Dim T Restaurant – Victoria. London

The exterior of the restaurant

Last Monday, few friends and I were trying to break up what I call the “strict Monday code”. The “strict Monday code” means you do not go out on Monday evening as it is the first day of the week and usually the busiest. This outing was completely unplanned and I really need de some convincing to join the group for dinner.

Inside the restaurant

The girls wanted to go to Nandos… Who goes OUT TO NANDOS?… I can cook chicken at home thank you! If I am going to enjoy an evening out it has to be in a place where I cannot cook any of the meals thank you…

As we walked towards Victoria in search of something different, we stumbled across Dim T. I had seen this place before, it didn’t look very inspiring. Funny how some places look good in the sun.

THE taepot, sticks & basket

We decided to go in. The inside looked very Japanese inspired… all darkish and wooden…

I almost expected to be served by Japanese or at least Oriental waiters. Nope, it didn’t happen. Our waitress and the other staff seemed to be of Eastern European descent. I asked our waitress what the influences of the restaurant were, she wasn’t too sure… and I wasn’t impressed.



Steamed dumpling & soy sauce



‘I was able to order white wine here as there was nothing original on the drinks list. Check it out at http://www.dimt.co.uk/

For starters we all had some kind of steamed dumpling with fried pork… very stodgy and dry. I didn’t like it and will not order it again. One thing I did like was the fact that the dumplings came in some kind of wicker covered basket.  My friend’s Jasmine tea was presented it one of the cutest heavy duty teapots I have seen so far… I was slightly disappointed that the eating sticks came out of the paper wrappers as you would at a common Chinese restaurant… not that I visit them often.  



Salmon Salad



For my main meal, I ordered a wasabi and salmon salad… which I rally enjoyed. The portion was really generous and I was given extra greens at no cost at all. The salad was very filling and generous in fried salmon. I really enjoyed it. If I was to visit this restaurant again, I will definitely order the same salad, which at £9 is a good value for money.

My friends ordered some coconut noodles with green beans and chicken and Nasigoreng (what’s that!) chicken prawn with chilly.

Can you see the prawns?

Since we all ordered very different dishes we did as you do, taste each other’s, meals.  The coconut noodle really tasted coconutty…  if I liked noodles, I would definitely order this dish. As for the prawn dish, there was a LOT of prawns in it. What I‘d say for this restaurant is that the portions are very generous. I am not sure whether I should appreciate their generosity or be suspecting of the source of their ingredients.

The restaurant seem busy enough for a Monday night, this tells me that they might be consistent in the quality of their meals and service. So, I should give it another try before letting my suspicious mind run riot.

The service was great and we didn’t wait too long for the main meals to be delivered at our table.

By the time we finished our mains, there was no REAL space for dessert. Besides, the desserts list wasn’t inspiring nor original. Otherwise, I am sure that I would have found some space in my stomach for some.

For now, I will give Dim T 3 stars minus 1 for the non-authentic staff. I didn’t have time to check out the loos as we spent way too much time yapping. Well, the loos visit will be for another time.

Dim T is situated at 56 - 62 Wilton Road, London Victoria; Opposite Nando’s and the big Sainsbury’s and next to patisserie Valery.

Do post your thoughts after your visit would you?!

C ya!

The Reviewer

The SunCoast – Eastbourne

I was recently asked to organise a digital training event in Eastbourne I found this small venue away from the beach , but not too far from the train station.

From the outside, it is impossible to work out how this venue is inside… (Do not judge a book by its cover).  

The main room

Upon entering the venue, I was agreeably surprised by how welcoming it was… it felt like a hotel venue. There is like an anti-chambre between the outside and the main room. The anti-chambre is large enough to be used as a registration space for delegates. Once registered the delegates can be asked to walk through the main event room and use the Lounge where the coffee is served and where the toilets can be found off of.

Walking through the main room, delegates can already pick their seats and get rid of their stuff before heading to the Lounge or loos to refresh themselves and network before the main event.

View of the big screens

The main room is a large rectangular room that is almost a blank canvas that can be turned into anything and used for any kind of events. It is equipped with 2 x 12ftsq screens and has the latest toys in term of PA and presentation technologies. This room can easily seat 200 theatre style and 120 cabaret style.

In terms of catering, it would be best to use and external catering company if food is needed for your event; contact the Events Manager of the venue who might have recommendations. There is a small kitchen, but it cannot be used for cooking. All foods must be brought in ready to serve.

1 part of the lounge

The Lounge is great for coffees and teas, but can also be used for small meetings or breakout sessions. There are 3 other rooms in the venue that can be used in this way.

The ladies loos is one of the best decorated and relaxing I have seen in such venue so far. That is always a ++ in my books.

There is plenty of parking spaces available for delegates but the car park must be cleared by 5pm.

The ladies

The managers of this venue are highly accommodating and very helpful. Do contact them if you are looking to book a venue in Eastbourne with a human touch.

The SunCoast venue is situated at 3 Coutlands Road, Eastbourne BN22 8TR

The managers are Julie & Rob Smillie Contactable on 01323 732 425.

Don’t forget to feedback after using the venue.

Ciao!

The Reviewer