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OVER TO YOU
THE IVY CHELSEA GARDEN
CHELSEA
We adore the lovely terrace and fragrant garden at this ritzy,
'any-occasion' King's Road favourite, and you all seem to agree
with us. "� e perfect summer restaurant to hit on a hot day",
announces Alana F, who relished her brunch, while Katherine
L delights in "the total 'Chelsea' feel". Others, meanwhile, praise
"great service", "quirky cocktails" and the desserts.
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
CRITIC
BE THE
BARRAFINA
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
We've long marked out Barrafi na as an immensely popular
collection of tapas joints, but the group also has staying power,
judging from recent comments. Joann G adores the "superb
seafood" and "sublime suckling pig and ham croquetas" at
Soho's branch, while Natasha G singles out the razor clams and
Mozambique prawns ("a must") in Adelaide Street. Praise for the
service is widespread, with Jacqui B and Brendan S lauding the
"knowledgeable staff who go out of their way to look after you"
and Shayan S adding "you never feel rushed".
DUCK & WAFFLE
CITY
Admiration is universal for this 24-hour City high-fl yer, with
Alana F enthusing "I love to take people there to fi nish off an
evening". � e spectacular views from the 40th fl oor get special
mention, as do "spot on"
drinks (Martina M) from
the permanently busy
bar. Many come here for
the duck on waffl e house
speciality: "crunchy and
tasty" (Ana L). Prices are
high, though Federica C
cites the "fantastic service"
in mitigation, and Sonia
M points out "you pay for
the good service and food".
"A special treat" concludes
a smitten Alexandra S.
HOPPERS
SOHO
After lamenting the queuing that has become inevitable outside
Soho's no-reservations restaurants, Laura C is full of praise for
this red-hot Sri Lankan newcomer from the owners of Gymkhana
and Trishna: "those curries were full of fl avour and spice" and
"the shrimps are a must-have". Margaux S is also a fan, admiring
the "delicate and proper Sri Lankan food, full of fl avours and
fragrances, but always perfectly balanced". Hop on down.
BALTHAZAR
COVENT GARDEN
'� e best dauphinois potatoes' is what attracts James G to Keith
McNally's French bistro - modelled on the NYC original - but
he's not alone in his appreciation. We dig the magnifi cent dining
room and the exemplary cocktails, and as Harry L explains this is
'a real bistro if you're in a hurry and a lovely restaurant if you have
more time'. Kelly S agrees: 'I love the decor, the staff , the food'.
'A great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner' chimes Natalie W.