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Ely Cathedral - simply stunning

A wedding of a close friend in the historic city of Ely (The Old Hall) not only provided me with some wonderful memories of a beautiful and special day, but it also offered me a chance to find out more about the historic cathedral city.

So I decided to drive up a day before the celebration, and spend an afternoon exploring the area settled in the fen countryside.

Ely was once an island surrounded by marshland that contained many eels. The sheer volume of the slippery creatures gave weight to the name the city is known by today.

The Eel Trail celebrates the city's past and present offering a fascinating blend of a rich heritage and architectures with contemporary artworks depicting Ely's association with the eel.

Eels were historically part of the local staple diet as well as a valuable source of income. Jellied eels were popular until recent times and clients would come from London such was the reputation of Ely's eels.

Eels are still caught in the Great River Ouse although only one commercial catcher remains. Smoked eels, now considered a delicacy, can be purchased on Ely's award winning Farmer's Market and dishes such as eel stew and eel pie can be found regularly on the restaurant menus in the areas.

So, to use the 'Eel Trail' for exploring the city full of charm and beauty is the perfect guide. Here, you can visit some of the unique and impressive structures of the city, as well as investigating the more modern developments.

I was lucky as the day brought intense sunshine, blue skies, and smiling faces all around the city. Here are some of the must-sees that can give you a real flavour of the Cambridgeshire city.

Oliver Cromwell's house offers an insight into the leader's life

Oliver Cromwell's House

Doubling up as Ely's Tourist Information Centre, the house itself pre-dates Cromwell by about four centuries as parts of it have 13th century origins. Its most famous resident was of course Cromwell, who inherited the house along with the title 'Farmer of the Tithes' which today would be termed as the local tax collector.

Oliver Cromwell reading something to his family...

Former Lord Protector of England Cromwell lived in Ely with his family for just over 10 years between 1636-1647. It is the only remaining residence , other than Hampton Court in London.

The house is full of history and atmosphere, and gives a real feeling as to the kind of man Cromwell was. Still to this day the man divides opinion – hero or villain? From being a strong military leader and protecting people from despot kingly rule, to overseeing terribly tyranny's in Ireland, that essay is for another blog!

The structure inside the cathedral is inspiring

The famous Octagon Tower looks even better in sunlight

Ely Cathedral

In my opinion, one of the most magnificent, striking and spectacular cathedrals in the land. With its unique Octagon Tower, the city has developed round the magnificent structure.

The Cathedral you can see today originates from the 11th century and is a place to enjoy at your own pace with the benefit of a guided tour.

Inside, you can read how a Saxon Princess, who ran away from her husband, became a Saint and founder of Ely. Reading how the cathedral, built on the Cambridgeshire Fens, came to be the only UK building recognised as one of the seven Medieval Wonders of the World gives you a real perspective of the marvel in front of your eyes.

The perfect place for a moment of reflection

The art is simply breathtaking in Ely Cathedral

The Octagon Tower is known as a wonder of medieval engineering, nothing short of a masterpiece. The guided tour will take you back to the time of King Edward III and inside his Master Carpenter's oak Lantern Tower.

The West Tower dominated the Fenland landscape and if time permits is well worth the walk up to see the spectacular view from the top.

The Stained Glass Windows in the cathedral

The Lady Chapel is an excellent place to feel refreshed and revitalised, radiating the sunlight through the many panes of glass. Completed in 1349, the Lady Chapel is the largest of its kind in the UK, and its architectural beauty is recognised all over the world.

For more information on the cathedral, including admission prices and opening times, click here.

Stained Glass Museum

The Stained Glass Museum is situated in the South Triforium of the cathedral, and houses a wonderful collection.
The experience is enhanced by a highly-acclaimed audio-guided tour which tells the history of the stained glass through the ages. The main gallery contains displayed of stained glass windows ranging over eight centuries in specially illuminated cases.

Ely Museum

Located in Ely's old gaol, this site provides the perfect opportunity to delve through the city's history with informative and colourful displays.

The museum tells how prisoners were dealt with in the 13th century

It has also been a tavern, a house and a registry office. Learning how criminals were dealt with back in the 13th century is especially interesting, plus you get to meet some of the characters face-front!

The Riverside Walk

You cannot fail to feel at peace when walking from the waterside, past the Babylon Gallery and onto the The Maltings. As well as moored barges there are numerous pubs and restaurants that can make you delighted to while away your evening on the riverfront.

The waterside area has become a haven for food lovers with a wide variety of venues including The Cutter Inn, and the award-winning Peacocks Tea Rooms and the newly-opened Grand Central American Grill.

A beautiful, scenic walk on the riverside

However, I would recommend a visit to 'ta bouche' – a funky cocktail bar and restaurant with an excellent outdoor seating area. The food and drink are reasonably priced, but a real bonus is the exceptional and attentive service from waiting staff, ensuring all you have to do is relax and enjoy the view.

If you want a charming city that is easily negotiable on foot, one that has it's own very unique history and superbly-maintained architecture, as well as a vibrant center, then Ely is well worth a visit. And make sure Oliver Cromwell's House is your first stop where you will be met with a smile, a map and some of the city's best kept secrets.

A well-deserved beer after a busy afternoon

Accommodation in Ely:

Poets House

The Nyton Guesthouse

The Riverside Inn

Peacocks B&B

Ely Travelodge

A selection of eateries:

The Grand Central

The Lamb

The Prince Albert

The Cutter Inn

Ta bouche

CORE blimey! London's hottest new venue has raised the bar

The calm before the storm - dancefloor beware!

To find a chic, relaxing, stylish joint in the throngs of the City scene in London, contrary to popular opinion, is not so easy.

Sure, there are numerous bars and pubs that profess to provide a funky, after-work vibe that can extend into the late evening, but how many can provide a relaxing and attentive feel while at the same time feeling like party central?.

Well, London's hottest new venue, Core (Aldermary House 10-15 Queen Street, City of London, EC4N 1TX) is the place to head to. Open Monday-Friday to the general public (Saturdays and Sundays can be hired out), Core offers an extensive drinks menu, as well as a cultured and classy lunch and evening dining menu.

The bar was formerly called Apt, but for past regulars, the new establishment will open your eyes to a more modern and relaxed way of socialising.

Our first impressions on approaching the venue was 'thank goodness the outside area had been maintained.' This can provide a perfect al fresco dining experience which is perfectly suited to the approaching summer.

A warm welcome will greet you at the entrance, provided you are dressed smart/casual and of the legal drinking age! The first level consists of bright, modern decor, an easily accessible bar and a buzz as much provided by the customers as those working too.

Downstairs is more geared towards mood lighting, and then the offshoot from the bar and dining area is where the party gets started in the evening with a dancefloor and bar.

We visited on an evening after being recommended the quality of the food on offer. And now we are in a position to recommend! My dining partner and I both opted for the aged rib-eye steak, that comes with fluffy seasoned chips and a side salad.

The bright atmosphere will be matched by your mood at Core

But there are always those places for a more intimate evening

If you are demanding to eat off the finest china and a big emphasis on presentation then you may be disappointed. If you are expecting to taste one of the juiciest, tenderest (is that even a word) practically rind-free cuts of prime steak, you are in the right place.

And surely that's what it should be about anyway, right?!

Coupled with a large class of crisp and refreshing Argentinean Malbec-Merlot Paso, it was the perfect start to the evening. However, as well as the delectable foods, the service and attentiveness of staff is somewhat surprising for the birth of a new venue. It's clear the training began a long time before the bar opened, which is pleasing for the customer.

The drinks menu is classy, yet concise

After a couple of glasses of Moet and a cheeky cocktail (there is an extensive range), we decided to join in and see how the night takes off. Core has already grasped how to provide a relaxed, easy-going party atmosphere. The staff are fully focused on not only providing speedy and efficient service, but also how to engage with their customer and not act as aloof as other venues perhaps do.

For the record, I recommend a Fizzazzle cocktail. Finlandia vodka, passion fruit puree, peach puree, mixed with champagne and topped with a peach slice will give you that extra buzz to take to the dancefloor!

It really does tick the boxes - whether you are wanting to wind down the hours after a long day at work, or whether your night has been planned for this trendy and lively nightspot. If you're looking for an amiable venue where the customer is the central focus, where the food menu is exciting yet concise, and where the drinks are varied and detailed, get yourself down to Core for a truly warm and memorable experience.

To view the Core food menu, click here

To view the Core drinks menu, click here

To make a booking at the venue, for dining or a party, click here

The outside area is perfect for the summer months

 

Sizzling delights at The Pavillion

With a rival player in town, I decided to see what The Pavillion Indian Restaurant in Welwyn Garden City (Herts) was doing to stay at the top of the tree.

A family-run company for 18 years now in the Hertfordshire town, The Pavillion is managed by Sam Ahmed, and what was evident from the outset is that this is a man who cares about his customers, his staff and his products.

Some poppadoms and dips to start us off

After a friendly,  get-to-know-you chat with the bubbly and likeable boss we began to peruse the menu after ordering a couple of Kingfisher beers.

We decided to munch on some poppadoms and the sauce selections while we decided on our starters. I chose the Chicken Chat to begin, always my favourite opener, with my partner opting for the Mixed Starter.

The Mixed Starter

The Chicken Chat starter

Now what I find quite disappointing is when an Indian thinks it reasonable (as it is after all just a 'starter') to deliver the Chat with 3/4 to 1/4 ration of Chat Masala sauce to chicken. This was not the case here. The amount of chicken, tender and steaming hot, was generous, and rather than overloaded with the sauce, it was accompanied by it.

The Mixed Starter was varied and evidently cooked straight from fresh and not 'warmed'. Bonus points here. The lamb and onion bhaji were tender, and not overdone, the bhajis particularly impressive with a crispy, fluffy design matching a powerful taste.

Chicken Salee - the daily special, served with pilau rice

The Chicken Tikka, served with sizzling onion

Next, for the main course I was guided by Mr Ahmed to go for the special of the day, which was Chicken Salee -  a dish flavoured with cream, ginger, spring onion, cinnamon, bay leaf and pepper.

For the first time in my life, my main course Indian selection was guided by 'flavour' with the 'spice' level a secondary.

It was perhaps a bit TOO creamy for me, but each flavour was evident, and the chicken was cooked to perfection, sweet and succulent. There were no complaints on the pilau rice, which was sizeable in portion, or the side of bhajis I ordered after stealing some of my partner's from her starter!

A proud Mr Ahmed showed off his award

My guest chose the Chicken Tikka served with salad and a garlic and chilli naan. There were no complaints with this; the chicken was perfectly seasoned and steaming hot when it was served. If there's one thing we don't like it is lukewarm food, so it was good to see the dish had been devoted the relevant time.

Sadly, we were fully complemented to squeeze in a dessert, not even a coffee! For the prices of food on the menu, it is an incredibly reasonable place to dine. The staff are attentive, fully aware that their priority is ensuring the diners are suitably topped up with drinks, while at the same time ensuring food is brought out in good time.

We were then handed pieces of paper by Mr Ahmed, unsure what this was going to be. To our pleasant surprise, and with a beaming smile on his face, he told us that his four-star rated restaurant had been awarded a certificate of excellence from the trusted review site TripAdvisor.

It is always good to champion a family business, so this is what I shall do! And with talk of a new, innovative menu being drafted, and a willingness to develop itself more using social networking and customer reaction, The Pavillion is well on its way to ensuring it will be around for another 18 years, at least.

Scores on the doors (out of 10)

Setting -8
Service -9
Quality of food -8
Cleanliness and decor -8

Total score  - 33/40

To make a booking at The Pavillion, click here

Scrumptious food - Made in Mayfair

Mayfair.  Now, I can hardly claim to frequent the area.  It is by no means my stomping ground, and I can't pretend that I would ever be at home in The Ritz.  In fact, if I'm honest, I don't think they'd let me in.  But if you feel the same about this rather upmarket area of our dear capital city, but find yourself lost and in need of a beer and some bloody good pub grub, then fear not!  Take a left down Dover Street and step inside The Clarence.

The Clarence, Dover Street, London

On entering the pub, I was instantly hit by the warm atmosphere, the aroma of mulled wine in the air, and the bustle of people enjoying a few post-work beverages in the run-up to the festive season.  It seemed to be the perfect place for a cosy winter drink, and while you can dine in the bar area, I highly recommend taking the steps upstairs to the restaurant where you can choose from the same menu, but enjoy the benefits and comfort of quieter surroundings alongside impeccable table service.

After catching the sweet and spicy fragrance of the mulled wine in the bar area I'd already decided what my drink for the evening would be; sweetly flavoured and perfectly warm it was a fantastic start to the evening.  My partner took the excellent advice of our server for the evening, Anna, and tried a couple of ales throughout the meal, and all were thoroughly enjoyed.  There is a great selection and, if you are an ale drinker, you should definitely take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of the staff as they will be more than happy to find the right one for you.

We chose a pint of the Nicholson's home ale, and a festive mulled wine

For my starter I went for the smoked Scottish salmon, and what an absolutely great start to the meal.  The salmon was delicately flavoured, and was complemented perfectly by the yummy, salty cornichons (which might not be your bag but have a go, don't be pathetic).  I didn't finish all of the soda bread this was served with this as I found it a little heavy for a starter, but if you have a bigger appetite than me, get stuck in.  My partner went for the crispy squid with garlic mayonnaise; a generous portion and steaming hot with perfectly crispy batter.

The Scottish smoked salmon starter

Crispy squid starter

 My partner didn't hold back on the main and went for the ribeye steak, served with chips and a peppercorn sauce, plus two enormous king prawns to 'surf' it.  This was a proper man-feast and was beautifully cooked, and definitely enjoyed, but it's not a particularly cheap choice, and there are plenty of other delicious options on the menu if you find this one a little pricey. 

The fish basket main course was positively loaded!

I went for the basket of fish, which included cod goujons, scampi, king prawns and calamari, served with chips and tartare sauce.  The fish was really delicious, and beautifully presented in a basket with a stack of crispy chips on the side.  The portion was very generous, but I personally would have preferred a smaller amount, but served with some salad on the side - this came with no garnish at all which, for me, was the only thing I missed.  There is, however, a good selection of sides on the menu, including the house salad or vegetables, but whether you add these in or not, you won't be going hungry!

Dessert was out of the question, much as it pains me to say it, as we were way too full, so I chose to have a pot of tea whilst my partner went for an Amaretto latte (I nicked a bit when he was looking the other way and it was delicious, take it from me). 

Anna gave fantastic service, and was extremely attentive and helpful, and very keen to give assistance and advice.  She is a real credit to the company.

If you are ever in the area I thoroughly recommend a trip to The Clarence.  You will receive a warm welcome and friendly service, as well as some really good quality British pub food.  Then you can round off your evening with a stroll to see the Christmas lights, or perhaps down to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.  Or you can pop next door to Mahiki and pull a celebrity.

This wasn't your usual surf 'n' turf as you can see!

Guest blogger - AB

Click here to make a booking or for more information on The Clarence, Mayfair.

Chiquito - Mexican or Mexi-can't?

My latest restaurant review took myself and dining partner to Chiquito  - a restaurant that I have always had a fondness for following fine food and outstanding customer service on previous visits.

However, as every review is based on the merits of there and then, no bias was taken into this, and as we entered, on a Wednesday, the first thing that struck us was how quiet the restaurant was.

Chiquito have a superb two courses for £9.99 midweek menu, Mon-Thurs, from 5pm, and my previous visits have always been to take advantage of this!

A Wednesday night was a good choice - quiet meant our service was prompt

This time was different and we decided to take on the new 'Sizzling menu'.

We had the option of where we wanted to sit, and on entering the establishment, the most appealing are the booth seats - relaxing high-backed seats nicely cushioned.

The first thing to note here, is that if you are eating at the Hatfield restaurant, the chances are at least one of the doors will be permanently open. Now while we could see the point of having an entrance door open to show the restaurant is open, it doesn't make the winter chill any easier to deal with. It is unsure whether this is replicated throughout the chain, so worth checking when booking or sitting!

The meatballs were simple in design, yet scrumptious on the palate

We decided rather than a criticism, this was a point to remember for next time, as we did choose where we wanted to sit.

For starter I ordered the South Western Meatballs and my partner ordered the Prawn Skewer. This was after a chat with our server, who we believe (from the bill at the end) to be called EITHER Honey or Amanda. Whoever you are well done as your enthusiasm for advising us of your recommendations, as well as attentive nature throughout, was a credit to your restaurant.

The meatballs arrived looking fairly minimal for the appetite I had worked up through the day. However the heavy cheese, with the 'signature tomato sauce' and tortilla chips made it an appropriate first course. As with any starter, you don't want the sauce or accompaniments to out-flavour the actual central food. Safe to say on this occasion this wasn't the case as the beef and pork was juicy and steaming hot, just how I like it.

My partner's Prawn Skewer was in her words, 'enough for a starter'. Whether this meant she knew it would be a lighter choice, or that she was mindful of the 12 burgers she had ordered for her main is beside the point. The skewer was served with a tangy and moist salad - which perfectly complemented the juicy and wholesome prawns that were subtly flavoured.

The prawn skewer was a juicy choice for the starter

We were on to our mains, in good time about 10 minutes after our starters, after some nice (pint of) San Miguel refreshment. I had gone for Chicken & Chorizo Skewer, one of the 'Sizzling Specials', while my partner didn't in fact plump for 12 burgers, but in fact the BBQ Pulled Pork 'Hot Baked Wrap'.

I love chorizo. So despite the fact that it came with chicken, of which I find too 'standard' to choose as a meat dish in a restaurant, I was prepared to be proved wrong. Unfortunately, while the chicken was succulent and there was plenty of it, the flavour on the outside was not replicated throughout the meat. I could only presume from this, that the chicken had been cooked separate from the chorizo, as this had a strong, powerful taste. The meat, mixed with peppers on a skewer, was laid on a bed of cooked onion, and served with chips. I also love onion, and chips. So this was pleasing.

The Chicken & Chorizo Skewer - looks good, but did the taste match up?

The BBQ Pulled Pork Wrap was most definitely wholesome

My partner, on deciding on the wrap, was met with derision by me. She had changed her mind from having a Pulled Pork Fajita, to a Pulled Pork wrap. What the difference is I'm not sure (probably just a swap of guacamole and salsa for salad), but I presumed as the wrap was some £4 cheaper, it wouldn't be as good. Whether I am correct or incorrect on that is up for discussion, but after a couple of bites of the 'wrap' I can say it was money well spent. And the size of the dish was impressive. The pork was beautifully tender, and although there was not masses of meat in the split wrap, the richness of it was just right. This was served by a generous portion of mixed salad with dressing and interestingly-coloured onion, coleslaw and skin-on fries.

Following an intense discussion of our rapidly-expanding waistlines, we decided that dessert, although sounding fantastic from the menu, would be ignored this time. We asked for the bill and were soon on our way from what I would say is my 'favourite chain restaurant'. I can imagine the service might be slower on a Friday night or Saturday, but as long as the food is piping hot, generous in portion, and varied in choice, I am of the opinion others might agree with me on that one. However, the £9.99 menu apart, the main menu might not be as cheap as other chain restaurants, but for amount of food you get, this can easily be forgotten. All in all good work Chiquito, and well done on looking after your customers!

Scores on the doors (out of 10)

Setting - 7
Service -9
Quality of food - 8
Cleanliness and decor -9

Total score  - 33/40

To make a booking for a Chiquito restaurant near you, click here

Could you conquer The Monster?

TGI Friday's, Covent Garden, soon filled up

Covent Garden, London is probably one of the busiest places to be in Autumn/Winter as the area gets ready to celebrate the festive season in its own, flamboyant style.

So a trip to review TGI Friday's left me feeling apprehensive, and the battle-plan was drawn on how to navigate through the tourist-majority crowds and then on how best to attract attention in what would blatantly be a full restaurant.

I was wrong on one count.

Yes, there were plenty of people milling about, making their way to see the Christmas carols being belted out by the market entrance, but once inside the American-themed eatery, there was the pleasant realisation that service should be decent judging by a fair amount of empty seats.

We had booked our table for 7pm on a Wednesday night, and after introducing ourselves to the front desk, we were shown to our seats, given a drinks and food menu with a cheerful smile.

One negative, which was fairly evident, was the size of the table and the close proximity not only to other diners, but also that it was right on the walkway. Also, there were a couple of sticky patches on the table, and a prawn on the floor underneath the table opposite caught my eye. But with the nature of the trade of TGI's it is near-impossible to keep on top of everything all the time, so an issue wasn't made of this.

Obviously the idea of the business is to get as many people in as possible, keeping the service prompt so as to keep a revolving door of custom. But this led to there already appearing to be an atmosphere of rush and bustle - waiters and waitresses were near-jogging around. But we will call this the American-themed enthusiastic atmosphere!


Paradise Punch

Strawberry Surprise

We ordered a cocktail each after being introduced to our friendly waitress for the evening, Bella. I plumped for the Paradise Punch, which was Southern Comfort, Luxardo Amaretto, BOLS Grenadine and SKYY vodka with pineapple, orange and lime juices. My partner was on the non-alcoholic cocktails for the evening, and went for the Strawberry Surprise, which was frozen strawberry, apple and pineapple juices topped with soda. (For cocktail menu, click here).

The only complaint I would say is that, the fruit juices perhaps overshadow some of the alcohol tones, but as some have told me recently, that's the trick of cocktails that keeps you ordering more. The Strawberry Surprise wasn't so much of a surprise as it went down well, although the strawberry flavour was a little too weak, which when the ice melts, tends to get lost completely.

All the while, the place was filling up, the noise-levels were rising, and the walkway next to our table was becoming more trafficy.

The Monster Burger - prior to being attacked

Finished - like a boss

We decided on mains only, and I knew even before getting there, what I was going to choose.

The Monster burger. A 12oz burger heaped with crispy bacon, sliced Colby cheese, Cajun-battered onion rings, and Friday's mayo on a toasted seeded bun with fresh cos lettuce, red onion and beef tomato. All served with crispy fries. (Click food menu, click here).

The menu asked the question 'can you handle it?' and the answer, proved by me, was yes (although it was a struggle)!

I felt like Adam Richman from the hit American TV programme Man v Food. I began to plan how to tackle the mound on my plate. The best idea would be to tackle the burger as priority, eating the chips sparingly even if it meant there would be quite a few left at the end. One plan went out the window immediately - there was no time for messing around with a knife and fork, this had to be done in real cave-man style.

The French Canadian Twisted Burger

So, despite not being able to get my mouth around the full height of the burger, I battled through, enjoying every minute of the succulent and gristle-free meat, perfectly complemented by a cool and refreshing sauce.

And in about 20 minutes, I had completed my task. Albeit some time after my partner, who went for the lighter French Canadian 'twisted burger'.

This was a grilled chicken breast basted with sweet Canadian maple syrup and topped with crispy bacon and creamy melted French brie, on a classic toasted bun with cos lettuce, beef tomato and red onion, served with a creamy garlic mayo.

Purple Rain, back, and Hawaiian Island
Surfer, front

The maple syrup was succinct and just-about sweet, however it was noted that the bun being sweet too, perhaps overloaded that particular taste. The chicken was well cooked and flavoursome on its own, without being overpowering.

During my intense war with The Monster, I ordered in another cocktail, Purple Rain.

This is Bacardi Superior rum, BOLS Blue Curacao, SKYY vodka and Chambord with a drizzle of BOLS Grenadine, it looked good, and tasted amazing - my same criticism that it was hard to distinguish the individual alcohols. However, the mix was refreshing and wickedly-coloured.

My partner went for the Hawaiian Island surfer, Peaches, pina colada, pineapple juice and orange sherbet, with vanilla flavor ice cream. This was a really flavoursome concoction, which maintained it's taste till the very end.

It was decided, after sweating my way through my mound of meat, that we would have hot drinks as our 'dessert,' I want for a cappuccino and my partner, as traditional as she is, went for a tea. They arrived well presented with enough sugar and milk.

The service throughout from Bella was excellent, she was always prepared to come over when I caught her eye, she also, and I think this is vital in the restaurant industry, gave her opinions and recommendations on the food and cocktail menu.

On summing up this restaurant, I would say it is somewhere you should go if you are really hungry. Although I can't make judgement on the salad and lighter options, it is a very main-meat orientated venue, and without trying a sizeable burger, steak or fajita you really would be missing out.

But don't rule out popping in for a cocktail - the variety is excellent, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. And perhaps during the week might be a good idea to beat the queues!

Scores on the doors (out of 10)

Setting - 7
Service - 8
Quality of food - 8
Cleanliness - 7

Total score  - 30/40

To make a booking for TGI Friday's, Covent Garden, click here

Enjoy some top-quality meat at TGI Friday's

 

Yes, I ate the cute bunny rabbit!

It's fair to say, if you're taking a trip to Shoreditch, London, to seek a nice meal out, you're spoilt for choice.

So in that respect, my review of Lena Restaurant at 66 Great Eastern Street, left me wondering what this establishment could offer me ahead of other, rival restaurants.

In short, outstanding service, a warm and cosy feel, and delicious and varied food made my journey to the classy Italian eatery a worthwhile experience.

Unfortunately the weather didn't help with the scene shot

My visit saw me Tweeting a live restaurant review for the first time; I plan to use this means of social networking for future reviews and have received very positive feeback from it so far (follow me on reviews_live).

Head Chef, Pierre Caruana, 'will be making some exciting changes in the kitchen' we are told, so in my mind at least, the pressure was there!

First impressions of a fairly plain and demure outside are forgotten immediately on entering the porch area to be greeted by a friendly smile, and a sneak peek at an upmarket interior, with excellent lighting and a spacious dining area.

The salmon starter

On being escorted to our table, we were asked whether we wanted to hand our coats to the cloakroom - quite a rare occurence these days in central London unless you raise the topic yourself!

I decided on an antipasti to whet the appetite, the parma ham (cured for 24 months) seemed like an excellent choice - and it didn't disappoint.

Meaty parcels of one of Italy's popular imports set us perfectly for the starter.



I chose the home-cured Scottish salmon - watercress, sunblushed tomato & quail egg salad, ink mustard dressing, my partner opted for the sliced Parma ham - fresh fig, melon & passionfruit essence (obviously the antipasti went down a treat)!

I believe a food review should be critical where necessary, honest in substance, and genuine. Sadly to disappoint you from this point - there are very few negatives to come.

The salmon was fresh and lively, perfectly complemented by a juicy and appropiately crunchy salad. The quail's eggs were a nice touch, with your usual hen's eggs perhaps deemed too dominating for the size of the starter.

The Parma ham starter

The Parma ham, I was told, was very much the same as the antipasti, but more of it. A fair reflection!

For the main, I decided to be, what I thought, was brave, and I plumped for the braised Tuscan rabbit served with chargrilled baby vegetables, alongside a portion of roasted new potatoes, rosemary and garlic.

I had no preconceptions of rabbit, as it was the first time I had tried it - and this was perhaps for the best. Simply I can describe it as similar to chicken, yet much juicier and much tastier. Being more descriptive, the meat slid off the bone without falling apart on the fork and on the palate there was a desire to add to this taste sensation. The vegetables were cooked to perfection, crunchy with all the natural flavours intact and the potatoes were nicely seasoned without taking away from the earthy texture.

My partner went for the speck & pecorino wrapped chicken breast with zucchini, lemon-cream and jus. As I reached in with my fork for a 'test' I was told that I would enjoy it. And I did. Although it must be said, wherever I see chicken on a menu, I tend to swerve it and be more adventurous. However, certainly no complaints here; the chicken was thick and perfectly cooked.

The rabbit main course

The chicken main course

The only semi-criticism I might have on the mains, is that perhaps the rabbit was covered with a bit too much sauce (make your own mind up from the pictures). However, if like me you see extra sauce as advantageous for dipping the sides in, then reject this immediately!

Suitably mixed with a bottle of NV Borgo Sanleo Bianco, a fruity but dry white wine, the decision to take on a dessert was a tough one.

But we did - and decided to share a Torta Caprese - rich chocolate & almond torte, Amareto ice-cream.

The chocolate torte dessert

Now I'll be honest - of the various courses of a meal, dessert is my least favourite, however eating this Lena classic may lead me to re-evaluate that.

A large slice of 'torte' with a still-solid portion of natural ice cream rounded off the meal perfectly.

I would like to point out the superb service given to us by Gabriel - he was always on the lookout should we have any questions or requests, without being too over the top. Service with a smile, and a genuine care for his customers made our seating relaxing and pleasant

Lena Shoreditch has certainly made a superb appointment in new head chef Pierre Caruana - his experience having worked in The Eight Club in the City of London, as well as time spent in kitchens in Southern Italy give Lena a real authentic feel, with no corners cut on quality or presentation. Complimenti!!

I would very much recommend a trip to Lena Restaurant; competitive pricing, first class service and a varied and extensive menu make a visit there a must.

Scores on the doors

Setting - 8
Service - 10
Quality of food - 9
Cleanliness - 10

Total - 37/40

Click here for more information on Lena Restaurant and to book your meal there