The EHO are completely objective, and concerned with consumer safety, whereas TA can be/is a loud haler for loons and nuts with grudges, it's not fair to compare them, they're completely different beasts.
I agree with your broader point about going to places based on your own experiences though.
Interesting perspectives as always.
I admit I have a vested interest being at the coalface of a small independent bistro, but every £20 people spend in Jamie's or ASK or Cote, they're not spending it with me. Sometimes the food is alright, sometimes it's little more than a expensive ready...
It's pretty depressing from a professional standpoint when you see a generic high street restaurant packed out when independents face the same external pressures mentioned in the article.
I think sometimes the public get a bit nervous when eating out and will stick to what they know, because...