Malibu
Banyan On The Thames

Banyan On The Thames

34 Lombard Road Battersea London, SW11 3RF, United Kingdom

Thai • Asian • Steak • Chicken


"Banyan on the Thames is a nomenclatural inexactitude because the banyan tree is an inhabitant of the Indian subcontinent, rather than being passed off as a floating ficus on the Thames. Belonging as it does to the fig family, the original banyan drops spectacular aerial roots from its branches to the ground beneath its immense verdant canopy, producing a most unique treat for the eyes. The name of this tree has been appropriated by the Raphael on the Left Bank hotel in London for its restaurant. Maybe it aptly symbolises the roots of the restaurant being in the subcontinent. What strikes one about the place on first sight is someone's apparent obsession with the Medusa, signifying the Versace brand, which appears on every table top and virtually all over. The second striking feature is the artificial grass laid out both indoors and outside in the so called “garden” where there is a profusion of fake flowers, creepers and shrubs. It looks tacky and creepy and screams fake. The atmosphere in the so called garden, was not helped by the music played at decibels that are designed to hurt the ear drums. Food was fair to middling in quality, taste and presentation. The standard of service was reasonable. On the other hand, the location is magical. You can spend quite a while looking out through the large glass windows as the world goes by. The Thames flows quietly, more water under Battersea bridge, while you are people watching. And if you are feeling energetic, one has the opportunity of course to refresh oneself by striding along the Thames in the company of others who may be ambling, jogging and strolling. In conclusion, it’s really nothing to write home about"

Dem Turkish Mezze Grill

Dem Turkish Mezze Grill

11 Central Hill, London I-SE19 1BG, United Kingdom

Turkish • Barbecue • Vegetarian • Mediterranean


"Situated in a almost passable street in Crystal Palace, fronted by a humble restaurant sign, is this little Turkish restaurant. At least, it looks little from the outside. Walk in, and you 're presented with a rather large venue, with seating for many patrons. There is no maître d ' or equivalent to check our booking or offer us seating. It took a few minutes of trying get someone 's attention to even get noticed, another five minutes or so for a table to be setup, and once seated and given menus, it took over 15 minutes to order some drinks. I believe this service issue is an exception as it was Father 's day, and the restaurant was exceptionally busy, therefore the serving staff were stretched. I suspect a normal day would be better. I didn 't expect much at this stage, however, this venue turned out to be a hidden gem! Forget location, ambience or service. If your goal is to try some incredible Turkish food, this is the place to go! My mum and dad love Turkish food, and we 're no strangers to it. Although all Turkish restaurants tend to have a very similar menu, each has it 's own variation on their standard recipes. This is where Dem stands out from the crowd, the bread was seasoned with a unique blend of spices (I suspect paprika and celery salt?? , and similarly, the meats were seasoned and flavoursome. There won 't be enough bread served for the meze, so you will need to order more. Also, the salad and bread that gets delivered to the table when you sit down is all you 'll be given with your entire mains (which are served simply as meat and rice . So don 't over do it and finish these off before your mains arrive! I do recommend this restaurant for the food look forward to going there on a non-special occasion so that I may experience it in a fairer setting for the service staff."