All reader reviews by Chops

The Harwood Arms

Went here following a friend's rave recommendation...

Loved the unassuming exterior of the place. I was getting a bit worried as nothing about the approach said michelin star. I thought maybe we'd got the wrong Harwood Arms. If Narnia had a pub, it would be this one, as when we entered we were struck by the fresh, homely and michelin-worthy interior.

Unfortunately, at 12.30 the pub was dead, and this did put us a little on edge. But the bar man was very relaxed and welcoming, not requesting we set up a tab, just letting us make our way to one of the tables to have a pre-lunch drink.

I have to say I was uncomfortably chilly throughout lunch, which was a shame. The service was impeccable though. Not stuffy, just bright young things who clearly enjoy working there and could testify to having tried the specials themselves and so knew what they were talking about for a change.

The starters were pretty as a picture - my scallops a very dainty dish but I was wowed by the presentation and attention to detail. The chicken salad also tasted divine - a delicate dish with a careful balance of flavours.

I think I made a poor choice for the main. I chose the roast beef. Don't get me wrong it was spectacular, but I afterwards cursed myself for not having been more adventurous and tried some of their famous game. As delicious as the roast beef was, a roast is still a roast and can only be elevated so far. The marinated mushrooms in the batter puddings were to die for btw, but the beef was not quite as meltingly tender as I would have expected.

Annoyingly we couldn't squeeze in dessert. I guess I'll just have to return for one of those and something a little more exciting than roast beef :) Can't wait.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

San Lorenzo Fuoriporta

Just had a fantastic lunch here - the second in the space of a week! I liked it that much.There aren't many (any) nice outside spaces near Wimbledon station, unless sitting on the side of the road or on a cramped and smokey roof terrace is your thing, so this was a real find. I always wanted to try San Lorenzo, but the a la carte menu is quite pricey so I was delighted to see they now offer a good value 'garden cafe lunch menu' with sandwiches, pasta and salads for £6/7. The garden cafe itself has a really nice atmosphere and the waiters are super-friendly and attentive without being intrusive. A nice touch is the half carafes of wine (the house wine is good) which are perfect for a mid-week lunch. On the first visit that they brought us complimentary olives and bread (worth a few quid) with our cheese and ham boards. I loved the attention to detail - honey and walnuts with the cheeses and a gorgeous tasting olive oil drizzled on the hams. Today we opted for sandwiches which were packed with good quality ingredients and came with crisps and olives. I'll be going there for business and leisurely lunches alike from now on. I can't think of anywhere else nearby I'd rather be.

Thursday, July 08, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9