All reader reviews by MartinaL

Bubbleology (Soho)

Wow, I was very disappointed by this place. It looks quite cool from outside and fits in with the Soho area. Inside the staff are 2 young girls who were wearing lab coat uniforms and the style of the shop is quite light-hearted and meant to be fun. I heard from others queuing that it was new and just opened so I was happy to try them.

However I was standing there waiting for 15mins to be served and there were only 4 people in front of me. When I was at the till which is only 2/3 steps inside the shop no one acknowledged me for a good 7 or 8 minutes whilst they were making drinks for the other customers but the girl was friendly when finally served.

I should have known to leave when I saw them making the drinks from powdered mixes and syrups but I thought to try as I had been waiting and I love bubble tea-used to be addicted to the milk teas when I lived in Asia.

The regular teas were £3.25 each and were horrendous. The milk tea was incredibly weak that the colour of the tea was more creamy white than a brown colour and just didn't taste of much but milkyness. The fruit teas in passionfruit and apple both tasted so artificial it was unbelievable. We couldn't drink more than the first couple sips as it tasted full of e-numbers and flavourings, you could taste how bad it was for you. First time that we've thrown drinks away, what a waste!

The Candy Cafe above Leongs Legends is far far better than here! Or Cafe de Hong Kong is really good too. The cheek to call themselves the first bubble tea in London, I've been drinking bubble teas from China town for years!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5

Koya

Koya is always busy now because the food is fairly unique for London. It specialises in the udon noodle dishes and was recommended by Japanese friends.

I have been a fair few times now and my favourites are the Hiyashi Udon where you are given cold noodles with a cold soup to pour over the top. This was the last section of the menu for us to try but the best even though a cold soup was the least appealing sounding to us. It will be ideal now with the summer months. The mackerel was very nice but some others like the pork were a little bit too salty for my taste.

I love the onsen tamago which is a slow poached egg that gives the yolk a very creamy texture. The small plates are expensive I think especially the pork belly and the duck, as you receive only 3 very tiny slices which cost over 6 pounds.

Overall the food is nice, especially the star which is the chewy udon noodles, but it best with friends as can be noisy for a couple

Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7

NOW

Sounds like a great concept and the shop is fitted out beautifully and looks very cool from the outside with the bamboo steamers on show.

However the food was terrible. Tried a pork congee that tasted horrible and I couldn't eat more than the first couple spoonfuls. The dim sum is gummy and has no flavour and quite expensive for what you get. The pork bun was the only thing I liked but it was quite small for the price.

Service excellent, staff are really lovely and friendly with genuine smiles and fast service. Shame the food is a let down, has the opportunity to be much better.

Monday, April 18, 2011
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5