Rhodes 24

This is supposed to be the flagship of Gary Rhode’s empire, if you can find the entrance and can drag yourself away from the view to look at the food.

Food

We went for the set lunch menu, which, like Lindsay House had 2 choices for each. We had:

• Salmon Terrine. A bit unfortunate – or is that fortunate that we got exactly that at Lindsay House as well. In this case, the Lindsay House version wins, no question. This one was very plain and boring, nothing to wow you to say that this is a Michelin star rated terrine.
• Celeriac Soup – very creamy and nice, with the subtle nuttiness of the celeriac. I expected a bit more though.
• Black chicken - nice, just suffers from chicken blandness.
• Baked Cod – I love this dish. The cod was cooked perfectly, silky smooth
• Iced tangerine mousse, warm chocolate doughnuts - sounds better than it actually tastes, but nicely balanced flavours.
• Bramley apple pie, blackberry, apple and macadamia nut crumble, apple ice cream - Very homely, with the fruit cooked very well. I thought the filling could have done with a bit more thought and the ice cream was very ordinary.

We ended with some Petit Fours of caramel fudge, fruit cake, which was well done but boring.

Rating - 6.5

Atmosphere

Well, so much for the credit crunch. This place was filled to the brim with suits on a Monday lunch. What’s more, they were going the whole hog, with wine to match as well. We actually felt quite out of place even though I had come straight from work…since my suit wasn’t black. It was noisy and busy, and people actually seem like they were regulars…except for a few out of towners, who were dressed in jeans, and actually bought a copy of Gary Rhodes’ cookbook.

And of course there is the view, we were lucky to be there on a sunny afternoon, so we can see the city, except for all the bits blocked by the gherkin, with Canary Wharf in the background. The only thing that let the side down – the security. The fact that the restaurant was inside an office block was already difficult enough, they don’t even display the name of the restaurant outside. Luckily I looked it up beforehand so I knew where to go. Then you have to go through a whole security process, where you have to sign in, take a pass, and take all these different lifts, confusing…especially when you are running late.

Rating - 2.5

Service

Service was a little slow for lunch – but I guess this is more a lingering sort of place. Otherwise, things were great except one thing which kept annoying me – our waiter kept taking away our bottle of water when there was a good 2cm left at the bottom. Seems like a cheap way to make a buck if you ask me…especially considering the number of clients they have.

Rating - 3

C-factor

I prefer Lindsay House, but this is definitely a nice place to take visitors.

Rating - 1

Brownie Points - 13

Info

Tower 42
25 Old Broad Street
London
EC2N 1HQ
Phone +44 (0) 20 7877 7703
Website

Tayyabs

After hearing praise upon praise on this place, I knew I had to come and try, and before we move out of the neighbourhood, so I joined the crowd and queued on Saturday night. I am happy to announce though, that I have finally found a replacement for Janani.

Food

Luckily, as I was ravenous from the wait, they plonked down some Mixed Poppadoms with some raw onion, tomato and cucumber, tomato and red chilli chutney and mint and yogurt. It wasn’t just because we were hungry, the flavours were so good I would’ve licked my plate. The food certainly arrived quickly though. We had watched tray after tray of sizzling meat go past us as we queued, so I knew that I would definitely be getting the Lamb Chops, which came coated in Tandoori paste and was actually a bit tough. The Seekh Kebab on the other hand, was one of the best I’ve had, with beautiful spicing.

We opted to share some curries for main. I loved the balance of the spices in the Karahi Chicken Keema. One of the tests for a curry house is of course the dhall. The Dhall with Eggplant absolutely delicious, smoky eggplant and the thick dhall mixed to a thick paste.

Bread is another standout of Tayyabs. The Tandoori Naan (£0.90) was beautifully done, not oily, but with nicely developed air pockets (yes, I am particular about my naan). The Tandoori Roti (£0.70) was more leavened than I thought, but absolutely delicious. And of course, we ordered the very economical Mango Lassi Jug (£5), which was not one of the best I have had, tasting more like a Mango milkshake. I think I will try the sweet lassi next time. And yes, there will definitely be a next time.

Rating - 7.5

Atmosphere

We stood in the blue glow of the light and waited for 40 minutes before we got a table, but the wait definitely worth it. We spent the time by reading all the newspaper clippings and awards they have framed up, as well as observing all the sizzling plates coming out of the kitchen. There just seemed to be a constant stream of young hip things pouring in. Everyone (loaded up with BYO alcohol) looked like they were fuelling up before a night out on the town. This seems to be THE place in town to be.

Rating - 2

Service

If you want to take a lesson in efficiency, this is where you find it. The waiters have the timing down to a pat. I observe them serving about 4 tables at once and getting the timing perfectly. I wouldn’t say the service is warm or friendly, but I admire their skills and the fact that they didn’t put a foot wrong in what to any other restaurant would be a chaotic scene.

Rating - 3

C-factor

Everything came to £27.80. I will definitely be back.

Rating - 2

Brownie Points - 14.5

Info

83-89 Fieldgate Street
London
E1 1JU
Phone +44 (0) 20 7247 9543
Website

The Wells

Off to posh suburban Hampstead Heath for a weekend stroll, and what better way to go about this than filling our stomachs at this cosy pub.

Food

The menu was one of those where you just want to order everything. We finally settled on Natural Smoked Haddock, Champ Potatoes and Poached Egg with Mustard Beurre Blanc (£13.50), which was delicious. I still haven’t got enough of champ yet and wonder why it’s not on more menus. I actually preferred the sides to the main deal in the Wild Fallow Venison Haunch with Curly Kale, Butternut Puree, Crispy Parsnip and Blackberry Game Jus (£14.95)…don’t get me wrong, the venison was cooked just right, but I love kale…and pumpkin…and parsnip, so what can I say. The Roast Angus Sirloin Beef with Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Roasted Root Vegetables, Greens and Gravy (£15.95) was one of the best I’ve had. The Yorkshire was nice and crisp, and the roast was juicy and not tough at all.

Rating - 7.5

Atmosphere

It was really crowded inside, with groups of locals it seems – as some have even brought their dogs along, and babies seem to abound. We didn’t book as it was a last minute decision to go, but instead of waiting for a table, we decided to take advantage of the weather to sit outside. They turned on the heaters for us, but it really didn’t do much in the cold...Even though we were cold, it did allow us to observe the neighbourhood – and just how neighbourly it is compared to where I live now.

Rating - 2

Service

The service was excellent. They made us feel welcomed and were flexible enough to cater to our wishes of sitting outside (well the fact that everyone else followed our lead meant they probably doubled their usual business) and making us as comfortable as possible. They knew we weren’t be able to attract attention easily, so brought us everything we needed (including the bill!) so we never had to get up to do anything.

Rating - 4

C-factor

I expected a bigger serving for the price, but we are in Hampstead afterall, so you would expect to pay more.

Rating - 0.5

Brownie Points - 14

Info

30 Well Walk
London
NW3 1BX
Phone +44 (0) 20 7794 3785
Website

Pizza Express Canary Wharf 4

Food

Another two for one deal. I went for the special list of pizzas by celebrity chef Theo Randell. The Teo's Favorita (£9.75) - With santos tomatoes marinated with fresh oregano, once baked this pizza is scattered with hand-torn for di latte mozzarella, prosciutto di Parma, nicoise olives and rocket was bit cold around the edges, and went cold quickly, but otherwise very tasty, with tomato to the edge and a crispy base. Probably the best Pizza Express pizza I’ve had by a long stretch.

Rating - 7

Atmosphere

As usual, filled to the brim. It was so packed and so noisy, and there was a huge queue out the front! I still don’t understand the logic behind that.

Rating - 1

Service

As usual, really slow and not very attentive. They delivered all the pizzas except for mine, and they didn’t give any explanation, so I was about to get up to find out what happened, when they finally bought mine out, about 5 minutes later, without any explanations. Everyone waited for mine while their pizzas got cold, so I felt bad. We couldn’t attract any attention to pay our bill, so I actually had to walk up to someone to settle it.

Rating - 1

C-factor

It must be because of the two for one voucher that explains the crowds.

Rating - 1

Brownie Points - 10

Info

200 Cabot Place East
London
E14 4QT
Phone +44 (0) 20 7513 0513
Website

Walkabout Convent Garden

The first time I saw a Walkabout, I was surprised and curious, about the fact that someone actually themed an Aussie pub. When I realised it was a chain, I lost a bit of interest, but the fact that there are so many of them must mean they are doing something right?...Or maybe it’s because the beer is cheap so they are too drunk to notice…

Food

Our free meal voucher entitled us to a Classic Beef Burger (£5.75) Topped with juicy tomato, crisp lettuce and mayo. It's a classic but truly awesome! - and it was bad. The bun was a bit lacklustre, the pattie a bit tame, dry and processed. It’s paired with one fried onion ring, some lettuce, tomato, but no sauce. With a generous dollop of tomato sauce, it was passable. The chips and salad on the side was boring as too. I guess you shouldn’t expect too much from a free meal.

Rating - 3

Atmosphere

Well I can tell you this much. I’ve been to a few Aussie pubs in my life and this does not look like any Aussie pub I’ve been to. They have a long bar down one side, and various screens with any kind of sport they can think of every meter or so, so I guess it’s popular with the sporting crowd or the hoonies. We were there quite early so there was no one there. The worst thing about the place though, a terrible bleach smell that permeates the place.

Rating - 0.5

Service

Well, the person at the bar was very rude to us, they then deliver our meals without a word, and don’t tell us that they were going to bring us sauce later, so we ended up searching for it ourselves. Terrible even for counter service.

Rating - 0

C-factor

If our burgers weren’t for free, I would never set foot in that place. I am sure no genuine Aussies hang around there anyhow.

Rating - 1

Brownie Points - 4.5

Info

11 Henrietta Street & 33 Maiden Lane
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 8PS
Phone +44 (0) 20 7379 5555
Website

Lindsay House

Food

The degustation menu sounded interesting, but I wasn’t in the mood to indulge. Instead, we opted for the Pre-Theatre menu, with 2 choices for each course. Easy, one of each please.

• French Onion Soup with Croque Monsieur - beautiful. Intense caramelised onion flavour , with a lovely cheese toast.
• Ballotine of Hake wrapped in ham, Herb Gnocchi and Spinach Puree - beautifully cooked fish, with the ham adding saltiness.
• Warm Chocolate Fondant with Candied Lime and Mascarpone Sorbet - well executed dark chocolate, with the sorbet bringing it above the ordinary
• Smoked Salmon Terrine, Fennel Salad and Dry Bread - I thought this would be boring, but the creamy sauce really tied the salmon together, and the fennel salad was delicate and added balance.
• Rump of Lamb, Black Olive Herb Crust and White Bean Chorizo Stew - melt in the mouth lamb with a separate pot for the chorizo stew, with the beans absorbing the flavour of the chorizo
• Cardamom Brulee with Warm Clementine Soup - I love this dish. The brulee was nicely flavoured with cardamom which did not overpower, while the Clementine was sweet and refreshing

These were excellent. So good that I am considering coming back to try the degustation….maybe when they have a sale. They were nice enough to give us some petit fours after the meal, even though we didn’t order coffee. They were…..

Rating - 9

Atmosphere

The location is very central, yet the restaurant is situated in a conservatively decorated Victorian terrace house with several pokey rooms. It reminds me of Clos Maggiore actually. We were seated in the upstairs dining room. As we were quite early, the room was relatively empty, but I imagined when it was full the noise would be quite loud, as the tables, although spacious, were quite close together.

Rating - 1.5

Service

We were told that because we were ordering the pre-theatre menu, we would need to vacate the table by 8:45pm (we arrived at 7pm)…this would be a rush for some people, but we were quite happy to be in and out – and that also had to mean that food would be served promptly. In fact, the meal was very nicely paced, we didn’t feel rushed at any stage, and we got out of there by 8:30pm, and could even get home to enjoy some time out. In terms of the wait staff…most were above average, with one or two of them who seem to be a bit below the high standard that has been set.

Rating - 4

C-factor

For food of this quality, definitely worth it. The pre-theatre menu worked out to be £25 for 3 courses.

Rating - 2

Brownie Points - 16.5

Info

21 Romilly Street
London
W1D 5AF
Phone +44 (0) 20 7439 0450
Website

Bonds Restaurant

All the restaurants are running specials now for the credit crunch. Our Aussie friends wanted somewhere close to the city to eat, and what better way to show off City life than dining right in the heart of Bank?

Food

Things didn’t start off too well. We were left with nothing but water for a long time. When the Bread Basket finally arrived, it was very dull, with a selection of either white rolls or brown rolls. The bread itself, although warmed, was dry and tasteless.

Starters were very nice though. The Pumpkin Soup with Pesto was one of the sweetest pumpkin soups I’ve had for ages. I actually don’t mind the sweetness. The Venison Terrine with Berry Compote was definitely my favourite. The terrine was rich and gamey, yet smooth and melt in the mouth, and paired very well with the slightly tart berry compote.

There was a choice of 3 for mains. We went for the Butter Roasted Scottish Salmon was very nice. The salmon had a nice charred skin, the flesh lightly poached with a slight too strong broth of vegetables. The Slow Cooked Bavette of Beef, Beetroot Marmalade, Vichy Carrots, Red Wine Sauce was the most disappointing. The beef was cooked to medium rare, and was tender enough. The red wine sauce was too salty and over-powering, even for beef. I loved the carrots, which were sweet and buttery and tender.

Desserts were very ordinary. The Treacle Tart, Vanilla Ice Cream was standard, with an ok crust, well executed tart, very supermarket like vanilla ice cream. The Baked Apple Crumble, Calvados Ice Cream was nothing to get excited about. The crumble mixture I have made better before, the ice cream was pretty terrible. It’s not that it was bad, but I could have made them better myself.

Rating - 6

Atmosphere

This reminded me a lot of 1 Lombard Street, in that it is situated in a heritage building with very high ceiling. As soon as you walk in, there is a huge bar area with people drinking and snacking. Like Lombard, you have to work your way through the crowd to reach the dining area, situated at the back. The dining area itself was small, with some comfy but very low chairs. The feeling is corporate opulence, with browns being dominant. The clientele seems to be corporate as well.

Rating - 1.5

Service

Pretty terrible. When we wanted attention, we didn’t get any. It took us so long before we got someone to order and to get the bill. Our meals took a long time to arrive, and they actually got the order the wrong way around, so even though I had a spoon on my place setting, I was given the venison instead as a starter!

They kept coming to serve us when we didn’t need it though, topping up our water every 2 or so minute, and coming around often to ask if the food was ok, and folding our napkin when we got up to leave, and pushing our chairs in when we sat down. I would rather they focus on serving us when we needed than to add all these extra touches that doesn’t really work. Maybe they are used to high flyers here with loads of cash and plenty of time to spend, but for me, I would rather a more personal but efficient service, without all the extra fluff.

Rating - 1.5

C-factor

From the fact that they kept pouring us water, and then charging £4 for a bottle, meant our meal ended up being over £23 per person all up. It’s about on par for what we can get nowadays for a dinner in the city, but usually we can eat from a less restricted menu for the same price.

Rating - 0

Brownie Points - 9

Info

5 Threadneedle Street
London
EC2R 8AY
Phone +44 (0) 20 7403 8403
Website

Knife and Cleaver

Food

I was amazed that we were actually brought an amuse to start, consisting of Prawn ball and Relish on Toast, and while it wasn’t spectacular, did keep us busy while we debated what to order. We also munched on some delicious Seed Bread and Foccacia while we waited for the meal to arrive. The Smoked Haddock Chowder (£5.25) With Parmesan Cheese Straws was very lovely, fishy and creamy, with delicious Parmesan cheese straws. The Deep Fried Whitebait, Gremolata (chopped parsley, lemon, garlic olive oil) (£6.00), sounded more interesting than it tasted, although the gremolata sauce was great.

For mains, we got the Gourmet Steak Burger (£9.75) Home Made Bun, Crispy Pancetta, Chunky Cut Chips with Tomato Relish which was simple and done well, while the South Coast Dab Baked Whole with an Anchovy and Shrimp Butter (£12.25) was a welcome departure from the usual way that fish is served in restaurants. As well as the mains, we got an accompaniment of ratotouille, potato gratin, buttered leek, which was really tasty, showing they know what they are doing in the kitchen. Slokky finished off the night with some Cafetiere Coffee, which tasted like any other coffee we get from a restaurant – terrible – no matter how good the food is.

Rating - 7.5

Atmosphere

hmmm...dead. Besides us, there was a loved up older couple who were obviously staying at the hotel and enjoying a night out, dressed to the nines. It was cold and the cold and wind outside made it kinda scary. We didn't hang around.

Rating - 1.5

Service

This is definitely a family run, or casual affair. Basically the person running the front desk of the hotel, is also running the bar and is the waiter in the restaurant. At least she wasn’t the cook as well…Since there were only two tables of customers, that wasn’t a problem. The food was great, she came in a few times to check on us, otherwise she stayed in the front room of the hotel. This works well for me.

Rating - 3

C-factor

The portions were huge and so cheap.

Rating - 2

Brownie Points - 14

Info

The Grove
Houghton Conquest
MK45 3LA
Phone +44 (0) 12 3474 0387
Website

Pen-y-Bryn

I didn’t know that Pen-y-Byn is run by the same people as The Armoury, but as soon as we saw that fireplace, we knew.

Food

They have a few more dishes on the menu than The Armoury, and the portions are definitely bigger. After our huge lunch at Black Boy Inn today, we opted to skip the starters.

After a whole day of seeing sheep roam around the fields, we opted for the Braised Half Shoulder of Welsh Lamb with Dauphinoise Potatoes, Vegetables and Rosemary Sauce (£13.95). Another great choice, with melt in the mouth welsh lamb, accompanied by a balanced sauce and lots of vegetables. The Slow Roast Belly Pork with Roasted Apple, Sage & Onion Mashed Potato and Vegetables (£11.45) was no slouch either, the succulent pork mixed with a layer of fat. The apple actually came in the form of a whole apple, with the core stuff with sausage. Innovative and very nice.

I cried defeat after the main, but Slokky couldn’t resist dessert, especially when Eton Mess (meringue with fresh raspberries, strawberries and cream) (£4.95) was on the menu. Although I am not a fan (meringue is not my cup of tea), this was one of the better ones – with very nice cream 

Rating - 7

Atmosphere

We arrived pretty early, and the place had not filled up yet, but more and more people came, making it more and more lively. Still, it’s a big space and the tables are pretty spread apart, the noise is not too loud and you never feel that crowded. Like The Armoury, they have a fireplace and walls filled with old books, but being such a modern space, (with a fantastic skylight – although I didn’t see it in action of course), it didn’t really suit.

Rating - 1.5

Service

Pretty much the same as The Armoury. I am glad they train them so even the service is the same for all their pubs.

Rating - 3

C-factor

Very good value for the portion size.

Rating - 1

Brownie Points - 12.5

Info

Pen-y-Bryn Road
Upper Colwyn Bay
Conwy
LL29 6DD
Phone +44 (0) 14 9253 3360
Website

Black Boy Inn

As we were right in the heart of Welsh territory, we felt it was only right to dine in a traditional pub.

Food

There was a range of Welsh classics on offer, but we opted for the Traditional Caernarfon Lob Scouse (£8.95) – Chunks of Steak Cooked with Onions, Root Vegetables and Potatoes in a Great Stock, Served with Chunky Bread, which was not dissimilar to an Irish stew – only less alcoholic. A was expecting maybe like 3 sardines in the Special of Sardines with Salad (£7.95) but we got about 6, and a huge slab of salad on the side. There was so much food that it was difficult to eat as the sardines were falling off the plate. The sardines themselves were fat and juicy – but as good as the ones we get in Oz mind you, but definitely meaty enough to satisfy. Add to that the Snowdonia Ale from Purple Moose Brewery, and I could hardly move at the end of the meal.

Rating - 6.5

Atmosphere

The inn consisted of a series of dinky little rooms, where everything is crooked and low, very authentic, especially considering they still have their Good Pub 1970 sticker up. We sat in the front bar, and as most of the seats were occupied, had to make do with perching in a corner. You couldn’t see the other people, but you could certainly hear them.

Rating - 1.5

Service

It took such a long time for the food to arrive. This was supposedly because there was a huge group there. The bar staff were telling everyone that there was at least a ½ hour wait for the food, but somehow they neglected to inform us. If we’d know we probably wouldn’t have dined there as we were in a hurry…Anyhow, we ordered, so we waited…at least the food was good when it finally did arrive.

Rating - 2

C-factor

Considering the size of the servings, this was definitely a cheap feed.

Rating - 1

Brownie Points - 11

Info

Northgate Street
Caernarfon
Gwynedd
LL55 1RW
Phone +44 (0) 12 8667 3604

The Armoury

Good vibe, good food, let down by some lacklustre desserts.

Food

The menu was a wonderful mixture of everything I want to eat. I chose an entrée of Pigeon Breast, Bacon and Black Pudding Salad (£6.25), which was sparse on ingredients, but big on taste. The pigeon was delicate and gamey, paired with some good quality bacon. I didn’t really think the black pudding added much though. I only wish there was more of everything. The main of Spicy Moroccan Lamb Shoulder with Olive and Almond Cous Cous (£14.95) was excellent too. Melt in the mouth lamb shoulder, with a flavoursome but not overpowering Moroccan sauce. The desserts were a bit disappointing though, the Belgian Waffle with Honeycomb Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce (£5.25) was definitely NOT made to order. The waffle was very dry from being heated again, and the chocolate sauce was sickly sweet, and the honeycomb ice cream only added more sweetness. The Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream (£5.25) has been done to death at a million places, yet we cannot help but order it, as on a good winter’s night, a good pudding can do wonders. Unfortunately, this pudding was not good. It suffers from some overheating in the microwave, so that the pudding was so dry, a large amount of sauce was needed to rescue it. If the sauce was great I wouldn’t mind – but this one was just thick and sweet.

A great start was ruined by some lacklustre desserts.

Rating - 6

Atmosphere

The place was really pumping on this late Friday evening, with big groups of young and old, all having a night out “on the town” I suppose. There were also a few couples scattered here and there. We made a beeline for the fireplace and the seat next to the floor to seat bookcase with a collection of old books. They have managed to make the big loft style place quite cosy, and the vibe was excellent.

Rating - 2.5

Service

The wait staff were quite trustworthy I think. They let us order whatever (without keeping a tab), and just told us to settle the bill at the end. Considering the amount of people that are going in and out of the place, they are definitely working on trust alone.

The staff were really nice and really pleasant though.

Rating - 3

C-factor

Compared to London, a bargain, as always, but for the country, average.

Rating - 1

Brownie Points - 12.5

Info

Victoria Quay
Victoria Avenue
Welsh Bridge
Shrewsbury
SY1 1HH
Phone +44 (0) 17 4334 0525
Website

Maggie May’s

The quintessential hangover cure, Maggie May’s is famous throughout Northern Ireland for delivering grease on a plate at unbeatable prices.

Food

We didn’t want to be TOO over the top, not on our first go anyway, so we balanced out the excess of the Traditional Fry Up – bacon, sausage, tomato, mushroom, soda bread, potato bread, pancake, fried egg (£3.99) with the Fried Irish Soda Bread with Sausage and Fried Egg (£2.99) . The traditional fry up, while greasy, wasn’t really that huge… and because we didn’t get the version with hot chips. The food certainly hits the spot, as well as clog your arteries. The soda bread especially, was very yummy. We washed it down with a definitely passable cappuccino too, which goes go show that if you do the simple things well, you will pack them in.

Rating - 6.5

Atmosphere

It was wonderful and buzzy, exactly how you would imagine a breakfast den should look like in days gone by. We were lucky to nab the last booth, as the place filled to bursting soon. Ture to form, there were a lot of students, (and pretenders like us).

Rating - 1.5

Service

”Love” seems to be the term used by the waiters, who all look like they have been there for 20+ years, and could very well be your trailer park mum. It’s no nonsense, speedy service here, which is just as well if they want to churn them in and out.

Rating - 3

C-factor

The food is nothing to write home about but then again,

Rating - 1

Brownie Points - 12

Info

50 Botanic Avenue
Belfast
County Antrim
BT7 1JR
Phone +44 (0) 28 9032 2662