City of London,Westminster
Porterford

Porterford

72 Watling St, EC4M 9BJ, City of London,Westminster, United Kingdom

Lunch • Brunch • British • Barbecue


"I had to go here several times before I decided to write a review, in case my first time was just a fluke and I was just lucky to have had a great baguette sandwich (chicken) and that I was hungry. I have now had several other sandwiches and I can say that all were delicious. The price: at £5 it is cheap for a City of London sandwich and they don't scrimp on the filling (each sandwich is so full of meat). Most of the time I struggle to finish my sandwich because it is so full of meant but I think the serving is just enough for the average person. The taste: yummy. The service: I have read reviews complaining about the service but I must say that all the servers were very nice, and they work very quickly. Their sandwiches are made to order: you choose which filling you want from the glass display counter (or the list on the board), whether you want it in a baguette (I always do) and what sauce you want (mayo, etc). I was overwhelmed the first time I ordered a sandwich that I had to ask the service staff what they would recommend, and after I followed their suggestion, they said I should let them know how it was next time I'm back it was a really nice touch of customer service. If you want to have an idea of what they offer and their prices, check their website, which has a menu. I always wonder how they manage to keep their prices low but I guess they make up for the number of customers. They also sell raw meat, of course. One time I wanted pork back fat but unfortunately, after they searched downstairs, they had none. They asked me to come back another day; and when I did my pork fat was waiting for me. It was not cheap, but it's high quality meat. About the queue. It is not that long. The reason for the queue is that the sandwiches are done right in front of you. During the times I was there, my longest wait in the queue from the time I fell in line to the time I got my sandwich was less than 4 minutes. I guess the queue is longer at peak lunch hours (I usually go after 1pm). I have recommended this place to my colleagues and have told them that they will not regret it."

The Fitzrovia Kitchen

The Fitzrovia Kitchen

29 Hanson Street, London, W1W 6TS, City of London,Westminster, United Kingdom

Cafe • Fusion • Coffee • Dim Sum


"This past spring, my dad, brother, brother-in-law and I got away to London for a mancation to see some football games and take in the city. It was my brother's first time visiting London and the rest of us were ready to break him into the British pub scene. Our hotel was near Regent's Park and we discovered The Ship pretty much by fate, meaning it was the closest pub that was open at the time. The obvious nautical theme aside, The Ship is a very traditional pub with an old wood bar and shiny brass knobs everywhere. It appeared to be owned by an older couple and a young girl was also working at the bar, possibly the granddaughter? All were very nice and didn't mind that we were the token dumb Americans at the bar. I'll always remember The Ship because I'm pretty sure we single handedly introduced a drink that nobody in the ENTIRE bar had ever heard of: the Irish Car Bomb. This perplexed me to no end. Isn't Ireland, like, 10 minutes from there? The young bartender and I had a 10 minute exchange that went something like this: Me: OK, first you have to pour a shot with half Bailey's and half Jameson, then you pour... Barmaid: (interrupting Wait, what? In the same glass?? (attempts to pour two separate shots Me: No, pour those babies into the same crib. This is gonna be good, TRUST ME. Barmaid: Ummmm...(looking at granddad for approval ..OK...This looks disgusting. Me: Oh, and you're gonna do one with us, so make one more. Barmaid: Ewwww! No way. Me: Just do it, I swear you're gonna freak, it's so good. (The Guinness is poured. Much haggling, describing, hand gesturing ensues. Me: So?? Barmaid: OMG, that was actually delicious! Did you just make that up? Me: (say it, say it! ...Yes I did. I won't even describe how hard it was for them to figure out what to charge us. By that time I'm pretty sure they just wanted us to leave."

The Kings Arms

The Kings Arms

2, Shepherd Market, City of London,Westminster, United Kingdom

Fish • Beer • Steak • Chicken


"Over all the bar was very cute and the food was yummy classic English pub food. I have to mention my experience was a bit tainted, from the encounter with one of the staff members. My partner booked a table for 2 for lunch on a Friday. However my flight was delayed by 40 minutes so we missed the original booking time. He called a few times to change the booking but the line was not working/calling through. We arrived with a few friends (so bringing more customers to the venue to eat and drink). The staff member who greeted us was very hostile and aggressive when communicating that we were late for the original booking, the staff member wouldn’t let anyone talk to even explain about the calls not being answered/going through. I honestly understand the frustration and we were apologetic about the situation, but to be treated like that and not given an opportunity to even speak, especially when we were trying to calmly explain to the staff member what happened, was just a bit jarring. In the end we were able to seat down for lunch, there was plenty of free tables. The waitress we had who severed us was really lovely and helpful. So overall bittersweet. I really get impacted by little aggressive encounters like that. Hard to shake it off and feel relaxed. But the food was good and the other staff members were lovely. So hopefully others have a fantastic time."