Barrafina

What: Spanish tapas

Where: Soho

Value: £30 pp

Food Review: Each course is as delicious as the last. Due to being quite close to other people, you get to see what they are having and end up ordering other people's dishes. Each dish has its own unique twist that makes it stand out. The octupus is tantilisingly soft, the aoili is garlicky (in a good way), the sea bream is meaty and the courgette flower is sweet with honey and salty with goats cheese. This is finished off with creme brulee, spanish style with an underlying taste of cinnamon. All dishes will leave you wanting more.

Settings Review: A tiny restaurant from the outside, with not a lot of seating inside. This is due to the fact that the seating area takes place around the bar. This allows the diners a free show with there dinner and creates a more personal atmosphere.

Positives: great selection, amazing taste

Negatives: not a lot of space, come early as there are queues

3 words: delicious, unique, quirky

 

 

Stax

What: American Diner

Where: Kingly Court, Carnaby St

Value: £15 pp

Food Review: Recently opened, this place does burgers during the day and brunch most mornings. As i went for brunch i ordered blueberry pancakes and chicken and waffles. I also wanted to order the maple beef bacon but this had run out. Upon the drinks menu was overpriced coffee and tea and orange juice. This meant only the orange juice would be worth it. The large orange juice arrived in a kitsch jug (which handles), alongside the chicken placed upon waffles with a side of maple syrup and blueberry pancakes with a side of cream and more maple syrup. The meal was great and ver
y american diner style but it did not stand out from the crowd.

Settings Review: Kingly court is nestled in on the side of carnaby street, and stax is placed above above overlooking the restaurants below. The restaurant itself is not very big and has a array of seating. As it does get full up easily, it pays to come early. 

Positives: good hearty american food, halal

Negatives: overpriced drinks, lack of seating

3 words: tasty, american, quirky

Hummingbirds

What: Bakery

Where: South Kensington

Value: £5

Food Review: The cafe hosts a range of cakes, from big cakes to cupcakes to brownies. It also offers coffee or tea. However, the cakes can be a little to dry and not as light as they should be. This could be due to the fact that I came later in the day, but this should not affect the moisture of the cake if it is made well and on the day.

Settings Review: This cute and cosy cafe is located close, but not too close to South Kensington St. Inside the cafe, there is limited seating and the few seats that are there, are usually taken up.
 

Positives: innovative ideas, cosy

Negetives: can be dry, small so not a lot of seats

3 Word Reviews: Pretty but average

 

 

Timberyard

What: Coffee Shop

Where: Old Street

Value: £3-10

Food Review: The coffee is good and what I regularly go for but they also serve pastries and food. The brownie and almond croissant in particular stand out, although very indulgent and slightly too pricy and calorific for a regular. As they do not have a kitchen they are able to serve only salads and grilled sandwiches at lunch time. The salads can be a hit or a miss but the grilled sandwiches do fill you up and seem as though you have eaten more.

Settings Review: Located of old street, alongside many other cafes and coffee shops. However, as somewhere that is not only close to my office but also my local i prefer its charm, small touches such as comfy sofas, free ipads and positive customer service.

Positives: great coffee, great customer service

Negetives: could be open later and have a kitchen for hot food

3 Word Reviews: Great morning fix

Mama Lan

What: Japanese

Where: Clapham Common

Value: £15pp

Food Review: The menu is limited and is set out as a snack menu, which is the idea, to order a lot of dishes. As I wasnt that hungry I was able to order a couple of dishes and even these filled me up. The first dish ordered was a mini japanese halloumi burger which although small, packed a punch. Each bite was a explosion of flavours. Next were 2 types of dumplings, one consisted of prawns and the other of mushroom, each was equally delicious and moorish.

Settings Review: Located off busy clapham common it is not that easy to find as the shop is small and has a dark exterior. Inside, there is limited seating and plenty of people packed inside. The interior design is cute and quirky and the personal touches are shown.

Positives: amazing food, moorish

Negatives: small, limited seating

3 Word Reviews: authentic, warming, snack

Franco Manca

What: Pizza

Where: Balham

Value: £12pp

Food Review: There is not a lot of selection and there starters are limited, but the pizzas are what you come for. With a thin crust and authentic ingrediants used, it makes the recipient think that they are in a italian countryside. The wood fired oven adds to the restaurants authenticity. The chilli oil that can be added additionally is hot though, you have been warned!

Settings Review: Located in the back street of Balham alongside a Pizza Express, although there is no competition. It is not easy to find if you are not from the area. Once inside, you can find yourself a mixture of table seating randomly placed and may result in some tight spots.

Positives: cosy, quick service

Negatives: limited starter and dessert menu

3 Word Reviews: authentic, fresh, delicious

The Perfectionist Cafe

What: British Food

Where: Heathrow Airport, Terminal 2

Food Review: Great big portion of fish and chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce. I dont like super mushy peas, and these were not. The fish came with super crispy batter and melt in the mouth fish alongside proper thick cut chips. An additional spray of vinegar could be sprayed to add just the right of salti ess.

Settings Review: Located on top floor of the terminal therefore allows you to see people passing by. Has a bar area for people by themselves which allows people to talk to each other. Bar and tables both have numerous plugs to allow customers to sit for a while if it is not busy.

Positives: great food, friendly staff, cool drinks

Negatives: pricey, not many flight boards

3 Word Review: Good British Food

Lobster Kitchen

Where: Tottenham Court Rd


Price: £10 (half-price for opening)


Food Review: Considering the whole lobster and lobster tails are cooked in white wine, the only option is to have the lobster roll, of which there are only two options, the skinny and the garlicky (as the cocktail also contains alcohol). So I ordered the garlicky which came with chips and a drink, of which the only non-alcoholic option was a harsh ginger beer or a no sugar lemon and lime soda. Deep fried clams were also ordered. The garlicky consisted of a good amount of lobster and what was described as a brioche bun, but was not. The bun was not a soft melt in the mouth, but a harsh burger bun which eventually got washed with sugar free, tasteless soda. Thinking the sides would have been better, but they were not the chips were your average skinny fries and the fried clams tasted of the leftover crispy bits from fish and generally a bit disappointing.


Settings Review: Before even entering it is hard to find the entrance, at the time of going there was a big queue but it looks like it is to the restaurant next door or to a club entrance, when finally realising it is the big queue, due to its tiny sign. We queue up for 30 mins to be then seated in a tiny restaurant. This tiny restaurant is charming even though it is packed with people. Its interior has been carefully thought about and fits in with the theme of the restaurant.


Positives: cheap, funky interior


Negatives: hard to find, not many options, not as tasty


3 Word Review: must try harder

 

 

The Villandry

What: The Villandry

Where: Portland St

Price: £35pp

Food Review: When choosing from the menu, the options were limited. The specials consisted of half a lobster or a whole, upon which I ordered whole, and am glad I did. The lobster was not very meaty and came with either a small portion of salad or chips. This was quite expensive and was not worth it.
The cocktail was pretty good, refreshing and fruity.
The dessert also redeemed the meal, although it was shared, it could have been for one.

Settings Review: Upon entrance, we were given a variety of dining arrangements with comfortable seating. The room was dimly lit which made this hard to see the special board which was tucked away in the corner. Apart from this, the room was created for a cosy, warm, relaxing evening.

Positives: great ambience

Negatives: overpriced

3 Word Review: expensive, british, ambience

Kensington Creperie

Where: South Kensington

Value: £7 pp

Food Review: A extensive menu with various combinations of waffles and pancakes. Upon deciding, 2 pancakes were ordered chocolate, and another with tropical fruit. Upon arrival, the tropical fruit had contained fruit from a can, which was not what was imagined. Although, the waffles and crepes were made and not from a packet, and were warm and satisfying, but possibly not something one would remember for a long time. 

Settings Review: Located in the central of South Kensington within the square, making it close to passing tourists coming and going from nearby museums makes it a great place to people watch and watch the world go by.

Positives: great place to people watch,

Negatives: fruit is canned, overpriced, crowded

3 words: people watching, summer

Shoryu

What: Japanese Street Food

Where:Kingly Court, Soho

Value: £20pp

Food Review: A range of non-alcoholic drinks are available, so an order of a virgin mojito and pink lychee tea was ordered. The virgin mojito seemed to be showered with salt whilst the pink lychee, the opposite. Each were interesting in their own way, but possibly not a second time.
The accompanying sides were the tastiest part of the whole meal. The fishcakes when ordered were thought of as standard Thai fishcakes, round and a strong smell of fish, what came however were not. With a crispy coating, a texture similar to that of calamari and a gooey cheesy filling. Next the bun, a standard dough, but it was the filling of crispy jumbo prawns and a mayonnaise like sauce which made its moorishly tasting. I had okra before but not like this, deep fried and wrapped and coated, his was a new experience and one that will make me think of okra in a different light. The soup itself although thought to be the star of the show, was not. Although it was filling, it was not that different and did not stand out.
Settings Review: Located in kingly court amongst the variety of restaurants means that it must stand out, which it does, with its strong statement wooden panelled exterior and its extension into the the courtyard. It is reminiscent of a experience with that of a cosmopolitan far east country.

Positives: interesting food, range of non-alcoholic drinks

Negatives: slow service

3 word Review: tasty, unusual, inspiring

Muriels Kitchen

What: Dinner at British Cafe

Where: Leicester Square, London

Value: £15pp

Food Review: First to come were the milkshakes, thick, glossy and extremely indulgent. If anything a place to visit just for this.

Then a pizza came, which was nice and filling, however there was no stand out quality. As the milkshakes were quite indulgent, a further inspection at a later date would be needed. In conclusion, not great for food, possibly cakes and drinks.

Settings Review: Located off Leicester Square, it is a prime spot for tourists and this is shown in the price. However, inside it has a cottage rustic feel, perhaps this is done to distract the tourist from the hustle and bustle and to restore calm. Whatever the reason, it makes it a haven from a hectic day of sightseeing. 

Positives: great tasty milkshakes, luscious cakes

Negatives: rushed, customer service not great

3 words: average, quick bite

Gore Hotel

What: Afternoon Tea

Where: South Kensington, London

Value: £24pp

Food Review: On offer were a selection of 5 teas, no coffee or hot chocolate. The tea range was a bit minimal and could have been done with more choice. The sandwichs were soft and tasty, but did not stand out. The cakes were the star of the show, starting with the chocolate cake pops and ending with the lightly buttered pastry cases of the fruit tartlets. The scones were accompanied with exquisite clotted cream and sticky jam.

Settings Review: Settled in kensington among the embassies,the hotel is located. Upon entrance in the dining room you are surround by stunning beauty and elegance. It has a victorian british interior which oozes eleagance. There is not much seating which is normal nit a good thing, but here, it works. It allows the diners a more intimate experience with thier guests.

Positives: quirky cakes, beautiful surroundings with charm

Negatives: be aware of extra add-ons

3 words: quirky, charming, pretty

Maximini

What: Lunch at Halal Chinese

Where: Paddington

Value: £30pp

Food Review: This is the best halal Chinese I have been to in a while, with great food and atmosphere. The portion size was plenty and reasonable priced especially for a special occasion meal. Also, halal duck dishes are hard to come by so this offered a great twist to the usual Chinese dishes on offer. The crispy duck in particular was the dish to order, aswell as the glazed prawns.  

Setting Review: Located on a quite back street, on a side road lies this restaurant alongside a few others. However, what makes it stand out is its authentic Chinese exterior. Whilst there is seating available outside i had opted to sit inside. Once entered you are reminiscent of China and all it has to offer. Decorated with ornate authentic decorations adds to the Chinese experience. 

3 words: delicious, tantalising, moorish 

Positives: Friendly service, halal duck

Negatives: non-alcoholic drinks are limited 3 words: delectable and positive ambience

Paramount

What: Lunch at Modern British

Where: Tottenham Court Road, London

Value: £40pp

Food Review: A non-alcoholic menu was not set out but a cocktail could be changed, so I stuck to a classic mojito, which I can't complain. For starters was arricini , which was exquisitely made with the right amount of flavour. For main, cod with pomme puree, which was overpowered with salt. For dessert a melt in the middle chocolate pudding, which due to the fact I had been looking at the view had turned to just a chocolate pudding which none the less was still amazing. To end the meal, drinks were ordered including coffee with a pretty heart on top.

Settings Review:  Located in what was considered to a be an architectural masterpiece, located high, at the top of the tower is Paramount. It is split over two floors, with the lower, a modern dining experience and the above a  bar that wraps around the building, allowing a view of the streets below, including oxford street, The interior within the restaurant does not hold a an open kitchen but instead with simple sleek modern furniture, a contrast from its concrete exterior.   

Positives: great tasting food, beautiful view, halal food can be ordered with advance notice

Negatives: salty, separate drinks list could be available

3 words: expensive, beautifully made

Caravan

What: Brunch



Where: Kings Cross, London







Value: £15pp




Food Review: Upon entering at 11am on a Sunday for brunch, I was told it would be a 2 hour queue. I then decided to wait with a coffee ordered from a very packed bar, also people waiting, the coffee itself, woke me up instantly which numbed the pain of waiting. Once waiting for more than 2 hours, we were finally seated. I was able to overlook the menu. First I ordered a fruit juice, cheese and onion jam on toast, and Middle Eastern poached eggs alongside berry compote with waffles. The freshly squeezed watermelon and mint juice were the first to come, a refreshing taste following on from the waiting with a large amount of people. Next the cheese and onion jam on sour bread, which melted in your mouth and warmed your inside. The eggs seemed to be done in a middle eastern style, which was unusual as the restaurant did not have seem to have a middle eastern them, anyhow, they were still delicious. To finish of the meal were a berry compote with waffles and a dollop of cream, eaten as a trio, it was amazing.




Settings Review: The location is set on the edge of a square encased within a large warehouse. The interior is very minimal with a side room where the chefs are on show preparing the food and a bar at the back stretching around the corner, completing the rustic look.   




Positives: big flavours, good coffee


Negatives: long queue











3 words: appetising, flavoursome, delicious

Chiltern Firehouse

What: Modern American

Where: Marylebone, London





Value: £50pp


Food Review: A starter of melt in the middle, crab doughnuts which leaves you wanting more gives a taste of what is to come. Each dish is carefully thought about and paired with exactly the right ingredients,. 2 fish and 1 vegetarian dishes were ordered to the table, but each one was exquisite in its own right. Each fish dish melted and the vegetarian dish left you extremely satisfied. For dessert a chocolate concoction of various technical ability left the mouth satiated. The only downside was that there was one non-alcoholic cocktail on the list, for a bar that seemed to churn out a variety of alcoholic, I think they could have done better.






Settings Review: Located on a back road, away from prying eyes, a beautiful courtyard leads to the back entrance, continuing round the corner, and in to the restaurant itself. Originated on the site of a old firehouse, hence the name, the inside keeps its rustic look, whilst still oozing charm. The tables has a varied range to suit all diners including a semi-circle. The original charm of fireplaces gives a restaurant a almost homely feel as well as the open kitchen policy showcasing the various pots and pas used.
Positives: amazing food in a amazing location




Negatives: expensive, hard to get a table, limited non-alcoholic drinks







3 words: celebrities, flavoursome, inviting

Burger and Lobster

What: Burger and Lobster Joint

Where: Soho, London

Value: £25pp

Food Review: The variety of lobster on order is either the half a lobster with the works (the shell) grilled or steamed, or the lobster brioche. As I have been here to two separate occasions, I have tried the lobster grilled and the lobster brioche. The lobster brioche is the same price and if ordered, does leave the customer wanting more. After waiting 2 hours for a table, I don't know whether its the hunger or the fact that everyone else there seems to be enjoying it, that makes the brioche bun melt in your mouth and the slightly salty chips trickle down your throat. As the slightly too tangy salad comes to an end, you can't help but feeling that the meal is over before it has begun.

Settings Review: The venue itself has a rustic, Australian feel to it, possibly its connotations to "surf and turf "style food. With a bar on entrance in order to allow people to not get annoyed at the extensive waiting time, it eases the flow ever so slightly. The wooden rustic tables are still aplenty and have blocked together in order to get maximum space out of the venue.

Positives: tasty lobster and brioche bun

Negatives: expensive, long queues

3 words: hipster, trendy, quirky