disappointingSeptember 10, 2007 5 out of 6 found this review helpful
I was disappointed by the light weight write-ups. Also, it looks to me like all the reader reviews on Amazon have been written by the publisher. Hmmmmm.
Best London Restaurant GuideAugust 3, 2004 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'm an ex-Zagat user. I found this guide's reviews more accurate, the rating system better, and I love the end of book map.
The best London restaurant guide i've foundDecember 15, 2003 7 out of 7 found this review helpful
By far the best and most accurate guide to London restaurants. A comprehensive guide very similar in format to Zagat guides with little comments in "" woven into the text, but where it far surpases Zagat is in the cost estimates. Zagat has no defined methodology for pricing - they just ask reviewers how much their meal cost - not taking into account whether the people had tap water only or 2 bottles of wine each. Harden's defines the cost estimates as 3 course dinner with 1/2 bottle house wine, coffee, cover, service, etc. Still only an indication, but in my experience much, much more accurate than Zagat (where I've had cost estimates of 45 come out at 75 per head for a basic meal with little alcohol - that's quite a difference).
I also appreciate the feature which places the restaurants on actual maps. I've used this a lot when people ask me "what's the name of that [italian/indian/french/chinese, etc.] restaurant on [XXX] street."
Great guide to London Restaruants. Recommend it highly.
Restaurant reviews were on the ballNovember 20, 2003 2 out of 5 found this review helpful
I read this book when i wanted to take my girlfriend somewhere special. After reading I took my girlfriend up the oxo tower, which she enjoyed more than any other place we have been too. I recommend this book to any romantic
Eat out in London? This guide is essentialOctober 7, 2001 7 out of 9 found this review helpful
The Harden brothers have been writing their guide for 10 years or so now, and get over 5000 responses every year to their survey of London restaurant goers. The restaurant ratings are based on this survey, and the write ups of each restaurant are a combination of Hardens' own views and quotes from the survey participants. Generally the rankings are pretty reliable, and the various look up tables (from best brunch in Central London to best (only!) Cuban restaurant) make this a must have guide for those times where you want to try somewhere new or just want some good suggestions. Also includes reviews of London's top ten favourites and maps so you can pinpoint your destination. Thoroughly recommended.
