My first experience comes from a wonderful experience that I had recently thanks to a new channel 4 show to be aired May 2013.
The premiss was to see if it's at all possible to get things for free in the local area. Luckily for me i live in a very affluent and popular area in Woodford and there are a number of restaurants and coffee shops.
My challenge was to approach the manager of different restaurants and coffee shops and ask for a free lunch, to my surprise, all the places i entered were so accommodating and helpful and i ended the day with not one but 4 free lunches.
The first place up was the local chippy...shock horror you may be thinking but actually it's the most perfect chip shop in the world.
So let me lovingly introduce you all to....
George's Souvlaki Bar
164 George Lane, South Woodford, London E18 1AY Tel: 020 8989 3970 |
First you are met by the Empressively handsome manager George and his great staff.
George immediately makes you feel at home and welcome, and as you make your order he cracks jokes and makes it all the more pleasurable...great customer service is hard to come by!
So George kindly listens as i ramble on about my quest in search of a free lunch, at first (maybe he felt sorry for me) offering me only a free bag of chips! All the while im buzzing because regardless I've completed the challenge, in my eyes a bag of chips is still a free lunch. However George being the gentleman that he is, offers me some grilled chicken and asked what drink i would like;with me being cheeky & trying to make this worth my while i order my fave..a glass of Rose...RESULT! Now i have a full free lunch...what i wasn't expecting though was the gorgeousness of what i was about to receive.
I mean that in every sense of the word, this restaurant is NOT just a regular chippy but an exquisite dining spot with fabulously delicious food served and presented so elegantly, you pretty soon forget that out front you can get your Fish & Chips to takeaway wrapped in paper.
I was escorted to my seat by Kostas, a cute little Greek man with bundles of personality and pizazz, he was very courteous and brought me a Large glass of Rose after passing a cute little bar situated between the front shop & the restaurant in the back.The décor of this restaurant is breathtaking and I was so surprised to see how beautifully done up it was, gorgeous sparkly chandeliers that hang perfectly above as you dine, soft leather seating in a creamy white colour that complement the chandeliers. Dark floors, walls & furniture make it very rich and warm, accompanied by two great and grand mirrors, its such a romantic and intimate space. The feeling of luxury & opulence pours over you and i actually felt like I was under dressed in my sneakers and purple hair...LOL I think a sparkly gown would suffice to suit the décor.
Stunning Chandelier |
Luxury Interior |
Warm & inviting decor |
Now remember, I was only expecting some chips and a piece of grilled chicken but what appeared was this jaw dropping plate of green salad filled with so much flavour (I could've eaten that alone and still been happy), accompanied with the grilled chicken skewers, plate of fresh piping hot fat chips, and some pitta bread. I was so shocked at the presentation, taste & efficiency of the food that I am already planning my next visit. The kicker is...it was all free, & because George was so gracious and welcoming in assisting me with this challenge that I have agreed to make Georges Souvlaki Bar the first Restaurant review on Empressive Me, to be honest after tasting the food even if I HAD paid for it I would've still done this review as it's well deserved.
My gorgeous & delicious meal...it was soooo good! |
If you are looking for a unique and affordable night out or dining experience then please take a trip to lovely South Woodford and try out this great place. Its affordable and on a Tuesday evening its Buy one get one free, so its definitely worth having a pop in with a few friends, & its also very family friendly, the customer service alone is worth 5 stars. The décor and friendly staff makes it all the more special and I promise you will NOT be disappointed.
For more info, menu's & contact information please visit: http://www.georgesfishbar.co.uk/
George & Staff @ Georges Souvlaki Bar in South Woodford |
Middle: Jess -Counter Staff
Right: George - Owner
Lily's Indulgence...
Now this review is a continuation of the above & the challenge set by Channel 4 is still in effect but i came across the cutest little coffee shop further along the road called Lily's Indulgence.
Being a lover of cakes, biscuits and sweets this place is for anyone who has a sweet tooth.
Lily's Indulgence in South Woodford |
Bundles of choice & healthy options |
Sue, the lovely owner of the shop again agreed & offered me a free lunch, not a being one to turn it down i took her up on her offer & she promptly arranged for me to get a cheeky cup of Hot Chocolate & some cake. And now with the snow slowly starting to fall on this glorious day i was so pleased and happily welcomed the hot chocolate.
My warm & creamy hot cocoa and slice of cherry cake |
As most coffee shops offer a place of solace for some people to work and relax. Lily's is no different, its very tranquil and i saw a number of people situated all around, busy but not crowded at all. The large space allows for you sit and have your own little piece of Lily's without the worry of the hustle & bustle of the lunch time crowd or children.
Really lovely staff at Lily's Indulgence |
Some grown up cakes & pastry's...hmmm lots of cream! |
The menu appears to have a wide variety of choices and healthy options are available too, as i spied a lovely lady receiving her order of what looked like a cheese salad panini laid out to perfection, and it almost made me feel like ordering one myself.
Some gorgeous looking cupcakes |
So overall i would recommend this place to anyone looking for a place to fulfil all your sugar desires or just looking for a local spot to relax and read or study, as i mentioned before its a great place to take the kids and treat them as well as indulging yourself in something naughty!!!
107B George Lane, South Woodford, London E18 1AN
Excellent reviews x
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