Alex D.

Review of Easyjet

04 May 08, 14:16

no-frills, but a great flying experience!

This is Easyjet's headquarters, based at Luton. You can recognise the building they base all their services in because it is a HUGE air hangar, painted bright orange - subtle! When I went on a trip to Spain from Luton a couple of weeks ago with another airline, it meant the first thing I saw when I stepped off of the plane was the bright orange Easyjet building - great marketing right in the face of their competitors!

Easyjet and Luton remind me of 'Airline' - the poor-man's 'Airport' - you remember, the television programme about people who forget their passports or turn up as their flight is leaving and are surprised they can't get on the plane? Thankfully I learnt my lessons from these programmes and on the occasions I have travelled I have always turned up on time AND had my passport on me, though on one occasion I was tempted to forget my passport in the hope I would make it onto the television but decided that was perhaps too risky.

Overall, the Easyjet folk make flying a real hastle-free experience; even with their no-frills service they still find time to smile and be pleasant which certain other budget airlines could do well to follow.

I only have one question - in the picture is that a model aeroplane, or the world's tallest man?

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Review of Poppadom Express

04 May 08, 13:50

The best curry in Southampton? Probably!

The food is excellent, the service is great, the menu is broad and well-presented, the price is spot on for the quality of the food.

The only thing I don't like about this place - the name! Poppadom Express always sounds like a little tacky takeaway to me, and this place is definitely a LOT more than that! Maybe suggest a better name to them next time you go in and see if you can get a free meal out of it? Just a suggestion...

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Review of Champneys Henlow

04 May 08, 13:17

superb retreat.

Champneys is every bit the luxuary retreat you imagine it to be. The staff go to every length to make sure that your stay is as relaxed as possible and the facilities are out of this world. All of that is without mentioning the setting - Henlow Grange is a large mansion that rises up from the horizon as you approach, but it never seems imposing - the surrounding grounds fit in perfectly...

Looking for something very special for your mum/girlfriend/lady of choice? You can't do better than this...

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Review of Classic FM

04 May 08, 12:35

Always makes me feel relaxed...

What I love about Classic FM is that they don't make you feel stupid about not knowing all the composers and pieces, yet if you do know them they don't teach you to suck eggs either - they ALWAYS get the balance spot on. After a hard days work I often find my finger reaching for the Classic FM preset in my car, just because it calms me down on my journey home so I'm all mellow by the time I get in!

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Review of The Comedy Store

29 Apr 08, 22:18

Never laughed so much!

We went here for a friends birthday recently and had THE most fun night - some of the comedians are big names, some are just working the circuits and building a reputation, but every act here will get a laugh. Go along on one of the improvisation-based nights and you'll be laughing for hours afterwards... Price-wise considering what it is and where it is, I think it's perfectly reasonable, and the drinks were cheap when compared with the other nearby establishments!

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Review of Oxfam Books & Music

29 Apr 08, 19:51

treasure trove of music!

OK, you've seen the word 'Oxfam' and immediately discounted this place. Don't. Take a step back. This place is a hidden trove of some musical wonders. All the local club DJs have been known to pop in here because they have some of those really rare records & CDs that contain some of the best music that you've never heard. Not only that, they've usually got some really good popular stuff priced at 50p. You can't really go wrong. In fact, I dare you to walk in here, have a browse around and NOT find something you want to buy... And when you're paying for your items (because you WILL find something), stop and have a chat with the lovely ladies that work in the shop because they're all very friendly!

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Review of Jumpin Jaks

29 Apr 08, 19:35

shhh.... I love it here!

Don't tell anyone, but.... I love Jaks! It doesn't pretend to be anything other than a damn good night out! The Jaks crew make sure you have a good time. Drink prices vary from dirt cheap to extortionate, depending what day you go and what drink you have, but on the whole I find it reasonable. And the one in Southampton has a really good split-level layout that means when you lose all your friends it's easy to find them again! Bonus! There also always seem to be LOTS of attractive people here too... Dunno why that is... not complaining or anything!

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Review of Court Jester

29 Apr 08, 18:34

brilliant little pub - superb food!

The Court Jester is a brilliant little pub that does AMAZING food you simply must try! Not only is the food good, but the beer ain't bad, the weekly entertainment is superb, and I've NEVER seen any trouble here... give it a whirl!

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Review of Red Dragon FM

29 Apr 08, 18:25

what else would you listen to?!

When I was last in Cardiff I made sure my radio was locked on to Red Dragon! It's the biggest station around and it just sounds brilliant - the music is spot on and the presenters make me laugh - especially that Darren Lee guy on during the day!

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Review of Splinters Restaurants

29 Apr 08, 17:01

a REALLY great venue...

Splinters is quickly building a local reputation as THE place to go for a really nice meal in a relaxed atmosphere. EVERYTHING here is spot on - the menu, the price, the setting - these guys are heading for success and deservedly so!

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Review of Good News Store

28 Apr 08, 17:09

the local newsagent at its finest

Rather disappointingly, when I last purchased a paper here it contained bad news as well as good, I was tempted to complain but couldn't be bothered with the hassle. Apart from that this is a brilliant little local newsagents where you can get to know the staff because some of them have been here for years, you can pick up a paper and a bag of sugar and wander off happy into the outside world.

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Review of The Wellington Arms

28 Apr 08, 16:46

Unlike any other pub...ever.

This is the most unique pub in the world, you'll either love it or hate it. It's a bit like walking onto the set of Life On Mars, in fact you may wonder whether you have gone back in time. You can't see the walls for all the beer mats and widgets on the wall, and don't DARE ask at the bar if they accept credit cards... The beer comes in proper mugs, and there's a huge selection of beers that you won't find in 'normal' pubs, but similarly there's a huge range of stuff you WON'T find here, simply because they go for the more unusual.

I wasn't a huge fan of the place, in fact I won't go there again because none of what I like about pubs is reflected in this place, but I can't give it less than five stars just for it's uniqueness and the way it shirks modern trends of what a pub should be.

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Review of River Island Clothing Co

22 Apr 08, 16:24

I could spend my life here...

I LOVE River Island. If I lived closer to this store then I'm sure I would actually be the wrong side of the poverty line. Whenever I go in I always seem to spend a fortune and come out a right happy chappy.

This is probably because their range centres itself on the trendy side of things rather than the more alternative look of its contemporary stores, but remains classy to the end. It can seem a bit pricey but I think it's worth it.

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Review of Ampthill Fish Shop

22 Apr 08, 14:08

Not just fish, but chips too!

Ampthill Fish Shop does exactly what it says on the tin - it's a shop, that sells fish, in Ampthill. It's not rocket science. If it was they'd probably call it the Ampthill Rocket Science Centre. They do a mean fish and chips here... At the fish shop that is - not the rocket science centre, because that doesn't exist...

The fish is awesome and very flavoursome and the chips are nice too, we can only hope they don't feel too disheartened at not getting a namecheck in the title of the shop... Of course they won't - THEY'RE POTATOES !

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Review of Spinnaker Tower

21 Apr 08, 17:19

Like the Eiffel Tower, but in Portsmouth, and better...

It might've taken forever to build and then eternity plus a few years before they actually opened the thing, but now that it is open the Spinnaker Tower is lovely, provides breathtaking panoramic views of Portsmouth and the Harbour over to the Isle of Wight and beyond. The staff are usually quite smiley and accomodating if you have any special needs/questions. The cafe at the bottom is quite nice, as is the rest of the Gunwharf Quays area, you can easily spend a day there - shopping, relaxing, and the icing on the cake - a trip up the tower...

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Review of Bullring Shopping Centre

21 Apr 08, 14:24

More shops than you can shake a large shopping bag at.

The Bullring is actually huge. I'm convinced you could fit the Isle Of Wight inside it. Twice. If you want something they probably sell it somewhere here, the only problem you will have is working out where to go. However there are some handy guides scattered about the place to help with this.

It can get manically busy at those times that every shopping centre does (weekends, bank holidays), but if you just grin and bear it you'll have a lovely time.

And being inside, you can even go shopping when it's raining without getting wet. Whoever invented the roof was a genius.

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Review of Oceana

21 Apr 08, 14:00

More Music Variety

I know - it sounds like a cheesy radio station strapline, but that’s the best way to sum up Oceana.

There are 6 or 7 rooms (depending on what you count as a room)

There’s (from memory):

1) The main entrance/ground floor room – normally smooth R&B or sometimes Drum n Bass – quite spacious, lots of candle-lit tables.

2) Tokyo Bar (or something) – Generic poppy/clubby/commercial dancey music – standing room only

3) A chilled out bar with tables and food early doors.

4) The Disco Room – huge flashing dance floor, hotpants and glitter balls – great fun!

5) The love-in – a Parisian boudoir with smooth grooves and sexy snugs

6) The surf-shack (or something like that) – Jumpin Jaks esque décor, indie beats

7) The main room – commercial dance

So, even if you have to pay (can be upto a tenna), it’s worth it, as there really is something for everyone.

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Review of Legoland Windsor Park

21 Apr 08, 13:56

I LOVED it as a kid!

I remember when this place opened, I was obsessed with Lego as a kid, it took over my bedroom, and I badgered my parents for MONTHS to take me.. We finally went for my birthday if I remember rightly and I had the most amazing time... Bizarrely, despite all the rides and stuff to do, I do remember the only thing I wanted to do for the afternoon was sit in the MASSIVE room where you could build things with lego blocks - it was actually Lego Heaven...

At a guess it's still the same and Lego-obsessed kids of today will love it just as much as I did...

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Review of Best Kebab

20 Apr 08, 19:04

Best Kebab do the err best kebabs!

Things a kebab place must do:

1. Sell not just kebabs but also burgers, and have chicken options too.

2. Be open very late for when people get back from town.

3. Be able to understand food orders given to them in a slury drunken voice.

4. Apply the correct salad and sauces, as directed by the slury drunken voice mentioned above.

5. make all the above taste good, at a decent price.

Best kebab does all this and more. You can usually have a pretty good chat with them about anything while you're waiting for your food or just bond with a fellow diner over your love for donner meat. Can you beat it? No, probably not.

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Review of Profile Bar

18 Apr 08, 18:10

One of the places to be seen...

Profile is a bar in central Soho owned by the people behind Gaydar, the fabulous world-famous website and radio station. You can hang out here during the day and catch a drink, or at night it becomes a proper stylish bar - perfect to come chat with friends or have a dance if you want.

There are also regular appearances from top DJs and club nights live on Gaydar Radio. It's one of the places to be seen on London's gay scene.

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Review of Thorpe Park

18 Apr 08, 17:57

A BRILLIANT day out!

Thorpe Park is the best day out you can have with your family or your mates, I've been loads of times with family and also with friends on separate occasions and never had a bad day!

The price increases every year so it is now fairly expensive if you have to pay the full price, but thankfully every year 2-for-1 vouchers appear in the papers which make it almost reasonable... That said, it is WELL worth it, a great day out for all!

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Review of Frescoes Cafe

17 Apr 08, 17:05

have a happy coffee!

The girls at Frescoes are always cheerful and they do a great coffee, plus when the sun's out you can sit outside and watch the world go by! Plus, as an added bonus they've usually got Chiltern Radio on in the background so you can hear some good music while you drink/eat!

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Review of Premier Move

16 Apr 08, 17:27

Superb!

I have genuinely never met such an honest group of people in the property-marketing industry.

The guys at Premier Move are helpful, non-salesy, and above all else, patient. I was so fussy when I walked through the door, but they kept on coming up with properties until we got the perfect flat.

They have a mature and delicious approach to business.

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Review of Harpenden Grill & Kebab

16 Apr 08, 16:45

Fast, friendly and yum!

The Harpenden Grill was introduced to me by “American Bob”, an American guy, now native to the UK. The food is fresh, flame-grilled and darn nice.

Highly recommended if you’ve had a skin-full, or even if not! Once thing to note though is the fairly prohibitive opening hours – they shut at midnight, which is 2 hours before half the pubs in town. Nuts.

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Review of River Island Clothing Co

16 Apr 08, 16:34

I love this place!

I love River Island! The clothing is slightly trendier than Next and being quite short I love the fact that they stock stuff in XS size! Though all the trendy people normally nick it to look all fashionable in their tight t-shirts - leave them for us genuinely small people please!!!

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Review of Prezzos Restaurant

16 Apr 08, 16:27

Gorgeous food!

Part of the Prezzo chain, but don't let the fact it's a chain put you off, this place is a superb venue to take someone special for a meal, or the whole family for a special occasion.

The menu is quite upmarket and the prices are not the cheapest in town but the food quality is amazing and the staff are very friendly too!

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Review of Shapla Restaurant

16 Apr 08, 12:24

Superb Indian Cuisine

This is one of the best Indian restaurants I’ve found in years. We discovered it by chance when we moved house and had a leaflet pushed through the door just as we were after something to eat…

They deliver for free and always chuck in some freebies with your order, be it extra naans, dips or even a bottle of wine!

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Review of Prezzo Restaurant

16 Apr 08, 12:09

Superb Calzones!

A colleague took me here last week as a thank you for some work I’d assisted him with, and it greatly exceeded my expectations!

The building is interesting and I liked the minimalist charm of the décor. The food is extremely reasonably priced, in fact, I would happily pay £3-5 more per dish. The portion size is also excellent.

They make their money on wine, but I say fair enough!

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Review of Denmark Street Fish & Chip Shop

16 Apr 08, 12:08

Best chippie bar none?!

Denmark's Street's chips are locally-renowned for being awesome so when I moved to the area they were the first place I tried and I wasn't disappointed!

At busy times of day there can be queues but you won't be left hanging around for ages to get your goodies as the staff are courtieous and efficient. Oh and the prices are pretty decent too considering they could charge the earth and I would still buy them!

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Review of The Fox

16 Apr 08, 11:30

Wow! Very nice...

The fox, although not technically in Harpenden, is an excellent Gastro-pub just north of the town on the Luton Road.

The food is superb and service very good. This is the sort of place to take a nice lady (or chap) to impress, so expect to pay £20-30 per head for food and drink.

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Review of Slug & Lettuce

16 Apr 08, 11:18

One of Harpo's finest...

The Slug & Lettuce is the place to go for a more classy night out in Harpenden. The food is excellent and the staff go out of their way to please.

Drinks are reasonable, especially for the surroundings, and a lot of very attractive young people while away their evenings there.

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Review of Cowherds Inn

14 Apr 08, 18:33

I love this place, in particular the cheddar mash!

The Cowherds is ALWAYS busy. This is because it is one of the best restaurants in the country. The staff are friendly and efficient. The Drinks are good, the prices are not expensive and the food is excellent! The cheddar mash is something you HAVE to experience else you really are missing out!

In summer it's great to take a walk round the common, maybe sunabthe on the grass, then stop off at the Cowherds for a refreshing drink and something to eat - THE best way to spend time!

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Review of Charcoal Grill

14 Apr 08, 18:27

TOP takeaway!

The flashing yellow beacon of hope that is outside the Charcoal Grill makes the place irresistable to stop at on the way home after a good night out!

This place is hugely popular with students and when I was one myself I often gave in to temptation and headed to Charcoal Grill - even on the nights when it was well out of my way home!

A donner meat and chips, a chicken kebab, or maybe just your standard donner - ALL were exactly what I was looking for when I had them!

Gets REALLY busy, but the staff always keep up with the orders so you're never waiting long... Or at least it never seems that long but then I had been drinking...

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Review of 1st Rajdhani Tandoori

14 Apr 08, 18:23

Try the chicken tikka kebab!

They used to be just a takeaway but are now a restaurant as well, make sure you try the world famous chicken tikka kebab - it's the PERFECT end to a night out!

The restaurant is well-priced, the food is comparable to any other Indian in the area, the staff are very welcoming, heck, even the toilets are nice!

They are also open very late at weekends and once after a night out in town we somehow ended up having a three course meal on the way home. Not quite sure how that happened, but it was very nice all the same!

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Review of Krispy Kreme

14 Apr 08, 17:58

Actually the best donuts in the world...

OH MY... Actually the best donuts in the world, like actually THE best. Sometimes you have to queue for a while to get hold of yours, but this has the bonus that you can stand there and watch the staff making the donuts as they all go round the conveyor belt thing, it's like edible poetry in motion, with jam in.

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Review of The Park

12 Apr 08, 09:17

A lovely modern pub/restaurant

Really nice modern place, but not overly trendy so you never feel out of place. Ideal to pop in for a drink any time of day, and the food here is SUPERB.

The staff make you feel really welcome and if you have any problems they're always willing to help - we went here for our Christmas meal and they even put on Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas on for us as a request so we could sing along at the table!

Definitely worth a look!

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Review of The Hobbit

12 Apr 08, 08:08

Nothing else like it...

Hugely popular with the local student population and Southampton residents alike, The Hobbit is unlike any other pub you will encounter - ever! The Lord Of The Rings-themed cocktails are superb, if not pricey when you make a night of it, but the whole atmosphere of the place is that 'anything goes' - the enormous beer garden means even when the place is packed you can always find somewhere to sit, AND always bump into someone you know.

If you're looking for a nice clean modern trendy bar then this definitely ISN'T it, but if you want something a bit different then you've got to give it a go - just so you can say you've been!

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Review of The Engineer

11 Apr 08, 21:54

Brilliant little pub!

The Engineer is a really well-run pub in this little Hertfordshire town. Given the size of the town it is always surprisingly busy, though you can usually find a table, or failing that prop yourself up at the bar where you will find the bar staff more than happy to chat to you about your day or life in general!

The food is of a really good quality and reasonably priced too, given most of the locals commute to London and would happily pay London prices for their meals.

There is a fair selection of beer and the toilets are always really clean.

All in all, a really good pub, top night out, and the regular Tuesday quiz nights are a good laugh!

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Review of Four Bedford Ltd Restaurant

11 Apr 08, 21:11

One of the best...

If you're looking to eat out in Bedford you can't do much better than the classy 'Four' restaurant.

The venue looks stunning and so does the food... I was delighted to discover it tastes even better than it looks!

Whenever I've got relatives or 'someone special' in town Four is the first place I suggest! (...so long as they're paying!)

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Review of 2CR

11 Apr 08, 16:43

It's brilliant!

This station plays Today's Best Mix for Bournemouth! The Paul Bunker Show is a brilliant way to wake up! There might be the name of a rival station on the balloon in the gardens, but where it counts (in the music and what they say) 2CR is much the better station! It's always playing a song I love and the presenters are always talking about funny things they've seen in Dorset & The New Forest, I love it!

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Review of BRMB & Capital Gold

11 Apr 08, 16:27

Birmingham's Hit Music Station

Whenever I'm in Birmingham I'm always tuned to BRMB! The Big Brum Breakfast is easily the best way to wake up in the Midlands, and Dan Morrissey always makes me chuckle when I'm on my way home! They now say they're "Birmingham's Hit Music Station" - and they are!

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Review of Capital Radio

11 Apr 08, 16:18

London's Hit Music Station!

They say they're London's Hit Music Station, and they really are THE best radio station in London! Johnny and Denise are reunited at breakfast, and you can just keep it on for the rest of the day! They play all the best new music and slip in a classic tune that just sounds brilliant every now and then! When I'm in London my radio is never tuned to anything else!

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Review of Chiltern FM

11 Apr 08, 16:15

Today's Best Mix...

The local radio station for Bedfordshire playing Today's Best Mix! You can wake up with the Bedford Breakfast hosted by Paul Baker and Rich Mitchell, listen to Alex Duffy at work with the Interactive Lunch, and then Craig Rance will get you home with the best music and all the travel you need! Much better than those other stations!

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