Tremendous Thai! and other London, United Kingdom Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Thai Square, Putney Bridge

The Royal Institute of Architecture, the Wandsworth Corporation and the American Institute of Architecture have each given this restaurant an award for its stylish and sleek design.

There are eight buddha figures scattered here and there, which continue with the Thai theme.

It is a feature of Putney now, lying alongside the Thames river. A beautiful piece of architecture in a beautiful part of Greater London.

During the day it is an upmarket and quiet haven for lunch, during the evening an occasional venue for special birthdays (like my sister's!) in the upstairs restaurant, with a bar that moves onto being a night club downstairs.

Favorite Dish: We have eaten here twice, once for lunch and once for dinner, and both times have been thoroughly enjoyable!

For lunch we had a platter and a salad... and loved it. No room for dessert! The restaurant was quiet (mid week), and we had a lovely table overlooking the Thames river. But then nearly all the tables overlook the river! :)

For dinner we had the Mixed Golden Seafood Starter, which we shared btwn three of us (altho should have only been two!), there was so much. Variety of nice little goodies! With the likes of mixed seafood satays, prawns dressed up, crab claw tempura and Thai fish cakes.

For our main we had the Gang Dang (Red Curry). With a choice of beef (we had this!), chicken, or prawn; red curry uses dried long red chillies and is not so hot (is 2 chillies worth, not 3 as some of the green curries are). Cooked in coconut milk with bamboo shoots, lime leaves and garnished with shredded red chillies. This was very tasty and tangy!

For dessert I had a Pyramide Chocolat Blanc, which is a white chocolate ice cream, covered with cocoa powder and decorated with white chocolate slabs in the shape of a pyramid! I felt like a tomb raider :) Absolutely delicious!!!

Hubby had the Lemon Cheesecake, which is a smooth, creamy cheese with freshly squeezed lemon juice on a digestive biscuit base, topped with lemon zest and icing sugar. I had a taste and it was also yummy!

In most Eastern restaurants we dine at they usually only offer their traditional type desserts which are not usually to our liking, so to find some desserts that we can enjoy is lovely. We do sometimes like to be daring and try new desserts, but too often we haven't enjoyed them and just want something plainer, like ice cream or cheesecake. Here they have that, but they dress it so well!!!

The only thing I would not have here again is the strawberry dacquiri.. it was delicious... but cost £7,50!!!

Service is quiet and unobtrusive. Highly recommended restaurant!

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Theme: Pan-Asian and Pacific Rim
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: (0)208 8780 1811
Address: 2-4 Lower Richmond Rd, Putney SW15 1LB
Directions: Putney Bridge, Putney side
Website: http://www.thaisquare.net/

Restaurant Name: Mermaids Tail Restaurant

We were delighted to come across this new restaurant in Leicester Square!

There is a lot of change happening here, like the old swiss building having been knocked down and a new hotel being developed in its place. There are some new restaurants too, with some oldies gone.

This is a vibrant and *happening* area... loads of people, locals and tourists flock to the square.

This is where movie premiers happen at the Odeon, and where there are often open air events. Today there was an open air music event, but it was rap music, which is not our cup of tea, and was too loud and ruined things for us to be honest.

The restaurant itself has an indoor and outdoor area - it being gloriously sunny, we sat outside.

Throughout the restaurant inside there are mermaid-themed touches, the inside is more opulent, nice for an evening out! The outside is more casual, under big umbrellas, with cane furniture.

It is open from Monday to Sunday,from 11am to 12pm.

Favorite Dish: We had to try their cod and chips. It was a big fish, although hubby's seemed to have more batter than fish. Mine and my sister's was fine though, tasty and well cooked. Chips (fries) were crisp and tasty.

We ordered a crisp green salad with it, it was a large salad and we could have shared it, as it was only a side. A BIG side!

The atmosphere is laid back but service is good and not laid back.

Something I really like about this restaurant is their ethos in that they do not sell any *sport* fish, including dolphin, swordfish or tuna. BIG thumbs up from us for this!!!

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Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: (0)207 494 3919
Address: 7 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA
Directions: Leicester Square, 2 min walk from Leicester Square tube station.
Website: http://www.mermaidstail.co.uk/
Other Contact: info@mermaidstail.co.uk

Restaurant Name: Sugar Reef Bar & Restaurant

Kristi and Dave were coming to London and we had a get-together to see them and celebrate Kristi's birthday, which had been the day before, when they were gallivanting in fair Paris!

Present were David, hubby of Kristi (dabs), Jen (Jenniflower) and hubby Lance, Nathalie (nhcram) and hubby Chris, and Sarah (toonsarah) and hubby Chris. Jo (jo104) arrived later.

I had never been to Sugar Reef and took a chance!

We met up downstairs in the low-lit comfy bar. They have leather couches scattered all over the place. After 10pm this place actually becomes a nightclub. Nothing like a *happy hour* half-price Cosmopolitan cocktail to get the evening started!

Favorite Dish: For starters the whole table, bar one I think, ordered the tiger prawns.. they were very tasty and came with a sweet and sour sauce on the side. Ooooooooooooh this was the favourite of the night... tiger prawns... YUM!

For mains, I ordered well done sirloin steak and, although it was cooked well, it was not the tastiest I have ever had (I am South African remember, we know our meat!haha). It came with chips and a green salad. My tummy let me know afterwards that I do not often have steak! :( Nothing wrong with the steak I don't think, but I am not used to eating such a heavy meal.

Mr Flower had the salmon, and I think he got the better deal.. it was so succulent (he gave me some!). I would definatly have this should I come again.

Dessert was a chocolate brownie for me and cheese cake for Mr Flower! I could only eat half mt brownie, I am not used to eating starters, a heavy main AND pudding!

Service was friendly and good, albeit it being the one waitresses second night only... the atmosphere at first was really nice and quiet.. and the got steadily louder as the music got louder and a huge table of boys arrived for a stag night next to us. That's one negative about this place - it's great for groups... so attracts hen and stag do's... which means loads of drinking and noise. Not my cuppa tea!

Trendy and vibrant, this was a lovely place, if a tad loud! Thanks for the Pierogi Fest pressies Kristi and David!

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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 02078510800
Address: 42-44 Great Windmill Street, London W1D 7NB
Directions: a quick 2 minute walk from Piccadilly tube station
Website: www.sugarreef.co.uk/
Other Contact: sugarreef@latenightlondon.co.uk

Restaurant Name: Cagney's

Dinner at Cagney's was spent with Louise from down under, here on a holiday. Her pal Michael joined us later for a drink.

Found in a bustling London alley way in Bloomsbury, just off the main road, Southampton Row... there is this little alley way, with about 6 restaurants and pubs, all full to the brim, with the patrons spilling out into the alley way. The vibe was happy, bustling and energetic.

We sat outside as the weather was deliciously warm.

Favorite Dish: The names of dishes are quirky and fun, from 'Jimmy the gent' to 'Man with a thousand faces', from 'These wilder years' to 'Sinners holiday'. Adds a bit of fun at the start of the meal!

My dish was called a 'Millionaire', which is a crumbed chicken with cheese inside, a spud and a green salad... far too much food as portions are big, but tasty!

Louise's meal was a 'Hanky panky', a steak with mushroom sauce, a spud and green salad. I think she enjoyed it as nary a scrap was left at the end! ;)

The wine was delicious and went down far too easily... a red Beaujolaise... such fun when saying it's name when ordering. Some of it was corked in Louise's drink unfortunately, but they brought a new glass for her (what about the wasted wine though?).

All in all, although not a spectacular meal in itself (although tasty!), the combination of being in a vibrant, typically English alley way, plus being in stimulating company, with plenty of laughs, this is a meal I will always fondly remember.

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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: 02072788498
Address: 13 Cosmo Place London WC1N3AP
Directions: 3 minute walk from Russell Square station, down a little alleyway!
Website: www.cagneysrestaurants.co.uk

Restaurant Name: Chakalaka!

This restaurant used to be called 'Madiba'... until Madiba's own lawyer phoned the owner and asked him to change it... Nelson Mandela's nickname is not copyrighted but they are trying to protect it from any kind of overuse or possible abuse.

Hence the birth of 'Chakalaka'!

This restaurant is top notch... the food, decor, service... and *gulp* the prices. But for a special occasion (ours was Christmas Eve dinner), it is worth every penny! To eat traditonal South African food whilst listening to traditional South African music, with wildlife paintings on the walls... I was in heaven! haha

Favorite Dish: This place is expensive and we only come here on special occasions, but for the ambiance and home-from-home feeling, those extra few £ are worth it.

UPDATE February 2009

They have a special running for *recession times*, which is two courses plus a glass of wine/beer for £15. This is a good price for this restaurant, which is usually quite expensive!

I have been to this restaurant three times since December 2008, the first being for a Christmas meal with my sister and hubby, which was fabulous. Service was top notch, food was delicious (crocodile skewers, kudu steaks, milk tarts and peppermint surprises!), and there was a complimentary round of Springbok shooters!

On Thursday 29 January (2009) we went again for a little pre-birthday celebration with my sil from Kent, the food was great for the others (they had steaks and spatchcock chickens), I had oxtail potjie, which is a naturally fatty meat, which I didn't enjoy. They gave us two rounds of complimentary springbok shooters (the owner's initiative!). We had a waiter who's first night it was, so service wasn't what I am used to here unfortunately.

Last night (4 Feb 2009) I was there with a few girlfriends and I have to say it was the worse I have ever experienced there. I wasn't happy with the service and the overall evening, although I did enjoy my crocodile skewers, spare ribs (hubby enjoyed his share too!), and whisky dom pedro!

There were no complimentary springbok shooters and it just wasn't up to par, with haphazard waitering, plus being sat near the door with an icy wind every few minutes as people came and went. Because of this I have changed my rating to 'satisfied', taking into account my past experiences, which have all been very good. Maybe they just had a bad night? I hope so.

They seem to have the better staff on the weekends I have concluded, if the last few meals are anything to go by... and service is also always better when the owner is there.

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Theme: African
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: 020 8789 5696
Address: 136 Upper Richmond Rd SW15 2SP Putney
Directions: Travel: East Putney tube

Restaurant Name: Nandos

This is probably our most regular restaurant. A firm favourite!!!! It is a South African chain of Portuguese restaurants, with branches popping up all over in London.

The South Bank branch is simply stunning.

It is situated beneath a railway line, and has high arches with brass buckled bolts on the corners, oversized candleabras and gorgeous artwork hanging form the walls. It is modern, characterful and in a lovely setting, on the banks of the River Thames!

I had a VT meeting here recently, as is seen in the photos. WE had a super evening, everyone enjoyed their food and the ambiance.

You collect your own cock with a number on it from the waiter who seats you. You then place (and pay for) your order at the counter and they bring it to you. You collect your own utensils, napkins and sauces from the side.

You will find another review on this London restaurant at the links below:

Link to Richmond branch

Link to Wimbledon branch

Their website is worth a good read, as it has a rather clever marketing strategy :)

Favorite Dish: The food is tangy and spicey, and the mild option is the lemon and herb option.. the one I usually go for.

I usually have the chicken pita with a side dish of corn on the cob, or spicy rice. Their fries are another option. I also enjoy their steak (Prego) roll when in the mood for some red meat! They serve crisp salads and grilled chicken that is probably the nicest chicken you will ever taste :)

If I feel like some hottening up I add one of their superb hot sauces (free) onto it. They also offer bottomless soft drink.

Their grades are EXTRA HOT, HOT, MEDIUM HOT and LEMON AND HERB'

The last two photos were not taken by me, but by another VT member who was at the meeting - if you know who you are, please let me know, thanks! :)

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Theme: African
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 020 7357 8662
Address: 225-227 & 233-235 Clink Street, South Bank
Website: http://www.nandos.co.uk/
Other Contact: 0800 975 8181

Restaurant Name: Reds Bar & Grill

We had never tried this restaurant before. In the heart of Wimbledon, on The Broadway, we decided to try it out before going to watch Ice Age 2!

The decor is easy going and relaxing... old pillows scattered around, red glowing candles on the tables, and funky paintings on the walls. Friendly staff who serve cold beer :)

The downside was that they misheard my order and brought me the wrong food, so by the time my proper meal came, hubby had finished his. We didnt let this spoil our evening though, it really is a lovely place, one we might make a regular.

Another downside is you have to walk through the bar/smoking area to get to the non smoking area at the back, which isnt ideal at all. Bring on the new no smoking laws in 2007!!!

Favorite Dish: Hubby and I both ordered burgers (he a steak one and me a lamb and mint one), onion rings and chips... the food was excellent! Succulent burgers, tons of salad, which we love, the onion rings were massive and crunchy, the chips had this tangy spice on them. The chipos come separate, in a tin tub.

On the menu they have a couple of other interesting dishes, namely... South African boerewors sausage! haha We eat this at home so didnt eat it here, but its great that a local restaurant caters for its customers, and there are MANY South Africans living in Wimbledon, so the demand is there alright!

Update: 29 April 2006! Just went there again with Lance, my sister and Jo104... had a blast... the meal was great, the correct one this time haha and it was generally just a swell time. Lovely music (albeit a tad loud), but funky and quirky, which I like :)

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Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: (020) 8540 8308
Address: 86 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1RH
Directions: Wimbledon tube is 4 minutes walk away, very easy to get to!

Restaurant Name: Confucius

The decor is modern and tasteful, not sure why there is a wooden well in the front though.

Service is very good, except for the one lady who came out and could obviously not speak a word of English. Not helpful when you are ordering drinks...

The place did not have that much ambiance to be honest, they played this funny music box music too, we felt flat there, and would not go again.

Favorite Dish: We had a starter of a spring roll each, and they brought some shoots and cucumber pieces for us too. This was very nice.

Lance had the crispy duck and I had chilli king prawns. We both ordered some noodles with bean sprouts.

My king prawns had no chilli AT ALL (and the menu said it was hot - 2 chilli signs next to it), they came in this very thick garlicy sauce that was quite gross actually (look at the photos). I managed to eat 4 I think and then could stomach no more. I usually love seafood, but the sauce put me off it totally. I filled up on the noodles.

Lance left quite a bit of the duck too. It was okay, nothing special. It was brought to him cold too. We left feeling unsated and hungry as we had left so much behind.

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Theme: Pan-Asian and Pacific Rim
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 0871 075 1803
Address: 271 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SD
Directions: 5 minute walk from Wimbledon Central mainline station
Website: http://www.london-eating.co.uk/4545.htm

Restaurant Name: 22 Below

Woohoo, another VT meeting, organised this time by JulesH, a Londoner born and bred and a great gal to boot!

We were walking along and Jo was SURE we were going in the wrong direction... I wasn't ;).... '22 Below' is a nondecript kinda place, that doesnt have a huge flashing sign outside... if you walk past the chalkboard with it's name on it.. you walk past it! :)

As we started going down the stairs we suddenly heard this chap say ' Are you from VT? Oh yes I recognise you!' haha. That was Pat... 1st to arrive at his 1st VT meeting :)

Decor is trendy and contemporary.. leather couches and dark wood, maroon walls with men in boxes singing away.

Service was good and bathrooms clean, modern and tidy.

Favorite Dish: These were some of the delicious martinis and cocktails they serve 22 below! :)

They are:
French martini
Zombie cocktail
Porn Star cocktail
Watermelon martini

The platters were delicious, full of delectable and moreish food.

Breaded king prawns, Duck spring rolls, Chicken on a skewer, veges on a skewer and quite a few mezes... absolutely delicious... just a pity we had to share it between so many people! haha

Only downer?? VERY smokey after a while. When I got home I stank to high heaven - even my woolen Irish bag stank and I had to wash it :(

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Theme: Wine Bar/Wine Tasting
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Address: 22 Great Marleborough Street W1F 7HU London
Directions: Closest tube station: Oxford Circus
Website: http://www.22below.co.uk/home.htm

Restaurant Name: Annie's

I do believe we have found a little find in Mortlake! It is classed as a pub, but it is more restauranty for sure.

My sister said a friend had recommended it, so we went along. The interior is beautifully decorated… muted colours, warm and cosy, with candles burning and gilt-edged mirrors handing on the walls.

The only downer for me was the bathroom. A disappointment really. One would expect a funky and arty bathroom, to go along with the restaurant, and it wasn’t smelly in a bad way, but it was damp, the hand dryer wasn’t working, and it didn’t live up to its location.

Oh well. Not enough to put us off going again tho! haha

Favorite Dish: The food was lovely (albeit expensive… but then this isn’t a cheap part of London..), we had some pita bread with houmous for a starter.

Lance and I had their steak burger with chips, and LOTS of salad, which was yummy.

Cooked well, no complaints at all.

My sister had cod and chips… she said it was quite bony, but was succulent and tasted delicious. Lance had a Speckled Hen beer and we had lager shandies.

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Theme: Local
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 020 8878 2020
Address: 36 White Hart Lane, Barnes, London SW13 0PZ