All reader reviews by Glassman

New Tayyab

Yes the service is a bit brusk but it's incredibly efficient. The food is very tasty - the best Indian food that I've had in London - and it's wonderfully cheap. I went last night with a few mates and we struggled to spent £15 per person.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10

Le Gavroche

We went to Le Gavroche with very high expectations. In summary, I'm afraid that we were slightly disappointed with the experience.

You do feel as sense of excitement as you enter the restaurant. You will be met at the door and escorted either into the lounge for an apperitif or directly downstairs into the restaurant. The restaurant itself is a windowless basement although the decor is smart (perhaps a bit faded) but classically French.

I started with langoustines and snails in a creamy sauce, which was very tasty but incredibly rich. For mains, I chose belly of pork, served with dauphinois potatoes and crackling with a red wine sauce. This too was very tasty but again too rich and I stuggled to finish my meal. We were not tempted by a dessert for £25 and finished up with coffees which were served with cream which curdled and had to be changed twice.

Overall I would say that the food was good but perhaps not as delicious as I'd expect for a restaurant with this reputation and therefore the meal felt quite expensive (£100 per person) for what we got.

The service was good and attentive although a bit stuffy for my liking.

I guess I just don't enjoy the very classic French style as much as a more modern approach. Le Gavroche is more similar to Le Lion D'Or in Saulieu (good food but nothing sensational) whereas we would tend to prefer places like Le Manoir (which offers a full country house experience) or Gordon Ramsay for more creative flavours.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5

Lahore Kebab House

A good venue for a no-frills curry. The mango lassis are delicious. I went on a Friday and opted for the lamb chop curry (the daily special) - which was very tasty - pilau rice, a naan and chick pea side dish - which was very good and surprisingly powerful. There's an off licence next door if you need to pick up a few beers beforehand.

Lunch for 2 came to about £35.

Monday, February 11, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Gordon Ramsay At 68 Royal Hospital Road

My wife took me to Gordon Ramsay for my 30th birthday. What a wonderful treat.

The restaurant is very smart but understated - only 40 covers or so. The staff are wonderful, providing an excellent level of care without ever being intrusive.

The food was lovely. We started with an amuse bouche of pumpkin soup with a pancetta froth served with toasted brioche with a mushroom pate. Starter: Foie gras with a camomile jelly and pickled vegetables Main: Pork cooked 3 ways - pork cheeks, fillet and black pudding. Pudding: cheese.

We asked them to select a wine for each course and they were all delicious.

Overall, a really wonderful experience.

Monday, February 11, 2008
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10