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(August 2005) Something good in Esher, Surrey at the Thai Pagoda, superb curry at Poole, Dorset in the Taj Mahal, foods good but what's up at the new Spice Club in Tunbridge Wells? Not even tipsy at the Park Restaurant in the Mandarin Hotel in Knightsbridge, London, while some of the best food ever at Eleven Madison in New York, USA.
News: New restaurant making waves at Tower Bridge, London. See Hara press release here.

(July 2005) Reviews: Essential sushi at Kitsu, classy Indian food at Junahki in Kent, sumptious nosh at the Best Beech Inn in Wadhurst, Sevenoaks' finest at the traditional Chinese that is Sun Do, while lower prices are called for at Ginseng. Onion Ring Burger, anyone? How to ruin a wonderful pub at The Compasses, Tunbridge Wells.
News: Senderens Renounces Michelin Laurels, source www.gayot.com.
(June 2005) Another new corporate in Tunbridge Wells, but this time its Prezzo. Daisy far from the sea at La Veramente, Hove, overwhelmed by Rosemary at Cape Fish, Berkhamsted, squeezed at Meson Don Felipe in London but saved at Bodegas Mezquita in Andalucia. Three cheers for Chester...or is it jeers? Chris Hammer reports from Alfresco, Duttons and Loaf. Triumph for the Spice Club in Sevenoaks, but tweaks required at the Bull in Otford. It IS possible to have top-notch takeaway as Flaming Nora in Islington, London proves. A spy secret at the wonderful Mount Edgcumbe Hotel, Straw Dogs at the Huntsman in Eridge and a business lunch too far at Giorgio's in Margate, Kent. The newest of the new openings in Tunbridge Wells at Indochina. The Great British Transport Cafe - flags out for the mighty Little Chef! Snazzy nosh at Liverpool's Tavern & Co. A trip round the world's cuisines at the Waterloo Fire Station in London. Barely enough for one atTatyans in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Waiting for goddamn anything at the Lavender in Clapham, London. Revenge of the Country Pub - The George Inn in Frant shows it doesn't have to be all blackboards and shaggy dogs.
(May 2005) Tucked behind the historic Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells is The Sussex Arms - needs to do much much better. While lavishocity abounds at the Middle House in Mayfield, East Sussex. Also: The first ever gastropub in London still cuts it at the Portobello Gold, while La Tasca in Liverpool just about makes it. Knife throwing and hair flicking at Islington's Ottolenghi.
(April 2005) Tom Aikens in London is superb - the best bargain lunch in town. At £30 it might not be a snip but miss it at your peril. It doesn't have to look good.... but don't tell anybody about the food at Filippo's in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. It's our secret. At last, the perfect country pub at the Five Bells Inn in Devon and under-age drinking at the Ginger Garden in Tunbridge Wells. "The best burger you've ever eaten" - the boast of Tootsies chain restaurant. As believable as Dustin Hoffman dressing up as a woman.
(March 2005) Only in America - a Spy special report by Perry Stalsis. Plus - keep em peeled - your favourite Red Rage day coming soon, only on your beloved Restaurant Spy. Is this the way to Monterrey? Fanny lives on in Luisiana.
(February 2005) Good food without a word of a lie at Pinocchios in Canterbury, bad food and impressions in the ghetto that is Gracelands Palace in Tunbridge Wells, Brighton's finest at Casa Don Carlos, a touch of class at the Georgian Restaurant in Harrods, London and something needs to change at Matthews Bistro in Ambleside, Cumbria. Dave Prowse needed badly at the Green Cross Inn in Kent, Bankers Fish Restaurant needs to pull their socks up in Brighton, while sshh - a Restaurant Spy secret at Chop Chop Noodle House in London's unfathomable Kings Cross. At the unlikely sounding Pishill, the Crown Inn is darned near perfect. Its empty half the time, the food is as expensive as a Michelin-starred restaurant - how do they keep open? TheLa investigates the mystery that is The Sicilian in Tunbridge Wells.
(January 2005) Lentil-ridden loveliness at Food For Friends, Brighton. The jewel in the crown of Pizza Express at Kettners in London. More than a few of Harry's favourite things at the New Diamond Chinese Restaurant in London's Soho. Sweet and sour stones in Soho's HK Diner in London. Chequers Inn an oasis in the desert of South East Kent, while The Fox does the biz in Harpenden. Meanwhile, is it really necessary to write phoney reviews on a number of websites to get your restaurant known? Ask the Tutti Tuscan Grille in Braintree, Essex. Hot, delicious and sometimes pissed in City type Szechuan Ming Court in London. Mexican Food - cuisine or not? Never found the fascination myself. A"depreciation" by Daisy Middleton. Have a heart and give the Gerbera a chance in Ottery St Mary, Devon. New directory page for Tunbridge Wells.
(December 2004) Fantastic Fish and Chips at Boston, Lincolnshire's Tate's, up a very steep hill to Lesley's on the Hill in Lincoln and a roaring log fire at the Leicester Arms Hotel in Penshurst, Kent. Peace in Ireland of sorts at the Emmet Hotel in Clonakilty, County Cork. Popeye's favourite at the magnificent Smarden Bell Inn in Kent. A tale of the East v the Wild West at the Dorset Arms in East Sussex and the Well Diggers Arms in West Sussex. Food that Pooh would be happy with at the Anchor Inn in Hartfield, East Sussex. Harry loves pies and so does the Black Swan in Nazeing, Essex. Succulent lamb and chicken at the Spice Club in Sevenoaks, Kent. Mixed blessings at La Valentina in San Pedro, Mexico.
(November 2004) Cowboys and Indians at the Little Brown Jug near Penshurst, Kent while Harry finds a tucked away gem at the Black Pig near Staple. Culinary perfection at Graham Garrett's West House in Biddenden, Kent while Squig checks out the Oriental delicacies not quite on offer at Jade in Tunbridge Wells. Perry feels slightly strange in the Red Lion in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Carluccios and Wagamama re-evaluated in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, the Alford Arms is the place in Frithsden, near Hemel Hempstead while dark and sinister goings on at the formerly good but now fallen Right on the Green in Southborough.
(October 2004) Hans in heaven at To Perasma in Kefalonia, Greece, style above substance at Masala in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, while Jardin de Provence in Croydon, Surrey underwhelms. Lobby Ryanair now to get us to Lisbon for the wonderful cooking at O Mattos. Daisy dreams about her Ideal Restaurant - its just round the corner from you. Hope beckons for Al Imentada in Subway in the food desert that is Nuneaton, Warwickshire.
(September 2004) There's no fishmonger in Tunbridge Wells so where can you find good fish? Cooked to perfection in De Jagers. All together now with Daisy at the truly wonderful Ottolenghi in Islington. And remember you read it here first, well just about. Deep fried Mars bars no more - you can taste the difference at the regal Coronation Restaurant in Gorebridge Near Edinburgh. Swedes don't tip but we do. Go to the L'Education Nationale in Copenhagen, Denmark for a slap up meal. Putting up with it at the Old Mill in Driffield, Yorkshire and at the Malt Shovel Inn near Dartford in Kent. The role call of average pubs gets longer as Harry visits the King's Head in Collingham, near Newark in Nottinghamshire.
(August 2004) Peter finds fishy nirvana at Loch Fyne in Portsmouth. Admittedly the Spa at the Rowhill Grange Hotel is wonderful, but what are they doing to the food in the Truffles Restaurant nr Dartford, Kent? Spy awarded Sticky Fingers the "Best Burger in London" award last year. Harry re-visits to find that things are still finger-stickin good. Not poncy, no way. Help is at hand in Lisbon, Portugal at the fantastic Mr Fish. Lists. Men can't live without them. But maybe, just maybe, you can live without the perennial cheap Indian food list resident The India Club in London's Strand. Le Petit Blanc comes up trumps for Top Cat in another new opening in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The award winning Seafood and Oyster Bar at the Isle of Seil near Oban disappoints again. But don't worry you wont be able to get a table anyway. Gene Kelly eating out at the Brecknock Arms in Bells Yew Green, Kent while M is fed up at the Honeymoon. Feckless, surly and unclean at the Rose Revived Inn in Oxfordshire. Better than your average Starbucks, The Wolseley in London for a treat. The food of love at Canterbury's Little Italy. Is that mashed or crushed? Find all about it at Jonathan's at the Angel in Burford, Oxfordshire. Is the Griffin Inn in East Sussex the best pub in the country? The gauntlet has been thrown down.
(July 2004) We described the disappointment at Right on the Green in leafy Southborough last November. Now, seven months on, another Spy reports on how the once mighty have fallen. Perry Stalsis in one of the best restaurants in Brighton at E-Kagen Sushi and Noodle Bar. Candlesticks and cobwebs at the atmospheric Castle Inn in Chiddingstone, Kent. Curry excellence at Brick Lane's Preem. Serious Tuscan dining at San Fransisco's Buca Giovanni. Malaysian delicacies in the middle of the Common at the Mount Edgcumbe Restaurant and Bar. Surprising deliciousness for Harry at the Sudanese Restaurant Mandola in London's Westbourne Grove. Sometimes you can't see the trees for the Woods. New local produce restaurant in Tunbridge Wells historic Pantiles. Proper peeled spuds at the unpretentious Cafe Med Bar and Grill in West London. Its fast, what you get is vast, Perry aghast at Tai Won Mein in London's Greenwich.
(June 2004) The Italian branding machine, Carluccios, hits St Albans, Hertfordshire and, once again, it is very, very good. In your mind and in your eyes at the estimable Yellow River in Reading, Berkshire. Wild Frank goes wild about Tanners Restaurant in Plymouth, Devon. Listen to the Michelin Star award winner Richard Phillips talk about the truly inspirational Thackeray's Restaurant in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Cay Tre Vietnamese Kitchen sizzling and sensational in London's Old Street. Citizens should head for the homely Orson Welles pub in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Exquisite Italian dining in Reading, Berkshire at Il Palio. The harsh face of green capitalism at Neal's Yard sends Havoc careering off to lazy Belgo's in London. Simply the best. There may be countless imitators, but Harry says Wagamama still reigns as champion noodle bar.
(May 2004) Our chocolate, which art in heaven, hallowed bean thy name. Thy fudge will crumble.....and deliver us from Cadbury. At last hand-made chocolate, chilli chocolate and penny sweeties like the old days in the oasis that is Bean in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Hear about making chocolate and how it all got started. Va Pensiero in Radlett, Hertfordshire needs a Ramsay makeover because its just about there..... You say you want a revolution? Well give the New Culture Revolution a miss in London's Notting Hill. Spot the missing ingredient at the overpriced, over-loud horror that is All Bar One in London's Covent Garden. Bread straight to the table in the wonderful Yas in London's Kensington. The Gourmet Stomach says cheap and cheerful can be good too at Prezzo in Newbury, Berkshire. Pies without pants at the Old Weavers in Canterbury, Kent. Punch-drunk with runny chilli at the Old Punchbowl Inn in Crawley, West Sussex. Take the long and winding road to the fantastic Duck Inn near Canterbury in Kent. Everything just right at Spiga in London's fashionable Chelsea. For bank holiday fun, go to sunny Margate and dine at the delicious La Galleria, overlooking the beautiful waterfront...
(April 2004) It be red rage day again as Bubba hits RJs Rib Joint in Houston, Texas. Heh heh. Heh heh. Butter or car tyres? You choose at the seriously good Lotus Thai Restaurant in London's Euston area. Give the food a miss and concentrate on the pints at the Bear Inn, Faversham, Kent. Straight from the sea into your gob via Cookies Crab Shop in Norfolk, eyes down for Daisy at Green Lanes' Bingol, get your wad out at Auberge du Lac in Hertfordshire while its' chain heaven for Harry at London's wonderful Mediterranean Kitchen. Crisp sweet notes at Symphony Restaurant in Ramsgate, Kent, while M and gang eating uncle Tom Cobleigh and all at Tunbridge Wells' Hop House. Saxa-sponsored curry at groovy new Kirthon. Easter hols over and a clutch of new reviews for you. Scintillating tapas at La Tasca in London's Covent Garden, Annie says avoid a former favourite in Little Georgia, draughty and abrupt service at Angus Steak House, general wonderfulness at Loch Fyne in Hertfordshire and the Abbotsbury Seafood and Oyster Bar in Dorset. Fresh food, barbecues and heavenly scenery at Sebastian's in Corfu, Greece. The Reef Cafe Bar - an unnecessary oasis in the heart of London's Waterloo station. Two award winners in Dorset, Blandford Forum's Museum Inn and the Royal Oak at Cerne Abbas.
(March 2004) Tell Hasasah that Zizzi is the new Pizza Express in the direction of Tekoa, or as us modern-day souls call it, Hugh Grant's Notting Hill. What on earth has happened to old favourite Rudland and Stubbs in London's West End? Scotland directory available now. Yuckblobs and warm beer at the excerable Pizza Hut in Brighton, East Sussex. Find a local noshery in East Sussex on our new directory page. Check out hand-made chocolates, crumbly fudge, smoothies and much marvellous-ness at Bean in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Was it Robert Duval who said he "loved the smell of Vindaloo in the morning"? Harry and the new concept at Mahal in Notting Hill, London. Also, finding nosh in your area will get easier with our directory pages. First one done is Kent. Surin, a real gem near the harbour in Ramsgate, Kent. An off day for the Colliston Inn near Arbroath in Scotland? Going out for an Indian - English style at the Spice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Cool blue neon at Otago in Glasgow, Scotland. Site re-building goes on but you should still be able to find things by clicking search reviews. Meanwhile friendly service at Pizza Hut Dundee (is somebody on commission somewhere?) and a spy favourite at Peking Palace in Montrose, Scotland.
(February 2004) The days of the microwaved bacon spongey roll are behind us on GNER's Go Eat Restaurant Cars. No. Honest. Sedan next to me at the Crown in picture-postcard Chiddingfold in Surrey. Wake up Rachael!! Yes you, at Pizza Hut in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.Overpriced and unexceptional - 4550 Miles from Delhi in Nottingham. Harry met a pieman going to the cathedral. His name was Simple Simon's.
(January 2004) Post Christmas slob-out for Harry at Walkern's White Lion in Herts. Good food, but get the service sorted please at Roo's Leap in Montrose in Scotland. Chinese New Year - spend some time b&b-ing across the UK with our new partners at www.bedandbreakfasts.co.uk Strangers meet over Singapore Slings and fine Malaysian food at Georgetown in London. Apparently it is an experience when you go to visit starchy-clean Chi in Tunbridge Wells. The growing empire of Rick Stein casts doubts for our spies in St Petroc's Hotel in Padstow, Cornwall. Happy New Year to all our readers!!! Now the port and stilton have been tucked away and the binmen have tidied away the remnants of the Lord of the Rings battle figure packaging, Spy reviewers are back at work, covering the places where you should and shouldn't eat. So a mighty hail to the Phoenix Tavern in Faversham, Kent and a plague of hailstones to the (again) disappointing Sonny's in Nottingham.
(December 2003) A likely scene. A murder. In the dark. At Chequers Inn in Buckinghamshire. Right on the Green disappoints in the leafy beauty of Southborough Common. Ring out the bells at Chimes in London, Signor Franco's still cutting it in Tunbridge Wells, while even the Harvester in Southborough passes muster. Lets all go down the Strand in Brighton. It's all happening at Birdie's Restaurant in Whitstable, the South East's Islington-by-the-sea. Time for puttin' on the kettle for tea at the Ritz Hotel London. Italian friends? Impress them at the wonderful Verbanella in London. Hearty traditional solid cooking at London West End's Farmhouse Table. No, sorry we lied - nice place, wrong food.
(November 2003) Salt Beef and Fishey goodies at the George and Dragon in Speldhurst, the Second Oldest Inn in England. Crowborough sounds ugly and the Blue Anchor is ugly, but a feast awaits inside. Whale meat again as 3rdman gets frostbitten in the coastal waters of Greenland. Out there with Esmeralda at the Cloisters Restaurant at Nutfield Priory in Surrey. Wholesome comfort food at the Wheelwrights Arms in Matfield. Traditional grub in the centre of London at the Marquess of Anglesey. Undeniable quality at the Black Horse in Pembury, Kent. Meanwhile Thackerays continues to impress. Dying for some food amidst the op-art beauty at the disappointing Shumi in London. Dying for a drink at Welwyn's Rose and Crown. AG finds what might be the best burger in London at the Landor Pub in Clapham. It's difficult to find, but you can't beat a meal at the wonderful Mosaica. Harry eats out at the ladies hairdressers at Zamzama in London.
(October 2003) No need to put the clock back at the faultless Hotel du Vin and Bistro in Tunbridge Wells. Just about nearly American at Woodies Diner in Hove, while Josephine's in Aberdeen hits the spot. Fairy lights and gilded pictures at Sugo in London. Top Cat plays "is that my meal" lotto at Zizzis in Kent. Proper Polish ladies in the secretive world of Ognisko in London. When is a bar, not a bar? When its a licensed cafe at Monty's Snug in Ramsgate. It's Red Rage day at Spy. All things wrong everywhere: Bar Gansa, The Finca, Boars Head Inn, Rat Pack Cafe, Laburnham House Tearooms, Sir Winston Churchill, The Square and The House on Rosslyn Hill. Madness at Peperoncino in Kent, danger at the Cock in East Sussex, lose your soul at the Swan in Hertfordshire. Everything that you could possible want at the wonderful Le Quecumbar Wine Bar and Brasserie in Battersea, London. Perry rages at the undead in J.D. Wetherspoons' Cliftonville Inn in Hove. Vote for the best vegetable in our "Best vegetable" poll. And no stupid voting by the way.....
(September 2003) M and legion of junior agents eat out at Taal with its classic Pakhtoon cuisine. Teething troubles in the hottest new eating spot in Tunbridge Wells? Does Carluccios pass muster? Three pubs in Kent - we like the Poacher in Tonbridge, despair at the Anchor in Maidstone and sigh ho-hum at Angelo's next to the Hare and Hounds in Blean. The best rabbit ever in the wonderful Racine, while Nessie takes the high road to Oregon for a veritable feast at Omar's. A sleep timewarp at the White Horse Inn in Kent, and an excellent bite at Tawana Thai Restaurant in London. Heaven in Horsham at the Black Jug, Hell in the Himalayan Gurkha, Tunbridge Wells.If ye hae been whaur Perry hae been, you would be crankie-o too. No thanks to the Seafood and Oyster Bar near Oban, Scotland. Fran likes to go up the Junction Tavern and Harry meets wooden ladies in Nusa Dua in Soho, London.
(August 2003) Perry Stalsis doing the Continentals on a wet day in Burnley, Lancashire. The old Three Johns' spirit is still alive in the friendly Jay Cubed in Islington, London. Whatever happened to Pizza Express? Who cares, but check out Croma in Manchester instead. M and his unrequited love for the mighty JD Wetherspoon. Who will win in the mighty battle of the pubs in Penshurst, Kent. The Spotted Dog or the Bottle House? Harry finds a quiet gem in London's Westbourne Grove in Jewel of Siam. With picturesque views over Colchester Pet Shop, The Lemon Tree is a real treat. Guinea Fowl like a little "sparrer" at Le Piaf, and the shrine to the late Princess of Wales at Cafe Diana in London. A bad week for gastro pubs if The Vine is anything to go by but better news in Costa's Grill. Daisy laps up the Creamery in London's Crouch End - until the attack of the killer buggies (strollers). Harry may be happy in Tuo e Mio and an apology for other peoples badness in Koda Meze. So where do you go when it's this hot? The Somerset Arms? The Cafe des Amis du Mexique? Or maybe Signor Baffi but only if you're one of the Eastenders cast. Spy gets international. Check out The Sicilian in Kent, the Cafe Waterfront in California and Bridge Tandoori near London's Tower Bridge (not the one in America). The 3rd Man is unleashed in Torquay: Jingles, The Gainsborough and The Restaurant all face his judgement. Good Chinese in Wings, great Indian (and big fish) in Haweli, and averge plaice in Anexo. Sri Thai Soho is in Soho and serves Thai cuisine. The Bell, book and candle ain't all that but the Quod in Brighton is. The Gordon Ramsay magic works at Amaryllis in Glasgow. Perry chilling out at a not-so-hot favourite in the Bath Arms in Brighton.
(July 2003) A change of name if not direction in Islington's Anyway. Steak and wedges in the Alwyne Castle and spicy red stuff with lumps (that's a g(30th March 2004) Tell Hasasah that Zizzi is the new Pizza Express in the direction of Tekoa, or as us modern-day souls call it, Hugh Grant's Notting Hill. (26th March 2004) What on earth has happened to old favourite Rudland and Stubbs in London's West End? Scotland directory available now. Yuckblobs and warm beer at the excerable Pizza Hut in Brighton, East Sussex. (25th March 2004) Find a local noshery in East Sussex on our new directory page. Check out hand-made chocolates, crumbly fudge, smoothies and much marvellous-ness at Bean in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. (19th March 2004) Was it Robert Duval who said he "loved the smell of Vindaloo in the morning"? Harry and the new concept at Mahal in Notting Hill, London. Also, finding nosh in your area will get easier with our directory pages. First one done is Kent. (18th March 2004) Surin, a real gem near the harbour in Ramsgate, Kent. An off day for the Colliston Inn near Arbroath in Scotland? Going out for an Indian - English style at the Spice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Cool blue neon at Otago in Glasgow, Scotland. (8th March 2004) Site re-building goes on but you should still be able to find things by clicking search reviews. Meanwhile friendly service at Pizza Hut Dundee (is somebody on commission somewhere?) and a spy favourite at Peking Palace in Montrose, Scotland. (24th February 2004) The days of the microwaved bacon spongey roll are behind us on GNER's Go Eat Restaurant Cars. No. Honest. (17th February 2004) Sedan next to me at the Crown in picture-postcard Chiddingfold in Surrey.(11th February 2004) Wake up Rachael!! Yes you, at Pizza Hut in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.(9th February 2004) Overpriced and unexceptional - 4550 Miles from Delhi in Nottingham.(2nd February 2004) Harry met a pieman going to the cathedral. His name was Simple Simon's.(26th January 2004) Post Christmas slob-out for Harry at Walkern's White Lion in Herts.(23rd January 2004) Good food, but get the service sorted please at Roo's Leap in Montrose in Scotland.(22nd January 2004) Chinese New Year - spend some time b&b-ing across the UK with our new partners at www.bedandbreakfasts.co.uk (20th January 2004) Strangers meet over Singapore Slings and fine Malaysian food at Georgetown in London.(19th January 2004) Apparently it is an experience when you go to visit starchy-clean Chi in Tunbridge Wells.(14th January 2004) The growing empire of Rick Stein casts doubts for our spies in St Petroc's Hotel in Padstow, Cornwall. (5th January 2004) Happy New Year to all our readers!!! Now the port and stilton have been tucked away and the binmen have tidied away the remnants of the Lord of the Rings battle figure packaging, Spy reviewers are back at work, covering the places where you should and shouldn't eat. So a mighty hail to the Phoenix Tavern in Faversham, Kent and a plague of hailstones to the (again) disappointing Sonny's in Nottingham.(27th December 2003) A likely scene. A murder. In the dark. At Chequers Inn in Buckinghamshire.(18th December 2003) Right on the Green disappoints in the leafy beauty of Southborough Common.(17th December 2003) Ring out the bells at Chimes in London, Signor Franco's still cutting it in Tunbridge Wells, while even the Harvester in Southborough passes muster.(14th December 2003) Lets all go down the Strand in Brighton.(11th December 2003) It's all happening at Birdie's Restaurant in Whitstable, the South East's Islington-by-the-sea. (8th December 2003) Time for puttin' on the kettle for tea at the Ritz Hotel London.(5th December 2003) Italian friends? Impress them at the wonderful Verbanella in London. (2nd December 2003) Hearty traditional solid cooking at London West End's Farmhouse Table. No, sorry we lied - nice place, wrong food. (28th November 2003) Salt Beef and Fishey goodies at the George and Dragon in Speldhurst, the Second Oldest Inn in England. (27th November 2003) Crowborough sounds ugly and the Blue Anchor is ugly, but a feast awaits inside. (26th November 2003). Whale meat again as 3rdman gets frostbitten in the coastal waters of Greenland. (25th November 2003) Out there with Esmeralda at the Cloisters Restaurant at Nutfield Priory in Surrey.(23rd November 2003) Wholesome comfort food at the Wheelwrights Arms in Matfield. (21st November 2003) Traditional grub in the centre of London at the Marquess of Anglesey. (17th November 2003) Undeniable quality at the Black Horse in Pembury, Kent. Meanwhile Thackerays continues to impress. (14th November 2003) Dying for some food amidst the op-art beauty at the disappointing Shumi in London. (12th November 2003) Dying for a drink at Welwyn's Rose and Crown. (10th November 2003) AG finds what might be the best burger in London at the Landor Pub in Clapham. (8th November 2003) It's difficult to find, but you can't beat a meal at the wonderful Mosaica. Harry eats out at the ladies hairdressers at Zamzama in London. (26th October 2003) No need to put the clock back at the faultless Hotel du Vin and Bistro in Tunbridge Wells. (25th October 2003) Just about nearly American at Woodies Diner in Hove, while Josephine's in Aberdeen hits the spot. (24th October 2003) Fairy lights and gilded pictures at Sugo in London. (22nd October 2003) Top Cat plays "is that my meal" lotto at Zizzis in Kent. (18th October 2003) Proper Polish ladies in the secretive world of Ognisko in London. (13th October 2003) When is a bar, not a bar? When its a licensed cafe at Monty's Snug in Ramsgate. (12th October 2003) It's Red Rage day at Spy. All things wrong everywhere: Bar Gansa, The Finca, Boars Head Inn, Rat Pack Cafe, Laburnham House Tearooms, Sir Winston Churchill, The Square and The House on Rosslyn Hill.ood thing) in Cantina Italia. Ken Hom, the man who taught us how to season a wok, has prepared a few treaures at The Imperial City, in the Royal Exchange, London. A return to an old fave in the shape of the Oxo Tower and 7 authentic peppers in Old Orleans. Environmentally friendly fishy treats in the Brighton Moshi Moshi. Spooky shenannigans in The Twelfth House. Traditional British roast yumminess at the Tyringham Arms in St Ives, Cornwall while The Meadery in Newlyn is honeytastic. Le Bistrot is where to go in Lorient on a Monday night. M fantasises about Big Macs while eating the worst food in Britain at the Brewers Fayre Nevill Crest and Gun on the borders of East Sussex and Kent. King Mob still likes his American Diners, such as Henry J Beans, part of a lively franchise apparently. Test-tubes and pidgin English at Signor Franco's in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Shehrezade doesn't quite make it but a hidden gem at Who'd a Thought it in Maidstone, Kent. Harry finds the true spirit of Notting Hill at Costas, while M gets fleeced in the Horniman at Hays Galleria. Style rather than substance at the Troubador in London, all glass at classy Circa in Lewes, go while you can to Shangri-La in Whitstable, Kent. Dependable nosh at the New Inn Hotel in Aberdeenshire and the Market Place, Winslow.
(June 2003) Mushy seaweed at Ha Ha in London, Abigail's party hell in St Agostino in Royal Tunbridge Wells. M gets lost in Tonbridge and turns up at the Vauxhall Inn, while the Chafford Arms in Fordcombe has to be the most beautiful pub in England. An old fave has become a chain. So what is Lahore in WC1 like? Signed photo's of Su Pollard in The Shakespeare's Head in Islington. What's so good about Dust? Not that much it would seem. A rare treasure on the Kingsland High Road in Viet Hoa. Well you'd be in a bad mood if you were placed under house arrest for disproving the theories of Aristotle. Everything makes sense in Galileo. Harry finds out that not all Tapas Bars are dodgy at Laxeiro, while the Tallguy sniffs out low cost eating in London's West End at Topo Gigio. Heston Blumenthal's gourmet surprise at the Fat Duck in Bray, while Daisy toughs it out with Norwegian cooking and prices at Lofotstua in Oslo. The Tallguy finds a homely welcoming in the cheap and cheerful Picasso in Brighton. Green Noah ventures south of the river to the 3 Monkeys. Harry tips the newly-starred Michelin Sportsman in Kent, has the time of his life in Sarastro in London's West End, and spots a few double agents in Kensington's Daquise. How many eyes are needed in the exotic Thai cuisine in the Lord Wolseley? Nessie longs for the homeland at the Lighthouse and a break from the grind at the San Francisco Deli, both in Redding, California.
(May 2003) Napolean's bust and mutton in La Trouvaille. King Mob finds good food, nostalgia and eggs in The House. Big bubble in Hammersmith's (or is it Chiswick's?) The Thatched house. No pie and mash but Shanghai is pretty good nonetheless, or so reckons Green Noah. Daisy gets served in World Cafe shock while Bodeans reveals a slice of homely Americana. Rude fat blokes in the Thames Tandoori, but Il Bordello really does it for the Tallguy. Sorry, sorry, sorry humble apologies to the mighty Purbeck Hotel, who we mixed up with the Purbeck House Hotel. Oops. King Mob has been given a yellow card. A cheap and cheerful Surprise in EC1, says Green Noah. King Mob learns the secrets of bowl cuisine in the award winning Match. Set menu's and hite lager in the New Seoul Korean. Greasy badness in Bar Monaco. M discovers the Pakhtoonian delights of the Tagore in Kent. The pork is high at Tara Thai, while its all smiles at Paolo in the West End of London. Big art and big steaks in Quod. The Tallguy hails Yo Sushi in London's Soho while our new section on Double Agents (self-puff reviews) will show you what us poor review sites have to put up with....... The Great Salt Beef Hunt starts at the Edinburgh Tavern in London's West End. Raj Mahal in London's Farringdon Road for a taste of the exotic. The Beacon in Rusthall, Kent for a taste of the erratic. Where do the stars go to eat and be seen? The Great Russell Crowe Hunt doesn't provide that many answers. Something is happening at Whitstable Harbour but don't bring Harry.
(April 2003) Good lighting, great food, bad jazz. That's Mesclun. Of course you needn't go out to eat..... a nice night in with a cookbook in Mendel's Look at the Cookbook part Two. Many screens and cheap grub in the Globe. King Mob fears the eyebrows of Sir Bernard Ingham in The Dorchester. The Truffle Pig has "duck a la beef" at Tunbridge Wells' Summit Hotel Brasserie. A tale of two pubs in The Three Kings and The Crown in the heart of Tony Blair's Islington. Is Alpino old school enough for Green Noah? We like HK Diner and Paolo's but are not impressed by La Tasca. Terror, confusion, mayhem and casual violence as M gets to grips with Easter. It would seem you don't quite get what you pay for in The Easton but what would you make of Don Pedro? There's a nice Little Bay in Farringdon but Casa Mamma ain't all that says Green Noah. So, what Cantina Vinopolis are you going to go to on the arty South Bank? Is Deanes the best restaurant in Belfast? We haven't been to all of them yet but we'll let you know. Avoid the lawyers (well most of them) and go to The Clerkenwell say King Mob and The Third man. This is how dinner and a movie should always be says Suet Lover about the Charlotte Street Hotel while there is cheap and cheerful Chinese at the Royal Inn. The S & M Cafe isn't quite what you might think but maybe Han Kang is. Looking for Ostrich meat in the Brighton area? We know just the place and it's called The Latin in the Lane. Getting pissed as a fart while babylon's burning in London's O'Hanlons and Tunbridge Wells' Prince of Wales.
(March 2003) Vilamoura in Portugal gets the Spy treatment, with crazed Americans in Zhan and Chen, melancholy in the Mayflower and great service in Cancun. Strange things are happening at the Hare in Langton Green, Kent. On the brink of war its good to find out where you can get superb Rhubarb mousse. Thackerays in Tunbridge Wells for a superb out-of-London experience. Fawlty Towers service at London's Peasant, Perry relieves himself in the Sol Brasserie in Shrewsbury - no competition for spy favourite Mosaica in Time Out Best Local Restaurant nominee Armadillo. Cigarette girls, ashtrays and a man in the toilets at London's Quaglinos. sssh! Don't tell anyone. A Spy Secret at Crystal Charcoal in London's Holloway Road. Beards and sandals at the Dovecote Inn near Tonbridge Kent, while its one in the eye for decent pub food at the 1066 in Battle. At last a real pub in the Lewes Arms, East Sussex, while Annie Ethel finds progress in Pilgrims in Battle, Loch Fyne more than fine and Billies in Harpenden to her taste. Big up too for the Cock of the North near Hatfield.
(February 2003) King Mob paying more than lip service in London's fashionable but much-derided Teatro. The fire that will never be put out at Marco Pierre White's Quo Vadis. Jamie Oliver's Fifteen - TV success and a Restaurant Spy fave!! You need never leave the College Arms in Reading, the Goring family tradition at the Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells while you can depend on thai and shanghai cuisine at "Thai and Shanghai Cuisine". And the call went up.... Meeeaaattttt!! La Chaumiere do you no wrong.
(January 2003) The Ivy. Nuff said. King Mob looks for a fight in the fashionable Zuma in Knightsbridge London. Spy goes interstellar with Dexters Diner, homely good ole fish and chips at Number One, Vic Naylor in London is not all its cracked up to be and check out Pennys Diner in Kansas and Ghiottone in Tuscany, Italy. The Lionman makes sure he doesnt ask for tea in the Chaos Cafe or for vegetables in Furrs Family Dining in New Mexico USA. Perry Stalsis downsized at Pizza Express in Hove. A Happy New Year to all of our readers. The Tallguy say yes at Livebait's Cafe Fish in London. 2003 reviews are green, 2002 are blue, before are orange.
(December 2002) M eats the best Pakistani food in London at New Tayyab and enjoys a bit of the old school Italian at Il Sorriso. The story of M and the dead rat at the Elephant's Head Lamberhurst Kent. Where's Old Gary gone? King Mob in search of Gary Rhodes at Rhodes in the Square. The Tallguy finds Ok Indian food at the Indian Brasserie, while Number One swears by Le Sacre Coeur in London's fashionable Islington. Rudland and Stubbs makes former fan Annie Ethel glower.
(November 2002) Annie Ethel finds a real Indian restaurant in Hemel Hempstead at Cochin, the Tallguy eats Toffee Sundae surprise at Ma Potters in Reading, the Atlantic Grill in New York is a welcome surprise for the Christchurch Rider and the Loch Ness Monster finds nirvana at the Buffalo Grill in Edinburgh. Dead plastic budgies at the hugely disappointing Coconut Lagoon in London.
(October 2002) Number One finds a gem at avanti in Cumbria, the Tallguy at Montmartre in Camden Town, no tap water at Matriciano and Lady Luck likes her boyfriends king prawns at Babylon in our first Rave!!! piece. You'll see what I mean. M in the garden of England at the Swan and Chequers in Lamberhurst, Star and Eagle in Goudhurst and the Old Vine in Cousley Wood in Kent. While the Waiting Room in Bognor Regis gives you change from a £2 coin. The Tallguy blows out in Marco Pierre White's Criterion and has an adventure in the Blue Elephant. Fat tongued git or boy superstar? King Mob says "pukka" for Jamie Oliver at Monte's. Meanwhile Sosta is up to its old nonsense as usual in London's Crouch End. Spy special report on the wonders of the Cookbook by Mendel, while Siobhan has great food but crap service at Ayoush.
(September 2002) Did Edwina meet John at Incognico, meanwhile CR Gibbs in California is not up to the standard of the mighty Logan's Roadhouse. A new era! Spy moves to a Linux Server, so expect bells and whistles soon. And boy are we right on. Search returns tomorrow. Meanwhile King Mob visits Butler's Wharf Chop House. + Be the envy of your friends with a Restaurant Spy Apron. Yes, we really are that sad. The eating mystery that is Nando's, Russian swearing at the Aberdeen Angus Steak House, rude telephone food at leapingsalmon.com, leering waiters at Babushka, food all the way from America at Fatty Arbuckles - a bad week for Spies.
(August 2002) Daisy on the wonderful but infuriating world of Eating Out in New Zealand, Number One finds a little gem at the Brasenose Arms in Banbury, while Candy Del Mar adores the Wishing Well in West London. Piperdam near Dundee in Scotland is the perfect spot for eating while you watch Ospreys shopping for themselves in the silvery loch. Boney rabbit at Montmartre in Islington, perfect-ish pizza at Prezzo, but not so at Pizza Paradiso. The Mobster finds Edinburgh bursting with Oriental flavour at Thai Orchid and Dragon Way and the biggest pub in the world(?) at the Brasshouse in Bournemouth. Don't make a special visit to the Bankes Arms Hotel in Dorset, or the Ship in Swanage, but J's Brasserie is worth a look. We reveal the Best Burger in London! Also something a bit fishy in Crouch End's Harringtons, while the Boombar South African Restaurant sends Havoc reeling. The hottest deal in London at Bank until the 7th of September, King Mob hunts out a Michelin Star at Maison Novelli. Also coming soon - the best burger in London.
(July 2002) Daisy does Paris! Perry gives a great tip for Chartier, things are reet grand at Le Pont Royal, everything fantastic at Perraudin, but Le Pot de Fer dissappoints. While back in England, Daisy ponders the Full English Breakfast 2. Bye bye to nasty Uppers Bistro, Hello to wonderful Thai Square, while the Dumpling Inn leaves the Mobster almost speechless. Perry Stalsis tastes the chilly delights of Macclesfield at La Cantina, dirty tables at the National Trust's Pavilion Restaurant in West Sussex and the "full english breakfast" at the Macclesfield Travel Inn. The China Garden in Brighton is ok. Is there anything better than a full english breakfast? Perry Stalsis thinks so.
(June 2002) Scarlett McQueen finds Ken Lo's Memories of China a towering achievement, while frankly does give a damn about the excellent Spiga. The FD finds a quiet surprise in the back of beyond in Harefield's Edwinn's. M finds a little bit of Italy in Camden Town London at Stromboli. Fat Bob mixes it up with the Lord Snooty's at the Admiralty in London, while needs a dose of Soapy Soutar for his shirt at the Hare and Tortoise. Announcing a new partnership! Restaurant Spy and top US independent review site We8there.com are linking together to provide the best, straight-talking restaurant review service on the planet. If you can't find it here you can link easily to we8there by clicking the button on the left or right.
(May 2002) Locanda Locatelli seems to impress the newspaper critics but does it impress a Restaurant Spy? Dutch courage to eat in De Hems, London, Sofra is good value while in Twickenham, England The George impresses. Toasted Ant Mash at London's Edible. But will it last? You have been warned. Restaurant Spy Taste Warning at the horrendous Anuraag in London's Tottenham. Banners in Crouch End still frustrates while Mazgal starts to get it right.
(April 2002) Ever wondered how gastro pubs prepare their menus? King Mob explains. Raffles in Warwickshire pleases as does new-boy Erray's in London's fashionable Islington. King Mob's indispensible guide to food in the movies, Perry Stalsis limbo up a treat in the Mango Room while AliBongo discovers the Higate. Just goes to show what a spy review can do. The Ropsley Fox smartens up in Grantham, Lincolnshire. M is pleasantly surprised at the Hornsey Mangal Ocakbasi. Perry Stalsis goes all style council as he berates the invasion of American coffee houses. The worst waitress in the world at Chiquito's? M goes to bury but ends up praising The Coronet in London's Holloway Road - a JD Wetherspoon pub. Nikki31 goes steak hunting at the Beach in Torquay and at the peerless Red Peppers in Teddington.
(March 2002) King Mob eats liver in lager at the Fat Duck, Franco finds nirvana at Trattoria Ciullo's in dowtown Tooting, while PG bashes the Crown Post in Bishops Stortford. Mosaica step up their war with Spy by sending in phoney reviews. Check the message board. Bad boys. Signor Bob finds Sanctuary in Taunton, Somerset, while Al&Al hit the gravy train at the Oxo Tower, while Orrery is surprisingly ordinary. Annie finds Maroush a perfect choice, King Mob finds Mamma always knows best in London's Italian Kitchen, whilst New Thai Jen and Gigs Fish Bar are just okay. Have Hove will travel - two gems in East Sussex' crown in Otello and Ashoka. While the Tollbooth in Stonehaven, Scotland has changed hands and quality.
(February 2002) King Mob explores all the little extras in "You Get What You Pay For". Family friendly doesn't necessarily mean stomach-friendly as M finds out in the Nevill Crest and Gun in East Sussex. Nessie asks everyone to avoid Corina's in Redding, California. The spirit of Basil Fawlty lives on in jumped-up Mosaica in London's unfashionable Wood Green. The Weavers - a spy secret is out - the best Sunday lunch in England. King Mob suffers from DIY exposure at Olavrador in Albufeira. O Poeta gets the thumbs up. The Great Northern Railway Tavern has undergone a pleasant change and Filthy McNasty's is always worth a visit.
(January 2002) Time for another Restaurant Spy secret - Ze Do Peixe Assado in Albufeira Portugal. No wisecracks - just read the review. King Mob gets happy in A Chama in Portugal, sad in the Kilt and Kelt while Safa in London's West End is a curious mix but okay. And we just loooove Ed's Easy Diner. Daisy gets kept waiting with Bread and Water. The King William in Hampstead teaches King Mob a lesson. Nessie talks to the animals at Granzella's Inn in California. Perry Stalsis makes a New Years' Resolution.
(December 2001) Daisy despondent in Adelaide, Australia at the Star of Greece, LuluManc wants the jiggling stopped at Manchester's Curry Mile Hanaan, M finds a little bit of France in the middle of London at Mon Plaisir, makes a deal with Q in Granita, while King Mob finds that the Charminar is OK while the Mortimer Arms is definitely not. Have you ever seen a grown man cry? Who could possibly do it to our mighty King Mob? Answer: The Squared Circle in London. The FD gets ripped off in the Royal Festival Hall Cafe while Daisy gets con-fused at Montana Wines in New Zealand. Annie adds a tick to the magnificent Melati in London's West End and Oddjob goes all nautical at Marchesi's in Broadstairs, Kent. Nessie finds out that The Fish House and the Tap and Tankard are just the job in Toronto, Canada while Daisy says that Fish and Co is okay but much better food down the road at the Cuppage in Singapore. Seamart in Auckland is absolutely fantastic as is La Tante Claire in London. Reading's finest in the London Street Brasserie and the Old Siam. The taste of Olde England at Rudland and Stubbs Oyster Bar and Dining Room in the middle of London.
(November 2001) If it's not piping hot, it's no good - take note the Lavender in London. Perry Stalsis gets all nostalgic in the first of his regular columns, "Look what's happened to our food". King Mob is a hot tamale in the Yellow River Cafe, but loses patience with Furama and the Grosvenor Arms in London's West End. Daisy still can't find a lousy restaurant in London's Green Lanes as Serhat proves, while Crouch End's Cafe Solo is a good place to hang out. La Porchetta is family friendly, while the Shezan in Brighton follow the Mughal traditions of the Northern Frontier(?). The Barley Mow is just plain terrible while Baradero in the Isle of Dogs serves top tapas. The Archduke at the South Bank might look good but take your bank manager with you while Buca di Beppo in Encino, California gets those juices going. Some old favourites re-appraised - Sonny's in Nottingham, La Bota in Crouch End, Busan in Holloway, Bar Meze in Clerkenwell and Gusto in Rome, Italy. Cafe Pacifico gets the rage treatment..... M goes at everything in the first of his regular columns. And don't you just love that Richard Whitely. Daisy delighted at refreshing Indian restaurant Mela in London's West End. King Mob finally finds peace amongst the well-to-do in London's Bleeding Heart. While its "so long its been good to know you" to London's Sonorgaon, Boggi's, Pacific Spice and Helter Skelter. Bettys are not just tearooms in Yorkshire, as Annie Ethel will vouch, but Perry runs into some crappy sex music in the Station at Hove. Rebato's in London sells superlative tapas while in Madrid you can find the best tapas in the world at Cerveceria La Moderna. The oldest restaurant in the world, Sobrino De Botin, still serves up a good suckling pig while Annie reckons that Gaya Rive Gauche in Paris is the top seafood place. Les Petits Bofinger chain in Paris hits all the right spots, while the Red Lion at Banbury in Oxfordshire, England is that elusive thing - a good traditional old British pub. Are the Maldives a paradise on Earth? Dave and Dolly Bird get angry at Reethi Rahi Resort.
(October 2001) Spy goes to Amsterdam in the Netherlands where both Zest and Tempo Doeloe come up with the goods, while why Ring O'Bells in Somerset gets a Good Pub Guide recommendation is a real mystery. Seasons in Ottery St Mary is divine, as is Le Sacre Coeur in the heart of Islington. Annie Ethel digs out some real hideaway finds in the Coffee Bean Restaurant and the Royal Orchid in Herts. Perry says "non" to London's famous L'Escargot. Gordon Ramsay leaves the birds' speechless. Not bad for an ex- Rangers player.

(September 2001) Loch Fyne is Crouch End's Hotel California - find out why. La Lanterna in Riomaggiore Italy serves seafood in style while the Euston Flyer in London gets it all wrong. M checks out them ruskies at Potemkin in London's Clerkenwell.

(August 2001) Will somebody please give King Mob a decent meal? Viet Anh at least has beer. Perry Stalsis goes to Mr Fish. War and peaced off at the Ropsley Fox in Lincolnshire, Barbie parties at the Churchill Arms and Varna in London, while Annie Ethel goes Home to NYC and chomps at Le Champ du Mars in Paris. Lenny at the Capers in Torquay. King Mob in a filthy mood in Usha and the Millennium Cafe in London, Daisy al fresco in Arocaria in Crouch End, the Cowgirl cheery in the Lorn Bar in Oban, as well as round her usual haunts Estaminet, the Nile and the Ploughman in Aberdeen, Perry fumes at the Life Galleries in the Natural History Museum. Bismarck, North Dakota's friendly hosts at Caspar's East 40, while spy Annie goes world-hopping in London with Kerala and Little Georgia, Daisy goes to the Bank and Bella Napoli in Brighton. Ambulance required after spy Perry Stalsis checks out Harry's in Hove, but not for the reason you think.

(July 2001) There are better things to do with your time and money than to go to Sedir, says King Mob, while Daisy encounters posh amnesia in Simpsons-in-the-Strand and reserves judgement in London's Gusto. King Mob let loose in Kent, England - shrugs his shoulders in the Blacksmiths Arms, licks his lips in Montien. Cory's cafe in Chico California does the scrummiest breakfast. The Brewmaster pub in Charing Cross Road, London makes King Mob very very angry, but there's many a good night to be had at the Round Table.

(June 2001) Restaurant Spy goes to Rome in Italy. 'Gusto kicks up a veritable storm, Daisy gets cross in "not an italian restaurant" Da Lisa and gets unwittingly upsold in Al Cavallino Bianco. Not even the Pope can stop a spy at Alle Carrette, speed serving at Il Padellacio and a restaurant spy favourite at L'Insalata Ricca. Top nosh at Tosca and Abruzzo's Trattoria Primavera. Clapham rides again with the Bombay Bicycle Club. East One just about does it in London's Clerkenwell while O's Bar in London's Crouch End in partnership with Perrier shock! Shangri La for the Over 50's at the Telscombe Tavern in East Sussex. They've got it all wrong, you can eat vegetarian food in Iceland. Happy days at One Woman restaurant in Rekyavik. Traditional food destroyed at The Ram Inn at Firle, East Sussex. Vecchio Parioli is a reassuring find in London's Barbican. Harimau makes a welcome splash in the culinary graveyard of North London.

(May 2001) Incognico the latest triumph from Nico Ladenis and Strada still making it large with stove pizzas in the heart of Islington, London. London Restaurant Awards still miss out on spy favourites. A pleasant little surprise on Hornsey High Street, London - the Tajpur. Go for the food not the free bottles of beer. Cafe Shan - a surreal pleasure in the heart of London's East End. Halfway House in Rickmansworth, England serves up reddy sludge while a regular writes about the delights of a local Indian - Memhsab on Thames in London's Isle of Dogs. Do you know the way to San Jose? If you do check out Meson Tempranillo in Almeria, Spain. Asha in London's downbeat Holloway Road is another gravy house, Branco in Oxford's Jericho store is well worth a shout and don't miss Buonissimo in Birmingham, England.
(April 2001) Zuni in North London is a sterling outpost of Tex-Mex cooking. Carluccios may be expensive but its well worth a visit, Camia is another restaurant spy secret - go before the whole world does, while Julius in Islington is safe and steady. Itsu is top Japanese fare and Los Guaduales brings South American cooking to London's Finsbury Park in place of the late lamented Le Maroc. Laze around and read the papers with a beer and sarnie at the Dartmouth Arms in Kentish Town/Tufnell Park. Daisy picks badly at Bar Meze. Shamsudeen in London's Stoke Newington offers Malaysian/Sth Indian fusion while Bar Meze has more than enough to choose from.
(March 2001) Foot and mouth ravaged Britain can always depend on good ol' Argentinian beef at the Gaucho Grill. Au Lac in London's Highbury disappoints, but California uber alles as usual with treats at the Sierra Nevada Brewery and Alexis. Fiction in London's Crouch End still the same old story. Our search for a lousy restaurant on London's Green Lanes continues - Yayla just scrapes by. Al Duca hits all the right notes once again in the West End, while Il Forno disappoints.
(February 2001) Hate it or hate it, Sosta is a laugh a minute! The Royal Academy Cafe is full of hoorays from the Huntryside and strolling up the Avenue is okay as long as you're late at night. Meanwhile the Thai Garden Cafe is Approved near the British Museum. Chez Gerard may not be the most exciting place to eat, but its always a good bet. Our mission - to find a rubbish Turkish restaurant on Green Lanes, North London. But we just can't do it. Gokyuzu and see. OK Sushi at Yo Sushi in London's EC1. Clarke's Pie and Mash in Exmouth Market serving it up right old fashioned like. Whisper it - but an old suspect has matured into a real destination in London's Crouch End. Step forward Barbella. Daisy finds out where they get it all wrong at Gaudi. Cam Phat off London's Gerrard Street is no video nasty, while the Workers Cafe in Islington fills a hole. Vietnamese delight Houng Viet is near perfect while St Johns Tavern in Archway finds yet another convert.
(January 2001) London's Holloway Road doesn't have many surprises, but Porto Novo is one - a Portuguese/Madeiran cafe/restaurant of real quality. Windows restaurant at London's Park Lane Hilton has to be it for high society, while the Bull and Last in London's Kentish Town is as mighty but humble. The Bull in Gosmore, Herts is a hit for tess. The Valiant Trooper in Aldbury, Herts, England - a triumph for trad pub grub. Pape - L'ecole - Papa - L'ecole. A white tablecloth meal at diner prices in SoHo, NY. Go to it! Late night lock-ins and men behaving badly at Finsbury Park, London's Triangle and Exotikka of Chelsea wows Mr and Mrs McW. Washington v New York - who wins the battle of the American giants? Las Placitas, Saigon Gourmet and City Lights of China score the points for DC, but Le Rivage fails to get to first base. Supreme Macaroni Co, Soul Fixins, Westside Cottage II, Tropica and Skylight Diner hit runs for NYC, but Rain fails at third base. Market Cafe steals all the glory at the bottom of the eighth. It appears that Zagat may not be quite what it seems, according to Steven Shaw of Commentary magazine. Read here.
(2000) No, really, All Bar One is that bad. PT reports from the Fulham Road.... One of the best fish restaurants in London at Pescatori. Terry Wogan eats at Elena's L'Etoile in Charlotte Street, London while Sonny's in Nottingham is just about up to its illustrious sister restaurant in Barnes. Get grumpy at Maroush and you might get a couple of free dishes thrown in. Visit our friends over at http://members.aol.com/Sugarharvest/Food.htm for a good food and drink guide to London. The best entrecote in Switzerland at Cafe de Paris in Geneva, while Entrecote in Bern is just OK. Mimi alla Ferovia in Naples, Italy is just the business for saltimbocca. D'Artagnan in London's Crouch End is to be avoided, but hightail it to Kusadasi near Turnpike Lane or to Jade Palace or the Fiddlers in Tottenham Lane. Robin Hood in Tring, Herts is well worth the visit. The Katarina in Brighton is a Beefeater surprise. Idaho just scrapes another approved from Daisy. What has the Wilmington Arms done to upset King Mob? - read all about it. Meanwhile M gets narked at Planet Hollywood. We sent Dave and Dolly Bird into the rich wilds of South West London. Daquise felt like being back in the Cold War, Made in Italy is for Italians only!!! and Exotikka of India is exactly that. But don't tell anyone about Mona Lisa - its a Restaurant Spy secret..... Lola finds gold in Cheshire at Hardy's, the Fat Cat and the Little Oak, myyrbe-ok at the Red Lion and frankly no sense at the Queens Head. Noodle Time - top unpretentious food in Greenwich, London. Fiction a disappointment in London N8. Weird happenings at the Royal Tehran in London's Olympia and a passable buffet at the Honeymoon in London N8. Chez Gerard in London, UK has opened a few more branches in the last year - has this meant a dip in quality? King Mob finds out. Think very carefully before you go to Mirrors in Euston, London, UK - you may be taking out a second mortgage. Chutneys in Camden is a dependable veggie and don't miss Nell's Pizza in Weaverville, CA for the perfect Calzone.Lewiston, CA isn't famous for much apart from Mama's cooking. La Casita makes it all worthwhile in Weaverville, CA. for Nessie. King Mob in slightly grumpy mood at Creperie Francais in Camden Town, London. Giuliano's in Edinburgh is just about the ticket for the Dark Knight. Our mega database of just about everywhere coming soon - watch this space. (Dontcha just hate it when people say watch this space?) No smiles at the Golden Fish in Farringdon, London. Is the Engineer the most perfect place in Britain? M thinks it might be. Pancakes galore at My Old Dutch in London, while Weaverville, CA goes gold rush crazy at Millers, Allans, Trinideli, and the Brewery. Pradera in London's Crouch End is at last the restaurant to visit. Boycott La Bota now! Angel Mangal Ocakbasi is the bees knees for Turkish fare on Upper Street, London N1. The battle rages between Redding and Eureka, CA. Thumbs up for the Samoa Cookhouse, Chevy's, Red Lobster, and Red Robin. Jason's at Little Venice may be pricey but there are no complaints from the Spaceman. Dark Knight goes "costa" at Brighton's Casa Don Carlos and has a "lazy sundae" at the Med Cafe in Chingford. Base is exactly that at a cheerless Sunday stop in Hampstead. Tunbridge Wells Pizza Piazza - a Mike Leigh mecca. You just have to see the twin pizza cookers. The Belash in London's Crouch End proves that it might be gravy fare but you can at least taste the difference. Canterbury's Cafe Naz has Q-Tips waxing lyrical. Hotel Sacher has given its name to a world-famous cake, but does it cut the mustard itself? What if you can't find anywhere open to eat French food in Paris? King Mob goes "round the outside" at the Buffalo Grill. Mill Valley CA is full of disappointment for intrepid Daisy at Vasco and D'Angelo. Kites in San Fran serves some of the best Chinese food in the Bay Area says spjfr. Surely the Hilton can't possibly make good food. The Zuccotta in Surrey can!!! While away the day at the Hotel Vancouver and head on to the Lumiere for a starry meal. Sorry but Mustards in the Napa Valley really needs to turn up the heat. Daisy stays Vertical in Vancouver, goes wild at PJs Cafe in Napa and eventually finds somewhere worth eating in Seattle at Il Fornaio. Meanwhile, back in Auld Reekie, Edinburgh in Scotland, the Pope (no not that one!) finds cheer at Bar Sirius, gets a little tense in the Apartment but gets the last laugh at La Comedia. Dorset highs and middles at the New Inn and La Trattoria with not a cream tea in sight. Nando's just the ticket once you get the hang of it. Pop-in to Poppin - cheap and reliable Thai Cafe in N1. Oh dear oh dear oh dear. A fallen angel. The World Cafe at Crouch End finally falls from grace. A former hero turned devil. Scuse me can I have a wood fired pizza please? Scuzi follows the trend. Raymond Blanc hasn't lost his touch at Le Petit Blanc. Quiet perfection at Nam Bistro in London N1. You can wait for ages at the Black Horse Inn in West Sussex, but we found it was worth the wait. Sheikhs your booty at a handy reliable curry house in Broadway. Pita Nova in Vancouver shows you CAN do it on a budget, while Fordism is still alive at Aqua Riva. Away in the dark corners of Essex Road, Lezzet Lokanta keeps coming up with the goods. Genuine peasants would get a big shock in the St Johns st Peasant. It seems that life is too short to bother with historic Fort Langley, our agent decides it is better to live in the present. Daisy discovers nirvana in Vancouver at Tropika. What is it about Seattle? Cross patchy at Emmett Watson's. Dragon gets serious with top Chinese food at London N8. Daisy leaves California elated but ends up in Seattle deflated. The American Dream gone wrong at Ivars Acres of Clams. It's Scottish, its Belgravia and it's lovely at Boisdale but bring your boss. Filthy McNastys - honest triumph in stuck-up land. When is a brewery not a brewery? When it doesn't have any beer. Check out the sorry mess at Moylans. Stateside spy Daisy goes in search of the perfect burger at Mo's Grill in San Fran. Food Lovers Beware!!! Save your bucks and head for Buca Giovanni instead. Is Greens the institution it used to be? Check out our report here. King Mob gets in a bad mood at Santa Fe but cheers up at the Parkway Pizza in Camden. Mint - the restaurant with a hole load of problems. Strada - peerless pizza in the heart of Clerkenwell. Penang Satay - dependable Malaysian in the wilds of Turnpike Lane. King Mobs request for leave to go to Belgium to research restaurants for spy met with a few raised eyebrows. Check em out at Belgium. No Romainian or Portuguese restaurants though...... La Vina or La Bota - no contest in the darker parts of Haringey. Time for the Boat to come in in Hertfordshire. M gets delighted in Leicestershire, disconcerted in Derbyshire and downright depressed in Bucks. Not even Phil Neville could put you off a meal at the Brasserie in Brighton. Tea at the Trellis in Sussex. Surely Sosta in Crouch End can't be that bad?oh yes it is - a second spy re-buffed in the suburban no mans land... If its a Time Out award winner it must be good. A triumph of style over substance at the disappointing Schnecke. Hallelujah - Daisy pulls it off again at Tas!! Chingford uber alles!!!! Spy's Dark Knight goes in search of the perfect family dinner round the pubs and restaurant chains of Chingford. Is it thumbs up for Pizza Express, Wheelwrights, Esatto or the seafood charms of Crabs??? King Mob finally gets happy at Sonorgaon, The Actor's Retreat and Jakarta. Don't miss top pub grub at the Clarendon either but only venture to the Angel of the North if everything else is packed. OK food but irritating service at Aroma Chinese Restaurant in the West End. Spy goes continental to Lisbon with a whole clutch of eating experiences good and bad, Al Duca impresses in the West End. Hip hip hooray for the Taurean and the Bull in Hertfordshire. A new-wave Italian or school dinners tarted up - Sosta in Crouch End. Have a crazy time at Giraffe in Hampstead. At last - a "blackboard pub" that does us proud - the Polecat Inn in Bucks. Surely not - "life is sweet" at La Ventura in Finsbury Park. St Johns - another spy succumbs to its wistful charms - will it become the next Ivy? Jade - is it the worst restaurant in London? Can Just Williams justify unjust service in Hemel Hempstead? Wokwok cuts a flash - at least in its Frith Street branch, and hurrah at last for Satay Malaysia!