SIR,-1 am perturbed at what seems to be a private
war conducted against my Guide to Eating Places by Leslie Adrian for the second year running.
What else can the reason be for stating that 'it is taken to be a one-man book, and restaurateurs would put their best foot forward if that man visited them for a meal? Does not a reviewer's duty include reading at least the very first paragraph of a book? In fact it reads: 'This guide is based on the work of a Professional gastronomic research team, the first of its kind in this country. Its members have been specially recruited and then trained over a 'consider- able period of time.' Not to speak of the fact that the strictly anonymous nature of our visits is also emphatically stressed in the brief introduction. And if a reviewer is reluctant to read the book, such matters of principle can easily be checked by tele- phone.
Another bit of doubtful journalism is to harp back to repeat blatant mis-statements. Our 'Dining and restaurants, with the exception of two last year and three (Brad's, the Saddle Room and the Garrison) to last year. It is also irresponsible, to say the least, Dancing' section does—and did last year—consist of this year. What are the Berkeley, Lotus House, River Club, Trocadero, etc., if not restaurants?
Leslie Adrian counted 204 restaurants in London. In fact they number 230, less three, if you like. But the total of eating places is still 1,000.
EGON RONAY
Queen's House, Leicester Square, WC2
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