Scott

I agree with Andy, I was thinking Freedom was the one

£25 is ONLY reasonable if the restaurant is up to it. if it is an exclusive restaurant, like the square, or Pied a terre fine (both of which do charge just that); otherwise they're having a laugh. I've seen places with housewine at £10 trying to charge £18 - 20. which is a joke. the quality of my wine, or your glasses is irrelevant. Corkage should be the margin on a bottle of housewine, or a maybe a bit more if the restaurant is up to certain standards. I've had clowns try to tell me that I should be grateful for excessive corkages, because of what they would have charged if they stocked the bottle in question. all of this said, most places are very reasonable and understanding, but some cowboys remain.

there are plenty of places in London, if not most, that will accept BYO. the conditions are that you have to organise it beforehand, but they won't advertise. and you can expect to pay a decent whack. £10 - £12 would be about right. though the point is that you have a bottle you really want to bring, then the charge is reasonable.

would there be a kitchen stadium? maybe with terraces, and hooligans...

I was very underwhelmed, perhaps it was an off night?

I've always enjoyed Scalini. a lot.

you mean someone was still watching???

it might be, as it was the comte which blew my mind at sketch. never tasted anything like it. do you have any contact details?

Some of the best cheese I've had was at Sketch, supplied by Maison Anthony. does anyone know how to get hold of Maison Anthony cheese?

Strangely prescient quote from Scott. Any other recent reports since the re-opening? ← made a packet on insurance spread betting

Hi Jon, your price estimate are about right; but I couldn't disagree more with your suggestions. I never used to be GR's biggest fan but a couple of meals had recently have been utterly superb, far and way clearer, more precise, more enjoyable than any of the over complex, posturing dreck served at Tom Aikens. (sorry, if that's a bit strong, but I feel TA is still living in the early 90's with his style of food). I think cchen would be well advised to seek out at least lunch at RHR.

you can't. I tried unsuccessfully last year, and all that is on offer is big chickens. I imagine you're looking for something neutered - like moby say - but I don't like your chances

Anne, surely you meant to say, is not that effective?

very well said! and without caps lock or smilies on every line too

you never mentioned your career has taken you into 'new product development'?

do you have any affiliation with this restaurant?

I'll be brief but just had the most magnificent sunday lunch/lazy afternoon at the waterside. the doors had been unhooked to leave the room open onto the thames. good gosh, a magnificent setting. The sort that makes you feel special just being there, in the sun. the service was possibly the best Ihave encountered in Britain, perfect timing, and unobtrusive. they were everywhere, but never in the way. and most importantly, matters were certainly not about 'them' if you will. Menu Exceptionelle. Rich chilled chicken consomme, very classic and heavy stylings to the dish, but still satisfying. A little one note. the foie with chicken and pistachio's was lightness personified in the mouth; clear flavours and a wonderful texture. Lobster in white port sauce with Ginger vegetables. very luxuriant, a real mental turn on - as I find this is the only part that really thrills me. the idea of lobster exceeds it's actual delivery imo. this was very good, the meat fresh and sweet, the sauce again very old style, heavy; but nicely lifted by a fine julienne of veg. rose petal sorbet. ho hum. Roasted duck with fresh minted peas, and pommes mousseline. giddy up. perfect. pink, melt in your mouth textured slices of duck, almost creamy. the peas were toothesome and again a wonderful easy care textural compliment. the sunday roast of the gods. great cheese board etc. the food was not that exciting, but it was technically accomplished, and had a lovely 'easy care' to it. it's not hard work, and it's clear the whole experience is more than just the food. The menu is filled with things you want to eat, not talk about dissect. on a day like that, could there be anywhere more perfect? sat outside by the thames, with coffee, some champagne, and watched the punts drift by. can't wait to go back.

Over here, spatchcock is another term for poussin - a chicken that is slaughtered at 3 to 4 weeks old. ← poussin is suitable and most commonly spatchcocked, but the term still refers to the technique.

it is the same venue that Robuchon pulled out of a contract to open an atelier in.

so can i assume that if i (or anyone else) have/has been, then it isn't very good? ← Fisherman, have you got a past with this poster, or are you trying to manufacture one now for future use?

thanks for taking the time to write such an intersting review. where do you recommend for superlative dim sum?

Easily the best I have had in London is at the 'Fish Club' on st john's hill, near clapham junction.

samantha, you write of experiences with an increasing disconnect to my own, do I presume a poisoned association with LG? seriously, Paula's fondness for this place is not unique, and your import is a perhaps little harsh...

London is a very good place to eat, but is it really the best for anything? It's certainly not more interesting than NY or Paris, or even Sydney or that matter. at which point I am not sure on what basis it qualifies as best? If I had £20 £50 £100 or £200 to spend on a meal, I think I would eat better in places other than London. So then, for me, the only basis could be the depth or breadth of the choices - and I'd be very concerned if anyone tried to argue that Paris is not superior to London for the depth and breadth of choices at these price points. London has many good to great choices, but it fails on this criteria imo.

you don't mean that. if anyone were self indulgent in comparison to durack it would trigger cold fusion. ← Like the meal I had at Bibendum? ← ?