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

Broadway Market

What: Everything

Where: Hackney

Value: £4+

Food Review: Rather than the non original burgers and cakes (which it had), it also offered a range of options for all including vegans and vegetarians. From vegan marshmellows to tofu burgers, from Japan to the Carribbean, this range of food gave something for everyone alike.

Settings Review: The bustling market had a range of stalls and an extensive range of food to match it.
Each stall had its own character and charm for drawing you in. Alongside the stalls were many independent shops and cafes offering one off pieces.

Positives: extensive range of food

Negetives: no covered seating for outside market, not well signposted

3 Word Reviews: quirky, unusual, tasty

Hutong at the Shard

What: Chinese

Where: London Bridge

Value: £100pp

Food Review: Upon arrival, we were greeted with a cocktail menu which included a variety of non-alcholic cocktails, each differed from one amother. As we were a party of 20, there was a backlog of drinks and this did cause a delay. Once the food arrived, it was a mixed bag. First was the fish and corriander soup was ok, nothing special but a good start. Next to come were the juciest prawns which each one filled your mouth. Then the hot saucy fish dish. For dessert, a chinese dessert, red bean paste biscuit with ginger ice cream. As someone who was not a fan of red bean or ginger, this wasnt to my tastebuds.

Settings Review: Located on one of the top floors of the shard with stunning views across London makes it a place to visit if not just for the views. Open entrance to the restaurant i was directed to a private room with authentic chinese decor with its own private views.

Positives: big portions, stunning views, extensive non-alcoholic menu

Negatives: pricey, long time to wait for drinks

3 Word Reviews: stunning views, expensive

The Attendant

What: The Attendant

Where: Goodge St

Value: £6pp

Food Review: The coffee is simply yet perfrectly made and tge perfext rrmedy for a cold dreary afternoon. To add the personal touch, it is topped with a pretty pattern and also a substitution for almond milk. The gooey chocolatly brownie has just been baked so its breakable texture is hard to pick up but it was emtremly indulgent and boardaline sickly, so proberbly recommended for sharing.

Settings Review: Upon entrance from the street is a gated area around a staircase, leading into a dark pit. Once entering you see the dark pit is actually lit up and is a charming but rustic cellar. The first thing you see is a quirky bar with various knink knacs surrounding the walls such as a graffitti board. Originally a toilet, it has kept some of its original features such as handriers and cubicle style seating.

Positives: nice coffee, indulgent chocolate brownie

Negatives: small, not a lot of space

3 words: unusual, quirky, independent

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

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