Alex's reviews
Review of Halfords
30 Apr 08, 17:10
get stuff for your car if you don't havea bike! 
This place is useful if you're after something for your car - much like the previous poster I used to think this place just sold bikes, but how wrong can you be?! Well THIS wrong pretty much. Oil for your car, screenwash, those funny smelly things - they've got the lot! The only hard bit can be finding what you want - I found the layout in this store a bit confusing...
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Review of Rosebys
30 Apr 08, 15:47
cheap stuff for your home... 
Rosebys are always selling cheap stuff for your home - pillows, duvet covers, sheets - that sort of thing! It's not all bedding either, rugs and throws and all of that malarky - go have a look, you'll find yourself a bargain as there's usually big discounts on most of the stock! The staff can be a bit slow, in every sense, but you'll be able to pay for your things eventually!
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Review of Cheese Kitchen
29 Apr 08, 18:22
great local cheese and not just cheese!
When I first found the Cheese Kitchen it took me a while to get around the fact that they don't just do cheese. It seemed a little disappointing to be honest. It was a bit like when Tie-Rack started 'branching out' into other accessories - what was that about? Anyway, the Cheese Kitchen - seriously good sandwiches. They're a bit pricier than the cheap supermarket options, but it's WELL worth it.
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Review of Costcutter
29 Apr 08, 18:02
cheap and handy, but not much else!
Costcutters on the High Street is one of the smaller Costcutter stores, but it has got everything you'll need at much cheaper prices than the bigger stores. Be warned, some of their items aren't the best quality, and the staff seem to have forgotten how to smile, but other than that it's cheap and what more do you want?
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Review of Kids World
29 Apr 08, 16:48
great fun for the kids...
When I was a kid I used to love the little play areas like this, and some friends are ALWAYS taking their little one to this one, I almost want to go back to my youth so I can join in the fun! There's some impressively large slides that the adults are scared of - yet the kids seem to know no fear!
Keep an eye on your kids though because sometimes they get up to mischief and you don't want to start a riot!
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Review of Park Inn Hotel
29 Apr 08, 14:44
very welcoming hotel
The staff at the Park Inn Hotel have made sure I've always had a good time when popping in here and were very welcoming when I went to a job fair a few months back! They go out of their way to help if they can and you're never kept waiting long at reception or the bar. And I haven't even mentioned the awesome river views from the bar... If you get a room, fingers crossed you get a river view and not the car park!
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Review of Pilgrims Progress
29 Apr 08, 14:34
"spoons glorious spoons" as we used to sing!
It's a Weatherspoons right in the middle of Bedford - one of two in the town centre. You know what you get - cheap drinks, cheap food, no discernable atmosphere but hey if you want one of those go somewhere else. The bar is always fairly busy in here but I've never had to wait that long to get served as the staff are quite good at keeping up.
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Review of Blarney Stone
29 Apr 08, 14:10
the real deal Irish pub!
In case you can't quite tell from the name, this place is an Irish Pub! You can get those Irish pubs that seem a bit like a half-baked effort at being a theme pub, but not this place! I've been here a couple of times, and could've been mistaken for thinking I was in Ireland - the clientel, the beer, the atmosphere - top stuff!
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Review of Oxygen Nightclub UK
28 Apr 08, 17:47
always enjoy myself here...
I always feel like I shouldn't like Oxygen - but I do! It's always a good night and if you don't like the music in one room, there's four to choose from and they're usually all playing different music so it's a real bonus - it also means you can get away from THAT person rather than spend most of the night trying to avoid them! Entry prices are what you'd expect for a town centre club - some nights can be more than others but it's usually not a bad price, and drinks prices are reasonable too.
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Review of J D Sports
28 Apr 08, 17:33
slow but helpful...
You know what you get with J D Sports which is what I like about the place. The one in Bedford has staff who seem knowledgeable if you ask them a specialist question, although service can be slow. If you need some general sport gear then they have a good range, but they only stock limited stock for the less popular sports.
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Review of JJB Sports
28 Apr 08, 17:30
no longer as great as it once was...
JJB in the Harpur Centre is a store I can never quite figure out whether they want it to be a small central sports store that stocks essentials, or a large chain store that services all your needs.
The result is that you get a bit confused - if you pop in on the off chance they'll have something you like then you won't find anything because there's too much there, or if you're looking for something in particular then you usually can't find it- I experienced this recently whilst looking for something and ended up getting it elsewhere instead! It's ok, but JJB is not the bastion of sport retail it once was, as this store proves.
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Review of Club 2000 Bingo
28 Apr 08, 17:24
well-managed catalogue store...
A friend of mine has almost become addicted to this place since joining as a 'bit of a laugh' a few months back! Apparantly it's NOT just full of old ladies chain smoking - it's becoming a really popular place for hen do's and birthday parties too, Club 2000 are trying to change the image of bingo... I'm yet to be convinced, but from the people I've seen coming out of this place up at the Aspects Leisure Park it seems like a good night out!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Fleurette Florist
28 Apr 08, 16:54
jolly nice flowers, jolly nice people!
The girls at Fleurette do a brilliant job in picking some lovely arrangements and are genuinely nice people too! The kind of place you can pop in for a bunch of flowers and find yourself not leaving for half an hour.. Not because it's taken that long to find a good bunch (they're everywhere, and if you can't find what you want they'll make it for you), but because you just end up nattering for that long!
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Review of Harpur Centre Florists
28 Apr 08, 16:52
brilliant colour bouquets!
The flowers on offer from Harpur Centre Florists are always in brilliant colour as soon as you walk through the door - in fact, beforehand! I've got a few bouquets from here and they always go down well - if you want to surprise someone with a gorgeous bunch of flowers try these people!
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Review of Harvey's Bar
28 Apr 08, 16:49
Great place to spend an evening...
Harvey's is always a great night out. It's open quite late, so whilst it is laid out like a bar and aimed at a more pre-club crowd than as the main venue, I've frequently ended up just staying here for the evening because the place has a cool welcoming atmosphere.
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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 FOCUS Do It All
28 Apr 08, 15:51
invaluable little store!
When I was doing up my flat recently I found this place invaluable for those DIY essentials because I found it overall slightly cheaper than the major DIY chains and the staff were really helpful, which was great because you know how stressful DIY can be, the last thing I wanted was a snooty member of staff!
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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 TK Maxx
17 Apr 08, 16:40
pick up a bargain...
TK Maxx is one of those stores that buy in old stock from other places and flog it on cheaper so if you're prepared to hunt through the rails there are bargains-a-plenty here. The only problem with that is the type of people that a "bargains-a-plenty"-type store attracts... I once had a confrontation with a lady in the doorway about whether it was the entrance or exit to the shop. It was in fact both, but hey, who needs manners when you've got a bargain under your arm?!
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Review of Peacocks Stores
17 Apr 08, 12:02
cheap and cheerful.
Peacocks is cheap and cheerful. It's one of those stores that I rarely go into, but when I have I've always felt a bit shabby afterwards, like if you take a Peacocks bag into River Island they look at you funny...
If you want cheap clothes but haven't heard of Primark then try here.
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Review of Debenhams
17 Apr 08, 11:58
Department store with occasional bargains
It used to be home of the middle aged but in recent years the younger and trendier have been known to frequent this store for the odd item of clothing. The place is massive and as standard there is a cafe somewhere in the building, though I'm still yet to find it, I usually come across them accidentally when I get lost...
And of course they have the famous blue cross sales every now and then when you can usually pick up a real bargain!
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Review of Music Centre
17 Apr 08, 11:41
It really is a centre of everything music!
Wow, this place has a huge range of instruments and amps and equipment - a very useful point of reference for aspiring bands and musicians.
And they don't just sell instruments - they service and repair a wide range of audio equipment and also offer music lessons on certain instruments! Excellent!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
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!!!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of McDonald's Restaurants
16 Apr 08, 16:10
A bit tatty...
... as McDonalds "restaurants" go, this one is a bit run-down. But then so is the rest of Aspects Leisure Park!
Food: As expected, tastes like McDonalds Service: Ok Drive-thru layout: Dreadful. Messy one-way system, ends in tears when you have to drive through the rest of the Aspects Leisure Park just to get out…
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Review of Harpur Shopping Centre
16 Apr 08, 13:31
Centrally located handy shopping centre
The Harpur Centre is one of those happy town centre shopping centres that offers you everything you want and more...
All the stores you'd expect to find in a town centre are right here, and a few of the more specialist shops as well!
It's one of those places that's ideal to head to at Christmas because you can wander round, take your time, and usually find exactly what you want.
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Review of Chicken Express
16 Apr 08, 12:38
Chicken in a hurry!
If you're in need of fast-food of a chicken variety and you're too far from KFC or the journey there seems perilous then Chicken Express probably comes a valiant second. Usually cooked within a smidgen of perfection and cheaper than their acronymed friends the guys at Chicken Express will serve you Chicken with a smile until the cows come home. And obviously when the cows do come home they'll be able to serve beefburgers too.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
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 Boots The Chemists
16 Apr 08, 12:00
More than just a chemist...
So much more than just a chemist, I always usually find the gift selection in Boots really useful at Christmas when I'm stuck for something for that one difficult person! And failing that you can always pick them up some perfume/aftershave instead!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Yiamas Greek Restaurant
16 Apr 08, 11:57
The whole Greek experience!
Yiamas is a newly-opened restaurant not just serving traditional Greek dishes but actually serving up the whole Greek experience - when I went there were a couple of guys playing traditional Greek music, so after a few drinks lots of people got up and started dancing(!), then a belly dancer came out and entertained us all inbetween courses, it was a great night out and a great venue for a party!
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Review of Iceland
15 Apr 08, 17:22
Frozen food and lots of it.
The food is dirt cheap, but I was disappointed that Kerry Katona wasn't in store when I visited. I even asked at the customer services desk if she was there and was really disappointed that she wasn't! That said I did pick up some bargain fish fingers so it's swings and roundabouts...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Nationwide Building Society
14 Apr 08, 14:46
sometimes busy...
Your average branch of Nationwide! It does get busy at the times you'd expect - lunchtimes mostly(!), but they always try and get to you as quickly as possible.
They also now have a handy desk right in front of the door to answer any quick questions you may have which is easier than queueing up for a long time!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
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!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Oasis Beach Pool
11 Apr 08, 22:38
Great for the kids...
The Oasis Beach Pool really is one for the kids - with the wave machine that gets turned on at regular intervals (there is a siren to warn those who don't want to get caught in the stormy seas!), the flumes to go down, a water cannon, outdoor rapids, and the 'water mushroom' they won't want to leave... which is a shame because it's not open 24 hours!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Wilkinson
11 Apr 08, 22:25
Day-to-day items, cheap!
Wilkinson sell whatever you're looking for, probably at a cheaper price than you expected to find it. They seem to stock everything from the most essential day-to-day items like food and drink, to the most unusual of gadgets! The staff usually are happy to help and there is never a lengthy queue at the checkout.
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Review of Woolworths
11 Apr 08, 22:22
Average-sized high-street store
This average-sized Woolworths store sells everything you come to expect from the high street chain.
They have a vast array of stationary, cards, books, CDs, DVDs, and home and kitchenware all reasonably priced. It is handily located opposite the Harpur Centre shopping centre and so is usually fairly busy at weekends.
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Review of Riverside Vauxhall
11 Apr 08, 22:19
Vauxhall cars for sale...
Large variety of new and used Vauxhall cars, open 7 days a week and always keen to do business.
The staff are approachable and friendly and very knowledgeable about the cars they are selling, whether you are enquiring about a new Corsa model or trying to part-exchange on a used Astra they try to make it affordable for you.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Fitness First
11 Apr 08, 22:16
Well-kitted out gym
I once went for a 'trial day' here, and they wouldn't stop calling me to try and persuade me to take up an expensive memberships for months!
The gym itself is very nice and has all the facilities you need including a large pool, steam room, and well-equiped gym, but make sure you read all the small print before taking out a membership!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Litten Tree
11 Apr 08, 22:07
Average Litten Tree...
This is your standard Litten Tree chain bar... It's popular in the evening before moving on to a club venue, so can get quite noisy, but if you're looking for somewhere for a drink before you head out for the evening then this could be the place for you.
They also have a DJ most evenings to give the place a bit of an atmosphere.
The drinks prices are average, and whilst not as cheap as a Wetherspoons, are still lower than independent prices.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Hobgoblin
11 Apr 08, 22:04
something a bit different...
This pub is popular with the student population of Bedford, in particular the 'alternative' type as it plays a variety of rock/indie music and themed events.
The pub offers a massive range of drinks, even down to their FIVE different varieties of vodka - so expect to be asked questions even if you just want a "vodka and coke"! Busy of an evening but quiet in the daytimes.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Subway
11 Apr 08, 21:51
Subway is the healthier option...
This branch of subway is located between the major nightspots in Bedford and the train station which means it is often very popular of an evening, especially at weekends, with locals who feel the need for some nourishment after a night out but before the journey home.
Thankfully the staff go about their jobs diligently and the food they produce is of a good Subway standard.
Can also get busy during the week at lunchtimes.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Subway
11 Apr 08, 21:49
Eat Fresh here!
After a nigth out in Bedford sometimes you don't feel like a kebab and the only thing that will make you feel better is a Subway, so thank heavens there are TWO branches in central Bedford!
Not only restricted to night times, Subway is also a popular lunchtime choice for the working population of Bedford which means this store can be busy during peak hours, but the staff do their job as quickly as possible and are very patient - even in the evening when dealing with drunk customers, hats off to them!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of McDonald's Restaurants
11 Apr 08, 21:47
central and handy when hungry!
This branch of McDonalds has recently been refurbished so it looks quite appealing from the outside.
The menu is the standard McDonalds Menu and the staff are what you'd expect - a mix of young people and foreign workers. This means they often get your order wrong so check what you buy when you get your order!
Usually very clean though and can't fault the food compared to other McDonalds restuarants!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Malu's Restaurant
11 Apr 08, 21:44
Excellent Indian Food!
Malu's is a really good place to go for a night out if you fancy an Indian, not only because the food is good and the place is well kitted out, but because they also have an onsite DJ AND a free limo service to take you where you want to go!
What other restaurants can you get a free limo ride to/from?! The staff are always friendly and more than willing to help.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of A To B Cars
11 Apr 08, 21:26
Fast and reliable taxis!
A To B cars are always fast, friendly and polite! After a night out the number is easy to remember, they tell you when they will arrive and they are usually spot on! The friendly drivers are always up for a chat on your journey but if you feel like keeping quiet then they don't natter on at you about inane things!
They're always first choice on my nights out!
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Review of Pizza Hut
11 Apr 08, 21:16
Can't beat the Buffet Lunch!
Home of the exceptional Pizza Hut Buffet Lunch, many a time most of our office have decamped to Pizza Hut to take advantage of the lunchtime buffet option, although we were disappointed to discover recently that the buffet at this branch no longer operates for the whole day but finishes at 3pm.
Outside of these hours service is generally quick and polite though sometimes you can be left waiting for drinks refils and they can take their time in bringing the bill too!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Cineworld
11 Apr 08, 21:14
Good place to see a film...
If you're looking to catch a film in Bedford then you're limited for choice but as far as the big cinema chains go Cineworld offers more than most - the prices are reasonable (even for refreshments), there's plenty of legroom on ALL the seats (not just the expensive upgrade ones like other cinemas) and they offer a decent student discount.
The only downside is that Cineworld is located at Aspects Leisure Park so you can get groups of 'youths' loitering of an evening!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
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!)
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of George & Dragon
11 Apr 08, 16:01
Love the karaoke!
This is a great little pub with reasonable pub prices - not as pricey as some of the main bars just around the corner in Bedford, and the Thursday Karaoke nights are brilliant - many a drunken rendition of Boyzone songs!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Tesco Stores
11 Apr 08, 14:50
Everything you could want...
One of the two large Tesco stores in Bedford, the Cardington Road one has everything you could possibly want - it's one of the huge Tescos that also do electrical goods and clothes etc. It doesn't have an automated till though so you have to queue up and talk to the staff!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Mickey D's
11 Apr 08, 14:46
A decent little place...
They do a decent haircut for guys, though sometimes the wait can be quite long towards the end of the day, but so long as you're in before closing time they'll make sure your hair gets cut! Reasonably priced too consider some salon prices!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.