500 Degrees in Crystal Palace

We had dinner in 500 Degrees in Crystal Palace yesterday. The large and warming wood-fired pizza oven helped to attract us in. Good service and for pizzas, they were competitively priced. Worth a visit.

Burning my mouth at the Pack Horse

We had to be in Burnopfield in Co Durham on Wednesday so we called into the Pack Horse for lunch. We've eaten there a handful of times previously. Service is good and prices are competitive. Sadly my choice of lunch was disappointing. The nachos were far too salty and the flavouring was overpowering. The scampi that was ordered as well on the other hand was good.

The pub itself was busy and was clearly popular with families, though it was half term.

Cafe St Germain in Crystal Palace

I am back in London for a few days sorting out my flat. So I'm back on familiar territory. Lunch today was at the Cafe St Germain on Crystal Palace Parade. It was a good job we were not in a hurry. We had to wait 25 minutes after our teas arrived before our lunch was brought to our table. In the cafe's defense, they were very busy. It's clearly a popular establishment. Food reasonable, prices competitive.

Miller and Carter Steakhouse in Newcastle

I visited Miller and Carter Steakhouse in Newcastle last week with a group of friends. Good service and a first class meal, though not cheap. Despite being a a steakhouse, it also caters for vegetarians. Well worth a visit.

Harry Clasper in Whickham

The Harry Clasper is Wetherspoon's relatively recent addition to the crop of pubs in Whickham. I called there last Friday for a cheap lunch. Prices here are very competitive and I made the mistake of thinking the portions would be small. They weren't! I ordered a "small" plate of tortilla chips and to make up for the fact it was "small", I ordered a plate of potato chips. The small plate would have been sufficient.

Yak and Yeti in Crystal Palace

Back in London in September and I needed an evening meal. The Yak and Yeti in Crystal Palace is usually quiet so getting a table was not a problem. The food is always good and competitively priced.

Valentino Italian Restaurant, Bournemouth

I was part of a group of 30 people when I visited this restaurant on Exeter Road when I was in Bournemouth last month. The restaurant had no problem catering for us, despite the rest of it being packed. Good food and reasonably priced with friendly and amusing staff.

Cumberland Hotel, Bournemouth

I spent 3 days in Bournemouth last month and booked myself into the Cumberland Hotel for 2 nights. I had a single room, comfortable enough but I found nothing especially interesting or outstanding in the hotel. It was an okay stay. The only grumble I had was that when I returned to the hotel on my first evening, I needed a meal, but I found room services to be very unhelpful when I phoned them. My second call was a bit more successful. I got a sandwich and bag of crisps for a mere £13. I should have gone out to a chippie instead but there was nothing around.

Burger at the Marquis of Granby

The Marquis of Granby near Streetgate is less than 2km from where I live. I've had lunch there abut 3 or 4 times this year. The most recent was last Saturday when I attended a Sunniside History Society event at the pub to launch a local history DVD.

I had a burger for lunch. Competitively priced and good quality food. Helpful staff as well.