all about us | search reviews | links | message board | articles | submit review | ipod reviews | rage | top ten requested reviews | archive | double agents | best burger in London | buy | join spy | advertise on spy | local pages | oldsite | contact us
Home » Country » UK » England » London

North

Shish, 2-6 Station Parade, London NW2 4NH

Shish, 2-6 Station Parade, London NW2 4NH

2-6 Station Parade, London NW2 4NH

It's kebabs gone posh. Shish in Willesden Green, adjacent to the Tube station, is one of 3 Shish outlets that have garnered popularity amongst locals and critics alike. At £20 per head, it's not a cheap meal, but it's definitely worth the pounds. The spinach borek was crisp and fresh, although a little oily but the mains are definitely the highlight of the menu. Skewers of meat and haloumi cheese with potatoes, roasted capsicum and onions, next to a bed of salad and fries is done to perfection. And for dessert, don't go past the halva ice-cream with baklava.

By chloe at 30/04/2008 - 18:46 | 2008 | Approved | London | Mediterranean | North | Review | £££/$$$ | add new comment | read more | 78 reads

Night Star-Mangal Ockabasi, 149 Holloway Road London N7 8LX

Night Star-Mangal Ockabasi, 149 Holloway Road London N7 8LX

149,Holloway Road London N7 8LX

Another pre- Arsenal match, feeding and watering stop on the greasy Holloway Road. Why does it always look as if the pavements need a good hosing down and a steam clean? The restaurant is the usual set-up of revolving kebabs in the front takeaway part and long queues of punters on match days who prefer the sidewalk eating experience. The inside is fairly basic-tiled floors and formica tables. However the star of the show is the charcoal grill man (there must be a name in Turkish) who sits at the barbecue, expertly rotating the kebabs, and chops, and chicken fillets, like he's playing an instrument, and shouting at the staff.

By m at 03/03/2008 - 11:08 | 2008 | Approved | London | Mediterranean | North | Review | £/$ | add new comment | read more | 124 reads

Pasha, 301 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 2TU

Pasha, 301 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 2TU

301 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 2TU

It doesn't look like your stereotypical Turkish Restaurant - the recent refurbishment is all clean lines, dark wood and white napery. I'd booked through Time Out, who are currently offering 50% off all food, so the value-for-money-but-not-cheap prices became absolute bargains. Although Pasha's Turkish background is evident, it's modern and international with far more fish than you'd expect. Starters included a generous bowl of good lentil soup; a plate of five huge prawns in chilli and coriander; freshly prepared fried calamari (not from a freezer pack in other words) and Sucuk, a spicy, sausage dish.

By Daisy Middleton at 23/02/2008 - 12:50 | 2008 | Ambience | Approved | Mediterranean | North | Review | £££/$$$ | add new comment | read more | 243 reads

Phoenix Bar, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, London, N22 7AY

Phoenix Bar, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, London, N22 7AY

Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, London, N22 7AY

I went here for lunch. This bar, which is at the western end of the palace, must have one of the best dining views in London. Through the large windows you look out across the terrace, with its wrought iron lamps and wooden tables and the whole city is spread out before you, the Gherkin and Canary Wharf clearly visible, until it all vanishes into the mists of North Kent. The inside is almost as good. It is spacy and wooden with a high ceiling and a central bar with mirrored pillars. Tables are marble with metal chairs or wooden. The music is terrible. Sort of sub techno garbage when I was there. Next door there is a huge (and silent!) palm court with sphynxes, fountains and full size palm trees towering into a vaulted sky-lit roof. There are about a dozen tables, maybe less. I had a coffee here the other afternoon and had the whole palm court completely to myself. Talk about a hidden gem. It was wonderful.

By Harry at 17/02/2008 - 22:08 | 2008 | Approved | London | North | Review | Traditional | Views | £££/$$$ | add new comment | read more | 154 reads

Il Bacio 178-184 Blackstock Road Highbury N5 1HA

Il Bacio 178-184 Blackstock Road Highbury N5 1HA

178-184 Blackstock Road Highbury N5 1HA

Pre match Arsenal v Blackburn on Monday last, I was determined to steer clear of my usual Haddock 'n Chips or a Fat Harry's Hot Dog standing up in the street. So I opted for this rather swish and surprisingly genuine Italian 10 minutes from the Emirates Stadium. I got there about 6.45 and the place was heaving. Had I booked?''No.'' Oh dear ,not sure if we can fit you in'' said the waitress. Anyway I was seated within five minutes and was pleasantly surprised.

By m at 14/02/2008 - 11:14 | 2008 | Approved | Italian | London | North | Review | £££/$$$ | add new comment | read more | 125 reads

Le Mercury, 140a Upper Street, Islington, London N1 1QY

Le Mercury, 140a Upper Street, Islington, London N1 1QY

140a Upper Street Islington N1 1QY

I've reviewed Le Mercury before, but restaurants can change quite quickly, and it is our duty to keep them on their toes. It's a filthy job, but somebody's got to do it. I started with a rich and delicious slice of foie gras, and E had smoked chicken. It was lunchtime, we were hungry and they brought a basket of lovely fresh bread, while we waited for our starters - well, what were we supposed to do with it ? Knit a cardigan ? By the time my lamb and E's fishcakes arrived, along with a selection of vegetables for me and a big salad for her, there wasn't much bread left. Something I regretted as soon as I saw the size of the serving - three great chunks of lean lamb, and a healthy side serving of vegetables, which included some excellent roasted carrots.

By Daisy Middleton at 19/06/2007 - 18:20 | 2007 | Approved | French | North | Review | Romantic | ££/$$ | add new comment | read more | 189 reads
XML feed