The Angel & Crown
58 St Martins Lane
London
WC2N 4EA
http://www.theangelandcrown.com/
First things first. I had been in this pub before, to see Germany thrash England 4-1 in the World Cup. Thankfully, the pub has been taken over, or at least the decor and layout have been improved massively, but the Angel and Crown looks a lot nicer on the eye now.
Secondly, if 118 118 don't actually know your pub exists, in the heart of 'Theatre Land', then you might want to do a bit more marketing. Alternatively, as they thought there were only two pubs in London with the word 'Angel' in the name, the fault is probably with those moustached muppets.
Right, on to the pub. Initial signs were good: as I said, the decor is know a lot classier - dark blues, heavy woods, with a good finish, and the barman wore an apron to give the air of quality. The barman recommended the guest ale and it was a good recommendation. However, things went downhill when we were informed that the upstairs dining room was not yet open, despite it being half 1, and the pub's website says lunch is served from 12pm-3pm. We asked if they could recommend somewhere else, or if another ETM pub was serving food. That appeared to kick them up the rear and we were told food would be available in half an hour.
After that minor shambles, we went upstairs. The dining room is on the small side but as no one else was there we were served promptly. Water, wine, and bread were brought to the table while we settled on our choices.
Rob and I plumped for the Kiln roast salmon, beetroot, caper, horseradish crème fraîche and an Essex ham hock and cornichon terrine. The food was very well prepared and very tasty. For main, Rob plumped for the Yorkshire venison and bone marrow pie with creamed mashed potato. The only issue was that a large residual of liquid collected at the bottom of the bowl the pie came in, which was a little disconcerting. Rob was also disappointed that the pastry only covered the top of the pie, rather than encompassing all of the venison.
I selected the chargrilled Middlewhite pork T-bone, Savoy cabbage and turnips with scrumpy sauce, and it was two big thumbs up for me. The mains were sizeable, and we settled down to a fine lunch. Rob was stuffed/had to go to another dinner, so I was the only one to plump for a dessert - banoffe pie. It was a nice end to the meal although not the best banoffee I have ever had.
My rating: 7.5
Mills:
Overall rating:
Friday, 19 October 2012
The Goat, Clapham Junction
The Goat
66A Battersea Rise
Clapham
London
SW11 1EQ
http://www.thegoatpub.com/
The sun bristled in the London sky, kissing the skin of the lunchtime crowds infesting the streets of Clapham (good start Mills?). Anyway, a fullsome fivesome of the team met for another edition of the lunch club. The Goat is a literal five minute walk from Clapham Junction station, on the Northcote crossroads. We tasted a beer by the open bay windows, but retreated into the bowels of the pub for the food. No one else was there - were they forewarned of our attendance? - and we enjoyed the full attention of the staff.
The layout is the classic modern take on quasi-trendy gastro eaterie, and if you don't know what that means then this is probably not the place for you. It's very much young professional territory, at least for food. Exposed wood tables, leather clad benches, pictures on the wall, stylistic light shades and mirrors give some character to a pretty interesting setup. The entrance has room for a couple of high tables, then you descend down some steep stairs that would test any drunk, to the bar and a low ceiling. Then towards the back light floods in from a ceiling window. It feels like the lower deck of a Victorian ship.
We had our pick of the tables, which made the booking a pointless, but its nice to give the chef a heads up. Starters included Chorizo, whitebait, scotch egg - we shared the dishes around and although the chorizo lacked a little kick our initial impressions were good. Rob was on wine duty as per usual, and we were dumbfounded to find the bottle he had chosen happened to be the second cheapest on the list. Every time this happens, amazing.
For the main, the Pork and Chorizo burger was the favourite choice of the table, but the chips were a disappointment and the cheese and bacon burger was too dry. It was felt the plates were not well proportioned, and the lamb chops were small and light on meat (even for lamb chops). The garnish worked well though. Overall, however, the mains were a bit of a let down - acceptable for the price but you do hope for more. I suppose it made more room for wine, which is never a bad thing (although the patrons at the pubs we visited afterwards might disagree).
Onto desserts - 4 of the table went for sticky toffee pudding with vanilla pod ice cream, however the pudding was a touch heavy - always an issue when the chef tries to impress on the eye without putting enough ice cream on the plate. The sweet caramel and chocolate tart tingled on the tongue.
The wine was fine, and as stated we were served promptly because no one else was there, but overall something was missing for the meal, and that probably explained why no one else was there. It may be different for sunday lunch or an after-work meal, but as the grounding for a day in town, it lacked the delicacy or the quantity one would desire.
My review: 7
Mills: 7
Pat: 6
Bell: 6
Colin: 6.5 (there is always one)
Overall rating: 32.5/5 = 6.5
66A Battersea Rise
Clapham
London
SW11 1EQ
http://www.thegoatpub.com/
The sun bristled in the London sky, kissing the skin of the lunchtime crowds infesting the streets of Clapham (good start Mills?). Anyway, a fullsome fivesome of the team met for another edition of the lunch club. The Goat is a literal five minute walk from Clapham Junction station, on the Northcote crossroads. We tasted a beer by the open bay windows, but retreated into the bowels of the pub for the food. No one else was there - were they forewarned of our attendance? - and we enjoyed the full attention of the staff.
The layout is the classic modern take on quasi-trendy gastro eaterie, and if you don't know what that means then this is probably not the place for you. It's very much young professional territory, at least for food. Exposed wood tables, leather clad benches, pictures on the wall, stylistic light shades and mirrors give some character to a pretty interesting setup. The entrance has room for a couple of high tables, then you descend down some steep stairs that would test any drunk, to the bar and a low ceiling. Then towards the back light floods in from a ceiling window. It feels like the lower deck of a Victorian ship.
We had our pick of the tables, which made the booking a pointless, but its nice to give the chef a heads up. Starters included Chorizo, whitebait, scotch egg - we shared the dishes around and although the chorizo lacked a little kick our initial impressions were good. Rob was on wine duty as per usual, and we were dumbfounded to find the bottle he had chosen happened to be the second cheapest on the list. Every time this happens, amazing.
For the main, the Pork and Chorizo burger was the favourite choice of the table, but the chips were a disappointment and the cheese and bacon burger was too dry. It was felt the plates were not well proportioned, and the lamb chops were small and light on meat (even for lamb chops). The garnish worked well though. Overall, however, the mains were a bit of a let down - acceptable for the price but you do hope for more. I suppose it made more room for wine, which is never a bad thing (although the patrons at the pubs we visited afterwards might disagree).
Onto desserts - 4 of the table went for sticky toffee pudding with vanilla pod ice cream, however the pudding was a touch heavy - always an issue when the chef tries to impress on the eye without putting enough ice cream on the plate. The sweet caramel and chocolate tart tingled on the tongue.
The wine was fine, and as stated we were served promptly because no one else was there, but overall something was missing for the meal, and that probably explained why no one else was there. It may be different for sunday lunch or an after-work meal, but as the grounding for a day in town, it lacked the delicacy or the quantity one would desire.
My review: 7
Mills: 7
Pat: 6
Bell: 6
Colin: 6.5 (there is always one)
Overall rating: 32.5/5 = 6.5
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Hawksmoor, Spitalfields
Hawksmoor
Spitalfields
157 Commercial Street
London, E1 6BJ
http://thehawksmoor.com/locations/spitalfields
So the first quarterly 'Dinner Club by Team *&^%' kicked off, and the turnout was, to put simply, biblical. Joining me at Hawksmoor was Rob, naturally, and Adam, intoxicated (by the end).
Hawksmoor is a steak house with three locations in London. Our chosen venue was in Spitalfields and such was the popularity that the only tables available were 6pm and 9:30pm. We went for the early option, which allowed time to soak up the venue, which we neglected.
First off, Hawskmoor has a more relaxed attitude than you would imagine of a high class (expensive) restaurant. However, service was top notch. Our waiter was very friendly, informative, and struck the right balance between being attentive and interrupting our evening. This might have something to do with our early arrival, so while we dithered over our order he was on hand to explain and direct, and as the evening wore on and we ploughed through the steaks and wine, the arrival of more customers kept the waiter busy. But I'd rather not be cynical and say he was just a nice chap doing a nice job.
Rob kicked things off with a Bloody Mary, which I still find bizarre. Encouraged by Rob, or not wanting him to feel the odd one out, Ad and I also ordered aperitifs - The Dandy for Ad, Brigadoon for myself. Then crab starters all round. Here Hawksmoor took a blow, as the crab had what felt like shell pieces in it.
Rob was in charge of the wine and a white, probably from Italy, accompanied the crab while we turned onto red for the main and dessert. For the main, we requested a selection of cuts that could be shared, and the waiter suggested sirloin, fillet and rib eye steaks, which were simply outstanding. The charcoal-grilled meat gave off a smokey taste, and we ultimately agreed that the portions were ideal. Sides including chips, as standard, mac and cheese, mash and gravy, and mushrooms. The steak is the attraction here though and the sides merely serve to offer the palate a change in sensations if only to appreciate the beef more.
Rob and Ad went for Sticky Toffee pudding, which was met with four thumbs up, and I plumped for the Peanut butter shortbread with caramel ice cream. It was hard to work out who made the right choice; in a way we were all winners.
To finish off the night Ad and I enjoyed a whiskey while Rob ruined his night with an Apple Brandy.
Overall, Hawksmoor in Spitalfields is a fine restaurant. If you like steak, check it out. If you want a very posh restaurant, there are better places to applaud your snobbery.
My Review: 8
Rob's : 8
Adam's: 9
Overall rating: 25/3 = 8.3 (3 ratings)
Spitalfields
157 Commercial Street
London, E1 6BJ
http://thehawksmoor.com/locations/spitalfields
So the first quarterly 'Dinner Club by Team *&^%' kicked off, and the turnout was, to put simply, biblical. Joining me at Hawksmoor was Rob, naturally, and Adam, intoxicated (by the end).
Hawksmoor is a steak house with three locations in London. Our chosen venue was in Spitalfields and such was the popularity that the only tables available were 6pm and 9:30pm. We went for the early option, which allowed time to soak up the venue, which we neglected.
First off, Hawskmoor has a more relaxed attitude than you would imagine of a high class (expensive) restaurant. However, service was top notch. Our waiter was very friendly, informative, and struck the right balance between being attentive and interrupting our evening. This might have something to do with our early arrival, so while we dithered over our order he was on hand to explain and direct, and as the evening wore on and we ploughed through the steaks and wine, the arrival of more customers kept the waiter busy. But I'd rather not be cynical and say he was just a nice chap doing a nice job.
Rob kicked things off with a Bloody Mary, which I still find bizarre. Encouraged by Rob, or not wanting him to feel the odd one out, Ad and I also ordered aperitifs - The Dandy for Ad, Brigadoon for myself. Then crab starters all round. Here Hawksmoor took a blow, as the crab had what felt like shell pieces in it.
Rob was in charge of the wine and a white, probably from Italy, accompanied the crab while we turned onto red for the main and dessert. For the main, we requested a selection of cuts that could be shared, and the waiter suggested sirloin, fillet and rib eye steaks, which were simply outstanding. The charcoal-grilled meat gave off a smokey taste, and we ultimately agreed that the portions were ideal. Sides including chips, as standard, mac and cheese, mash and gravy, and mushrooms. The steak is the attraction here though and the sides merely serve to offer the palate a change in sensations if only to appreciate the beef more.
Rob and Ad went for Sticky Toffee pudding, which was met with four thumbs up, and I plumped for the Peanut butter shortbread with caramel ice cream. It was hard to work out who made the right choice; in a way we were all winners.
To finish off the night Ad and I enjoyed a whiskey while Rob ruined his night with an Apple Brandy.
Overall, Hawksmoor in Spitalfields is a fine restaurant. If you like steak, check it out. If you want a very posh restaurant, there are better places to applaud your snobbery.
My Review: 8
Rob's : 8
Adam's: 9
Overall rating: 25/3 = 8.3 (3 ratings)
Monday, 26 September 2011
The Fellow, Kings Cross
http://www.thefellow.co.uk/
24 York Way
London
N1 9AA
Found on the street that runs along the side of Kings Cross station, The Fellow is a great combination of rustic and modern interior designer, with a high quality if slightly limited menu. Try to avoid the post work crush and opt for a quieter time at the weekend or during the day to get a seat at their heavy wood tables and enjoy the sight of their open kitchen.
Rob and I picked this place for a late Sunday lunch and as such we went for roast dinners. I went with the Pork and I have to say this was the finest Sunday dinner outside of my mother's kitchen. The Pork melted off the shoulder bone, the Yorkshire puddings were crunchy but not overdone, the potatoes roasted in goose fat were delicious and even the carrots and cabbage were immaculate.
(I also visited The Fellow for Saturday lunch, along with 11 other people. Despite eight orders of fish and triple cooked chips the food was again right up there - a clear step above normal pub fair)
The only shame was that we were so hungover from the night before that we couldn't finish our meals!
I've visited this place a couple of times and it's a very enjoyable place for couples, friends, or a group of lads out on the beer. The staff are very polite and chatty, the service pretty quick, and it's not that pricey either.
My Review: 8/10
Overall rating: 8/10 (1 rating)
24 York Way
London
N1 9AA
Found on the street that runs along the side of Kings Cross station, The Fellow is a great combination of rustic and modern interior designer, with a high quality if slightly limited menu. Try to avoid the post work crush and opt for a quieter time at the weekend or during the day to get a seat at their heavy wood tables and enjoy the sight of their open kitchen.
Rob and I picked this place for a late Sunday lunch and as such we went for roast dinners. I went with the Pork and I have to say this was the finest Sunday dinner outside of my mother's kitchen. The Pork melted off the shoulder bone, the Yorkshire puddings were crunchy but not overdone, the potatoes roasted in goose fat were delicious and even the carrots and cabbage were immaculate.
(I also visited The Fellow for Saturday lunch, along with 11 other people. Despite eight orders of fish and triple cooked chips the food was again right up there - a clear step above normal pub fair)
The only shame was that we were so hungover from the night before that we couldn't finish our meals!
I've visited this place a couple of times and it's a very enjoyable place for couples, friends, or a group of lads out on the beer. The staff are very polite and chatty, the service pretty quick, and it's not that pricey either.
My Review: 8/10
Overall rating: 8/10 (1 rating)
Thursday, 7 July 2011
The Coach Makers, Marylebone Lane
http://www.thecoachmakers.com/
88 Marylebone Lane,
Paddington, Greater London W1U 2
For this review I was joined by Rob and two more friends, Bell and Pat. First impressions were good - lots of bare wood, a couple of comfortable sofas, and dimpled pint glasses. There was a pleasant if not extensive selection of ales on offer. We went for the cornish ale and we were not disappointed. The service was warm.
Once everyone had arrived and a few more beers were consumed, we sat down and examined the menu. There were too many delicious sounding options and it was a real struggle to pick one of the dishes. In the end Pat (fatally) and Rob decided to have some oysters for starters. They were warm and according to those in the know that means they were no fresh. (Pat was sick afterwards but that has more to do with an allergy to oysters in general).
Then onto the mains. Pat and I picked the sausage and mash after a customer at the table next to us was served it. It was extremely tasty. Rob went for a full english, but the choice of quality over quantity did not please him. Bell went for Burger and chips, fully misunderstanding the mission statement. His burger was overcooked, the bun under cooked, and the chips to fat for him. I thought the chips were great.
With the sun coming in through the spacious windows the pub emitted a warm, comforting feeling. The ale went down well, but the food was a little hit and miss. Compared to some of the establishments in the local vicinity I would say it's a nice pub to visit, but not on a par with some of the gastro-pubs we have reviewed.
My review: 7
Rob's review: 7
Bell's review: 6
Overall rating: 20/3 = 6.7 (3 ratings)
88 Marylebone Lane,
Paddington, Greater London W1U 2
For this review I was joined by Rob and two more friends, Bell and Pat. First impressions were good - lots of bare wood, a couple of comfortable sofas, and dimpled pint glasses. There was a pleasant if not extensive selection of ales on offer. We went for the cornish ale and we were not disappointed. The service was warm.
Once everyone had arrived and a few more beers were consumed, we sat down and examined the menu. There were too many delicious sounding options and it was a real struggle to pick one of the dishes. In the end Pat (fatally) and Rob decided to have some oysters for starters. They were warm and according to those in the know that means they were no fresh. (Pat was sick afterwards but that has more to do with an allergy to oysters in general).
Then onto the mains. Pat and I picked the sausage and mash after a customer at the table next to us was served it. It was extremely tasty. Rob went for a full english, but the choice of quality over quantity did not please him. Bell went for Burger and chips, fully misunderstanding the mission statement. His burger was overcooked, the bun under cooked, and the chips to fat for him. I thought the chips were great.
With the sun coming in through the spacious windows the pub emitted a warm, comforting feeling. The ale went down well, but the food was a little hit and miss. Compared to some of the establishments in the local vicinity I would say it's a nice pub to visit, but not on a par with some of the gastro-pubs we have reviewed.
My review: 7
Rob's review: 7
Bell's review: 6
Overall rating: 20/3 = 6.7 (3 ratings)
Saturday, 28 May 2011
The Heights, Regent Street
http://www.saintgeorgeshotel.com/restaurant.html
Langham Place, Regent Street,
London, W1B 2QS
The website says 'be prepared to see a famous face from screen or stage' I assume this is a tag-line from the 1960s.
The reviews says the food is great but the service is poor, that it doesn't get busy but that can be a blessing.
The positives: It has a very nice view across London, the Wembley arch is visible in the distance, there are lots of nice buildings, and while you wait (and wait, and wait) for service you can people watch.
The negatives: Right, let's start form the beginning. They mixed up our drink order when we were sat waiting to go to our table. They apparently didn't know how to make some of the cocktails they had on offer. They took so long to prepare some of the drinks we thought they had forgotten.
They did not offer us any bread. The house rose was something we used to drink at Rob's when his Dad had a bottle he wanted to get rid of. The wine list had water damage (and the food menu looked like it had been part of a year 5 art project. When the menu is not of a high quality you worry about the rest of the place).
My starter, Tea roasted Duck, was horrendous. The duck was rubbery, a whole lettuce seemed to be chucked in with it and a gallon of salad cream poured on top.
Pork Loin was the main, and while it was a good chunk of Pork Chop it was nothing that you couldn't rustle up at home and was a real let down. However, the mains will be remembered for the waitress (who previously had been the only member of staff you could either find or would actively serve you) brought two fillets and two rumps, but our table had ordered three fillets and one rump. She went back into the kitchen, came back with her order pad and told us she had "2 fillets, 2 rumps" written down. Now I don't care what you wrote down, if we say we ordered 3 fillets, we ordered 3 fillets, you apologise and say it might be a few more minutes. We know you made an error but you are trying to rectify it, that's okay. You don't claim the customers are in error and then ram whatever you want them to eat down their throats.
Dessert was a chocolate cake with melting caramel, and to be fair the caramel was nice.
The whole experience was terrible and you can see why the restaurant was half full and quickly emptied. If at 9pm you are getting the tables ready for breakfast the next day you have problems. Whoever is in charge, if indeed there is someone in charge, should be replaced with immediate effect. Most of the staff looked like this was their summer job and were half awake.
Sod the view, I will never go back to this place again. The service was terrible, the food was ordinary, the drinks amateur, and the experience so bad we refused to pay the service charge (we met no objections, probably a regular occurrence)
Rating: 1.5/10 (only because you are guaranteed to get a table)
Average Rating: 1.5/10 (1)
Langham Place, Regent Street,
London, W1B 2QS
The website says 'be prepared to see a famous face from screen or stage' I assume this is a tag-line from the 1960s.
The reviews says the food is great but the service is poor, that it doesn't get busy but that can be a blessing.
The positives: It has a very nice view across London, the Wembley arch is visible in the distance, there are lots of nice buildings, and while you wait (and wait, and wait) for service you can people watch.
The negatives: Right, let's start form the beginning. They mixed up our drink order when we were sat waiting to go to our table. They apparently didn't know how to make some of the cocktails they had on offer. They took so long to prepare some of the drinks we thought they had forgotten.
They did not offer us any bread. The house rose was something we used to drink at Rob's when his Dad had a bottle he wanted to get rid of. The wine list had water damage (and the food menu looked like it had been part of a year 5 art project. When the menu is not of a high quality you worry about the rest of the place).
My starter, Tea roasted Duck, was horrendous. The duck was rubbery, a whole lettuce seemed to be chucked in with it and a gallon of salad cream poured on top.
Pork Loin was the main, and while it was a good chunk of Pork Chop it was nothing that you couldn't rustle up at home and was a real let down. However, the mains will be remembered for the waitress (who previously had been the only member of staff you could either find or would actively serve you) brought two fillets and two rumps, but our table had ordered three fillets and one rump. She went back into the kitchen, came back with her order pad and told us she had "2 fillets, 2 rumps" written down. Now I don't care what you wrote down, if we say we ordered 3 fillets, we ordered 3 fillets, you apologise and say it might be a few more minutes. We know you made an error but you are trying to rectify it, that's okay. You don't claim the customers are in error and then ram whatever you want them to eat down their throats.
Dessert was a chocolate cake with melting caramel, and to be fair the caramel was nice.
The whole experience was terrible and you can see why the restaurant was half full and quickly emptied. If at 9pm you are getting the tables ready for breakfast the next day you have problems. Whoever is in charge, if indeed there is someone in charge, should be replaced with immediate effect. Most of the staff looked like this was their summer job and were half awake.
Sod the view, I will never go back to this place again. The service was terrible, the food was ordinary, the drinks amateur, and the experience so bad we refused to pay the service charge (we met no objections, probably a regular occurrence)
Rating: 1.5/10 (only because you are guaranteed to get a table)
Average Rating: 1.5/10 (1)
Oxo Tower, South Bank
http://www.harveynichols.com/restaurants/oxo-tower-london/oxo-tower-london-restaurant
OXO Tower Wharf
Barge House Street
South Bank
London
SE1 9PH
My second visit to the OXO tower restaurant (first review) and I have to say, I like this place. With good views of the Thames on one side, this restaurant makes the right balance between formal and relaxed. The food, drink and staff are to high standards and you leave the place knowing you will come back.
Things started off with a quick drink while we waited for the rest of our party to turn up. Pip had a Martini with a grapefruit twist which, as a connoisseur of Martini's, he enjoyed immensely. When the full compliment of our party was present we went to our table that was disappointingly on the opposite side to the Thames - came have it all I suppose.
For a starter I had Roast Quail - a meat very easier to spoil, but cooked very well and presented well. Then for the main I went for the cod, again another serving that is constantly ruined and under appreciated. However in this instance the fish was succulent and crumbled under the power of my fork. The chive mash offered a valued companion, although the cockles were a little gritty and didn't offer a compliment to the cod.
Dessert was a honey cake (with the Tokaji Asuzu dessert wine) and the only complaint can be that there was not enough of it! I sampled (stole) someones Chocolate plate and the white chocolate panna cotta and white chocolate cheese cake were fabulous.
All in all a good meal, good drink, good service and a lovely atmosphere.
Rating: 8.5/10
Average Rating: 8.5/10 (1)
OXO Tower Wharf
Barge House Street
South Bank
London
SE1 9PH
My second visit to the OXO tower restaurant (first review) and I have to say, I like this place. With good views of the Thames on one side, this restaurant makes the right balance between formal and relaxed. The food, drink and staff are to high standards and you leave the place knowing you will come back.
Things started off with a quick drink while we waited for the rest of our party to turn up. Pip had a Martini with a grapefruit twist which, as a connoisseur of Martini's, he enjoyed immensely. When the full compliment of our party was present we went to our table that was disappointingly on the opposite side to the Thames - came have it all I suppose.
For a starter I had Roast Quail - a meat very easier to spoil, but cooked very well and presented well. Then for the main I went for the cod, again another serving that is constantly ruined and under appreciated. However in this instance the fish was succulent and crumbled under the power of my fork. The chive mash offered a valued companion, although the cockles were a little gritty and didn't offer a compliment to the cod.
Dessert was a honey cake (with the Tokaji Asuzu dessert wine) and the only complaint can be that there was not enough of it! I sampled (stole) someones Chocolate plate and the white chocolate panna cotta and white chocolate cheese cake were fabulous.
All in all a good meal, good drink, good service and a lovely atmosphere.
Rating: 8.5/10
Average Rating: 8.5/10 (1)
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