Ume, Bank

Lunch options can be on the scarce side if you're working around the Bank area.

Besides the plethora of Pret and Eat chains, City Caphe provides a glimmer though it can hardly be the option to go to 5 days a week.

It was with excitement when I heard of another eatery that offers hot food. So with a lunch date set, I headed there with excitement and anticipation.

Ume offers a variety of dishes and I went with Char Kway Teow on this occasion.

It was a generous portion and tasty. I thought it could do with a bit more flavour but that might be due to the fact that I was sick. It isn't the benchmark but nevertheless a welcomed addition to the area.

Will I recommend: Yes

Will I come back: Yes

Have I had better: Yes

Ume, 1 Poultry, Bank, London, EC2R 8JR

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Tsuru Sushi & Sushi Hiroba (Part 5/5)

Tsuru Sushi

I first heard about Tsuru Sushi after reading about it from Catty and her infectious love for green tea mochi resonates with me as well. 

So it was only a matter of time before I made my way here. I have to say that trying to find their Bishopsgate branch is not very easy and there was some walking around in circles to look for it. 

Once found, I happily settled waiting for the orders to arrive. 

Sashimi moriawase £14.25

Sliced just right that the sashimi is silky and smooth, it was eaten with pleasure. 

Soft shell ‘spider’ crab tempura uramaki £8.45

The soft shell crab tempura was a little greasy which took away the nice crispy crunch associated with this. 

Edamame £2.6

The edamame is standard fare and does well as an appetiser or if you just can't get enough of them. 

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Goldfish City, Bank : Still a long way to go

Goldfish City is the second branch of its predecessor which is located in Hampstead. I first heard about it when the Michelin man named it in its Bib Gourmand list.

Browsing the menu, I came upon interesting dishes such as marmite prawns and mocha ribs. I absolutely love marmite chicken and you bet I was going to check it out when someone has marmite-something on their menu.

It did not take much convincing to gather a bunch of friends to head there for dinner. I noticed upon entering that they are part of the Taste Card scheme. So for you Taste Card members out there, a worthy note.

The place itself is rather small with barely ten tables available. Instead of a round table as is usually expected for a large group in a Chinese restaurant, they could only accommodate us with a group of 2-seater tables that were placed together to make a long rectangular version.

After some discussions, we placed our order and were ready for the feast to begin.

Appetisers

Crispy Marmite Prawns £11.50

Was disappointed with this, it did not taste like the marmite dishes that I've had before. Where is the slight sweet and salty and savouriness combined into a sticky sauce that clings to the meat? This was overly rich and sweet.

Golden Mushrooms £7.4

Deep-fry crispy mushroom with hot and light vinegar sauce

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Beas of Bloomsbury: Nothing like some alcoholic chocolate for the weekend

What do you do when you find yourself in the vicinity of Bank during the weekend and want to relax with a spot of tea? There aren't really that many choices as most shops here are catered for the office crowd and closed during the weekend.

Thankfully, Bea's opened their second branch in the no longer new shopping place known as One New Change. Definitely a welcome sight, the place here has more space to accommodate diners than the original.

It doesn't have the relaxed intimate atmosphere of its original but still emits a cool urban vibe.

We settled to relax and both ordered a cupcake and a drink. I could not help ordering the hot chocolate with a dash of alcohol and since it's the weekend, why not?

I've always enjoyed the sweet treats from Bea's and this was no exception. With alcohol and sugary delights in me, I left happily heading to meet up with some friends.

If you happen to be looking for a cafe when you're around the area, try popping in here. The price is hiked up slightly compared to the original but comes as no surprise considering the area it is in.

Bea's of Bloomsbury, St. Paul's One New Change, London, EC4M 9BX
http://beasofbloomsbury.com/ONC/

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Harry's Bar

Looking for a venue to catch up with some friends, we chanced upon this place from Toptable.

Upon entering the pub, we were greeted with a corridor with nooks and crannies where tables were set up lit with a nice warm glow. Perfect place for private catch ups while still soaking in the friendly atmosphere.

We were hungry and went straight to the mains.

Fillet of pork medallion with Marsala wine and apple sauce served with dauphinnoise potatoes

Braised venison with red wine and port, button mushrooms and onions, dauphinnoise potatoes

Spaghettini with lobster and white crab in a light bouillabaisse sauce

The mains were surprisingly better than expected and we were all tucking in and savouring the flavours. Both the meat dishes were tender and the flavours of the sauces complemented the meats. The lobster and white crab were not overpowered by the bouillabaisse sauce.


Moving on to desserts, we had the

Homemade apple tarte tartin with vanilla ice cream on the side

Chilled rice pudding topped with crushed pistachio nuts

Sticky toffee pudding with fresh custard on the side

Each was rich in flavour, very decadent (not to mention the calories!).
This is definitely one of the better places to be if you’re looking for British food.


Total Score ~ 17.6/25

[Taste - 7(10) , Presentation - 3.8 (5), Service - 3.8 (5), Value for Money - 3(5)]


Please click here for the locations.

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