Romaney O'Malley

Do some homework on fifteen before you decide to go there. If you read the reviews and still decide to go then at least it will be an informed decision. I haven't been myself so will leave it at that but for those prices why don't you take him for lunch at Locanda Locatelli? all the times I have been it's been superb and he won't forget the experience. The food is amazing and he won't be intimidated it's very accessible - cooking and ingredients are spot on.

Right - have just bought the LinCat Lynx 400 fish fryer will let you know how it goes

It seems that a little bit more oil does make a difference to the heat recovery rate. I am going to check out the LinCat Thanks guys

Does anyone have a domestic deep fryer purchased in UK/Europe they would recommend? There is a lot of discussion in the Kitchen Equipment section and the Waring seems to be the best option, however it seems to be available only in the US. I have seen some UK sites with brands like LinCat - are these any good? I am happy to get a small commercial appliance if these are a lot better as long as it isn't too big Any help appreciated...

Best thread I have read in ages Well done nomad

We went on the bank holiday Monday - 26th of May so very recently I wonder whether the bank hol had something to do with it and the A team had taken the weekend off or something None of our four had the £30 lunch menu so I can't compare and contrast but whilst the cooking was strong I wouldn't say there were any fireworks which in hindsight you should expect for £70. I'm not sure why our experience was so inconsistent with yours but from what you've said it really was.

Great review Phil Wish I could say our experience was the same I really liked the room. The food was good (but not great). We all had the a la carte 3 course lunch. Service was dreadful. I got so fed up with this one waiter who insisted on literally slamming everything down in front of us - felt like I was being assaulted. Sommelier couldn't really be bothered. Recommended a pedestrian sancerre and a pretty uninteresting pinot noir. We moved to the bar for coffee. No petit fours materialised (despite the hefty £20 pricetag). I requested some and was bought (with some reluctance) a little box each to take away. We spent close to £600 with a bottle of bolly to kick things off. A disappointing experience. I feel sorry for Mark as his food was quite good really but the front of house totally lets him down in my opinion.

I was in Keswick in May and we ate at the George. None of has the massive pie but as a recall the food was actually quite good (with the exception of my dish which was dreadful - typical). I had a steak which was bad, overcooked, chewy, but there were 6 of us and I tasted most of the other 5 dishes ranging from sausages to fish and they are all terrific so it may have been a one off. Service was super and we all had a great time.

Tayyabs in Whitechapel - great Pakistani (?) food, cheap as chips Don't waste your money on Claridges - my lunch there was pants (and we went a la carte). Mr O liked Maze though.

I think the problem you inevitably have is that whilst eating out is lots of fun, once you don't have the option to eat at home and are forced to eat out, it becomes a chore and you just long for a warm comfort meal at home On that basis I'd go for that baby belling. And by the way - it won't be 4 weeks - it will be 8 - at least, trust me ....

Should make clear that I was looking for a prime time table at 7.30/8ish. Unless they're now working on only 6/6.30 and 9.30/10 sittings I thought I might have had a bit more luck. Could've got a table at 6pm or 10pm on a midweek but pretty certain weekends were chocca. ← Yes had the same experience trying to book Petrus a few months ago - no joy. Went to Claridges instead yesterday and it was a bit shit. Nice food but nothing special. Service was positively agricultural.

Very good points there, it is interesting to think about these behind the scenes media manipulations. However, I think that most chefs will roll their eyes at this type of statement, crusades against our childrens school meals are one thing, asking for penalties against fellow chefs is another. ← Andy is right though. The guy doesn't believe in this for a second. He is just poking everyone with a stick and sitting back while he progressively gets more and more publicity

What about frappes? (not the milky starbucks kind) - I used to make them in Australia a lot as they are really refreshing. I made them very simply - just cold espresso with a little water, lots of ice and sugar to taste - whizz in a blender (or you can use a stick blender) and voila! I've just come back from Japan (and you will be able to confirm or deny this Helenjp!) but it seems that cold coffee beverages - including non dairy ones - are very popular

If you decide to go for coffee you might want to check out Monmouth as well. Either Monmouth St in Covent Garden or there's one on Stoney St at Borough Market (which is worth a visit and is next to London Bridge station) I haven't read the whole thread but you also might want to try Gentleman's Relish (or Patum Peperium). It's probably a bit like Marmite you love it or you hate it - I love it but the posts will probably start rolling in about how revolting it is. Anyway it's made out of anchovies and spices and you have it sparingly on toast. Also if you go to one of the posh department stores for a pot (which is conveniently small by the way) they will have it in ceramic pots with very English scenes printed on them which is a nice souveneir Edited for spelling

I can just imagine it now - signs with photos of asparagus emblazoned with 'NO MORE IT'S THE LAW' nanny state? what are you talking about?