All reader reviews by Always Hopeful

The Punjab

Great food and friendly service. Was worried about the dahl when it turned up but it had cracking flavour. Naan breads good too. Would definitely go back.

Friday, November 04, 2011
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

The Grapes

Used to do great crispy fish and chips in the bar. Told them over a month ago it had gone downhil so gave it another chance this week.

Batter is now thick and oily, the crushed peas were watery and made the "aunt bessies" style chips soggy. The fish used to be a meaty cod that you could pull away lumps of tasty and juicy flesh. Its now a thin flakey cheap tasting fish. Not sure what it is but its not the meaty cod they used to have. Damn shame and I hope things improve as I won't be eating fish and chips there again. Good ales though.

Thursday, November 03, 2011
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 5

Hix Soho

Last night I shared the 1kg Porterhouse. I am used to great steaks cooked to perfection in the likes of Hawksmoor and Goodman. As a few of us could not get a table at Hawksmoor Seven Dials we decided to go to Hix. Unfortunately it was a huge disappointment. Ordered medium rare, it was medium at best and so dry I nearly choked. The chips are also not a patch on the selections at Hawksmoor or Goodman.

Nice surroundings but afraid the food I had was not good. I won't be returning which is a shame as I really wanted to like this place.

Friday, October 14, 2011
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 2

The Prospect of Whitby

Went here with relatives for Sunday lunch. Have to back up the recent comments on the food - the sunday roast was dreadful. Soft potatoes, ready meal quality lamb, frozen veg - The sort of food you would expect from a dodgy cafe - not an historic London pub. They got rid of the gas lamps and with it has gone all sense of quality.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 1

Bundu Khan

Superb quality, and some of the best curried food I have ever tasted. It seems all the best curry restaurants are undiscovered and at the moment this is true of this one - on a Tuesday night though. Maybe its the lack of alcohol but it really is a must - the mixed grill starter is fantastic - beautifully flavoured. Dont worry about the quality and tenderness of any of the meats - lamb kebab (one of their specialities and cannot remember its name!) in particular was very tender and fresh. Great service too. Will definately be going back.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 10

Hawksmoor (Spitalfields)

Truly awesome steak - perfectly cooked, great staff who all seemed to know what was going on on each table - very slick indeed and it was busy. Good bar staff and all round the best dining experience I have had. The "creamed greens" are fantastic too.

Monday, January 26, 2009
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9

The Narrow by Gordon Ramsay

Had a great meal there last night. I have been a few times now and seems they have even learned how to do a decent pie (letting them off that fact it is really a casserole with a lid on but at least now it has filling and gravy in it). I have had the pie in the past and needed to ask for sauce as it was so dry. The starters of kidneys and herring roe were both excellent and the mains were good solid food too. The Hake was superbly cooked. Service was very attentive and unhurried too. Worked out £30 a head which, with starters and a really nice red wine for £18.50 was good value too and a good buzzy atmosphere - surprising for a Monday evening.

Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Veranda Bar & Indian Restaurant

Terrific original food and great service mark out this indian from all the others in the area. Can be quiet sometimes but hoping that picks up and certainly gets fuller on saturday evenings. Starters are a good size and the lamb rogan and shanks are both excellent...

Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8

La Spezia

Hearing the italian accents I looked forward to the food here. Regretfully it was without doubt the worst food I have ever had. I have never not eaten a meal but the lasagne was truly awful. Soggy pasta with no meat to be found. I cannot describe enough how bad it was. A mate had the lamb shank which had all the tenderness of a victorian water main. Another had an overcooked fish. In fairness the service was good and the manager agreed to take the cost of much of the food off the bill. If you like meeting a friendly set of waiters then feel free to go here - but if you like edible food please stay as far away as possible.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 0

Goodman

At last a second place in London to get a great quality meat cooked with care and skill (Hawksmoore being the other one). I am looking forward to going back when the British beef has finished ageing. Agree re: the spinach - best I have ever had (including the US) and thoroughly recommend the US Ribeye until the British beef is ready. Simple formula this place - great food, greast wine, great caring service and good prices. Go there.

Monday, December 01, 2008
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9

Rules

Still like this place. Discrete and efficient service, great food and not overpriced given its reputation.

Had to move tables due to a screaming baby being next door for an 8pm sitting which I think they should dissallow - both for the baby's and fellow diners' sake.

Monday, December 01, 2008
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8