Reviews by ac

Fordham Soho (Hair Salon)
30 September 2006

I've been trying new hairdressers for the last few haircuts as I'd got tired of my tried and reasonably trusted salon. Finally I've found the best of the bunch. Although Fordham White was crowded and hot when I visited, I had the best colour and cut I've had in years.

Patterson's (Restaurant)
06 December 2004

Nice food and nice place - but nothing really stands out. I think it's the decor (or clientele?) that makes it a bit of a bland memory.

Iniquity (Bar)
22 July 2004

As smart as you get so far on Northcote Road, Iniquity serves great cocktails and has a stylish design. Good for early pre-dinner drinks, but we went back after 10pm and it was hideously packed. Either its a sign of a good bar, or I think more likely that half a dozen cocktail bars like Iniquity could open on Northcote Road and still make a profit.

The Atlas (Gastro Pub)
22 July 2004

Dark wood interior with small beer garden. Serves very good pub food and is always buzzy but never uncomfortably packed. Good venue for meeting up with friends, and very close to West Brompton tube.

Open Air Theatre (Theatre)
17 June 2004

One of those really magical evenings in London! The production of Midsummer Nights Dream played by the New Shakespeare Company was extremely wittily acted, and off set beautifully by the mature trees forming a natural backdrop to the stage. It obviously made a difference that the weather was so balmy, but I would recommend taking a wrap or jacket for later as it does get cool.

Next time I would make an effort to get to Regent's Park early to make the most of the lovely gardens, or take a picnic and sit on the banks of the lake.

But if you don't have time for a picnic, definitely remember to take a bottle of champagne with you - there's no problem taking your own - very civilised.

Hush (Bar)
07 June 2004

Impossible to ever get a seat here, and the area between the seats is extremely limited. You'll be standing, have nowhere to rest your glass and get bumped into on a regular basis. Instead, meet at Rocket or one of the bars nearby and then go to eat at the restaurant in Hush (which is very good).

Inc Bar (Bar)
07 June 2004

This space is refreshingly well designed and not the usual bar format. It has a big main room serving food, with a mezzanine bar overlooking the diners, and a cool little bar up some stairs.

I know L L-B is not everyone's favourite designer, but he does have an eye for the unusual (antique clocks stacked tastefully on the wall and an amazing back lit bar with slices of rock crystals to name but a few touches). It seems to work for a bar. Oh, and the cocktails were up to scratch too. Good choice for impressing your south London date.

Il Convivio (Restaurant)
07 June 2004

Food was wonderful with the ravioli dish a favourite - 4 different types of home made ravioli with various fillings. Top class Italian.

Fino (Spanish Restaurant)
12 April 2004

Nice little bar for pre dinner cocktails. The best part of the eating experience is the accompanying chilled sherry which is a welcome change to wine and fits perfectly with the food. The tastiest tapas include the fried squid with lots of fresh lemon, and the chorizo sausage with beans.

London Eye (Tourist Attraction)
22 March 2004

All Londoners should go on the Eye twice - once in the day and another time at night when its dark.

The Eye is in the same architectural league as 'The Gherkin' and cheers me up everytime I see it giving some curves to the angular London skyline.

Fun to take visiting friends and relatives on a ride, but it can also be a gorgeously romantic pre-dinner spin with 'The One' ;-)

Electric Cinema (Cinema)
19 March 2004

The BEST cinema in London. A truly luxurious viewing experience.

Sadly last time I was there, a combination of the wine (which slots nicely into a cooler slot in the wooden table between the seats) and the comfort of my leather armchair meant that I slept my way through most of the film....

Sanctuary (Spa)
08 March 2004

An old favourite and perfect for a day with the girls, a sister or your mum.

The refurb a few years ago has livened up some of the tired treatment areas, and the famous pool with suspended swing is still there! I think its among the few spas in London where you can chill out in your fluffy white robe, read magazines and chat in between lunch / treatments / the next fruit juice.

Best to book well in advance (4-6 weeks) if you want to enjoy a few treatments whilst you're there.

Mango Tree (Restaurant)
08 March 2004

Mango Tree is one of the only Thai restaurants in London that combines opulent surroundings, beautifully presented thai food, and excellent service - a genuinely fine dining experience.

The only nagging issue I have with the Mango Tree is that there's a slightly cold atmosphere - I think its something to do with the huge room / high ceilings / widely spaced tables which makes it all seem rather hushed and reserved.

Andrew Edmunds (Restaurant)
08 March 2004

Candle lit and cosy, but a bit too cramped for me. Fine for a low key dinner with someone special, but its not my favourite for a really special occasion.

Coco de Mer (Adult Shop / Lingerie Shop / Gift Shop)
08 March 2004

A sex shop for girls, but a million miles away from the seedy Soho dens of iniquity. Exquisite knickers, toys and other fun stuff are displayed in a shop which might be mistaken for a rich Courtesan's boudoir. Men can't go wrong going here to buy a present for a girlfriend/ wife/ mistress as the packaging alone is lovely!

Apartment 195 (Bar)
08 March 2004

Very civilised venue for upmarket evening drinks. I've been here for a private party, drinks with girlfriends, and with my boyfriend, and full marks to the owner for managing to create an environment where you can get a seat, hear your conversation and generally chill.

The main room is big, with leather sofas and subdued lighting and they serve decent cocktails and nibbles. It feels more like a private club than a bar.

Bar Red (Bar)
08 March 2004

I keep going back to Bar Red as although it's small, it never seems too crowded, and has friendly bar staff. Perfect for a first date!

Momo (Restaurant / Restaurant)
08 March 2004

I love this restaurant as it has a wonderful atmosphere, beautiful and very authentic Moroccan decor (lanterns, lattice work, and sparkling glass). Food was also as good as I had recently experienced in Marrakech. This is such a cool place to take a date or hold your birthday dinner.

Zuma (Restaurant / Restaurant)
08 March 2004

Very stylish Japanese restaurant. I think the best tables are actually the places surrounding the open plan chefs' area. it's fun watching what's being prepared and it has a slightly less formal feel to it.

Joseph (Menswear Shop)
08 March 2004

Fabulous classic and classy clothes. I bought a beautiful sheepskin coat here which I could honestly justify (!) as most of the clothes here are modern but timeless. Staff are helpful without being pushy or snooty. Good place to find Paper, Denim, Cloth jeans.