Abida Mian's Blog
An outlier that's living, learning and being myself…Archive for Restaurant Reviews
Dishoom Restaurant, Kings Cross
Where: 5 Stable Street, N1C 4AB
What better way to spend a Saturday walking from Maida Vale via the Canal to Kings Cross and back again.
That total six mile journey makes me feel less guilty about stuffing myself with the best Indian food that I’ve sampled in London.
The restaurant is so popular that we had to queue for half an hour, but the staff were very pleasant booking us in, and handing out free drinks while we waited.
As you enter, there’s a big bar area downstairs. Upstairs we sat on a small table, and ordered the calamari which was amazing. They didn’t sell Coca Cola, but they did have the Indian version, Thums Up, which is very fittingly named.
We shared dishes, highly recommend trying the spiced potato dish. Then to finish it off, the dessert reminded me of mini milks as a kid. Their pistachio kulfi on a stick was just a perfect way to end a meal.
The last time I was in Kings Cross was when I was 18. My uni friend, Helen, took me to a club. On the streets were a lot of drug pushers, and I never ventured back since today.
Really loved this restaurant. Five stars for food and service. It’s definitely worth the wait.
Five Guys Westfield White City
When I’ve been a good girl, the boss treats me to burgers from the best place in London. I think it’s better than Honest burgers. Love the snacking on nuts while you’re waiting.
The Prince Bonaparte, Westbourne Park, W2
This could be one of my favourite pubs, not pretentious. Mix of bat**** crazy Notting Hiller’s. Second time I’ve been here for a Sunday roast. Delicious food. The barman came and chatted to us, gave me and my bestie a free dessert and randomly kissed the top of my head. Very friendly bunch!
Highly recommend. Supposed to be working but slacking off for once, now back to my spreadsheets 😦
Hakkasan Mayfair
It’s taken two and a half years of grieving to finally get used to wanting to be around people again.
A good (platonic) friend, sort of a influencing mentor, gets me out for the first time in four years. I think he was genuinely shocked, but when I heard his driver’s dad passed away, I knew I had to pay my respects.
Me: “Why do you keep wanting to see me, even after all this time?” Him: “Because you’re a respectable, genuine woman. I’m extremely fond of you.”
Me: “What’s it like to be unmarried and no kids?” Him: “Marriage doesn’t necessarily make you happy. I was married for three years, she divorced me and tried to claim £20million from me, in the end she got £5million, but we didn’t have children, she never paid for anything. She was the one having an affair. It’s not as if she was poor, she was a Goldman Sachs banker on a 6 figure salary. Abi, I would marry again, it could have been you all those years ago, but you made it clear that you didn’t want to.”
Me: “I’m not a gold-digger, the age difference is too significant. I’d be no better than your ex-wife, marrying for money. I want to marry for love, even if it means I have to struggle financially. All I can offer is my friendship, I’m still figuring out in my head who I want.”
Him: “Don’t get married in haste. On the surface you’re a complex person, but underneath it all, you’re very simple to understand. You’re bored of life. No one can help you find happiness, that’s a journey you will need to make on your own.”
Me: “I know clearly what I want. Marriage and children. That’s what life is all about. I have limited time on my side, I don’t intend on wasting it.”
Him: “You’ll make a great mother, but don’t rush. Being in an unhappy marriage with children is worse than being single. Trust me”
Deep conversation over amazing food. I’m lucky to have such a good friend looking out for me, and helps put my life into perspective…
All Star Lanes Bayswater
All Star Lanes
All Star Lanes, Bayswater
My last couple of posts have been rather serious, but for a change, I had one of the best nights in such a long-time. I laughed so much it hurt.
Given that I’ve been rather anti-social of late, I sometimes am known to make an effort on occasion. One of my colleagues is leaving to move to be with his girlfriend in Australia, he’s saving money and so I told the office that I thought it would be nice to treat him to a night out together, but I insisted that it didn’t involve spending all night in the pub! Instead, we opted for a competitive game of bowling, then dinner and finally I left the boys to go and get smashed (the language I pick up from the youngsters) in the local pub 🙂
As I tend to opt out of social gatherings, Hugh was happy to see I came; he knows that he must be special! The atmosphere in All Star Lanes is fun, the bowling alley is rather narrow and restrictive, but you soon forget about that.
The food was American, my burger was good but the sweet potato fries were amazing, I’d love to be able to make them that perfectly crisp.
All Star Lanes, Bayswater
All Star Lanes, Bayswater
All Star Lanes Waitress Uniform
The fifties retro style outfits worn by the waitresses were cool, I want one 🙂
At eight years, I’ve been working in the office the longest and have seen many people come and go, so it’s always sad to see someone fly the nest. Hugh is definitely a character; hard-working, good fun, and an absolute pleasure. I admire his youthful confidence and his care-free attitude; I’m not sure I could move to another country without knowing I have a job in place even if it was to be with the love of my life, I’m more cautious and crave stability. Despite the fact Hugh’s only in his early-twenties, he can give good advice, if I mention I like someone, he’ll tell me to be careful and take things slowly as he knows I’m quite excitable and soft-natured. He’s very sensitive.
I’ve made him a special card with photos of the office on moonpig.com (really good website for all types of cards), I started off with a sweet message and then the rest of the boys have added filthy humour to it – typical! I will also buy some cake for us to all share on his last day.
It’s always nice when ex-colleagues keep in touch and tell me that they’re getting married, having children and are happy and successful. My office nickname is Aunty A, the boys know if they keep me happy, I’ll look after them 🙂
Going back to All Star Lanes, I’d definitely recommend it for friends, work and even a date; sometimes going for just dinner can be boring, adding an activity like bowling just makes it more fun.
the cowdray in Sussex
Made the most of the warm weather, and ended up in Sussex for a roast Sunday lunch at the cowdray. Pleasantly surprised, lots of space to park, outside seating area as well as indoor, went for the roast lamb, didn’t have to wait long for my order. Very generously sized portion and struggled to finish it, but enjoyed trying. I was too full to consider dessert. The service was good. Unfortunately, I don’t live in the area, and it was a random spare of the moment trip, so probably won’t visit that often, but I’d recommend it to someone who was in the area.
Sunday Roast lunch at the cowdray
the cowdray
Chez Patrick, 7 Stratford Road, W8 – Restaurant Review
I’m always walking down Marloes Road and I never really knew this restaurant existed as it’s located on a street just off it. A few weeks ago, a really close friend and I wanted somewhere local to eat as it was absolutely freezing, so we found Chez Patrick by accident. We hadn’t booked a reservation but although it was pretty booked up, the friendly waiter gave us a table. I have to say it was a really lovely evening, we both had steak with chips and it was delicious, the owner was lovely too.
The surprise of the evening was my friend telling me that they got married two years ago, and they were dying to tell me but I was uncontactable for a long period due to being very ill. Now that I’m back to full health and my friend was married, we enjoyed celebrating in this low key but perfect little French restaurant. I’d definitely go back.
Maggie Jones’s Restaurant in London – 6 Old Court Place
I must have walked past this restaurant hundreds of times, but this afternoon was the first time I had dined at this lovely restaurant. Located just off Kensington Church Street (High Street Kensington end), one of our colleagues recommended this to me and my other female colleague, Emma. As Emma is leaving for a new job in a couple of weeks, we thought we’d enjoy going out for lunch before she goes.
It’s really quaint inside, we were warmly greeted and although the place was reasonably busy, we managed to get a table. We looked at the lunch special menu, and we ordered steak and kidney pie (which came with free sides of peas & carrots). The plates that the food were served on were really cute (country style), and most importantly the pie and vegetables (which counted towards my 5 a day ;-)) was delicious. Obviously no meal is complete without a dessert and the waiters brought a blackboard to show us what was on offer, Emma had bread & butter pudding and I had apple crumble and cream – let’s just say, it didn’t take long before we finished! The lunch menu was reasonable in cost, our meals together with a drink (and service charge) came to about £20 each. All in all, both Emma and I thought the food and service was soo good, we’re making this one of our favourites.
Good hearty English food in heart of Kensington. Just BEAUTE 🙂
Check out my review of Maggie Jones’s Restaurant – I am kensingtonabida – on Qype
The Belvedere Restaurant
The Belvedere Restaurant, originally uploaded by kensingtonabida.
The photo above is of The Belvedere restaurant in Holland Park. I really wanted to dine at The Belvedere, after a friend took their parents here for Sunday lunch and thoroughly recommended it.
I finally had the pleasure of having supper here last week. The location is lovely in the middle of Holland Park, just off Abbotsbury Road with lots of expensive houses along the way. I liked that there was a small parking area near the restaurant (unusual in Central London). The building itself dates back to the 17th Century, as you walk into the restaurant, you feel relaxed (I didn’t find it overly pretentious like Zuma). The decor was neutral, high ceilings and elegant. I didn’t feel underdressed, I wore my high-waisted Maria J Brand jeans, Sydney Knits bow French Connection jumper, and Bertie high-heeled Brogue Boots – other diners were similarly dressed smart/casual but it was a Wednesday night.
As for the dining experience; I started off with a Very Berry Cocktail – as I’m a non-alcoholic drinker, this cocktail was the best I’ve ever had. I skipped starters and just went straight into the mains, I chose Braised Lamb Shank, Minted Pea Puree, Root Vegetables, Rosemary Jus (£18.95), plus a side of mashed potatoes – yummy 🙂 The lamb was cooked beautifully. I finished with Chocolate Brownie and Pistachio ice-cream for dessert, this would have been perfect if the brownie was warm rather than cold.
I’d definitely come back here again for Sunday lunch. I love Sunday lunch and three courses for under £30 is very reasonable.
Classy restaurant, delicious food at reasonable prices – perfect for treating a special person or the parents.
Location:
The Belvedere Restaurant, Off Abbotsbury Road in Holland Park, London, W8 6LU
Menu: Click here
Benares – Berkeley Square
Located in the heart of Mayfair, this Indian restaurant is now one of my favourites. What surprised me was that the decor was neutral (no bright colours) there was no Indian music playing in the background, which made the restaurant in my opinion more refined/elegant. Although it was only a Wednesday night, the place was fully booked (a sign of a good restaurant). The service was exceptional, no pretentious/in your face waiters. We ordered a selection of dishes, which were all delicious, the dessert was the only thing that I didn’t care for (and I have a sweet tooth!).
As we had the tasting menu, what was really nice was that when the waiters served each dish, they explained what it was (you also get a glass of wine with each course, but I couldn’t comment on that as I don’t drink alcohol!). As we were leaving, one of the waiters showed us what the chef’s table was like (it’s a room for 6 people with two glass walls allowing diners to see the kitchen team at work) – would be perfect for a special occassion.
Good night, and would definitely go again.
Benares Indian Restaurant | 12a Berkeley Square House | London | W1J 6BS
http://www.benaresrestaurant.com
Check out my review of Benares – I am kensingtonabida – on Qype
kensingtonabida
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