Eating out

**LostBoss** · 03-03-2006, 16:46

Should you ever be caught out that way there are a couple of great places in Twickenham

McClements is a one Michelin starred place just down from the station with a good wine list and a knowledgeable sommelier. I did the decent thing and got battered - my credit card still isn't talking to me.

Two doors down from McClements is McCuisine which is the Bistro wing of that same establishment ( they share the kitchen) very reasonably priced french classics (the boudin noir is very very good).

Thai upon Thames on Richmond Road in East Twickenham (Over the Bridge from Richmond on the left by the lights) does really great Thai food and is cheap (have the Chicken Panang Curry and a pad thai).

One last one - for posh curry go to the Rawalpindi Grill on Twickers high St for proper beer fuelled curry go to Green Spice on the Twickenham Green.

Hate to say it but the Gaucho Grill do very good steak.....They dont like it up 'em though.

**outoflineinf** · 03-03-2006, 20:12

I thought this thread might accrue some recommendations. Thanks. I don't know where to start now. I've come over all Pavlovian and since I am still racking up the LSSA in my dusty PJs it will yet be a couple of weeks before I shall be able to dine well.

A lot of reviews for Nottingham restaurants. Never been there but it sounds like it deserves a visit on the strength of its gastronomy alone.

Keep 'em coming.

**DozyBint** · 03-03-2006, 20:27

Originally Posted by Lt_George

The Astor Bar and Grill got an appalling review from Jan Moir in the Saturday Telegraph last week.

I read a not-so-glowing report a couple of days before I went (I didn't actually know I was going there, though I'd been with the same people when it was the Atlantic Bar and Grill) so when I found out I prepared myself for a decline in standard, but we all had a good evening.

Originally Posted by LostBoss

Hate to say it but the Gaucho Grill do very good steak.....

I agree - I've been to the one at Canary Wharf lots of times and have never been disappointed.

**Ambrose_Silk** · 04-03-2006, 17:58

If you like something reliable and not susceptible to change try Sweetings at 39 Queen Victoria Street (EC4) in London. It is a remarkable institution and the first place I head to when in London. It is not inexpensive, but the fish is excellent, the wines good and plentiful, and the atmosphere comforting in a Dickensian sort of way. For me at least that's a damn good thing.

**Andy_Caps_Commando** · 04-03-2006, 18:02

http://www.tannersrestaurant.com

If your in Plymouth, this is a must. Mrs ACC loved this place. And when you finish your meal, there's a cracking Irish bar oposite :D

**Babyface** · 04-03-2006, 22:17

From a female point of view... Nicole's (under Nicole Farhis, New Bond St) is v stylish for lunch. $ Grill (Mt. Pleasant, Farringdon Road) does a great dinner and will make bespoke cocktails exactly to your taste downstairs afterwards.
Chain wise, Wagamama and Gourmet Burger are always winners.
But I reckon you still cant beat a cheap take-away (esp fish and chips) eaten on Jubilee/Millenium bridge with a good bottle of wine

**the_matelot** · 04-03-2006, 22:27

If you're ever up at Chicksands, I recommend the Shefford Tandoori curry house in Shefford. It is hoofing!
Bedford has got a good Mongolian restaurant as well-name slips my mind at the moment but it's across the road from the Ford Garage in Bedford town centre.

http://www.sheffordtandoori.co.uk

**Vegetius** · 05-03-2006, 19:49

I have used this website now and then, and have found it to be fairly good. It might be of assistance to people visiting the Smoke and looking for a decent restaurant.

ViewLondon.co.uk

Cheers

Veg

**Carcass** · 05-03-2006, 20:32

Anyone visiting Newcastle would be doing themselves an injustice to not visit the Curry Capital (AKA The Rupali) on the Bigg Market. Viz readers will be familiar with the proprietor, the first Bangladeshi Lord of the Realm, the Lord of Harpole. Its the closest I've found to an old-style curry house and the prices are truly superb for the quality on offer. Bonus points if you can find the issue of Viz where he offers free curry to any servicemen who come in in uniform and bring it with you.
He also has the 'Curry Hell' challenge: finish the 'world's hottest curry' and its free. Its hotter than any other phall I've tasted but I DID manage to eat it all so it can't be that bad.
Interestingly, the restaurant also holds the record for longest-distance takeaway ever delivered as a portion of chicken tikka masala, pilau rice and a plain naan were delivered from the restaurant to a customer waiting on the Sydney Harbour Bridge some years ago.

More info, see here: http://rupali.users13.donhost.co.uk/

**Wittmann** · 10-03-2006, 15:25

If you are in the Warminster area - try the George Hotel in Codford

Voted Wiltshireâ€™s best Restaurant, high quality, imaginative, menu
Nice surroundings and country crowd

Not cheap but not overpriced either

**Ambrose_Silk** · 13-03-2006, 00:37

Has anyone here tried St. John Bar & Restaurant on 26 St. John Street (EC1) in London (http://www.stjohnrestaurant.co.uk/)? It specializes in offal and other meats, has an excellent wine list, and is apparently extraordinary. I'd love to hear from anyone who's experienced this place.

**Vegetius** · 13-03-2006, 08:53

Originally Posted by Ambrose_Silk

Has anyone here tried St. John Bar & Restaurant on 26 St. John Street (EC1) in London (http://www.stjohnrestaurant.co.uk/)? It specializes in offal and other meats, has an excellent wine list, and is apparently extraordinary. I'd love to hear from anyone who's experienced this place.

Mr. Silk, they take the whole offal experience there to a new level, utilizing bits of the beast that I hitherto never actually knew existed. Despite being a bold trencherman, I struggled to find something on it to eat, settling in the end for something not offal-based. Actually, the menu reads like something out of a Sven Hassel novel. Having just checked the link you provided, I notice that the supper menu appears to have been toned-down since my last visit.

If you do like offal and are one of those country-folk who enjoy the sort of scoff the "Fat Ladies" dished up then I reckon it's probably worth a go. If you are a bit of an urban Softie like me who prefers, er, food then don't bother.

Cracking wine list, though.

Another vote for the Goucho Grill, although I'd say the branch in Chelsea Farmer's Market (which is bring-your-own wine, with an excellent vintners around the corner to boot) has prettier girls and a more convivial, less "suited" atmosphere.

Veg.

**crabtastic** · 13-03-2006, 09:37

I'll be making a rare stop in London and will be in the East End (visiting Queen Mary's University). Does anyone have any recommendations regarding curry houses on Brick Lane? It's been about 10 years since I was last there and am rather out of touch. One of the few gastronomic shortcomings of Southern California is the dearth of decent Indian food.

**Vegetius** · 13-03-2006, 09:40

Crabtastic, Brick Lane is overrated. In my experience many of the restaurants are much of a muchness, not that I'm saying that they are bad. Just not as good as Southall.

What's your budget? Are you spending a miserly academic stipend because I know a couple of blinding little places around there that aren't necessarily Bangladeshi.

**crabtastic** · 13-03-2006, 09:41

Originally Posted by Vegetius

Crabtastic, Brick Lane is overrated. In my experience many of the restaurants are much of a muchness, not that I'm saying that they are bad. Just not as good as Southall.

What's your budget? Are you spending a miserly academic stipend because I know a couple of blinding little places around there that aren't necessarily Bangladeshi.

Am flexible on cost since it might be Christmas before I get the chance again and am determined to make the most of it.