All reader reviews by WinterRobertGiles

The Blues Kitchen

After booking a table at Blues Kitchen on Friday night we were told by some friends to expect a busy, hectic night.

We were greated by a slightly 'gothy' looking girl, quite unusual for a restaurant! She was however, very polite and quickly sat us down to a booth and recommend us some cocktails.

It was as warned, very busy and we waited a little while for our starters. When they arrived the shrimp was sublime and the selection of dips we ordered were also fantastic. The shrimp had been cooked in the most delicious creole style, fill of Cajun flavour. To be honest, the total highlight of the meal! Our mains came quickly, two very large portions of chilli and gumbo. Personally, I am not too much of a fan of the current trend of brisket beef in chilli but it was still great. I also tried my friends gumbo, like nothing I have eaten in London. Exploding with flavour and a real nod of the head to authentic southern food.

We were totally stuffed after dinner and although we had to move from our booth after a couple of hours, we grabbed a final drink from the bar and caught the beginning of the first band. We were expecting blues but the funk band we still perfectly entertaining. The food was perhaps more authtic than the music but all in all a great place to grab a hearty dinner!

Monday, April 16, 2012
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

The Southampton Arms

I felt like all my Christmases had come at once when we found out about the Southampton arms!

As the sign says outside, Ale, Cider + Meat - it does exactly what it says on the tin!

After reading about this place and checking out the website, it said we couldn't book a table, we just had to turn up. Upon arrival we were greeted with a great mix of people and the bar staff were extremely keen to talk us through some ales. Probably the finest selection i have seen in London.

After the first round of Hopstar ales we ordered in the food, it's totally no nonsense, pork rolls, scotch eggs, pork rolls/pies - you get the idea.

It was all totally delicious and served with lashings of mustard and pickles. The beauty of this place is in its simplicity. The value is great as well, little over a tenner for 2 pints and a couple of items off the food menu. Totally unpretentious and perhaps my new favourite London pub.

Saw they had a piano in there so will pop in again and try catch some live music.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10

Duke's Brew & Que

I have been to Dukes twice in the last couple of weeks. Once for brunch and last night for dinner.

The brunch was a funny experience as we were the first people to ever eat in the place! Although a tad unorganised, the food was delicious and any little mistakes were so easy to forgive because the staff were so nice and forthcoming about it. Some toast and an egg was missed off my partners breakfast but it was quickly remedied and we were more than happy with the breakfast coming over in two sittings!

We popped in again with some more friends last night and was seriously impressed. The BBQ food was totally delicious. As good as anywhere I have tasted in London. We ate the pork and beef ribs and sampled ales and some wine.

When my colleague asked about wine, the waitress was hilariously honest about the limited wine list, stating ale was more their thing!

Our bill was only £65 for the three of us. Great value.

Excellent service and lovely grub. Cannot recommend highly enough.

Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9