Had an awesome chicken fried rice, the end.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 49 Preston Street
Can’t find a website
Kusaki
A lovely venue with lovely people serving vegan Japanese. Outstanding cocktails too – I enjoyed sipping my lemon whiskey creation throughout my meal. Unfortunately the food itself is very uneven. Mushroom gyoza just ok, while tofu pockets were excellent; nigiri was great, but maki was just piles of rice. Wouldn’t really go back.
Verdict: Ok
Location: 5-6 Circus Parade
Chicken Dudes
Chicken takeaway, a tough one to decide actually – it was almost awesome. So chicken strips were amazing – crunchy, a bit of spice. Yum. Spicy chips were kind of good? A little soggy but nice to have something different. Then the cheesy garlic pizza bread was just ok. So ultimately I’m not desperate to have another, but I did enjoy it.
Verdict: Ok
Location: Union Street
Can’t find a website beyond Deliveroo
Gars
I think I’d be keen to try their restaurant, but can’t recommend the takeaway. Had a half crispy duck which was really good, but also got a main course of spicy beef. It was ok, but it was £12 and a joke of a portion.
Verdict: Don’t go
Location: 19 Prince Albert Street
XOXO
Odd to rate this, because they rate themselves on cocktails and brunch. Went for neither – had a beer of an evening. But I liked the people and the venue, and 2 cocktails for £10 really good for that area. Want to try their brunch!
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 24 Prince Albert Street
Pier Nine
A weird one! A relatively small casino, but only about half of it is casino, the 2nd floor being a massive open space with a huge screen, tables etc with a bar, food and pool and other tables. Went on a Tuesday: dead empty. The drinks reasonably priced, the food pretty good; the pool etc really, really expensive. I’d love to see it busy but for now, more casino than otherwise (ie a bit depressing).
Verdict: Ok
Location: 9 Grand Junction Road
Taste of Sahara
Interesting place of pros and cons. It’s a cosy place, with the owner very visible. It’s big benefit is BYO, but I think this must lead to trouble often, as the owner was quick to judge/condescend, which is something I’ve not written before (“It’s written on the door!”, he says – as I leave, I find out it is not), and the houmous was honestly awful. However, when I said it was rough, quickly replaced by halloumi bread, which is amazing. And all the other food was amazing and when you’re not buying booze – incredibly reasonable. So all up, a winner.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 103 Western Road
Maris and Otter
Very new pub in the old Revelator, but a really nice feel and nice looking burgers. Plus, they open for breakfast at like 7:30???
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 113-114 Western Road
Red Snapper
We’d heard about this outfit for a long time, and ultimately a bit disappointing. Yes, good amount of protein in the curries for sure. But starters very weak, and mains – one pretty good, the other so-so. Better available.
Edit: This review was for a takeaway during lockdown. Have just been to dine in, and it was really good. Usual Thai options, but then the option of “crispy” chicken, prawns etc on your curry – floured and fried, and amazing. Starter type salad spicy and tasty too, so revising verdict up.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 90 Dyke Road
Coco di Mama
I’ve seen this chain in London but never had it; turns out you get huge servings (just get a medium, seriously) of really tasty pasta, that delivers well.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 7 Prince Albert Street