Chris Blackhurst reviews

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...