Pay What You Like
The White Horse in Epsom is trying a rather innovative experiment with its gastro cuisine. Every Thursday and Friday evening, in June, the pub allows its patrons to pay what they think that the meal is worth.
Landlord, Stuart Down, said:
"There are no catches.
Customers are leaving exactly what they think their meal was worth. So far it has been very successful and has certainly captured people's imaginations.
What is so exciting about it from my point of view is the feedback we're getting knowing what your customers think is extremely useful.
No one has walked out without paying anything yet, though I'm sure someone will. In fact a lot of people have actually left more than they would have been charged."
As a rough guide, the mark up that a well run restaurant or food outlet should charge in order to make a respectable (not greedy profit) is about 3-4 times the cost of the food.
It would be a very interesting idea indeed, to see some of London's more over priced and pretentious restaurants try this experiment; they might learn some humility.
Showing posts with label value. Show all posts
Showing posts with label value. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Cadbury's Taken To Court
Cadbury's Taken To Court
In the wake of last year's salmonella outbreak in chocolate bars, Cadbury's is facing an appearance in court.
Cadbury Schweppes faces prosecution over the outbreak of salmonella that forced it to recall a million chocolate bars.
Birmigham City Council has accused Cadbury's of placing "unsafe" chocolate products on the market, and of failing to immediately inform the authorities about the contamination.
Cadbury's will also be prosecuted for failing to identify hazards from chocolate bars contaminated with salmonella, and of failing to identify "corrective actions".
The cost to the company of having to deal with the infection is estimated to be around £30M, plus the consequential damage to its brand value.
Cadbury's has been summoned to appear before Birmingham Magistrates' Court on 15 June.
In the wake of last year's salmonella outbreak in chocolate bars, Cadbury's is facing an appearance in court.
Cadbury Schweppes faces prosecution over the outbreak of salmonella that forced it to recall a million chocolate bars.
Birmigham City Council has accused Cadbury's of placing "unsafe" chocolate products on the market, and of failing to immediately inform the authorities about the contamination.
Cadbury's will also be prosecuted for failing to identify hazards from chocolate bars contaminated with salmonella, and of failing to identify "corrective actions".
The cost to the company of having to deal with the infection is estimated to be around £30M, plus the consequential damage to its brand value.
Cadbury's has been summoned to appear before Birmingham Magistrates' Court on 15 June.
Monday, December 12, 2005
The Value of Chip Fat
The Value of Chip Fat
In one rather unexpected outcome of the recent Tory leadership battle, chip shops and restaurants have been told by David Cameron to collect their old cooking fat so that it can be used to fuel cars.
The chip fat proposal is being promoted by John Gummer, he of the "safe burger" claim in the 1980's, whom Mr Cameron has appointed one of the chairmen of the group overhauling the party's environmental policies.
Gummer claims that more than 75% of the 300,000 tons of waste fat produced by restaurants in Britain each year "goes down the drain, where it has a terrible effect on sewers".
However, the fat can easily be turned into an eco-friendly substitute for diesel. Gummer goes on to claim that it is even greener than other biofuels, since it causes the emission of much less carbon dioxide.
You learn something new every day!
In one rather unexpected outcome of the recent Tory leadership battle, chip shops and restaurants have been told by David Cameron to collect their old cooking fat so that it can be used to fuel cars.
The chip fat proposal is being promoted by John Gummer, he of the "safe burger" claim in the 1980's, whom Mr Cameron has appointed one of the chairmen of the group overhauling the party's environmental policies.
Gummer claims that more than 75% of the 300,000 tons of waste fat produced by restaurants in Britain each year "goes down the drain, where it has a terrible effect on sewers".
However, the fat can easily be turned into an eco-friendly substitute for diesel. Gummer goes on to claim that it is even greener than other biofuels, since it causes the emission of much less carbon dioxide.
You learn something new every day!
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Ixxy's Hot Salt Beef Bagel
Ixxy's Hot Salt Beef Bagel
Those of you who fancy a nice hot salt beef bagel, whilst waiting for your train at London's Victoria station, should not bother buying one from Ixxy's Bagel Shop (owned by the Compass Group).
I tried one yesterday:
- The beef was reheated in a microwave, instead of being cut from a joint
- The beef was luke warm and bland, instead of being hot and tasty
- Ixxy's advertise that the hot beef bagel comes with mustard; I had to remind the girl behind the counter to put mustard in, after she had made the bagel. Thus she had to disassemble the bagel
- The bagel itself was dry
- The counter girl forgot the use of the phrases "please" and "thank you", and indeed how to smile
- The cost of this gastronomic disappointment, together with a can of fizzy sugared water, came to £5.99
Bottom line: if you want a tasty hot salt beef bagel, that is good value for money, don't go to Ixxy's.
Those of you who fancy a nice hot salt beef bagel, whilst waiting for your train at London's Victoria station, should not bother buying one from Ixxy's Bagel Shop (owned by the Compass Group).
I tried one yesterday:
- The beef was reheated in a microwave, instead of being cut from a joint
- The beef was luke warm and bland, instead of being hot and tasty
- Ixxy's advertise that the hot beef bagel comes with mustard; I had to remind the girl behind the counter to put mustard in, after she had made the bagel. Thus she had to disassemble the bagel
- The bagel itself was dry
- The counter girl forgot the use of the phrases "please" and "thank you", and indeed how to smile
- The cost of this gastronomic disappointment, together with a can of fizzy sugared water, came to £5.99
Bottom line: if you want a tasty hot salt beef bagel, that is good value for money, don't go to Ixxy's.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
The World's Most Expensive Restaurants
The World's Most Expensive Restaurants
Forbes has put together a list of the world's most expensive restaurants.
Top of that list comes Aragawa, in Tokyo, where the average meal for one runs about ¥1,672 (approximately $277).
The list can be viewed on Forbes.
The question is though, are they value for money?
Forbes has put together a list of the world's most expensive restaurants.
Top of that list comes Aragawa, in Tokyo, where the average meal for one runs about ¥1,672 (approximately $277).
The list can be viewed on Forbes.
The question is though, are they value for money?
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Restaurant
Beulah Spa
41 Beulah Hill
London
Phone:- 0208 6532051
Overview
Eva and I went to the Beulah Spa, part of the Harvester chain, on Sunday evening.
The Beulah Spa is a family restaurant which serves steaks, chicken and burgers. The Beulah Spa does not accept bookings, so you have to take a chance and hope that they can fit you in.
Ambience
The Beulah Spa is a converted pub, and houses a restaurant and adjoining bar. The Harvester chain is themed rural.
We started off with a drink in the bar area, which was very busy, more resembling an airport departure lounge than a cosy bar.
I would like to make a number of observations concerning the housekeeping, and general ambience:
We finished our drinks and went to our table, which provided a nice view of an overflowing waste bucket (this of course should have been emptied, or moved from our line of sight).
Menu
A reasonable selection of steaks and chicken dishes were on offer. However, I would point out that at other steak houses you are given the choice of 8oz, 12oz and 16oz cuts, the Beulah Spa only offered 8oz.
My menu card still had the remains of the previous diner’s meal splattered across it, it should have been wiped clean first.
Service
Our waitress was polite and efficient.
There was an excessive delay between the starter and main course. I assume that this was due to a backlog in the kitchen.
Food
I started with the potato skins, these were not too bad. They were covered in a very large dollop of sour cream, cheese and a tangy barbecue type sauce (the latter was in my view excessive for the size of the portion).
I chose the sirloin, medium, with fried eggs for my main course. The steak was overcooked, and although not impossible to cut was not as tender as it should have been. I would not give it high marks for flavour either.
The fries, peas and onion rings that accompanied the meal were ok.
As part of the Harvester experience you are invited to help yourself to the salad cart. This provided a good choice of tomatoes, cucumber, potato salad and other items that were fresh and of good quality.
Eva started with the deep fried prawns in breadcrumbs. These were fine, cooked golden brown and not greasy.
She chose the chicken stack for her main course. This consisted of two grilled breasts of chicken sandwiching a gammon steak. The dish was garnished with melted Emental cheese and barbecue sauce. This was accompanied by a large baked potato with sour cream and peas.
Eva felt that the dish was quite nice, although the cheese was bland and the potato only luke warm.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chardonnay, came to £43 before service.
Overall Opinion
In my view you can find better value bistros with better quality food, and a far more attractive atmosphere, in central Croydon and the suburbs.
I recommend that the Harvester chain revamp their menu, and improve the selection and quality of the meat.
The Beulah Spa needs to pay close attention to their housekeeping. This is, in my opinion, not worth visiting unless the points raised are addressed.
Beulah Spa
41 Beulah Hill
London
Phone:- 0208 6532051
Overview
Eva and I went to the Beulah Spa, part of the Harvester chain, on Sunday evening.
The Beulah Spa is a family restaurant which serves steaks, chicken and burgers. The Beulah Spa does not accept bookings, so you have to take a chance and hope that they can fit you in.
Ambience
The Beulah Spa is a converted pub, and houses a restaurant and adjoining bar. The Harvester chain is themed rural.
We started off with a drink in the bar area, which was very busy, more resembling an airport departure lounge than a cosy bar.
I would like to make a number of observations concerning the housekeeping, and general ambience:
- The bar was awash with spilt drinks, and needed to be wiped down.
- The same was true for some of the tables in the bar, including ours.
- The Beulah Spa allows children, and therefore has a collection of crayons and puzzles for children to doodle on at each table. Unfortunately, no one had bothered to tidy up at our table. The crayons, and half completed puzzles, were scattered over the table and floor.
- The background music, which invaded both the bar and restaurant, was targeted at the under 20’s; despite the fact that the customers were from all age groups. The music was loud and intrusive.
- On two separate occasions, each lasting five minutes, an alarm went off behind the bar. The extremely irritating high-pitched beeps were finally stopped when several people went to the bar to complain.
- Eva tells me that the floor of the ladies was awash with paper.
We finished our drinks and went to our table, which provided a nice view of an overflowing waste bucket (this of course should have been emptied, or moved from our line of sight).
Menu
A reasonable selection of steaks and chicken dishes were on offer. However, I would point out that at other steak houses you are given the choice of 8oz, 12oz and 16oz cuts, the Beulah Spa only offered 8oz.
My menu card still had the remains of the previous diner’s meal splattered across it, it should have been wiped clean first.
Service
Our waitress was polite and efficient.
There was an excessive delay between the starter and main course. I assume that this was due to a backlog in the kitchen.
Food
I started with the potato skins, these were not too bad. They were covered in a very large dollop of sour cream, cheese and a tangy barbecue type sauce (the latter was in my view excessive for the size of the portion).
I chose the sirloin, medium, with fried eggs for my main course. The steak was overcooked, and although not impossible to cut was not as tender as it should have been. I would not give it high marks for flavour either.
The fries, peas and onion rings that accompanied the meal were ok.
As part of the Harvester experience you are invited to help yourself to the salad cart. This provided a good choice of tomatoes, cucumber, potato salad and other items that were fresh and of good quality.
Eva started with the deep fried prawns in breadcrumbs. These were fine, cooked golden brown and not greasy.
She chose the chicken stack for her main course. This consisted of two grilled breasts of chicken sandwiching a gammon steak. The dish was garnished with melted Emental cheese and barbecue sauce. This was accompanied by a large baked potato with sour cream and peas.
Eva felt that the dish was quite nice, although the cheese was bland and the potato only luke warm.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chardonnay, came to £43 before service.
Overall Opinion
In my view you can find better value bistros with better quality food, and a far more attractive atmosphere, in central Croydon and the suburbs.
I recommend that the Harvester chain revamp their menu, and improve the selection and quality of the meat.
The Beulah Spa needs to pay close attention to their housekeeping. This is, in my opinion, not worth visiting unless the points raised are addressed.
Sunday, April 18, 2004
Restaurant
The Harbour Room
Pomme d’Or Hotel
Liberation Square
St Helier
Jersey
The Channel Islands
Phone:- 01534 880110
Website www.pommedorhotel.com
Overview
Whilst we were on holiday in Jersey we tried the Harbour Room, the restaurant of our hotel the Pomme d’Or, for breakfast and dinner. The Harbour Room serves traditional English food. The breakfast is the full English buffet, and the dinner is a buffet carvery.
Ambience
The Harbour Room was spacious and comfortable. As the name implies it overlooks St Helier harbour.
The restaurant was pleasantly decorated; tables laid with linen cloths and napkins, the cutlery good quality silverware.
In the centre of the Harbour Room were two large buffet serving stations, where diners serve themselves their breakfast and dinner.
Despite this being a buffet style restaurant, there were a good number of staff on hand at both breakfast and dinner to serve wine, coffee and indeed to help serve you the buffet.
Menu
The breakfast menu was very substantial, and included; sausages, eggs (fried, boiled and scrambled), bacon, beans, fried bread, mushrooms, kippers, porridge, hams, hash browns, black pudding and tomatoes.
The carvery dinner menu also offered a good selection including; roast joints of beef and lamb, chicken, fish, vegetables and a fair selection of cold cuts and salads for starters.
Service
There was a good number of friendly efficient staff, who were on hand to serve wine, coffee and generally help make the breakfast/dinner as enjoyable and relaxed as possible.
Food
At breakfast we tried a little of everything. I am happy to pronounce the food as first class, hot, properly cooked but neither greasy nor dry.
An excellent way to start to the day!
At the carvery for dinner we tried many of the starters. They were reasonably good, as far as they went. However, we were a little disappointed that there was not such a good selection of seafood (eg lobster or crab) on offer as one might have expected in Jersey. That being said I understand that every Friday evening they serve a special seafood buffet in the Harbour Room.
We tried both the beef and lamb for our main course, which were craved by the chef. The joints were cooked medium rare, and were succulent, tender and of good quality.
The potato and vegetable selection were decently cooked, and complimented the meal.
The cost of the breakfast was included in the price of our room. Our dinner, which included a good bottle of Medoc, came to £55.
Overall Opinion
Good food, and good value for money, served in very pleasant surroundings. Even if you are not staying in the hotel; the Harbour Room is worth popping in to one evening, or indeed one morning.
The Harbour Room
Pomme d’Or Hotel
Liberation Square
St Helier
Jersey
The Channel Islands
Phone:- 01534 880110
Website www.pommedorhotel.com
Overview
Whilst we were on holiday in Jersey we tried the Harbour Room, the restaurant of our hotel the Pomme d’Or, for breakfast and dinner. The Harbour Room serves traditional English food. The breakfast is the full English buffet, and the dinner is a buffet carvery.
Ambience
The Harbour Room was spacious and comfortable. As the name implies it overlooks St Helier harbour.
The restaurant was pleasantly decorated; tables laid with linen cloths and napkins, the cutlery good quality silverware.
In the centre of the Harbour Room were two large buffet serving stations, where diners serve themselves their breakfast and dinner.
Despite this being a buffet style restaurant, there were a good number of staff on hand at both breakfast and dinner to serve wine, coffee and indeed to help serve you the buffet.
Menu
The breakfast menu was very substantial, and included; sausages, eggs (fried, boiled and scrambled), bacon, beans, fried bread, mushrooms, kippers, porridge, hams, hash browns, black pudding and tomatoes.
The carvery dinner menu also offered a good selection including; roast joints of beef and lamb, chicken, fish, vegetables and a fair selection of cold cuts and salads for starters.
Service
There was a good number of friendly efficient staff, who were on hand to serve wine, coffee and generally help make the breakfast/dinner as enjoyable and relaxed as possible.
Food
At breakfast we tried a little of everything. I am happy to pronounce the food as first class, hot, properly cooked but neither greasy nor dry.
An excellent way to start to the day!
At the carvery for dinner we tried many of the starters. They were reasonably good, as far as they went. However, we were a little disappointed that there was not such a good selection of seafood (eg lobster or crab) on offer as one might have expected in Jersey. That being said I understand that every Friday evening they serve a special seafood buffet in the Harbour Room.
We tried both the beef and lamb for our main course, which were craved by the chef. The joints were cooked medium rare, and were succulent, tender and of good quality.
The potato and vegetable selection were decently cooked, and complimented the meal.
The cost of the breakfast was included in the price of our room. Our dinner, which included a good bottle of Medoc, came to £55.
Overall Opinion
Good food, and good value for money, served in very pleasant surroundings. Even if you are not staying in the hotel; the Harbour Room is worth popping in to one evening, or indeed one morning.
Thursday, October 16, 2003
Restaurant
Leopardi
Riddargatan 9
114 51 Stockholm
Sweden
Phone:- 08 660 7403
Overview
Eva and I took pot luck one evening when we were in Stockholm; and went to Leopardi, an Italian restaurant in central Stockholm.
Ambience
Leopardi is a warm and cosy restaurant, with a lively atmosphere. There is a bar in the middle of the room. The walls are painted red and white, and there is a tiled floor. The tables are laid with pink table cloths. Each table has a flower in a small vase, and a basket of bread sticks.
Menu
The menu has a good variety of Italian pasta dishes plus other dishes including; bruschetta, minestrone, calves liver, lamb medallions, and saltimbocca.
Service
The service was friendly and very prompt. There is no problem with speaking English here, should your Swedish or Italian not be quite up to the mark.
Food
I started with the carbonara, this was a very generous portion of spaghetti and bacon in a rich creamy sauce. This, for lesser appetites, would make a meal in itself.
I chose the pan fried pork escalope in a cream and sage sauce for my main course. The flavours were very well balanced, the pork was tender and not overcooked. The dish came with sauté potatoes, which were cooked to perfection.
Eva started with the deep fried camembert served with berries. This was surprisingly sweet, but very delicious and a good way to start the meal.
Eva’s main course was penne with chicken and chillies; she was very pleased with this dish. There was a generous portion of chicken, and the chillies added a piquant flavour; however, this did not overpower it.
The meal, which included a bottle of Mateus, came to 754SEK.
Overall Opinion
In my opinion, Leopardi is worth popping into if you are in central Stockholm and feel like a good value Italian meal.
Leopardi
Riddargatan 9
114 51 Stockholm
Sweden
Phone:- 08 660 7403
Overview
Eva and I took pot luck one evening when we were in Stockholm; and went to Leopardi, an Italian restaurant in central Stockholm.
Ambience
Leopardi is a warm and cosy restaurant, with a lively atmosphere. There is a bar in the middle of the room. The walls are painted red and white, and there is a tiled floor. The tables are laid with pink table cloths. Each table has a flower in a small vase, and a basket of bread sticks.
Menu
The menu has a good variety of Italian pasta dishes plus other dishes including; bruschetta, minestrone, calves liver, lamb medallions, and saltimbocca.
Service
The service was friendly and very prompt. There is no problem with speaking English here, should your Swedish or Italian not be quite up to the mark.
Food
I started with the carbonara, this was a very generous portion of spaghetti and bacon in a rich creamy sauce. This, for lesser appetites, would make a meal in itself.
I chose the pan fried pork escalope in a cream and sage sauce for my main course. The flavours were very well balanced, the pork was tender and not overcooked. The dish came with sauté potatoes, which were cooked to perfection.
Eva started with the deep fried camembert served with berries. This was surprisingly sweet, but very delicious and a good way to start the meal.
Eva’s main course was penne with chicken and chillies; she was very pleased with this dish. There was a generous portion of chicken, and the chillies added a piquant flavour; however, this did not overpower it.
The meal, which included a bottle of Mateus, came to 754SEK.
Overall Opinion
In my opinion, Leopardi is worth popping into if you are in central Stockholm and feel like a good value Italian meal.
Sunday, July 13, 2003
Restaurant
The Old Bell
High Street
Old Oxted
Surrey
Phone:- 01883 712181
Website www.theoldbell-oxted.co.uk
Overview
It was a sunny, hot Saturday; and so Eva and I decided to take a trip out of town to Old Oxted, a village, only 20 minutes train ride away from Croydon.
I haven’t been to Oxted since my childhood, so we took pot luck with regard to our dining needs. Having visited a couple of hostelries, we were delighted to stumble across The Old Bell; a 15th century pub that serves traditional and modern English cuisine.
Ambience
The pub is a traditional timber framed building dating back to the 15th century. Low ceilings with timber beams and columns are decorated with the usual knickknacks (hops, horse brasses, photos etc) accumulated over the centuries of use.
The restaurant and bar meld into one, so you can combine a trip to the pub with a meal (every Englishman’s dream!).
The menus are on chalkboards dotted around the walls.
There is a smoking and non smoking area, plus a garden. We were offered a choice of tables, and took one by the window.
The chairs were old fashioned highback “cottage” style, and were exceptionally comfortable.
Menu
The menu offers a staggering array of dishes including; pate, smoked salmon parcels, baked goat’s cheese, pies, fish, spinach and Roquefort tart, steaks, ham and eggs and vegetarian dishes.
I would venture one small suggestion; whilst the use of chalkboards is fine for specials, we found it to be a little inconvenient placing the entire menu on it. I would suggest that the “standard dishes” are detailed on menus (even if only photocopies) placed on the tables.
Service
We were promptly and warmly greeted by one of the staff when we arrived, and were shown to a table. Once seated, the ordering system was explained to us.
You choose from the menus on the walls, then place your order at the bar; quoting the number attached to the candle stick on your table.
After that the service is as in any other restaurant; ie further orders for drinks, wine, desserts etc can be placed with a member of staff. All of whom we found to be cheerful and efficient.
Food
I chose the warm chicken liver and bacon salad as a starter. This was very good, there was a generous portion of both liver and bacon tossed with a green salad and croutons. The liver was not overcooked, and was complemented by the bacon.
I chose the mixed grill for my main course, with a couple of fried eggs as an extra. The grill included; a lamb’s kidney, calves liver, a double lamb loin chop, a good sized portion of steak, a sausage and a slice of gammon. This was served with home-made chips.
The grill was professionally cooked, not burnt or dry. The meat was of good quality, although parts of the steak were a little chewy. A hearty meal for a hearty appetite!
Eva started with the smoked salmon parcel stuffed with crab. This was served with cherry tomatoes and beetroot. It was a good sized portion, the chef had not stinted on the crab stuffing. The combination of flavours was first class, and made an ideal starter.
Eva chose breaded pork with apple squares in a sage sauce for her main course. The combination of flavours was mouth-watering. The sauce was very “sagey” and was complemented by the flavour, and texture, of the cooked apple cubes; which in turn enhanced the flavour of the lean, tender pieces of pork in breadcrumbs. The pork had been cooked to a golden brown colour.
The dish came with new potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots and courgettes; all cooked to perfection.
The bill, which included; a bottle of Chablis, two Irish coffees and brandy, came to £60 before service.
Overall Opinion
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, and feel that it was exceptionally good value. Well worth a trip to Old Oxted. I recommend that you do the same.
The Old Bell
High Street
Old Oxted
Surrey
Phone:- 01883 712181
Website www.theoldbell-oxted.co.uk
Overview
It was a sunny, hot Saturday; and so Eva and I decided to take a trip out of town to Old Oxted, a village, only 20 minutes train ride away from Croydon.
I haven’t been to Oxted since my childhood, so we took pot luck with regard to our dining needs. Having visited a couple of hostelries, we were delighted to stumble across The Old Bell; a 15th century pub that serves traditional and modern English cuisine.
Ambience
The pub is a traditional timber framed building dating back to the 15th century. Low ceilings with timber beams and columns are decorated with the usual knickknacks (hops, horse brasses, photos etc) accumulated over the centuries of use.
The restaurant and bar meld into one, so you can combine a trip to the pub with a meal (every Englishman’s dream!).
The menus are on chalkboards dotted around the walls.
There is a smoking and non smoking area, plus a garden. We were offered a choice of tables, and took one by the window.
The chairs were old fashioned highback “cottage” style, and were exceptionally comfortable.
Menu
The menu offers a staggering array of dishes including; pate, smoked salmon parcels, baked goat’s cheese, pies, fish, spinach and Roquefort tart, steaks, ham and eggs and vegetarian dishes.
I would venture one small suggestion; whilst the use of chalkboards is fine for specials, we found it to be a little inconvenient placing the entire menu on it. I would suggest that the “standard dishes” are detailed on menus (even if only photocopies) placed on the tables.
Service
We were promptly and warmly greeted by one of the staff when we arrived, and were shown to a table. Once seated, the ordering system was explained to us.
You choose from the menus on the walls, then place your order at the bar; quoting the number attached to the candle stick on your table.
After that the service is as in any other restaurant; ie further orders for drinks, wine, desserts etc can be placed with a member of staff. All of whom we found to be cheerful and efficient.
Food
I chose the warm chicken liver and bacon salad as a starter. This was very good, there was a generous portion of both liver and bacon tossed with a green salad and croutons. The liver was not overcooked, and was complemented by the bacon.
I chose the mixed grill for my main course, with a couple of fried eggs as an extra. The grill included; a lamb’s kidney, calves liver, a double lamb loin chop, a good sized portion of steak, a sausage and a slice of gammon. This was served with home-made chips.
The grill was professionally cooked, not burnt or dry. The meat was of good quality, although parts of the steak were a little chewy. A hearty meal for a hearty appetite!
Eva started with the smoked salmon parcel stuffed with crab. This was served with cherry tomatoes and beetroot. It was a good sized portion, the chef had not stinted on the crab stuffing. The combination of flavours was first class, and made an ideal starter.
Eva chose breaded pork with apple squares in a sage sauce for her main course. The combination of flavours was mouth-watering. The sauce was very “sagey” and was complemented by the flavour, and texture, of the cooked apple cubes; which in turn enhanced the flavour of the lean, tender pieces of pork in breadcrumbs. The pork had been cooked to a golden brown colour.
The dish came with new potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots and courgettes; all cooked to perfection.
The bill, which included; a bottle of Chablis, two Irish coffees and brandy, came to £60 before service.
Overall Opinion
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, and feel that it was exceptionally good value. Well worth a trip to Old Oxted. I recommend that you do the same.
Friday, January 03, 2003
Restaurant
Tower Restaurant
Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1JF
Phone:- 0131 225 3003
Website www.tower-restaurant.com
Overview
The Tower sits on top of the Museum of Scotland and offers an exceptional view of the castle and skyline of Edinburgh. It specialises in Scottish produce, including steaks and shellfish. The restaurant comprises an indoor rooftop (seating around 100) and outdoor terrace (seating around 70); the restaurant is very popular and you are advised to book (we were told that some people had booked their New Year tables one year ago).
Eva and I, spending Hogmanay in Edinburgh, went there on New Year’s eve. Our booking was for 10:30PM, so we were able to watch the spectacular New Year firework display.
Ambience
The restaurant is elegant and sleek, it eschews the traditional tartan and stuffed animal trophy decorative style favoured by some other Scottish restaurants. Instead the décor is bright, airy and tasteful; polished wooden floors complimenting the lightly stained wooden table tops. A floor to ceiling window runs the full length of one side of the restaurant, so if you are fortunate enough to have a window seat you have an unparalleled view of the castle. However, should you have one of the other tables you will still be able to view the skyline. We were fortunate enough to have a window seat, I am pleased to say the that the double glazing and heating was efficient enough to ensure that we did not feel cold.
When we arrived at the Museum of Scotland we were greeted by a uniformed commissionaire, who ticked our name on a list and showed us to an elevator. This took us to the fifth floor where we were greeted by the Head Waiter, who had been telephoned by the commissionaire; to let him know we were on our way up.
Rather impressively, despite being New Year’s Eve (with all the potential for people delaying their departure); our table was ready, and we were seated immediately.
The restaurant was full, but close to midnight all the diners and staff put their coats on and stood out on the terrace to watch the fireworks, we were lazy and decided to stay in the warm; but we still had a splendid view. I am rather relieved that unlike other restaurants, at New Year, there was no enforced communal singing or hugging; save for handshakes and “happy New Year” from the staff.
Menu
The restaurant offers a variety of traditional Scottish food (prepared with imagination) including; steaks, lamb shank, oysters, crab, liver, roast roots and fish. Even the bread was a special mustard based recipe!
The wine list is extensive and rather sensibly, in my view, is divided into sub sections offering diners a choice of price brackets.
Service
The service was attentive, very friendly and efficient. Our Kir Royales and menus arrived within a matter of minutes of us being seated.
There were a good number of staff on duty who, even though they were working on New Year’s eve, ensured that orders were promptly and efficiently despatched. Half an hour before midnight we were asked if we would like to order a drink to toast in the New Year; that afforded them a well deserved break, so that they could watch the fireworks with everyone else.
Food
I started with the lentil and ham soup, warm rich yellow (evocative of the season) complimented by thin slices of ham placed in the centre; full marks.
As a main course I had a 12oz fillet steak, rare. This was succulent and tender; seared on the outside, to seal in the flavour, red and juicy on the inside. The steak was served with onion rings, hand cut potato wedges and roasted root vegetables; an excellent choice.
I finished with an orange sorbet, smooth and creamy, which was a little more than I could handle.
Eva started with duck parfait, a very generous rich and succulent portion served with toast. She was very pleased with it.
As a main course Eva had the lamb shank which, in keeping with the imaginative style of cuisine, was served with a portion of lam cutlet and loin of lamb. The shank had been braised to perfection so that the meat literally fell of the bone. The dish came with creamy mashed potatoes. Eva thoroughly enjoyed it.
The overall meal, which included a bottle of Chablis, a bottle of water and two glasses of champagne, came to £121 before tip; exceptional value.
Overall Opinion
I have absolutely no hesitation at all in recommending this restaurant; definitely a cut above some of the other restaurants who offer “traditional Scottish fayre”. We will be dining there again when we return to Edinburgh.
Tower Restaurant
Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1JF
Phone:- 0131 225 3003
Website www.tower-restaurant.com
Overview
The Tower sits on top of the Museum of Scotland and offers an exceptional view of the castle and skyline of Edinburgh. It specialises in Scottish produce, including steaks and shellfish. The restaurant comprises an indoor rooftop (seating around 100) and outdoor terrace (seating around 70); the restaurant is very popular and you are advised to book (we were told that some people had booked their New Year tables one year ago).
Eva and I, spending Hogmanay in Edinburgh, went there on New Year’s eve. Our booking was for 10:30PM, so we were able to watch the spectacular New Year firework display.
Ambience
The restaurant is elegant and sleek, it eschews the traditional tartan and stuffed animal trophy decorative style favoured by some other Scottish restaurants. Instead the décor is bright, airy and tasteful; polished wooden floors complimenting the lightly stained wooden table tops. A floor to ceiling window runs the full length of one side of the restaurant, so if you are fortunate enough to have a window seat you have an unparalleled view of the castle. However, should you have one of the other tables you will still be able to view the skyline. We were fortunate enough to have a window seat, I am pleased to say the that the double glazing and heating was efficient enough to ensure that we did not feel cold.
When we arrived at the Museum of Scotland we were greeted by a uniformed commissionaire, who ticked our name on a list and showed us to an elevator. This took us to the fifth floor where we were greeted by the Head Waiter, who had been telephoned by the commissionaire; to let him know we were on our way up.
Rather impressively, despite being New Year’s Eve (with all the potential for people delaying their departure); our table was ready, and we were seated immediately.
The restaurant was full, but close to midnight all the diners and staff put their coats on and stood out on the terrace to watch the fireworks, we were lazy and decided to stay in the warm; but we still had a splendid view. I am rather relieved that unlike other restaurants, at New Year, there was no enforced communal singing or hugging; save for handshakes and “happy New Year” from the staff.
Menu
The restaurant offers a variety of traditional Scottish food (prepared with imagination) including; steaks, lamb shank, oysters, crab, liver, roast roots and fish. Even the bread was a special mustard based recipe!
The wine list is extensive and rather sensibly, in my view, is divided into sub sections offering diners a choice of price brackets.
Service
The service was attentive, very friendly and efficient. Our Kir Royales and menus arrived within a matter of minutes of us being seated.
There were a good number of staff on duty who, even though they were working on New Year’s eve, ensured that orders were promptly and efficiently despatched. Half an hour before midnight we were asked if we would like to order a drink to toast in the New Year; that afforded them a well deserved break, so that they could watch the fireworks with everyone else.
Food
I started with the lentil and ham soup, warm rich yellow (evocative of the season) complimented by thin slices of ham placed in the centre; full marks.
As a main course I had a 12oz fillet steak, rare. This was succulent and tender; seared on the outside, to seal in the flavour, red and juicy on the inside. The steak was served with onion rings, hand cut potato wedges and roasted root vegetables; an excellent choice.
I finished with an orange sorbet, smooth and creamy, which was a little more than I could handle.
Eva started with duck parfait, a very generous rich and succulent portion served with toast. She was very pleased with it.
As a main course Eva had the lamb shank which, in keeping with the imaginative style of cuisine, was served with a portion of lam cutlet and loin of lamb. The shank had been braised to perfection so that the meat literally fell of the bone. The dish came with creamy mashed potatoes. Eva thoroughly enjoyed it.
The overall meal, which included a bottle of Chablis, a bottle of water and two glasses of champagne, came to £121 before tip; exceptional value.
Overall Opinion
I have absolutely no hesitation at all in recommending this restaurant; definitely a cut above some of the other restaurants who offer “traditional Scottish fayre”. We will be dining there again when we return to Edinburgh.
Monday, December 23, 2002
Oscars - The Croydon Park Hotel
Restaurant
Oscar’s
The Croydon Park Hotel
7 Altyre Road
Croydon
Website http://www.croydonparkhotel.co.uk
Phone:- 0208 680 9200
Overview
Oscar's has been open for many years. It offers a buffet carvery and an a la carte menu, for lunch and dinner; together with an English and continental buffet breakfast in the mornings. It comprises a spacious split level dining room, with a central buffet area and carving trolley. It is situated on the ground floor of the hotel next to the gas-lit bar.
My parents and myself went there last night for dinner (Eva is visiting family and friends in Sweden).
Ambience
The restaurant is bright and spacious, towards the back of the restaurant is a raised area where there are additional tables which are used when the restaurant is busy. Above the large buffet area is a back lit glass ceiling, which acts as an attractive focal point (should you enjoy looking at ceilings!).
The tables are traditionally laid with linen tablecloths and napkins. The staff are very friendly and polite, indeed as a frequent traveller I find it particularly refreshing to find a hotel and restaurant with such a friendly atmosphere. They manage to create a family atmosphere that is rare in hotels of this size.
We were warmly greeted by the head waiter and shown to our table, which was regrettably (for the head waiter, who endured some minutes of my father’s views on the subject) placed between two pillars (our normal table was apparently occupied by friends of the manager). We were offered another but chose to stay there as it was convenient for the buffet. I suspect that won’t happen again!
I would draw management’s attention to one issue that rankles. During the meal the ambient temperature was agreeable (the restaurant is air conditioned); however, after 10:30PM as the tables were being made ready for breakfast the air-conditioning was set to “cool”. I am a natural cynic, and suspect this was done to speed the remaining guests departure. To my view this is not acceptable, I would request that you please refrain from doing this again.
Menu
The restaurant offers both a la carte and three course, eat as much as you want, buffet. The latter consists of a wide variety of starters (including smoked salmon, parma ham, melon, fresh fruits, eggs and salads) which guests help themselves to from the chilled buffet. The main courses (such as lamb, fish or chicken) are again self service buffet or a roast joint on a covered trolley carved for you by the staff. Desserts are presented in the chilled buffet area.
Service
The service is attentive, friendly and efficient. Bread rolls, butter and menus were presented as soon as we had sat down.
Food
We all opted for the buffet. My mother, taking an extra course, had the tomato and pepper soup; which she was very impressed with. Then we made our way to the buffet for the starters. We each took a good selection of the delicacies on offer on our plates, including smoked salmon, eggs mayonnaise, prawns, parma ham and lobster. Full marks, very fresh and of good quality.
Since this was the last Sunday before Christmas the carving trolley, not surprisingly, had a turkey on it. However, in deference to those people who did not want to overload on turkey there was also a joint of beef. Family Frost opted for the latter, which was cooked medium and was succulent and tasty. The vegetables on the buffet included roast and boiled potatoes, Brussels, carrots, cauliflower and broccoli. The vegetables were well cooked and flavoursome, although the Brussels were a little overcooked.
I managed to have room for another visit to the buffet; this time opting for garlic chicken, excellent.
My mother had room for dessert (she tried three different cream laden desserts), my father and I managed a Remy Martin each.
The overall meal, which included two bottles of a Chablis and pre dinner aperitifs, came to £150 before tip; I believe this to be good value.
Overall Opinion
I am happy to recommend this; and would suggest that it is ideal for multi generational family meals. There is always something for everyone, and it offers the opportunity to eat a hearty roast without having to spend hours cooking it.
Oscar’s
The Croydon Park Hotel
7 Altyre Road
Croydon
Website http://www.croydonparkhotel.co.uk
Phone:- 0208 680 9200
Overview
Oscar's has been open for many years. It offers a buffet carvery and an a la carte menu, for lunch and dinner; together with an English and continental buffet breakfast in the mornings. It comprises a spacious split level dining room, with a central buffet area and carving trolley. It is situated on the ground floor of the hotel next to the gas-lit bar.
My parents and myself went there last night for dinner (Eva is visiting family and friends in Sweden).
Ambience
The restaurant is bright and spacious, towards the back of the restaurant is a raised area where there are additional tables which are used when the restaurant is busy. Above the large buffet area is a back lit glass ceiling, which acts as an attractive focal point (should you enjoy looking at ceilings!).
The tables are traditionally laid with linen tablecloths and napkins. The staff are very friendly and polite, indeed as a frequent traveller I find it particularly refreshing to find a hotel and restaurant with such a friendly atmosphere. They manage to create a family atmosphere that is rare in hotels of this size.
We were warmly greeted by the head waiter and shown to our table, which was regrettably (for the head waiter, who endured some minutes of my father’s views on the subject) placed between two pillars (our normal table was apparently occupied by friends of the manager). We were offered another but chose to stay there as it was convenient for the buffet. I suspect that won’t happen again!
I would draw management’s attention to one issue that rankles. During the meal the ambient temperature was agreeable (the restaurant is air conditioned); however, after 10:30PM as the tables were being made ready for breakfast the air-conditioning was set to “cool”. I am a natural cynic, and suspect this was done to speed the remaining guests departure. To my view this is not acceptable, I would request that you please refrain from doing this again.
Menu
The restaurant offers both a la carte and three course, eat as much as you want, buffet. The latter consists of a wide variety of starters (including smoked salmon, parma ham, melon, fresh fruits, eggs and salads) which guests help themselves to from the chilled buffet. The main courses (such as lamb, fish or chicken) are again self service buffet or a roast joint on a covered trolley carved for you by the staff. Desserts are presented in the chilled buffet area.
Service
The service is attentive, friendly and efficient. Bread rolls, butter and menus were presented as soon as we had sat down.
Food
We all opted for the buffet. My mother, taking an extra course, had the tomato and pepper soup; which she was very impressed with. Then we made our way to the buffet for the starters. We each took a good selection of the delicacies on offer on our plates, including smoked salmon, eggs mayonnaise, prawns, parma ham and lobster. Full marks, very fresh and of good quality.
Since this was the last Sunday before Christmas the carving trolley, not surprisingly, had a turkey on it. However, in deference to those people who did not want to overload on turkey there was also a joint of beef. Family Frost opted for the latter, which was cooked medium and was succulent and tasty. The vegetables on the buffet included roast and boiled potatoes, Brussels, carrots, cauliflower and broccoli. The vegetables were well cooked and flavoursome, although the Brussels were a little overcooked.
I managed to have room for another visit to the buffet; this time opting for garlic chicken, excellent.
My mother had room for dessert (she tried three different cream laden desserts), my father and I managed a Remy Martin each.
The overall meal, which included two bottles of a Chablis and pre dinner aperitifs, came to £150 before tip; I believe this to be good value.
Overall Opinion
I am happy to recommend this; and would suggest that it is ideal for multi generational family meals. There is always something for everyone, and it offers the opportunity to eat a hearty roast without having to spend hours cooking it.
Tuesday, October 15, 2002
Restaurant
The Banana Leaf
7 Lower Addiscombe Road
Croydon
CR0 6PQ
Phone:- 0208 688 0297
Website http://www.a222.co.uk/bananaleaf
Overview
The Banana Leaf is a local Indian restaurant that serves traditional South Indian cuisine. It has been open since 1988, and has received many awards for its cuisine; such as winning the London Curry Chef of the year in 2002 and being a national finalist in the Curry Chef of the Year Competition in 2002. It comprises a bright airy restaurant and small bar on the ground floor, together with additional seating in the basement. It offers both dine in and takeaway.
Eva, I and Kajsa (Eva’s daughter, who is visiting us from Sweden) visited it on Monday evening and had a very good meal there.
Ambience
The restaurant does not follow the “tradition” favoured by many other Indian restaurants; by decorating itself in the dark reds more appropriate, in my opinion, for brothels. Instead it has opted for a pleasing colour co-ordinated style which is both light, cheerful and refreshing. The top half of the walls are painted light yellow (and are decorated with award certificates for the cuisine), the bottom half being exposed brickwork. The tables are laid with well pressed fresh white tablecloths and mint green linen napkins. Each table has a single artificial red rose in a small vase. The ceiling has the old fashioned rotary fans, infinitely more pleasant than air-conditioning, which add atmosphere.
In the far left hand corner of the restaurant is a small bar which has a few stools on which customers, waiting for their table or takeaway, can sit and enjoy a drink; whilst admiring the collection of silver trophies (won for cuisine) proudly displayed on the bar.
The background music is traditional Indian, about which I am ashamed to say I know nothing, it adds atmosphere but it is not intrusive.
When we arrived we were warmly greeted by one of the many waiters. It being a Monday night and late (9:45PM), it was not busy so we were able to sit where we pleased.
Menu
The restaurant offers an extensive menu comprising familiar Indian dishes, such as; Balti, Madras and Korma. More importantly, in keeping with the regional Indian emphasis, dishes such as Dosai (crispy stuffed pancakes), Vadai (doughnut savoury snacks), Goan and spicy marinated lamb predominate.
Service
The service is attentive, friendly, efficient and dignified. The food is attractively presented, and arrives at the same time.
Food
I started with a dish of lamb, potato and herbs formed into two large oval shapes; sealed with a crispy flour based coating and deep fried. Absolutely delicious, the combination of meat, potato and herbs was well balanced; the dish could be a light meal in itself.
Eva ordered a masala dosai, a crispy pancake stuffed with spiced potato and onion, for her starter. The length of the dosai is approximately 24 inches, and is designed to be shared by two people by cutting it in half. The chef, seeing that there were three of us (having ensured that the filling was evenly stuffed along its entire length), served the dish cut into three equal portions. It was excellent, and well complemented by the coconut chutney; Kajsa, Eva and I all enjoyed it.
My main course was chilli chicken, chicken breast cooked with ginger and fresh green chillies. The chef will vary the strength according to your taste, but I would suggest that this dish is suited to those with a palette (such as mine) that appreciates spicy food. That being said, any fool can put excess spices in a dish that will burn your mouth but will not add value to your eating experience. I am happy to say that the chef achieved heat but with taste and flavour, ie the combination of ingredients were properly balanced so that not one individual element dominated the taste.
Eva chose king prawn korma, prawns in a mild coconut based sauce, which she was very pleased with. I would note that the prawns were plentiful and king size; not the rather small sad shrimps offered by other establishments.
Kajsa took chicken in a sauce which was a pleasing combination of banana and cream, she was happy with her choice which had both a pleasant taste and texture.
I would like to add that, unlike some Indian restaurants which serve sauces that have a layer of fat floating on the surface, not one of the dishes presented to us contained such an abomination.
We shared our side dishes which consisted of boiled plain rice and yellow rice (both fluffy and not glutinous), together with potato dry masala (dry cooked spiced potato cubes) which was very tasty.
I rounded off my meal with a couple of Jamesons. Kajsa had an chocolate ice cream sundae, Eva (like the dosai) was stuffed and ate a small chocolate mint.
The overall meal, which included one bottle of very good Chablis, and a couple of glasses of lemonade, came to £66 including the suggested 10% service charge before tip; very good value.
Overall Opinion
Definitely one of the better Indian restaurants, well worth a visit by people who want a good meal. Lager drinking yobs in search of a mouth burning vindaloo, who tend to gravitate to other establishments, are not welcome, wanted or indeed evident among the clientele. An ideal place to bring your family and loved ones.
The Banana Leaf
7 Lower Addiscombe Road
Croydon
CR0 6PQ
Phone:- 0208 688 0297
Website http://www.a222.co.uk/bananaleaf
Overview
The Banana Leaf is a local Indian restaurant that serves traditional South Indian cuisine. It has been open since 1988, and has received many awards for its cuisine; such as winning the London Curry Chef of the year in 2002 and being a national finalist in the Curry Chef of the Year Competition in 2002. It comprises a bright airy restaurant and small bar on the ground floor, together with additional seating in the basement. It offers both dine in and takeaway.
Eva, I and Kajsa (Eva’s daughter, who is visiting us from Sweden) visited it on Monday evening and had a very good meal there.
Ambience
The restaurant does not follow the “tradition” favoured by many other Indian restaurants; by decorating itself in the dark reds more appropriate, in my opinion, for brothels. Instead it has opted for a pleasing colour co-ordinated style which is both light, cheerful and refreshing. The top half of the walls are painted light yellow (and are decorated with award certificates for the cuisine), the bottom half being exposed brickwork. The tables are laid with well pressed fresh white tablecloths and mint green linen napkins. Each table has a single artificial red rose in a small vase. The ceiling has the old fashioned rotary fans, infinitely more pleasant than air-conditioning, which add atmosphere.
In the far left hand corner of the restaurant is a small bar which has a few stools on which customers, waiting for their table or takeaway, can sit and enjoy a drink; whilst admiring the collection of silver trophies (won for cuisine) proudly displayed on the bar.
The background music is traditional Indian, about which I am ashamed to say I know nothing, it adds atmosphere but it is not intrusive.
When we arrived we were warmly greeted by one of the many waiters. It being a Monday night and late (9:45PM), it was not busy so we were able to sit where we pleased.
Menu
The restaurant offers an extensive menu comprising familiar Indian dishes, such as; Balti, Madras and Korma. More importantly, in keeping with the regional Indian emphasis, dishes such as Dosai (crispy stuffed pancakes), Vadai (doughnut savoury snacks), Goan and spicy marinated lamb predominate.
Service
The service is attentive, friendly, efficient and dignified. The food is attractively presented, and arrives at the same time.
Food
I started with a dish of lamb, potato and herbs formed into two large oval shapes; sealed with a crispy flour based coating and deep fried. Absolutely delicious, the combination of meat, potato and herbs was well balanced; the dish could be a light meal in itself.
Eva ordered a masala dosai, a crispy pancake stuffed with spiced potato and onion, for her starter. The length of the dosai is approximately 24 inches, and is designed to be shared by two people by cutting it in half. The chef, seeing that there were three of us (having ensured that the filling was evenly stuffed along its entire length), served the dish cut into three equal portions. It was excellent, and well complemented by the coconut chutney; Kajsa, Eva and I all enjoyed it.
My main course was chilli chicken, chicken breast cooked with ginger and fresh green chillies. The chef will vary the strength according to your taste, but I would suggest that this dish is suited to those with a palette (such as mine) that appreciates spicy food. That being said, any fool can put excess spices in a dish that will burn your mouth but will not add value to your eating experience. I am happy to say that the chef achieved heat but with taste and flavour, ie the combination of ingredients were properly balanced so that not one individual element dominated the taste.
Eva chose king prawn korma, prawns in a mild coconut based sauce, which she was very pleased with. I would note that the prawns were plentiful and king size; not the rather small sad shrimps offered by other establishments.
Kajsa took chicken in a sauce which was a pleasing combination of banana and cream, she was happy with her choice which had both a pleasant taste and texture.
I would like to add that, unlike some Indian restaurants which serve sauces that have a layer of fat floating on the surface, not one of the dishes presented to us contained such an abomination.
We shared our side dishes which consisted of boiled plain rice and yellow rice (both fluffy and not glutinous), together with potato dry masala (dry cooked spiced potato cubes) which was very tasty.
I rounded off my meal with a couple of Jamesons. Kajsa had an chocolate ice cream sundae, Eva (like the dosai) was stuffed and ate a small chocolate mint.
The overall meal, which included one bottle of very good Chablis, and a couple of glasses of lemonade, came to £66 including the suggested 10% service charge before tip; very good value.
Overall Opinion
Definitely one of the better Indian restaurants, well worth a visit by people who want a good meal. Lager drinking yobs in search of a mouth burning vindaloo, who tend to gravitate to other establishments, are not welcome, wanted or indeed evident among the clientele. An ideal place to bring your family and loved ones.
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