If you’re a regular SquareMeal reader, you’ll know that we love reading your opinions on the capital’s restaurants and that we rather enjoy showering our readers with rewards, ranging from top-of-the-range Champagne to the latest cookbooks. Our greatest prize though is our Amateur Critic of the Year award; this time round, Sarah R has taken the crown, and she’s off to La Dame de Pic in the City (above) for a blow-out meal. Jealous? Read on to find out how you can get involved…
Sarah R (pictured) has been steadfastly writing SquareMeal reviews since 2011, and is a respected member of our dining community. Spanning restaurants from the classy to the casual, Sarah’s reviews are always worth a read: informative, focused and often entertaining – they’re exactly what we look for in a review.
We’ve thoroughly enjoyed her updates throughout the year, here’s our pick of some of her best moments.
E&O, Notting Hill (above)
“It wasn't too loud or busy that we couldn't have a good chat, tongues loosened by the tequila in our Buddha Margaritas of course!”
Bacaro, Bromley by Bow
“The food at Bacaro is every bit as good as you find in Italy.”
Balans Soho Society Café, Soho
“I love it at Balans. Whenever I come here we always get such friendly and efficient service, it is a pleasure to dine there.”
Lobos Meat & Tapas Bar, Borough
“Don't skimp on the desserts, it was the best I've had in a while - chocolate and pistachio cake with chocolate and hazelnut ice cream!”
Sarah’s grand prize is dinner for two at La Dame de Pic in the City (below). On receiving her award, Sarah said: “as a Virtual Assistant I’m often looking for new restaurants to book for my clients. I value SquareMeal reviews as they are honest, often written by Londoners and therefore a good indication of what I am looking for. I enjoy adding my reviews to return the favour and help others decide on the perfect restaurant choice whether it is for a business dinner in a private room or a birthday celebration.” If you want to reap the rewards of writing diner reviews, head to our login page and register.
The runners-up
SquareMeal’s amateur reviewer community is so strong that we couldn’t resist giving out a few runner-up prizes too…
Mike S
Mike has been consistently writing for SquareMeal since 2016, and his reviews are always worth a read. On Restaurant Gordon Ramsay: “the stand out restaurant, the top of Everest, the Roger Federer of dining.” Mike wins a bottle of Pommery to enjoy at home
Tonique C
Tonique C offers playful, diary-style accounts of her dining adventures. On brunch at Bunga Bunga Covent Garden: “I finished the brioche and jam in minutes and shamelessly asked for more as if my name was Oliver twist.” Tonique wins a Pommery gift set
Nicole P
Nicole P makes sure to do her homework before reaching a verdict. The Lighterman: “I have actually tried all the squid and all the steaks on offer in King's Cross and The Lighterman is by far the best.” Nicole wins a £100 SquareMeal voucher to spend on dinner
To join in, register with us here, search for a restaurant and then leave your comments. As you may have noticed, we’re constantly rewarding our diner reviewers with prizes. Next up, you could win a £200 meal in a restaurant of your choice, so it’s time to get reviewing.