Lamb
Laughing Gravy Bar Restaurant

Laughing Gravy Bar Restaurant

154-156 Blackfriars Road, Southwark, United Kingdom

Pizza • Kebab • Cafés • Fast Food


"As someone who tends to be a bit picky, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. The à la carte menu features some imaginative dishes, such as a delicious oxtail sausage roll and a mead-glazed pheasant leg, along with a selection of Christmas menu offerings from 2016. What was meant to be a three-course meal turned into a delightful series of indulgences, thanks in part to my stretchy pants! One standout dish was the hot-smoked, whisky-cured Loch Duart salmon served on Guinness sourdough with horseradish mousse and truffle snow. What can I say? This was exquisite salmon, with each element—from the sourdough to the sweet horseradish—blending beautifully. I kicked off my meal with roasted and pickled heritage beetroot, goat cheese, and preserved apple topped with cashews (£8.50). This was a stunning plate, showcasing sharp apple, wonderfully sweet beetroot, and the tangy goat cheese—an absolute delight. Rolled in apple jelly, it was amusing and unexpected. Next was a festive dish from their Christmas menu—a rich wild boar and pistachio terrine with damson chutney and purple potato purée. Beautifully presented and reasonably priced at £50 for three courses, there wasn't a boring Christmas pudding or mint cake in sight. The chef’s duck pâté and chicken liver foie gras was sublime, served with a tart cherry reduction and candied hazelnuts. However, I had jumped the gun by ordering my main course too early. The wild mushroom and salted venison Wellington was accompanied by tender stem broccoli and white truffle celeriac purée topped with roasted almonds (£24). If I had to nitpick, I would have liked it a tad flakier, but the venison was perfectly cooked. Next, I enjoyed a dish of fried market fish served with braised leeks, kale, buttered new potatoes, and Brixham crab broth. This Christmas special was packed with flavor that harmonized beautifully. As for dessert, I was ready for something special. What arrived was nothing short of delightful: a plate of amaretto panna cotta with caramelized banana, candied cashews, and a decadent seven-layer dark chocolate and roasted pecan pie infused with vanilla and nutmeg. To top it all off, the salted caramel mousse with vanilla cream, shortbread, and a chocolate ganache-filled caramel cylinder was a clever nod to my sweeter side. I’m a sucker for salted caramel ice cream, and it was heavenly paired with the chocolate brew. After everything, the chef offered me an ice cream sandwich. I had to put my foot down—my stretchy pants were at their limit, and I needed to call it a night. If you live near this restaurant, I am genuinely envious. If not, make sure to visit before it becomes so popular that securing a table becomes impossible!"

The Princess Royal Notting Hill

The Princess Royal Notting Hill

47 Hereford Rd, London, United Kingdom, W2 5AH

Pub • Full • Wine • Bar-lounge


"Once seated, we were quickly offered water, receiving one bottle of still and one of sparkling as requested. We were also offered other drinks, but everyone in our group was content with water. It took us a few minutes to decide on our order, which was perfectly fine since we weren’t in a rush. However, after a while, we began to wonder about the status of our food. We were a group of four, and a table for two next to us, who had arrived after us, was already being served. They, like us, had only ordered main courses, with the enticing dessert menu in mind for later. Another party of two on the other side was served their starters, followed by their mains, while we were still waiting. In the end, I lost track of how long we had been waiting, but I started to feel a bit embarrassed since we had recommended this restaurant to our friends. I decided to look for our waitress, as it had been a while since I’d seen her at our table. I asked her how much longer we might have to wait. She went off to find out but wasn't particularly apologetic. She returned to inform us that our meals would be served shortly. After another 5-10 minutes, our food finally arrived. My monkfish was delicious, while the princess parmigiana was a bit disappointing to those who ordered it. The beef looked fantastic, though the last slice was a bit tough. Regardless, we enjoyed our time with our friends, and there was a pleasant atmosphere in the restaurant. Ultimately, no one was in the mood for dessert. After a couple of hot drinks, we asked for the bill. Since we couldn’t get the attention of our waitress, we requested it from another waitress passing by. A manager also assisted us in getting our bill."

OPSO

OPSO

10 Paddington Street London, w1u5QL, W1U 5QL, United Kingdom

Beer • Wine • Greek • Pizza


"I love Greek cuisine. I have eaten here multiple times and celebrated my birthday here with a party of 4. Located just of Marylebone high street, the street is not too quiet and not too busy, it’s just right, located on a corner plot the restaurant gets lovely daylight through the glass if you’re eating in the evening in the summer and it compliments the decor inside. The decoration, fixtures and fittings are gorgeous giving a warm and cool feeling at the same time with the copper colours and metallic/wood fixtures. They have a long central, high chair dining table and normal tables for 2 and 4 people, I have dined on the high chairs for small meals, I wouldn’t recommend it for dinner as it gets uncomfortable. This place pushes Greek cuisine into the modern day with its contemporary tapas-style dishes. The staff are really friendly and there when you need them and when you don’t need them you won’t notice or be disturbed by them. This is a high-end Greek restaurant, I feel like it belongs in Mayfair however I admire the fact of their choice of location as I believe where Opso will be they stand out and don’t need to rely on a location for reputation. The menu is a little small, However, I appreciate it as it allows them to focus more on what is available and make it to perfection. The menu had a balanced variety and I honestly believe you will be happy with any of the dishes. The aesthetic presentation of the food is wonderful, awesome for taking pictures. The food is delicious I shan’t comment further, it speaks for itself. If you have a special occasion to celebrate, they facilitate well, they brought me a lovely slice of cake on a glass platter with my name written in chocolate sauce and candles and they brought it over and I had my 15mins of fame at Opso, they made me the centre of attention. Cocktails: They have good bartenders and I’m always left feeling satisfied (that’s what she said) lol. Booking is a fairly easy process however they do get busy quick as they are in demand so plan. Pricing, I find it very reasonable for the quality of food you are getting. When I take my wife here I spend between 100-140 for starters, mains, small desserts and cocktails. I have and will be eating here again."

Frankie Benny's Chester

Frankie Benny's Chester

Greyhound Retail Park, Cheshire West and Chester, United Kingdom

Cafés • Pizza • Steak • Pasta


"I’m absolutely disgusted to have visited this restaurant and to be asked upon arrival if I have any allergies, to which I responded yes and explained I cannot eat onion or garlic. I then went on to order the carbonara and asked the waitress to confirm with the chef that there is no onion or garlic in the sauce, to which she said she cannot check. The host who seated us explained she would let the chef know of my allergies so I’m unsure what the difference is. Surely the person who is cooking the food within the kitchen is able to advise what ingredients is in the dish. I was informed this is company policy and they can’t check the packaging, however when I visited the Cheshire oaks restaurant the waiter was incredibly helpful and checked the packaging of the chicken for me to assist. I feel discriminated against for having allergies, that are totally out my control. I was told by the waitress that she is protecting the company’s reputation as you would be liable if she checks… what would make you more liable is if I order something after telling you of my allergies and then I have a reaction. You seriously need to rethink your policy. Every other restaurant I ever visit will adapt their dishes to suit my allergies, as should all food establishments. I was told you will only confirm the top 14 allergens… as though people with all other food allergies are irrelevant! I have never been made to feel so discriminated against in my life. Disgusting!"