All reader reviews by AD

Tamarai

Went here on Saturday with some friends when they were giving 50% discount on the £52 9 course taster menu. The food was very good especially the prawns and soft shell crab. I doubt it is worth the full price though. The cheapest wine was £27.

What I did not like was the service - you were constantly reminded that the table was wanted back at 8.30pm - we had booked it for 6.30pm. 2 of my friends arrived at 7pm but they insisted on serving the rest of us until the others turned up. When the bill came, they had calculated the service charge on the original, un-discounted amount. We paid it but somehow wish we had challenged them over this sly attempt to get more money.

The restaurant looks very pleasant and the food enjoyable but don't even consider this place unless you can get some sort of deal and even then watch out for the service charge...

Monday, December 01, 2008
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 4

La Figa

I went here last week with some colleagues from work. I have never been to a place that serves such huge portions. Had the lamb shank which had 2 very large pieces of meat which actually comprised of flesh rather than fat. The tiramisu was delicious and like every other dish substantial. Even the coffee came in a very large cup ! My only gripe was that it was a little pricey. This of course begs the question could you not shave off a couple of quid for more manageable portions ? Would highly recommend this place but make sure you go on a very empty stomach.

Monday, December 01, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Maroush V

I went to Maroush V last Saturday on the recommendation of some of my friends. I had a party there and wanted a large table for more than 30 people. We could have sat downstairs in the basement where the entertainment was but was advised that this could be really noisy so opted for the top floor which overlooks the main restaurant below.

I thought this was a fabulous place. The staff were friendly and extremely accommodating. We had to have a £28 set menu which I thought was good value for money. The only minor bad points were that the 2 main courses seem to merge into 1 and the Baklava could do with more syrup (was a tad dry). Unlike some places, this one did not rush you to finish your meal and let us stay until we were ready to go. I would definitely come back to this restaurant.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10

Imperial China

I went to Imperial China on a busy Saturday night to celebrate my birthday. My friends had suggested going to a restaurant that also did karaoke and this place was suggested. After reading some of the reviews there was a degree of trepidation about choosing this place but I was not disappointed.

I had initially booked a table for 12 but at the last minute needed a table for 16 - no problem the private room was easily big enough. One of my friends could not eat red meat - alternative dishes were given for her even though it was a set menu and I did not give any prior notice. One of my friends was arriving late but they kindly kept her portions aside and warm.

There are better Chinese restaurants but the standard here was better than a lot of the other restaurants in Chinatown. The service was top rate and extremely friendly staff. The drinks came quickly and I adored the cocktails - especially the Mojitos. The £32.50 5-course set menu was good value with plenty of duck and lobster in their respective courses. The desert could have been better but then I find Chinese deserts generally quite disappointing.

The karaoke that came with the room was perfect. You could have the sound proofed room from 7pm till Midnight which is far more generous than a lot of other places. It was very addictive and we all stayed until our time was up.

Although I cannot comment on the remainder of restaurant if you want to have food and karaoke I would highly recommend here.

Sunday, September 16, 2007
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9

Artigiano

I went to this restaurant on the recommendation of a friend and I have to say that I was not disappointed. The starters and dessert were gorgeous. The main course - I had roast rack of lamb - and my girlfriend had roast boar - were excellent although the portions were a little small. That said I could not find any other faults and will definitely go again.

Sunday, December 18, 2005
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8