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

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

 

 

Lantana

What: Australian Coffee Shop

Where: Goodge Street

Value: £5pp

Food Review: Originally looking at the menu, i was thrilled with the choice, so i ordered the banana bread with mascarpone cheese from the kitchen, but as this took too long, i did have to reject this and stick to a muffin and coffee. The coffee was excellent with amazing coffee art (as you would expect). The muffin was good, but not amazing. Overall the experience was ok but food from the kitchen would have been preferred.

Settings Review: Tucked away from a busy street into a cosy corner, yoy would expect it to have not much passing trade on a wednesday morning. I turned up thinking there would not be many people, but this was not the case. I was seated straight away and did get served straight away but my food from the kitchen was taking too long, the waiter did apologise and i had a muffin instead but this issue did occur.

Positives: amazing coffee, possibly good food

Negatives: busy

3 Word Review: busy, charming, coffee