algy

Yes, I'm sure they're crying out for modish French bistro food in Walthamstow, Snaresbrook and Daggenham Heathway. ← how about somewhere overlooking the river? Couldn't fail. Is there a River Dag?

FWIW I've only eaten once at Pic - in 2005 - and on the evidence of that I'm pretty surprised at the three star rating

am I the only person who feels that they may have slipped into a parallel universe here?

I believe he has a particular interest in helping those who suffer from various addictive afflictions

congratulations to the producers of this show. I would never have believed that it would be possible to make it even crappier than before, but .....

that can't be right can it? ← Septic tank = Yank ← Of course: I'd forgotten the legendary warmth of our welcome given to our transatlantic cousins.

that can't be right can it?

Again did not see it last night, but in the trailer it appeared that the guy was struggling and Jamie was hugging him (which he always does as he can take your pain away). How did it end Matthew, is Jamie still a saint???? ← it gets better - apparently next week Jamie has to act as a marriage guidance counsellor. There's just no end to his talents (or big heart). Bless.

My sons have operated on this basis for some years now - the only difference being that they don't have to fly in from the States to make it work.

Pierre, very interested in your experience. I've only really tried two of my 98's yet: Chateau Berliquet, which is drinking really well - great depth, rich fruit - and Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux, which has all of the characteristics you describe (or perhaps that should be lack of characteristics). People say the Right Bank wines are generally better in 98 and it may be that the Margaux is going through a "dumb" phase, but it has a long way to go before it's worth what I paid for it!

Seafresh Fish Restaurant 80-81 Wilton Road, Victoria & Pimlico SW1V 1DL Pimlico 7828 0747 "There has been a paint job and the nets have gone from this long-established chippy, but not much else has changed. Seafresh attracts commuters, American tourists and characters seemingly out of a Joseph Connolly novel. Fish soup is a house speciality and comes peppery and bursting with white fish chunks, prawns, celery and baby mussels. Smoked salmon, calamares, and avocado with prawns are alternative first courses. The usual fish options arrive in a tasty golden batter or can be grilled for a few pence extra. Our haddock was all that was expected of it, and came accompanied by thick, crisp, golden chips and a fragrantly pickled cucumber the size of a rugby ball (well, almost). Puddings include Italian ice-cream and sherry trifle." Not quite the same vibe as Scott's or Le Caprice (or J Sheekey), but not bad when I ate there a month ago. For Shakespeare, your best bet might be The Novello http://www.thisistheatre.com/londonshows/tempest.html saw the (now closed) Antony and Cleopatra, which didn't do much for me, but The Tempest might be a better bet.

given a choice of Trinny, Susannah and (theoretically) John, that might not be a bad shout

maybe Greg and John should get their kit off at strategic moments a la Gordon - could add to the appeal? or do a show with Trinny and Susannah where everyone gets their kit off - which one would Greg pull? or would he rather have a pudding?

can't see many disagreeing with that

sometime after the second bottle ← I'll drink to that

amen. I didn't mean to sound critical, but bd is right. Far better to get constructive criticism - however unwelcome - than people not turning up or returning and not telling you the reason why. What you're trying to do is hard, but the best of luck.

ever thought of trying to attract a more plutocratic, suit wearing, high rolling clientele? Very difficult to please, but immensely profitable if you can

I can only second Matthew's sound advice. It's a bit difficult to comment without knowing what the principal assumptions are that underpin your business plan. However, (and this is no comment on the quality of what you're offering) - at first glance, I would say everything looks about 30% too expensive - aim for those prices when you're established, but to start with them is very "brave". I know that area a bit and it's no surprise that it hasn't been the epicentre of fine dining: many of the people round there like to spend money on shiny cars and cosmetic surgery rather than grand gastronomy. (And before anyone says anything, that's not meant to be gratuitously offensive, just a statement of opinion). In fact, Mrs Algy was brought up not far from there. Moving quickly on. - I'm not sure what assumptions you've made about volumes, but there's likely to be a massive difference in potential volumes between weekday and weekend. - the brasserie is a good idea, but how are you making sure that both offerings are distinctive, but linked? Are the premises adjacent? Will those who try the brasserie get a sense of what's available in the restaurant? - my earlier point about location was meant to be helpful: so is this. Your website should let people know when you're open! Good luck

any more of that and you'll get us all moderated again

make sure that every time that you come on places like this you mention the name of your restaurant and where it is - "just outside of London in the Surrey commuter belt" is teasing, but people could spend a long time trying to find you.

praise be damned - beatification more like. Anyone know the Vatican's email address, so we can forward this on?

watch it yank - how do you think we get our stiff upper lips? ps can't do smileys - upper lip too stiff

if he is, indeed, rich.

this area is a transcultural minefield. In my country, lavatories - never bathrooms, we couldn't contemplate having a bath in a restaurant - are still restricted to the upper strata of society. Those of us lucky enough to own one, like to leave the doors a little loose-fitting so that our neighbours can walk in at any time, admire our plumbing and catch up on gossip. I can see that it must be unnerving for someone who isn't used to building lavatories into their social intercourse.

you read it right (and also my out of town status). I don't even visit very often - some of us over here still take that 1776 business very badly. Mind you, we've sent you Gordon (off and on) and our (about to be ex) Prime Minister as a way of getting our own back.