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Rules - NEW REVIEW!
35 Maiden Lane
London

WC2E 7LB
t: 020 7836 5314
http://www.rules.co.uk/

See Will n Mike London trip page for the review

The Wolseley - NEW REVIEW!
160 Piccadilly
London

W1J 9EB

t: 020 7499 6996

http://www.thewolseley.com/

See Will n Mike London trip page for the review

Vapiano - NEW REVIEW!
19-21 Great Portland Street
London

W1W 8QB
t: 020 7268 0080

http://www.vapiano.de/frame.php?section=locations&lang=uk&sub=uklo1

See Will n Mike London trip page for the review

Michaelhouse Cafe

The Michaelhouse Centre
St Michael's Church
Trinity Street
Cambridge
CB2 1SU
t: 01223 309147
http://www.michaelhousecafe.co.uk/index.htm

It’s a pity it’s not called Willnmikehouse. In fact, it’s just called Michaelhouse, so Mike went in first (and he paid…!). Michaelhouse is a semi-converted church (the chancel has been maintained for services and concerts). The result is a pleasant, kind-of-trendy eating joint. We’re sure Crick and Watson would have come here for a slice of wholemeal quiche after proposing the double helix structure of DNA instead of going to The Eagle for a pint. (Well, maybe we’re not sure but it’s an amusing possibility.) We didn’t quite discover the secret of life but we had a very nice slice of carrot cake and a lemon almond tart for pudding, rounding off what was a most agreeable luncheon – surrounded by a nice Cambridge sprinkling of tourists, students and Philip Larkin lookalikes (for which read academics). Everything is fresh, wholesome, and tasty. It looks as if the menu changes frequently. It’s not too expensive. Probably a nice venue for a mid-morning coffee or afternoon tea too. And… no canned hymn singing in the background! 

Menu range	****
Atmosphere	***
Surroundings	***
Facilities	***
Service	***
Quality	***
Worth it?	***
Return?	***
Overall	25/40

Pea Porridge

28-29 Cannon Street
Bury St Edmunds
IP33 1JR
t: 01284 700200

When we arrived at Pea Porridge, we apologised and walked out again. It looked like someone's front room with the neighbours round for supper. We went next door, only to discover that this was someone's front room... Oh dear. Anyway, eventually, we found our way back to Pea Porridge which is truly delightful. Our little table by a window was private while still sitting within the general ambience. Waiters were bright and cheery and the maitre d' said she remembered Mike from his last visit. Mmm - but nice bit of patois! Things took a while to arrive at the table but, when they did, it was very good stuff - including a complimentary mouth-sized bite of - yes - pea porridge. This is intimate private dining rather than large group stuff - although the room at the back is probably up for grabs for parties if you ask nicely. Not too pricey but it's worth paying a little more for a genuine privately-run business were the owners are glad to see you and want you back. Check it out. Over the road is the Old Cannon Street Brewery... Next time, may be?

Menu range	****
Atmosphere	****
Surroundings	***
Facilities	***
Service	****
Quality	****
Worth it?	****
Return?	****
Overall	30/40

The Dog and Duck

58 Lower Street
Stansted

CM24 8LR
t. 01279 812 047

Unfortunately, Lord Braybrooke was not serving lunch at Audley End House so we went for next best at The Dog and Duck in Stansted Mountfitchet. We were’nt even taking a flight later that day. It wasn’t clear whether the multifarious lamp shades were an artistic concept or the leftovers from the local church sale. Because the manager and his staff were such nice guys, we plumped for the former interpretation. Gordon Ramsey won’t be fearing for his job but at least the food was good ‘pub grub’. Yes, you’ve guessed it – scampi and chips. Oh, and we nearly forgot – peas. So, thanks to The Dog and Duck, we were all set for our visit to one of the region’s great stately homes…

Arlingtons

13 Museum Street

Ipswich

Suffolk

IP1 1HE

t. 01473 230293

e. enquiries@arlingtonsbrasserie.co.uk

w. http://www.arlingtonsbrasserie.com/

We felt like Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly arriving at the Radio City Music Hall in the dancing years of the early twentieth century. But, once we’d remembered we were in Ipswich on a Tuesday lunchtime, we focused a bit better and found ourselves in Arlinghtons. Yes, OK, a long run in but a nifty way of setting the scene for a restaurant in a converted ballroom. It’s really lovely and it looks as if an evening visit here would pay dividends – especially if Bobby Crush or, even better, Liberace were playing the piano (situated, rather precariously on the little mezzanine). Excellent menu. The waiters seemed terribly anxious that we chose quickly and we’re thinking of recording the phrase “just a few more minutes please” on a tape... This was great fun and, anyone who likes to cater for a touch of nostalgia, should go to Arlingtons - as soon as possible.

Menu range	****
Atmosphere	****
Surroundings	***
Facilities	***
Service	***
Quality	****
Worth it?	****
Return?	****
Overall	29/40

Clarice House Hotel
Horringer Road
Bury St. Edmunds

Suffolk
IP29 5PH
t. 01284 705550

w. http://www.claricehouse.co.uk/index.php?_a=viewDoc&docId=11

The car swept into the drive of this handsome, ever so slightly gothic, mansion, which is know the Clarice House Hotel. Fortunately, we don’t know how, the car didn’t quite make it further along the drive to the health spa. Whew! Inside this charming building, the interior design instinct in us started mentally rearranging the furniture and doing something about the pretty unimpressive lighting. Lamps? We deliberately choose very unhealthy food just to make the point (remember the health spa?). The staff were friendly and fun but we hope they remembered to do some A Level revision when they got home. If you end up eating in the bar, why not take your desert in the lounge? Beautiful fire place, superb sofas, and a stunning mullioned window compensate for the garish lighting and did we mention it before?, the lack of subtle lamps.

The Bildeston Crown
104 High Street
Bildeston
Suffolk
IP7 7EB
t. 01449 740 510
w. www.thebildestoncrown.com

A beautiful drive though the Suffolk countryside to Bildeston and James Buckle’s splendid hotel, The Crown. Class drips off the walls like water off a duck’s back - yes, and there’s duck on the menu! A splendidly spacious layout in the restaurant ensures a nice balance between privacy and conviviality. Looking at the menu, one pictures Mr Buckle on his way back from a shoot. This really is local sourced produce at its best. The staff know what they’re about. Take a drink in the bar while selecting from the menu and then move through to the restaurant. It’s posher that way. The quality of the food is outstanding. Make sure that you’re hungry enough for at least three courses. Go anytime of the year but make sure that one of your visits at least is at the winter so that you can take that post-prandial brandy by the fire.