All Restaurant Reviews

Golden Hind, The (Mayfair, Soho & Fringes)

There are many elements that make The Golden Hind an attractive place to eat - it is centrally situated, the décor is full of original 20s features, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, the menu is unpretentious and the food is affordable. However, perhaps the most appealing aspect of this place is represented by three letters that are becoming ever rarer in London - BYO. I was at the restaurant as a member of a birthday party, so being able to bring a few carefully selected bottles of supermarket bubbly to accompany our meal was much appreciated. A neighbouring party made up of slightly younger diners chose to accompany their meal with several cans of strong lager but the sentiment was the same. The fact that diners are able to bring their own booze is central to this restaurant’s ethos, since the majority of the clientele prefer to arrive, have a quick meal with a bottle of wine, and then head off to one of the many bars and clubs in the locale. This in turn ensures that tables are turned over quickly, the restaurant is always full of lively customers and the prices can stay low.

The menu is not extensive, but it doesn’t need to be. This is a fish and chip restaurant and does not pretend to be anything else. The starters included simple classics like garlic prawns, scampi and a generous prawn cocktail. For mains, the usual fish is available and can be fried in a light, crispy batter or steamed with herbs. Deciding to sidestep the controversy surrounding dwindling stocks of North Sea cod and haddock, I went for fried halibut and was not disappointed. The portions were large, and the meat was juicy and firm. Fat, well-cooked chips came on the side, while a separate plate was needed for mushy peas and the essential gherkin. After these two courses, I was too full to even consider a dessert. However, for the more intrepid diner there is a range of hearty British puddings to choose including an artery-clogging spotted dick with custard. After the bill arrived and one of us had performed a quick piece of mental arithmetic, we were delighted to learn that the average price per person was around £13 – despite the fact that we were all now nicely merry. We all left the restaurant to continue our celebrations, knowing that our wallets were sufficiently in tact for a good night.

While there are many other restaurants in the Marylebone area with most offering wider choice and more refined food, the Golden Hind is the perfect spot for a satisfying eat at the beginning of a night out or a quick meal on the way home from the theatre. The classic, inexpensive British dishes have survived despite a growing trend for fine dining, suggesting that if it ain’t broke, there’s no need to fix it.

Respond to AuthorMatt Devine (4 July 2008)

Everest Inn - Grantham (Grantham)

My husband and I visit this restaurant often and it is by far the best Indian in Grantham. The service is excellent and the food is at a very high standard and always hot. This is a superb place for lunch or an evening meal. We would recommend this restaurant.

Respond to AuthorTracie West (4 July 2008)

Ee-Usk - The Fish Cafe (Oban)

I disagree with some of the comments below, especially about the portion sizes. Having visited Ee-Usk seafood restaurant over the years my latest experience was once again wonderful. Between us we had a mixture of lovely, fresh and well-prepared seafood that included oysters, scallops, monkfish and halibut. The value for money was well in line with a top class restaurant with the friendly and efficient service from staff and management. Complimenting all this were the views from Ee-Usk, which were fantastic. No wonder this restaurant has been given so many awards and recently named 'Seafood Restaurant of The Year'.

Respond to AuthorAlastair (4 July 2008)

Squires Fish Restaurant (Barnstaple)

I have enjoyed Squires excellent fish and chips on many occasions. They are not the cheapest in the area, but the quality of their food cannot be faulted. Generous portion sizes are their speciality and nobody is likely to leave feeling hungry. It’s heartily recommended.

Respond to AuthorMartin Ling (4 July 2008)

Alfresco Cafe Bar (St Ives)

We ate at Alfresco on Saturday night and what a fantastic find! We've been to St.Ives many times on holiday and were recommended to eat there. The food was excellent; I had the duck salad to start, followed by the monkfish, which was so succulent and juicy. My wife had bouillabaisse, which she said was stunning, and the chocolate and orange cheese cake was to die for. Thanks to the staff for making our evening so special and don't forget to try the summer pudding.

Respond to AuthorAdrian (4 July 2008)

Java (Sowerby Bridge)

I've been there a few times and the food and service are always fantastic.

Respond to AuthorMick (4 July 2008)

Restaurant at The Angel Inn (Colchester)

I felt this is a dismal, unfriendly and stuck up place with mediocre food. I really regret going there and think that the business needs to make people feel more welcome.

Respond to AuthorMa (3 July 2008)

Hurstbourne, The (Whitchurch)

The Hurstbourne is a little pub in a little village. It serves superb food, pub grub at lunchtimes with the option of proper meals as well. The evening menu deserves five stars, with a range of starters, main courses like scallops, steaks, venison, fish, salads, pâté, etc. I have eaten there a few times and the members of staff are friendly and the chef is flexible. I highly recommend this place.

Respond to AuthorKatie (3 July 2008)

LXIX (Salisbury)

Probably some things never change. The food was mediocre and over priced.

Respond to AuthorSad Customer (3 July 2008)

Bearlands Restaurant (Gloucester)

I was looking forward to eating there as Gloucester really doesn't have any good restaurants and was very disappointed. We were a large party and at first, the downstairs area was far too hot and dining was uncomfortable. My starter arrived at the table lukewarm. I was looking forward to my main course of lamb and was even more disappointed as it was bland and tasteless. The pudding was a chocolate tart, a little heavy but not too bad. I felt the service was also poor, having left to wait for over 10 minutes at the bar whilst one of the staff was fixing the credit card machine. It was disappointing as Gloucester does not have any quality restaurants, I thought this place could fill its boots. Unfortunately Bearlands serves just over priced home cooked food.

Respond to AuthorJohn A (3 July 2008)