Sophie's Reviews

Sketch Gallery is a vibrant sophisticated and fun place. The interior is amazing! The screens with strange cartoons and symbols frolicking keep you entertained, as does the general decor of a futuristic funland. The people watching is fantastic, and the food is not bad at all! All very modern and fresh – I had a starter of lobster bisque followed by steak tartar, and neither disappointed although I wish I had room for dessert! The newspaper style drinks menu was fun and offered some tasty cocktails. And of course… no visit to Sketch is complete without a visit to the loos. Enjoy this masterpiece of British eccentricty.

Veeraswamy has so much history around it, so to finally visit was exciting! However once inside, there was a distinct lack of atmosphere and the staff did not seem overly enthusiastic, as I would expect of someone working in such a well known prestigious establishment.

It seems that Veeraswamy is coasting on its history but it seems to do little to emanate its charm. The food IS good, but I dont think its good enough to subsidise the average interior and service. The prices are quite high, so you expect more ‘bang for your buck’ and you dont feel you get it. Thank goodness that I was taken out for a work dinner so the bill was not an issue, otherwise my review may have been a little more disgruntled! I am glad I have vistied but I probably will not return unless I hear of a massive revamp. I hope it stays open as it would be shame to lose this indian instituion of London, however I dont see it lasting in the current fashion.

Jamie's Italian… after all the excitement of an new celeb opening in the Wharf, this was unfortunately a disappointment.

The interior is nice, with a big wooden entrance and busy canteen feel. However I have to agree with all the other reviews – the non-booking policy is ridiculous. I am not sure if this was intended to be fashionable, but it is just irritating! The only other place that I regularly visit that has this policy is far more worth the wait (Ping Pong! lol)

The food is sincerely average. I visited with a friend who had eaten here before and didnt mind indulging my desire to try this place out. He was smart and ordered a burger. It doesnt look good when the best plate at the table is the non-themed food. The risotto dish we shared as a starter was decent but nothing spectacular. One might expect some vibrant flavours when a reputation is at stake. And my pasta dish … again, I could have done this at home.

The service was also slightly prickly. The waiter was a very metro/camp snob, who perhaps hasnt yet received his Ritz Carlton customer service training! There is a slight difference in educating diners on ‘how’ the courses in an Italian menu work and making people feel idiotic if they are well aware ‘how’ it works but choose not to follow it. I really dont believe in being forced to take an experience!

The prices are fine, although I feel more like this place would do better without the Jamie label, a booking system and lower prices. It would then probably thrive. It would possibly be the Byron burger of Italian in the Wharf (decent food, no fuss or expectations!) There are much better independent Italian eateries out there.

Unfortunately I know that although I admire Jamie's philanthropic ideals, I will not be investing to eat here again.

A great little place for delicious, well made and well priced cocktails in Shoreditch. Easily identifiable by the chanel-like CC logo above the door, this is a quirky tiny bar with oodles of fun. The staff are fun and friendly, the music is always on and mostly pretty good! There is another room in the back for private hire as well, through doors that look like ANarnia's wardrobe… it does feel like you are in Wonderland after a few drinks! The ladies bathroom walls look like they are made from old cassette tapes, I love that! And their ‘smoking area’ is a tiny space in the middle of the building, which is outside! Its a fake garden with astro turf where you can stand and smoke freely whilst looking up at the chimneys of the neighbouring buildings, and you will be sure to start many random conversations with other awed visitors and the Shoreditch trendies alike. Did I mention the cocktails are great?!

Who doenst love Gaucho?? Always an experience, even if you have been there a hundred times, you always want to see the meat board with all the different cuts of beef! Everything is always so delicious and I have to say that once I actually even managed to have a 3-course meal there (what a pig!) Food is delicious, (especially the cheesy bread – always ask for more!) service is impeccable and the venue has a trendy, moody dark vibe that I love!

Gaucho Canary over and above the others has a fantastic waterside location, where you can sit outside and enjoy the views and it is never too quiet. Brilliant place for a good steak and red wine or just a cocktail by the water.

The first good tapas restaurant I have eaten at in London! I have yet to try Fino and Barrafina that I am told are contenders, but this place has alot to offer!

A lovely atmosphere, with friendly staff, and a bustling lively atmosphere that still holds an element of sophistication. The food was very very good on our visit, and they were happy to accomodate a large group easily. Not too pricey for the deliciousness and it is in a good location to boot. Nothing to complain about at all – get out there and experience some real tapas!

Dockmasters is firstly, THE ONLY Indian in Canary Wharf itself, so a big plus already! Apart from this, I can honestly say that the food is amazing, and the building is beautiful. The only sadness I have with this venue is that it is never really busy and so missing an atmosphere… But if you go in a group that is probably perfect as you can make your own! The staff are friendly and there is a lovely garden outside for a nice day.