All reader reviews by Anonymous

Sophie's Steakhouse

Local haunt and almost an institution. This is (was) a great steakhouse. It used to be All Bar One and has been transformed as Sophie's, with a constant stream or punters and a no-booking policy.

Like all over-confident restaurants, Sophie's has taken to price itself towards the top-end and the food that was good, reliable and value for money now needs to be judged through a different lens.

This is slowly creeping out of the value-for-money band into the 'we know we're doing well and the Chelsea crowd can afford it' band and if this continues, I suspect the customers will not be streaming through the doors in the same numbers as before.

Sophies - if you listening - get back to what you did best!

A (good), formerly (great) - STEAKHOUSE!

Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 5

Roka

Wow, great place. Loved this but it benefits from sharing among a large group. Bar downstairs is a nice pre-dinner social. The food is clean, fresh and attractive but is totally blown away by the amazing flavours, textures and prsentation.

This is better alternative to the Nobu experience in my opinion and this is something I have done a few times.

Good vibe to the place and different sitting arrangements for those who want to watch the chefs at work.

Next party you arrange, eat here with guests, you'll not be disappointed.

Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8

The Admiral Codrington

Simple fish and chips was cooked reasonably well but one can't help feeling that this is neither a pub nor restaurant, but a confused marriage waiting for the public to decide.

Atmosphere is stiffish for a pub and the open kitchen doesn't really satisfy the punter as you can only see the chefs barking orders rather than the food prep. Prices are reasonable and the menu is not too long or complicated, so if the food can speak out, this place has a chance but at the moment it seems....well...not quite right.

Service was excellent from the young girl that served us. Well done!

Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 6

Theo Randall

The food coming out of this kitchen is excellent. The ingredients are seasonal, fresh and placed together in a harmonious marriage. The meal is light and tasty and without contrived complexity. This is the cooking of the moment.

We had a party of 6 and everyone enjoyed their meal. Tortolleni with Veal was of particular note. The new season lamb a triumph and the dessert selection platter a really nice way to sample what was on offer. Here we found an amazing Amalfi Lemon tart, Panna Cotta with Rhubarb was the stand-out, closely followed by the Chocolate Tort/Cake.

If a criticism was due, the service needs to liven up a bit if it is to be conisdered among the top London restaurants but Theo Randall is an accomplished chef who is surely giving old Locattelli a few sleepless nights.

High praise!

Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8