Greenwich.co.uk

Greenwich news and information

  • News
  • Sport
  • Blogs
  • Hotels in Greenwich
    • Serviced Apartments in Greenwich
  • Visiting
    • Things to Do in Greenwich
  • Greenwich Books
  • Greenwich Collectibles
  • Events
    • Add an Event

Councillors blast Greenwich Pier restaurant signs

July 6, 2012 By Rob Powell

COUNCILLORS have thrown out a planning application for signs and advertising already installed at the new Zizzi restaurant at the Greenwich Pier development.

Greenwich West councillor, Maureen O’Mara, blasted the restaurant for not having have the “guts” or “courage” to be at the meeting of the Greenwich Area Planning Committee on Wednesday night.

She said: “What I wanted to ask them if they had the guts to turn up is, ‘Why did you do this without any planning permission at all?‘”

The clearly furious councillor added, “This is a World Heritage Site. It’s one of the most precious sites in London. I’ve heard that they say, ‘this is what we do wherever we open up places‘. Well, this is Greenwich and we do not do this in Greenwich. This horrible application needs to be turned down.”

Councillor Dick Quibell (Peninsula, Labour) said the plans were “violently out of keeping with the tone of a World Heritage Site.” Councillor Hayley Fletcher (Hornfair with Kidbrooke, Labour), who was earlier elected as Vice Chair of the committee, commented that the signs looked “hideous.”

Conservative councillor Geoff Brighty, representing Blackheath Westcombe, said he had found the Pier development “disappointing” and that the signs were “trashy.”

The committee unanimously voted against the restaurant’s lettering, menu box and window signs, despite council officers recommending the plans be approved.

Councillors also had the chance to determine the signs, and proposed parasols, at Frankie and Benny’s.

Claims were made by the applicant that advice had been sought from the council before their signs were initially put up but this was disputed by council officers and councillors decided to investigate that point and reconsider the applications at September’s meeting of the committee.

Commenting to Greenwich.co.uk the day after the committee meeting, Paul Mitchell from The Restaurant Group, said they would “proceed with the current application” which they believe is “appropriate for the area”, but added that they would “continue to liaise with the Planning Officer who has been dealing with our application and take advice.”

Asked whether the company had experience of opening branches in sensitive heritage sites, Mr Mitchell commented:

“As a Group we do have a number of sites in our portfolio in sensitive areas where we always work with the Local Authorities and other relevant bodies to achieve a signage scheme which is mutually acceptable to all parties.

“We always seek dialogue and guidance before an Application is submitted to ensure a successful and speedy decision and that our Advertisement Applications take into account the needs of the community in which we are operating.”

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Cllr Geoff Brighty, Cllr Maureen O'Mara, Greenwich Pier, Planning Decisions

In search of Greenwich’s best… burgers

May 10, 2012 By Sian Meades

Now Byron have finally opened in Greenwich, a search for the best burger in town was on the cards (tough gig, I know). Luckily, bars and restaurants in Greenwich offer a tasty burger indeed. Here are three of the top restaurants and a little look at how their cheeseburgers compare.

Byron

I’ve been not all that patiently waiting for them to open and I’m thrilled they have. My burger (pictured below) was very slightly overdone, as was the service – so keen were they to impress at their soft launch, they told my dining companion the dessert options while I was still eating my burger. The loitering got a little much after a while, but I’m hoping it’s just soft launch teething problems.

I do love their burgers. And I love the American cheese option. You can eat well for a little over a tenner and don’t even get me started on those courgette fries. They’re sprinkled with breadcrumbs and magic.

The Guildford Arms

This was actually my first trip to the Guildford Arms and it’s a cute, quiet place, tucked away in Guildford Grove. The hefty burger was made from chuck beef and very delicately flavoured with worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard and shallots

The burger itself was impressively sized for less than ten quid but came in a homemade bun that was a bit small for my liking.

I’m also never going to be convinced that tarragon mayo works with beef. Excellent pickle action, though – I’m all about slices, not wedges. But the fish and chips my companion had? That looked divine and was giving me serious pangs of lunch envy. Some of the best batter action this side of the river. I’ll go back for lunch (it’s £12 for two courses and £14 for three – just try and stop me), but the burger might not be my first choice.

The Old Brewery

Oh yes. This was a tasty, tasty burger. Probably my favourite, actually. It was pricy – £10.75 and an extra £1 for cheese. And erm… an extra quid for pulled pork as well. I couldn’t resist. I had to. The burger is a little soggy and difficult to eat, but I don’t care because it was perfectly cooked to medium and tasted fantastic.

Alas, there’s no photograph because they took ‘romantic’ lights to a whole new level. We basically ate in the dark. Still, that’s not going to stop me from coming back for a burger. I’ll just pop in during the day so I can actually see.

And the rest? Greenwich Union’s is tasty but very pricy once you factor in that they ask an extra £2.50 for cheddar (seriously GU dudes, that’s not cool). Rivington’s is always a fine option – the burger is tasty but it’s their chips and that smoky ketchup that will keep a smile on your face but they’ve got so much choice on the menu you’re likely to pick something else (probably roast potato based).

As for GBK… well they’re not entirely terrible are they? But with so many decent options locally, I can’t help think they’re punching above their weight a little now.

The verdict? If you fancy a pint with your burger, go to the Old Brewery. If you have kids or like milkshakes head to Byron. Lunchtime? Go to the Guildford Arms for their lunchtime menu.

What do you think? What’s the best burger you’ve had in Greenwich?

Filed Under: Magazine Tagged With: Food, Greenwich Pier, Guildford Grove, Old Royal Naval College

Visit the Old Royal Naval College

Book tickets for the Old Royal Naval College

Recent Posts

  • Kevin Nolan’s Match Report: Charlton v Chelsea U-21 (29/10/24)
  • Kevin Nolan’s Match Report: Barnsley v Charlton (22/10/24)
  • Kevin Nolan’s Match Report: Bristol Rovers v Charlton (1/10/24)
  • Kevin Nolan’s Match Report: Cambridge United v Charlton (17/09/24)

Greenwich.co.uk © Uretopia Limited | About/Contact | Privacy Policy