltonlido (gareth), Tuesday, 12 July 2005 13:00 (7 years ago) Permalink

2 months pass...

i never went to sabor do brasil, in the end

― terry lennox. (gareth), Monday, 3 October 2005 11:56 (7 years ago) Permalink

maybe i will go to more restaurants more often now that i've moved.

― Sociah T Azzahole (blueski), Monday, 3 October 2005 12:18 (7 years ago) Permalink

both those mores seem superfluous.

― Sociah T Azzahole (blueski), Monday, 3 October 2005 12:19 (7 years ago) Permalink

Not necessarily. The "more restaurants" could refer to the number or type of different restaurants, while the "more often" could refer simply to eating at restaurants more often (could be the same restaurant three times a week!)

― Paranoid Spice (kate), Monday, 3 October 2005 12:24 (7 years ago) Permalink

I've failed twice to go to Glas in borough market(highly recommended Swedish place). Once because it was too full and once because they don't open on Mondays. I will go there soon.

Not a restaurant, but the Royal Oak Pub, Tabard St, Borough (as recommended by RickyT some time ago) does excellent food (really good steak and kidney pudding) at reasnoble prices with a great selection of beer as well. We should FAP there sometime.

Any one with anyt suggestions for this evening, what with Glas not being open and all?

― Ed (dali), Monday, 3 October 2005 12:32 (7 years ago) Permalink

Whatever you do, do NOT go to the Graceland Palace in New Cross. I went there on Saturday for a birthday party, with the lure of a Chinese Elvis impersonator - only to find that it was a set menu with NO vegetarian options. I picked through the food as best I could - and it was very mediocre to bad - and still managed to come away with food poisoning/allergy reaction to some kind of fish that slipped through.

― Paranoid Spice (kate), Monday, 3 October 2005 12:35 (7 years ago) Permalink

I had the worst chinese food ever on Saturday in Bristol. So salty, so tasteless. I refused to get any more drinks after they'd assualted us with their 'buy a beer' cuisine.

― Ed (dali), Monday, 3 October 2005 12:36 (7 years ago) Permalink

Where was that Ed? (All chinese restaurants in Bristol suck badly)

― aldo_cowpat (aldo_cowpat), Monday, 3 October 2005 13:24 (7 years ago) Permalink

On the hill up past the university, I suspect some part of student hell, however number one choice was full and hunger prevailed over good sense.

― Ed (dali), Monday, 3 October 2005 13:25 (7 years ago) Permalink

Ah, I know where you are - can't remember what it's called though. The one by us (Tatyan) is least likely to make you die of MSG poisoning, but only just. Only tolerable for people who don't know what Chinese food is supposed to taste like.

― aldo_cowpat (aldo_cowpat), Monday, 3 October 2005 13:29 (7 years ago) Permalink

In general, I just don't like English Chinese food. I mean, apart from actually going to Chinatown, going to a Chinese Takeaway in the UK (compared to the same sort of takeaway in NYC) is just yucky! I don't know if it's because it's been blanded down for English consumption, or if it's one of those Mandarin vs. Cantonese cultural things (though honestly, every Chinese person I've ever known has told me that Chinese takeaway is about as close to homecooked as, say, a Wimpyburger is to homecooked English food) but... errr... I've lost my train of thought.

And now I'm hungry and want fried tofu.

― Paranoid Spice (kate), Monday, 3 October 2005 13:34 (7 years ago) Permalink

More depressingly, the takeaway round the corner from me (which was always good, and fairly authentic tasting) seems to want to poison me. The past twice I've been there I've been unwell afterward.

― aldo_cowpat (aldo_cowpat), Monday, 3 October 2005 13:45 (7 years ago) Permalink

It was the lack of a Vegetarian option that I found utterly flabbergasting. They wouldn't even let me order anything that was off the Set Menu.

I was there with a friend who has food allergies, and he ended up just not eating at all.

― Paranoid Spice (kate), Monday, 3 October 2005 13:52 (7 years ago) Permalink

Taqueria on Westbourne Grove looks good and cheap and properly Mexican. It's in the space the Mandola was in, near the junction with Chepstow Road. Looks difficult to spend a whole tenner on food.

― suzy (suzy), Monday, 3 October 2005 14:11 (7 years ago) Permalink

yauatcha is still the best bargain in london, i think (though admittedly not as cheap as that might suggest).

― toby (tsg20), Monday, 3 October 2005 15:09 (7 years ago) Permalink

4 months pass...

Where are people recommending these days? Going out to dinner with my family and others in a couple of weeks. I very rarely eat out in central London and therefore can't really recommend anywhere.

Preferably in the Soho/Charing X area - nice enough to feel like an event but as they're paying and there's a few of us I'd feel guilty picking somewhere too expensive.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Sunday, 5 February 2006 22:37 (7 years ago) Permalink

Pizza Express, if it was my family. They're a fussy lot who see chinese or indian as wildly experimental and even 'risky'.

― Bob Six (bobbysix), Sunday, 5 February 2006 22:46 (7 years ago) Permalink

spiga?

― emsk ( emsk), Monday, 6 February 2006 01:33 (7 years ago) Permalink

yauatcha? it's seriously not very expensive foodwise (unless you order too much food you'd have a lot of trouble going over £20/head inc service, really) although if you start drinking cocktails it could add up. the food is wonderful, anyway, and it's a really nice place.

it seems (to my surprise) that square meal agree about the prices (and i've never encountered the bad service they're talking about in 5 or 6 visits):

http://www.squaremeal.co.uk/restaurants/london/display.php?Rest_ID=82949

― toby (tsg20), Monday, 6 February 2006 10:21 (7 years ago) Permalink

if you just stick to food without alcohol/teas then yauatcha is surprisingly moderate, but you really need to watch the drinks. i thought it was delicious, but i wouldn't go back after the wretched service we had.

sardo, mentioned upthread, was fantastic and it's quite reasonable as long as you curb wine consumption. likewise andrew edmunds, although it might not be good if you've got a largeish group of people.

― lauren (laurenp), Monday, 6 February 2006 12:14 (7 years ago) Permalink

2 years pass...

As reviewed in the observer on sunday Gourmet San on the bethnal green road is uttterly awesome. The first time i have had good szechuanese food in the UK and so cheap too. Recommend Cumin chicken, xinjiang lamb skewers and chilli crab.

― Drinking Island is inside every one of us (Ed), Thursday, 11 September 2008 11:53 (4 years ago) Permalink

YES

― Local Garda, Thursday, 11 September 2008 11:56 (4 years ago) Permalink

yeah i want to go there.

can also recommend leong's legend, the new taiwanese place in chinatown. fried oysters wrapped in egg mmmmmm.

― lex pretend, Thursday, 11 September 2008 11:58 (4 years ago) Permalink

that sounds very good,

best bit is that I have left over chicken for lunch.

― Drinking Island is inside every one of us (Ed), Thursday, 11 September 2008 12:04 (4 years ago) Permalink

I've been wanting to go to Leong's Legend for a while. Also the Deptford Project, mostly because it's a cafe in a disused train carriage.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 11 September 2008 12:06 (4 years ago) Permalink

co-sign both gourmet san + leong's legend. i cant believe how big the servings are at gourmet san! you definitely want to take a few ppl so that you get to try out different things. and man i love those soup dumplings at leon's legend.

― t_g, Thursday, 11 September 2008 12:07 (4 years ago) Permalink

and it's pretty crazy that gourmet san got reviewed in the observer, i didnt think anyone knew abt that place

― t_g, Thursday, 11 September 2008 12:08 (4 years ago) Permalink

yeah shame on their dissing Bethnal Green road tho...back to Kensington with thee

― Local Garda, Thursday, 11 September 2008 12:10 (4 years ago) Permalink

back to Dublin with me

(next week in the observer I want to read a review of Noodle King)

― Local Garda, Thursday, 11 September 2008 12:10 (4 years ago) Permalink

Decent Thai in Soho/Covent Garden/Carnaby that's not grotty?

― Doghouse O RLY (G00blar), Friday, 12 September 2008 15:55 (4 years ago) Permalink

Serves me right:

― Doghouse O RLY (G00blar), Friday, 12 September 2008 16:00 (4 years ago) Permalink

Busaba?

― Drinking Island is inside every one of us (Ed), Friday, 12 September 2008 16:00 (4 years ago) Permalink

not nice enough, I'm afraid. Out-of-towners with enough cash to want somewhere that feels nice, even if it's not too expensive.

― Doghouse O RLY (G00blar), Friday, 12 September 2008 16:03 (4 years ago) Permalink

Patara on Greek Street maybe?

― Matt DC, Friday, 12 September 2008 16:06 (4 years ago) Permalink

Gave up and booked at Haozhan in Chinatown. Thanks though.

― Doghouse O RLY (G00blar), Friday, 12 September 2008 16:15 (4 years ago) Permalink

Yay, Haozhan is outstanding. Good pick.

― aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, Saturday, 13 September 2008 02:39 (4 years ago) Permalink

3 weeks pass...

did anyone know that gourmet san has a sister restaurant on middlesex st? havent been there so i dont know if the menu is any different

― t_g, Tuesday, 7 October 2008 09:27 (4 years ago) Permalink

10 months pass...

can someone recommend a good café type place in shoredicth, suitable for a wkend lunch? my default is the rochelle canteen but it's closed at weekends. don't want vietnamese food or anything too heavy...

― lex pretend, Friday, 28 August 2009 09:14 (3 years ago) Permalink

you could go along to spitalfields + go to st john bread + wine, which has the same sort of food as rochelle canteen?

― just sayin, Friday, 28 August 2009 09:20 (3 years ago) Permalink

want something a bit less pricy than that, ideally...

― lex pretend, Friday, 28 August 2009 09:28 (3 years ago) Permalink

bread + wine's pretty reasonable! i seem to remember it being pretty close to rochelle canteen's prices? but i havent been to rc for a while.

apart from that, yea i dont know, i dont eat in shoreditch v often

― just sayin, Friday, 28 August 2009 09:32 (3 years ago) Permalink

i guess i want something a bit more casual too! though i've never done lunch @ st john...

― lex pretend, Friday, 28 August 2009 09:38 (3 years ago) Permalink

you shld do it, it's really really good. and if yr comparing it to the st john in spitalfields, it's definitely more casual + cheaper.

― just sayin, Friday, 28 August 2009 09:47 (3 years ago) Permalink

(prob my fav place to eat in london)

― just sayin, Friday, 28 August 2009 09:47 (3 years ago) Permalink

(obv i meant comparing it to the st john in smithfield)

― just sayin, Friday, 28 August 2009 09:49 (3 years ago) Permalink

oh yeah i know how great it is! been for dinner there many a time

― lex pretend, Friday, 28 August 2009 09:51 (3 years ago) Permalink

In Spitalfields: the other 'Canteen' in the market annexe is worth visiting for a Sunday brunch option. Bread and Wine is like RC in that it's as cheap or expensive as you want ti to be.

― lacoste intolerant (suzy), Friday, 28 August 2009 10:46 (3 years ago) Permalink

might be too far out of your way and might also not be what you are looking for and also I have never been

but...Pellucci's on Bethnal Green Rd?

― cherry blossom, Friday, 28 August 2009 12:15 (3 years ago) Permalink

is s+m cafe still there?

― ken "save-a-finn" c (ken c), Friday, 28 August 2009 12:39 (3 years ago) Permalink

last visit to s+m (in angel) was disappointed to find a new gourmet burger-like aesthetic, poorer sausage selection.

― ledge, Friday, 28 August 2009 12:46 (3 years ago) Permalink

What? That diner is listed, as Alfredo's it was in Quadrophenia. S&M are not supposed to fuck with it.

E Pellici is closed on Sunday.

― lacoste intolerant (suzy), Friday, 28 August 2009 12:57 (3 years ago) Permalink

Didn't know it was listed so didn't pay too much attention, but it felt like it had had a new paint job at least, and window decor (big tacky letters). Could be wrong.

― ledge, Friday, 28 August 2009 13:03 (3 years ago) Permalink

E Pellici is also listed, FWIW.

― lacoste intolerant (suzy), Friday, 28 August 2009 13:05 (3 years ago) Permalink

5 months pass...

what's a good spot for a valentine's day dinner in London with my boyfriend? the date approaches and we're going to be in London that week- I'd like to make a reservation but I bet things are getting fully booked right about now . . .

― twice boiled cabbage is death, Saturday, 30 January 2010 01:33 (3 years ago) Permalink

we eat anything, no dietary restrictions, and we're willing to be a bit spend-y since it is Valentine's day and all . . . come on people!

― twice boiled cabbage is death, Saturday, 30 January 2010 02:15 (3 years ago) Permalink

http://www.stjohnrestaurant.co.uk/
http://www.pasha-restaurant.co.uk/

― ┌∩┐(◕_◕)┌∩┐ (Steve Shasta), Saturday, 30 January 2010 02:43 (3 years ago) Permalink

http://www.deanstreettownhouse.com

― James Mitchell, Saturday, 30 January 2010 03:40 (3 years ago) Permalink

http://www.momoresto.com/restaurant/london/momo/

― take me to your lemur (ledge), Saturday, 30 January 2010 10:50 (3 years ago) Permalink

worst night of the year to eat out...but Veeraswamy on Regent Street.

― Bob Six, Saturday, 30 January 2010 11:06 (3 years ago) Permalink

What's Veeraswamy like Bob? I mean, obviously you rate it, otherwise you wouldn't have recommended it (er, I hope), but I'd always kind of avoided it as being well past its heyday.

― 'virgin' should be 'wizard' (GamalielRatsey), Saturday, 30 January 2010 11:56 (3 years ago) Permalink

http://www.matsuri-restaurant.com/

― Ork Alarm (Matt #2), Saturday, 30 January 2010 11:56 (3 years ago) Permalink

http://www.moro.co.uk/moro/restaurant/default.asp

prob mad hard to get a table mind you...

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Saturday, 30 January 2010 12:07 (3 years ago) Permalink

www.waterhouserestaurant.co.uk

my favorite restaurant in London, easy to get a table, most expensive main is £12

― Tracer Hand, Saturday, 30 January 2010 12:12 (3 years ago) Permalink

seriously this place is THE BOMB

― Tracer Hand, Saturday, 30 January 2010 12:13 (3 years ago) Permalink

xpost No, Moro easier than you'd think - and if you can't get in there, Medcalf and The Ambassador nearby will certainly accommodate. Medcalf is an especially good Plan B.

― spay or neuter your blue dog (suzy), Saturday, 30 January 2010 12:13 (3 years ago) Permalink

if you're willing to eat at the bar or wait for 20 mins you get a table at Moro ime

― Tracer Hand, Saturday, 30 January 2010 13:19 (3 years ago) Permalink

Veeraswamy is an 'occasion' restaurant I think. I've only been there once, celebrating someone's birthday, and don't remember the food that well, but the surroundings and ambience were quite interesting, colorful and pleasant.

― Bob Six, Saturday, 30 January 2010 13:40 (3 years ago) Permalink

5 months pass...

anyone been anywhere good recently? we went here the other week + it was really good -

http://www.squaremeal.co.uk/restaurants/london/view/101378/Chilli_Cool

better than gourmet san imo

― just sayin, Thursday, 8 July 2010 09:55 (2 years ago) Permalink

went to palmer's in bethnal green and it was amazing - the owner is really nice, funny guy too. interior not exactly sophisitcated but man the food is great and v reasonably priced as well (for what it is)

― progressive cuts (Tracer Hand), Thursday, 8 July 2010 10:04 (2 years ago) Permalink

i think i saw something abt that in the time out? will have to check it out, that's not too far from where i live

― just sayin, Thursday, 8 July 2010 10:05 (2 years ago) Permalink

http://www.latiumrestaurant.com/

Best ravioli I've ever eaten, seriously. And that includes in Italy.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 8 July 2010 10:06 (2 years ago) Permalink

place called Trullo opened a month or two ago just round the corner from Highbury & Islington tube, really delicious, simple italian food. they make good use of a big charcoal grill and their pasta is gorgeous. pretty reasonable prices, especially on the wine, really nice and max mark-up of a tenner according to our waiter. its getting harder to get a table off the street so best to book, i really recommend it.

― Waldo? Ponce. (spaghetti), Thursday, 8 July 2010 10:23 (2 years ago) Permalink

I had my birthday dinner at Chili Cool this year; that place is amazing and I try to go at least once a month.

Good Vietnamese in Theobald's Road: Banh Mi Bay - the reviews I've read seem to be hacked by Cafe VN advocates - I think it's fine. The latter is the place that's sucked the life out of the old Potemkin space, avoid.

― THIS BOOK EQUAL CONJOB (suzy), Thursday, 8 July 2010 10:25 (2 years ago) Permalink

I went to Chilli Cool for the first time the other week, it's delicious and extremely reasonable.

― rhythm fixated member (chap), Thursday, 8 July 2010 10:27 (2 years ago) Permalink

Huge portions as well.

― rhythm fixated member (chap), Thursday, 8 July 2010 10:28 (2 years ago) Permalink

Yeah, if you're in a group of four and not drinking booze, it's hard to spend £20 a head.

― THIS BOOK EQUAL CONJOB (suzy), Thursday, 8 July 2010 10:38 (2 years ago) Permalink

Went to L'Absinthe for a birthday meal recently. It's in Primrose Hill, but don't let that put you off (if indeed it does). The French bistro food is excellent (it's normally done so badly), and it's extremely unstuffy, although I find the proprietor's Gallic sallies slightly tiresome, everyone else seems to love them. Not horrifically expensive either.

― GamalielRatsey, Thursday, 8 July 2010 11:00 (2 years ago) Permalink

Yeah, that's a good place. Very tasty unpretentious food, which is more than can be said for the owner. I wouldn't be surprised if at the end of the night the little beret comes off and his natural thick Huddersfield accent comes out.

― rhythm fixated member (chap), Thursday, 8 July 2010 11:03 (2 years ago) Permalink

The Sardinian restaurant near me is nice.

http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/restaurants/nuraghe-info-18798.html

― rhythm fixated member (chap), Thursday, 8 July 2010 11:15 (2 years ago) Permalink

1 month passes...

BUMP

Anyone know where I might find London's tastiest cottage pie? Or to widen it a bit...general amazing new discoveries in and around town?

― Davek (davek_00), Tuesday, 7 September 2010 17:54 (2 years ago) Permalink

Just thought Tayyabs in Whitechapel deserves a mention - their lamb chops really are very good. And Relais de Venise in Marylebone, although I think there's another one in the city. No menu, just steak. Always full and really decent.

But all this is just an excuse to tell people to go to Gelupo in Soho - seriously the best ice creams I've had, including Italy. Had their pear, cinnamon and ricotta last night and it was absolutely amazing. Astonishing in fact. Opposite the apparently excellent but expensive Boca di Lupo restaurant - their chef likes experimenting with ice cream apparently.

― the too encumbered madman (GamalielRatsey), Wednesday, 15 September 2010 19:26 (2 years ago) Permalink

tayyabs is ace. relais de venise is ace too, had a great time! second helpings!

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Wednesday, 15 September 2010 19:28 (2 years ago) Permalink

i live in covent garden and have never been to gelupo's before, gonna remedy that now as i fancy some ice cream. cheers!

― lao gan ma (r1o natsume), Wednesday, 15 September 2010 19:34 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah i went to gelupo and got some of their sour cherry granita + it was the bomb

― just sayin, Wednesday, 15 September 2010 19:38 (2 years ago) Permalink

Anybody ever been to the Wolseley? Cecconi's?

― Un peu d'Eire, ça fait toujours Dublin (Michael White), Wednesday, 15 September 2010 19:43 (2 years ago) Permalink

wolseley pretty popular, v busy, good eggs benedict kinda thing

― Chinedu "Edu" Obasi Ogbuke (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 15 September 2010 19:44 (2 years ago) Permalink

Yeah, I really enjoyed it and Cecconi's is an excellent Italian place.

― Un peu d'Eire, ça fait toujours Dublin (Michael White), Wednesday, 15 September 2010 19:47 (2 years ago) Permalink

2 months pass...

has anyone been to the hawksmoor? holy jesus they can cook a steak. best sirloin i've ever had by miles and miles, and fucking huge. bring your wallet tho...

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Thursday, 25 November 2010 12:02 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah ive been there! we went their for breakfast the other day as well + it was craaazy

The Hawksmoor Breakfast £30.00
(for 2 to share)
Smoked Bacon Chop, Sausages (Pork,
Beef & Mutton), Bury Black Pudding,
Short Rib Bubble & Squeak, Grilled
Bone Marrow, Trotter Baked Beans,
Fried Eggs, Grilled Mushrooms, Roast
Tomatoes, Unlimited Dripping Toast &
HP, Onion and Bone Marrow Gravy.

!!!

― just sayin, Thursday, 25 November 2010 12:05 (2 years ago) Permalink

argh 'there'

― just sayin, Thursday, 25 November 2010 12:06 (2 years ago) Permalink

fuck that's not even that expensive really...the dinner last night was about 40 quid each but my brother brought me along. will definitely be heading there for that soon, sounds fucking unreal. christmas breakfast plus booze. they have excellent ipa too.

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Thursday, 25 November 2010 12:08 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah it's not too expensive at all, but you kind of need a lie down afterwards esp when they also have bottomless bloody marys on the menu

― just sayin, Thursday, 25 November 2010 12:08 (2 years ago) Permalink

i've tried their burger and it was pretty good but so rich. that breakfast looks amazing

― bork bork dudes get swagged out, literally (tpp), Thursday, 25 November 2010 12:15 (2 years ago) Permalink

Hawksmoor has just opened a branch by my flat, which will be convenient when I roll home from that brunch menu.

Last night I was taken to Barrafina. WIN.

― Exotic Flavors of the Midwest, available in corn, bacon, or beef (suzy), Thursday, 25 November 2010 12:45 (2 years ago) Permalink

has anyone ever tried a burger from the meatwagon? http://www.themeatwagon.co.uk/
it's £5 and probably the best burger i've ever eaten

― bork bork dudes get swagged out, literally (tpp), Thursday, 25 November 2010 12:50 (2 years ago) Permalink

My bro gave me a tastecard for my birthday, but I haven't had the chance to use it yet. Does anyone else have one? Any North/East/Central recommendations?

― A brownish area with points (chap), Thursday, 25 November 2010 12:53 (2 years ago) Permalink

Trullo was great.

― Pork Pius V (GamalielRatsey), Thursday, 25 November 2010 14:18 (2 years ago) Permalink

not been to the meatwagon but byron is good imo, anyone tried that? gourmet burgers are such overkill and mostly horrible, byron a lot juicier and less like choking yourself with bread/meat

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Thursday, 25 November 2010 14:20 (2 years ago) Permalink

As an American whose first job was 'drugstore soda fountain waitress/short order cook' I'm here to tell you that if you can't get my own version of cheeseburgers, you may as well eat them at BYRON. They're good, also PROPER ONION RINGS.

Meatwagon is also tempty - will report back.

― Exotic Flavors of the Midwest, available in corn, bacon, or beef (suzy), Thursday, 25 November 2010 14:33 (2 years ago) Permalink

the burgers at byron are really nice but i always end up spending loads when i go there. yes the onion rings are great!

― bork bork dudes get swagged out, literally (tpp), Thursday, 25 November 2010 14:35 (2 years ago) Permalink

oh must try the onion rings out sometime. this thread isn't revived half often enough.

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Thursday, 25 November 2010 14:39 (2 years ago) Permalink

another good place i've been recently is this small argentinian place near my flat (just off middlesex st.) called Moo: http://www.moogrill.co.uk/
we had the delicious steak sandwiches (lomitos) with a massive argentinian beer. great service will be going back frequently i imagine.

― bork bork dudes get swagged out, literally (tpp), Thursday, 25 November 2010 14:46 (2 years ago) Permalink

i second the meatwagon burgers, they're really good, just wish they were closer to where i live

― just sayin, Thursday, 25 November 2010 14:51 (2 years ago) Permalink

they travel around. for instance a few weeks ago they were set up by the canal basin just off city road. need to watch the twitter i guess

― bork bork dudes get swagged out, literally (tpp), Thursday, 25 November 2010 14:54 (2 years ago) Permalink

Gourmet Burger Kitchen was great when it started, but is dreadful now it's part of that general chain. Yeah, Byron is pretty good, I think. Another vote for the onion rings.

― Herr Kapitan Pugvosh (GamalielRatsey), Thursday, 25 November 2010 15:00 (2 years ago) Permalink

GBC and Hamburger Union are pretty shit - identikit 'medium' burgers and they will not do med rare, for example, which is a sure sign the meat is not as good as it could be. You don't need to cite health and safety in a spurious way if your beef is good.

Moo! looks fabulous, must go before Christmas.

― Exotic Flavors of the Midwest, available in corn, bacon, or beef (suzy), Thursday, 25 November 2010 15:06 (2 years ago) Permalink

I've been meaning to try the new Hawksmoor in Covent Garden for some time, looks amazing. Moo! looks good as well.

In other expensive meat news, I ate at the Old Brewery in Greenwich last week, which is terrific if you're in the area. They have a sausage roll that costs £14 (!) and is full of foie gras and other goodness.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 25 November 2010 15:12 (2 years ago) Permalink

i have a tentative date who likes korean food - any suggestions?

― cherry blossom, Thursday, 25 November 2010 15:14 (2 years ago) Permalink

nice...

gbk and all those places are terrible imo. just big nasty dry slabs of meat and way too bready buns. london is full of terrible burgers.

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Thursday, 25 November 2010 15:15 (2 years ago) Permalink

oops my "nice" was in relation to the foie gras sausage...not the tentative date.

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Thursday, 25 November 2010 15:15 (2 years ago) Permalink

for korean koba's pretty good iirc? went there quite a while ago tho http://www.koba-london.com/

― just sayin, Thursday, 25 November 2010 15:17 (2 years ago) Permalink

not tried many Koreans in town but Dong San is great

― Noel 1 Kanye 10.0 (blueski), Thursday, 25 November 2010 15:17 (2 years ago) Permalink

Korean: ASADAL is right next to Holborn tube and is ideal for a date, nice lighting and grills in the tables - and although it's affordable, it's a bit dearer than other ones because of the interior, which is very New York. Otherwise most of the dilapidated ones by Centre Point are pretty good and do lunch specials for about £6. They're heaving with Korean students pretty much whenever.

― Exotic Flavors of the Midwest, available in corn, bacon, or beef (suzy), Thursday, 25 November 2010 15:20 (2 years ago) Permalink

kaya in mayfair was where i had my first korean food and it totally converted me - not unduly pricey despite location

― lex lex lex lex lex on the track BOW (lex pretend), Thursday, 25 November 2010 15:22 (2 years ago) Permalink

Asadal is phenomenal, best Korean I've been to in London, and a very good date restaurant - good lighting etc. Also the tabletop barbecues are fun and have good value as a conversation point.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 25 November 2010 15:26 (2 years ago) Permalink

yet always the risk of immolating your love before it has had a chance to grow

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Thursday, 25 November 2010 15:35 (2 years ago) Permalink

The couple of times I went to a Korean in London they had us in and out in 45 minutes (waiters hovering impatiently for me to finish my mouthful etc), so may be a quick date.

― Blackening Electrical Connections (Matt #2), Thursday, 25 November 2010 16:24 (2 years ago) Permalink

They'll never do that at Asadal. Centre Point cafés, however, might.

― Exotic Flavors of the Midwest, available in corn, bacon, or beef (suzy), Thursday, 25 November 2010 16:27 (2 years ago) Permalink

Incidentally if you go to Asadal remember there are bells under the table to call the waiting staff, otherwise they'll ignore you all evening.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 25 November 2010 16:31 (2 years ago) Permalink

Arang is my favourite Korean resto in london but it's not particularly date-y. I'm not a huge fan of Koba but that's more abt atmosph/experience than food, which was pretty good istr.

i always want to get tabletop barbecue and never feel like i can justify it in terms of faff/cost (when you could be eating bibimbap) - a date seems like the perfect opportunity.

― crushing the frantic penguins (c sharp major), Thursday, 25 November 2010 16:47 (2 years ago) Permalink

ok i need to eat at Asadal!

what are ppl's tips for indian/pakistani restaurants in east london? there are too many here and the few times i've tried the places on + around brick lane they've been pretty bad.

― bork bork dudes get swagged out, literally (tpp), Thursday, 25 November 2010 16:59 (2 years ago) Permalink

Tayyabs in Whitechapel is the one everyone always recommends but be warned it is VERY popular. Murgh Masala and Lahore Kebab House are also good. Any of the Rasas dotted around are good as well if you want something slightly less heavy.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:04 (2 years ago) Permalink

tayyabs (having a brain freeze on the spelling) or lahore in whitechapel, go at a non conventionally busy time for tayyabs tho.

another really great indian imo is rasa in stoke newington.

anyone got anything new or different? feel a bit jaded with endless great ethnic food. cheap is good too...

x-post lol mindmeld

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:05 (2 years ago) Permalink

Not East London, but Dishoom on St Martin's Lane is a new favourite, it's cheap and quick and cafe-like but a lovely space and the food is great. Also Chowki off Shaftesbury Avenue, which is mostly a set-menu kinda place which they rotate round different regions of India.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:08 (2 years ago) Permalink

the old tayyabs restaurant manager opened up Needoo literally round the corner and the menu is mostly identical and just as good. I actually prefer their lamb chops to tayyabs. it's pretty popular itself but nowhere near as crazy as tayyabs and it's a wee bit cheaper too. Delhi Grill at chapel market is also great, but their grilled stuff is better than their curries.

― peligro, Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:09 (2 years ago) Permalink

drummond st near euston great for vegetarian indian - bhel poori house & chutney's both tried and tested.

― e.g. delegates at a set age (ledge), Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:12 (2 years ago) Permalink

thanks everyone! i have some eating to do

― bork bork dudes get swagged out, literally (tpp), Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:16 (2 years ago) Permalink

on a different note, tblisi near highbury station is definitely my favourite georgian restaurant in zone 2

― peligro, Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:18 (2 years ago) Permalink

how many others you tried? Little Georgia cafe near Bethnal Green is the only other one i know

Rasa do the banana dosa that I would eat for breakfast most days if i could.

― Noel 1 Kanye 10.0 (blueski), Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:23 (2 years ago) Permalink

went to le bouchon in spitalfields mkt recently and was v impressed w/the food (trad french), even if the location feels a bit weird after the mkt's closed

btw tpp i haven't forgotten miami tips, will post them...tomorrow or something

― lex lex lex lex lex on the track BOW (lex pretend), Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:30 (2 years ago) Permalink

i find little georgia hugely overpriced for quite bland food...

has anyone been to morito?

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:31 (2 years ago) Permalink

thanks lex! (no rush anyway i'm not going until week after next) xp

― bork bork dudes get swagged out, literally (tpp), Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:34 (2 years ago) Permalink

on a different note, tblisi near highbury station is definitely my favourite georgian restaurant in zone 2

― peligro, Thursday, November 25, 2010 5:18 PM (20 minutes ago) Bookmark

I pass it often and have wondered what it's like. I've only eaten Georgian food once, in Poland, and it was a delicious meal. Tblisi always seems to be empty though.

― A brownish area with points (chap), Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:40 (2 years ago) Permalink

Morito is sooooo on my list. Food looks even more appealing than Moro's.

― Exotic Flavors of the Midwest, available in corn, bacon, or beef (suzy), Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:41 (2 years ago) Permalink

has anyone been to morito?

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:31 (8 minutes ago) Bookmark

i went just after it opened - happened to be walking past without knowing it existed and i'm a big moro fan, so i ducked in. it's really good, but the portion size is unpredictable. the tortilla was tiny considering how cheap the ingredients are. but the £6 lamb chops were really big (and tasted amazing: grilled with smoked paprika and cumin). best used for drinks and a snack rather than trying to fill up. gets totally packed out now, though.

― joe, Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:44 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah really want to give it a try...went to moro last year with my flatmate's parents and it was amazing, in spite or because of waitress being a girl i had a one night stand with

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:45 (2 years ago) Permalink

nice...

― Noel 1 Kanye 10.0 (blueski), Thursday, 25 November 2010 17:46 (2 years ago) Permalink

morito's really good! i went there just after it'd opened also + yeah it's not cheap, i think it's one of those places that it's easy to spend a ridiculous amount cuz of such small portions

― just sayin, Friday, 26 November 2010 01:19 (2 years ago) Permalink

also last time this thread was revived i think we were talking abt chilli cool? the other week i ate at the empress of sichuan + i think it might be better - not as cheap tho...

― just sayin, Friday, 26 November 2010 01:20 (2 years ago) Permalink

loved Morito. portions aren't massive, but me and my girlfriend were nicely filled after five or six plates and a few small glasses of wine. price was £40. nice folks too.

― (+) (+ +), Friday, 26 November 2010 14:08 (2 years ago) Permalink

still can't get with this spanish business of beakers for wine though.

― (+) (+ +), Friday, 26 November 2010 14:09 (2 years ago) Permalink

oh, and a solid cheap eat is Safadi Express opposite Holborn tube. upmarket fast-foodish Lebanese joint that does a mean Schwarma wrap + fries for about four quid.

― (+) (+ +), Friday, 26 November 2010 14:12 (2 years ago) Permalink

The Lebanese that used to be on Sicilian Avenue did much better food than Safadi Express, although apparently it closed down for an, ahem, unconventional attitude towards kitchen hygiene so maybe not.

― Matt DC, Friday, 26 November 2010 14:15 (2 years ago) Permalink

Has anyone tried the Lebanese on Delancy St opposite the Crown and Goose? It seems quite overpriced.

― A brownish area with points (chap), Friday, 26 November 2010 14:17 (2 years ago) Permalink

Safadi's incredible and it's apparently a branch of something famous in Beirut. Wrap, drink and fries are like £5. Chicken and lamb shawarma wrap on its own is great and make sure they send you home with containers of garlic and chilli sauce as they're ample and the garlic sauce is good on leftover-chicken sandwiches.

― Exotic Flavors of the Midwest, available in corn, bacon, or beef (suzy), Friday, 26 November 2010 14:21 (2 years ago) Permalink

Kebab wise, does anyone ever go to that place Savoy Grill beside the Drunken Monkey on corner of Gt Eastern St? It looks like a total dump but their kebabs (esp lamb koftas) are unbelievable.

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Friday, 26 November 2010 15:13 (2 years ago) Permalink

what about Damascu Bite?? they do great kebabs too, but they're from the school of dudes who stick it in the grill for a few minutes post-wrap.

aaaand there's another new-ish place up past the Tesco that does kebabs in some weird traditional spongey type bread. it's too new for google street-view, so i can't find the name of the place.

fave felafel is probably from KEBAB CENTRE on Upper Street though. i mean, it's called KEBAB CENTRE ffs.

― (+) (+ +), Friday, 26 November 2010 19:19 (2 years ago) Permalink

i actually like that place better than damascu bite, must check that new place. i billed that savoy grill place as "best kebab you'll ever eat" to all my irish friends and then got a bit nervous i'd overstated the case, but when they tried it they all were agreed. tho i'm defo sure there are better in london..i just know in dublin there's no way they've topped that.

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Friday, 26 November 2010 19:26 (2 years ago) Permalink

Don't have huge experience eating out in London, but have recently had excellent meals at Tblisi and Zeytoon (Persian/Afghan place on Cricklewood Broadway). The week after next we're going to Mandalay, allegedly London's only Burmese restaurant and home of "omelet curry".

― seandalai, Friday, 26 November 2010 19:46 (2 years ago) Permalink

Mandalay is really good - and also extremely good value.

― Exotic Flavors of the Midwest, available in corn, bacon, or beef (suzy), Friday, 26 November 2010 19:48 (2 years ago) Permalink

i am v intrigued by this kebab place

― just sayin, Friday, 26 November 2010 19:53 (2 years ago) Permalink

again i'm now nervous it won't live up to the hype, it's actually called corner savoy

lamb kofta is the one i'd recommend.

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Friday, 26 November 2010 19:58 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah that place is amazing

― whitney (tpp), Friday, 26 November 2010 19:59 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah the large lamb kofta is sort of a once a year thing but fuck that's a big meaty veggy festival of food

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Friday, 26 November 2010 20:03 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah I've been in that kebab place and its very good, despite dodgy exterior.

― ears are wounds, Friday, 26 November 2010 22:57 (2 years ago) Permalink

same kebab font

― (+) (+ +), Saturday, 27 November 2010 11:12 (2 years ago) Permalink

my cv is written in kebab

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Saturday, 27 November 2010 11:52 (2 years ago) Permalink

1 month passes...

has anyone ever tried a burger from the meatwagon? http://www.themeatwagon.co.uk/
it's £5 and probably the best burger i've ever eaten

― bork bork dudes get swagged out, literally (tpp), Thursday, 25 November 2010 12:50 (1 month ago) Bookmark Suggest Ban Permalink

these dudes have taken over the upstairs of the goldsmiths pub in new cross til mid-march

― just sayin, Thursday, 13 January 2011 11:44 (2 years ago) Permalink

bunch of my friends went to the 'soft opening' the other day. apparently it was pretty mindblowing.

i can't really get my brain around the size of everything in his dude's photos: http://www.tehbus.com/2011/01/meateasy-getting-wagon-back-on-its-feet.html

― cleo: dessins, cassettes (c sharp major), Thursday, 13 January 2011 14:49 (2 years ago) Permalink

I had one at a street festival type thing near Angel tube. It's as fantastic as they say...like a really good home-made style burger. Don't expect anything Hache-like, or nuanced or 'sophisticated' though..

― Davek (davek_00), Thursday, 13 January 2011 14:53 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah it's a good fast food style burger, which london needs more of imo

― just sayin, Thursday, 13 January 2011 14:54 (2 years ago) Permalink

that chicken sandwich! those onion rings!

― just sayin, Thursday, 13 January 2011 14:55 (2 years ago) Permalink

(from those photos that c sharp major linked to)

― just sayin, Thursday, 13 January 2011 14:55 (2 years ago) Permalink

oh my fucking god i want those onion rings IN MY MOUTH RIGHT NOW

― lex diamonds (lex pretend), Thursday, 13 January 2011 14:59 (2 years ago) Permalink

Would go here to celebrate handing in/(or making a start on!) my dissertation.

― Davek (davek_00), Thursday, 13 January 2011 15:02 (2 years ago) Permalink

How long is it open for?

― Matt DC, Thursday, 13 January 2011 15:03 (2 years ago) Permalink

Mid-march?

― Davek (davek_00), Thursday, 13 January 2011 15:04 (2 years ago) Permalink

If you see a chop chop i suggest you enter and take a bath in the seafood laksa.

― straightola, Thursday, 13 January 2011 15:28 (2 years ago) Permalink

love this thread. really need to go to that meateasy but why would i ever be in new cross? unless i went back to college

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Thursday, 13 January 2011 18:14 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah i think we need to make a special pilgrimage down there soon. it's pretty far out of london, luckily we have the east london line now.

i kind of feel i should at least wait until i can run again before venturing into this place :/

― lex diamonds (lex pretend), Thursday, 13 January 2011 18:25 (2 years ago) Permalink

gahhh want to go so bad but i'm out of the country for most of this month. planning to go down on the 29th with a bunch of people. love these burgers so much!

― whitney from mtv's the city (tpp), Thursday, 13 January 2011 18:55 (2 years ago) Permalink

We should just have a Meateasy FAP some time soon, with beer somewhere after. NB not at the Goldsmith's Tavern, it is shit. Kind of hate New Cross but its pubs are pretty good these days.

― Matt DC, Friday, 14 January 2011 09:33 (2 years ago) Permalink

God, Meateasy FAP, that sounds disgusting.

― Matt DC, Friday, 14 January 2011 09:33 (2 years ago) Permalink

God, it is on the bike ride over to my girlfriend's house. In 1 fell swoop, I can cancel health benefits of cycling & get self dumped for smelling of onion rings whenever I turn up.

― portrait of velleity (woof), Friday, 14 January 2011 09:54 (2 years ago) Permalink

You should get really drunk and vomit on her doorstep for good measure.

― Matt DC, Friday, 14 January 2011 09:55 (2 years ago) Permalink

Did anyone go last night? I'm holding off for a while because (if twitter noise ratio has anything to do with it) it looks as if it is absolutely packed atm. Don't mind waiting for the burgers, but if it's too crowded that could harsh yr buzz until the burger arrives, and then NOTHING could harsh your buzz ever.

You know they have a bar, right? They have some meantime beer in bottles (too dark, couldn't see what it was), and amazing cocktails from the Soulshakers, who are all lovely lovely people who make incredible drinks. Go for something with the excellent Mexican salt/chilli seasoning (Tajin!), mmm yum.

― superpitching, Friday, 14 January 2011 11:30 (2 years ago) Permalink

Christ, might have to go here. The pull is becoming too much.

― Herr Kapitan Pugvosh (GamalielRatsey), Friday, 14 January 2011 11:38 (2 years ago) Permalink

The prices have had to go up a bit but I think he said nothing maxes out over £8.

(When you think of the c.rap you get at any other burger place for £8 it's enough to make you shake a fist angrily before eating another hot dog)

― superpitching, Friday, 14 January 2011 11:43 (2 years ago) Permalink

is it open in the daytime? i also want to wait until it's less crowded </ hate people>

― lex diamonds (lex pretend), Friday, 14 January 2011 11:43 (2 years ago) Permalink

I thiiiink it's 6-11 and when they get the late licensing properly sorted, 6-ridiculous-o-clock.

Also, Lex, quite far out of London? 13 minutes from Shoreditch and 7 minutes from London Bridge, sheeeyah right!

― superpitching, Friday, 14 January 2011 11:49 (2 years ago) Permalink

13 minutes from shoreditch, i think not!

― progressive cuts (Tracer Hand), Friday, 14 January 2011 11:52 (2 years ago) Permalink

but point taken.

― progressive cuts (Tracer Hand), Friday, 14 January 2011 11:53 (2 years ago) Permalink

perhaps if the lex were a crow

― progressive cuts (Tracer Hand), Friday, 14 January 2011 11:53 (2 years ago) Permalink

I've actually timed it d00d! I loooooove the Overground :)

Psychologically the distance is further than actual distance, I know as I play this game very well from the other way round innit.

― superpitching, Friday, 14 January 2011 11:56 (2 years ago) Permalink

It's now only about 35mins from Crystal Palace to Dalston so 13mins Shoredtich to New Cross sounds about right. Maybe closer to 15.

― Matt DC, Friday, 14 January 2011 11:58 (2 years ago) Permalink

i really need to get with this ELL bizness huh

― progressive cuts (Tracer Hand), Friday, 14 January 2011 12:01 (2 years ago) Permalink

it will turn us all into supercrows!

― progressive cuts (Tracer Hand), Friday, 14 January 2011 12:01 (2 years ago) Permalink

At the moment it's a shining example of how good public transport in London could be, but mind you I used to think that about the Jubilee Line.

― Matt DC, Friday, 14 January 2011 12:02 (2 years ago) Permalink

Is it just sit-down? Thinking of making a solo expedition tonight, wld be more comfortable if it's take-away.

― portrait of velleity (woof), Friday, 14 January 2011 12:06 (2 years ago) Permalink

I actually bought ELL merchandise in my xmas shopping at the London Transport Museum shop:

http://www.ltmuseumshop.co.uk/LTM/Homeware/Cups_and_mugs/Product/Overground-Mug-Moquette.html

'funky moquette' *indeed*.

xpost: you could takeaway - it's just everything is cooked to order so there may well be a wait. It's anything from 15 minutes if absolutely quiet to an hour if really busy. It's REALLY not formal. It's just like upstairs at a pub so you've got somewhere to sit and wait, but you may as well have a drink whilst you wait...

― superpitching, Friday, 14 January 2011 12:09 (2 years ago) Permalink

I might check it out on, say, a Tuesday night, see how rammed it is.

― Matt DC, Friday, 14 January 2011 12:10 (2 years ago) Permalink

xp ty, that sounds ok. Drinking by myself I am fine with.

But, yes, might hold off till mid-week, sounds wise.

― portrait of velleity (woof), Friday, 14 January 2011 12:20 (2 years ago) Permalink

Yeah - in February I an thinking it would be really nice to sit on sofa, play DS and have a lovely beer and then a delicious burgz0r. Who would have thought they could create a nice place upstairs from such a horrid gaff.

(BTW downstairs will still be the same old Goldsmiths Tav til mid-March, put all thoughts of going downstairs out of yr minds as it won't change until CapPubCo shut it down and redo it as the New Cross... House? Or whatever they're calling it. Oh no that won't get confusing with the New Cross Inn across the road. Unless THAT changes it's name TOO - I hear it's been sold but no idea who to).

― superpitching, Friday, 14 January 2011 12:24 (2 years ago) Permalink

Saw my first ever gig at the New Cross Inn. Can that be right? Rollerskate Skinny, Drop Nineteens, and Bang Bang Machine who didn't turn up. Drop Nineteens v dull too. Rollerskate Skinny the best by default. Christ, maundering. Keeping my mind off the burgers and cocktails.

― Herr Kapitan Pugvosh (GamalielRatsey), Friday, 14 January 2011 12:29 (2 years ago) Permalink

Royal Albert > Amersham Arms > Marquis of Granby >>>>>>>> New Cross Inn >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Goldsmiths Tavern.

― Matt DC, Friday, 14 January 2011 12:31 (2 years ago) Permalink

Last (and only) time I went to the pub in New Cross some aging punk guy started reciting racist lyrics he'd written to a black friend of mine. He did it in an oddly pally way though. Think it was the Marquis of Granby.

― Rejoice that you weren't eaten (chap), Friday, 14 January 2011 14:12 (2 years ago) Permalink

Didn't realise the Marquis of Granby was a punk.

Sorry.

― Herr Kapitan Pugvosh (GamalielRatsey), Friday, 14 January 2011 14:19 (2 years ago) Permalink

I have a soft spot for the Marquis of Granby as it's actually quite a nice friendly pub that feels like a locals place even when it's full of students/pre-Venue drinkers. Also my parents went out on the razz with Hattie Jacques there in the 60s, which is my favourite family story of which I had until recently been completely ignorant.

― Matt DC, Friday, 14 January 2011 14:23 (2 years ago) Permalink

would be well up for a meateasy fap!

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Friday, 14 January 2011 15:20 (2 years ago) Permalink

i would happily attend such a meat-based event.

― the tune is spacecadet (c sharp major), Friday, 14 January 2011 15:24 (2 years ago) Permalink

― nanoflymo (ledge), Friday, 14 January 2011 15:25 (2 years ago) Permalink

"Royal Albert > Amersham Arms > Marquis of Granby >>>>>>>> New Cross Inn >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Goldsmiths Tavern."

gotta add... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The Hobgoblin, it is a horror that that place is still even going :(

The Marquis is fairly... unreconstructed! I've had a few nice drinks in there but never felt like lingering long. I've never seen any punks in there though! Or in fact anyone else under 50!

― superpitching, Friday, 14 January 2011 15:31 (2 years ago) Permalink

The Hobgoblin would rank above the Goldsmiths Tavern simply because it has a big conservatory area with two huge screens for watching football on. But as a pub it's appalling.

― Matt DC, Friday, 14 January 2011 15:32 (2 years ago) Permalink

Pubs called the Hobgoblin are always awful for some reason.

― Rejoice that you weren't eaten (chap), Friday, 14 January 2011 15:34 (2 years ago) Permalink

What's the matter, lagerboy? Afraid you might taste something?

― nanoflymo (ledge), Friday, 14 January 2011 15:35 (2 years ago) Permalink

The Hob in Forest Hill is a trendified Hobgoblin and is alright, does a good pub quiz.

― Matt DC, Friday, 14 January 2011 15:36 (2 years ago) Permalink

could put me off real ale for life tbf

― nanoflymo (ledge), Friday, 14 January 2011 15:37 (2 years ago) Permalink

Fuck I hate that poster.

Hi dere all, this is the London restaurants thread and we are talking about pubs and public transport. Should we just start a FAP thread like in the old days?

― Matt DC, Friday, 14 January 2011 15:38 (2 years ago) Permalink

If we're applying the Rule of Threes then we need to FAP at the #meateasy (don't forget the hashtag!) every night until March...

I've never liked the Hobgoblin chain in any instance, but the Hobgob in NX has always had a... just... *nasty* crowd when I've been in, the beer is horrid but that's the same for all Hobs. The crowd could have changed as I've refused to go in for over 3 yrs now but if the beer has improved I will eat that hobgoblings hat with salt pepper ketchup hotsauce.

― superpitching, Friday, 14 January 2011 15:42 (2 years ago) Permalink

i didn't realize it was a chain - there used to be one in brixton that was known as the go-to place to score drugs.. there was actually a sign above the pool table that said "the selling of drugs in this establishment is strictly forbidden"!!

― progressive cuts (Tracer Hand), Friday, 14 January 2011 15:44 (2 years ago) Permalink

lol yeah I remember you recommending that place on one of the weed threads, but it's long closed down iirc

― a fucking stove just fell on my foot. (Colonel Poo), Friday, 14 January 2011 15:45 (2 years ago) Permalink

The one in Canterbury was alright actually, yer standard issue student town rock pub. Would probably hate it now.

― Matt DC, Friday, 14 January 2011 15:45 (2 years ago) Permalink

I was about to add that the one in Preston was OK, but now I remember it was actually a Firkin (and the juker was free). So, sux 2 b Hobgoblings. (The Hob on, er... Holloway Road? was where I first heard of the "TVR" - further damming evidence).

― superpitching, Friday, 14 January 2011 15:52 (2 years ago) Permalink

There used to be one on Holloway Road, yes. Dingy student dive. Can't remember what it's called now, but it's not much better.

― Rejoice that you weren't eaten (chap), Friday, 14 January 2011 15:54 (2 years ago) Permalink

Holloway Road is shit for pubs actually. There's the Swimmer, Big Red can be alright if it's not too rammed, and that's it.

― Rejoice that you weren't eaten (chap), Friday, 14 January 2011 15:55 (2 years ago) Permalink

there was actually a sign above the pool table that said "the selling of drugs in this establishment is strictly forbidden"!!

There was a similar sign in the Castle just off Commercial Road (site of all-night mega-FAP a few years ago) which amused me, coming as I do from a hotbed of drug-dealery, where no pubs would dare stick up such a sign (possibly because they would lose all their customers if it was enforced).

― ailsa, Friday, 14 January 2011 15:55 (2 years ago) Permalink

the Duchess of Kent is like a minute from the holloway road and pretty good.

once i went to a Hobgoblin in Tokyo. it was one of the more, uh, cognitively dissonant experiences i've had because it was like every other Hobgoblin everywhere (except the (ex-)devonshire arms in camden).

― the tune is spacecadet (c sharp major), Friday, 14 January 2011 16:04 (2 years ago) Permalink

ha, i've been to that tokyo hobgoblin too - that's where anna-marie's brother was working when we went. in fact was that when you went there too?

oh god the commercial rd castle. many a night has been lost behind the sofa there, though not for aaaages.

― lex diamonds (lex pretend), Friday, 14 January 2011 16:08 (2 years ago) Permalink

Oh yeah, I forgot the Devonshire was a Hobgoblin now. Like you say, can't imagine that's changed it at all. Me and a mate went in there for lols once, and almost didn't get let in cos the bouncer thought we were going to pick fights with the goths.

― Rejoice that you weren't eaten (chap), Friday, 14 January 2011 16:09 (2 years ago) Permalink

Holy crapoly:
http://www.hobgoblin.jp/Roppongi/tabid/119/language/en-GB/Default.aspx

Blimey they've got Doom Bar which is more than I have ever seen a HG in the UK have. They probably can't get a license to export their own vile brew for H&S reasons.

― superpitching, Friday, 14 January 2011 16:12 (2 years ago) Permalink

I think the Castle has gone respectable and only opens until 2 or 3 now.

― Matt DC, Friday, 14 January 2011 16:12 (2 years ago) Permalink

lex: you know, i don't remember at all? it was the one in roppongi iirc, which was an area of town i'd managed to avoid for the previous 6 months or whatever, so the whole experience was fairly unreal.

― the tune is spacecadet (c sharp major), Friday, 14 January 2011 16:16 (2 years ago) Permalink

i'm sorry i don't see how japanese public houses get any of us any closer to a big stack of meat + cheese in New Cross.

― portrait of velleity (woof), Friday, 14 January 2011 16:39 (2 years ago) Permalink

Went looking for weed in Clapton one time and seeing this sign "the selling of drugs in this establishment is strictly forbidden" in the pub we knew we'd hit the jackpot. It was shit weed though unfortunately.

― a fucking stove just fell on my foot. (Colonel Poo), Friday, 14 January 2011 16:48 (2 years ago) Permalink

I love The Cinnamon Club in Westminster, too expensive, but really good high end Indian.

― thirdalternative, Friday, 14 January 2011 17:33 (2 years ago) Permalink

seeing this sign "the selling of drugs in this establishment is strictly forbidden" in the pub we knew we'd hit the jackpot

Hahah I mean yeah, exactly.

― progressive cuts (Tracer Hand), Friday, 14 January 2011 17:34 (2 years ago) Permalink

I haven't been to too many high end indians, but I've always been disappointed when I have. I can get a better curry from my local balti house TBH (Monsoon in Dartmouth Park, I think it's a gem).

― Rejoice that you weren't eaten (chap), Friday, 14 January 2011 17:36 (2 years ago) Permalink

i'd be up for a meatswag fap (would be my first eeek!)

― whitney from mtv's the city (tpp), Friday, 14 January 2011 17:39 (2 years ago) Permalink

letz do it. i suggest matt dc organises cuz he's good at that. (after one particularly hideous like-herding-cats venture into the world of organising social events a few years back, i swore off it forever.)

― lex diamonds (lex pretend), Friday, 14 January 2011 17:52 (2 years ago) Permalink

we need to pick a weekend when tpp is back, and when cis is in london?

― lex diamonds (lex pretend), Friday, 14 January 2011 17:53 (2 years ago) Permalink

feb works best for me if it's still going then

― whitney from mtv's the city (tpp), Friday, 14 January 2011 18:01 (2 years ago) Permalink

I am soooooo in for this.

― pwn de floor (suzy), Friday, 14 January 2011 18:07 (2 years ago) Permalink

Urge to splurge?

Thomas Keller, USA's best chef, is opening a 10-day pop-up in Harrod's.
http://www.bighospitality.co.uk/Venues/Thomas-Keller-plans-Harrods-pop-up-restaurant

― i love you but i have chosen snarkness (Steve Shasta), Tuesday, 25 January 2011 18:45 (2 years ago) Permalink

So is our little meateasy joint going to happen?

― Davek (davek_00), Tuesday, 25 January 2011 18:47 (2 years ago) Permalink

went to meateasy tonight was absolutely manic but still as delicious as the wagon. we went and had some drinks in the pub below and then went in as soon as it opened and then it's kind of a raffle ticket system for getting served. would suggest fap maybe in the week when it might be slightly more quiet.

― whitney from mtv's the city (tpp), Saturday, 29 January 2011 23:11 (2 years ago) Permalink

2 weeks pass...

Heston Blumenthal's new restaurant at the Mandarin hotel = A+++++++++ would eat all this food again.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 11:02 (2 years ago) Permalink

you are a lucky man

earliest booking i could get was the end of freaking may

― just sayin, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 11:05 (2 years ago) Permalink

It was a surprise birthday thing, I didn't actually realise where I was until I had been sitting at the table for 10 minutes. Admittedly part of this was thinking the restaurant wasn't due to open for another few months.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 11:06 (2 years ago) Permalink

going there for lunch on monday, any particular recommendations matt?

― peligro, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 13:04 (2 years ago) Permalink

Isn't it a set menu type deal?

― Inevitable stupid dubstep mix (chap), Tuesday, 15 February 2011 13:08 (2 years ago) Permalink

not yet - they have a short 'cheap' set lunch menu but other than that it's all a la carte, their tasting menu isn't ready yet and wont be served for another couple of months

― peligro, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 13:10 (2 years ago) Permalink

I am still up for the meat easy btw, anyone in?

My cousin works in the kitchen at The Anchor and Hope in Southwark, had a Sunday there last week which blew my mind. So good.

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Tuesday, 15 February 2011 13:27 (2 years ago) Permalink

Sunday roast I meant! Tho the Sunday in general was good too.

― I see what this is (Local Garda), Tuesday, 15 February 2011 13:28 (2 years ago) Permalink

The Anchor & Hope is the best pub for food in the whole of London. Hell, it beats most restaurants hands-down. Anything game-related there is a winner.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 13:30 (2 years ago) Permalink

truth bomb

― just sayin, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 13:38 (2 years ago) Permalink

Matt I am mad envious of you, that place just sounds staggeringly great (and i am not normally 'into' fine dining).

― ㍑☆ (c sharp major), Tuesday, 15 February 2011 13:52 (2 years ago) Permalink

Dinner, that is.

― ㍑☆ (c sharp major), Tuesday, 15 February 2011 13:52 (2 years ago) Permalink

re anchor & hope, the cooking there is generally v good and their sourcing or raw product is fantastic but their bullshit no bookings policy (apart from sunday lunch) means I no longer bother chancing it. imo the harwood arms is doing the best pub food in the city, though it's not nearly as well located as h&a

― peligro, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 14:00 (2 years ago) Permalink

sourcing OF raw product

― peligro, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 14:02 (2 years ago) Permalink

Ate extremely well at the Anchor & Hope five years ago, so good to hear it's still on form.

Had a fantastic Sunday lunch at St John in Farringdon last weekend. Bone marrow with chard, capers and parsley; you scraped the marrow out of the bone and onto your toast, then added the other stuff on top with a handful of salt. Then braised ox heart (a day ahead of Valentines!) which was amazing - kinda like thin-sliced fillet steak, but smoother. Finally, a huge bowl of rhubarb Eton mess: great big dollops of the stuff, no faffing around with the presentation. Will definitely re-visit.

― mike t-diva, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 14:20 (2 years ago) Permalink

Love the anchor & hope; don't mind no bookings there, prob bcz I've been lucky with getting a seat generally, and it's near a workplace (& nearish home) for me. Would feel diff if I travelled some & had to drink among braying foodies for hours to eat some stuff (imagine polpo/polpetto being like this at the mo, cld be wrong).

Def still on for Meateasy. Might be going tomorrow, but with girlfriend. Going to avoid 'Darling, here are some people I barely know from the internet', but I imagine I'll be on to go again.

― portrait of velleity (woof), Tuesday, 15 February 2011 14:24 (2 years ago) Permalink

love the a+h, it's almost exactly between work and home and i go there a fair bit for lunch. if you don't mind an early dinner then getting there before six should get you a table, if not straight away then without too long a wait. or it has done in the past...

― ledge, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 14:31 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah polpetto is kinda that way at the moment, or at least it has been any time i've wandered past. sworn off any place which simultaneously doesnt take reservations and serves to attract the digital slr brigade since standing for over an hour outside franco manca in brixton after about 2 hours sleep a few months back.

yeah i guess a&h is ideal if you are basically traveling past it twice a day, but for me it isn't the kind of place i would be bothered to rush to immediately after leaving work just to have a hope of being seated in a reasonable amount of time

― peligro, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 14:41 (2 years ago) Permalink

no-bookings policies are so shit

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 14:42 (2 years ago) Permalink

Yeah, they feel likeable if somewhere's super convenient for a pop-in and you have figured out the rhythms of its custom. Otherwise maddening. (esp when I suspect I am being made to stand around w/ overpriced drinks in order to create a sense of 'buzz' around yr establishment.)

― portrait of velleity (woof), Tuesday, 15 February 2011 14:49 (2 years ago) Permalink

No bookings policies are fine in a pub, which is what the Anchor & Hope is really.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 14:51 (2 years ago) Permalink

do people really go to a&h just to have a few drinks? in my experience the people at the bar are ALL people who weren't quick enough for a table but were quick enough to be allowed to wait for one inside the building rather than having to leave their number and wander around the cut. think it would be disingenuous of them to claim that they are 'a pub that serves food', they are a restaurant with a bar, and a shitty booking policy.

― peligro, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 14:59 (2 years ago) Permalink

if you want to book, you can just go to great queen st which is pretty much the same imo

― just sayin, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 15:01 (2 years ago) Permalink

xxp
agree with first half of that, but hesitant about 2nd… looks like a good pub, feels like a good pub, but can't imagine going for a pint there (but only because of the crowds?), also it's just so famous as a food-place. (But as I say, selfishly unbothered about their no-bookings.)

― portrait of velleity (woof), Tuesday, 15 February 2011 15:03 (2 years ago) Permalink

non-veggie friend is going to this intriguing-looking place tonight - http://www.vanillablack.co.uk/ - tbh i think just the peanut butter and chocolate parfait would tempt me along

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 15:05 (2 years ago) Permalink

a+h would be a great local if it weren't quite so busy, which yeah is mostly people waiting for tables.

― ledge, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 15:11 (2 years ago) Permalink

well i mean it looks like a pub yeah, but it is judged purely on the strength of its food and that is the only reason anyone ever goes there.

lex, i was raised vegetarian and as my parents are veggie i always take them somewhere that they can have plenty of menu options whenever they are in London. vanilla black is def the best non-indian vegetarian food I have had in the city, your friend is in for a treat

― peligro, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 15:18 (2 years ago) Permalink

sooooo

good chinese restaurants in london?

― the philosopher named after a whiskey (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 15 February 2011 15:47 (2 years ago) Permalink

Barshu in Soho is really good. I also like the much poncier Shanghai Blues in Holborn. And there's a terrific dim sum place near the O2 whose name escapes me. The downside is it's near the O2.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 15:50 (2 years ago) Permalink

CHILLI COOL CHILLI COOL CHILLI COOL.

http://www.chillicool.com/home-eng.html

― anna sui generis (suzy), Tuesday, 15 February 2011 15:52 (2 years ago) Permalink

dragon castle at elephant and castle
leong's legends
yauatcha? (never been meself)

― ledge, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 15:54 (2 years ago) Permalink

Chili Cool in Russel Square and Gourmet San in Bethnal Green (xpost)

― Inevitable stupid dubstep mix (chap), Tuesday, 15 February 2011 15:52 (49 seconds ago) Bookmark Suggest Ban Permalink

Did you go together? (xp)

― Tom D (Tom D.), Tuesday, 15 February 2011 15:54 (2 years ago) Permalink

http://londonist.com/2011/02/top-10-chinatown-eats.php

― ledge, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 15:55 (2 years ago) Permalink

never going to chinatown having known son of proprietor of one such restaurant who wouldn't eat there

― the philosopher named after a whiskey (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 15 February 2011 15:58 (2 years ago) Permalink

ah whatevs, could hear that kinda thing from anyone who knows anyone who's ever had a relative who once worked in a restaurant.

― ledge, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 16:00 (2 years ago) Permalink

Not sure about 'the best', but if you're nr the scruffy south-east, I enjoyed going to Le Wei Xiang in Lewisham the other week - cheap, nice, big portions, giant menu with loads of stuff I'd rather not eat on it (tendons). Cash only.

― portrait of velleity (woof), Tuesday, 15 February 2011 16:01 (2 years ago) Permalink

barshu is great, def my favourite of the szechuan restaurants that got hyped up a couple of years ago. best dim sum i have had is at dragon castle in elephant & castle, which also benefits from fantastically ott decor and really friendly service. hunan in pimlico does amazing food but is more expensive and less welcoming.

i would be careful to not lump barshu in with the shitholes that make up most restaurants in chinatown. it's very much like people who wont eat a curry anywhere around brick lane, just because the vast majority are fucking foul doesnt mean there arent great meals to be had.

― peligro, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 16:03 (2 years ago) Permalink

i second leong's legend. also shanghai in dalston.

the szechuan ones are great but i'm a wuss when it comes to spices so most of the menu is wasted on me.

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 16:08 (2 years ago) Permalink

I've been to Le Wei Xiang and while I'm not exactly squeamish about eating bits of animal most of the stuff on the menu just looked outright revolting. No restaurant needs that much tripe on the menu.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 15 February 2011 16:10 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah I steered clear of most of the offal (i am a bit squeamish) but some potentially disgusting lumps of pig fat in one dish were delicious, so idk maybe they can pull off the tripe and tendons too.

― portrait of velleity (woof), Tuesday, 15 February 2011 16:13 (2 years ago) Permalink

ok yes definitely enjoyed #meateasy. Definitely.

(& another place where I am def not bothered by no bookings.)

― portrait of velleity (woof), Thursday, 17 February 2011 12:10 (2 years ago) Permalink

chilli cool is good, yes. fish hot pot.
also "szechuan folk" by spitalfields market is really good.. there's a lot of good szechuan places popping up lately

not sure about that londonist list except 4 season is good (don't just have the duck, also have the bbq pork)

chinatown eat: people in the know go to "jen's cafe". "yeung cheng" (or something) are also pretty decent (and i still still do a prix fixe kind of fayre where you order a dish pp and get charged flat price) also the lady who sells you a massive pork meat bun (not the char siu) for a quid from her little stall opposite baozi inn (which is overrated)

― Eto'o ))) (ken c), Friday, 18 February 2011 09:13 (2 years ago) Permalink

if yr in chinatown, that place that does the knife shaved + hand pulled noodles by leicester sq tube is also worthwhile

― just sayin, Friday, 18 February 2011 09:15 (2 years ago) Permalink

its fun just watching the dude work his magic

― just sayin, Friday, 18 February 2011 09:16 (2 years ago) Permalink

I had a fairly average meal at Le Wei Xiang ("Happy Smell"! in English!) - my companions seemed to enjoy it more than I did, but they were drinking and I was not? Pig blood and tofu soup was the blandest thing I've ever put in my mouth. Reminded me of the Goodness Gracious Me sketch where they order the blandest thing on the menu. Ergh! On saying that, I ate loads, the pork and garlic was very good, and something involving aubergines also tick VG. The DUMPLINGS! were ok, but there are better ones at Silk Road and from "Home" in Lewisham, which did the best DUMPLINGS! hands down.

Tripe isn't offputting, but when combined with the word "bowel"... that item was a little too much for me.

My favourite pork bun is from Kowloon Bakery - I love that place though and rarely bother trying anywhere else!

Matt, you're thinking of Penninsula! It's in a Holiday Inn! I always forget it exists. Hong Kong City on New Cross Road has not done me wrong in the past, but haven't been for ages.

― superpitching, Friday, 18 February 2011 13:19 (2 years ago) Permalink

Hold on, what the DUMPLINGS! happened there?

― superpitching, Friday, 18 February 2011 13:20 (2 years ago) Permalink

Ha! DUMPLINGS! are very p!o!p! (#oldschoolsinisterjokethere)

― superpitching, Friday, 18 February 2011 13:20 (2 years ago) Permalink

DUMPLINGS! are BLUDDY GRATE

― Eto'o ))) (ken c), Friday, 18 February 2011 17:00 (2 years ago) Permalink

1 month passes...

any good east suggestions for gastro pubs or other non ethnic food? or at least non viet/indian/pakistani, am having major burn out on that sort of cuisine and want to try some new places.

also a good place i can eat it on my birthday on friday but also invite people who want to drink and hang out?

― LocalGarda, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 10:41 (2 years ago) Permalink

http://www.albioncaff.co.uk is great!

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 10:53 (2 years ago) Permalink

I have a direct interest in this, but http://www.masonandtaylor.co.uk/ might suit your needs? I think it's fab, but obviously I would. It can certainly accommodate mixed eating / drinking groups.

― Tim, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 11:07 (2 years ago) Permalink

st john b & w?

― just sayin, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 11:10 (2 years ago) Permalink

(not for yr birthday, just for food)

― just sayin, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 11:10 (2 years ago) Permalink

oh wow i've been liking the look of mason & taylor for ages! never quite the right place/right time yet but i will certainly make the effort now.

albion is v mediocre and overpriced imo.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 11:34 (2 years ago) Permalink

i went to this place for my birthday: http://www.theeastonpub.co.uk
nice (if slightly poncy) pub that does nice sunday roast and they have massive tables + take bookings

― kl0ppa kl0ppa down (tpp), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 11:36 (2 years ago) Permalink

& yeah mason + taylor looks great, will definitely be paying a visit

― just sayin, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 11:37 (2 years ago) Permalink

http://www.theprincearthurlondonfields.com/

once spent an evening here mesmerized by the sight of charles campion working his way through a pint of prawns. if you can book a big table it might possibly do the trick.

never eaten in the scolt head restaurant bit but maybe the gastro/pub divide there could be good?

duke of wellington on balls pond probably bit too busy on a friday generally but again, maybe if you nab a big table in the back room.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 11:49 (2 years ago) Permalink

Any recommendations for places on/near Edgware Road? Plenty look appetising.

― I lolled at the Great Saucepan (GamalielRatsey), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 11:51 (2 years ago) Permalink

(I work at The Duke of Wellington and Mason and Taylor, that's the interest I was declaring.)

― Tim, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 11:54 (2 years ago) Permalink

I shall almost definitely be paying Mason & Taylor (and Tim, obviously) a visit over Easter, if I ever get my arse in gear and book this weekend away I've been talking about for months.

― ailsa, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 11:54 (2 years ago) Permalink

^^^Duly noted, Hopkins.

The Easton is near Exmouth Market and thus a little bit too 'west' for what's required. If it's not, the Crown in Clerkenwell Green might even have a room on the first floor that is reservable. I haven't yet gone to Mason and Taylor but one of my friends is always banging on about it, in a good way - and most people will be able to stumble back to their neighbourhood of origin from there. The London Fields on Mare Street is good - they're owned by the same firm as Rat and Parrot and it's basically a less busy/irritating version of same.

Sadly, I rarely venture to Edgware Road unless it's for something Lebanese.

― anna sui generis (suzy), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 11:58 (2 years ago) Permalink

food in scolt head is good but possibly not good enough to go out of your way there specifically

fika on brick lane does good swedish food, re: non-viet/indian ethnic food

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 12:04 (2 years ago) Permalink

pham sushi near old street too, best sushi anywhere in east

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 12:05 (2 years ago) Permalink

lol i can't believe fancyapint actually went to review dalston superstore

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 12:09 (2 years ago) Permalink

never eaten in the royal oak on columbia rd either but a one-two with the nelson's head after could also be ~~soul-destroying~~lively

ooh btw tim could you tell the duke of wellington staff that potted shrimp goes in the fridge and not the freezer. (very nice otherwise though mind.)

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 12:10 (2 years ago) Permalink

Would recommend Thai Garden next to the Florist in Bethnal Green for "non viet/indian/pakistani".

― James Mitchell, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 12:13 (2 years ago) Permalink

Only ever been to the Nelson's Head at around 8am on a sunday - never seen it an an actual evening

― colby, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 12:20 (2 years ago) Permalink

RTC: I'll tell the chef when he arrives! Sorry about that.

― Tim, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 12:21 (2 years ago) Permalink

for something Lebanese

This was what I wanted!

― I lolled at the Great Saucepan (GamalielRatsey), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 12:56 (2 years ago) Permalink

I've been to Mason and Taylor weekly since it opened I reckon. Camden Pale Ale is amazing. Good food too, I'm not wild about the room itself, like it's not bad or whatev, just a bit of a funny style and shape. But I do like the place a lot. Really like anywhere where you can drink a decent pale ale.

Didn't know you were involved Tim, great stuff! Was in the Royal Oak for the first time, weirdly, last week, the food does sound good. Considered Prince Arthur, good to hear a recommendation as I was unsure what it's like.

Good recommendations here tho, will keep me going for a bit.

― LocalGarda, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 12:59 (2 years ago) Permalink

What about the gastrofied Owl & Pussycat? Although in my experience if this is the sort of thing you're looking for you're better off going a bit further up the road to Clerkenwell, which is exceptionally well-supplied for places like this.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 13:09 (2 years ago) Permalink

(NB have not actually eaten in the new Owl & Pussycat, although I've heard it's good)

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 13:10 (2 years ago) Permalink

Oh also the food at the Princess of Shoreditch is fantastic but the upstairs room is very restauranty and the downstairs is a bit All Bar One so not great for your needs.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 13:12 (2 years ago) Permalink

Would recommend Thai Garden next to the Florist in Bethnal Green for "non viet/indian/pakistani".

haha I live like 30 seconds from here. great restaurant tho i agree. really nice.

x-post to matt, I am totally open to going to ec1 but i'm a bit conscious of making it easier for friends. my cousin works in the anchor and hope in southwark which I really like, but figure easier to organise something for somewhere near where people live.

― LocalGarda, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 13:16 (2 years ago) Permalink

LG: if you're in there early evening, give me a shout, I quite often work there in the afternoons until well after opening time at 5.

― Tim, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 13:27 (2 years ago) Permalink

Will do, are you still on the same number? I'm often in about 6 on a Friday, for a cup of tea and some food.

― LocalGarda, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 13:28 (2 years ago) Permalink

I meant a few cups of tea, sorry.

― LocalGarda, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 13:28 (2 years ago) Permalink

Tim, I'm guessing layout weirdness at M&T means it used to be Green and Red.

Another recommendation, although I haven't been to eat there yet: A Little Of What You Fancy, my friend Elaine's restaurant on Kingsland Road. It's near WAH! Nails.

― anna sui generis (suzy), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 13:35 (2 years ago) Permalink

heard that's good, the name really annoys me but i keep reading about it.

m&t was green and red, yep.

has anyone eaten in that v wooden bare decorated place on redchurch st? is it "the roastery" or something? and has anyone actually eaten in the new owl and pussycat?

― LocalGarda, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 13:37 (2 years ago) Permalink

i have eaten there, its p good

― just sayin, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 13:39 (2 years ago) Permalink

oh wait, i meant ive eaten @ 'a little of what you fancy' havent eaten at the redchurch place... is it the coffee place?

― just sayin, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 13:39 (2 years ago) Permalink

oh maybe it's a coffee place...that'd make sense.

i ate in that deli on redchurch with the black and white chessboard style tiles recently actually, it was excellent.

― LocalGarda, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 13:40 (2 years ago) Permalink

i'll always bear a grudge against the owl and pussycat for it being where the lovely emma b's purse was stolen, so i've not been in the new one.

i liked green and red but frankly "high end mexican" is not really a goer.

speaking of places with annoying names but good food in east london, i note with sadness that "taste of bitter love" has closed. it had the best sandwiches in london for my money (which isn't much money, so it worked).

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 13:41 (2 years ago) Permalink

it was in a pretty weird place tbf, not surprised it closed

― just sayin, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 13:45 (2 years ago) Permalink

Agreed about high end Mexican! Was surprised G&R lasted as long as it did. Also I don't mind the name of E's restaurant, Tracer - time to head over for Sunday roast? Elaine used to run the kitchens at Shoreditch Electricity Showrooms when it was good, plus Trafik, and she's a great chef; her bruv is one of the biggest music PRs in London OMG IT'S ALL CONNECTED...

― anna sui generis (suzy), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 13:47 (2 years ago) Permalink

Taste of Bitter Love is coming back at new premises, think it's further east up Hackney Road.

― James Mitchell, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 13:54 (2 years ago) Permalink

Totally willing to believe that Kingsland Road restaurant has great food but I'm innately suspicious about any restaurant where Google throws up more reviews from style blogs than food websites.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 14:02 (2 years ago) Permalink

ooh james! the old location was kind of nowheresville so the move will be good for their business - also further east will be closer to me! seriously this is the best news i've had all day.

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 14:05 (2 years ago) Permalink

I've eaten Elaine's food at other locations and enjoyed it, and since I'm a good cook myself I don't just hand out recommends on a whim, but I think the high number of style-blog hits is down to them following on from Edgy Style Mag's website. We at ESM like good food A LOT.

― anna sui generis (suzy), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 14:21 (2 years ago) Permalink

FYI: #meateasy closes 16 April.

I haven't been for a couple of weeks! I should go by again. Hmmmm, this evenings plans have been cancelled at the last minute...

but then again I do have a pizza waiting in the fridge.

Then again... meat! Perhaps get a burger, rush home and put it on the pizza?! Oh mercy stop it.

― superpitching, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 14:23 (2 years ago) Permalink

xp/ also in between venues, E took a lot of private bookings for music and fashion people/events - buzz comes from places for good reasons and I hate it when my friends go all snap-judgement about style press like they're somehow above it all.

― anna sui generis (suzy), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 14:25 (2 years ago) Permalink

Edgy Style Press vs "we only communicate via Twitter", fiiiite! (Obviously Edgy Style Twitter wins) (I don't mean that...)

― superpitching, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 14:27 (2 years ago) Permalink

i can also vouch for elaine, although not to the extent that i can ever remember to pop into the new gaff.

i'll always bear a grudge against the owl and pussycat for it being where the lovely emma b's purse was stolen, so i've not been in the new one.

yeah lost a bag myself in the scolt head once. fucking hate that place tbh, i'd say the garden is all it's good for but it's packed with tossers anyway.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 14:55 (2 years ago) Permalink

i've never been there when it's not rammed. the last two times i was to meet friends there we just went somewhere else.

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 14:58 (2 years ago) Permalink

i once saw someone try to steal a tree from the scolt head garden :(

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:00 (2 years ago) Permalink

i remember when it used to be our local alternative to the george except not packed full of wankers. then it changed

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:01 (2 years ago) Permalink

Considered Prince Arthur, good to hear a recommendation as I was unsure what it's like.

thing is it really does depend on how ur entourage is gonna roll. it's definitely a little stiffer and more gastro than most pubs per se (loads of work parties every week it seems) but if you can ensure a big table takeover (~ 10 people up to 15?) then it's good stuff. altogether i probably wouldn't totally recommend it without checking it in person first.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:02 (2 years ago) Permalink

^ yeah that p much sums it up, ive had a few group meals there + its gone well

― just sayin, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:05 (2 years ago) Permalink

i don't mind the talbot down the road from the scolt, sunday roasts always look ok from afar.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:07 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah i hate the scolt head...reminds me of my local in dublin at christmas, awfully designed place, just has zero charm for me as a pub.

― Ask Nult What Your Country Can Do For You (Local Garda), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:08 (2 years ago) Permalink

off topic but has anyone ever done viajante in bethnal green? just curious cos it's generally been well received but for one memorable aa gill beatdown.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:15 (2 years ago) Permalink

considered it many times but never gone.

― Ask Nult What Your Country Can Do For You (Local Garda), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:21 (2 years ago) Permalink

not a restaurant and also off topic, but anyone been to the fishmonger on victoria park road, near the lauriston?

― Ask Nult What Your Country Can Do For You (Local Garda), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:21 (2 years ago) Permalink

xpost same, was gonna go for my b-day, then just ended up booking st john

― just sayin, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:22 (2 years ago) Permalink

what abt brawn on colombia rd?

― just sayin, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:22 (2 years ago) Permalink

We went to Viajante (for the (relatively) cheap 3-course lunch) one Saturday a few weeks ago. We were, it's fair to say, extremely impressed, not a false note in our meal(s) although some of the combinations were a little unexpected so I can see how they could go wildly wrong. But we're dead keen to go again, for the longer-form tasting menu. I would always, always take the paired wine flight because the wines they gave us were really unusual and added a great deal.

(LG I don't work Fridays but yeah, same old number, we should get together.)

xp haven't been to Brawn, I really fancy it.

― Tim, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:23 (2 years ago) Permalink

not a restaurant and also off topic, but anyone been to the fishmonger on victoria park road, near the lauriston?

the fish house? i love it. the vibe is great, kinda like a diner. the staff are very friendly. the fish is good and there's a big selection.

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:29 (2 years ago) Permalink

oh wait the fish MONGER. yes i've been there. kinda pricey but not as bad as bway market obviously.

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:29 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah i hate the scolt head...reminds me of my local in dublin at christmas, awfully designed place, just has zero charm for me as a pub.

nah i love the layout and what it innately has to offer (and the selection of wines!), the only thing wrong with it is the crowd that started packing it out all the time. if it's quiet it's a great pub to hang out in.

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:40 (2 years ago) Permalink

i forget that you lot are fond of the wenlock though :/

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:41 (2 years ago) Permalink

scolt head "garden" (it's just a patio really) is ok. quite twatty and i also had a friend who mysteriously lost a bag there. :-/

― kl0ppa kl0ppa down (tpp), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:43 (2 years ago) Permalink

also "szechuan folk" by spitalfields market is really good

yeah i went on friday this place is good

― kl0ppa kl0ppa down (tpp), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:48 (2 years ago) Permalink

this burrito place is great too if you're around middlesex st. at lunchtime:

http://www.theflyingburrito.co.uk/

― kl0ppa kl0ppa down (tpp), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:51 (2 years ago) Permalink

if and (only if) the scolt's quiet the tables directly on the left are ok. but the sofa is lame and the back room has a gross vibe. the restaurant/pub division is super awkward and unchill, especially when you have to tiptoe through anyway just to get to the bogs. and the staff are generally wannabe smartarse dicks who i wouldnt be surprised had a hand in the thievings tbh. so what's that, like 10% of the whole place being acceptable? nah.

good old wenlock though, i'll be in there tonight i expect. look for a man with a beard drinking ale.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:53 (2 years ago) Permalink

haha. love the wenlock, not been in way too long tho.

have to say the dickishness and general ineptitude of london bar staff never fails to amaze me. in dublin there are all these old codgers working in bars because the idea of the trendy pub has barely taken root, and they can serve about 5 people at once and remember everyone's order and returning change.

if the florist has three people at the bar you could be waiting ten minutes as some disinterested bloke fights his way through pouring pints one at a time. one bloke is so bad that the last time i was in there, one of the west ham guys who hangs out at the end of the bar came over and told me how useless said bar man was and then roared at him to "get a move on". which led to us getting served at least.

― Ask Nult What Your Country Can Do For You (Local Garda), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:57 (2 years ago) Permalink

i hate old codger pubs like the wenlock - old men staring at you need to fuck off. always felt vaguely inhibited and uncomfortable in there, now i just insist on meeting elsewhere. it serves nothing i want to drink either

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 16:00 (2 years ago) Permalink

had a pretty nice sunday roast at the charles lamb pub just off city rd the other week. it's tiny though.

― kl0ppa kl0ppa down (tpp), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 16:01 (2 years ago) Permalink

oh yeah i've walked past that one a few times and always thought it looked like it had potential

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 16:03 (2 years ago) Permalink

haha i've never suffered any starey men in the wenlock! you make it sound like the joiners.

fair enough with the booze though, i mean some of those vanilla caramel ales are just too much.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 16:11 (2 years ago) Permalink

they don't stare in a pervy way, i could deal with that! it's more like "what is this person doing in my pub".

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 16:13 (2 years ago) Permalink

i am not really interested in ales but the wenlock serves one (1) type of wine and it's not very nice

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 16:15 (2 years ago) Permalink

In fairness I was being sniffy about style blogs rather than style press. With Dalston it's usually a case of "food looks great, is the place going to be full of cocks?"

The Prince Arthur is a really nice space but TOO FVCKING CROWDED at weekends. Like, ridiculously so. If they'll let you book a table you should be okay though. Clientele is a bit tossy as well in my experience.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 16:20 (2 years ago) Permalink

The times I've been in London I've always found the florist to be first choice

― colby, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 16:20 (2 years ago) Permalink

for a pub that is

― colby, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 16:20 (2 years ago) Permalink

I love it but sometimes the bad bar staff (not all of them) make me want to go elsewhere. I just kinda feel I spend enough money in there for people at least to be polite or whatever. It is still great tho.

― Ask Nult What Your Country Can Do For You (Local Garda), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 16:27 (2 years ago) Permalink

wasn't there a chance that the Wenlock was going to be closing down? is that still happening? i think it's a great place, despite the likelihood of any session there resulting in a weirdo old barfly hijacking your conversation

― quantum telescope (+ +), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 16:48 (2 years ago) Permalink

I think the sale to the developers fell through so it's just going on as before. The owners are looking to sell but there's still the chance that whoever buys it will continue to run it as a pub, rather than just knock it down and put flats there.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 22 March 2011 16:54 (2 years ago) Permalink

i decided to go for drinks on friday instead, at the palm tree (feel free to join any ilxors!) but went for an impromptu meal last night to brawn on columbia road. it was pretty great, tho think going there for a few bottles of wine and lots of small dishes would be even better than having one of the larger mains. amazing rillette and brawn to start with.

― Ask Nult What Your Country Can Do For You (Local Garda), Wednesday, 23 March 2011 15:34 (2 years ago) Permalink

xxxxxxxp ha a few of my friends work at the florist, will pass on yr comments LG

― Crackle Box, Wednesday, 23 March 2011 15:51 (2 years ago) Permalink

some of them are really pleasant as i said...some are not. i won't give descriptions just in case!

― Ask Nult What Your Country Can Do For You (Local Garda), Wednesday, 23 March 2011 15:52 (2 years ago) Permalink

good to hear that abt brawn!

― just sayin, Wednesday, 23 March 2011 15:54 (2 years ago) Permalink

now it's warming up weekend bike rides to the counter cafe in hackney wick are in order, last time i went it was the best breakfast / coffee evah!

had raclette at walluc in shoreditch. it was average. raclette works best over about 4 hours with a never ending supply of wine anyway, cheese didn't seem as nice as the stuff i get from that cheese place in spitalfields

finally did the meatwagon before playing a show at the birds nest in deptford last week (good little venue / pub - lex you won't like it). pretty darn good, prob the best burger i've ever had but it was just a burger.

fancy going to allistairs brasserie this weekend in stoke newington/church st, anyone been? any good?

― Crackle Box, Wednesday, 23 March 2011 16:01 (2 years ago) Permalink

Kept on meaning to go, kept on getting put off by the prices. Obviously if it's good it's worth it, but the menu never entirely convinced me, can't remember why now. Be interested to hear what it's like tho. He used to run the kitchen at the Defoe I think.

― I lolled at the Great Saucepan (GamalielRatsey), Wednesday, 23 March 2011 16:36 (2 years ago) Permalink

we went to counter cafe on sunday for breakfast, really good food + like you said the coffee's amazing

― just sayin, Wednesday, 23 March 2011 16:39 (2 years ago) Permalink

Ah the Bird's Nest in Deptford, probably the only pub in SE London that's happy to put on bands that are just four people with laptops playing noize. There's an excellent Ugandan restaurant called Afab Star right round the corner as well (huge speakers playing African pop, football on the TV, feel of being in someone's front room, amazing food).

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 23 March 2011 16:45 (2 years ago) Permalink

what about forman and sons in hackney wick? apparently does v cheap dinners once a month...anyone been?

― Ask Nult What Your Country Can Do For You (Local Garda), Wednesday, 23 March 2011 17:11 (2 years ago) Permalink

Haha LG, I live just the other side of Grove Road from the Palm Tree.

― James Mitchell, Wednesday, 23 March 2011 17:46 (2 years ago) Permalink

ah not far away then!

anyone got any takeaway delivery recommendations in east london? i normally walk out but there are times when a good one would be useful.

― Ask Nult What Your Country Can Do For You (Local Garda), Saturday, 26 March 2011 18:46 (2 years ago) Permalink

was at the young vic tonight and had an octopus salad in the anchor and hope after...amazing. such a good fun place to eat too.

― Packie Bonner (Local Garda), Thursday, 31 March 2011 23:25 (2 years ago) Permalink

went to moo grill today...had a lomito and chips. it was fucking great...would go back.

― Will.Have.Known (Local Garda), Monday, 11 April 2011 16:36 (2 years ago) Permalink

Moo is opposite my Gym.. I should def check it out.

― mmmm, Monday, 11 April 2011 16:41 (2 years ago) Permalink

the guys in there are a great laugh too...

― Will.Have.Known (Local Garda), Monday, 11 April 2011 16:45 (2 years ago) Permalink

any tips for a good place around soho where i can have a few beers and some food? looking for sort of informal, but i guess soho doesn't really have gastropubs does it? any help would be good...

― Will.Have.Known (Local Garda), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 13:46 (2 years ago) Permalink

The upstairs of Bodeans?

― Barnaby, Hardly, Tuesday, 19 April 2011 13:47 (2 years ago) Permalink

john snow?

― Jlloyd, I'm ready to be heartbroken (ken c), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 13:47 (2 years ago) Permalink

(but yeah bodeans)

― Jlloyd, I'm ready to be heartbroken (ken c), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 13:48 (2 years ago) Permalink

Bodeans is a good bet, but it's a great day for the terrace at Dean Street Townhouse. They do homemade Scotch eggs.

― a modest broposal (suzy), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 13:49 (2 years ago) Permalink

garlic and shots, if that's your thang?

― Jlloyd, I'm ready to be heartbroken (ken c), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 13:50 (2 years ago) Permalink

probably be tomorrow night, I think bodeans, much as I like it, is a bit too like...I dunno, not pub like enough.

is dean st townhouse terrace open in evenings?

― Will.Have.Known (Local Garda), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 13:51 (2 years ago) Permalink

polpo or spuntino? altho depending on how early yr getting there there might be a huge queue

― just sayin, Tuesday, 19 April 2011 13:52 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah spuntino sounds great...but have heard really hard to get in.

also lol ken literally THE DAY AFTER johnsnowgate I was coming back from baron's court and a friend texted me, and this never ever happens, I'm never in soho at the weekends, "hey am in the john snow if you fancy a pint..."

― Will.Have.Known (Local Garda), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 13:53 (2 years ago) Permalink

I was gonna suggest those but QUEUES.

Terrace is open in the evening but there's something really lovely about the bar, if you can't get a seat.

― a modest broposal (suzy), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 13:53 (2 years ago) Permalink

cool that might be a good shout, i guess if we can just eat something casually but not necessarily dinner it'll be grand.

have you been to spuntino, just sayin?

― Will.Have.Known (Local Garda), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 13:55 (2 years ago) Permalink

http://www.fancyapint.com/pubs/pub1611.php

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 19 April 2011 13:57 (2 years ago) Permalink

no i havent! ive only been to polpo because my friend used to work there. has anyone been?

― just sayin, Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:00 (2 years ago) Permalink

will prob try it out in the next few weeks tho, since the friend is back in town + will be interested to see what its like. i remember him saying they'd been planning on opening it quite a while ago and it kept getting delayed.

― just sayin, Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:00 (2 years ago) Permalink

also, would some burgers and booze at byron followed by pub beers work?

― Jlloyd, I'm ready to be heartbroken (ken c), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:02 (2 years ago) Permalink

possibly...my friend i'm meeting is a 62-year-old yorkshireman i acted in a play with recently, he's pretty hip but not sure bodeans or byrons is exactly his bag!

― Will.Have.Known (Local Garda), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:06 (2 years ago) Permalink

de hems? not gastro by any stretch but idk what you're after here really.

― standing on the shoulders of pissants (ledge), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:07 (2 years ago) Permalink

pub where you can eat nice food, doesn't have to be a full meal, basically is my requirement.

― Will.Have.Known (Local Garda), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:09 (2 years ago) Permalink

Lyric is good and old-man friendly then.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:11 (2 years ago) Permalink

Also does it have to be Soho?

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:11 (2 years ago) Permalink

not really...anywhere loosely central would probably do.

― Will.Have.Known (Local Garda), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:12 (2 years ago) Permalink

how about phoenix artist club (it's charing cross road underneath phoenix theatre/"blood brothers")?

― Jlloyd, I'm ready to be heartbroken (ken c), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:13 (2 years ago) Permalink

it's members but they let everyone in before 8

― Jlloyd, I'm ready to be heartbroken (ken c), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:14 (2 years ago) Permalink

Ronan - try the Bountiful Cow in Holborn, just behind Red Lion Square. The clue as to the food is in the name.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:17 (2 years ago) Permalink

p.s.

also lol ken literally THE DAY AFTER johnsnowgate I was coming back from baron's court and a friend texted me, and this never ever happens, I'm never in soho at the weekends, "hey am in the john snow if you fancy a pint..."

think that was a booty call

― Jlloyd, I'm ready to be heartbroken (ken c), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:18 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah the guy in moo is really funny.

― the square root of minus one is i something uhh (tpp), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:23 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah really good laugh.

haha ken

― Will.Have.Known (Local Garda), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:28 (2 years ago) Permalink

Not a massive fan of Polpo. Was sat directly under air con the first time I was there. Also, I know salt makes food taste, and I use it liberally in my cooking, but man, their food was hella salty. And everything was, well, not quite as good as it should be, I felt. Not a massive fan of the tapas style approach to a menu either. Probably my fault, but find it difficult to get hard culinary satisfaction out it.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:38 (2 years ago) Permalink

aw i loved polpo, and i really don't dig too much salt in my food. yeah tapas can be unsatisfying if it's overpriced and you end up hungry but ~~that didn't seem the case here~~ we spent a shitload and ordered nearly everything on the menu.

how do you feel about dim sum?

― standing on the shoulders of pissants (ledge), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:43 (2 years ago) Permalink

Love dim sum - Royal China Bayswater has become a once or twice a year lunchtime favourite.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:48 (2 years ago) Permalink

And yes, you're right about the overpriced/still hungry thing - it happens quite often. Fino in Fitzrovia was fantastic though, so I'm not totally against it, I just get easily disappointed.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 14:51 (2 years ago) Permalink

Ronan, I'd say Bountiful Cow and its MAN STEAKS are good for Yorkshiremen.

― a modest broposal (suzy), Tuesday, 19 April 2011 16:53 (2 years ago) Permalink

recommendations for decent café type places somewhere central that aren't on a busy street and have, like, tables outside?

― lex pretend, Wednesday, 20 April 2011 14:01 (2 years ago) Permalink

I can't think of any actually, other than the ones in parks and squares and I'm not sure the food is especially great at any of them. Otherwise you're going to be out on the pavement choking on the traffic fumes.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 20 April 2011 14:05 (2 years ago) Permalink

Found out today that the Counter Cafe is moving down the road into Stour Space, according to the menu board outside.

― James Mitchell, Wednesday, 20 April 2011 14:10 (2 years ago) Permalink

exmouth market xxp?

― Some other race (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 20 April 2011 17:14 (2 years ago) Permalink

oh that's a good idea for another time, though it's pretty busy - too many people i know round there!

― lex pretend, Wednesday, 20 April 2011 17:28 (2 years ago) Permalink

had an amazing steak at goodman last weekend. highly recommend (if someone else is paying)

― the square root of minus one is i something uhh (tpp), Sunday, 1 May 2011 10:32 (2 years ago) Permalink

going to anchor/hope again today...embarrassingly regular now but cousin works there and i meet him for lunch so why not.

― Will.Have.Known (Local Garda), Sunday, 1 May 2011 10:33 (2 years ago) Permalink

Got into Spuntino the other day - we were very pleased with it indeed, it did it's small-plate thing very nicely.

― Tim, Sunday, 1 May 2011 11:18 (2 years ago) Permalink

so is this going to be hell on earth or a good addition? http://www.redmarketlondon.com/

i'm leaning towards hell on earth on a saturday night, possibly worth visiting on a sunday.

― Phelan Nulty (Local Garda), Wednesday, 11 May 2011 11:29 (2 years ago) Permalink

meze mangal on lewisham way, best turkish food in town

man i miss turkish food

― Snámh dá Én (missingNO), Wednesday, 11 May 2011 11:30 (2 years ago) Permalink

so, banh mi places seem to sprouting up at the same pace that burrito joints did a year or so back. up til now, i thought Banh Mi Bay on Theobald's Road was best - my nearest and most regular, but only if they haven't run out of the vietnamese bread, which they seem to have refined to an optimum balance of crispy outside and soft interior - but Kêu on Old Street is also great. the bread is way different, and there's lots more ingredients/flavours.

― quantum telescope (+ +), Thursday, 12 May 2011 14:11 (2 years ago) Permalink

these places never hit sarf london ;_;

looking forward to this though:
http://dishoom.com/2011/04/the-dishoom-chowpatty-beach-bar-may-sep/

― ledge, Thursday, 12 May 2011 14:12 (2 years ago) Permalink

City Càphê is good, but i found it a touch dry. only been once.

and i tried Chao on Whitecross Street last week, but they were out of classic chicken/pate, so i tried the spicy pork. a touch chewy, but still tasty.

anyone tried the one on Broadway Market?

― quantum telescope (+ +), Thursday, 12 May 2011 14:12 (2 years ago) Permalink

I saw that Dishoom beach bar thing under construction the other week and thought it was inspired. What with that + the fake beach + the beach huts + the turfed over roof of the Queen Elizabeth Hall the South Bank has outdone itself this year.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 12 May 2011 14:13 (2 years ago) Permalink

meze mangal on lewisham way, best turkish food in town

This is OTM, went recently and it's exceptional.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 12 May 2011 14:14 (2 years ago) Permalink

xxpost the one at broadway market is really good! well, the one that specialises in it. they also make them at the viet coffee place + my one from there wasnt as tasty.

speaking of that neighbourhood, towpath is back open again (maybe it has been for a while?) and is always highly recommended

― just sayin, Thursday, 12 May 2011 14:15 (2 years ago) Permalink

these places never hit sarf london ;_;

According to Starry Sarah formerly of this parish there's an amazing one in Deptford, but given where you live you might as well just go over the river.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 12 May 2011 14:16 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah will try and make the epic trip across some weekend soon when i get a chance.

― ledge, Thursday, 12 May 2011 14:18 (2 years ago) Permalink

xp
ha! i just moved to a new place round the corner from meze mangal and i'd wondered if it was any good. will definitely check it out.

― quantum telescope (+ +), Thursday, 12 May 2011 14:21 (2 years ago) Permalink

On the poncier end of the spectrum I finally went to Arbutus in Soho on Saturday and it was astonishingly good, probably the best piece of rare beef I can remember eating.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 12 May 2011 14:24 (2 years ago) Permalink

I'm a big fan of Meze Mangal too, although Ottoman on New Cross Road is also nice, and they deliver.

I haven't tried the Banh Mi place on Old St mentioned above, so vote goes to Panda Panda on Deptford Broadway - all fresh, and nice crispy baguettes. Just a couple more stamps on my loyalty card and I can get a T-shirt.

― ajd, Thursday, 12 May 2011 15:39 (2 years ago) Permalink

Ledge, Banh Mi Bay is an outpost of Cafe Bay in Camberwell! Of all the above, Keu on Old St is my fave, the stall on Broadway Market is pretty good also.

― Tim, Thursday, 12 May 2011 23:41 (2 years ago) Permalink

I wish I liked banh mi better but URGH PATÉ. Bit of a dealbreaker if I flash back to my dad's liverwurst and mayo sarnies. *boaks*

― that's when i reach for my ︻╦╤─* (suzy), Thursday, 12 May 2011 23:53 (2 years ago) Permalink

The mackerel one at Keu is pate-free I think (I haven't eaten one but I've watched J do so and she loved it).

― Tim, Friday, 13 May 2011 00:45 (2 years ago) Permalink

Where's good for a quick meal near the Barbican?

― Fear Moldova and the Nation of Leaners (seandalai), Friday, 13 May 2011 01:19 (2 years ago) Permalink

The bar at St John! Have never had a problem getting in, it's quick and delicious if you're not looking for big big food. The cheese sandwich is surprisingly good, the bobemarrow salad sets me right up for Barbican action.

There's a decent sushi bar on Whitecross St, as I recall.

― Tim, Friday, 13 May 2011 02:43 (2 years ago) Permalink

There are a bunch of good restaurants along the top of Smithfield Market/Cowcross Street/St John Street - about 5-10 minutes' walk from the Barbican.

At lunchtime, Whitecross Street has a multitude of good food carts.

― that's when i reach for my ︻╦╤─* (suzy), Friday, 13 May 2011 06:29 (2 years ago) Permalink

There's a decent sushi bar on Whitecross St, as I recall

yeah - pham sushi. probably the best sushi in the old street area (not that there's much competition but it is good).

suzy otm re food carts, go to the scotch egg guy in partic

― lex pretend, Friday, 13 May 2011 07:46 (2 years ago) Permalink

I got a recommendation for a Hunan Chinese place on Shaftesbury Avenue... CAN'T WAIT.

― that's when i reach for my ︻╦╤─* (suzy), Friday, 13 May 2011 07:51 (2 years ago) Permalink

Ledge, Banh Mi Bay is an outpost of Cafe Bay in Camberwell!

Sweeeeeet!

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Friday, 13 May 2011 08:24 (2 years ago) Permalink

xpost - is that golden day? i had a pretty good meal there! but i think ba shan is better now

― just sayin, Friday, 13 May 2011 09:23 (2 years ago) Permalink

Well, I haven't had good Hunan since ohhhhhh, 1990 - so will probably try both.

― that's when i reach for my ︻╦╤─* (suzy), Friday, 13 May 2011 11:48 (2 years ago) Permalink

Dishoom on the south bank: quality over quantity. £4.50 for the not overly large bacon or sausage naan rolls is just about acceptable, £6 for the lamb mince is ridiculous, tasty though it was. And they dropped four of our tickets on the floor, losing the orders, and only came out with three of them 20 minutes later - will put that down to teething troubles.

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Friday, 13 May 2011 12:55 (2 years ago) Permalink

the two web reviews for golden day i've read don't sound awesome but then they're web reviews.

― Jlloyd, I'm ready to be heartbroken (ken c), Friday, 13 May 2011 15:22 (2 years ago) Permalink

Well, I got a very strong personal recommendation for Golden Day from some friends...

― that's when i reach for my ︻╦╤─* (suzy), Friday, 13 May 2011 15:40 (2 years ago) Permalink

anyone heading out tonight? thinking of trying somewhere new but not sure where...

― Phelan Nulty (Local Garda), Friday, 13 May 2011 15:45 (2 years ago) Permalink

I'm supposed to go to an art thing in E2 but right now I just want to stay home and eat a bacon sandwich. Sigh.

― that's when i reach for my ︻╦╤─* (suzy), Friday, 13 May 2011 15:50 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah i am tempted to stay in too...had a heavy week. prob meeting a friend in stoke newington tho.

― Phelan Nulty (Local Garda), Friday, 13 May 2011 15:53 (2 years ago) Permalink

not a restaurant as such but since this is the general london thread now...anyone been to the jolly butcher in stoke newington? hadn't been up that way for a while and was there last night, amazing ale selection, brewdog and flying dog pale ales on tap. dunno what it'd be like as a local, food looked decent, but another one to keep in mind in terms of getting great beer.

― Phelan Nulty (Local Garda), Saturday, 14 May 2011 09:40 (2 years ago) Permalink

you prob all know this...but nonetheless!

― Phelan Nulty (Local Garda), Saturday, 14 May 2011 09:40 (2 years ago) Permalink

yeah the beer selection makes it. only had a sunday roast there one time but mine was very disappointing (duke of wellington's much better).

― school of seven bellhops (blueski), Saturday, 14 May 2011 10:45 (2 years ago) Permalink

I wish I liked banh mi better but URGH PATÉ. Bit of a dealbreaker if I flash back to my dad's liverwurst and mayo sarnies. *boaks*

Oh man I love paté! I hope Oxford will get a banh mi bar to go with its few-years-behind-London-trends burrito joints.

― russ conway's game of life (a passing spacecadet), Saturday, 14 May 2011 10:48 (2 years ago) Permalink

people were having ribs there last night steve, looked amazing, but didn't taste them.

― Phelan Nulty (Local Garda), Saturday, 14 May 2011 10:59 (2 years ago) Permalink

My dad's crimes against paté included the peanut butter and Braunschweiger sandwich. NO, I DON'T KNOW WHY.

On second thought, such combinations could have been the death of him....

― that's when i reach for my ︻╦╤─* (suzy), Saturday, 14 May 2011 11:03 (2 years ago) Permalink

I don't like cooked liver but for some reason I love paté, liver sausage, etc. Sliced liver sausage used to be the cheapest sliced meat by far in the local Co-op, happy times. Now they've stopped selling it altogether, because apparently everyone else agrees with mr spacecadet that it is disgusting and shameful.

*hangs head*

Peanut butter and spreadable liver sausage is a bit much even for me though.

― russ conway's game of life (a passing spacecadet), Saturday, 14 May 2011 12:24 (2 years ago) Permalink

LG- I was in the Jolly Butchers last night too! Never had a bad pint in there. The only drawback is it seems to be a magnet for opportunistic thieves. It used to be the worst pub in Stoke Newington, the kind of place you feared to go into the toilets in case someone stabbed you.

― Neil S, Saturday, 14 May 2011 12:45 (2 years ago) Permalink

My drawing group went to Brick Lane/Shoreditch yesterday, I took the opportunity to make a quick detour to Kêu for my first Banh Mi. It met all my expectations - awesome. Then hit Cay Tre for dinner after many beers.

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Sunday, 22 May 2011 10:17 (2 years ago) Permalink

i had keu for the first time the other day as well - really good! wish i worked in that area i would be hitting it up for lunch all the time. only thing that was a bit unusual was the bread, it wasnt super light + flaky like banh mi bread usually is

― just sayin, Sunday, 22 May 2011 10:39 (2 years ago) Permalink

My banh mi experience was inauthentic? ~sadface~ ... I thought the bread was pretty good though, crust like Pret's awesome artisan but not quite as tooth-punishingly hard, middle like a decent fluffy baguette.

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Sunday, 22 May 2011 10:46 (2 years ago) Permalink

just went to my old place at the end of my road again. <3 that place they are so rude and horrible. crab is amazing maybe not as good as gourmet san but almost. we got pigs intestines in chilli - mmmmm

― ww2011 (tpp), Sunday, 22 May 2011 21:50 (2 years ago) Permalink

went + had one of these for lunch. would definitely eat again.

― just sayin, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 12:58 (1 year ago) Permalink

aw man can't wait to check this out...

is there a general london thread? i often want to talk about pubs and stuff, i guess it works here, but we really should have a london thread to encompass any and all possible things you might do.

what do people think? i'm willing to put in the typing and hard graft it takes to start a thread, if there isn't an old one that needs a lick of revive paint.

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:23 (1 year ago) Permalink

i think thats a good idea! that jolly butchers talk upthread was v relevant to my interests but yeah i agree that maybe its best to not have it on the restaurants thread

― just sayin, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:24 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah and would be a good replacement, potentially, for reading timeout, like clubs/galleries/theatre etc...it took me about 2 years of living here to realise that when you research what to do a bit more you find better things.

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:25 (1 year ago) Permalink

Thread would be a bit too wide-ranging I fear and would get unusably massive very quickly. There's already a London pubs thread. An art one would be good though. The art section is pretty much the only reason I bother with Time Out these days.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:34 (1 year ago) Permalink

i dunno, do you think it'd be that busy? i don't see any other use of the other threads, whereas the fact this one keeps popping up makes it feel useful for other purposes. it's hard to look at loads of threads at once...

are there really that many ilx posters in london these days? i'm not so sure...

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:37 (1 year ago) Permalink

London pubs gets revived every so often when someone wants a recommendation. This one, well, we just like food a lot I suppose. There's a London clubbing thread from back in the day as well. Reckon it'd be much easier to just have separate threads for different things, sometimes threads just baloon massively, especially if there's pub talk going on.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:40 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah i guess it depends on if you favour long threads or not, i'd have thought one thread that regularly pops up fosters more discussion, as the digressions here show, imo. but it's not a big deal...

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:45 (1 year ago) Permalink

i went to start an art thread for London, but wasn't sure whether or not there was enough interest. found this one in the end:

RFI: Current Art Exhibitions in London

would love to see it bumped regularly!

― + +, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:46 (1 year ago) Permalink

i'm in favour of general rolling london thread. i wouldn't expect it to get much traffic.

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:46 (1 year ago) Permalink

too much, i guess

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:46 (1 year ago) Permalink

There are a load more Londoners here than you realise. General London cultural happenings thread that doesn't include pubs or restaurants would probably be fine.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:47 (1 year ago) Permalink

Those of us still here are good at food; as to this thread - it ain't broke, don't fix.

I have been known to go to Ikea purely because I wanted an approximation of an American baseball-game hot dog, so I am definitely going to check out a decent hot dog cart in Shoreditch. No pickle relish there, though - POINTS DEDUCTION. I'm also keen to check out Herman the German, the sausage place next to Heaven represented on its sign by a very phallic mascot.

― delivers maximum wtf per cubic second (suzy), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

That would help with random stuff that slips through the net as well like free festivals etc. Pubs and restuarants can stay on their own threads.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:50 (1 year ago) Permalink

really pubs and restaurants should be one thread...does anyone think? but sorry i know i am upsetting the cosmic balance here!

i just think general daily input is better than having to remember to revive a thread, we share more knowledge through actual conversations on here.

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:53 (1 year ago) Permalink

i vote aye

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:54 (1 year ago) Permalink

i don't think anyone actually minds off-topic digressions in this thread, i side with "if it ain't broke"

― the smoke cloud of pure hatred (lex pretend), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:56 (1 year ago) Permalink

really pubs and restaurants should be one thread...does anyone think?

Madness.

Problem with daily input is that one massive thread is kinda difficult to load if you need to find something in a hurry, which is more likely to be the case with around town stuff.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:56 (1 year ago) Permalink

first world problems

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:58 (1 year ago) Permalink

i think it is sort of broke tho...

x-post that's a good point, but you could revive the specific threads if you needed to do that...

also there are other things we'd end up discussing about london, and we don't have a "london, miscellaneous" thread. like there are some things that will never come up in a revive but if everyone is on a thread talking they become a topic of conversation.

THIS thread is the proof of that imo, because we all like food other topics come up...basically i just tend to find myself wanting to ask other london questions here as it's become a good rolling thread, and that's why i had the idea.

x-post lol easy to tell i am unemployed, "thinking of ways to improve my ilxperience"

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

basically i just tend to find myself wanting to ask other london questions here as it's become a good rolling thread, and that's why i had the idea

well ask them here then! no one will mind.

― the smoke cloud of pure hatred (lex pretend), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:03 (1 year ago) Permalink

London restaurants thread is fine as it is, no need to dilute it with discussions about which Blue Posts is best or parks or markets or whatever.

Think 'Miscellaneous London' or 'London arts/cultural happenings' or whatever would be wide-ranging enough without bringing in pubs and restaurants, which usually generate loads of chat.

There are like 200 threads at least with 'London' in the title.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:05 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah i have been doing so...it's not a perfect system though.

x-post bah it just won't be used enough

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:06 (1 year ago) Permalink

weinerchat xpost
Kurtz & Lang on Cowcross St does a pretty mean wurst. if you've never tried Käsewurst, it's worth it just to see the cheese sweating from within like some terrifying Cronenburgian dream. plus, the fried potatoes and onions are a treat, and you also get a steaming mound of warmed sauerkraut, which inevitably causes windig-ness.

― + +, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:06 (1 year ago) Permalink

I went to Kurtz & Lang last month, it was great. Only place I know of to get a currywurst in London.

On the slightly more upmarket end of the spectrum, anyone been to Bistrot Bruno Loubet at the Zetter in Clerkenwell? Going there this Sunday and kinda excited about it.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:08 (1 year ago) Permalink

on the even more upmarket end... we're going to dinner (the heston blumenthal place) + am definitely excited abt it

― just sayin, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:10 (1 year ago) Permalink

vI'm also keen to check out Herman the German,

When I first came to London I practically lived out of the white wurst van on Portobello Road. I think they must still be going because I see the van go past where I work every now and then, although come to think of it I haven't seen it for a while.

Anyway, their sausages, dogs, etc etc, were the bomb, a load of mustard, yes please, breakfast, lunch, dinner. Well worth checking out if you're in the area. Take care not to go to any of the other german sausage vans along there though, I made that mistake once - the white one.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:12 (1 year ago) Permalink

I went to Dinner as a surprise on my birthday, it's fucking amazing.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:12 (1 year ago) Permalink

there's another wurst place on the other side of Smithfields market, but I've yet to try it. can't remember the name. they recently opened a place in Angel too.

oh, the other good thing about Kurtz & Lang is that come Oktoberfest, they stick up a bunch of streamers and blast nutty novelty Eurodance tracks, while the rather strange dudes who run it wear milkmaid aprons. it's sehr erotische.

― + +, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:14 (1 year ago) Permalink

Kasewurst is available in all good supermarket meat departments in the American midwest (prob because of all the Germans in Wisconsin). There's also the shite version my sister buys: imagine an iteration of this made with/by Oscar Meyer and Kraft.

― delivers maximum wtf per cubic second (suzy), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:15 (1 year ago) Permalink

Is this quite phallic enough for everyone?

― delivers maximum wtf per cubic second (suzy), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:16 (1 year ago) Permalink

what's that place in southwark like...some sort of german vomit/sausage benchfest...just joking it actually looks quite nice, anyone know the place i mean?

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:18 (1 year ago) Permalink

is in a basement with a nice tiled doorway and steps leading down

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:18 (1 year ago) Permalink

http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/39/39769/Katzenjammers_Bierkeller_and_Restaurant/Southwark

i have not been

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:20 (1 year ago) Permalink

Looks like the same kind of stag night hellhole as the one on City Road.

This place is terrific though.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:22 (1 year ago) Permalink

Actually I'm being unfair, judging by the website Katzenjammers looks a lot better than the Shoreditch Bavarian Bierkeller.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:23 (1 year ago) Permalink

that's the place that shows bundesliga i believe? quite a big football pub, it's meant to be great i've heard.

i don't think the southwark place is quite as bad as that matt, i've heard a few people mention it as being quite good. dunno if i would ever want to drink that headache inducing bready beer for v long though.

x-post yeah that's what i heard...that city road place looks like hell on earth.

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:24 (1 year ago) Permalink

The Shoreditch one is fucking horrible, loads of lairy blokes letching on the serving girls. I suppose locating in Borough market kind of ensures a different atmosphere though. Wouldn't mind trying it.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:27 (1 year ago) Permalink

damn this place looks good - http://helengraves.co.uk/tag/pitt-cue-co/ london has some nice street food these days... i went to that taco guy by waterloo a few months ago + it was really good as well, waaaay better than the hundreds of burrito places that have sprung up over the past few years

― just sayin, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:30 (1 year ago) Permalink

okay fucking hell that bbq place...

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

i know right! and its open weekends which makes it a lot easier to get to

― just sayin, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:35 (1 year ago) Permalink

omg had not seen that.

that taco guy by waterloo a few months ago

whereabouts? there's a jerk chicken guy in the little park, have not ever been there despite walking past while he's setting up every morning for over a year.

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:37 (1 year ago) Permalink

umm he's down on lower marsh i think it is? i dont know that area that well so i cant really give directions, its this place - http://www.slowfoodkitchen.com/fab-mexican-street-food-waterloo-buen-provecho/

― just sayin, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:40 (1 year ago) Permalink

jesus i need to explore my area more instead of always doing pret and the pub.

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:42 (1 year ago) Permalink

lower marsh jerk chicken is good. thai guy is pretty damn good too. as is the crepe guy. they're all good on that little stretch.

zeitgeist is my favourite takeaway lunch place round here (lambeth north end of lower marsh). salt beef bagette is amazing, although they do spend about 10 minutes lovingly making each sandwich type thing in front you.

hope and anchor is real good. taz and it's sister place, i think it's called EV are kind of average, but i love that food so i still go every now and then and it's lovely sitting in the sunshine down that little street near southwark station.

― Crackle Box, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:50 (1 year ago) Permalink

the german place is pretty damn good LG

went for pizza at santore, exmouth market, clerkenwell last night. it was fucking delicious. easily the best pizza i've had in london and not too pricey!

― Crackle Box, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:51 (1 year ago) Permalink

When I first came to London I practically lived out of the white wurst van on Portobello Road. I think they must still be going because I see the van go past where I work every now and then, although come to think of it I haven't seen it for a while.
Anyway, their sausages, dogs, etc etc, were the bomb, a load of mustard, yes please, breakfast, lunch, dinner. Well worth checking out if you're in the area. Take care not to go to any of the other german sausage vans along there though, I made that mistake once - the white one.
― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Wednesday, 25 May 2011 15:12 (2 hours ago) Bookmark

^^ LISTEN TO THIS MAN. i have been eating from the white and only the white van since i was like 5.

― r|t|c, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 16:47 (1 year ago) Permalink

i think we were talking abt viajante, that fancy bethnal green place on here a while ago? anyway i still havent been but i was reading an article saying that the head chef has opened another place in the same building, but more casual, w/ mains at abt £12... so i think i'll definitely be giving that a go

― just sayin, Thursday, 26 May 2011 10:07 (1 year ago) Permalink

I went to Dinner as a surprise on my birthday, it's fucking amazing.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:12 (Yesterday) Bookmark

yeah i went with my mum when i finished my phd. so much fun.

― shalmaneser (tpp), Thursday, 26 May 2011 10:16 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah I read about this, sounds great. i was actually in viajante a few weeks ago, but only had the bar food. my ex gf was staying in the (incredibly nice) hotel there on a business trip so we ate there. the bar food was great, friendly staff too. she had squid nigiri and i had a burger...very dainty stuff but it was really good. fucking great tea too, the guy there told me he studied tea for two years in china!

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Thursday, 26 May 2011 10:52 (1 year ago) Permalink

i always wonder how that hotel's going since its not really in the nicest place

― just sayin, Thursday, 26 May 2011 10:57 (1 year ago) Permalink

i guess for the city it's quite close...

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Thursday, 26 May 2011 11:29 (1 year ago) Permalink

Quite close, but not really a place you put bankers up. Does seem like a really weird place to put a hotel.

Really want to go to Viajante but you have to book a long way ahead. The new place is more of a traditional bistro-type affair from the same chef, in the same building. Meant to be good, but I definitely want to try Viajante first.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 26 May 2011 11:34 (1 year ago) Permalink

it's mega luxurious so i can imagine it being popular enough based on that.

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Thursday, 26 May 2011 11:36 (1 year ago) Permalink

where is hip and happening in soho and more likely than polpo to be able to seat six or so people at short notice?

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Thursday, 26 May 2011 13:47 (1 year ago) Permalink

Not Soho per se, but I really like Latium in Fitzrovia. FANTASTIC Italian place, worth going for the taste of the pasta alone.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 26 May 2011 13:50 (1 year ago) Permalink

just went to that keu place on old st, en route to the dole office. god it's good...so fucking good. fresh bread, amazing vegetables, real zing to it, incredible. i had pork belly sandwich, i couldn't find the proper traditional one with pate etc on the menu then realised it was in gigantic text at the top staring at me...keen to try that next time.

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Thursday, 26 May 2011 13:52 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah i had the pork belly one too... find it hard to pass up pork belly in any form

― just sayin, Thursday, 26 May 2011 14:21 (1 year ago) Permalink

man i will be going there a hell of a lot...

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Thursday, 26 May 2011 14:24 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah if i worked in that area i would be there every day for lunch (and then also to that hot dog guy)

― just sayin, Thursday, 26 May 2011 14:27 (1 year ago) Permalink

where is hip and happening in soho and more likely than polpo to be able to seat six or so people at short notice?

You could try Bocca di Lupo, although at short notice it might be a problem. Although if that doesn't work you can go and eat all the ice creams at Gelupo opposite.

Has anyone here tried The Red Fort? But yes as Matt DC points out, you might be better having a look at what's on Charlotte St. Fino was excellent, as I mentioned upthread, although maybe not quite so good for large groups.

Not been to Latium yet, but on that recommendation it won't be long - been filling up at home on Camisa's amazing fresh parpardelle, just with sage and butter and parmesan recently.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Thursday, 26 May 2011 15:09 (1 year ago) Permalink

went to that pitt co bbq place on saturday, it was a bit overpriced imo, the portions are small. it was v tasty but i wouldn't really rush back, 7 quid for a tiny box of pulled pork and beans. plus four quid for a beer on top of that equals quite a pricey meal to sit in a not v nice location eating.

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Tuesday, 31 May 2011 11:16 (1 year ago) Permalink

Bistrot Bruno Loubet is AMAZING by the way, easily up their with the best meals I've eaten in London.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 31 May 2011 11:19 (1 year ago) Permalink

i ended up being a little underwhelmed by dinner! the meat fruit starter was amazing, and the tipsy cake dessert was also, but our mains were just ok... not that exciting, but still costing like £28?

― just sayin, Tuesday, 31 May 2011 11:24 (1 year ago) Permalink

We went to the half-price soft launch of the new Polpo premises (called Da Polpo) yesterday, and very nice it was too. Menu similar, though not identical, to Polpo's. More meatballs.

― Tim, Tuesday, 31 May 2011 11:26 (1 year ago) Permalink

(the half-price offer's on until tomorrow I believe)

― Tim, Tuesday, 31 May 2011 11:26 (1 year ago) Permalink

another restaurant! man that dude is taking over

― just sayin, Tuesday, 31 May 2011 11:30 (1 year ago) Permalink

i'm heading there for lunch now!!!!!!!!!!!11111

― Jlloyd, I'm ready to be heartbroken (ken c), Tuesday, 31 May 2011 13:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

that was apolpos to nothing.

― Jlloyd, I'm ready to be heartbroken (ken c), Tuesday, 31 May 2011 13:53 (1 year ago) Permalink

hey it was good!!!!!!

― Jlloyd, I'm ready to be heartbroken (ken c), Wednesday, 1 June 2011 07:09 (1 year ago) Permalink

xpost I thought Bistro Bruno Loubet was excellent, too. And I was impressed by the unsnootiness of the waiting staff. Was in there for lunch with two others, and none of us fitted the dress profile of the rest of the place. Been treated condescendingly in similar circumstances before, but this was delightful. Had a fantastic stuffed pig's trotter.

― Now working on a documentary about Sham 69's recent tour of China (ithappens), Wednesday, 1 June 2011 11:09 (1 year ago) Permalink

Yeah it was reassuringly unstuffy I thought.

Also I had a piece of slowcooked beef in red wine that was huge and could've been eaten with a spoon, it was amazing.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 1 June 2011 11:12 (1 year ago) Permalink

this weekend i went to gaucho near liverpool st and ate all the beefs. 8/10.

― Crackle Box, Wednesday, 1 June 2011 12:46 (1 year ago) Permalink

Are you on the Dukan diet?

lots and lots of steak, unlimited amounts of the stuff

― "Comin', Comin', Com-in-a-round (comin' around) com-in-a-round (comin (Bob Six), Wednesday, 1 June 2011 12:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

stoned on beef

― Crackle Box, Wednesday, 1 June 2011 13:04 (1 year ago) Permalink

Well, vegetables just aren't safe at the moment - especially in Europe.

― "Comin', Comin', Com-in-a-round (comin' around) com-in-a-round (comin (Bob Six), Wednesday, 1 June 2011 13:24 (1 year ago) Permalink

Like I need an excuse to go buy onglet at my butcher for £8.50/kilo.

― delivers maximum wtf per cubic second (suzy), Wednesday, 1 June 2011 13:43 (1 year ago) Permalink

i think i am addicted to that banh mi place on old st. omg it's so good...

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Saturday, 4 June 2011 10:54 (1 year ago) Permalink

As a result of this thread I have visited (and loved) Pitt Cue Co, Big Apple Hot Dogs and Keu over the last couple of weeks.

So thanks very much for those recommendations.

I'd love to know people's thoughts on London's best pizza spots.

I've still never made it to Franco Manca as I find the opening hours fairly prohibitive.

I enjoyed Pizza East but wouldn't rush back.

Any feedback on this Time Out piece?
http://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/features/9863/London-s_best_pizza.html

― Barnaby, Hardly, Saturday, 4 June 2011 15:25 (1 year ago) Permalink

If I'm in town and want pizza I'll go to Malletti's 'cos it's generally pretty good. That said, I long ago stopped eating pizza out in this country because it's generally utter crap, so I tend not to try anywhere ever. This has led me down the path of folly, as two of the single-most digusting meals I have ever had were as a result of trying to avoid pizza - a carbonara in a Pizza Express, and a risotto Milanese (yeah right) in a Carluccio's.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Saturday, 4 June 2011 15:43 (1 year ago) Permalink

Ordering pasta in Pizza Express is never going to end well. Mediocre pizza > some shit microwaved ready meal.

― oppet, Saturday, 4 June 2011 15:47 (1 year ago) Permalink

I learnt the hard way. I could still taste it a few days later, it was extraordinarily unpleasant, and yes, you're quite right, the thermonuclear temperature at which it was served showed it was fresh from the microwave. I mean how the fuck is that cooking?

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Saturday, 4 June 2011 15:54 (1 year ago) Permalink

went for pizza at santore, exmouth market, clerkenwell last night. it was fucking delicious. easily the best pizza i've had in london and not too pricey!

― Crackle Box, Wednesday, May 25, 2011 3:51 PM (1 week ago) Bookmark

Yeah, I enjoyed the pizza I had there and the missus' mixed antipasto was also great, liberally doused in the best black pepper I've eaten in years

― MPx4A, Saturday, 4 June 2011 16:11 (1 year ago) Permalink

The only pizza we regularly eat is at The Gowlett (it's in the South section if that article) - I feel lucky it's so close to us.

― Tim, Saturday, 4 June 2011 17:06 (1 year ago) Permalink

good pizza doesn't seem that hard to find, really. i've always thought it was a pose to get snobbish about it. i went to Franco Manca in Brixton recently and it was fine but not that much better than a decent standard pizza in a restaurant.

liberally doused in the best black pepper I've eaten in years

did you really mean best black pepper for years(!?) or was that a typo?

Ronan is that banh mi you are talking about on old street the sit down place with the black and white wallpaper or another place? i really like that place.

― jed_, Saturday, 4 June 2011 17:38 (1 year ago) Permalink

hmm yeah you can't really go wrong with pizza (apart from disgusting pineapple toppings, think I'll rant about what an abomination that is till my dying days) - I know what people mean about crappy plasticky pizza @ express but its still pizza and I'd go if I wanted one and it was the only place I could get it.

*I'll get me coat*

― xyzzzz__, Saturday, 4 June 2011 17:57 (1 year ago) Permalink

barnaby, hardly if you want to try franco manca you could go to the one in chiswick which has more normal hours iirc

― just sayin, Saturday, 4 June 2011 18:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

lg which is the best sandwich to get at keu

― just sayin, Saturday, 4 June 2011 18:34 (1 year ago) Permalink

good pizza doesn't seem that hard to find, really. i've always thought it was a pose to get snobbish about it.

I hope I didn't come across as precious. I like good pizza and am completely indifferent to indifferent pizza, which is what seems to be prevalent generally in England. So just tend to avoid it. Although 'pose'? Why would you 'pose' about it? Are there these people? Certainly it's not intended as a THIS COUNTRY rant in the slightest.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Saturday, 4 June 2011 20:14 (1 year ago) Permalink

cultural pizzamism

― oppet, Saturday, 4 June 2011 23:08 (1 year ago) Permalink

Ronan is that banh mi you are talking about on old street the sit down place with the black and white wallpaper or another place? i really like that place.

It is opposite. Run by the same people I read somewhere maybe? But it is a sandwich shop, not a restaurant.

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Saturday, 4 June 2011 23:15 (1 year ago) Permalink

i've had the "classic" twice at keu, it's pork belly, pate and ham terrine, really good, but i maybe liked the one that's just called pork belly even more. the bread is so fresh and the seasoning of the veg and stuff is crazy, all three times i've eaten there i've been impressed enough to want to turn to the person beside me and just go "this is so good..." it's near the dole office so it's a ritual now...shame i got a job starting soon.

pizzas i don't eat regularly cos i try to avoid cheese but places like pizza express aren't nice at all imo, there are loads of good pizzas in london, you don't need to go far to find a place with a stone oven. not been to franco yet but would like to...

did you like pitt cue co barnaby?

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Sunday, 5 June 2011 11:43 (1 year ago) Permalink

We flipped at how good their mackerel banh mi is, also.

― Tim, Sunday, 5 June 2011 11:45 (1 year ago) Permalink

i must try the mack actually...it looks and smells great. the bigger dishes look good too but i can't bring myself not to have a sandwich when i'm there.

― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Sunday, 5 June 2011 12:36 (1 year ago) Permalink

too bad this Keu place didn't exist when i still worked 5 mins from it

― blueski, Sunday, 5 June 2011 12:55 (1 year ago) Permalink

Think Malletti's a bit overrated actually, lovely crisp base but way too salty.

Looking forward to trying The Gowlett as it's not far from me now, and I will of course continue to rep for the pizzas at Zerodegrees in Blackheath.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 5 June 2011 16:21 (1 year ago) Permalink

heading to gourmet san tonight...woop!

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Sunday, 5 June 2011 16:24 (1 year ago) Permalink

how was it? i think that when i've gone i've ordered the wrong dishes

― just sayin, Monday, 6 June 2011 09:35 (1 year ago) Permalink

I went to Gourmet San once, and I too think I ordered the wrong things. I would like to go back with a big group of people so we could order a stack of dishes and have a few delicious morsels of each - when there are two of you it's pretty hard to base your whole meal around a big plate of 20 chicken claws in sauce (or whatevs).

We went to Hibiscus on Saturday night, which was very, very good and very, very expensive. Did the latter justify the former? Probably, for a special occasion. Our wedding anniversary is precisely that kind of special occasion.

― Tim, Monday, 6 June 2011 09:42 (1 year ago) Permalink

hmm yeah, it was really busy and extremely unpleasant to sit in, very hot and cramped and the service is appalling. i prob wasn't adventurous enough but had crab with spring onion and ginger, it was really good, we also got some szechuan ribs, the portions are gigantic but it wasn't ultra cheap. i'd be more inclined to order takeaway again than actually sit down in there, the service was truly awful, a waitress came over and without saying anything proceeded to move our table so someone else could be squeezed in beside us, while we were eating. the staff are mega rude too. i know you don't expect great service in a place like this but i'd expect even bare bones politeness when you're paying over 20 quid each by the time the bill comes...

the menu is intimidatingly large and my friend i was with wasn't keen to experiment much, i think if you were with a large group who were willing to order lots of things and go a bit wild it might be better, also my timing was poor, i was massively hungover and starving, hence the usually appealing thought of eating pig guts in eyewatering chilli didn't quite grab me.

x-post yep agree with Tim completely...you can't order lots of dishes with two people cos eg the ribs was this huge mountain of food.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Monday, 6 June 2011 09:44 (1 year ago) Permalink

i went to Franco Manca in Brixton recently and it was fine but not that much better than a decent standard pizza in a restaurant.

this is insane.

1 - they make their own sourdough crust in brick ovens. it is god-like! they also make fresh bread daily, which you can buy off them.

2 - they only offer like 5 different pizzas at any given time. none of them involve prawns and rocket. they all cost like £5.

3 - the only other things you can order are like, a salad, a fresh lemonade, and some dessert. so they can focus on just making great pizza.

that said, the queues on the weekends are so horrendous that it's sort of turned me against them :(

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Monday, 6 June 2011 09:46 (1 year ago) Permalink

There's nothing wrong with rocket on pizza! The first time I ever had rocket on pizza was in Italy, it's fine. It also had horse on it, which I fear is sadly not availably in London.

― Matt DC, Monday, 6 June 2011 09:57 (1 year ago) Permalink

you can get horse on pizzas in london, it's called "pepperoni"

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:01 (1 year ago) Permalink

"meat feast"

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:01 (1 year ago) Permalink

Donkey more like. I want my horse as close to thoroughbred as possible.

― Matt DC, Monday, 6 June 2011 10:04 (1 year ago) Permalink

does anyone ever order pizza that isn't fucking horrendous and overpriced? i only eat cheese once every 2/3 months due to health but obv the usual suspects are all fucking horrible.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:07 (1 year ago) Permalink

part of whats amazing abt franco manca is how cheap it is

― just sayin, Monday, 6 June 2011 10:07 (1 year ago) Permalink

To my knowledge there is no really good pizza delivery in London.

― Matt DC, Monday, 6 June 2011 10:08 (1 year ago) Permalink

domino's

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:09 (1 year ago) Permalink

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:10 (1 year ago) Permalink

the pizzas aren't all that but the delivery is spot on.

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:10 (1 year ago) Permalink

plus they give you a tub of sauce to dip your pizzas into.

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:11 (1 year ago) Permalink

xp Not when they don't come into your estate because of non-existent fears about getting mugged. And then call your female flatmate "sir" to her face when she comes out to get them.

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:12 (1 year ago) Permalink

and the option of cold wedges or chicken wings/chicken pieces x-post

last delivery i got was papa john's, there was a promotion and my friend and i both got a pizza. it was nothing more than okay at best. oven pizza probably nicer.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:13 (1 year ago) Permalink

xp Oh no! The last time I went to Gourmet San the service was... normal? Meaning, not rude but leaning towards the 'shy' side and certainly not invasively bossy like you've described. You should have been rocking the green beans, lamb skewers and dan-dan noodles; the green beans in particular are a good gateway item for fussy/chiliphobic dining companions and all of these things are actually Szechuan. FWIW it gives me The Rage when I agree on a restaurant with a friend only to find they can't or won't eat what's served there, but only remark on same after five minutes of staring at a menu.

If you're not prepared to go back to Gourmet San on a less busy night (you can approximate that experience by turning up there at 7pm instead of any later), the service is always better at Chilli Cool in Bloomsbury and two people can eat for about £30-£40 if dinner is a shared fish hotpot, green beans, ribs/lambsticks and DUMPLINGS!/noodles. The Chinese people eating there seem to be grad students enrolled locally and the decor is much nicer.

Having said that, yesterday I went to Golden Day with a friend who isn't allowing herself to eat any pork. BAD IDEA: 1) you really need a group of four to take advantage of the Szechuan/Hunan family-size portions 2) lunch specials good value but otherwise not up to much.

― chavatar (suzy), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:13 (1 year ago) Permalink

The last time I went to Gourmet San the service was... normal? Meaning, not rude but leaning towards the 'shy' side and certainly not invasively bossy like you've described.

same here. green beans love also otm.

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:14 (1 year ago) Permalink

If Porchetta delivered pizzas I would be happy because I can't face the 100m walk to pick up from a restaurant that's inevitably filled with braying idiot post-work douchebags.

― chavatar (suzy), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:15 (1 year ago) Permalink

the food at sichuan-folk in spitalfields looked lovely, i cannot comment on taste as we were doing their hot-pot (steamboat) at the time.

haven't tried the chilli cool steamboat yet but then yeah, with a £18 for a fish "hotpot" (not steamboat) that is the size of the entire table why would you eat anything else?

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:19 (1 year ago) Permalink

and the service was great at that sichuan folk place btw, if you can get the guy who speaks english.

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:19 (1 year ago) Permalink

had some seriously disappointing pizza delivery from il bacio in stoke newington last night, which i'd previously repped for. dough which was practically stale and almost no sauce at all.

matt it's not rocket i object to (well, it is; "authenticity" be damned) it's the prospect of prawns AND rocket. well, prawns and anything, really.

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:31 (1 year ago) Permalink

do you dislike prawns? or you just want them unadulterated and on their own?

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:32 (1 year ago) Permalink

I am allergic to prawns so I consider their presence anywhere to be disgusting savagery of the highest order.

― Matt DC, Monday, 6 June 2011 10:32 (1 year ago) Permalink

Prawn haters, just hand them over to me but not on my pizza. Sometimes there's nothing more satisfying than a supermarket prawn cocktail sandwich, but I don't know why.

I have to admit that I don't order much pizza in because I'm really lucky with finding high-end Waitrose ones priced to clear. I'll also tart them up once I get them home.

― chavatar (suzy), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:38 (1 year ago) Permalink

love prawns and can tolerate them on a pizza, i like the seafood pizza but partly because it's often served with no cheese, stretching the limits of what a pizza is but meaning i can eat it without having to worry about the consequences.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:42 (1 year ago) Permalink

i actually tarted up my il bacio delivery with some feta. 100% improvement!

prawns are the shitty album tracks of the food world.

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:43 (1 year ago) Permalink

! prawns are delicious

― just sayin, Monday, 6 June 2011 10:44 (1 year ago) Permalink

(unless yr allergic)

― just sayin, Monday, 6 June 2011 10:45 (1 year ago) Permalink

that doesn't make any sense. if you're allergic to prawns, it doesn't mean you dislike the taste of them. i know a guy who's allergic to gluten but every now and again he has a beer, knowing the consequences, because he just can't resist.

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

well yes that is true. altho i was allergic to peanuts when i was younger + due to this i dont find them delicious

― just sayin, Monday, 6 June 2011 10:51 (1 year ago) Permalink

I actually find the taste, texture and even the thought of what prawns are to be kinda disgusting.

― Matt DC, Monday, 6 June 2011 10:55 (1 year ago) Permalink

that is lucky.

xpost me too, jesus it's horrible.

anyway, it's not just a matter of taste with prawns, it's that they're politically/environmentally horrible. google prawns and vietnam some time, or prawns and mangrove destruction. even if the prawns are farmed in the UK, very often they're sent all the way to vietnam for processing, then BACK to the UK for packaging. that's how little the vietnamese get paid to clean them.

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:56 (1 year ago) Permalink

if i went down that road i'd probably stop eating lots of things.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Monday, 6 June 2011 10:57 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah when i'm buying my own ingredients i try to be pretty ethical but when yr eating at places like gourmet san....

― just sayin, Monday, 6 June 2011 11:01 (1 year ago) Permalink

if i went down that road i'd probably stop eating lots of things.

everything is always compromised i agree, but we can still make distinctions. prawns are especially bad. of course that's easy for me to say, i hate them.

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Monday, 6 June 2011 11:05 (1 year ago) Permalink

prawns are great but not sure about putting them on pizzas, waste of a prawn really.

best ones are the ones that are fried with the shells with like garlic or whatev and you can eat the shells.

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Monday, 6 June 2011 11:15 (1 year ago) Permalink

prawns stu

― http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:WhiteAmericanFolks.jpg (nakhchivan), Monday, 6 June 2011 11:37 (1 year ago) Permalink

Haha, beat me to it. :D

― Chewshabadoo, Monday, 6 June 2011 11:57 (1 year ago) Permalink

Cosign on Il Bacio's deliveries being poor - esp. weird because their sit-in Pizzas are great. What's that place that does pizza by the yard or whatever? I know lots of people who swear by them (although I think they're only alright).

Anyway as a lurker I'm popping my head above the parapet to say this has become my favourite thread over the last few months. In the last fortnight I've been to Franco Manca and the Banh Mi joint on old street specifically because of recommendations here, and they were both brilliant. Thanks guys!

― sktsh, Monday, 6 June 2011 12:35 (1 year ago) Permalink

this is easily my favourite thread

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Monday, 6 June 2011 12:39 (1 year ago) Permalink

(welcome)

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Monday, 6 June 2011 12:40 (1 year ago) Permalink

i took some friends to have the all you can eat hotpot at szechuan folk and they hated it. i thought it was ok though but nowhere near as good as when i've had it in china / chinese restaurants in japan. a lot of the seafood was frozen and it was a bit hard to know how long to cook everything. i went there once before and had the non-hotpot stuff and was pretty decent. definitely prefer my old place (middlesex st) for szechuan, the food maybe isn't quite as good as gourmet san but it's v. similar (same owners) and it's a bit more spacious and chilled out. staff still rude as ever but that's part of the fun no?

tried to go to keu a few weekends ago but it was shut and so we went across the road and had lunch at cay tre. huge bowl of pho sate for £6. so fresh + delicious and so much i couldn't even finish it!

i would kill for a good pizza delivery in east london. friends who live near finsbury park rave about some place but i can't remember the name. in my darkest hour sometimes i will get a dominos but immediately regret it afterwards bleurgh. pizza east is quite nice i reckon.

― shalmaneser (tpp), Monday, 6 June 2011 12:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

what are ppls favourite thai restaurants? east, central, wherever

― shalmaneser (tpp), Monday, 6 June 2011 12:52 (1 year ago) Permalink

oh i went to tayyabs for the first time recently too. those lambs chops oh god those lamb chops

― shalmaneser (tpp), Monday, 6 June 2011 12:52 (1 year ago) Permalink

x-post thai garden on globe road, about 2 mins from my flat, is really nice. mentioned loads on this very thread already. i was actually there for first time in a long time on friday night, it's always excellent. and won't break the bank either. only fish and vegetables tho, no meat. would be curious about where else people go for thai where there's meat on the menu.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Monday, 6 June 2011 12:54 (1 year ago) Permalink

hated il bacio ever since i went with a taste london card, confirmed before we sat down that i could use said taste london card, ordered plenty of tasty food, waitress was rude the whole time, food was rubbish, then they told us they didn't accept taste london cards nor did they take debit cards (???)

pizza by the meter is firezza right? really good takeaway pizza!

― Crackle Box, Monday, 6 June 2011 12:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

am going to try spitjack's tomorrow. it's a new rotisserie place at the lauriston road roundabout, run by the same people in charge of fish house. b-day dinner! (tomorrow is my birthday. it is also the birthday of a certain mark s, a certain i love everything, and a certain martin skidmore. certainly.)

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Monday, 6 June 2011 13:00 (1 year ago) Permalink

tpp, not sure if this is the one your friends mean, but Pizza Organica is my takeaway of choice around this area (I live in Highbury but it's down towards Finsbury Park). Their spicy sausage and broccoli pizza is so so good. Also I was inspired by Local Garda to try the new Bahn Mi place on Upper street (Ca Phe) and it was great. Their coffee is really superb too.

Went to a thai place in Brixton the other day, Kaosan, and it was really great, their satay and massaman curry are better than any others I've had in London, and it was cheap too!

― peligro, Monday, 6 June 2011 13:01 (1 year ago) Permalink

ah i saw spitjack as i walked past at the weekend and wondered what it was...now i know.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Monday, 6 June 2011 13:03 (1 year ago) Permalink

rewinding a bit, i find the entire pizza east "experience" fucking intolerable. it's like the worst aspects of new york dining combined with the worst aspects of london dining.

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Monday, 6 June 2011 13:08 (1 year ago) Permalink

that's the place that says tea on the side, right? i take it it's not worth a visit then...

― Crackle Box, Monday, 6 June 2011 13:11 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah it used to be a kind of weird oversized loft cafe where you could hang out on a beanbag all day with a laptop but it's since become an expensive, high-turnover pizza place with unaccountably enduring popularity

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Monday, 6 June 2011 13:14 (1 year ago) Permalink

sad to hear your friends didn't like the hotpot tpp. may be difficult to compare london with china though (not that i've been to so many in london)

I have bought my own hotpot stove and pot now (the ying yang ones so you can have two soups :D) and am comtemplating going to like billingsgate or something one morning and then hot pot the hell out of everything all day!

Thought s-folk was alright though, they gave us a good selection of seafood (frozen) and ok variety of sauce to make your own dip plus the staff were nice.

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Monday, 6 June 2011 13:17 (1 year ago) Permalink

the few really really good thai places i've been to have all been in west london, i think that maybe thats where the thai community is based? (cf the viet community being east)

― just sayin, Monday, 6 June 2011 13:21 (1 year ago) Permalink

Thought s-folk was alright though, they gave us a good selection of seafood (frozen) and ok variety of sauce to make your own dip plus the staff were nice.

yeah i agree with all this. ppl i was with were just being prissy really "what's the point of going out for dinner if i have to cook it myself?" smh smh

― shalmaneser (tpp), Monday, 6 June 2011 13:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

(numerous xposts) Firezza, yes!

― sktsh, Monday, 6 June 2011 21:29 (1 year ago) Permalink

Sometimes there's nothing more satisfying than a supermarket prawn cocktail sandwich, but I don't know why.

God yes. They're absolutely disgusting and yet, and yet, sometimes it's all that will do. That awful foam bread, that indeterminate texture and taste.

I've found Il Bacio, in its various forms along SN high street very variable. I've had some excellent food there, and other times had poor food. It's still not bad on a sunny evening to sit out, have a beer and a pizza, even if it's nothing special.

I remember having an unusually good meal in a Carluccio's once with an Italian friend. She was chatting to the waiter who firmly recommended Spaccanapoli in Soho, with the caveat that London kitchen staff change very frequently, and his friend who was working in the kitchens there at the time wasn't likely to stay much longer.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 07:46 (1 year ago) Permalink

tried to get into pizza east yesterday, a fucking monday, and there was an hour's wait, even though the place was huge. fucking hipsters. went to hoxton furnace instead, suckling pig pizza was fantastic.

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 08:38 (1 year ago) Permalink

walked past hoxton furnace recently...is that new? it was absolutely packed on friday afternoon

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 08:50 (1 year ago) Permalink

suckling pig pizza!

― just sayin, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 08:51 (1 year ago) Permalink

"Furnace – at 10 years old - is one of Hoxton’s oldest restaurants" they say.

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 08:53 (1 year ago) Permalink

just saw that yeah...never noticed it before. i'm only on that street when i've had little to no sleep and want to go to the breakfast club, which is generally really great food imo despite the insufferable ultra-branding.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 08:55 (1 year ago) Permalink

The oldest 'on-trend' restaurants in Shoreditch are Cantaloupe, Viet Hoa and the Great Eastern Dining Rooms. Furnace has great pizza and they will let you split one with your friend while you nurse a glass of wine, without chivvying you along. And if you're in a hurry, they don't disappear just as you're trying to pay and go.

It's not the hipsters' fault that a restaurant they go to can't manage its own floor - I think the management just might be... shit? Pizza East also sucks because if you reserve for 10 people for, say, a birthday party, they a) want the table turned in two hours and b) inflict a £30/head set menu on the group (which includes NO drinks and a lot of salads and cheapo appetizers you probably wouldn't order, given your own free will with your own money). Both a) and b) are unforgivably cynical IMO because I don't know anyone that wants (or expects) to spend more than about £15 on food at a pizza restaurant or to spend only two hours celebrating at a birthday dinner.

― chavatar (suzy), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:05 (1 year ago) Permalink

Oh and also Hoxton Bar and Grill, going roughly 15 years (!), which is still reliably good.

― chavatar (suzy), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:06 (1 year ago) Permalink

Nothing anyone is saying about Pizza East makes me want to even bother, but then I'm not sure I'd go to Shoreditch for pizza.

Has anyone tried that Saturday night food market yet? Seems like a genius idea but I'm rarely in the area at the right time.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:07 (1 year ago) Permalink

Their pizza *is* good, but I've only ever had it in a catering/served at afterparty context. NB the Pizza East party was one I wound up not attending because THIS IS NOT HOW WE BEHAVE IN THE LATE CAPITALIST ERA, OK? I do think many of my current pizza issues would be solved if Malletti was open nights and actually delivered.

Seriously tempted by the hot dog cart on Old Street but I am suffering similar logistics issues to MDC.

― chavatar (suzy), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:15 (1 year ago) Permalink

i like the pizza at Story Deli (which has just moved up Brick Lane a bit to Sclater Street) but man it's kinda pricey.

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:20 (1 year ago) Permalink

the pizzas in the lauriston are pretty good...stone oven, v tasty.

were you in spitjack's last night tracer?

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:29 (1 year ago) Permalink

No, tonight!

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:32 (1 year ago) Permalink

i look fwd to a report, that spot has changed hands a few times (as well as the one next door)

― just sayin, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

noticed there's a byron opening up in hoxton sq which is long overdue...

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:41 (1 year ago) Permalink

After that, they need to stop expanding. Otherwise they will become shit.

― chavatar (suzy), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:47 (1 year ago) Permalink

they really are taking over

― just sayin, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:48 (1 year ago) Permalink

There's like 15 of them already, I can't see how a few more is going to cause a massive drop in quality if they're careful.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

they have just opened another breakfast club restaurant just off bishopsgate. the food is quite nice but yeah really pretentious (and quite pricey iirc?)

pizza east is pretty rammed in the evenings - try going for an early lunch it's not so bad.

― shalmaneser (tpp), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:53 (1 year ago) Permalink

pricey enough yeah. i get the chorizo hash browns every time, it's about a tenner. the drinks are mad pricey tho.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:56 (1 year ago) Permalink

ive never been to breakfast club which is weird since i really like going out for breakfast

― just sayin, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:56 (1 year ago) Permalink

ooh that sounds good. it's a shame because i love the idea of ny diner breakfast food in london except in new york it's cheap.

― shalmaneser (tpp), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:58 (1 year ago) Permalink

to be fair to them for what you pay you get v big portions, a nice salad on the side, good quality ingredients imo. the chorizo hash browns is like a breakfast chorizo with i think, two eggs, and the hash browns are lots of fried potato really, think there's a mushroom involved too and a big green salad on the side. often struggle to finish it..

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:58 (1 year ago) Permalink

I know I shouldn't blow our own trumpet and stuff, so please take this with the usual caveats, but I'm really proud of the Saturday brunch menu we've just started doing at Mason and Taylor. It's on Saturdays noon until 5-ish. Bottomless coffee too!

― Tim, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 09:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

actual brunch in london is cause for celebration wherever it may be found. and i bet M&T do it really well.

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 10:01 (1 year ago) Permalink

p sure i've mentioned it before on here but you owe it to yrself to try the hawksmoor's breakfast at least once

― just sayin, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 10:01 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah i've been...it was amazing. hard not to stay for hours drinking cocktails and racking up a gigantic bill mind you.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 10:05 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah the combo of food + drinks pretty much writes off the rest of the day

― just sayin, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 10:06 (1 year ago) Permalink

the burgers there are good actually, had one a month or so ago...

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 10:09 (1 year ago) Permalink

how much are they? like you said, every time i go there i end up spending way too much. sort of need to decide beforehand what i'm going to get + then not stray from that idea

― just sayin, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 10:12 (1 year ago) Permalink

think they're 15 quid, not really worth the saving vs a steak unless you definitely don't have cocktails. that said, the day i had a burger they asked did we mind sitting at the bar cos it was really busy, a sunday afternoon. it was actually way nicer for two people in the circumstances (dudes having a drink, rather than say romantic drink) and the barmen kept giving us little shots of cocktails they were experimenting with, so ended up getting fairly drunk and a bit of free stuff. worth considering if there's a chance to sit at the bar.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 10:21 (1 year ago) Permalink

M&T might be a good place for London ILXors to celebrate 10 years of elegantly wasted time...

― chavatar (suzy), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 10:24 (1 year ago) Permalink

as it so happens i finally managed to get down to m&t for the first time on sunday - thought it was pretty great, even though you could obviously kinda tell sundays aren't its raison d'etre in terms of how the place is laid out/conceived etc (quite
understandably). had the nicest bit of pork i've had in a while.

the midweek plates and yeah, the saturday brunch look amazing though, i look forward to coming back for those.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:02 (1 year ago) Permalink

I tend to go to M&T for the beer rather than for the food per se but the small plates are really good for just ordering a load when you suddenly decide you're hungry. It's become my pre-cinema boozer of choice now.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:08 (1 year ago) Permalink

i had half-intended to have a little dig at the chef for the grilled mackerel with rhubarb sauce the missus had but googling around it turns out that the recipe is actually a thing and not some virtuoso flight of fancy so fair do's i guess, people must like it generally. hardly a disaster or anything and it almost kinda worked even, but it didnt convince me personally.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:10 (1 year ago) Permalink

xp haha yeah i should probably get back into drinking beer, felt a little shamefaced just ordering ale there...

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:13 (1 year ago) Permalink

re pizzas in east, no one will thank me for saying this but if anyone's feeling lazy the haggerston actually spunk loads of unnecessary money on the finest ingredients for theirs, believe it or not. delusions of bistro etc.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:18 (1 year ago) Permalink

the haggerston? ugh

i guess if it's not 1am on a saturday it might be ok

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:21 (1 year ago) Permalink

no... it's never ok. but for a takeaway it's an option is all i'm sayin.

also i heard pizza east make so much money they send dudes over to like miami conferences to become pro pizza baristas or whatever. have never been fucked to try them out myself though. and there's always shitty old stingrays on columbia road.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:23 (1 year ago) Permalink

love that place! it feels like san francisco or something. yeah the pizza's not great but really, if you find yourself pitched up on columbia road during the day, who cares, you're living the good life.

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:25 (1 year ago) Permalink

had a horrible pizza in stingrays before...just go to brawn and spend three times as much to feel as if you can afford to live on colombia road.

i want to live in a world where every pub has the ale options of m&t, tho actually i almost always just order camden pale ale, love it. has anyone noticed sainsburys selling better ales these days? you can get brewdog stuff, sam adams, blue moon, and a few others all on special for 99p a bottle (at least in sainsburys whitechapel.)

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:31 (1 year ago) Permalink

if i don't find 99p a bottle blue moon in my sainsbury's local this evening i'm blowing the place sky high.

― England's banh mi army (ledge), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

Blue Moon.. it's like a sweet white lager or something? my dad loves that shit

I'm not a huge Sam Adams fan (too cloying, like Sierra Nevada) but i wouldn't mind a sixer for old times sake

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:36 (1 year ago) Permalink

don't think the locals have it...since the first commandment of sainburys local seems to be "thou shalt only sell two types of piss lager at more expensive prices than corner shops"....

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:36 (1 year ago) Permalink

Has anyone tried the Jamaican place next to the Shacklewell Arms yet? I've noticed they do portions of jerk/curry et al with and without the rice and peas, but I only had patties after my friend's party and haven't sampled anything else.

― chavatar (suzy), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:39 (1 year ago) Permalink

Camden Pale Ale and Camden Lager seem to be spreading round London a bit - they were on sale in the Royal Albert in New Cross last week. That stuff is no Meantime, but it's decent all the same.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:39 (1 year ago) Permalink

kernel is my favourite of the three, i prefer camden to meantime tho. possibly just cos have meantime all the time in the florist, no doubt it's not kept properly there either, certainly varies in taste a lot.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:44 (1 year ago) Permalink

kernel's really good, wish you could get it in more places

― just sayin, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:44 (1 year ago) Permalink

is blue moon that fancy stuff that certain bars serve you without telling you it costs a fiver a pint? cos GRRRR.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah and beware, there's a blue moon that's a BELGIAN WHEAT BEER that has a barely distinguishable tap, it's horrible. i also discovered recently, not the hard way thankfully, that somebody here who said the florist sells pints for a fiver was right. it's that rothhaus shit that they have. had to drink freedom lager there on saturday as everything else was off, it wasn't good at all.

you can buy bottles of kernel in the deli downstairs at vic park, it's about 2.50 or 3 quid tho.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:55 (1 year ago) Permalink

kernel is my favourite of the three, i prefer camden to meantime tho. possibly just cos have meantime all the time in the florist

thread is so disorienting to someone used to restaurants in the distant bourgie suburbs where u can still find italian places petrified in time since 1981

― http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:WhiteAmericanFolks.jpg (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:56 (1 year ago) Permalink

haha sorry forgot to add my </ twat> tag

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:58 (1 year ago) Permalink

lol

― http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:WhiteAmericanFolks.jpg (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

haha which burbs is that? my goddaughter's parents took us to one like that in hendon a while ago, i had snails with garlic butter and then like a schnitzel (which i chose over a carbonara). great times.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 11:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

i think there is an invisible line roughly following the n/s circular beyond which culinary innovations seldom travel

― http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:WhiteAmericanFolks.jpg (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 12:00 (1 year ago) Permalink

Sainsbury's New Cross has a pretty good selection of beers too. Heck, I've even noticed that you can get Brewdog at my parent's local Sainsbury's in the hellish market town where I went to school in Wiltshire.

― + +, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 12:12 (1 year ago) Permalink

Brewdog are opening their own pub in Glasgow, i passed the site today and saw the hoarding.

― jed_, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 12:15 (1 year ago) Permalink

Le Querce in Honor Oak Park = best local Italian I've been to in London. Has this ludicrous ever-changing Sardinian specials board and about 30 flavours of bizarre ice-cream.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 12:16 (1 year ago) Permalink

pane vino in kentish town is a p good sardinian place

― http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:WhiteAmericanFolks.jpg (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 7 June 2011 12:21 (1 year ago) Permalink

Seems I'll be checking out La Querce then. Just moved to Brockley, so it's on the list along with Babur and Mezze Mangal.

― + +, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 12:36 (1 year ago) Permalink

The Brockley Mess is good for brunch, have you been?

― jed_, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 12:38 (1 year ago) Permalink

Babur is amazing (they used to do an awesome guinea fowl curry) and Meze Mangal is probably the best Turkish restaurant in London. The Orchard is also pretty great, although a bit more pubby.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 13:05 (1 year ago) Permalink

i popped into the Brockley Mess while i was waiting for the keys to my new place. seemed OK, but the menu didn't seem to match the nicely designed exterior and there was loads of kids running about. I thought perhaps it might be good for breakfasts. any experience?

had a drink at the Orchard. seemed nice enough. also witnessed a post-apocalyptic karaoke at the Wickham Arms with the MC doing downer renditions of REM covers to an empty house. kinda dug the interior of the place though.

― + +, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 15:51 (1 year ago) Permalink

Mr Lawrence is my pusher, tbh

― + +, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 15:52 (1 year ago) Permalink

I've never been in the Wickham Arms. The Talbot up towards St John's station is decent as well and apparently has good food. Ridiculously comprehensive wine list for a backstreet boozer in South London as well.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 15:56 (1 year ago) Permalink

Has anyone tried that Saturday night food market yet?

The Old St one? I went down on Saturday afternoon, which they'd advertised as being the opening day, to be confronted with a building site. Apparently they've been set back a couple of weeks, but didn't think to mention it. Wasn't too fussed though - was an excuse to go to Keu.

― sktsh, Tuesday, 7 June 2011 19:57 (1 year ago) Permalink

Meatwagon is back, apparently, outside the Rye on Peckham Rye. Also, getting in different street food sorts on mondays. Details here.

― portrait of velleity (woof), Wednesday, 8 June 2011 11:36 (1 year ago) Permalink

afaik meatwagon is actually in a proper kitchen in the rye, wagon itself will still be touring.

― ledge, Wednesday, 8 June 2011 11:41 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah thats what it says in that article... there is p much zero chance of me making it down to peckham so hopefully he'll bring the meatwagon round my way

― just sayin, Wednesday, 8 June 2011 11:43 (1 year ago) Permalink

tracer hand did you make it to that place in vic park?

― just sayin, Wednesday, 8 June 2011 11:43 (1 year ago) Permalink

& speaking of street food south east, just seen the Dogfather in North Cross Road market recommended for hot dogs. Anyone tried?

― portrait of velleity (woof), Wednesday, 8 June 2011 11:47 (1 year ago) Permalink

I find the main drag of East Dulwich to be very pleased-with-itself and irritating and I'm not sure that even the best hot dog imaginable would be enough to tempt me over there.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 8 June 2011 11:51 (1 year ago) Permalink

eeeeexcellent: http://londonist.com/2011/06/new-restaurant-review-cay-tre-soho.php

― ledge, Wednesday, 8 June 2011 11:54 (1 year ago) Permalink

xp
agree with first part (like it feels especially pleased with itself for not being what you expect to find in se London), but it's not too far, might investigate.

― portrait of velleity (woof), Wednesday, 8 June 2011 11:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

just sayin - I did!

Spit Jack's. I would say it's nothing extraordinary - the desserts in particular are very forgettable - but their staples are very good. The lamb was perfect, the chicken very tender with great skin. I think it would be especially good for take-away, i.e. instead of getting a pizza somewhere you can get half a chicken with roast potatoes for £9 on the nail.

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Wednesday, 8 June 2011 12:00 (1 year ago) Permalink

Dogfather's really good, but I can't find myself raving about it having recently revisited Hot Doug's in Chicago, by a gazillion miles the best hot dog place I've ever been.

I know exactly what you mean about Lordship Lane, Matt, but I wouldn't be without The Palmerston or Franklins, which are two of my favourite South London places.

Went to the Meatwagon at the Rye last Friday (while it was still the van outside). Burgers predictably fine - absence of fries was a bit annoying.

― Tim, Wednesday, 8 June 2011 12:01 (1 year ago) Permalink

xpost good to hear, hopefully they'll stick around

― just sayin, Wednesday, 8 June 2011 12:05 (1 year ago) Permalink

big apple hot dog any good?

going to Red Dog Saloon soft launch tonight! waheyyyy

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Wednesday, 8 June 2011 12:34 (1 year ago) Permalink

i think i'm going to only ever dining out when there's soft launch from now on.

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Wednesday, 8 June 2011 12:34 (1 year ago) Permalink

I know exactly what you mean about Lordship Lane, Matt, but I wouldn't be without The Palmerston or Franklins, which are two of my favourite South London places.

Yeah that's true, they're both great, and I like Le Chardon as well. I'm pretty happy to go there for a meal, just very unlikely to be ambling around East Dulwich on a Saturday afternoon, which is the only time I can envisage myself going to a hot dog stand.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 8 June 2011 13:03 (1 year ago) Permalink

i give big apple hot dog the thumbs up

― just sayin, Wednesday, 8 June 2011 13:07 (1 year ago) Permalink

I had a Dogfather hot dog in an attempt to satisfy a hot dog craving. Beware the squeezy cheese -- the guy really loaded mine up with the stuff and I couldn't finish it because it was drowning in fake cheese. From what I was able to taste of them, the meat and bun were good, though...

― salsa shark, Wednesday, 8 June 2011 13:08 (1 year ago) Permalink

i heard good things about big apple hot dog.

is east dulwich a bit like crouch end but in south london? or something completely diff?

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Wednesday, 8 June 2011 14:10 (1 year ago) Permalink

more like church street / stoke newington but replace hipsters with doctors and teachers

― Crackle Box, Wednesday, 8 June 2011 14:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

Yeah that's about right. When I was a lad it was more like an overspill of Peckham but has gentrified pretty rapidly over the last few years.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 8 June 2011 15:11 (1 year ago) Permalink

I feel like once upon a time the residents of Dulwich proper would have wanted to differentiate themselves from the shabbier bit down the road. But it's pretty 'organic baby food shop' these days.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 8 June 2011 15:13 (1 year ago) Permalink

xpost Pane Vino in Kentish Town has become insufferably expensive for a storefront restaurant on a main road with tables jammed on top of each other now. Its rent went up massively about five years ago, and prices rose commensurately. Also back-of-house travails: the couple who ran it (her in front, him in the kitchen) divorced, and he was the one who left. Rarely a good thing. Never a good idea to visit there in early autumn: wait till the summer's crop of imported waitresses from Italy have learnt English.

― Now working on a documentary about Sham 69's recent tour of China (ithappens), Thursday, 9 June 2011 11:22 (1 year ago) Permalink

This sounds like it might be good. Head chef is dude from the thoroughly great Mussel Inn in Edinburgh.

― sktsh, Thursday, 9 June 2011 11:39 (1 year ago) Permalink

"Mussel Inn" is a wonderful name for a restaurant.

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Thursday, 9 June 2011 11:41 (1 year ago) Permalink

Has someone tried Red Dog Saloon in Hoxton Sq yet? Meant to be going there on Mon, and I'm keen to know if it's awesome or just faux awesome.

― Now working on a documentary about Sham 69's recent tour of China (ithappens), Thursday, 9 June 2011 12:14 (1 year ago) Permalink

barnaby, hardly if you want to try franco manca you could go to the one in chiswick which has more normal hours iirc
― just sayin, Saturday, June 4, 2011 Bookmark

Ah, excellent, thanks for the heads up.

did you like pitt cue co barnaby?
― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Sunday, June 5, 2011 Bookmark

Really enjoyed it, though was slightly disappointed that they only had pulled pork available when I made the trip as I had my mind set on ribs. Still, that's just a good excuse to go back. I particularly enjoyed the Pickleback but have since found it difficult to explain to explain the appeal to friends... "A shot of pickled brine?!".

Thanks for the pizza chat. I actually ended up in Pizza East again this week and liked it a lot more the second time around.

Delivery-wise, I'm a definite fan of Firezza.

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Thursday, 9 June 2011 13:18 (1 year ago) Permalink

same thing happened me, it was only pulled pork. i did find it overpriced even tho it was delicious, it was very small.

read a review of that red dog saloon that made it sound pretty nice. hoxton square...so in need of an overhaul.

was at breakfast club yday having bigged it up, forgot to say their huevos rancheros are really good too. two chorizos, two eggs, loads of salsa/guacamole/sour cream and beans, nice rocket and tomato salad on the side, and tortilla underneath, 8.70, hard to beat as a breakfast imo..

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Thursday, 9 June 2011 13:28 (1 year ago) Permalink

pitt cue co better value than the dishoom nearby - compared to the lamb naan wrap, anyway. damn thing was the same price, about half the size of what you get from pitt, which is a decent sized lunch imo.

― ledge, Thursday, 9 June 2011 13:31 (1 year ago) Permalink

Has someone tried Red Dog Saloon in Hoxton Sq yet? Meant to be going there on Mon, and I'm keen to know if it's awesome or just faux awesome.
― Now working on a documentary about Sham 69's recent tour of China (ithappens), Thursday, 9 June 2011 12:14 (1 hour ago) Bookmark Suggest Ban Permalink

went there yesterday ithappens.. it was nice - they're still setting up though so the menu was missing a few things.

we had:
new england clam chowder - not great
buffalo wings - decent enough
collard greens - it's greens
onion rings - nice but a little overly spiced

chicken and rib combo - very tasty, juicy and good sauce
pulled pork sandwich - really tasty - in a bun with coleslaw

it was decent enough but didn't blow our minds - however, we didn't try the burgers and my friend did and said they're meatwagon-esque, so pretty high praise. i dunno if they made a point of employing american waitresses but there were many.

might go back to try the burgers and when they actually have camden ipa on tap, or lone star.

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Thursday, 9 June 2011 13:56 (1 year ago) Permalink

(lone star wouldn't be on tap btw.. bottles are on menu but they didn't have it)

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Thursday, 9 June 2011 13:58 (1 year ago) Permalink

sounds like worth a try...the posh fast food market in london is insanely competitive

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Thursday, 9 June 2011 13:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

Thanks for that ken c

― Now working on a documentary about Sham 69's recent tour of China (ithappens), Thursday, 9 June 2011 14:09 (1 year ago) Permalink

there's a byron opening soon on the same corner too. burger wars.

hoping for another soft launch

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Thursday, 9 June 2011 14:12 (1 year ago) Permalink

(p.s. it's still half price food until sat!)

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Thursday, 9 June 2011 14:14 (1 year ago) Permalink

Someone else is paying on Monday, so I don't care about the price ...

― Now working on a documentary about Sham 69's recent tour of China (ithappens), Thursday, 9 June 2011 14:18 (1 year ago) Permalink

sweet. in that case go for the 'punisher' (5oz beef + pulled pork + bacon + cheese, i believe)

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Thursday, 9 June 2011 14:25 (1 year ago) Permalink

Where is that "rolling art exhibits in London" thread that someone mentioned above?

I think I have need of it. Someone has rather foolishly allowed me to be part of a London Art Exhibit.

― Karen D. Tregaskin, Friday, 10 June 2011 10:32 (1 year ago) Permalink

RFI: Current Art Exhibitions in London

― Matt DC, Friday, 10 June 2011 10:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

Thanking you.

― Karen D. Tregaskin, Friday, 10 June 2011 10:43 (1 year ago) Permalink

How I love to read this thread and make myself envious of all these delicious places, what with not living in London.

(OK, I'm not that far away, but too far to go for a meal, especially since my dining companion is not a fan of travelling)

― sambal dalek (a passing spacecadet), Friday, 10 June 2011 10:44 (1 year ago) Permalink

^ this

The only thing that really makes me question my insistence on never living in London again is the restaurants. (even tho I grew up in bourgie suburbs which, as Nakh correctly identified, never offered me any of this good stuff anyway)

― oppet, Friday, 10 June 2011 15:56 (1 year ago) Permalink

Went to Patogh off the Edgware Road last night. Iranian kebabs etc. Looking for a place to replace my lentil/lamb soup + lahmacun cheap eat out option in Green Lanes/Stoke Newington.

Nice shabby place, but more expensive than I was looking for, and they seemed inclined to rinse me out. When I asked for bread they bought the v large bread, about 18" in diameter, rather than the smaller variety. It was very nice, but c'mon. The grilled meats were excellent as you'd expect, as was their ayran/lassi-style mint and yoghurt drink. It's also BYO, which might make it cheaper I guess, but I wasn't drinking last night.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Friday, 10 June 2011 16:08 (1 year ago) Permalink

went to red dog saloon tonight as was in shoreditch before going to arcola theatre in dalston, needed food quickly. it was really good i thought. still had discounts for the soft launch so friend and i had a burger with fries, two pints of camden pale ale, portion of onion rings and an expresso for 10 quid each including service charge. the burger was excellent...as good as byron.

some pretty ott meat horror dishes on that menu tho, think one was 2x5oz burgers, 8 streaky bacon rashers, endless cheese, and 200g pulled pork, all in one gigantic bun. they have a challenge where if you eat this sin against the arteries with fries in less than 10 mins, with a milkshake, you get it for free.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Saturday, 11 June 2011 00:28 (1 year ago) Permalink

went to the corner room last night (that place thats in the same building as viajante) + man it was really good! food was abt £25 for 3 courses, which seemed like a great deal for stuff like this, altho because they dont take bookings it can be tricky. we got there at 7 which was fine but we asked the waitress what time they normally filled up (its a pretty small room) and she said that it varies + a lot of the time its already full by then - you can always wait in the bar but then if you end up having a couple of £10 cocktails then that kinda drives up the price of yr meal. anyway most of the food was relatively simple i thought, which is different to what ive heard abt viajante, the only dishes where things got weird were dessert, which i enjoyed the least. im pretty traditional when it comes to dessert.

― just sayin, Sunday, 12 June 2011 08:58 (1 year ago) Permalink

on the q of pizza: I can recommend the Regent on Liverpool Rd. It's a pub, but the pizza is excellent and comes in at less than £10 unless you go for the seafood option. Only drawback: no proper real ale on tap.

― Neil S, Sunday, 12 June 2011 10:54 (1 year ago) Permalink

The Meatwagon burger I had at the Rye Hotel yesterday was every bit as good as I'd expected it to be. Being in a relatively inaccessible part of Peckham, compared to right on the main drag of New Cross in an area swarming with students, means it's easy to get a table and quick service as well.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 12 June 2011 11:04 (1 year ago) Permalink

went to that pitt co bbq place on saturday, it was a bit overpriced imo, the portions are small. it was v tasty but i wouldn't really rush back, 7 quid for a tiny box of pulled pork and beans. plus four quid for a beer on top of that equals quite a pricey meal to sit in a not v nice location eating.
― Suggest Banter (Local Garda), Tuesday, May 31, 2011 11:16 AM (1 week ago) Bookmark

Went to Pitt Cue Co yesterday on a trip to this nation's capital, would basically agree with what LG said. I'd never had BBQ meat like this before so I'm very happy I tried it but next time I'm in London I'll go somewhere else for lunch.

Dinner was at El Rincon Quiteno on Holloway Road, London's best?/only? Ecuadorean-Bolivian restaurant. Far from fancy but big portions of cheap, satisfying and very tasty food.

― hipsters gonna hip (seandalai), Sunday, 12 June 2011 11:17 (1 year ago) Permalink

i've been meaning to go to el rincon quinteno for SO LONG now, i wish people i knew were less flaky about being spontaneously available

meatwagon was so good, still in awe of the gargantuan onion rings

― the smoke cloud of pure hatred (lex pretend), Sunday, 12 June 2011 11:26 (1 year ago) Permalink

YOU WENT TO MEATWAGON AND DIDN'T CALL ME. Tch.

― chavatar (suzy), Sunday, 12 June 2011 11:29 (1 year ago) Permalink

it was unplanned!

― the smoke cloud of pure hatred (lex pretend), Sunday, 12 June 2011 11:30 (1 year ago) Permalink

still want to check out meatwagon. red dog saloon was great tho.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Sunday, 12 June 2011 12:05 (1 year ago) Permalink

Anyone trying anywhere good this weekend?

― LocalGarda, Friday, 24 June 2011 13:51 (1 year ago) Permalink

I will definitely be going to the Soho Food Fair on Saturday. It's in the churchyard on Wardour Street and will feature St John, Meatwagon and countless others. Should roll up at 2pm.

― chavatar (suzy), Friday, 24 June 2011 14:08 (1 year ago) Permalink

I have got into the habit of getting lunch on a Sunday at Mamushka, a polish caff in the Elephant and Castle shopping centre. 5 peirogis + big hearty polish main (meat and potatoes or stew, usually) + can of pop, £9. It's a caff, not haute cuisine but it's dead good, very convenient for my journey, and sets me up very nicely for an afternoon's boozing at the Lexington.

― Tim, Friday, 24 June 2011 14:22 (1 year ago) Permalink

probably going to try to make it to west london to eat some really good thai food

― just sayin, Friday, 24 June 2011 14:56 (1 year ago) Permalink

man, i've seen that Polish place in the Elephant & Castle 'galleria'. that whole shopping centre there is stuck in a heavy timewarp. anyway, credit to you for taking theplunge. i suspected it had the potential to be some kind of low-end gem.

― + +, Friday, 24 June 2011 15:36 (1 year ago) Permalink

If anyone'e near the Royal Festival Hall and is sane enough to want to try somewhere other than Ping Pong or Iguana or Wagamama or Strada or Giraffe... I can recommend Canteen, under the RFH at the back. Yet another unpretentious british food joint, kinda gastropub without the pub, they do a different roast and pie every day, the chicken i had was extraordinarily succulent.

― ledge, Friday, 24 June 2011 15:40 (1 year ago) Permalink

Every time I've been to Canteen it's been terrible. Twice I've had to leave before my food arrived in order to catch the start of the show I'm meant to be seeing - and that's with leaving 90 minutes between arriving at Canteen and the start of the show.

― Trudi Styler, the Creator (ithappens), Friday, 24 June 2011 16:15 (1 year ago) Permalink

that's bad. only been there once, at lunchtime, no probs with service.

― ledge, Friday, 24 June 2011 16:20 (1 year ago) Permalink

i've never had issues with canteen when i've been there, i think of it as fairly reliable, though come to think of it the service has never been exactly rapid, i've just only been there when i have a lot of time spare

― the smoke cloud of pure hatred (lex pretend), Friday, 24 June 2011 16:26 (1 year ago) Permalink

suzy, will the soho food fair be existent on sunday as well?

― the smoke cloud of pure hatred (lex pretend), Friday, 24 June 2011 16:26 (1 year ago) Permalink

oh it's soho food fair already? i'm going to check out that rock lobsta thing in shoreditch tonight but probably likely to look but not buy - all the blogs and stuff were saying it's not worth the £15 price tag. ah well. vietnamese prolly.

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Friday, 24 June 2011 16:55 (1 year ago) Permalink

i literally just went FIFTEEN PAAHHHNND??!!! out loud to myself.

had been looking forward to rock lobsta but fuck that shit

― the smoke cloud of pure hatred (lex pretend), Friday, 24 June 2011 17:00 (1 year ago) Permalink

lobster is expensive i guess but jeeez i dont really know why anyone would pay that money for street food

― just sayin, Friday, 24 June 2011 17:01 (1 year ago) Permalink

keep hearing a lot about mamushka, must check out it for myself at some point

actually on the subject of polski i don't suppose anyone's checked out the new daquise in south ken?

― r|t|c, Friday, 24 June 2011 17:04 (1 year ago) Permalink

this polish place in shepherds bush was nice http://www.tatrarestaurant.co.uk/

― the smoke cloud of pure hatred (lex pretend), Friday, 24 June 2011 17:11 (1 year ago) Permalink

also when in shepherd's bush and wanting Polish - Patio is always great for many reasons, although does seem to have got much more expensive over the last five or so years. still the set menu still comes with a free vodka, and they are extremely generous with sides. My herring + apple salad followed by mixed pierogi was v good indeed. And the surroundings feel solidly and cosily antique.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Friday, 24 June 2011 17:22 (1 year ago) Permalink

Soho food fair is just tomorrow afaik. Am going c. 2ish so give me a ring then as will be back from farmarket. M E A T W A G O N.

― chavatar (suzy), Friday, 24 June 2011 19:50 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah i probably can't go tomorrow ;_; but i'll give you a ring if this changes.

― the smoke cloud of pure hatred (lex pretend), Friday, 24 June 2011 20:18 (1 year ago) Permalink

Had a great meal at Season on Stroud Green Road last night. Excellent service, particularly good homemade bread, interesting desserts (frozen berries with hot white chocolate, chocolate & rosemary pot)... And a venison burger with beef bone marrow and Norwegian brown cheese on a brioche bun that I am already craving.

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Saturday, 25 June 2011 10:55 (1 year ago) Permalink

Soho Food thing charges for admission before you even get to pay for food ...

― Trudi Styler, the Creator (ithappens), Saturday, 25 June 2011 12:20 (1 year ago) Permalink

Currently sat outside The Red Lion & Sun in Highgate where Big Apple Hot Dogs is pitched up for the day...

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Saturday, 25 June 2011 12:52 (1 year ago) Permalink

OK, looks like I'l be giving Soho Food a miss for pedantic admission outrage, but a) I expect my burgers are better than Meatwagon's ANYWAY and b) I have 1kg of ONGLET LOVELY ONGLET I'd much rather eat this week.

― chavatar (suzy), Saturday, 25 June 2011 14:46 (1 year ago) Permalink

Having not gone there the other week when I was due to, went to Red Dog Saloon today. Had the pulled pork sandwich, which was OK - tender, but not madly flavourful. However, there were no ribs and no chilli available. Seems a bit pointless being a barbecue restaurant if you haven't got ribs on a Saturday lunchtime.

― Trudi Styler, the Creator (ithappens), Saturday, 25 June 2011 14:48 (1 year ago) Permalink

that is a bit shit...i thought the burger was v good and it was extremely good value imo, 7 quid for burger with fries.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Saturday, 25 June 2011 14:52 (1 year ago) Permalink

We went to the much-discussed Corner Room (it's part of Viajante, tucked away in the breakfast room of the hotel. The food was stellar and v cheap for what it was (£6 starters,£12 mains, the sweets were fab also). No bookings, walked straight in at about 6.45. Saw some dudes in the bar afterwards who were getting v agitated about waiting ages. Sounded like they'd been told 20 minutes, over an hour earlier. I might've got the wrong end of the stick. Amazing place, though.

― Tim, Friday, 1 July 2011 20:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

i had a horrible incident in the sun on bethnal green road tonight. bristling to think about it at this point.

was in with a friend and he went up to get a round in just as the last orders bell went. the barman told him "you're fine but your friend has had too much." which was weird as (a) i had had maybe 4 beers and was fine, sitting down, and he couldn't even see me well from the bar and (b) even if i had been ultra drunk surely sitting down and talking is no diff from anyone else. but mainly (a) i was completely sober.

went to the bar and talked to him and basically had to talk a majorly agitated barman down from his high horse until he started to realise i was completely sober, and offered us a drink. i erred to the side of rational and calmer and calmer to make him realise he was wrong, and eventually his colleague intervened and offered us a free drink. he then apologised and i accepted for sake of enjoying the night, reluctantly took a free drink.

i was furious tbh, it was completely arbitrary. weird thing is he's served me tons of times and i find the staff there far friendlier than other london pubs.

on our way out his colleague rushed after us and apologised for him and said he'd had a stressful night and assured me she agreed neither of us were drunk.

still extremely annoyed tho, total psychotic behaviour, he was more erratic and drunk/drugged seeming than i was, by miles. i'd have had to be so much more fucked to cause even a hint of a problem, i proved that by being surgically clear and calm in my remonstrations.

fuck the sun basically...i'll be v slow to go back despite being a close to once a week regular.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Saturday, 2 July 2011 00:57 (1 year ago) Permalink

I just don't go back when that sort of thing happens LG. I mean, I'll consult with friends whether I was in any way unreasonable (tend not to be, not completely unknown). But yeah, anything like that, I'm just not going back - partly because I know I'll get agitated about it again when I do.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Saturday, 2 July 2011 01:03 (1 year ago) Permalink

it was mega-weird, like i'll fully admit i get wasted most weekends but as i said (a) i would be sitting and chatting and not doing anything drunken if i was wasted and (b) i was totally fine last night, no slurring etc. as it turned out it was me calming the barman down that actually resolved it, and i think caused the colleague to apologise and take our side, the fact i wasn't belligerent and kept dropping my voice down a notch until it made the idea that i was drunk seem ludicrous.

he hadn't even served me that night, he couldn't have seen me properly. feel like writing a letter to whoever the owner is.

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Saturday, 2 July 2011 10:35 (1 year ago) Permalink

he was more erratic and drunk/drugged seeming

wasted bartenders are such a weird thing to come across but i encounter them surprisingly often in london

― lex pretend, Saturday, 2 July 2011 10:44 (1 year ago) Permalink

the worst was in the big chill house that one time - friend bought a round of shots, inc one for me. i was slightly back from the bar and talking to someone else so maybe got to the shots 30 seconds after everyone else in the round, by which time the wasted-to-the-point-of-lurching-over bartender had...

...downed it himself

― lex pretend, Saturday, 2 July 2011 10:46 (1 year ago) Permalink

jesus that's just the pits...

― MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE LIVING HERE!! (Local Garda), Saturday, 2 July 2011 10:57 (1 year ago) Permalink

wasted bartenders are such a weird thing to come across

Do you think? Bars maybe, I guess, but pub landlords are/were notorious for their alcoholism. Still see it from time to time in London, there's a chap in one of the pubs I go to, long term barman rather than landlord I think, who will frequently pop out back in a mood of great agitation, and come back noticeably soothed. In my fairly limited experience I've not seen it taken out on drinkers tho, unless they're congenitally generally rude bastards, and I think Local Garda's case definitely stands outside the pale.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Saturday, 2 July 2011 11:01 (1 year ago) Permalink

LG, i'd treat that as more of a weird anomaly. the fact that the other bartender came running after you to apologise demonstrates that. although it seems like the bartender in question had some kind of weird fixation on you. maybe he fancies you or resents you because he wishes he was as cool as you are :D

in other words, forget about it and go back to the bar.

― jed_, Sunday, 3 July 2011 00:50 (1 year ago) Permalink

So the Hawksmoor(s) - is there anything to recommend one branch over the other? Spitalfields/Covent Garden both reasonably convenient for me, so which one should I go for?

― Operation Pooting (Colonel Poo), Thursday, 14 July 2011 10:23 (1 year ago) Permalink

Went to SAF in Shoreditch the other week. Pretty good, maybe the best veggie restaurant experience I've had outside of Brighton.

― dog latrine (NickB), Thursday, 14 July 2011 10:27 (1 year ago) Permalink

the spitalfields apparently isn't as pretty/swish as the seven dials one, but i've only been to the former and it's still very nice.

anyone eaten in the young vic? i find it v enjoyable. had a really great soft shell crab sandwich (entire crab, lemon, mayo, lettuce, soft bun) there last night after seeing "in the penal colony" (which was excellent btw)

they also sell meantime.

― LocalGarda, Thursday, 14 July 2011 10:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

saf is v good.

garda you need to invite me to these things, i really want to see that

i went to viajante, by the way! holy shnikies, what a bill. sometimes i think the chefs out-ponce themselves but in general it was amazing. i have to disagree with tim h on the "wine flight". i mean, if you've got the money i'm sure it's great but it adds another stonking fee onto your meal. no shame in splitting a bottle. they have a wine from lebanon - never seen that before. it's really nice.

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Thursday, 14 July 2011 10:35 (1 year ago) Permalink

Lobster croquettes

Thai explosion II

Duck ham

Cheese with peas and flowers

Romaine hearts with acidulated cherries and mussels

Bread and butter

Mackerel with lemon and sorrel

Milk yuba with peas and parmesan

Açorda de camarāo

Bacalhau dos Mundos:
‐ Confit loin with royal kombu and sea herbs
‐ Cod tripe with onion and crispy potato

Iberico pork with cereals and hot potato gel

Frozen marzipan with celery and lime

White chocolate with grapefruit and lemon

Petit Fours

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Thursday, 14 July 2011 10:35 (1 year ago) Permalink

that was "six courses", god knows what you'd get with nine

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Thursday, 14 July 2011 10:39 (1 year ago) Permalink

i'll defo invite you next time, friend mentioned there's an ibsen play at the arcola in dalston next week, i'll mail you. also martin mcdonagh thing in young vic soon.

viajante looks amazing, really due a big celebratory meal soon so perhaps there.

― LocalGarda, Thursday, 14 July 2011 10:39 (1 year ago) Permalink

Tracer, Chateau Musar? That's the only one I can think of off the top of my head and it's a great way to know quickly if you are at a SERIOUS PLACE.

Anyone been to Ombra on Vyner Street yet? Owner is an ex-flatmate, his firm of architects did Green and Red plus a lot of other places and so he finally decided to do his own place. One of the other partners is Venetian and hosted a lovely dinner for me during the Biennale at his flat just above the Rialto fish market.

― natalie imbroglio (suzy), Thursday, 14 July 2011 10:41 (1 year ago) Permalink

can't remember, suzy :/

probably NEVER doing the proper viajante experience again unless we get rich but no regrets. will return for the corner bistro thing though.

just went to arcola last week, garda, for a night of new writing. total insider mix of people talking about the "projects" and how they'd like to get paid at some point, for something. would love to see "ghosts", let me know when you're thinking about going

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Thursday, 14 July 2011 10:47 (1 year ago) Permalink

haha sorry, not "the" projects but THEIR projects

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Thursday, 14 July 2011 10:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

"ooh that guy's gonna run the national some day" "oh there's that woman who didn't hire me" etc etc etc

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Thursday, 14 July 2011 10:50 (1 year ago) Permalink

Tracer, I can't tell from your post whether you went for the wine flight or didn't? Certainly I'd agree that one shouldn't spend money one doesn't have on boozes*. They definitely added a lot to our enjoyment of the meal though.

*Unless you happen to be at one of the places I work, obviously. If you are, please drink harder and faster thank you.

― Tim, Thursday, 14 July 2011 10:53 (1 year ago) Permalink

no we didn't. we had that nice lebanese wine (whatever it was).

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Thursday, 14 July 2011 11:16 (1 year ago) Permalink

(Heh having checked back to what Tracer was disagreeing with, it was me saying "I would always, always take the wine flight". It's true that I always would - if I decided to take the plunge on a superexpensivo meal I'd take the full plunge I think, because I really felt it added new dimensions to the dishes. But I think you read "I would" as "you should" (understandably, since that's totally normal English usage) but I meant it in the former sense rather than the latter. I'd step down a level in numbers of courses and take the flight, if you see what I mean.)

― Tim, Thursday, 14 July 2011 11:28 (1 year ago) Permalink

ombra looks really good! looking fwd to trying it

― just sayin, Thursday, 14 July 2011 11:30 (1 year ago) Permalink

have any of you been to the fox and anchor near smithfield market? was there on friday having a beer and a mate said the food was really good. you wouldn't think it to look at the place but we had a really great meal there. it's sort of pub food, we had whitebait to start and it was easily the best whitebait i've had, no batter, just deepfried and really well seasoned. with a few shrimp dotted around it.

one friend had steak tartare and the other had lamb, i had ribs, v english take on slow cooked ribs but they were excellent.

― LocalGarda, Wednesday, 20 July 2011 21:07 (1 year ago) Permalink

yay a groupon for sichuan folk
http://t.co/PtO8FsA

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Friday, 22 July 2011 08:40 (1 year ago) Permalink

― LocalGarda, Thursday, 14 July 2011 11:33 (1 week ago) Bookmark

been a couple of times and quite enjoyed it, good little vibe in there. soft shell crab burger is good but could be a touch better i think - crab's not big enough for the bun and idk about yours but mine had an unnecessary tomato in it.

really like the beetroot risotto with cardamom, been playing around with recreating that one at home.

― r|t|c, Friday, 22 July 2011 10:21 (1 year ago) Permalink

Went to SAF in Shoreditch the other week. Pretty good, maybe the best veggie restaurant experience I've had outside of Brighton.

― dog latrine (NickB), Thursday, 14 July 2011 11:27 (1 week ago) Bookmark

terre a terre right? that place is fucking amazing.

― r|t|c, Friday, 22 July 2011 10:22 (1 year ago) Permalink

oh wait i have been in saf though. wasn't too impresssed. tardy service and pretty pricey, and quite a clinical experience? rather go mildreds tbh.

― r|t|c, Friday, 22 July 2011 10:26 (1 year ago) Permalink

I haven't been in SAF but they catered at a launch I went to and it was the worst po-faced raw food nonsense I have ever eaten in my life.

― natalie imbroglio (suzy), Friday, 22 July 2011 10:31 (1 year ago) Permalink

the subject of food at the young vic runs through this review of lear i wrote awhile ago -

http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2009/03/king-lear-at-the-young-vic/

― 40% chill and 100% negative (Tracer Hand), Friday, 22 July 2011 10:46 (1 year ago) Permalink

terre a terre right? that place is fucking amazing.

^ got it in one

― Quantum of Pie (NickB), Friday, 22 July 2011 11:02 (1 year ago) Permalink

if i were some sort of venture capitalist i'd be trying to get them to open something in london, all other veggie restaurants are straight bullshit. matter of fact it's so good it never crosses your mind that is is veggie.

― r|t|c, Friday, 22 July 2011 11:29 (1 year ago) Permalink

i dunno ravi shankar on drummond st is pretty good

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Friday, 22 July 2011 12:40 (1 year ago) Permalink

Had lunch at Hawksmoor the other day. Steak was fantastic - shared a kilo of prime rib with my luncheon companion. Though the other night someone who co-runs an always-very-well-reviewed London restaurant told me she thought, from their texture, that the steaks there were pre-cooked and then finished to order, rather than cooked to order.

― Trudi Styler, the Creator (ithappens), Friday, 22 July 2011 12:55 (1 year ago) Permalink

i thought steaks were all sous vide these days

i dunno ravi shankar on drummond st is pretty good

also chutney's

― ledge, Friday, 22 July 2011 13:30 (1 year ago) Permalink

this burrito place is great too if you're around middlesex st. at lunchtime:

http://www.theflyingburrito.co.uk/

― kl0ppa kl0ppa down (tpp), Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:51 (4 months ago) Bookmark

god this place is gonna make me fat

― tpp, Friday, 22 July 2011 13:38 (1 year ago) Permalink

soft shell crab burger is good but could be a touch better i think - crab's not big enough for the bun and idk about yours but mine had an unnecessary tomato in it.

no tomato in mine. i had the calamari there before and they were v good. it is a nice spot tho i agree, it's a bonus to actually want to hang out in the theatre as if it was a bar, as well as seeing a play.

― LocalGarda, Monday, 25 July 2011 20:53 (1 year ago) Permalink

Had one of the banh mis from Old Street today. AMAZED. NB had the duck one - I'm sticking to the ones sans paté.

Where exactly is the hot dog guy in Shoreditch? WANT.

― murdoch most foul (suzy), Monday, 25 July 2011 20:58 (1 year ago) Permalink

the paté ones are good, are you suspicious of their paté? i think i overdosed on that place...

― LocalGarda, Monday, 25 July 2011 21:00 (1 year ago) Permalink

To agree with those upthread, SAF is good, but I keep meaning to go to Brighton solely to go back to Terre a Terre.

― if, Monday, 25 July 2011 21:05 (1 year ago) Permalink

There are few things made with liver that I am willing to eat; I have tried proper paté and it is really not for me. Also, I am still scarred by my dad's frankly bizarre predilection for Braunschweiger, peanut butter and mayo sandwiches.

― murdoch most foul (suzy), Monday, 25 July 2011 21:10 (1 year ago) Permalink

ah weird, i love liver. cheap, cooks quickly, and extremely good for you.

― LocalGarda, Monday, 25 July 2011 21:14 (1 year ago) Permalink

hot dog guy is closer to the tube, on the opposite side of the road from the banh mi place

― just sayin, Tuesday, 26 July 2011 10:00 (1 year ago) Permalink

Went to Chutneys for the first time in AAGES last night. Their gulab jamun is just ~heavenly~

― Aphex Twin … in my vagina? (Karen D. Tregaskin), Tuesday, 26 July 2011 11:20 (1 year ago) Permalink

Hot dog guy: not there today at 1pm. GRRRRRRR.

― murdoch most foul (suzy), Tuesday, 26 July 2011 13:03 (1 year ago) Permalink

so was going to go the hawksmoor this thurs with a friend who's leaving the uk and some other pals, but both are booked out.

anyone got any suggestions for somewhere that's a bit of an event in the same way? i obviously have a few ideas but figured asking here is good. central london ideas might be good also.

― LocalGarda, Wednesday, 27 July 2011 11:21 (1 year ago) Permalink

Hix or St John's, both in Farringdon, would be good bets.

― Neil S, Wednesday, 27 July 2011 11:27 (1 year ago) Permalink

goodman is meant to be good if you really wanted steak? (havent actually been there tho so...)

― just sayin, Wednesday, 27 July 2011 11:36 (1 year ago) Permalink

doesn't have to be steak, i go to hawksmoor as much for the cocktails too i have to say. will look into these suggestions, thanks guys.

― LocalGarda, Wednesday, 27 July 2011 11:38 (1 year ago) Permalink

goodman is amazing yeah

― t|p|p (tpp), Wednesday, 27 July 2011 11:39 (1 year ago) Permalink

rodizio rico? less classy but then you get to eat meat for 3 hours.

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Wednesday, 27 July 2011 11:42 (1 year ago) Permalink

prolly better as a big gathering though.

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Wednesday, 27 July 2011 11:42 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah i hear you w/ the cocktails, thats why i havent given goodman a try

― just sayin, Wednesday, 27 July 2011 11:44 (1 year ago) Permalink

there's a hix in soho too btw

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Wednesday, 27 July 2011 11:53 (1 year ago) Permalink

The Soho Hix with a pre-event in the really very good (and joyously unsnobby even for scruffy fatlads like me) downstairs cocktail bar might do you?

heh xpost, good thinking Ken.

― Tim, Wednesday, 27 July 2011 11:53 (1 year ago) Permalink

last night went to a new restaurant in chiswick (v far away from home) called 'hedone' and it was amazing! v simple food, w/ v high quality ingredients, one of the best meals i've had in a while.

― just sayin, Friday, 29 July 2011 08:03 (1 year ago) Permalink

oh and i saw on some blog that those shoreditch hot dogs are now being sold at the bar at the hawksmoor, which is maybe interesting? not sure what they're charging for them

― just sayin, Friday, 29 July 2011 08:04 (1 year ago) Permalink

koba last night. still good as ever.

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Monday, 1 August 2011 10:23 (1 year ago) Permalink

kobas that korean place? yeah i really liked that place the one time i went there, was just annoyed that they charged for a lot of the extras

― just sayin, Monday, 1 August 2011 10:50 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah that's the one. wasn't cheap. but it was tasty and i like their settings. sitting at the bar particularly good and they tend to your food the entire time.

gonna try asadal sometime soon though.

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Monday, 1 August 2011 10:57 (1 year ago) Permalink

also their seafood pancake still the best i had yet.

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Monday, 1 August 2011 10:58 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah i should probably go back. have you ever made it down to new malden?? some great places there

― just sayin, Monday, 1 August 2011 11:00 (1 year ago) Permalink

(ive only been to a couple, its a bit of a mission getting there)

― just sayin, Monday, 1 August 2011 11:00 (1 year ago) Permalink

I have been once! (after playing dinosaur golf).. they all looked nice i didn't know which one to choose. randomly chose one and it was decent enough. good prices. glad we all had internet phones at the time though so we Googled all the korean food names to find out what they were (the English names were just Anglicised Korean.. there were no explanations) Enjoyed a good BBQ.

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Monday, 1 August 2011 11:04 (1 year ago) Permalink

(we were mostly noobs when it came to korean food)

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Monday, 1 August 2011 11:04 (1 year ago) Permalink

Anyone been to Lupita? A friend is suggesting it for his birthday.

― Upt0eleven, Monday, 1 August 2011 11:40 (1 year ago) Permalink

finally made the gruelling ten minute walk to buen provecho taco stall on lower marsh, waterloo. best mexican i've had in london (limited sample set). quality flour taco shells, tender and tasty chicken and pork, gerat sauces and dips.

― ledge, Friday, 5 August 2011 13:32 (1 year ago) Permalink

Right, gotta go there. Is it just weekdays, ledge?

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Friday, 5 August 2011 14:08 (1 year ago) Permalink

yup. noon till around 2-2.30, whenever they run out. near the start of lower marsh, pretty much opposite cubana.

― ledge, Friday, 5 August 2011 14:10 (1 year ago) Permalink

We tried them when they came to the Rye Hotel on a Monday night. I am privileged to be able to outsource my opinion on Mexican food to my lovely wife, who actually knows what she's on about. She thought them pretty good, was very happy to have them tip up a few hundred yards from home, and bits and pieces we had were super-delicious. HOWEVER- not a patch on Tacqueria, was the verdict. I agreed. Of course. Still, a thumbs-up.

― Tim, Friday, 5 August 2011 14:14 (1 year ago) Permalink

Talking of The Rye, they had this Meateasy event on Sunday which was billed as follows:

The "BBQ" was a fairly standard hog roast as far as I could tell, featuring a pork sandwich which was OK - nicely cooked pork - but woefully small for a hefty £8 price tag. Also they slapped a load of mustardy sauce on it without asking (no BBQ sauce choice, surprisingly) and I don't like mustard. Happily the sauce didn't taste of anything very much. For the first time in my life, I couldn't eat the pork crackling I was served - it was tasty enough but like vulcanised rubber, bendy not cracky. My first disappointing meateasy experience. Bah.

― Tim, Friday, 5 August 2011 14:19 (1 year ago) Permalink

Thanks ledge. Ach, I've heard this Meateasy is less good than its previous location, and it's making me chary of going, or at least finding the meatwagon instead, and trying that.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Friday, 5 August 2011 14:22 (1 year ago) Permalink

they didn't make very amazing buffalo wings either when i sampled back at the new cross place. i will stick with the burgers.

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Friday, 5 August 2011 14:25 (1 year ago) Permalink

Does anyone have any recommendations for decent places around Angel or along Upper St?

Nothing too fancy, just somewhere to have a nice meal with my girlfriend before a gig at the Union Chapel.

"Steak or something spicy" were her specifications, though I'd also welcome tips that don't fall within those brackets.

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Monday, 8 August 2011 13:26 (1 year ago) Permalink

i've always rather enjoyed the small plates at cuba libre for this kind of occasion

― Dark Noises from the Eurozone (Tracer Hand), Monday, 8 August 2011 13:32 (1 year ago) Permalink

i.e. cheap, good, flavorful and plenty of cocktails near to hand

― Dark Noises from the Eurozone (Tracer Hand), Monday, 8 August 2011 13:40 (1 year ago) Permalink

new cultural revolution!

http://www.newculturerevolution.co.uk/

― lex pretend, Monday, 8 August 2011 13:41 (1 year ago) Permalink

el parador rojo - colombian place next to 7 sisters tube stn. i was massively hungover, absolutely starving and deeply annoyed by the morons on the "unity march" yesterday, wound up here, had a fucking massive bandeja paisa - i was quite glad i was hungover for this, best state to appreciate it in - and OMG

― lex pretend, Sunday, 14 August 2011 09:46 (1 year ago) Permalink

Went back to the meateasy at the Rye last night - it was worryingly empty on a Saturday night. I'm delighted to say the burgers were A1, meatwagon on top form.

― Tim, Sunday, 14 August 2011 10:10 (1 year ago) Permalink

I was there on weds, pretty empty to start but doing better by 8pm or so. Didn't seem quite as good the first time I went, that could be just me though, does seem to happen a lot whenever I make a second visit to the latest restaurant sensation. I'm a terrible man for the thrill of novelty.

― ledge, Sunday, 14 August 2011 10:29 (1 year ago) Permalink

It's probably not the best week for pub passing trade though.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 14 August 2011 14:39 (1 year ago) Permalink

Probably not, but Franks (on the top of the car park at Peckham) was fuller than I've ever seen it. (This probably hurt The Rye a bit also).

― Tim, Sunday, 14 August 2011 19:42 (1 year ago) Permalink

Damnit I still haven't been there!

― ledge, Sunday, 14 August 2011 23:25 (1 year ago) Permalink

some of the anchor and hope chefs have been guesting there i think, or are due to. want to go but i'm away when some pals are checking it out this week.

― LocalGarda, Sunday, 14 August 2011 23:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

these dudes are cooking there - www.youngturks.co - i would have liked to make it but i dont think i will

― just sayin, Monday, 15 August 2011 07:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

Would quite like to go back to Frank's - not sure I've really had the best experience on the last couple of occasions.

The Rye Hotel feels like... kind of an awkward place for the Meatwagon? I like the pub and it's lovely on a summer afternoon, but compared to being right on the main drag of New Cross it's going to suffer in comparison for both passing trade and people deliberately coming from further afield. It's a fair walk from any station for one thing.

― Matt DC, Monday, 15 August 2011 09:15 (1 year ago) Permalink

The Rye can't be more than 400 yards from the station! But I know what you mean, it has to be a neighbourhoody kind of place if it's going to succeed.

When the weather's good, being in Frank's is a joy. It's never a comfortable place to relax and kick back, though.

― Tim, Monday, 15 August 2011 09:30 (1 year ago) Permalink

polpo on beak street. YES M8. really great food, can heartily recommend. cuttlefish & ink risotto, orecchiette with crab and zucchini and rabbit/sage/apricot terrine all fabulous but it was the crushed broad bean & mint bruschetta that kind of blew my mind because i really wasn't expecting it to be noteworthy let alone amazing.

― lex pretend, Monday, 15 August 2011 21:50 (1 year ago) Permalink

Took a trip to the meatwagon last night. Bit of a mission but totally worth it with the biggest and best onion rings i've ever had accompanying a mouthwatering philly cheese steak.

It was pretty quiet and Matt's prob right that it could do with being in a more accessible location. I think the Victoria would be a good bet for it, being a partner pub and although not exactly on an arterial route anywhere, is a fair bit closer to peckham rye station. still, will probably go back again soon.

― Upt0eleven, Thursday, 18 August 2011 16:38 (1 year ago) Permalink

going to go to meatwagon soon. Both times been to Polpe it's been incredibly salty, however I do also remember the broad bean and mint bruschetta, which was excellent. In fact I thought they did the more basic looking stuff best I think.

Taken to having plain or rosemary focaccia from Camisa's for packed lunch on Saturdays. Curiously undull and you can pop into gelupo for ice cream after.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Thursday, 18 August 2011 17:13 (1 year ago) Permalink

The Victoria can't be more than 150 yards closer to Peckham Rye station than The Rye, can it? Would that really make a difference to your perception of its accessibility?

― Tim, Friday, 19 August 2011 00:00 (1 year ago) Permalink

any of you ever been to Harris H T on Great Titchfield Street? discovered it on my last week of working about 5 mins away in yalding house...incredible Italian ciabattas, packed with rocket, tomato, smoked cheese or mozzarrella or provolone, and piles of whatever meat you choose like parma ham or salami or whatever. then topped with loads of really good quality black pepper. sandwiches don't really get any better. probably just as well i'm not still working near it cos i'd eat one every day. hilarious exuberant italian dude doing the serving too, making constant sexual innuendos like "you want a big one huh?" etc. and "i stick it in now okay?" as he puts the ciabatta in the toaster...

― LocalGarda, Friday, 19 August 2011 10:20 (1 year ago) Permalink

sounds a little like this place in new york - http://www.frankiesspuntino.com/17/17_menu.html

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Friday, 19 August 2011 10:31 (1 year ago) Permalink

Meatwagon at the Rye last night.

Had the mushroom swiss (pathetically, I do still miss the Burger King Mushroom Double Swiss & the echo of its name led me to choose this) - not sure it tasted especially different from the standard burger, but that's not exactly a tragedy.

agree about location - out of the way for most people. it is a lot quieter than the New Cross Meateasy and it doesn't feel such an event without that noisy, crowded slightly hysterical vibe of the other place.

― you don't exist in the database (woof), Friday, 19 August 2011 10:36 (1 year ago) Permalink

true but i'm not sure i want my evening meal - even if it is trashy burger - to be an 'event', especially when said event potentially includes hanging around on a staircase for two hours.

perhaps there is a happy medium.

― ledge, Friday, 19 August 2011 10:38 (1 year ago) Permalink

true but i'm not sure i want my evening meal - even if it is trashy burger - to be an 'event', especially when said event potentially includes hanging around on a staircase for two hours.

this is basically why i have never tried the meateasy/meatwagon thing.

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Friday, 19 August 2011 10:40 (1 year ago) Permalink

then you would be safe going to the Rye - sitting around in a fairly quiet, large pub, no real wait for the food.

― you don't exist in the database (woof), Friday, 19 August 2011 10:48 (1 year ago) Permalink

not a restaurant, but we've talked abt beer here before - http://www.londonfieldsbrewery.co.uk/

― just sayin, Wednesday, 24 August 2011 21:37 (1 year ago) Permalink

then you would be safe going to the Rye - sitting around in a fairly quiet, large pub, no real wait for the food.
― you don't exist in the database (woof), Friday, 19 August 2011 10:48 (6 days ago) Bookmark Suggest Ban Permalink

but then the trek to the rye is quite an event in itself..

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Thursday, 25 August 2011 13:18 (1 year ago) Permalink

anyone been anywhere good lately?

― LocalGarda, Saturday, 3 September 2011 11:11 (1 year ago) Permalink

went to Arbutus in Soho and had the pre-theatre menu, £18, excellent meal. Tempted to go a la carte next time.

― Neil S, Saturday, 3 September 2011 12:01 (1 year ago) Permalink

Went to Wild Honey on Saint George St (off Hanover Square) yesterday. Very nice.

Nice room - we had a booth, that was spacious for four, and private without being blocked off. I had a very good smoked eel starter, with a big chunk of roast pork (with a couple of bits of belly pork, with excellent crisp skin) and curly kale and beans, and a panna cotta with blackberries to fnish. Good service. Lovely meal. Not cheap, but I wasn't paying.

― Trudi Styler, the Creator (ithappens), Friday, 9 September 2011 13:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

i went to the albion again last night and loved it again. i don't really get how most mains being like £9-10 can be overpriced as r|t|c intimates, (unless you just don't like the food i guess). i had the kedgeree which was very nice - i would have made it hotter but i have learned to accept that non-asian british restaurants just underspice everything

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Monday, 12 September 2011 12:41 (1 year ago) Permalink

Ate in the jolly butcher on Saturday, stick to the ale, would be my verdict.

― LocalGarda, Monday, 12 September 2011 12:45 (1 year ago) Permalink

St John (the bar) on Friday tho, had never been, it was amazing.

― LocalGarda, Monday, 12 September 2011 12:45 (1 year ago) Permalink

can't really recall the specifics of my visit to albion now - it was definitely for breakfast/brunch so i can't comment on the rest of the menu - but far as i remember the fry-up was of a five/six quid standard. rather than one specific meal however the whole experience in general reeked of self-flattery to deceive; i've probably forgiven worse food in shoddier gaffs but you know when you just feel royally fleeced sometimes.

― r|t|c, Monday, 12 September 2011 12:58 (1 year ago) Permalink

unfortunately i've been eating at hipster gastros again, so all i have to report is that the food at the spurstowe was really honestly shockingly impressive. instantly rate it above the prince arthur and the duke of welly.

will not defend the establishment on any other grounds obv - nowhere worse to be on a weekend evening if you're not in the v particular mood.

― r|t|c, Monday, 12 September 2011 13:06 (1 year ago) Permalink

― r|t|c, Monday, 12 September 2011 13:58 (8 minutes ago)

idk the establishment u refer to but i still liked reading this post reading 'albion' in the olde/poetic sense of the word

― diouf est le papa du foot galsen merde lè haters (nakhchivan), Monday, 12 September 2011 13:10 (1 year ago) Permalink

St John (the bar) on Friday tho, had never been, it was amazing.

― LocalGarda, Monday, 12 September 2011 12:45 (23 minutes ago)

^ one of the most enjoyable things you can do in london really

― just sayin, Monday, 12 September 2011 13:11 (1 year ago) Permalink

xp heh, no wonder at my trademark slide into sub-libertines cockney then

― r|t|c, Monday, 12 September 2011 13:13 (1 year ago) Permalink

Anyone been to Larder in Farringdon? Any good?

― good luck in your pyramid (Neil S), Friday, 16 September 2011 12:37 (1 year ago) Permalink

thought this revive was gonna be about this astonishing review http://www.quintessentially.com/insider/2011/02/03/mayfairs-new-prodigy/

dostoevsky! i ask you

― i asked for "HALF" a glass of wine, because i am TEMPERENT (lex pretend), Friday, 16 September 2011 12:46 (1 year ago) Permalink

"Dostoevsky, Hemingway, Kierkegaard and Poe" ??

He cites east, west, north and south as the direction he is currently heading.

― mark s, Friday, 16 September 2011 12:48 (1 year ago) Permalink

xp yes saw that on Twitter, truly staggering. "Did I mention I went to... Cambridge University?"

― good luck in your pyramid (Neil S), Friday, 16 September 2011 12:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

tbf, restaurant reviews in the style of any of those four would be excellent:

"It was the eating of his hideous beef wellington" <-- poe

― mark s, Friday, 16 September 2011 12:50 (1 year ago) Permalink

Table-stalking as I always am, I noticed a Sorority-type girl lean across the table and give her man – a gentle man, I should say, and one of great elegance and remarkable seriousness – a considered kiss. The kiss simmers, and the lights dim and I hear the high notes of Tchaikovsky move in from the Champagne bar (a worthy destination in its own right).

think he is probably going for constance garnett

― diouf est le papa du foot galsen merde lè haters (nakhchivan), Friday, 16 September 2011 12:51 (1 year ago) Permalink

IIRC none of the cited authors wrote about trying to cop off with Sloane Rangers in expensive Mayfair restaurants.

― good luck in your pyramid (Neil S), Friday, 16 September 2011 12:51 (1 year ago) Permalink

"The Brothers Carrot Sorbet"

― mark s, Friday, 16 September 2011 12:53 (1 year ago) Permalink

The Souffle also Rises

― ledge, Friday, 16 September 2011 12:55 (1 year ago) Permalink

Lime and Punishment

― i asked for "HALF" a glass of wine, because i am TEMPERENT (lex pretend), Friday, 16 September 2011 12:56 (1 year ago) Permalink

"For Whom The Bell Peppers?"

― Tim, Friday, 16 September 2011 12:57 (1 year ago) Permalink

"The Fall of the House of Pancakes"

― mark s, Friday, 16 September 2011 12:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

The Old Man and the Celeriac

― the ascent of nyan (a passing spacecadet), Friday, 16 September 2011 13:02 (1 year ago) Permalink

Then, methought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by waitressés whose foot-falls pattered on the tufted matting.
"Wretch," I cried, "thy chef hath lent thee - and these menus he has sent me
Respite - respite and nepenthe from this avocado gratin
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe, and forget this vile spaghetti!'
Quoth the raven, 'Liver pate"

― mark s, Friday, 16 September 2011 13:09 (1 year ago) Permalink

bah s/b waiter not raven :|

― mark s, Friday, 16 September 2011 13:11 (1 year ago) Permalink

― i asked for "HALF" a glass of wine, because i am TEMPERENT (lex pretend), Friday, 16 September 2011 13:11 (1 year ago) Permalink

and of course the telltale heart one should have been: "it was the eating of his hideous tart" X(

― mark s, Friday, 16 September 2011 13:18 (1 year ago) Permalink

idk guys the true lol ott restaurant review has a subtler bouquet than that loud foghorn effort

― r|t|c, Friday, 16 September 2011 14:07 (1 year ago) Permalink

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/restaurants/review-23984842-cut-w1---review.do

deeply loved maschler the other week unable to resist mentioning not once but twice fyi how sizzling hott she is

― r|t|c, Friday, 16 September 2011 14:10 (1 year ago) Permalink

"to get back to me for a minute"

― Science, you guys. Science. (DL), Friday, 16 September 2011 14:13 (1 year ago) Permalink

Agree the spurstowe is a hell hole to drink in at weekends. Perfect storm of massive crowds (who seem to be v rich yuppie hipsters), horrendously designed bar, and even worse than usual bar staff.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Friday, 16 September 2011 14:22 (1 year ago) Permalink

Was in Merkato last night. A+ would go back.

― 50,000 raspberries with the face of Peter Ndlovu (aldo), Friday, 16 September 2011 14:34 (1 year ago) Permalink

ya the spurstowe is bizarrely west londony

― r|t|c, Friday, 16 September 2011 14:39 (1 year ago) Permalink

altho west london places don't have the same pretence (ok or rather they do, but they're comparatively innocuous ones)

only three more days to wait til made in chelsea series 2 btw you guys, who's stoked like me

― r|t|c, Friday, 16 September 2011 14:43 (1 year ago) Permalink

the spurstowe is just crazy. had no idea, hadnt been there for a long time, but man

― just sayin, Friday, 16 September 2011 15:10 (1 year ago) Permalink

i used to live literally next door to the spurstowe. only went in once that i remember though, it wasn't especially memorable either way. but that was 4 years ago. back when the george was the place to go!

― i asked for "HALF" a glass of wine, because i am TEMPERENT (lex pretend), Friday, 16 September 2011 15:14 (1 year ago) Permalink

West londony is exactly how I described it before, but yeah weird sort of hipsters with inheritances vibe there. I know people bandy about "rich hipsters" etc but in this instance that's how it feels. I like the area tho, friend lives on Wilton Way and it's a lovely street.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Friday, 16 September 2011 18:19 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah ive lived across from the town hall for a few years + i still like the area, thats why it surprised me going into the spurstowe on a saturday night.

― just sayin, Saturday, 17 September 2011 13:50 (1 year ago) Permalink

The Ginger Pig's Marylebone shop is offering free hot pork sandwiches today.

― James Mitchell, Tuesday, 27 September 2011 09:00 (1 year ago) Permalink

The Victoria Park shop had a big pork sale yesterday (which I took advantage of).. guess they had a few too many hawgs

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 27 September 2011 09:08 (1 year ago) Permalink

Damn I should swing by my local franchise.

― ledge, Tuesday, 27 September 2011 09:09 (1 year ago) Permalink

for those of us who live in hackney, maybe a closer alternative to the meatwagon? http://eatlikeagirl.com/2011/09/26/lucky-chip-bang-on-burgers-and-great-chilli-cheese-fries/

― just sayin, Tuesday, 27 September 2011 09:14 (1 year ago) Permalink

Huh!

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 27 September 2011 09:20 (1 year ago) Permalink

Tracer did you ever write up that place which is SO FRENCH they don't serve butter? You and Emma and I et there after seeing "Man on Wire"

― mark s, Tuesday, 27 September 2011 11:01 (1 year ago) Permalink

Hahaha no I can't remember the name of it now

It's true about the French butter thing; I have butter on bread like it's going out of style and Emma will sit there, and her mom too, looking at me like I'm a crazy person (as they guzzle great jugs of pork drippings, etc)

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 27 September 2011 11:09 (1 year ago) Permalink

my brother says the same about his gf's family: he cooked for them over christmas and they could not deal with how he used butter-- as they gaily chomped their way through their body weight in cheese and rillettes and etc.

― civilisation and its discotheques (c sharp major), Tuesday, 27 September 2011 11:15 (1 year ago) Permalink

haha really? i had no idea.

― just sayin, Tuesday, 27 September 2011 11:23 (1 year ago) Permalink

Of course they do put butter on sandwiches, the savages

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 27 September 2011 11:27 (1 year ago) Permalink

This is kind of surprising given how buttery e.g. croissants are (or maybe that is just the way Britishers make them), or French biscuits (by which I mean e.g. those Breton galette things and I guess Breton != French, and maybe they're only for the tourists anyway)

― the ascent of nyan (a passing spacecadet), Tuesday, 27 September 2011 11:28 (1 year ago) Permalink

Well exactly - but consistency in these matters would not really be the French way

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 27 September 2011 11:30 (1 year ago) Permalink

xpost lol and well everything you eat at a french restaurant

― just sayin, Tuesday, 27 September 2011 11:43 (1 year ago) Permalink

That lucky chip place sounds good, think I walked by it at the weekend. Must give it a try.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Tuesday, 27 September 2011 12:08 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah i might go there for dinner one night this week if the weather improves

― just sayin, Tuesday, 27 September 2011 12:10 (1 year ago) Permalink

Anyone been to Kerbisher and Malt, fish and chips in Brook Green? Looks great and read a lot about it. I work 5 mins up the road but fish and chips for lunch seems a ticket to afternoon food coma.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Tuesday, 27 September 2011 12:17 (1 year ago) Permalink

i havent been there but localgarda if you work in that hood you need to go to 101 thai kitchen and get the laotian fish salad. it is one of the best things to eat in london imo

― just sayin, Tuesday, 27 September 2011 12:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

(also there will be no food coma)

― just sayin, Tuesday, 27 September 2011 12:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

― just sayin, Tuesday, 27 September 2011 13:02 (1 year ago) Permalink

outside seating, good beer, not formal, cheap but good food around liverpool st/shoreditch

― Crackle Box, Wednesday, 28 September 2011 14:24 (1 year ago) Permalink

plz

― Crackle Box, Wednesday, 28 September 2011 14:24 (1 year ago) Permalink

kinda conflicted by the above question, crackle box, only saw it for a spare 5 mins on my phone in work when you posted it.

went to kerbisher and malt this week, was out with old job last night so had waited for a night where i needed to eat after work. about 6 quid for calamari and chips (didn't feel like trad fish and chips) but it was amazing. fantastic chips, really light home-made batter on the calamari, true sweet chilli sauce and tartare on the side, fairly close to perfect.

then to run the full gauntlet went to london fields having few drinks with pals tonight, lucky chip was the natural choice after. really fucking great burger. loved the outside vibe, reminded me of getting chips on the way home from the pub in dublin or something. v friendly staff too. i got the classic burger and it was seriously great. best i've had in ldn, tho i've not been to meatwagon.

must try thai 101 btw...is it a restaurant or do they do takeway or informal solitary sitdown?

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Thursday, 29 September 2011 23:07 (1 year ago) Permalink

man thats good news abt lucky chip! i think we'll give it a try tonight after work w/ a beer.

tahi 101 is super informal, you can get takeaway but i'd recommend sitting in

― just sayin, Friday, 30 September 2011 07:54 (1 year ago) Permalink

The chips are great too btw friend got chilli fries and they looked really good.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Friday, 30 September 2011 12:26 (1 year ago) Permalink

man this was really fucking good! i cant really compare to meatwagon because my memory of that place is pretty hazy but this burger was damn tasty, just great quality meat, cooked really well. hackney ppl need to get down there while the weathers still good

― just sayin, Saturday, 1 October 2011 09:12 (1 year ago) Permalink

Went to Latium, which was consistently poor in all sorts of ways, not least the food. Stick to Meatwagon and Lucky Chip as if anyone needed convincing.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Saturday, 1 October 2011 09:14 (1 year ago) Permalink

any of you guys been to the draft house on tower bridge road? was at a pal's houseboat (!) near there today. i passed it on the way to meet two other friends after walking up from southbank, and i walked in to reward myself with a swift half pint of meantime american brown ale (which i've never tried) only for my friends to catch me in the act, had to explain i was truly only planning a half. they saw me sizing up the menu and everything as they were behind me.

anyway we couldnt wait there then for some reason but i made fucking 100 per cent sure to go with a mate on the way home...ate a great burger (not as good as lucky chip but v enjoyable) and excellent fries, and had a bottle of hopdevil as they were out of the meantime us brown ale.

they have one of the best selections of beers i've seen, not a lot on tap but amazing bottles. some crazy shit like the el bulli guy's beer for about 16 quid a bottle, didn't try it though.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Sunday, 2 October 2011 21:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

Had a massively indulgent weekend...

Lunch on Fri was Big Apple Hot Dogs, dinner was my first trip to The Meat Wagon.

Vietnamese coffee and the 6 pork Banh Mi from Ca Phe VN on Broadway Market on Sat AM, then dinner at Tayyabs on Saturday evening.

I hadn't planned it that way (Tayyabs was the only thing in the diary) and I'm feeling like I need to hit the gym tomorrow, but what a great few days of food.

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Sunday, 2 October 2011 22:29 (1 year ago) Permalink

the banh mi on bway market are amazing...better than keu in old st by a long way imo.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Sunday, 2 October 2011 22:32 (1 year ago) Permalink

I think I went to the lesser of the two Banh Mi stalls... As I was eating one from Ca Phe VN I passed http://www.banhmi11.com which looked way more interesting.

The paneer tikka from Tayyabs was amazing, as were the lamb chops and saag aloo.

I had a green chilli cheeseburger from The Meat Wagon and it definitely lived up to the hype. Excellent onion rings also. I just wish it wasn't based in Peckham. I'll have to keep an eye on when it travels north.

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Monday, 3 October 2011 11:23 (1 year ago) Permalink

Went to Latium, which was consistently poor in all sorts of ways, not least the food. Stick to Meatwagon and Lucky Chip as if anyone needed convincing.

Oh really? Must have gone rapidly downhill in the last couple of years if that's the case.

― Matt DC, Monday, 3 October 2011 11:25 (1 year ago) Permalink

Ok so I tried Lucky Chip. It was was pretty good but 1) i become unreasonably infuriated by paying over the odds for something incredibly easy to make at home and 2) literally waited 20 minutes before even placing my order for "a burger and chips", despite no one in the queue!! Entirely due to the two guys scratching their heads and looking about worriedly and misplacing plates and utensils, looking for them, checking and rechecking order tickets. I mean, maybe they're sort of new but this isn't rocket science, in fact it's not even long division, it is flipping a farking burger. "Cheese burger and fries, got it," he says. No, i just want a burger. He looks at me incredulously, annoyed. "Our regular burger is a cheeseburger. A burger with no cheese would be..... abnormal for us." HE ACTUALLY SAID THIS. Keep in mind that i am still VERY SERIOUSLY HUNG OVER and have eaten nothing all day. Luckily my rage is contained by my inability to speak words that have more than two syllables.

Ultimately the burger is good because 1) there is a lot of it 2) the meat is from the Ginger Pig 3) it's not overdone and 4) the bun is quite good. But no way I am getting another one (he says)

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Monday, 3 October 2011 11:27 (1 year ago) Permalink

xpost yeah banhmi11 is the one to go to

― just sayin, Monday, 3 October 2011 11:27 (1 year ago) Permalink

Also has anyone been to Zucca in Bermondsey yet? Going there in a few weeks' time. It's website makes a VERY bold claim about it being voted in the top three Italian restaurants in the world, a claim I suspect is bollocks.

― Matt DC, Monday, 3 October 2011 11:28 (1 year ago) Permalink

Actually, further to the Lucky Chip convo, our own Local Garda makes a far superior burger..

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Monday, 3 October 2011 11:34 (1 year ago) Permalink

tracer it does sound like you had a weird experience there but regarding the food i dont really know what you expected? you ordered a plain burger and then you complain it was too easy to make?

― just sayin, Monday, 3 October 2011 11:34 (1 year ago) Permalink

i would like to hear local garda's burger tips

― just sayin, Monday, 3 October 2011 11:34 (1 year ago) Permalink

I've been to Zucca, and I would like to go back, it's very very good indeed, and quite reasonably priced. "Voted top 3 Italian restaurants in the world"? Um, no. I mean, possibly, in an extensive poll of the proprietors and their families, maybe. But even then probably not.

― Tim, Monday, 3 October 2011 11:39 (1 year ago) Permalink

It's excluding Italy, but they ain't lying
http://www.theworlds50best.com/italianseries/?utm_source=50best&utm_medium=italianseries&utm_campaign=homepage

― Number None, Monday, 3 October 2011 11:46 (1 year ago) Permalink

well that says its for europe (excluding italy) but still that seems crazy

― just sayin, Monday, 3 October 2011 11:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah, they say europe on their website too

― Number None, Monday, 3 October 2011 11:51 (1 year ago) Permalink

why would you not want a cheeseburger, tracer? i think if i were working in that van i would have rolled my eyes at you too.

― r|t|c, Monday, 3 October 2011 11:56 (1 year ago) Permalink

Because I saw the cheese they were using, packaged singles, and IME when you melt that onto a burger it adds less than nothing. You can't taste it. And I (erroneously) thought I would get 50p off.

you ordered a plain burger and then you complain it was too easy to make?

Ha ha no, I know. It was actually perfect at that moment because I was incapable of doing anything for myself.

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Monday, 3 October 2011 11:58 (1 year ago) Permalink

(When I make a cheeseburger I like to use a v thick slice of v sharp cheddar and only have it melt about halfway)

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Monday, 3 October 2011 11:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

Weird, I just went to Lucky Chip and Ca Phe VN on Saturday too. Chips took twice as long as they suggested but were worth it, was too full from excellent mushroom banh mi to try a burger as well.

― if, Monday, 3 October 2011 12:01 (1 year ago) Permalink

The chips were good. Sort of fries-ish.

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Monday, 3 October 2011 12:05 (1 year ago) Permalink

Oh really? Must have gone rapidly downhill in the last couple of years if that's the case.

Yes, very disappointing. Poor aperitivi, with cold tasteless fish on limp bread (and the drinks were not so good as well - the aperol spritz was very un-fun). Damp, chill and tasteless crab and cucumber salad. The tortellini in brodo weren't bad, but I've had much better. The broth was clear but subtle to the point of invisibility. Pork belly is impossible to fuck up, and was ok, although the fat wasn't at all crispy. Scallops on pearly barley was a rather weird dish - they didn't go, and the combo was somewhat nauseating. Pudding was probably the best of the bunch (as sometimes seems the case in middling restaurants) but nothing amazing. Great selection of wines.

Repeatedly had to ask them to turn the air conditioning off (what the hell was it on for in the first place?) but it kept coming back - felt a cold coming on soon after I left, which I've yet to shake. Staff were slightly functional, a luke-warm pleasant. Ambience was a little anodyne and it felt very much a place for expense account eaters.

I'd certainly go Trullo or Bocca di Lupo over Latium any day. What can have happened?

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Monday, 3 October 2011 12:48 (1 year ago) Permalink

Will post my probably not better in any way than lucky chip burger recipe later when I'm not on a phone.

The cheese actually fairly tasty on the burger I had.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Monday, 3 October 2011 12:55 (1 year ago) Permalink

I see that 40 Maltby Street got a great review in Time Out this week - went a couple of months back but forgot to mention it - it's really good if you want to go and drink delicious and unusual wines, and choose from a very restricted menu. Feels pleasingly home-made. They basically have one main meal on per night - when we went it was a dirty great serving of roast pork with some excellent white beans. We arrived too early to eat so went and ate some tapas and drank some fino at that ace-but-probably-too-expensive tapas place on Bermondsey Street. We ended the evening stuffed, drunk and delighted.

We're not going anywhere just now, we're dieting instead.

― Tim, Monday, 3 October 2011 12:56 (1 year ago) Permalink

Btw did anyone go to franks for the last weekend? I hadn't been so I went on Friday. It was pretty awful I have to say, about ten deep at the bar, aggressive psycho berating me on arrival for using wrong stairwell (of dark car park), full of 18 year olds, food gone quickly etc. A v stressful experience. Didn't think much of peckham either.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Monday, 3 October 2011 13:01 (1 year ago) Permalink

Did you look around Peckham much?

Last time I went to Franks it wasn't much fun either, too busy and nowhere near relaxed enough. If they do it next year I hope they rethink it a bit.

We are off to Cambio de Tercio for my birthday treat soon - I hear it's fab, has anyone here been? (NB if you hate it, please be gentle: it's my birthday coming-off-diet treat and I am looking forward to it...)

― Tim, Monday, 3 October 2011 13:12 (1 year ago) Permalink

That's pretty much my experience of Franks as well, and why I didn't go back this year. It's not really a restaurant anyway, I'd never considering going for the food, and there are better places to drink in Peckham.

― Matt DC, Monday, 3 October 2011 13:21 (1 year ago) Permalink

It's pretty good for a drink or two and a look at the views, assuming it's not too busy. That aside, you're spot on.

― Tim, Monday, 3 October 2011 13:25 (1 year ago) Permalink

We found a nice pub on one of the more suburban streets behind the train station, gastro type place with decent beer, across the road from s pizzeria. Forget the name.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Monday, 3 October 2011 15:55 (1 year ago) Permalink

You'll have been in the Victoria, I think.

― Tim, Monday, 3 October 2011 16:10 (1 year ago) Permalink

RIP the wishing well.

― Upt0eleven, Monday, 3 October 2011 16:12 (1 year ago) Permalink

But tbh I prefer its newer incarnation as well.

― Upt0eleven, Monday, 3 October 2011 16:13 (1 year ago) Permalink

xxpost As with a lot places in London, maybe it's the timing of when you went?

I went to Franks earlier in the summer, but we made it up there around 4/5 in the afternoon and didn't have to wait too long to grab one of the benches outside (e.g. to the side of the bar). The queues that afternoon weren't too bad. We managed to stay for a few hours until the queues got crazy.

― Moon Fuxx (Jill), Monday, 3 October 2011 19:34 (1 year ago) Permalink

went to Market in Camden on Friday for the £10 set lunch. their battered whiting was one of the most perfectly cooked pieces of fish i've ever had. could have done with a little more vegetable matter, though.

(it's where the camden branch of the New Culture Revolution used to be - as a child that was my favourite restaurant, the place I would beg my parents to take me on my birthday. really strange to be in a new-to-me restaurant with such a familiarly shaped space)

― octavio paz de la huerta (c sharp major), Sunday, 9 October 2011 09:34 (1 year ago) Permalink

Anything especially good on Leather Lane (I think) (just off Holborn)? Currently working there.

First Fri and I tried a Thai food stall which was a sorta oily mess tbh (but hey ho you can't complain too much about Duck) - want to try the obscured Japanese restaurant there.

― xyzzzz__, Sunday, 9 October 2011 09:48 (1 year ago) Permalink

The burritos from daddy donkey are really good. Also pretty much coffee heaven round there nowadays if that floats your boat!

― sktsh, Sunday, 9 October 2011 09:53 (1 year ago) Permalink

I'll look out for that, and yeah need a lot of coffee.

Also tried the 'genuine Italian Pizza' place there, too. That was a gd start.

― xyzzzz__, Sunday, 9 October 2011 09:55 (1 year ago) Permalink

Prufrock's coffee is pretty fantastic, and dept of coffee pretty good too. Also wonderful nearby (though possibly not worth the schlep if you're on leather lane) is the wee stall in the grounds of the church on fleet street just by the corner of fetter lane. EC4 is coffee mecca!

If you fancy a couple of minute's walk on to theobalds rd, people often have good things to say about Malletti's pizza, and there's also a good banh mi place.

God I need to head out for lunch more..!

― sktsh, Sunday, 9 October 2011 10:06 (1 year ago) Permalink

I like the home-style Korean place on Farringdon Street (?) across from the top of Leather Lane.

Cambio de Tercio was spectacular.

― Tim, Sunday, 9 October 2011 10:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

Decent Groupon deal for Cay Tre Soho... http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/west-london/cay-tre-soho/1094726

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Sunday, 9 October 2011 11:28 (1 year ago) Permalink

Expires today btw.

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Sunday, 9 October 2011 11:29 (1 year ago) Permalink

Thanks to Tim for the Korean recommend - that was really good. Know that's no review but hey ho ilx ws down.

Tomorrow I think i'll visit Tajima for some Japanese, and get some strong coffee - really in need of that at the mo.

― xyzzzz__, Thursday, 20 October 2011 19:52 (1 year ago) Permalink

Any recommendations round King's X? Parent friendly - basically no noisy bars.

― antiautodefenestrationism (ledge), Tuesday, 25 October 2011 11:22 (1 year ago) Permalink

Fancy? Unfancy?

― Tim, Tuesday, 25 October 2011 11:57 (1 year ago) Permalink

Tending towards the unfancy end of things.

― antiautodefenestrationism (ledge), Tuesday, 25 October 2011 13:15 (1 year ago) Permalink

That Szechuan place (Chili Cool?) is v well thought-of apparently, I think we ordered badly when we went. I am a big fan of some of the places on Drummond Street, Diwana is my place. The Vietnamese on Kings Cross Road is surprisingly good. Ummmm.... not much else is springing to mind. There's supposed to be an OK tapas-y place near the bottom of Caley Rd or York Way...

― Tim, Tuesday, 25 October 2011 13:22 (1 year ago) Permalink

Oh and that OK gastro in Somerstown, can't remember the name of the damn place though.

In short, Kings Cross is not a happy hunting ground for me.

― Tim, Tuesday, 25 October 2011 13:23 (1 year ago) Permalink

The Mail should start its own "Let's Bring Racism Back To Football" campaign.

― James Mitchell, Tuesday, 25 October 2011 13:23 (1 year ago) Permalink

Ooops. Wrong thread, innit.

― James Mitchell, Tuesday, 25 October 2011 13:24 (1 year ago) Permalink

is The Brill any good at all? whenever i'm on a bus stuck in the kings cross snarl i stare at it and think about going, but somehow never manage it...

my brother and I went to DINNER on saturday and I really loved it - still can't quite get over the tenderness of the pigeon i had.

― octavio paz de la huerta (c sharp major), Tuesday, 25 October 2011 13:28 (1 year ago) Permalink

The Paolina Cafe on Kings Cross Road is a long existing favourite of mine. Very cheap and very decent Thai. BYOB too. Perhaps a bit scruffy for parents though.

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Tuesday, 25 October 2011 14:12 (1 year ago) Permalink

Went to look at The Brill, was rather confused. Although there were signs painted on the wall indicating The Brill Rooftop Garden and The Brill Takeaway, both in front of very closed looking doors, in between them and where I would have expected the main event to be was a place advertising itself as a backpacker bar. So instead we went to The Fellow, which was a perfectly fine gastro place, ideal for parents, not too loud, nice and compact menu all of which looked appealing, opted for the grey mullet which I was v happy with.

― antiautodefenestrationism (ledge), Tuesday, 25 October 2011 19:09 (1 year ago) Permalink

so fool me once and all that but i had a second shit meal at the prince arthur near london fields on friday. fish pie was FOURTEEN FIFTY, and was tiny with a pasty fishless sauce. previously i had a sunday roast there that was bog standard pub fayre. won't be going back except perhaps for a beer.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Sunday, 30 October 2011 16:23 (1 year ago) Permalink

That place has got crazy expensive, last time we went there the pork belly i had was like £17

― just sayin, Sunday, 30 October 2011 16:28 (1 year ago) Permalink

It's because they know people will continue to indiscriminately pile in no matter what.

Went to the Hawksmoor earlier this week and it was fantastic, I've never eaten a steak so slowly in my life. Also the chips cooked in beef dripping were probably the best chips I've eaten*.

Also went to Zucca on Friday evening, it sort of didn't feel particularly flashy but everything I had was excellent, and it's a lovely space. Also awesome venison meatballs. There was a couple sitting next to us with a tiny child called Lexus playing with an iPad, which was a bit Lunar Park.

*Second = the chips fried in goose fat at Little Bay in Farringdon.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 30 October 2011 18:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

I wanna rep for Palmer's in bethnal green which unfortunately feels like a Denver hotel lobby but the food is terrific and reasonably priced

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Sunday, 30 October 2011 19:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

also the russian father and son cooking team are totally simpatico

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Sunday, 30 October 2011 19:35 (1 year ago) Permalink

There was a couple sitting next to us with a tiny child called Lexus playing with an iPad

ack!!!

ok who wants to get dinner with me? getting into town on wednesday night, let's say thursday

― geeta, Sunday, 30 October 2011 20:17 (1 year ago) Permalink

question: Boxing Day shouldn't affect restaurant hours/closures.... right?

RIGHT????

T__T

― citation needed (Steve Shasta), Monday, 31 October 2011 00:29 (1 year ago) Permalink

I've never tried to go to a restaurant on Boxing Day but I rather suspect it will affect opening times/places opening at all and you should definitely check ahead. My feeling is that very high-end places might sail on totally unaffected, though.

― octavio paz de la huerta (c sharp major), Monday, 31 October 2011 07:41 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah itll definitely affect some places

― just sayin, Monday, 31 October 2011 07:48 (1 year ago) Permalink

Steve I'd recommend doing a fair bit of research about this beforehand as I reckon most places will be closed on Boxing Day - most people in Britain just don't leave the house unless they're working or going to football or something. I suspect that an awful lot of places will stay closed just because it makes economic sense to do so.

That said, places will be open so it's just a case of finding out in advance.

― Matt DC, Monday, 31 October 2011 09:46 (1 year ago) Permalink

don't sales start on boxing day? that'd argue for places in the centre of town being open to take advantage.

― octavio paz de la huerta (c sharp major), Monday, 31 October 2011 10:34 (1 year ago) Permalink

Actually yeah that's a good point. Still worth checking in advance though.

― Matt DC, Monday, 31 October 2011 10:35 (1 year ago) Permalink

I would but I'm sure you'll be fine.

Went to Honest Burger in Brixton Village on Saturday. It was, without doubt, the best burger and chips I've ever had in this country even though think I ordered badly (going for the spinach and red leicester special instead of the house standard). Not too pricey at £9 either.

― Upt0eleven, Monday, 31 October 2011 10:53 (1 year ago) Permalink

^^yeah that place is great. £9 tho?! i'm sure it was more like £6.50-7 when i was there and that was only a couple of months ago.

there are some decent spots in brixton village. had a good okonomiyaki there and some basic but tasty thali from a tiny pakistani place....elephant i think?

― jabba hands, Monday, 31 October 2011 18:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

went to this place in kensington last night - http://maggie-jones.co.uk/ - absolutely fantastic. lovely cosy atmosphere, absolutely charming waiters (did really well at both squeezing us in unbooked and making sure everything happened speedily - we were pressed for time) and the food was DELICIOUS, so tasty

― all i see is angels in my eyes (lex pretend), Thursday, 3 November 2011 08:26 (1 year ago) Permalink

As I don't have the time/will to do proper research, can anyone point me towards particularly good fish and chips places and particularly good Indian places (preferably not hugely expensive places either).

My parents are in town and the time to eat is ripe.

Thanks.

― Hills Like White Broncos (EDB), Saturday, 5 November 2011 21:48 (1 year ago) Permalink

I know the question wrt fish and chips is endlessly argued over, but I'd still probably go for Fryer's Delight in Holborn. As always in London the big question is he quality of the fish, which is adequate rather than excellent, but other than that I never feel diddled if I go there. The White Hart is it? in Marylebone, which I've often had recommended I've always found poor, and while I'm sure it's possible to get amazing fish and.chips in some restaurants or gastropubs, Fryer's Delight is fairly reasonable.

Ragam is a very good and reasonably priced Indian just off Tottenham Court Road, on the Fitzrovia side. It has an excellent mixture of dishes, fish and meat curries, dosais, soups etc and while once again there a better Indians in London, for price (and general conviviality) it's a very good bet.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Sunday, 6 November 2011 06:58 (1 year ago) Permalink

Go to Fryer's Delight for lunch next week.

― xyzzzz__, Sunday, 6 November 2011 11:41 (1 year ago) Permalink

for indian i would go to rasa or tayyabs. think there's a rasa in soho. if i want fish and chips i go to fish house in lauriston village, hackney (but this is about 5 mins from my flat, i suspect there are better even tho it's quite good)

went to lucky chip for a second time yday, after annoying all my friends with constant mentions of it, it was amazing again. they put truffle oil on your chips if you want it. i had the basic burger with a slice of bacon on it, which must have also been from the ginger pig, it was amazing. lots of other little shops and stuff in the yard there too, and it sells brooklyn lager now.

have any of you been to the bar on the roof of the netil building or whatever it's called, just beside lucky chip?

it's a sort of franks style thing, had a hot whiskey there yday about 5 overlooking the city, really nice little spot.

oh and finally, the draft house right beside tower bridge has pretty much the best craft beer selection of anywhere i've been. had a meantime india pale ale last night and it was unreal.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Sunday, 6 November 2011 12:11 (1 year ago) Permalink

"draft house" like all craft beer houses in london does the cavernous shiny walls and ceilings so everyone ends up yelling ever louder over the increasingly clattery ambient noise

hope the hipsters rescue ironic flock wallpaper real soon, because it would sort this quite sharply

― mark s, Sunday, 6 November 2011 12:15 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah agree it's not a particularly nice place...

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Sunday, 6 November 2011 12:17 (1 year ago) Permalink

like not bad imo, just a v standard "new" feel. the diner part is nicer...and its location is obv very nice.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Sunday, 6 November 2011 12:18 (1 year ago) Permalink

so everyone ends up yelling ever louder over the increasingly clattery ambient noise

this is dreadful, and also a feature of spare pine and metal bar/pubs, where it's like you are standing in a drum, and the penetrating baying of some sod the at far end of the bar is by some miracle of aural transmission drowning out the words of the person standing next to you shouting in your ear.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Sunday, 6 November 2011 13:06 (1 year ago) Permalink

on reflection tho i don't think that is actually true of the draft house at all...it is shiny and sort of overly renovated but when i was there it (a) wasn't too busy (b) they weren't hipsters and (c) there was decent music playing. i didn't really hear anyone shouting.

that plus it had better service than pretty much any bar you go to in london.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Sunday, 6 November 2011 13:19 (1 year ago) Permalink

hipsters <-- yes sorry that was me being tongue-in-cheeky, also i liked the concept of high-end craft flock wallpaper as a coming thing

i was in the eating area the only time i went and it wasn't too full or too noisy, but friends who have been more often have been offput by this aspect

― mark s, Sunday, 6 November 2011 13:26 (1 year ago) Permalink

can't be far off, surely.

― Fizzles the Chimp (GamalielRatsey), Sunday, 6 November 2011 13:39 (1 year ago) Permalink

think urban outfitters (uk version) has sold this for years

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Sunday, 6 November 2011 13:40 (1 year ago) Permalink

haha this is the only result when i searched at urban outfitters for wallpaper

― mark s, Sunday, 6 November 2011 13:53 (1 year ago) Permalink

hipster flock = wallpapered hip flask ---:)

― mark s, Sunday, 6 November 2011 13:54 (1 year ago) Permalink

the girl who carries a floral hip flask also carries the key to my heart

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Sunday, 6 November 2011 13:54 (1 year ago) Permalink

key = what's in the flask

― mark s, Sunday, 6 November 2011 14:01 (1 year ago) Permalink

a flock wallpaper hip flask would be AMAZING

(but if i had one i think i'd be too worried about getting it taken off me by bouncers to take it out with me)

― I like to think of myself as a Young Money-ologist so (c sharp major), Sunday, 6 November 2011 14:07 (1 year ago) Permalink

I was in the Draft House quite recently on a reasonably busy Friday evening and it was fine, acoustically, think the levels of shoutiness required are being exaggerated a bit here. But yes its beer selection is terrific, although I think the Cask in Pimlico and Craft Beer Company in Holborn probably equal it. Of all of these the Cask is the nicest pub as far as its general ambience goes, although I do like the Draft House.

for indian i would go to rasa or tayyabs. think there's a rasa in soho.

Probably worth pointing out that Rasa and Tayyabs are really different from one another. Tayyabs is always very hectic and busy and the food is on the heavier/kebabier end of the spectrum. It's BYO as well. Rasa is lighter, Keralan food and probably a better bet if you're after a relaxed evening where you can buy booze. Also being Keralan the fish curries are awesome - the Rasas tend to vary a bit as well, some are vegetarian, another focuses on fish etc so worth checking out in advance. The Rasa W1 in Mayfair is probably yr best bet for covering all bases.

If you're anywhere in or near South London I'd also rep for Babur in Brockley which does FANTASTIC modern Indian food and is well worth making the trip for and is now quite easy to get to on the ELL. I had quail last time I went there.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 6 November 2011 15:08 (1 year ago) Permalink

(The Rasa in Stoke Newington is really good too but there are almost certainly going to be more convenient ones for you)

― Matt DC, Sunday, 6 November 2011 15:10 (1 year ago) Permalink

matt otm, i lazily threw out indian suggestions but he's made things more clear.

going back to craft house, in a big way i like it cos the grandeur of tower bridge itself kinda blows me away (shame on me as an irishman) and that area is incredibly neat imo, plus of course lots of good beer.

has anyone been to that new italian on kingsland road? i forget the name but i've heard there is some truly brilliant place there....

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Monday, 7 November 2011 02:24 (1 year ago) Permalink

on kingsland road? my friend went to some place on mare st + she recommended it (not the one at the end of vyner st, some other place)

― just sayin, Monday, 7 November 2011 09:36 (1 year ago) Permalink

oh wait the kingsland rd place is that one thats right in shoreditch right? yeah i think i saw something abt that too

― just sayin, Monday, 7 November 2011 09:36 (1 year ago) Permalink

draft house is nice the times i went had been quite quiet (although those were weekends during the day i suppose)

i did go on a friday night once and it was very crowded and full of loud suited people but that was fine as I had the "tasting room" downstairs booked (for free) which was lovely (it was in the basement but had some weird "fake natural light" turned on through some old windows so it looked as though it was daytime..

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Monday, 7 November 2011 10:23 (1 year ago) Permalink

("for free" = had to fill a £300 bar tab)

went to cask last friday it was nice although it was very warm/sweaty but guess it was friday night. and there was a Norwegian beer fest going on. nice beers although they were £9 a pint lolololol

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Monday, 7 November 2011 10:25 (1 year ago) Permalink

a beer called "fyr og flamme" was particularly good (if you have £9 going spare)

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Monday, 7 November 2011 10:26 (1 year ago) Permalink

You know, we could sell you that grand bridge that you have your eye on, Ronan

― mark s, Monday, 7 November 2011 10:35 (1 year ago) Permalink

I ate loads, the pork and garlic was very good, and something involving aubergines also tick VG. The DUMPLINGS!! were ok, but there are better ones at Silk Road

I have walked past this place every weekday for the past several years and assumed it was some £3.50 lunchbox black bean sauce canteen place, but now that I'm trying to find a new Chinese place in SE it seems it's actually like one of the best restaurants in South London? I've immediately become obsessed with going there to eat their intimidating chicken plate and their 10 DUMPLINGS! for £3

― MPx4A, Monday, 7 November 2011 20:58 (1 year ago) Permalink

that was not a word I expected to be automatically capitalised

― MPx4A, Monday, 7 November 2011 20:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

is there anything good near paddington? planning to meet a friend there tomorrow, don't want to go anywhere too fancy, but there must be decently-priced nice places round there, right?

― I like to think of myself as a Young Money-ologist so (c sharp major), Monday, 7 November 2011 21:23 (1 year ago) Permalink

if it's close enough (and you're prepared to go in on the carbs) then meya meya is a fantastic egyptian place next to edgware rd tube stn

― all i see is angels in my eyes (lex pretend), Monday, 7 November 2011 21:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

(the restaurant bit is downstairs)

― all i see is angels in my eyes (lex pretend), Monday, 7 November 2011 21:34 (1 year ago) Permalink

oh, I'm always prepared to go in on the carbs

― I like to think of myself as a Young Money-ologist so (c sharp major), Monday, 7 November 2011 21:51 (1 year ago) Permalink

meateasy now opened permanently in w1

― just sayin, Tuesday, 8 November 2011 17:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

w fucking 1 kmt

― all i see is angels in my eyes (lex pretend), Tuesday, 8 November 2011 17:56 (1 year ago) Permalink

Can anyone here tell me about Tamarind? Apparently it's expanding to a hoity-toity part of OC so I'm wondering what the deal is:

http://blogs.ocweekly.com/stickaforkinit/2011/11/tamarind_of_london_newport_beach.php

― Ned Raggett, Tuesday, 8 November 2011 17:58 (1 year ago) Permalink

meateasy now opened permanently in w1

wkiw w1. tell us more!

― ceci n'est pas un nom d'affichage (ledge), Wednesday, 9 November 2011 10:29 (1 year ago) Permalink

I found out more. 72 wellbeck st, open this week from 5pm, for lunch from friday.

http://www.fifteenpickles.com/2011/11/08/getting-back-on-the-wagon-at-meat-liquor/

― ceci n'est pas un nom d'affichage (ledge), Wednesday, 9 November 2011 10:32 (1 year ago) Permalink

Does this mean the thing at The Rye is no more? Meant to be going on Friday, and would probably rather hang out there than some packed West End place.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 9 November 2011 11:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

shut down last week according to twitter.

― ceci n'est pas un nom d'affichage (ledge), Wednesday, 9 November 2011 11:55 (1 year ago) Permalink

about to head here:
http://www.eat.st/kings-cross/

― documentary about titties OST (+ +), Thursday, 10 November 2011 13:36 (1 year ago) Permalink

meat liquor was nice! was nice to eat a meatwagon burger thing without feeling like i want to kill everyone else around me

― Alan Shearer (ken c), Friday, 11 November 2011 09:22 (1 year ago) Permalink

Really liked Fryer's delight.

Has anyone been at the Vietnamese across the road from there? Probably go next week.

― xyzzzz__, Friday, 11 November 2011 21:31 (1 year ago) Permalink

Fryer's delight is indeed awesome.

Halp! Someone has informed me that The Cock Tavern near Smithfield Market has closed? Is that true? I'm getting mixed messages on the interwebs.

― citation needed (Steve Shasta), Monday, 14 November 2011 22:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

― citation needed (Steve Shasta), Tuesday, 15 November 2011 15:12 (1 year ago) Permalink

I haven't been for a year or so but haven't heard it had gone. It's kind of amazing, more for what it is than what it serves. The breakfasts are nice without being the best ever. The beer is well-kept and unremarkable. The location's good.

Best breakfast cafe joint in London is a conversation I'm interested in having. I'll rep for Terry's cafe in Borough...

― Tim, Tuesday, 15 November 2011 15:31 (1 year ago) Permalink

Steve, where have you read it closed? The most recent posting on Facebook was three days ago, so unless you've heard something hot off the press, it's likely unclosed.

― Tim, Tuesday, 15 November 2011 16:39 (1 year ago) Permalink

Has anyone been at the Vietnamese across the road from there? Probably go next week.

I go there for lunch sometimes. It's decent but not a patch on some of the Kingsland Road places. Fine for the area though.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 15 November 2011 17:08 (1 year ago) Permalink

best vietnamese are in mare street!

― mark s, Tuesday, 15 November 2011 17:36 (1 year ago) Permalink

Cheers Matt I'll try it round there then, or Mare street - need to find a good Vietnamese.

― xyzzzz__, Tuesday, 15 November 2011 20:24 (1 year ago) Permalink

Deptford also worth checking imo

― just sayin, Tuesday, 15 November 2011 20:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

One of my London buds in SF right now and she LOVES vietnamese, I'll see what she recommends.

Tim, not sure, I blame it on shoddy googling or general confusion on my part, looks like a safe bet. I'm feeling that Butcher's Breakfast.

― citation needed (Steve Shasta), Tuesday, 15 November 2011 20:34 (1 year ago) Permalink

mr shasta are you plannin a visit?

― mark s, Tuesday, 15 November 2011 20:35 (1 year ago) Permalink

yes, but during a very inconvenient time though (the holidays).

― citation needed (Steve Shasta), Tuesday, 15 November 2011 20:57 (1 year ago) Permalink

I ate loads, the pork and garlic was very good, and something involving aubergines also tick VG. The DUMPLINGS!!! were ok, but there are better ones at Silk Road

― MPx4A, Monday, November 7, 2011 8:58 PM (1 week ago) Bookmark

ok yeah, Silk Road is amazing, felt like I was on drugs for about half an hour after the meal and struggled to break the £45 barrier between 4 people attempting maximum gluttony and drinking beers

― MPx4A, Tuesday, 15 November 2011 21:05 (1 year ago) Permalink

The one Vietnamese I visited on Mare St (was it green Papaya? I forget) wasn't a fraction of a patch on the better Kingsland Road ones.

― Tim, Tuesday, 15 November 2011 22:55 (1 year ago) Permalink

green papaya isn't all that, really -- nice but nothing special

i really like tre viet and hai ha further up towards mine, though TV simplified (and spellchecked) its menu a while back -- no more stuffed giant snail (or pish soup) -- and i haven't checked it since it moved three doors down into bigger premises; HH may also just have changed its chef recently actually

both are very unmanic compared to kingsland road, but yr probably right, they're my locals and i'm very fond of them (esp.hai ha, which has been my favourite eat-in delivery place for ten years), but they lack competition and are not super high-end

― mark s, Tuesday, 15 November 2011 23:11 (1 year ago) Permalink

Pish soup! Nice! I went toa good Vietnamese in Chicago which served a dish made of "crap meat".

― Tim, Tuesday, 15 November 2011 23:24 (1 year ago) Permalink

there's a tre viet on kingsland road! (but could just happened to have same name obvs)

― Alan Shearer (ken c), Wednesday, 16 November 2011 00:07 (1 year ago) Permalink

The one Vietnamese I visited on Mare St (was it green Papaya? I forget) wasn't a fraction of a patch on the better Kingsland Road ones.

it's better than a lot of the kingsland road ones. mien tay is the best value and food better than most as far as kingsland road goes, tho it's dirty. seen roaches there.

englefield road viet is the best by miles tho in the general vietsphere of east ldn.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Wednesday, 16 November 2011 00:44 (1 year ago) Permalink

Best breakfast cafe joint in London is a conversation I'm interested in having. I'll rep for Terry's cafe in Borough...

really keen to hear people's thoughts here.

obv breakfast is frequently a local beast if you drink a lot, greasy-spoon wise (and obv better suggestions welcome) nicos beside bethnal green tube is untouchable imo. people talk pelliccis up but nicos is way better food, significantly cheaper, and if not as in your face friendly, the owner is still a real gent esp after a few visits.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Wednesday, 16 November 2011 00:47 (1 year ago) Permalink

actually dunno if others go to pelliccis but after a while having to talk to the people a lot got a bit full on, also that tiny room, it's terrifying.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Wednesday, 16 November 2011 00:48 (1 year ago) Permalink

final non sequitur, anyone been to zetter town house? was there tonight and it was incredible. did spend 50 quid on cocktails but nonetheless.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Wednesday, 16 November 2011 01:06 (1 year ago) Permalink

Yeah we went in London Cocktail Week, I was dead impressed.

I must have hit Green Papaya on a bad day because the meal I had was really quite poor - absence of strong flavours right through the meal + unusual greasiness even in the pho. My wife's been conducting a survey in which she's been eating the same plain beef pho in all the Kingsland Road places, meaning I've eaten bits and bobs in most of them now, the thing which strikes me is that most places have something amazing and something disappointing. If you strike unlucky with your ordering you'll think you've been in a very poor restaurant.

― Tim, Wednesday, 16 November 2011 06:06 (1 year ago) Permalink

My wife's been conducting a survey in which she's been eating the same plain beef pho in all the Kingsland Road places

i would be v interested in the outcomes of this survey.

Went to Seoul Bakery - the littlest and cutest-looking of those under-centerpoint Korean restaurants (apparently the one at the end - woo jung? - isn't very good) - the other day. the food maybe isn't the best you can get, but it's cheap and cheerful and charming and pretty much perfect for scarfing down a quick plate of tteokbokki on a cold day.

― I got this idea from a Tumblr spam I got once lol.. (c sharp major), Wednesday, 16 November 2011 14:16 (1 year ago) Permalink

My buddy's vietnamese recommendations:

Song Que (Haggerston) - best noodles
Cay Tre (Hoxton) - decent broth, subpar noodles
Cay Tre (SoHo) - decent appetizers
Tay Do (Haggerston) - average
BanhMi11 - awful

― citation needed (Steve Shasta), Thursday, 17 November 2011 18:21 (1 year ago) Permalink

1 month passes...

anywhere been anywhere good in the xmas downtime? i've missed this thread.

finally went to the corner room, it was excellent, can't believe i waited so long to go to such a good restaurant not 5 mins from my flat. particularly good wine too.

anyone been to meat liqour yet? i wasn't going to bother but a few rave reviews have got me considering it. is it hell to get into?

hawksmoor guildhall is really nice, a great dining room with huge space between the tables, real privacy, and the service works very well. they know what they're doing but after you eat they automatically keep a table for you in the bar area in case you want a drink.

beyond that i'm anticipating pitt cue co opening in soho sometime this month, didn't love their pop-up thing but i have enough faith to try their permanent place, mainly after reading this: http://www.hot-dinners.com/Features/Interviews/barbecue-in-soho-talking-to-pitt-cue-cos-tom-adams

that and i want to to roganic, goodmans, and that weird "burger and lobster" place in mayfair which i read about.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Thursday, 5 January 2012 10:18 (1 year ago) Permalink

not really... went to the jolly butchers a few times for beers (which i think you recommended in this thread?) loved it, which it was right next door to my house.

what did you think of roganic? we werent that in to it, altho i was really really hungover when we went so that might have been to blame

― just sayin, Thursday, 5 January 2012 10:22 (1 year ago) Permalink

need to go back to the corner rom

― just sayin, Thursday, 5 January 2012 10:23 (1 year ago) Permalink

Think I'm going to try Meatliqour either early in the week or on a day off, it's too central for its reputation at the moment and the queues are ridiculous. They should install a queue webcam. Or start accepting bookings like every other non-annoying place in London.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 5 January 2012 10:35 (1 year ago) Permalink

not been to roganic actually, sorry my error for "go to" makes it look confusing.

jolly butcher is indeed great, the food wasn't amazing when i was there, that'd be my only warning.

anyone been to brewdog in camden? kinda keen and their burgers meant to be seriously good, but i'm imagining it being full of "rock" wankers.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Thursday, 5 January 2012 10:39 (1 year ago) Permalink

Dirty posh hippies more like.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 5 January 2012 10:46 (1 year ago) Permalink

i went to meatliquor and it was so awful i've vowed never to go back. staff are so rude and we had to order drinks 3 or 4 times before anything arrived. waited an hour for food etc. avoid.

i took some japanese colleagues of mine to hawksmoor before christmas and i think it was maybe the best meal i've ever had in london. the staff there are amazing - the guys i was with couldn't really understand the menu so he asked them some vague questions about what cocktails they liked and made custom drinks for everyone. then they didn't know what any of the sauces were so they brought out each one for them to try with some bread. oh and the steak is insane. really impressed.

― tpp, Thursday, 5 January 2012 10:51 (1 year ago) Permalink

We went to Pizarro on Bermondsey Street and we were delighted.

We keep going back to 40 Maltby Street and loving the place, the combination of totally solid rustic food and the complete passion the staff have for the wine they import and serve is such a pleasure.

― Tim, Thursday, 5 January 2012 10:52 (1 year ago) Permalink

I've heard good things about both José and Pizarro - really must go soon.

― you don't exist in the database (woof), Thursday, 5 January 2012 10:57 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah really need to spend more time around bermondsey for some of those places.

yeah i'm consistently impressed by the staff, they're just naturally enthusiastic about the food and drinks there, it doesn't feel fake at all.

got a voucher as a present over the holidays which is burning a hole in my pocket already.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Thursday, 5 January 2012 10:58 (1 year ago) Permalink

I enjoyed Pizarro more than Jose - not based on the food, which was excellent in both places but based on the fact that I am neither young enough not funky enough nor (indeed) Spanish enough to love eating while standing up next to the few square centimetres of counter space I can shove myself next to. I'm much happier having a sit down meal, but would be very pleased to use Jose again for a crafty glass of sherry and a delicious snack.

― Tim, Thursday, 5 January 2012 11:05 (1 year ago) Permalink

i went to meatliquor twice and never had to queue and food came within 15 minutes

although once was at 9pm after shopping and the other time was before they officially opened

― Alan Shearer (ken c), Thursday, 5 January 2012 11:14 (1 year ago) Permalink

are there still queues then during normal times? it's been open for a couple of months..

didn't think the food was as good as before though (maybe because i don't have to wait so long and lost a bit of the starvation induced tastiness)

― Alan Shearer (ken c), Thursday, 5 January 2012 11:16 (1 year ago) Permalink

nice cocktails, however

― Alan Shearer (ken c), Thursday, 5 January 2012 11:16 (1 year ago) Permalink

i took some japanese colleagues of mine to hawksmoor before christmas and i think it was maybe the best meal i've ever had in london. the staff there are amazing - the guys i was with couldn't really understand the menu so he asked them some vague questions about what cocktails they liked and made custom drinks for everyone. then they didn't know what any of the sauces were so they brought out each one for them to try with some bread. oh and the steak is insane. really impressed.

which hawksmoor did you go to? the different branches seem to be quite different. the seven dials one have been fantastic every time i went, whereas been to the shoreditch one twice now and both times food was so and so.

i hear the guildhall one is great but not sure if can be bothered to travel on a weekday (i know, all the way to moorgate)

― Alan Shearer (ken c), Thursday, 5 January 2012 11:23 (1 year ago) Permalink

worth a trip imo...it's a seriously swanky place.

i've had great food twice at spitalfields one but it's not as nice a room as the others by any stretch.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Thursday, 5 January 2012 11:25 (1 year ago) Permalink

hum i might give it a go in that case..

i heard good things about goodman, but never been - is it any good?

― Alan Shearer (ken c), Thursday, 5 January 2012 11:28 (1 year ago) Permalink

one friend who went there said better than the hawksmoor, but not been myself.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Thursday, 5 January 2012 12:29 (1 year ago) Permalink

I went ages ago but ended up fighting with gf, stress, tears, that's all I can remember sorry.

― you don't exist in the database (woof), Thursday, 5 January 2012 12:32 (1 year ago) Permalink

I queued for about half an hour to get into Meatliquor and waited about the same again for my food.

It was decent. Not mindblowing, but then I'd eaten at the Peckham spot so knew what to expect.

Happy to see Pitt Cue Co getting a permanent place.

Looking forward to trying Hawksmoor Guildhall tomorrow night. Anyone got any tips on must-try sides or cocktails there?

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Thursday, 5 January 2012 12:35 (1 year ago) Permalink

Hawksmoor chips cooked in dripping = heavenly.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 5 January 2012 12:44 (1 year ago) Permalink

I'm really keen to try that Burger and Lobster place, too. I think it's run by the same people as goodman?

Have spent a few weeks at home/skint so not much to contribute, but fwiw I did have a wonderful pizza in the Edinburgh Brewdog whilst I was home, so I'd hope the camden one's food would be similarly good.

(Even though I don't often say much, I've missed this thread more than any other!)

― sktsh, Thursday, 5 January 2012 13:27 (1 year ago) Permalink

if they have the tamworth belly ribs in guildhall (it's on the menu at seven dials but not shoreditch) - deffo have it. it feels counter intuitive to eat non-beef there, but you will not regret it.

― Alan Shearer (ken c), Thursday, 5 January 2012 13:44 (1 year ago) Permalink

it seems sadly it isn't. but yes the dripping chips (again missing in shoreditch!) is 3 times better than the triple cooked. maybe it's nonuple cooked?

― Alan Shearer (ken c), Thursday, 5 January 2012 13:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

mag i work for ran Hawksmoor's beef shin macaroni recipe (from the new place's tasting menu). Did have me drooling.

― you don't exist in the database (woof), Thursday, 5 January 2012 13:58 (1 year ago) Permalink

Thanks all. Beef dripping chips a must it seems.

if they have the tamworth belly ribs in guildhall (it's on the menu at seven dials but not shoreditch) - deffo have it. it feels counter intuitive to eat non-beef there, but you will not regret it.
― Alan Shearer (ken c), Thursday, January 5, 2012

They have Plum Pudding Belly Ribs...

http://thehawksmoor.com/wp-content/uploads/menus/GH-Dinner.pdf

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Thursday, 5 January 2012 15:04 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah i tried that last time it was good but for some reason wasn't as incredible as the other one! I'm not sure why. maybe i just visited on a bad day?

have the £3 bone marrow with your steak as well - it's fatty.. i remember as a starter was a bit too big even shared..

only thing i would skip is the lobster - rather small for £17.50

― Alan Shearer (ken c), Thursday, 5 January 2012 15:15 (1 year ago) Permalink

never had a bad cocktail there but having looked at the menu, http://thehawksmoor.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/GH-Cocktail.pdf

i had the somerset sour and the px treacle last time, px treacle was the better of the two, and a good one to have after the meal, more of a regular drink.

there are so many it's hard to tally. the one with climpsons coffee in it is amazing also, had that a few months back.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Thursday, 5 January 2012 21:11 (1 year ago) Permalink

Sadly I didn't make it on Friday. My girlfriend was full of a cold so we switched our booking to this week.

Anyone eat anywhere good on the weekend?

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Monday, 9 January 2012 08:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

nearly went here http://www.formans.co.uk/ but ended up in the counter cafe

― Crackle Box, Monday, 9 January 2012 14:03 (1 year ago) Permalink

wasn't over the moon about counter cafe when i went. it was tasty but for guts of a tenner i'd expect a less dainty fry-up, or just in general wouldn't want a dainty fry up.

anyone up for a london restaurants meal outing sometime this year? would be a bit of a laugh i reckon.

― When a German communicates, you listen (LocalGarda), Monday, 9 January 2012 19:05 (1 year ago) Permalink

looks like pitt cue is open...

― just sayin, Monday, 16 January 2012 15:27 (1 year ago) Permalink

http://theskinnybib.com/2012/01/16/pitt-cue-co-american-barbcue-soho-london/

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Monday, 16 January 2012 15:54 (1 year ago) Permalink

i would eat that

― just sayin, Monday, 16 January 2012 15:57 (1 year ago) Permalink

I know the Seven Stars pub just off Lincoln's Inn/within the Inns of Court pub is quite well known, but really do want to rep for its food. Went there just before Christmas, and as always I had the herring, which is probably one of the weaker things on the menu, but my friend's roast duck hash with poached egg on top was AMAZING. It was actually widgeon, and very very gamey. The Adnam's also excellent. Yes it's a little pricey, but I've had a lot worse for the same or more.

― Fizzles, Monday, 16 January 2012 20:12 (1 year ago) Permalink

i love the shaky pete cocktail at hawksmoor. went there for the roast on sunday and it was perfect.

― tpp, Monday, 16 January 2012 20:24 (1 year ago) Permalink

Not sure if this thread is coverng takeaways but there is a Japanese one at the start of Leather lane that has just opened (replacing the 'authentic' Italian pizza one) and its excellent.

― xyzzzz__, Monday, 16 January 2012 23:03 (1 year ago) Permalink

I really fancy Banh Mi this weekend. Where are people's favourite places?

Any thoughts on this list?

http://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/features/10293/London-s_best_banh_mi.html

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Friday, 20 January 2012 12:23 (1 year ago) Permalink

I love the mackerel one at Keu.

For some reason Bánhmì11 wasn't at Broadway Market when I went last Sat. Unless it closed up before I arrived at 3pm.

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Friday, 20 January 2012 12:27 (1 year ago) Permalink

Meatliquor last night. Got there just after six, the queue started about five minutes later. When we left at 7.30, it was probably over 100 people long.

― ledge, Friday, 3 February 2012 10:30 (1 year ago) Permalink

Just fucking unnecessary. Either take bookings or install some kind of webcam for the queue. No-bookings policies are increasingly the choice of disgusting savages.

― Matt DC, Friday, 3 February 2012 10:32 (1 year ago) Permalink

I refuse to go to Pitt Cue Co for the same reason, I can't be arsed trekking across town only to be confronted by a half-hour long queue in the freezing cold.

― Matt DC, Friday, 3 February 2012 10:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

Was passing Pitt Cue Co after meeting a friend so decided to pop in. I was on my own so figured the wait wouldn't be so bad. Ended up being about half an hour.

The St Louis ribs and burnt ends mash I had was all kinds of amazing though.

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Friday, 3 February 2012 10:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

I refuse to go to Pitt Cue Co for the same reason, I can't be arsed trekking across town only to be confronted by a half-hour long queue in the freezing cold.

isn't it in soho?

looking forward to trying the new pitt cue co, prob will go on a monday night sometime.

has anyone been to the admiral codrington? the chef tweets pics of their burgers that make me desperate to go there.

― I'm going to allow this! (LocalGarda), Friday, 3 February 2012 14:58 (1 year ago) Permalink

it's in chelsea btw...

― I'm going to allow this! (LocalGarda), Friday, 3 February 2012 14:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

My girlfriend took me to the Admiral Codrington for my birthday last year solely to try that burger.

I must have gone on an off night though as my burger was burnt on the outside and cold in the middle.

I've been meaning to go back.

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Friday, 3 February 2012 15:13 (1 year ago) Permalink

How are the Goodman burgers?

Been wanting to try them based on this... http://youngandfoodish.com/london/top-10-burgers-in-london/

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Friday, 3 February 2012 15:19 (1 year ago) Permalink

lucky chip now in residence @ http://www.sebrightarms.co.uk/

― just sayin, Monday, 6 February 2012 21:07 (1 year ago) Permalink

went to honest burger in brixton last week. £7 for burger & rosemary chips. good stuff. we were early though and there was a queue building as we ate.

― art dealin' thru the west coast (tpp), Monday, 6 February 2012 21:11 (1 year ago) Permalink

lucky chip at sebright has been a bit of a mixed bag imo. long waits, not an amazingly nice pub either, crappy music.

― I'm going to allow this! (LocalGarda), Monday, 6 February 2012 23:26 (1 year ago) Permalink

How do y'all rate the Marquis of Cornwallis. I did some time in Russell Square not long ago and enjoyed it.

Peter G. (American)

― queequeg (peter grasswich), Monday, 6 February 2012 23:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

Ate two of these last night - delicious!

http://youngandfoodish.com/burgers/the-best-1-50-steamed-burger-in-london/

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Tuesday, 7 February 2012 09:28 (1 year ago) Permalink

Anyone got any London food blog recommendations?

― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Tuesday, 7 February 2012 09:29 (1 year ago) Permalink

i read these, but looking at them now i'm not sure why...

http://londoneater.com/
http://blog.city-eating.com/
http://londonreviewofbreakfasts.blogspot.com/

also covers food stuff sometimes:

http://www.greatlittleplace.com/

― ●-● (ledge), Tuesday, 7 February 2012 12:24 (1 year ago) Permalink

lucky chip at sebright has been a bit of a mixed bag imo. long waits, not an amazingly nice pub either, crappy music.

― I'm going to allow this! (LocalGarda), Monday, 6 February 2012 23:26 (Yesterday) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

dammmmn

― just sayin, Tuesday, 7 February 2012 12:29 (1 year ago) Permalink

I quite like this guy.

― sktsh, Tuesday, 7 February 2012 13:03 (1 year ago) Permalink

Ate two of these last night - delicious!
http://youngandfoodish.com/burgers/the-best-1-50-steamed-burger-in-london/
― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Tuesday, 7 February 2012 09:28 (3 hours ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

haha i rememeber eating this before - was very good value for £1.50!!

― Alan Shearer (ken c), Tuesday, 7 February 2012 13:34 (1 year ago) Permalink

went to the sebright for a friend's b'day the other week, was STARVING and looking forward to some lucky chip. got there just after nine and they'd just closed the kitchen. despite having an entire room booked out for a party. was so annoyed. and so hungry.

― first period don't give a fuck, second period gon get cut (lex pretend), Tuesday, 7 February 2012 17:47 (1 year ago) Permalink

their customer service is a bit lacking imo. great burger though, and i appreciate the pickle

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 7 February 2012 17:50 (1 year ago) Permalink

also, i am kind of over this whole post-meatwagon burger burger burger fixation. burgers are great but there is other food as well.

― first period don't give a fuck, second period gon get cut (lex pretend), Tuesday, 7 February 2012 17:57 (1 year ago) Permalink

burgers are kinda shite tbh.

― Alan Shearer (ken c), Tuesday, 7 February 2012 17:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

OMG THE BURGER BACKLASH HAS BEGUN

― Alan Shearer (ken c), Tuesday, 7 February 2012 17:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

burgers are kinda shite except when they're amazing, which is p much the point of the burger burger burger fixation.

― Upt0eleven, Tuesday, 7 February 2012 18:06 (1 year ago) Permalink

i am not over it, obv.

― Upt0eleven, Tuesday, 7 February 2012 18:07 (1 year ago) Permalink

well i am on record as saying that it doesn't take much to make a great burger - good bread, good meat, it's not fucking rocket surgery - so why lucky chip need approx 15 minutes per order is beyond me

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Tuesday, 7 February 2012 18:10 (1 year ago) Permalink

reaaaaally all london needs is an mf'ing in-n-out burger

― art dealin' thru the west coast (tpp), Tuesday, 7 February 2012 18:12 (1 year ago) Permalink

Just had very good chicken soup with matzah balls, followed by a hot dog with sauerkraut at the Deli West 1. Probably not as frighteningly authentic as they claim, but the quality of the food was good. Wd like to try Kosher Roast as well, currently in Kensal Rise I think.

― Fizzles, Tuesday, 7 February 2012 20:03 (1 year ago) Permalink

the burger fixation won't end while people still have to travel to get a decent burger, same as craft beer won't end as a big hype till you can get it everywhere.

i prob was a bit harsh upthread, others may disagree about sebright, i wouldn't warn you off it by any means but i dunno, i think i like the little netil yard, roll on summer for some burgers and ipa there...

i was in paris at the weekend and went to quite a few places i'd read about/researched, gotta say i was mostly disappointed.

the thing that got me most excited all weekend was a tea shop: http://www.dammann.fr/index.php

my entire room smells of rooibos oriental tea right now. they have an "autumn/winter collection" of tea.

― I'm going to allow this! (LocalGarda), Tuesday, 7 February 2012 20:35 (1 year ago) Permalink

2 weeks pass...

ok london restaurants crew the sun is out and we want to sit out by the riverside in a nice pub garden

anyone ever been to 'the ship' in wandsworth?

or the docklands maybe? the captain kidd in wapping has good riverside patio but the food is terrible

i know some good places even further out into the burbs but don't want to travel too far

― art dealin' thru the west coast (tpp), Saturday, 25 February 2012 11:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

The Prospect of Whitby has the same awesome terrace/mediocre food problem as the Captain Kidd. There's a good one across the river in Rotherhithe whose name completely escapes me (it's not the Mayflower).

Whenever I go out west by boat there appear to be about 10 of them out near Hammersmith and most of them look good, although may well be packed.

The Old Brewery in Greenwich isn't directly overlooking the river but it has a big outdoor area and the food and beer are both fantastic, Meantime brewed on the premises etc. Also you could move along to the Cutty Sark and its big riverside cobbled terrace after.

Also The Gun out near Canary Wharf is meant to be excellent, never been in though.

― Homosexual Satan Wasp (Matt DC), Saturday, 25 February 2012 12:00 (1 year ago) Permalink

The Grapes in Limehouse had great fish and chips last time I was there (last May). Delia Smith and David Owen were eating upstairs.

― mmmm, Saturday, 25 February 2012 12:46 (1 year ago) Permalink

That doesn't surprise me at all, The Grapes is owned by Ian McKellan.

― Homosexual Satan Wasp (Matt DC), Saturday, 25 February 2012 14:48 (1 year ago) Permalink

The Narrow in limehouse is alright, haven't eaten there but it's a Gordon Ramsay joint so you'd hope for good things.

― ledge, Saturday, 25 February 2012 18:30 (1 year ago) Permalink

Plenty of recommends round Dalston here but anywhere that hits around Cafe Oto at all that anyone can think of?

― xyzzzz__, Sunday, 26 February 2012 19:54 (1 year ago) Permalink

Had dreadful meal in the Narrow. Poor service, waiter kept trying to flog the specials it was embarrassing. It's in a good spot though.

― mmmm, Sunday, 26 February 2012 21:28 (1 year ago) Permalink

xp there are a handful of really nice turkish grill places around the shacklewell lane junction (where stoke newington rd becomes kingsland rd) if that doesn't feel like too much of a shlep. Number 19 Bos Cirrik is particularly good.

― sktsh, Sunday, 26 February 2012 23:12 (1 year ago) Permalink

yeah the best places in dalston are mostly the turkish ones (mangal is the "classic" i guess but cirrik and stone cave are good too) (and somine is a 24hr lifesaver if you find yourself around there in the early hours - a friend swears by the lentil soup as a hangover dodge tactic). the shanghai is good too, closer to cafe oto - people rarely talk about it when talking about good chinese places in london but it's excellent

― lex pretend, Monday, 27 February 2012 07:41 (1 year ago) Permalink

LMNT on queensbridge rd is ok too

― lex pretend, Monday, 27 February 2012 07:42 (1 year ago) Permalink

Erin Cave (with the big Eye on the front) down by the Rio is also amazing.

I'm not sure why I'd want to eat by the river - not if the river was the Thames!

― Andrew Farrell, Monday, 27 February 2012 08:45 (1 year ago) Permalink

Cleanest urban river in Europe etc etc. I heard that once. No idea whether it's true.

I've been trying to eat out less recently, mostly as an attempt to reduce personal lardiness. Nevertheless we've hit some good places the last few weekends:

RSJ - in behind the South Bank Centre. Really very good modern European business, nothing trendy but nothing shy of delicious, the £20 prix fixe was remarkably good value.
Azou - tagine restaurant in the odd hinterland where Hammersmith becomes Chiswick. The bread sticks in my mind, but the fish tagine was great too.
32 Great Queen Street - Covent Garden sister resto of the Anchor and Hope, with a similar (maybe slightly longer?) menu, i.e. totally great. Takes bookings, meaning avoiding the scrum to get into A&H.
Zeret Kitchen, in an unpromising concretey corner of Camberwell. They're incredibly friendly and nice in there, and their set meal ("Zeret Surprise", although they tell you what you're going to get) is genuinely the best value meal I've had in ages: £16.95 for two people. We arrived hungry and couldn't finish, massively enjoyed all of the food. I can't recommend this place enough.

― Tim, Monday, 27 February 2012 09:05 (1 year ago) Permalink

(Zeret Kitchen is an Ethiopian restaurant btw.)

― Tim, Monday, 27 February 2012 09:06 (1 year ago) Permalink

The Thames is pretty clean, it's just naturally muddy.

― Homosexual Satan Wasp (Matt DC), Monday, 27 February 2012 11:00 (1 year ago) Permalink

mud is not clean

― lex pretend, Monday, 27 February 2012 13:30 (1 year ago) Permalink

RSJ looks like a very good tip, i'm often in the market for somewhere good to eat round there and as decent as canteen is, some variety is always appreciated

― lex pretend, Monday, 27 February 2012 13:31 (1 year ago) Permalink

i was at shanghai on saturday night for dinner. it's the first time i've gotten something other than dim sum there and it was excellent.

yeah, somine is totally crucial. the staff are terrific as well, laconic, laid back yet on the ball.

― TracerHandVEVO (Tracer Hand), Monday, 27 February 2012 13:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

Thx - went to Shanghai. Did the trick.

― xyzzzz__, Thursday, 1 March 2012 13:44 (1 year ago) Permalink

finally got to meatliquor, i was shopping yday and it appeared before my eyes at about 1300 so i nipped in. pretty great, though for me it's a real toss-up between it and lucky chip, couldn't say which is a better burger really. lucky chip better fries but the deep fried pickles in meatliquor are amazing. it's pricey enough for what it is i guess.

― I'm going to allow this! (LocalGarda), Sunday, 4 March 2012 10:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

Cheap global eats I currently love:
Lahore Masala House on Kentish Town Road. Much cheaper than the excellent Bengal Lancer across the road. You can easily fill up two people for £20. Very good Pakistani food. Proper naan baking pit, and even the safest, dullest dishes come with a new tang. £7.50 for the whole tandoori chicken - much spicier than you expect - is a steal.
Abu Zaad on Uxbridge Road. Syrian restaurant with fantastic and very well priced range of kebabs plus mezzes and so on. Also: their juices. At £2.50 you'd assume strawberry juice would be one of those heavily sugared "nectars". It was proper strawberry juice: must have been a fiver's worth of strawberries to get that much juice. The cafe's tied to the very busy butcher just down the road, so the meat is likely all fresh. Been very well reviewed by Matthew Norman in the Telegraph.

― Viva Brother Beyond (ithappens), Sunday, 4 March 2012 10:40 (1 year ago) Permalink

Just been to what I think is a very good Italian restaurant, just off the Edgware/Marylebone Roads: Briciole.

INTERLUDE

I think, apart from the early-ish days of Valvolle & Crolla in Edinburgh, I've never had an even approaching decent Italian meal outside of Italy (V&C also got a lot worse quickly). God alone knows it can be tough enough in Italy (despite people banging on about it being impossible to eat badly there, that's simply not true, it's exceptionally easy to eat badly in Italy, esp if you are a tourist.)

The ristorante style places tend towards the extremely expensive small portions, the trattoria type places often don't have sufficiently good quality basic ingredients (or bases, like stocks and pastas).

La Semplice was poor, and expensive. Il Baretto was okay-ish the first time I went, but has got both a lot more expensive and a lot worse since. Haven't been to Locattelli, admittedly. Think Polpo is good-ish, but badly overrated, Latium was appalling and v expensive, Trullo was good! But less good the second time. I haven't been to Boca di Lupo and prob shd, seeing as fairly regularly go to Gelupo for ice creams opposite.

Anyway, Briciole is new. And I would strongly recommend anyone who is in the area go. I had the meatballs in hen broth - meatballs excellent, stock could have been clearer (also wd've preferred veal?), and some fagiolini in lemon and butter, v good, and a glass of wine. Wd like to try their pasta/meat/fish before giving it a proper seal of approval. I can't possibly imagine they'll stay open very long on these terms. The place is large, and the prices are extremely fair, and the menu is excellent (inc. grilled sausage and turnip top, gnocchi with tomatoes and scamorza, sausage polenta and pecorino, tagliatelle with artichokes, stewed cannellini, cod and potato + standards) . The bread is made on the premises (give a fuck about bread tbh, but i had a bit, and it was v good, and more importantly is indicative of their current frighteningly inefficient attention to detail), and the wine as far as this ingleterran paesano can tell was good. Go! I don't imagine it'll stay this good and reasonably priced for long.

― Fizzles, Tuesday, 6 March 2012 16:24 (1 year ago) Permalink

was at 32 great queen street tonight, had roast leg of kid between two people, it was excellent. good starters too, cuttlefish with wild garlic and peas and smoked herring with broccoli and leeks.

― I'm going to allow this! (LocalGarda), Tuesday, 6 March 2012 23:18 (1 year ago) Permalink

Fizzles, you ever been to 500 in archway? it is p damn good iirc

― love in der club of gore (c sharp major), Wednesday, 7 March 2012 00:33 (1 year ago) Permalink

Thanks C#M. Will head up there soon and report back.

― Fizzles, Wednesday, 7 March 2012 09:47 (1 year ago) Permalink

I just moved to archway! will go check this out mmmhmm

― Rosie 47 (ken c), Wednesday, 7 March 2012 09:53 (1 year ago) Permalink

not sure what else is good around there.. heard that sitara is good although not sure about this "jazz" business

― Rosie 47 (ken c), Wednesday, 7 March 2012 09:55 (1 year ago) Permalink

but then since hillmarton tandoori deliver to us i don't see any reason to eat out.

― Rosie 47 (ken c), Wednesday, 7 March 2012 09:57 (1 year ago) Permalink

I keep meaning to go to 32 Great Queen Street as it's right round the corner from my office. Isn't from the Anchor & Hope guys?

― Homosexual Satan Wasp (Matt DC), Wednesday, 7 March 2012 10:15 (1 year ago) Permalink

yep. its p much anchor + hope but you can book (i.e way better)

― just sayin, Wednesday, 7 March 2012 10:32 (1 year ago) Permalink

It feels way less hectic than A&H I think, love them both in their different ways,

― Tim, Wednesday, 7 March 2012 10:35 (1 year ago) Permalink

it's a little diff to anchor & hope I guess, but not much. I agree with Tim, the A&H benefits from the fact it's a pub. 32 great queen street was more a restaurant.

― I'm going to allow this! (LocalGarda), Wednesday, 7 March 2012 22:29 (1 year ago) Permalink

How do y'all rate the Marquis of Cornwallis. I did some time in Russell Square not long ago and enjoyed it.

Peter G. (American)

― queequeg (peter grasswich), Monday, February 6, 2012 3:33 PM (1 month ago)

Thanks for chiming in you precious twatz.

Peter Grasswichy

― queequeg (peter grasswich), Thursday, 8 March 2012 00:00 (1 year ago) Permalink

Any recommendations for lunch near Paddington Station?

― NEEDS MORE BOIIING (seandalai), Thursday, 8 March 2012 00:36 (1 year ago) Permalink

pearl liang?

― Rosie 47 (ken c), Thursday, 8 March 2012 13:42 (1 year ago) Permalink

if you fancy dim sum (and depending on how much time you have)

― Rosie 47 (ken c), Thursday, 8 March 2012 13:43 (1 year ago) Permalink

Dim sum sounds great, though we probably just have an hour or so...

― NEEDS MORE BOIIING (seandalai), Thursday, 8 March 2012 15:04 (1 year ago) Permalink

an hour prolly enough depending on the day (and if you book a table)

― Rosie 47 (ken c), Thursday, 8 March 2012 16:49 (1 year ago) Permalink

2 weeks pass...

Recommendations for pubs near Bunhill Fields?

― ledge, Friday, 23 March 2012 09:17 (1 year ago) Permalink

... big and quiet enough to accommodate 15-20 people on a saturday afternoon?

― ledge, Friday, 23 March 2012 09:19 (1 year ago) Permalink

Artillery Arms is usually quiet most of the time, except for a weekday evening rush after work. Not sure I've been there on a Saturday though so it might be shut. I used to take a book there and read with a pint when I had time off in the week.

― mmmm, Friday, 23 March 2012 09:37 (1 year ago) Permalink

Artillery Arms, right there next to Bunhill Fields. It's not big bit it's generally quiet enough on a Saturday.

xp yeah

― Tim, Friday, 23 March 2012 09:37 (1 year ago) Permalink

Will try it out, cheers.

― ledge, Friday, 23 March 2012 09:39 (1 year ago) Permalink

Yes do check in advance - so many pubs in the area shut at the weekend. Don't forget to say hello to Blake and... who else is it there? Milton?

― Fizzles, Friday, 23 March 2012 10:59 (1 year ago) Permalink

Bunyan and Defoe are the other two big men there. Milton's in St Giles (the one by the Barbican, not the west end one).

― woof, Friday, 23 March 2012 11:03 (1 year ago) Permalink

The web says it's open - and there's The Fox a few streets away, if it's full. Will be going there with a drawing group so good to know about Blake!

― ledge, Friday, 23 March 2012 11:07 (1 year ago) Permalink

I really like Bunhill Fields. & I was curious about why you're going there with 15-20, but decided not to joke in case it was something to do with the dead, or you were on a conventicle outing to the Museum of Methodism (but I had trouble casting you as a practising methodist, and anyway if you were why would you be going to a pub?)

― woof, Friday, 23 March 2012 11:13 (1 year ago) Permalink

Of course it's Bunyan. Just kept on thinking he MUST be buried in Bedford.

― Fizzles, Friday, 23 March 2012 12:01 (1 year ago) Permalink

Bayes is there too.

― mmmm, Friday, 23 March 2012 12:22 (1 year ago) Permalink

I like Bunhill Fields too, an oasis of calm in that part of London. I've been to the Artillery Arms when a group of Blake-followers have been commemorating his birthday. Lots of bearded hippies declaiming poetry, it was fun!

― good luck in your pyramid (Neil S), Friday, 23 March 2012 12:54 (1 year ago) Permalink

Ate two of these last night - delicious!
http://youngandfoodish.com/burgers/the-best-1-50-steamed-burger-in-london/
― Super Receptor (Barnaby, Hardly), Tuesday, 7 February 2012 09:28 (3 hours ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink
haha i rememeber eating this before - was very good value for £1.50!!
― Alan Shearer (ken c), Tuesday, February 7, 2012 1:34 PM (1 month ago) Bookmark

My current Saturday lunch - they're great.

― Fizzles, Saturday, 24 March 2012 15:34 (1 year ago) Permalink

has anyone been to BURGER AND LOBSTER yet

― thomp, Saturday, 24 March 2012 15:41 (1 year ago) Permalink

Is that the place in Mayfair? I haven't been yet, but I'm tempted. The pricing structure seemed a little odd iirc, and by 'odd' I think I mean expensive.

― Fizzles, Saturday, 24 March 2012 16:28 (1 year ago) Permalink

cheap for lobster, expensive for burger

― just sayin, Saturday, 24 March 2012 16:37 (1 year ago) Permalink

So I hear, was at hawksmoor spitalfields bar on tues. great poutine, highly meaty and very British burger, cheaper than the restaurant and more casual, pretty great option overall once you don't boost the bill by drinking way too many kernels.

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