Richard Vines reviews

Friday, October 17, 2008 - Gemma Tuley, 25, is a young chef with the kind of resume most rivals never build up in a lifetime…Ramsay identified her potential and packed her off to the three-star Guy Savoy in Paris, where she faced the twin hurdles of being the only woman and not speaking French…So much for her history. The present is more exciting for diners: She's got her own restaurant - Arch One Bar & Grill, at Waterloo Station -- where the prices are as low as you'll find in London for such quality cooking. The two-course set lunch is 8.90 pounds ($15.61). It's 12.90 pounds for three courses, with wine.

Thursday, September 18, 2008 - While Wareing is cooking up a storm in pursuit of his third Michelin star, he hasn't lost sight of the importance of service. His wife, Jane, heads the reservations service, while the front of house combines professionalism with a friendly, conversational style that's pleasantly relaxing. This approach is exemplified by the young sommelier, James Lloyd, who manages to appear more interested in your enjoyment than in selling you expensive wines.

Friday, November 02, 2007 - The service is friendly and efficient, not slick or formal, and this is the first time I've ever been served in London by a waitress with a Lancashire accent. Latvian is closer to the norm. The sommelier, Simon Freeman, knows his onions (and grapes) and the wine list has plenty of bargains -- including versatile Austrian whites -- as well as the usual hedge-fund options.