Eating in or Eating out, Food and Travel ideas: April 2017

On a visit to Cardiff, I googled restaurants close to our hotel, and came up with the Beech Tree Inn. I took a chance and booked it for my birthday.

It was a lovely experience, professional staff and a lovely bar area to study the menu.

I had scallops to start and my husband had Thai fishcakes, no complaints there.
We both chose rack of lamb for mains which was beautifully presented and cooked. OH had a vodka fizz palate cleanser (I had a sip and can recommend it).

We tried to go for Sunday lunch at the last minute, but quite rightly, it was fully booked.

Would definitely visit again if we ever stop by Cardiff in the future.

http://www.thebeechtreeinn.info/

The Paradise, by Way of Kensal Green, pub/restaurant

I am late reviewing this meal, but didn't get around to reviewing it after Mother's Day.

Son and I went there for a Sunday roast, our first visit. I had lamb and he had pork. The portions were large. The food was lovely, especially the Jaffa cake pudding which was beautifully presented with blood orange ice-cream. The service was very relaxed and attentive. Would definitely visit again. Only small complaint is the restaurant was a bit drafty and cold, but it was spotting snow outside.

http://www.theparadise.co.uk/

Queens Indian Restaurant in Queens Park

After a trip to the cinema, we went to Queens restaurant as it was open mid afternoon and the reviews on here were good. It didn't disappoint. The food was really tasty. My husband had the thali and I had chicken shashlick and chicken balti and a Mumbai aloo. We always share anyway and the food was excellent, as was the service. The choice of desserts was good and I enjoyed a liqueur on the house.

Kensington Palace Cafe

My walking group stopped for lunch at the cafe. As the dark clouds were gathering we decided to sit indoors. My friends had lovely looking salads. One had the scone and jam and I had the potato and leek soup which was piping hot, just how I like it.

The cafe is alongside the gift shop which has prices to suit most people. The umbrellas were rather expensive though.

http://www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace/visit-us/food-and-drink/#gs.8dP2PyI

Searcy's Champagne Bar, St. Pancras Station

I had a glass of bubbly with pork pie and pickles. Discreet service and a quiet atmosphere. Comfortable seating.

http://searcysstpancras.co.uk/

The Fresh Pizza Co., in Victoria Station, London

We needed a quick lunch before going to a medical appointment and wandered in this restaurant as it looked similar to Pizza Hut with a central table piled up with salad and pizzas. We waited to be seated and it was a while before anyone noticed us. We waited ages to get a drink and cutlery. I chose 2 slices of meat pizza but it was rather stale tasting and lacking in topping. The pasta didn't look inviting or the tomato sauce, so I just had a little salad. My friends weren't happy and one of them complained to a member of staff who explained they were short of staff, but there was no mention of a refund or free drink, when clearly we left most of our food. Wouldn't risk going there again.

Cote Brasserie, Great Portland Street, London W.1.

This place is fine for a quick lunch whilst shopping in the Oxford Street area, or visiting the BBC studios.

After walking around Berwick Street during the morning, I looked for somewhere to have lunch on my own. I chose the Cote Brasserie and asked for poulet chasseur followed by the Apple crumble. The chicken was a little over cooked but was nice and hot. The crumble was delicious. The service was fine. The restaurant was about one third full but it was a bit "school dinners" noisy with people chatting. My glass of wine was fine and water was brought straight away in a lovely pot.

https://www.cote-restaurants.co.uk/cote/restaurant/map/marketplace

Brass Rail at Selfridges, Oxford Street, London

“Expensive sandwich but worth it!”

I and my family have been visiting the Brass Rail for many years. This was my first visit after their refurbishment. I always have the same thing, salt beef on rye with American mustard and a glass of wine. It is always good. http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/content/the-brass-rail

Reviewed 4 February 2016

Thursday, 13 April 2017