London Restaurant Tips by sue_stone Top 5 Page for this destination

Harrods Chocolate Bar: Harrods Chocolate Bar Harrods Chocolate Bar Review

After reading a fab review about Harrods Chocolate Bar I knew next time I ventured into the iconic store I would probably find my way there. And yes, it happened just as I imagined!

Arriving around 2.30pm we found no queue and were quickly seated. I had a bit of trouble with the menu - I mean, how do you choose between a Chocolate Dome, a Double Chocolate Tart, and a Chocolate Miserable…. Not to mention Chocolate Mud Cake and decadent looking Chocolate brownies. Sigh.

Favorite Dish: It was all too hard for Alex, who opted for a Chocolate Milkshake (which was a very serious milkshake!), and I eventually chose the Double Chocolate Tart which was served with cream and a scoop of ice cream - I chose hazelnut. Errr. Yep. Very good, very chocolately.

Address: Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1X 0NA

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge

Phone: 020 7730 1234

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Coffeehouse

Reef: Reef - seafood in Chiswick Reef, Chiswick Review

I do like the occasional meal of Fish & Chips. To be honest, it is more about the chips than the fish. I'm not a fan of battered fish and it seems near impossible to get grilled fish instead of battered in the UK. Anyhoo, when I heard about a new "glamorous" F&C place in Chiswick called Reef, owned by the same people that run the excellent Annie's (in Chiswick & Barnes) and Rock & Rose (in Richmond), I immediately added it to the wish list.

We tried to go for Sunday lunch the week they opened, but they were closed. Only open Mon-Sat at this stage. Then one evening, a couple of weeks later, we were heading off on our annual mecca to Ikea, and decided to pop in to Reef for a quick meal before stocking up on some flat-pack furniture and Swedish treats.

Reef is located opposite Chiswick British Rail station, so not handy to the High Street, but great for the Grove Park residents. I have actually eaten in the restaurant twice in the past - this is the third restaurant to be located here in the past 5 years. Let's hope they have more success than the previous tenants.

Thankfully we booked ahead, as the compact restaurant was full on the Thursday night we visited. We were given a warm welcome and seated at a comfortable table in the corridor to the side. There is a small courtyard at the rear which I am sure will be very popular as the weather improves. The décor is quirky, with candles, chandeliers and fishy wallpaper.

Favorite Dish: The menu is fairly short and uncomplicated, and entirely seafood focused apart from a vegetarian pie. To eat, we had the Battered Cod, with a side of chips and a side of mushy peas, and the Reef Goan fish curry & rice. The piece of cod was huge, the mushy peas were perfectly mushy and the chips were delicious. The fish curry was pretty good too.

My only complaint would be that the traditional battered fish didn't automatically come with chips, these had to be ordered as a side at an additional cost. But then they were so tasty I shouldn't quibble. We will return.

Address: 1 Burlington Lane, London W4 3HD

Comparison: about average

Directions: Nearest station: Chiswick British Rail

Phone: 020 8994 1988

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Seafood

Camino: Camino - Tapas near Kings Cross Camino Tapas Bar Review

A night out with some members from TrustedPlaces.com was on the cards and Camino was the venue. Hidden just off the main drag in Kings Cross, Camino is a new, spacious bar and restaurant specialising in Spanish tapas and grills.

It is a large space, with separate restaurant and bar areas, along with a great outdoor courtyard which is perfect for those balmy summer evening drinks.

Favorite Dish: We indulged in a few Caipirinha's which were very refreshing. As a group, we ordered a selection of tapas and all got to try a bit of each. It was good quality, though I can't say that I enjoyed the flavours as much as tapas that I have eaten in Spain.

I liked the feel of Camino, though that may have had more to do with being out with a group of friends than the surroundings. That said, the friendly staff and convenient location make me keen to go back and give it another chance, perhaps next time I will have a meal in the restaurant and try some of that grilled meat.

Address: 3 Varnisher's Yard, Regent Quarter London N1 9FD

Comparison: about average

Directions: Nearest tube/train: Kings Cross Station is just a minute or two walk

Phone: 020 7841 7331

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 3

Theme: Eclectic/International

The Telegraph - A country pub in London: The Telegraph - Putney Heath Telegraph pub, Putney Heath Review

Having read some rave reviews about The Telegraph I was very keen to check it out for myself as it is not too far to drive there from my place. I was intrigued by this "Country pub in London", as it sounded like the perfect place for a relaxing Sunday lunch.

Well, last Sunday dawned sunny, so we were off to The Telegraph. We headed there early to ensure we got a seat out in the garden. We really loved the location - it is tucked away in the middle of Putney Heath and you really do feel like you are in the country. There was plenty of parking nearby, and you can also catch a bus there from Putney (Mon-Sat).

The front garden is filled with picnic tables, while the beautifully restored interior is filled with comfy leather lounges and mix-matched chairs and tables.

Favorite Dish: We nabbed the perfect table in the garden and I popped inside to order our drinks and lunch at the bar. The staff were very friendly though a little disorganised. We both opted for the Sunday Roast - me the beef and he the lamb. Our meals were delivered incredibly fast....a little to fast as we barely had a chance to sip our pre-food beer. The quality of the food was fine, though there was way too much garlic on the potatoes.

Deciding it would be wrong not to try desserts, we ordered the Lemon Meringue and the Sticky Toffee Pudding. Both were disappointing - the Lemon Meringue wasn't tangy enough, and the Pudding was too dry and there was nowhere near enough sauce.

But we loved the setting and look of The Telegraph so will definitely return again. It is a great place to meet up with friends for a weekend lunch and is child and dog friendly too.

Address: Telegraph Road, Putney Heath, London SW15 3TU

Comparison: about average

Directions: Nearest tube/train: Putney/East Putney/Southfields - not really in walking distance.

You can catch the 424 bus from Putney, or walk through Putney Heath

Other Contact: telegraph@massivepub.com

Phone: 020 8788 2011

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 3

Theme: Pub/Brewery

Sherlock's Bar & Grill: Sherlock's Bar & Grill, Baker Street Hotel Dining Sherlock's Bar & Grill Review

Sherlock's Bar & Grill is located on Baker Street, and is part of the Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes Hotel. You enter the restaurant via the bar area. The bar is a nice place for a drink as they sometimes have live music. Be warned though - drinks are expensive here - you will get the same drink a little cheaper if you order it in the restaurant.

I had dinner at Sherlock's one evening with a friend. To be honest, I wasn't expecting too much from the place so was pleasantly surprised by the sophisticated décor and friendly service. It was fairly quiet though which affected the atmosphere a bit.

Favorite Dish: A couple of the starters did sound tempting, but we both have a sweet tooth so didn't want to fill up too early. Main course for me was the Poached Scottish salmon fillet, with wilted spinach, asparagus and beurre blanc sauce. The ingredients were good quality, but the whole dish was just too bland - I had to add salt and I NEVER add salt to anything. My friend had the Sage and lemon veal piccata, with aubergine caviar, white asparagus and grain mustard sauce. This was nicely presented and appeared to be tasty.

Desserts sampled were the Pineapple and mango tatin with coconut ice cream, and the White and dark chocolate mousse with vanilla ice cream. Both looked great but weren't worth returning for.

Overall, it is a nice looking place and the food was ok, but nothing special enough IMHO for a return visit.

Address: 108 Baker Street, London W1U 6LJ

Comparison: about average

Directions: Nearest Tube: Baker Street station is just a few minutes walk away

Phone: 020 7486 6161

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 3

Theme: Eclectic/International

Windmill Cafe & Tea Room: Windmill Cafe & Tea Room - Wimbledon Windmill Cafe & Tea Room Review

Located on the edge of Wimbledon Common, next to the Windmill Museum, is the Windmill Café & Tea Room. I visited the tea room for lunch one day with VT'er Jenniflower. She had pre-warned me that she hadn't had very good experiences there in the past, so I wasn't expecting much.

It isn't the nicest looking place - it is in need of a freshen up I think. The staff were not particularly friendly or helpful, though they were quite busy. You have to place your order at the counter and you will be given a number, which will be yelled out once your meal is ready. Take your pick of a table inside or out.

Favorite Dish: Food wise, you can order one of the big breakfasts, sandwiches, toasties, baguettes, other hot meals and there is also a selection of cakes and pastries.

I had a Ham & Cheese toasted sandwich and Jen had a Bacon & Avocado baguette. The food was ok, but nothing special. Oh well, I had been warned!

Address: Windmill Road, Wimbledon Common, London SW19 5NR

Comparison: about average

Directions: Nearest Tube: Wimbledon or East Putney

Phone: 020 8788 2910

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 2

Theme: Coffeehouse

Inn at Kew Gardens: Gastro Pub in Kew - Inn at Kew Gardens Inn at Kew Gardens Review

The Inn at Kew Gardens is an award winning Gastro Pub located below the Kew Gardens Hotel, in Kew, West London. I had started reading good things about the food there, so we arranged to meet some friends there for dinner one night.

You enter off the street into a welcoming bar area. The inside dining area is to the rear, and there is also a heated terrace for those willing to brave the weather. Above the dining area is a little mezzanine area consisting of comfy leather chairs that are perfect for a relaxing drink and natter with your mates.

We sat in the inside area to eat, as the autumn evening was a little chilly for alfresco dining, heaters or not! Service was friendly, though a bit vague, and we had quite a hard time getting the bill....apparently they didn't want us to leave :-/

Favorite Dish: The menu was quite small, though we all managed to find something we liked the sound of. For main course, I had the Pan-Fried Bream with Roasted Vegetables, Alex had the Braised Belly of Pork with Mustard Mash, Laura had the Chicken & Leek Pie (from the daily specials) and Adrian had the Hamburger (from the bar menu). I was disappointed in my meal, and the others weren't too amazing either unfortunately.

We decided to brave dessert - Laura & I had the Lemon & Lime Soufflé, and Alex had the Chocolate Brioche pudding (which looked like a chocolate brownie). The Chocolate dish was really tasty, the "soufflé" was terrible....and was nothing like any soufflé I have had before.

Although we had a lovely evening with our friends, it was such a shame that the food was mainly a disappointment. It certainly didn't live up to the hype.

Address: 292 Sandycombe Road, Kew TW9 3NG

Comparison: about average

Directions: Nearest Tube: Kew Gardens is only a couple of minutes walk

Other Contact: enquiries@theinnatkewgardens.com

Phone: 020 8940 2220

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 2

Theme: Pub/Brewery

The Bingham: The Bingham - Elegance by the river in Richmond Bingham Hotel, Richmond Review

Well, it was our wedding anniversary so it seemed like the perfect excuse to go out somewhere nice for Sunday lunch! We decided to stay close to home and wandered down to the Bingham, which is located close to the river in Richmond, southwest London.

The Bingham is a boutique hotel, restaurant and bar, housed in a Georgian townhouse which dates back to the 1700s. It is a very popular place for weddings and functions due to its classy interior and river views.

When we arrived we were ushered into the gorgeous bar area where we relaxed for a while with a drink and enjoyed the luxurious room. While we had our drink we also looked at the menu and even ordered our meal. A little while later we were escorted to our table in the dining room.

There was a two piece band playing some relaxing music and the service was professional but relaxed which all really added to the enjoyment of our meal.

Favorite Dish: To start, I had the Baked River Trout with new potatoes & rocket salad, and Alex had the Seared Scallops with cauliflower puree. Both were very tasty with interesting flavours.

Main course for Alex was the Scotch fillet with shallot and red wine butter & Duchess potato. He was particularly keen on the Duchess potato - it was mashed potato piped into a swirly cone-shaped pile and then baked. I had the Filet of Venison with honey roast parsnips & Savoy cabbage - the flavours were good and I do love a parsnip.

We somehow managed to fit in dessert - I had the Lemon Tart (nothing to write home about) and Alex had the Chocolate Trio of fondant, cream and sorbet. Wow - it was pretty amazing....and he managed to eat it all, with only a little bit of help from me ; )

We had a really fabulous lunch, the whole experience was great and we will definitely return to the Bingham.

Address: 61 - 63 Petersham Road, Richmond TW10 6UT

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Nearest tube/train: Richmond is 10 minutes walk

Other Contact: info@thebingham.co.uk

Phone: 020 8940 0902

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 5

Theme: Eclectic/International

Potemkin - Russian Restaurant & Bar: Russian Restaurant & Bar, East London Potemkin - Russian Restaurant & Bar Review

Potemkin is a Russian restaurant & bar located in inner-east London. It claims it is home to a "new definition of what Russian cuisine truly is". There is a small bar at street level, and a smallish restaurant downstairs - the stairs are quite narrow and steep, so not the best place if you are stair-challenged!

As with any Russian restaurant, there was a huge range of vodka's on offer. Unfortunately the one that I wanted to try was not available, though the one I ended up sampling was nice and potent.

The restaurant is colourfully decorated and has comfortable high-backed chairs and a relaxed feel. Service wasn't to good, though they were friendly enough.

We had a drink in the bar first while waiting for our friends to arrive, then went downstairs together to the restaurant. It got a bit noisy due to a large group drinking lots of vodka, but at least it is a non-smoking venue.

Favorite Dish: To start we all shared some Buzhenina (spiced roast pork, served sliced with purple horseradish). For main course Alex & I both had the Quail, Jane had the Pork Sashlyk, and Geoff had the Perets Farshirovany (baked pepper) and also helped me eat some of the Quail. The food was quite good, but too garlicky for me.

For dessert, Alex & I shared the Blinchik Tvorogom (pancake filled with sweet curd cheese), Geoff had the Blinchik Vishnya (pancake filled with cherries) and Jane had the Chocolate Truffle. We also sampled a couple of flavoured vodka's with our desserts.

Budem zdorovy!

Address: 144 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DP

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Nearest tube: Farringdon or Chancery Lane

Other Contact: info@potemkin.co.uk

Phone: 020 7278 6661

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 3

Theme: Eclectic/International

Lass O' Richmond Hill: Gastro Pub on Richmond Hill - Lass O' Richmond Hil Lass O Richmond Hill, Richmond Review

An impromptu visit one Monday evening to friends who live in the lovely area of Richmond lead to a meal at the Lass O' Richmond Hill, a friendly pub with good food, not far from their place.

The Lass O' Richmond Hill looks like a pretty typical London pub - cosy feeling inside, with plenty of wooden ceiling beams and a good selection of beer on tap. The staff were friendly and there was even non-smoking areas!

**We have since returned for lunch one Sunday. The atmosphere was great but the food wasn't too good. Oh well, sure we will be back as it is a great pub**

Favorite Dish: There was a huge selection of food to choose from, from the printed menu and also a large specials board. So, Chris and Nik ordered the Gammon Steak, Tandor had the tasty looking Beef & Speckled Hen Pie, I had a special of Duck Breast with crushed potatoes and Pak Choy, and Alex had the Halibut with vegies and a yum sauce. All the meals were quite good, except for mine which was below average.

We had 2 desserts between us - a Sticky Figgy Pudding and a Treacle Sponge. Both disappeared very quickly. Drinks consisted of some beer and various glasses of wine.

An enjoyable evening with great friends.

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: 8 Queens Rd (corner of Stafford Place), Richmond, TW10 6JJ

Nearest tube/train: Richmond is around 15 minutes walk, or catch the 371 bus from Richmond Station. The trip should take about 5 minutes and the bus stops 50 metres from the pub

Phone: 020 8940 1306

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: Pub/Brewery