Paul's Reviews

I do like a good burger. I've tried most of 'em and Byron is my go-to Burger of choice. I like the fact they are not too flash or clever – no foolish brioche buns or pulled pork here, just an honest, juicy burger, served medium, with a proper bun and straightforward accompaniments.

If I were to offer constructive criticism, I would prefer a slightly smaller bun and certainly more relish – you can barely detect the “Byron sauce” they put on, requiring judicious use of ketchup and American mustard.

Sides are variable: french fries are fine, I like the onion rings (mine have always been crispy) and the courgette fries, but the skin-on chips and the maccaroni cheese are to be avoided. In terms of drinks, if you're not ordering a malted vanilla shake, then you need urgent help. Damn fine milkshake.

Service is usually quick and efficient, even when it gets busy, but there is a distinct lack of atmosphere, and they do feel a bit “corporate” (I've been to Kings Road, Gloucester Road, High St Ken and Westfield). However, for a burger joint, that's less of an issue for me – I don't go there for a long luxurious meal, I go there for a cracking burger, fries and malted vanilla shake and expect to be in and out within the hour.

It may not be as “cool” as a Bar Boulud burger, but it's a lot bigger and only costs £7. In terms of upscale burger chains, it beats the rest hands down.

Belgravia is spoilt for choice when it comes to Italian restaurants, but il Convivio is the one I find myself returning to most often. The room is a well designed space, with the rear half of the restaurant sitting under skylights and the front being a clean, modern front half that is refreshingly well lit.

The menu doesn’t change too often, but there is plenty on there worth trying. Starters are mostly safe choices like mozzarella and tomato or carpaccio of beef or tuna. The home made pasta is better, the black spaghetti and lobster being excellent and the tagliatelle with hare ragu is also enjoyable. I agree with a previous reviewer though who said the food isn’t hot enough. It isn’t. Main course of beef fillet with cep mushrooms and red wine sauce was well cooked although the fat cut chips it came with weren’t great. Osso buco was well seasoned and a hearty dish.

I’m not really a dessert fan, but the white espresso ice cream is very good. The wine list is a strong point and, shockingly, there is even some value for money to be found in there (along with a few high priced shockers).

I have been a few times recently and some visits have been distinctly better than others, but on a good day it is well worth a visit.