Tipped

fanTAStic location for spill-over

October 18, 2008

I was very keen to try Anchor and Hope and arrived a few minutes too late to catch the first seating. As we had a gig to go to, it was a case of find the nearest next best eating option and Tas was it.

Upstairs was busy and bussling so we figured it had to be ok. We ended up being the first table sat downstairs which was a bit lonely but it soon started to fill up.

Food was standard med-fare. Koftas, cous cous, humus, pita bread. Portions weren't huge but it was relatively cheap so can't complain. Taste was ok - not the best med-middle eastern I've eaten but not bad either. Drinks were a bit off - the wine by the glass not great, and the draft beer did not meet the approval of the chaps.

But since we were in a rush, it met the requirements of getting a full stomach.

If you can't get in at Anchor&Hope

October 17, 2008

I have to say that PipisT got her review of Tas spot on. We were headed for the highly-tipped Anchor & Hope for a bite before heading to the O2. Friends J&B arrived at 6.30pm to reserve a table but by 7.30 it didn't look like we were going to get fed, so we raced across the road to Tas.

The upstairs room was packed and had a good busy, friendly vibe. We were ushered downstairs where we were the first table to be seated. Without people, the room looked a bit barren and strange and - the aircon was on freezing and the doors open to the street above - very cold. The friendly staff soon had the heating on and doors closed and, as other groups were sent downstairs to join us, the room felt infinitely more lively.

The food was pretty basic Turkish/Mediterranean fare - 3 of us had koftas of some type and I had an aubergine bake which was pretty bland. Everything was spiced up with the accompanying hot sauce which they serve separately. Fried calamari - a must whenever it's on the menu (I think I'm addicted!) - was fresh and tasy. Both the red and white wine were distinctly average (not the house stuff either) and the boys were not happy with their lagers. Still, it was hot, quick and relatively cheap (£66 for 4) and it got us to our gig on time.

Tags: cuisine: turkish, southwark

Tasty, fast and busy

September 15, 2008

Part of a chain, this branch of Tas is massive and as a couple, they always seem able to accommodate us without any reservations.

Serving inexpensive Turkish fare in smart, contemporary surroundings, the menu includes plenty of options for both vegetarians and carnivores, including a large selection of hot and cold starters, grills, casseroles, salads and fish.
Complimentary fresh bread and olives are brought to the table, as well as a yoghurt based dip. Very nice!

The surroundings are pleasant and live guitar music plays in the evening at a background level, but Tas isn't really the kind of place you'd spend a leisurely evening holding hands with your sweetheart. It's nice for a relatively informal meal at lunch or dinner, with friends, or parents.

The waiters are numerous and all seem to be rushed off their feet. The service isn't hugely friendly as a result of their speed, but it IS very efficient, which I can live with considering the inexpensive nature of the food.
If you were in a real rush and mentioned to the waiting staff that this were the case, I imagine that they could *easily* have you fed and out of the door within 30 minutes.

Tas isn't going to win any Michelin Stars, but the food is fresh and pleasant which makes the restaurant a very good value option, particularly in this neck of the woods.

Top tip: don't drink the house white. Just trust me.

Tags: cuisine: turkish, London Bridge, mezze, busy