The Crackberry Times » bayswater

Ukai

crackberry — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:29:03 +0000

Ukai is about to do for Japanese food what Carluccios has done for Italian food, making tasty, authentic dishes both affordable and accessible. The place comes across as both refined and yet relaxed, an edible tai chi. The food covers the typical range of bento boxes with funky pickles, flowery teas and of course plenty of raw fish. The menu is broad enough to titillate adventurous types whilst still providing more timid foodies with a safety net of recognisable favourites. The interior is no nonsense dark wood and oriental prints, as might be expected, accompanied by wonderfully deferential service. Suitable for both mates and dates.

223 Portobello Road, W11 1LU. Tel: 020 7243 3222 and 2 Westborne Grove, W2 5RA. Tel 020 7727 8222. Web:www.ukai.co.uk

Porchester Spa

crackberry — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:16:24 +0000

Porchester Spa is a rare vision of public services as intended. Following a major refurb a year ago the place has a wide variety of facilities spread throughout its art deco innards. Step foot into the echoing atrium and you’ll immediately know everything is going to be just fine. Russian steam rooms, Turkish hot rooms, a Finnish log sauna and a plunge pool constitute the cornucopia of pampering that awaits. Generally men and women go on separate days, but there are occasional times for couples.

Times: 10am-10pm; Men: Mon/Wed/Sat; Women: Tue/Thu/Fri. Price: £20. The Porchester Centre, Queensway, W2 5HS. Tel: 020 7792 2919. Web: http://www.westminster.gov.uk/leisureandculture/sports/porchester.cfm

Tiroler Hut

crackberry — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:12:44 +0000

An Austrian themed restaurant? Oh yes, in all its lederhosen slapping goodness, the Tiroler Hut is what the Sound of Music would look like if it was transmogrified into a restaurant. You want entertainment? They have cow bells and a variety of sing along classics… Unsurprisingly the menu heavily features schnitzel and sauerkraut, whilst somehow the basement location has been transformed into an absurdly kitsch alpine ski lodge. Given its raucous nature this is perhaps one for the more extroverted amongst us.

Price: £30-40pp. 27 Westbourne Grove, Bayswater, W2 4UA. Tel: 020 7727 3981. Web: www.tirolerhut.co.uk