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

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

Ca'ppucino

What: Coffee Shop

Where: Heathrow Airport - Terminal 2

Value: £3.50

Food Review: A contender in London for the best hot chocolate. With its silky smooth texture, it makes a long flight wait, a lot quicker. There are various french pastries available aswell, such as hazelnut croissants.

Settings Review: There is a takeaway version next to the cafe aswell, but the cafe is definitely worth seating down in. The cafe has plush seating and various plug sockets that make a long wait, worthwhile.

Positives: hot chocolate, comfortable seating

Negatives: limited menu

3 Word Review: amazing hot chocolate