30 December 2008

Planet Organic - Groceries

I’m torn; on one hand, they have an excellent selection of food, health products and beauty items any health-conscious individual would die for. Good for herbal tea, snack bars, grains and seeds – you can find every possible type here. On the other hand, it’s so expensive! I bought a (small) fresh vegetable juice and it cost almost £4! It’s just too expensive. C’est la crise!

It’s conveniently 2 mins away, but then again so is Waitrose and they stock the same organic fresh products for half the price. I do, however, really appreciate the knowledgeable and helpful staff at PO.

29 December 2008

Harrods - Department store

The only store to rival Harrods is Bergdorf Goodman in New York, and even then, Harrods might just win. Anywhere that sells Christian Louboutin shoes, Myla lingerie and Krispy Kreme doughnuts under one roof gets my vote! They just have everything you could possibly want and more than you could possibly afford!

The staff are so helpful, it’s actually quite amazing. When trying on a slip from La Perla which was too big, the assistant telephoned the La Perla branch on Sloane Street to check if they had a smaller version and put it on hold for me to collect. It's a small detail but it makes all the difference. We all want to feel as though we’re getting a personal service and, let’s be fair, it costs the sales assistants nothing but makes all the difference to the clientele.

If you can, go during the week before 13:00 (well worth taking the morning off of work for), and avoid Sundays at all costs when the tourists are out in force!

22 December 2008

Met Bar

I actually like the decor and the cocktails are delish BUT like the majority of the other reviewers, I'm not particularly impressed. On the few occasions that I've been there, the place was empty.

It's not that the atmosphere is bad, just nonexistent. Let's put it this way; if I never go there again, I won't feel as though I'm missing anything.

21 December 2008

L'Oranger - restaurant

You haven't had langoustine until you've had it here - succulent and so tasty. The service is just what you would expect from a restaurant of this standing and in this location - professional, faultless and as French as can be.

I went on a date but it also suits a more formal occasion such as a business lunch/dinner.

20 December 2008

GBK - restaurant

Is it normal for a 27 year old woman to be addicted to Oreo milkshake!? Not really sure but my life became a whole lot better when I discovered GBK's milkshakes, so no complaints from me! Delicious!

19 December 2008

Noura Central - restaurant

I love this place (and the Belgravia branch) and have been a regular for 3+ years. The service is impeccable, they always remember what I like to order, are friendly, and the food is so healthy, fresh and scrumptious. For the quality of food and service, I think the price is quite reasonable.

I take all of my friends there - vegetarians, coeliacs, meat lovers, friends with children etc - and there is something for everyone. I highly recommend the tabbouleh (diced tomato, parsley, buckwheat, lemon and onion), moutabbal (pureed smoked aubergine), vegetable soup, and the smoothest hoummos known to man.

18 December 2008

The moment we stepped in, despite being very dark, I appreciated the spaciousness of the foyer. We approached the reservations desk. The super-duper, self-important reservationist continued her conversation with her colleague, took a call on her headset and when she finally decided to speak with us, she did so without eye contact and with a condescending tone I didn’t care much for and proceeded to ask us twice for the name of the reservation and how many people. Still no eye contact or smile. Not impressed.

Since we were 15 minutes early, we decided to have a drink at the bar and were taken through by another hostess. Once seated we ordered drinks – a mojito for the boyfriend and a vodka martini for me. "A martini rosso" she asked with her hands in her pockets, whilst looking around the bar. Come on, this isn’t 1972! Why on earth would I want martini rosso (especially since I specified exactly what type of martini I wanted)!?

Ten minutes later we were taken to our table upstairs and informed that our drinks would follow. After being seated, we decided to move tables because we were far too close to the grill and there was an empty table available 5 metres away. Still no sign of our cocktails (by now we’d been there for 25 minutes). Still not impressed.

So our waiter comes over, a chap named Altin. When given the wine menu, we explained that we had yet to receive our drinks. As I suspected, he had no idea we’d ordered anything downstairs but offered to find out where they were. We declined and decided to choose some wine to go with our meal. He was able to choose the most divine red wine, which perfectly complemented our dishes. He was helpful with the menu, very friendly and provided a service that was far above anything we had experienced with other employees.

I started with a tiger prawn ceviche and since I’m not really used to eating too much meat (the steaks are huge), I went with the lemon & lime spatchcock chicken. I already disliked the resto and its arrogant staff, had decided never to return and so wanted the food to be bland/mediocre/crap, so you can imagine my frustration/delight that the food was prepared and cooked to perfection! The ceviche just melted in my mouth, the flavours were so delicate and perfectly balanced. I eat meat 1-2 times per month because it doesn’t really do anything for me, but to say that the chicken was good would be a huge injustice. Succulent, tender, tasty and so fresh with the seasoning gentle enough to balance perfectly with subtle flavour of the chicken. Perfection.

As we talked - my boyfriend had finished eating and I simply paused to talk - a waitress approached our table, picked up his plate despite the fact that I was clearly still eating (I still had the fork in my hand!) and asked if I was finished. In response to my "No", she took his plate anyway. So rude and improper.

So this resto gets 2 stars only – 1 for Altin and 1 for the food. Whilst both were great, I would have had a nicer time at home, with a great atmosphere, good food and wonderful company. For those people who go to restaurants because celeb X went there, it’s fine. For those people like me, who want the whole package - ambience, great food, faultless service and happy times - I advise you to go elsewhere.

And what is with those hideous light fittings in the restaurant?! Oh my goodness, it’s like something out of Happy Days!

16 December 2008

Eco - Pizzeria

Despite being in need of a decor update, the pizzas are inexpensive, delicious and so fresh - a good, local pizzeria. I've been there 3-4 times and have never had any complaints.

14 December 2008

Mango Tree - Restaurant

Never again! I had been meaning to go to this resto for years, and what a disappointment. The food was actually okay, nothing flash but okay, but the service was just disgusting! The joke is that they have the audacity to think this is acceptable because when I complained, the manager was as dismissive as the waiter. Like I said, NEVER AGAIN!!

My friend suffers from coeliac disease (gluten intolerance) and so asked for a list of the ingredients in the Thai curries. The ignorant, rude, stuck up waiter just spewed off some ingredients and, when quizzed further, rolled his eyes and just kept saying "Well why don't you try something else?", in between running back and forth to speak with the chef. If you have someone in your restaurant asking in-depth questions about the food, a member of the kitchen team needs to come out and speak with them or else send someone who knows what they're talking about.

We finished our drinks and decided to leave, opting to eat at one of my favourite places - Noura, a Lebanese resto next door.

I've dined at restaurants all over the world and never have I experienced such poor service. Save your time, energy and money by going somewhere else.

To end on a good note, the decor is pretty nice and they have lovely flower arrangements.

10 December 2008

Baglioni Hotel

Is it just me, or are the lights a wee bit dim? Not a fan of the bathroom fittings (or the soap) - too much gold makes me think of Donatella Versace, which isn't much fun. The beds are comfy and the sofas in the suites are perfection - so comfortable. A bit dusty though.

Good room service (the cream they serve with strawberries is divine!), friendly, helpful staff and a lovely spa... But to be honest, can't say it's worth the price.

8 December 2008

Nobu Berkeley - Restaurant

The sushi here is so amazingly good, fresh and faultlessly presented. The cocktails are delectable and the staff seem to be friendly enough.

I usually pop in for drinks (nothing beats the lychee martinis) and end up having a wee bite downstairs, though tend to order a few things from the upstairs menu and am always fully accommodated.

I like it, though understand the negative reviews as have seen a couple of staff members with poor attitudes dealing with patrons. It's a shame that such places always seem to employ these people.

Having spent quite a bit of time in Japan, I would love to see some more 'real' Japanese things on the menu, because salmon/avocado hand rolls just aren't Japanese! I want some natto-maki!!

3 December 2008

Imperial China - Restaurant

It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but when more effort has gone into the surroundings than the food something is wrong!

Average, non-offensive stuff that won't change your life BUT probably one of the most decent Chinese restos in the neighbourhood.

25 November 2008

The Square - Restaurant

Excellent wine, impeccable service, very attractive staff (sorry, but a huge bonus!) and the cheese was delectable. One of the best French restos in London.

21 November 2008

Selfridges - Department store

Used to be my favourite store but nowadays I favour Harrods. Perhaps I'm too old, uncool or boring to appreciate the excessively loud music, the staff who walk around like they own the place instead of providing a service, or perhaps it's just too crazy in there. What happened? 5 years ago, it was the coolest store in all the land. A real shame, because it stocks everything a 27-year-old woman could possibly want.

I don't want people to kiss my tush but I really have no interest in some stuck up 19-year-old chewing gum loudly and making plans for Saturday night when she's supposed to be helping me. Nor do I care for the chaos that is the ground floor.

One thing I must say, they always have the most amazing window displays and this Christmas is no different - gorgeous!

20 November 2008

Musée du Quai Branly - Museum

Enormous building with spectacular gardens, architecture and plant life, and that's before you're through the door! The most interesting collection of art, fashion, sculpture, fabric and so on from Asia, Africa, South America, Pacific Isles and other corners of the world most other museums have forgotten.

Great for adults and children alike. On the week days, they often have story-telling for children (and us grown-ups) which comes complete with dance.

One of the best things about the museum is that despite its size, it's very easy to navigate.

19 November 2008

Hôtel Sezz - Paris Hotel

This is my hotel of choice when in Paris - understated, excellent service, extremely calm and not a child in sight - pure bliss!

If you want a peaceful, luxurious break, this the place to stay. Located close to the river (great for those early morning jogs) and the staff are so helpful with making reservations, taxis and so on.

I can usually find something to complain about but no, not here. Love it!!

14 November 2008

Fenwick - Department Store

Blah - the dullest store known to man! Walking through the doors is like walking into the 1980s. They're so out of touch it's hard to believe that they're still going. Never again.

16 October 2008

Mu Restaurant & Lounge

The lobster linguine is the stuff dreams are made of... BUT, the restaurant is pretty mediocre in comparison. That said, nothing to complain about.

14 October 2008

Locanda Locatelli - Restaurant

Well, my fish was a wee bit overcooked (but still nice), our champagne could have been a little cooler, and it would have been good if they had served the main dish my date requested. That said, the service was faultless and apologetic about the order mix up, the surroundings beautiful, and we had a nice evening there. I still don't quite get the hype though - with the exception of the interiors, you could have been in a really good local resto.

2 October 2008

L'Étranger - Restaurant

Went there on a first date and the first thing I noticed was that the tables were too close together - I could hear my neighbours' conversations and they could hear ours. Not ideal.

Nice food and okay service. All in all, not a bad place. Just nothing to rave about.

The British Museum

A wide range of exhibitions. If you go during the week, it's quite calm (and toddler-free). I like it a lot and recommend it, whether visiting alone or with a group. Staff are friendly and very helpful when you get lost... and you will get lost!

19 September 2008

Loungelover - London bar

Tiny little street entrance with a neon sign. You enter, thinking: "Oh no, BACK TO THE 90s!" But as soon as you step in, every ounce of anxiety drifts away and you're greeted by professional and friendly staff.

After the tiny, non-descript entrance, the sheer size of the bar/resto is just amazing and the interior design is highly unique - romantic, edgy, indulgent, with mismatched furniture that seems to, er, match. Fabulous! Service is attentive but not pushy.

I want to give it a 5-star rating but the food was a wee bit bland. Other than that, it was simply faultless and I highly recommend it. I will be back!

7 September 2008

One Aldwych - London hotel

Probably my favourite hotel in London. Faultless service, excellent food, the most comfortable beds and the bathtubs are delightful! A great variety of bars, great for an afternoon cocktail.

Highly recommended!

1 September 2008

Zander bar

Only place to get a decent Martini in the bleak neighbourhood that is Victoria. Very friendly, professional service and the food is quite delicious. However, if you're looking for hip, this is not the place as it's fairly standard in decor and atmosphere.

1 August 2008

Milk & Honey - Member's club

Liked it. Great service, friendly and a cool location. Too dark though - could barely see!

19 May 2008

Hydrohealing - London day spa

During my first (and last) time at HH, I saw Daniella for a facial and a hydrodetox (which includes a body wrap, colonic -done by someone else - and lympatic drainage). I found Daniella very helpful, calming and didn't make endless, pointless conversation and the facial sent me straight to sleep. The body wrap and lymphatic drainage were absolutely excellent - she explained everything and the treatments were just sublime. No complaints!

I have colonics regularly at another clinic but wanted to check this place out. BIG MISTAKE! This was the worst colonic EVER! Not only does the therapist have the most annoying voice, she had no clue what she was doing. The fact that I actually paid for the treatment is very frustrating.

At one point the hot water stopped working, so another treatment was offered to me. But once I'd chosen another treatment, they told me that time was short (because THEY had been dealing with the water issue), so how about coming back? When I expressed my frustration, the hot water miraculously started working and there was suddenly time for all of my treatments. I left more stressed than when I arrived!

18 May 2008

Christian Louboutin - London shop

With the exception of Chanel and MB, there are no better shoes. I wear them and I love them - they're worth every single penny. However, I will NEVER buy them from Motcomb Street store again. The service is horrendous. I was treated as nothing by the store assistant over a year ago and I haven't been back since.

Go to Harrods, where they have a great selection and you get treated like an actual person.

15 April 2008

The Collection - Bar

You walk in, along 'the catwalk' feeling beautiful and glamorous, and suddenly you're faced with nothing but blond extensions, young girls with too much make-up/not enough clothes on and much older men with too much money/not enough dignity. Not cool!

Foodwise, the mashed potatoes are the best I've ever had (and this girl knows her mashed potatoes!). Great cocktails too.

It's an okay place, just don't like the clientele...

12 March 2008

The Cinnamon Club - Restaurant

If you're happy to pay for a truly wonderful view, make a reservation now... but to be honest, you will probably be left disappointed. I wouldn't describe the food as inedible, just bland and excessively overpriced. The staff were okay (no complaints) but nothing really stands out about this place except for the view.