All reader reviews by charlie

Akari Japanese Kitchen and Bar

I feel the people are missing the point with this place. Its NOT a fancy west end restaurant and nor does it pretend to be – thank god it isnt. IT IS a very authentic Japanese kitchen serving deliciously authentic Japanese food and my review is on this premise. Sure the service can be a little frantic at busy times but that is the charm of the place. The all Japanese staff are extremely friendly, especially if you take the time to engage them in conversation.

I live next door to the place and have literally been 20 times or more. In fact I go once a week and haven’t had a bad meal yet.

I find it hard to reconcile the previous reviewer’s comment about the food being expensive. We (my girlfriend and me) normally get 5/6 dishes and a couple of beers (they have a great choice of Japanese beers) and leave full and happy every time for £30-35. Terrific value for money in my opinion.

I almost dont wont to post this review in case it tempts more people to go as the place is getting fuller and fuller every month and its harder to just wander in and grab a table these days.

It’s a wonderfully charming little place which, if you live in the area, is certainly worth a visit.

Sunday, January 13, 2008
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9

Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's

As a regular visitor to Claridges, is it just me or has the quality of the food slipped recently? I was here for lunch just before Xmas and the food wasnt as sensational as usual. Everybody is entitled to an off day I guess - I'd just prefer it if it wasnt on the day I went.

Service remains the best in London. Faultless and friendly.

Despite the 'off day', I'd certainly go again. If only to confirm that it was an off day and not something more serious.

Sunday, January 13, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7

Tom Aikens

I have been here for dinner twice and thoroughly enjoyed it both times. I am fortunate to dine out with work on regular occasions at London's top restaurants and this remains my favorite place.

Service is impeccable and (I have always found) friendly and very helpful.

Every one of my guests has enjoyed every course they have eaten.

Yes, it is expensive but its a price worth paying for food and service of this standard. I would happily go back again and again.

Sunday, January 13, 2008
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7

The Harbour

The best I can say about The Harbour was that it was very (very) average. If your wandering up Upper Street on a wet Saturday evening you could do worse than stumble in here. However, there are several other places that I would choose if I had the option.

I am a competent home cook and would certainly give this chef a run for his money. Food was, well, average. So average I havent the energy to even write about it.

Oh, and the 20 mins it took to get the bill almost saw me walk out. Indeed, I would have if it wasn’t for my girlfriend holding me back to avoid any potential embarrassment.

In conclusion, I wouldn’t hurry back.

Sunday, January 13, 2008
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4

Inside

Inventive menu with something for every taste. Food was really enjoyable and the atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. At £89 (for two) for 3 courses, a bottle of wine and 2 champagne cocktails (requested rather than feeling obliged to have as appears to be the trend these days), myself and my partner both thought it was great value compared to the cash cow signature restaurants of some of the more well known ‘celebrity’ chefs in the west end.

My parents are visiting next weekend and I plan to take them to Inside – say no more!

Sunday, May 21, 2006
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9