Strada – Angel

This restaurant felt quite dark even though we were seated near the windows and we were there at lunchtime. The staff came and asked us a few times, quite frequently, if we were ready to order. But then after that, when we were actually ready to give our order, we had to wait quite a while to get the attention of the staff.

Cafe Irie – Dublin

You’ll be able to spot Cafe Irie by its bright blue exterior. Going inside, the walls are brightly painted and the counter area reminded me of an old sweet shop.

Hamlet Cafe – Hornsey Road, Islington

I have walked past this cafe every day for months, and never gave it a second look until now. Maybe it’s because secretly I’m a snob, or maybe it’s because I have a tendency to judge a cafe based on it’s neighbourhood. Whatever my reasons for not trying this cafe before today, I’ve learnt these two valuable lessons…one, never judge a cafe by it’s neighbourhood and two, stop being such a snob!

Fakhreldine – Green Park

Deep reds and brown colours, sofas with lots of cushions, bowls of rose petals and a formal dining area sets the atmosphere for this Lebanese restaurant. The seating by the windows has a great view over Green Park.

Brick Alley Cafe/The Joy of Coffee – Dublin

Whether you want a hearty breakfast or something lighter, then this is a nice cafe to come to. I think that the Brick Alley Cafe was formerly known as The Joy of Coffee and that is why the name on the outside differs to the one on the inside.

Blue Elephant Royal Thai – Fulham Broadway

An amazing Thai restaurant located just by Fulham Broadway tube. As we entered, we were welcomed by the friendly staff. They showed us to the really nice Blue Bar area where we could wait for the rest of our friends to arrive. What is striking straightaway is the oasis that surrounded us. A little river flowing through the restaurant, wooden bridges, lots of greenery, makes you forget that you are in a restaurant in London.

Tupelo Honey – Camden Town

Tupelo Honey looks ok when you enter but it did not take long to be disappointed with this place. All the food on the counter is open and looked stale. The main dishes in the counter fridge were already prepared and cooked, and would only be warmed up if ordered. Right next to the window…

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Fig & Olive – Angel

On entering Fig & Olive, there is the ornate seating on one side and the display of its cakes on the other. There was quite a large selection of cakes, fruit pies, cheesecakes and pastries. These were displayed behind a glass front but customers could still reach them. It would have been better for the cakes to be in a closed display fridge.

Frankie’s Bar and Grill – Dublin

Situated in the lively Temple Bar area is Frankie Dettori’s and Marco Pierre White’s restaurant. This Italian restaurant was a little dark when we entered but I think that we got accustomed to the lighting.