Chris Blackhurst reviews

Tuesday, June 29, 2010 - It seemed crazy not to go for the dim sum, in particular the signature soup dumplings or siu loung bao. We got eight pieces that were exactly as they should be - 'like a volcano exploding in my mouth', said five-year-old Archie. If they represented excellent value for a fiver, the Taiwan mini-kebab with pork at 2.80 was a bargain. About the size of a burger, it comprised a slab of melting, sticky belly pork with a spicy, peanut sauce in a bun. Not only was it a meal in itself but it was delicious.

Thursday, February 25, 2010 - Scott's starter was bhatti ka junglee khargosh or tandoor-roasted rabbit in a spicy crust marinade with hot plum chutney and jolly good it was too. Mine was tandoori ratan, which is lamb, basil chicken tikka and king prawn kebab platter. All three worked together beautifully - the lamb had a mustard coating and was hot and juicy, the chicken was bursting with herbs and the prawn was plump and sweet...The bill, with service, was 173.81. But we had eaten like princes.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - Lamberts...is close to perfection. There’s no fuss, no ostentation. The prices, as with the cooking, are perfectly judged. On a Sunday, a credit crunch-defying £20 gets you two courses; £24 brings three. The children can have a mini-roast for £4.50 or choose from their own menu. As with the adults’ fare, it’s all excellent quality, seasonal and British-sourced.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - Opening a restaurant in London is a gamble at the best of times, but doing one now requires a special sort of courage or madness — or both. This thought sticks with me as we’re shown to our table at the new Brasserie James on Balham Hill.

A quick headcount reveals 12 covers, including ourselves. To be fair, it’s mid-week, but even so, this is a 46-seat establishment...