All reader reviews by lesanco

Tom Aikens

My husband and I dined at Tom Aikens last night, our first time there, on a keynoir deal what had run back in November. We were a bit worried in the run up as reviews here, and other places, often criticise the staff so we thought they would be even more aloof with us as we were there on a special deal. We couldn't have been more wrong.

The staff were all so lovely - very friendly, not stuffy in the slightest, happy to chat away and obviously incredibly passionate about the food and wine that is served. Nothing was too much hassle - I was deciding on a dessert wine, and as I couldn't choose they brought me a (large) sample to help make up my mind. We couldn't finish the petit fours, so the waiter boxed them up and bid us adieu with the wise words that 'nothing tastes better for breakfast with your coffee than a Tom Aikens madeline'. He wasn't wrong!

The food itself was utterly sublime. We didn't have a starter as we thought they were a bit pricey, but we were glad in the end we didn't as we were utterly stuffed. For the main we had the roast suckling pig for 2; a request for my last meal if ever there was one. The pork was succulent and flavourful and was topped with an amazing piece of pork crackling. Served with a refreshing lemon and thyme mash, and we also had a side of the artichoke and iberico ham salad.

For dessert my husband had the creme brulee - lovely and flavourful with a beautiful top. I had the cheese. Oh. My. God. An enormous amount of the most amazing cheese was put front of me, with as many biscuits as I could eat.

So we're a bit annoyed with Tom Aikens as today we are shopping for the wine we had (a beautiful Cahors), ordering some suckling pig from Devon Rose, and going to the cheesemonger they use.

We will go back in a second, keynoir deal or not. An amazing dining experience. No complaints whatsoever.

Friday, January 28, 2011
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10

Albert's Table

Alberts Table is simply fabulous, if you live within easy access of Croydon (which is anywhere from London Bridge to Brigthton) it is a must. Their deals make it a very affordable treat; a well worth it one at that. Before we had finished our dessert our table was booked for Christmas Eve. I am sure we'll be going back before then as just thinking about the meal makes my mouth water.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10