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

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