Melanie's Reviews

I have (also) been going to La Luna for many a year.
They have responded very well to the whole credit crunch – especially on the wine front where they have always been criticised for expense. You can now order varying sizes of carafes of wine according to what you want.. The food however is as innovative and sublime as ever.
They keep the whole modern Italian Theme going – whilst combining it with rustic Italian dishes – it's clever, it's delicious and in my book it is worth every penny.
The portions are not massive – but I took someone there the other night for a birthday – we had 4 courses, a bottle of expensive wine, and pudding wine – including the tip I spent under £100, and we were both pleasantly full; not fit to burst which makes a change for this area.
They understand portion control, and they understand service.
As I say – worth every penny; even now money is tight. It's a treat well worth having!

I found Black and Blue fair to middling and wildly over-priced for a burger, a bit of cheese, a few chips and a gerkin. Taking into account I used to live next door to this place and have eaten there a lot, I was shocked when I went back and the food had gone downhill but the prices had rocketed. Not only that but the service (which used to be rather good) has now taken an interesting turn. All waitresses seemed to be lurking round city boys in suits – which whilst funny for say 5 minutes, left me thirsty, narked, and then wanting to walk out after about 15 minutes. In short – pricy for mince, a bun and shabby service.

The Chop House used to fantastic, a brilliant place for everything from a romantic meal, a first date, somewhere to do business, somewhere to go for a celebration – you could take kids there… they had it nailed with great food to boot.
Now however it has gone dramatically downhill.
The last 3 times I have gone (in the vain hope this great place would be back to standard) some of the following have happened;

Late seating
Waiting half an hour before drinks orders (pet hate) Waiting over an hour for starters – and then they were wrong
Main course are lukewarm.
Incorrect bill – by which stage you pay anyway as you are so fed up you just want to go home.

So why go?
Because once it was totally amazing. The pork can be the best roast pork going, with just perfect crackling and no fat at all. The lobster was out of this world. And so on, and so on. But it's not any more. It's appalling.

I would redirect you to Roast in Borough Market instead now.

Not worth a visit at all.

Possibly my favorite place in London; I have been coming here for years.
The service is faultless – ensure on booking however you distingusih between the bistro, the main restaraunt and the more intimate restaraunt and where you would like to be seated.
The menu is really imaginative – without being overly fussy. Flavours are not drowned and too complex – but all the same some superb dishes. The chef used to be at the Bleeding Hart, Hatton garden – and moving here has really established it as a great place to dine.
The wine list – as part of the Bleeding Hart sisterhood – is fantastic. And you can be assured of a sip of a few before you make a tough choice. On the other hand – if you just want a glass of house, it's going to great wine, which has been breathing, is at the right temperature, rather than thinly disguised paint thinner as is so othen the case.
Finally the Maitre De – A great man. A perfect choice, knows his wine impeccably, he and the chef work perfectly, and the place runs like clockwork as a result.
In a word – go.