All reader reviews by Bluenoser

The Ebury Restaurant & Wine Bar

Very good food if you find yourself near Victoria/Pimlico, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here again. I think there are quite a few places serving up food to this level, but at a bit of a lower price and in a setting that is not quite so dated. Seems to be more of a middle-aged hang out for people who want a quiet night out with good food.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6

Momo

Went for dinner with a large group of colleagues and we all enjoyed it immensely! We had the set dinner, with the appetizers being the highlight. So many small plates of delectable starters!

I think this place would be great for a dinner date - the lighting is low, tables are intimate, but it's also bustling enough that it's not awkward or overtly "romantic".

One critique: they really adhere to the timelines for tables. Shortly after finishing our desserts, we were abruptly brought our coats...I guess they wanted the table!

More expensive than your average meal, so make it a special occasion!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 7

The Princess of Shoreditch

Perhaps the best Sunday roast I've ever had! Yes, the roast is more expensive than your average pub (about 16-18 pounds), but it is miles ahead in terms of taste and presentation, not the mention that the pub itself is nicely done up.

The friends I had roast with have been back a couple times since, and they have said dinner during the week is excellent as well!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8

L'Autre Pied

A colleague and I went for lunch at L'Autre Pied a few days before Christmas and it was a lovely experience. Something I immediately liked was the relaxed atmosphere - no pretension, with a nice hum of conversation from the diners.

The three course lunch menu is priced at £23. The meal started with a nice amuse bouche of cod croquette, I then had a pumpkin risotto which was incredibly flavourful and rich, followed by the roasted pheasant with mushrooms, potato, and a beautiful sauce, and finally a unique pain d'epice emulsion with banana ice cream and shards of toffee. With a nice glass of wine and service charge, the total was £37 per person.

On the walk back to the office we wondered what makes a restaurant deserving of a Michelin star. I think food that delights you in flavour and creativity, with every course being delicious, and something you couldn't achieve at home differentiates between Michelin star worthy restaurants and the all the others. In my opinion, L'Autre Pied earned its star on this occasion.

Sunday, December 26, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8

Orange Pekoe

Went here today for an afternoon birthday tea, for which we had made a reservation for six. The food and atmosphere made for a very pleasant afternoon! Unlike other reviewers have commented, we found the staff to be very helpful. The desserts and teas were thoughtfully explained, and we were not rushed at all (we sat down at 2:30pm and left at 4:45pm without any rushing at all). The tea room is very quaint - no stuffiness at all, and located near the river. The tea selection was extensive, the scones warm, and everything else quite tasty. A big benefit of this place is the ability to make a reservation, which you can't do at many tea rooms in central London (without paying an arm and a leg). I recommend it for a nice afternoon by the river!

Sunday, November 07, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8

Galvin at Windows

I think the most exceptional thing about this restaurant is the views of London - the food is quite good, but lacks the excitement and special added touches of other restaurants in this price range/with a Michelin star. The food was traditional French (think foie gras, duck), with everything I tasted being consistently good, but not amazing and definitely not imaginative. I would return for a drink in the bar in order to take in the view, but probably not for dinner as there are too many great places in London that provide you with a more exciting meal for a similar price.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6

The Harwood Arms

I was very excited to visit the only Michelin starred pub in London, and I came away largely happy with the experience. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere, on a leafy street in Fulham. I love restaurants that serve up great food in unpretentious environments, so it was already right up my alley. There were several uncommon items on the menu that made the experience unique (e.g. brawn). The server was very knowledgeable about the menu and the cooking process for each dish. For mains the duck leg was delicious, and my dining partner enjoyed the sausage and venison dish. Overall, it was very good. I love the Anchor and Hope, and while I think the food experience at The Harwood Arms was quite comparable, I think what sets this place apart is the presentation of the food, the added touches on each dish, and the service. I would love to return for a Sunday roast!

Sunday, September 19, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7

Launceston Place

Went for lunch on a Saturday and it was absolutely delightful! The duck confit as the main course was fabulous, and everything else was delicious as well. Our table of four couldn't stop raving about the food and service. At 20 pounds for 3 courses (plus an amuse bouche, and a couple add-ons at dessert) it is an unbelievable deal!

Saturday, September 18, 2010
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10