Continental Diner's Reviews

The below review was written before the year-long closure in 2010. The restaurant is now open again under the same management.

Eight over eight is a classic example of a restaurant resting on its laurels. The formerly less known sibling of E&O in Notting Hill started drawing large crowds and instead of rising to the challenge, it started dropping its standards. This is very dangerous when serving a cuisine which is highly dependent on execution and good service. A pity.

While the venue does have it's charms – especially considering the urban surroundings of Shoreditch – the Hoxton Grill relies too heavily on its Soho Hotels Group DNA. Service is O.K. but not consistent and then there is what the food: meat dishes are a bit better, but steer clear of the fish which was on the verge of catastrophic.
All this is a shame as this part of London would need a place like the Hoxton Grill aims to be. I suggest a drink at the Hoxton Hotel's bar instead – dinner definitively elsewhere.

I like Bibendum. It has been there for ever and of course over the long term there are some ups and some downs, yet it has always delivered and has a really good balance between high end dining and a nice non-pretentious style. I sometimes feel it is reviewd harshly because it is compared to the wrong kind of restaurants. The Oyster Bar downstairs is fun in the warmer months and staff are always friendly and make everything possible. An underrated institution.

A good place and open until 3am, which is rare and welcome in the capital. Service is very friendly and professional. The interior is a question of taste, but quirky and gives the place a premium feel. Food is good, while not great but the competition is fast asleep after midnight. Those who travel a lot – or go out partying for that matter will understand.

A case of black and white. The food is good. The service too – sometimes. But it all doesn't matter because of the shere wow factor of Mr. Branson's signature Restaurant/Private Member's Club. Recently the menu has changed and taken on a more sophisticated tone, which has seen prices rocket. This is a pity because before it used to be refreshingly reasonable. Yet on a recent late dinner apart from slightly shakey service – which one half expects – it performed nicely. The views are among the best in the capital and as a diner one can shake off some calories at the nightclub!

A truly special place and a crown jewel in Caprice Holding's portfolio. Daphne is low key, the service, the food and the location being the main attractions. It delivers in a very impressive manner. The déco could do with a brush up, but Daphne's is so good overall that one doesn't mind.

Le cerlce works. Normally not a fan of the Tapas-portion craze, I bow to the creativity and quality of the food on offer here. The service is one of the few places in London which truly deserves 10points here at Square Meal. A truly special restaurant which delivers on all fronts. Truly superb.