Bus Stops, Loos and Overpasses

I have a bit of a history on Qype, for reviewing strange places. These include several loos, walls (OK, those usually have Banksy’s or other art on them), pavement furniture and an overpass. I’m rather glad when I find someone else at it. So thanks to Char-lotte who added her own review of Clissold Park Toilets to mine, and also did this rather fabulous review of a set of bus stops. Actually I know the one’s she means… I feel a review coming on…

Other reviews of note I’ve found with a quick browse: Mornington Cresent, and a cellar. I think I like the off-beat ones the best.

Qype: The Real Greek in London

London - Restaurants - International

I headed down here on Sunday, equipped with a 2 mezedes for 1 voucher. On a very glum afternoon it was empty. But then it is the edge of the city, so I guess it will probably be busier in the week. I didn’t fancy sitting in there on my own, so I went for a takeout and had a good look at the building while I was waiting. It seems to be some kind of old industrial or public building. Floors are a mix of wooden, woodblock and tile. Walls include wooden panels, glazed and painted brick. Colours soft browns, accented with lots of little lights everywhere. Very pleasant. Toilets would not have been out of place in an old school building, but OK.

I was promised my order in about 10-15 minutes, and that’s what it took. Staff were lovely and friendly (and seemed very glad to have a customer!). My dishes came in little plastic tubs and cardboard boxes, all in a rather smart paper bag. I ran home over a mile, but it was getting a little cool by the time I got there!

I can’t comment on how ‘authentic’ it all was. But generally it was tasty, and different to much of the food I usually eat. I had Dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with rice, nuts and sultanas): moist and full of flavour. Tiropitakia (feta and spinach parcels): I was doubtful about the inclusion of leek, and I did think the result was a little gloopy, but would be fine if you like leek. Kalamari (squid): only second time I’ve had it, and was much the better of the two, so I’m not sure if the weird texture is how it’s meant to be! The honey and paprika juices were good though. Loukaniko and Gigandes (giant beans and spicy sausage): wonderful. Real cold weather comfort food. On the whole I did find the food a bit rich and could have done with some plain potatoes, salad, fruit juice or maybe alcohol to cut it.

I was happy paying £9 for that with my voucher. Would I have paid twice as much? Hmmm, certainly not every day… I think I might be tempted back for the beans and sausage though.
Check out my review of The Real Greek - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Longdan Express in London

London

Vietnamese, Chinese and oriental supermarkets seem to be getting quite common these days. Generally they have a wonderful assortment of stuff, all crammed onto shelves that look like they came second hand from Woolworths after a refurbishment 20 years ago. Pretty they are not.

Longdon is different. It’s posh. All the shop fittings are new and ‘designed’. And at the same time the range seems to be even greater. They have freezers full of frozen fish and sea foods, dried stuff, sweet stuff, pot noodles with labels I can’t read, etc. They also have a very tempting array of hot stuff right by the checkout (I fell for a dumpling with a lotus seed filling: never had one hot before, but it was great). And they have food from other ethnic groups too. One lot I’m pretty sure was Polish. There’s even some English stuff. As I left I spotted some signs advertising ‘bubble’ drinks that looked intriguing. Have to try them next time…

I also sort of like the fact they’ve called this ‘Express’. Competing with Tesco perhaps?

Wonderful shop.
Check out my review of Longdan Express - I am moonrising - on Qype