All reader reviews by Telboyofpeckham

The Laughing Gravy

First you should know that this place has just been refurbished & it now has a lovely ambience. So much smarter . Simple with great attention to detail. All the evening candles & low lighting made it feel really cosy & special.

We came in for a quick bite before a show at The Royal Festival Hall so we just went into ours mains. The Guinness marinated lamb was perfect & my wife gave a huge thumbs up to the fishcakes (although she thought it was a touch small). Together with one glass of excellent, robust Malbec & a couple of sides (chips & seasonal greens - both 5 stars) the bill came to £34 which is not cheap but we felt well worth it.

A big cheer for the very polite & attentive waitress because she immediately asked us if we want a jug of water, rather than just trying to sell us bottled. Well done!

My other half also said that the WCs great. Big, clean & modern. They certainly understood that this is an important place too.

They deserve to do very well indeed.

Saturday, October 16, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8

Busaba Eathai (Old St)

Oh dear. Busaba has gone off the boil.

We found the portion size has got much smaller since my last visit to this Thai chain. The local Vietnamese restaurants are much better value.

Taste is kind of still there but again not quite as good as it used to be.

I don't think I'll bother any more. What a shame.

Saturday, October 16, 2010
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2

Pinchito Tapas

I find tapas bars that try to replicate 'Olde Worlde' Spanish bars, with dark wood and the odd cart wheel, rather tacky so how refreshing to go to Pinchito Tapas, which realises that Spain is also a very modern & hip country. Thank goodness that it does this without dropping on quality.

We took out a couple of Canadian friends here last night and had a great time in this buzzy local bar/restaurant. From the very courteous call confirming out last minute online booking to our shade under £30 per head bill, it was all good.

No Spanish guitars or castanets here folks, just lovely food, very friendly but professional staff (they were working hard but were enjoying themselves too), good wine. It's got a cool but unpretentious atmosphere (amazing for Shoreditch).

We will certainly return. Thank you.

Sunday, October 10, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10

Lahore Karahi

Just dreadful. This is in Tooting. I'm surprised it's still going.

Maybe it was just the dishes I ordered. If that is the case, avoid the shish kebab, the lamb dhansak, the keema nan & the nan bread.

Service was prompt if a bit impersonal but it is a caff style eaterie after all.

Friday, October 08, 2010
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 0

Meze Mangal

I love this place for a take away. The kebab dinner is just superb & I'd recommend it to anyone.

The staff are super friendly & chatty, the chef very efficient and obviously very competent. I love the real charcoal BBQ. This makes all the difference.

They even give you a glass of piping hot & delicious apple tea while you wait.

Can't fault it.

Sunday, December 27, 2009
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10

Mr Kong

I like Mr Kong very much & frequent it on my own for simple dishes like Hot & Sour soup and noodles with roast duck.

Every time these have been perfect. They are totally delicious and in good portions. With a pot of steaming hot tea, I always end up spending less than a tenner.

I will definitely come back with a group and be more adventurous with the menu.

Service has always been efficient.

I would ignore Hamal's comments below. They are unconstructive.

Sunday, December 27, 2009
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10

Tadim Cafe

This is a great local no frills restaurant serving simple meals and fresh baked foods with a Turkish influence. It's just had a bit of a make over.

I had a superb Moussaka which came with a small loaf of lovely warm olive bread, a side salad & a great dollop of Tzatziki.

The portions were very generous and the price? Well, a bargain really.

Service was very friendly too.

Totally recommended.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10