All reader reviews by Sarah

Albannach

We came early Saturday evening (5.45pm) for the 50% offer and really couldn't fault it. Cocktails were very nice, service was attentive. We were seated downstairs and I felt if we had been any later I would have wanted to be upstairs as the atmosphere definitely turns towards being a bar after 7pm.

The haggis starter was very good and the gravy just superb. I would have preferred it to be a little hotter. Fishcake small plate was commented to be full of fish. I had the chicken for main. I don't normally order chicken in restaurants but this was stated as free range and a 25 minute wait so I was expecting good quality. And I have to say that it was very nicely cooked, not dry at all and very tasty considering it was "just" roast chicken. I would have liked the garlic mayonnaise to be more garlicky. My sister said that her ribeye was cooked to perfection and the whisky peppercorn sauce out of this world. The chips were very nice too, a little thin for my preference but definitely not fries. We couldn't manage pudding as I was full, the portion sizes are quite generous.

We had a query with the bill and the 50% was not deducted but this was rectified very quickly amidst apologies.

I would have no problem recommending.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10

The Bountiful Cow

I came with a small group after work one Friday. It was quiet at first downstairs but then a large and very noisy group arrived which was a little offputting. We dined from the festival menu, which I thought was very good value. I had the sirloin steak and chips. The steak was cooked as I asked although I felt the quality wasn't the best. The chips seemed to be frozen ones. The salted caramel ice cream was extremely nice but just came in a frozen glass with no other texture like a biscuit or something. The wine I had by the glass wasn't up to much for the price. Service was accomodating but the girl seemed a little rushed after the large group had arrived. I probably wouldn't come back.

Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8

Baltic

I came for an early evening dinner with a friend. Service was good. We had time for starters and mains. I preferred my black sausage starter to the rabbit main tastewise. However, the rabbit was cooked perfectly and my Polish friend sampled the egg noodle / dumpling and said it was very good. Apparently, a difficult dish to cook. She was very impressed with her duck. We went back later to the bar which was busy with a good atmosphere. The cocktails were nice although not expertly executed in my opinion. I feel for the price of the mains I would return and eat from the bar menu as I can then try more things at better value.

Sunday, October 02, 2011
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 5

Camino Puerto del Canario

I like it here. It has a good wine selection and cocktail menu. The tapas are good, particularly the squid and very reasonably priced. I haven't visited the actual restaurant but it looks nice and there are usually people in there. On a nice day, you can sit outside.

Monday, June 13, 2011
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7

Cafe Boheme

I must be going to a different restaurant because I think this place is awful. Or maybe they can't handle large groups. I went last year and again this with a group of 10 people. It started badly when myself and two others ordered cocktails before the whole group had arrived. 20 minutes later I enquired as to where they were, to be told that the restaurant is very busy and they just haven't got round to making them yet!

I ordered the crab & avocado salad to start which was basically a plate of chicory with a dollop of mayonnaise and as much crab as you would find in a tiny claw and maybe 3 slivers of avocado. My neighbour's chicken & bacon salad had more avocado than mine. I don't like chicory so didn't get much of that.

I struggle to find something I like here because past experience told me that they don't cook things the way you ask for. So I had the crevettes starter as a main and was very happy with this as they were plump, juicy and very tasty. My neighbour's steak was not cooked medium rare as asked, and was very sinewy and fatty. Others steaks were also not cooked to order and the calves liver had to be sent back because it was so rare. Sides only arrived after we were halfway throught the mains.

Service isn't great here. Twice we got the wine bottle to pour drinks, only to be told that they would do that and when I tried to buy a drink from the bar separately, I wasn't allowed because I was at a table and had to wait for the waitress, who we didn't see for about 20 minutes.

This might be a nice place early in the day or there are only a couple of you but later on with a group and everything must go downhill. I'm sure there must be better restaurants in the area.

Monday, June 13, 2011
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 4

The Well

Came for lunch with colleagues for the 50% offer. I did not have to mention this at all and the cost was automatically removed form the bill. Two of us had the burgers, which were divine and perfectly cooked to order (mine was medium rare). The other had the mussels which I was was told were very good.

Desserts I feel did not match up with the mains but they were fine. The wine list is very reasonable and service very good.

I was surprised how quiet it was but Wednesday lunch after a long weekend probably isn't surprising. I would happily recommend.

Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Archipelago

I went last night with a friend and had a very nice time. I would agree that the prices are rather over the top - £19 for a mains. However, we wanted to try the food and that is the price you pay.

The ostrich starter was delicious, very tender meat in a lovely creamy sauce, whilst the crocodile was just ok, a little chewy. Not huge portions.

Mains were zebra, which was a little tough and not very flavoursome but the kangeroo was very tasty and very tender - a difficult result to achieve with this meat, I believe.

We were co-erced into having the Love Bug salad which was a diappointment. £7 for a small bowl of spinach and rocket with about 6 bugs.

Dessert was very nice too. They are trying to be creative but as we just had the one chocolate dessert it is difficult to say whether this is successful.

Service was very friendly and gauged perfectly. Decor was unusual and atmosphere was good. We arrived early but the restaurant soon filled up.

I would return but maybe if I had a special offer because it was expensive for a midweek trip after work.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6

El Faro

Please phone before coming to this restaurant as I am not sure that it is even open anymore. We have tried to visit twice recently at a time when it should be open according to their website, only to find it dark and onbiously closed. We are only local so it is not a big deal, except that we were looking forward to some nice tapas.

Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 10

Bar Boulud

I have been here twice now and have twice had the pulled pork beef burger. I love a good burger and this is one of the best in town. I don't like the fries that they come with but forgot to ask if they could change them this time. We had an early evening reservation and were told that we had to be gone in two hours. As it was just my friend and myself this wasn't a problem but I do hate double seating in restaurants. Even though we had plenty of time, we found the staff quite pushy in getting us to choose desserts and it spoilt the experience somewhat. The plated desserts were world class standard. I know the head pasty chef so guessed that I wouldn't be disappointed. Finally, the house red was £5 for a small glass but is the nicest that I have ever tasted. Go.

Monday, March 07, 2011
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9

Coq d'Argent

I came with a group of 17 of us and we had a long table at the back. The tables are about one and half size of normal tables, which is nice if there are just two of you but it made it difficult to talk to people further down.

We were on the group menu which was £42 for three courses. Bread was plentiful and just as well because there was a little wait for the starters. I had the lobster bisque, which was divine but wish there were more. To follow I had the Romney marsh lamb which was nice but almost cold. The accompaniments were what made the dish. My partner had the slow cooked rump and this was very tasty. Veg was ordered for the table - chips, mash, boiled poatoes, spinach and green beans. Some of our group knew the head chef so he came out and supervised the serving of the plated desserts. They were very nice - the chocolate was a little too rich for me, not enough contrast in flavours or textures. We had wine, maybe a glass or two each and some water. The petit fours were good too.

Service started well but soon fell into chaos. One half of the table seemed to get served better than the other. We were situated by the serving station and I saw one waiter blow something off a customer's plate ( don't know what and it wasn't in our party so I didn't say anything). Coffees were meant to be included but only one half (not mine) actually got theirs.

The total bill was £1,440! Racked up I feel by the ridiculously overpriced wine. Ours was £67 a bottle and it wasn't any better than an Asda ES Merlot. Go to Bar Boulud for a great glass of house red.

I wouldn't recommend but I would go back if someone else was paying.

Monday, March 07, 2011
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 3

Bali Bali

Good Roti canai but accompanying curry sauce a little wet. Pankin Dagin (sp?) was perfect balance of hot and sour. Acar lovely. Chicken curry also very nice Excellent value for money. Came away very satisfied.

Friday, February 27, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10

Mr Kong

Came late on Wednesday - open until 3am. Soft shell crab again wonderful. Lamb curry best chinese curry I have had. Duck rice a little greasy and hot sour chicken just so so. But still my favourite chinese and service very good as always.

Friday, February 27, 2009
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7

54

My favourite Malaysian in town. Had Spicy Lamb soup to start which was perfect. Followed by an excellent Snapper in curry sauce. Partner had the lovely Laksa and Nasi Lemak. Too full for dessert. 50% off makes it great value.

Friday, February 27, 2009
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9

Foliage

Came for lunch on my 40th. As it was a Tuesday it was reasonably quiet so not surprising then that the service was excellent and we felt in no rush to leave. The food was perfectly balanced and definately some of the tastiest I have had. The two glasses of wine complemented the food and not only took the guesswork out of matching but also meant I got to try 4 different wines as my husband had ordered different courses! As a previous reviewer noted, I was almost accompanied to the ladies and I'm sure I saw a look of relief from the head waiter when I came back unscathed! Lunch at Foliage made a special day for me and I can definately recommend.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9

Little Bay (Farringdon Rd)

Walking to Exmouth market for Sunday lunch with the family and stopped here to look at the menu. I had already heard good things but everyone seemed happy with the menu choices and prices, so we went in. Staff were very pleasant and helpful in seating our unbooked party of 10. Service and food were equally good. We lingered and there was no evidence of feeling rushed. This is not high class stuff, just tasty and filling. I wouldn't even say it is French food, more International. A lot of dishes had pastry as an ingredient and this meant that you didn't go away hungry. Tiramisu and Apple cake were very good, although the goose fat cooked chips could have been crispier for me. And I didn't like their coffee at all. Decor is unusual and the restaurant soon filled up, making for a good atmosphere. We all had two courses, some three with beer and soft drinks. With the tip, it worked out at £25 each.

Monday, September 15, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9

Mr Kong

Came here on Saturday with 3 freinds. The waiter was very friendly and advised us that we were perhaps ordering too much - he was right! The Soft shell crab starter was excellent. A good size, not greasy with a nice salty and spicy finish. The other starters ordered were bog standard but good. Mains were excellent. I have a rice dish that was half chicken and tomato and half king prawns & cream. Different and very tasty. The Emperor chicken on the bone was equally good. Very enjoyable evening.

Monday, May 19, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8

Azou

I fancied Moroccan so booked Azou on the basis of reviews. Bank holiday Saturday early evening, we were the only diners but strangely this didn't affect our enjoyment of the meal. We started with Brik (excellent) and calamari (standard). Mains were Hummus tagine and Couscous Royale. The lamb and chicken were incredibly tender and the chickpea sauce rich and tasty. We shared ice cream with sauce which was fantastic and the Moroccan coffee was lovely. I haven't had Moroccan food before so can't compare but there were lots of interesting flavours going on - saffron was evident as well as cardamon and cinnamon. Would definately recommend.

Friday, August 31, 2007
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 9

C&R Restaurant

Based on reviews here, we went on Saturday and I ordered the char kuay teow. What a disappointment! The dish was plentiful and reasonably tasty but so greasy I couldn't finish it and felt sick afterwards as it sat on my stomach. We also had the roti canai (not great), lamb satay (very nice), beef redang (tender) and chicken curry (poor). Overall, I couldn't see what all the fuss was about. We have been to Malaysia before and there was really no comparison. Service was actually very good and they do accept cards over a certain amount. We won't be going back.

Monday, June 11, 2007
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8