Alex's reviews
Review of Shell UK
04 May 08, 14:34
cheap! 
This petrol station is located right opposite the University and was always my favourite place to fill up, because it was usually cheaper than most other places in town! I think because Southampton is so close to the Fawley Oil Refinary this must be the cause for the petrol price being lower than elsewhere in the country...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Shell UK
04 May 08, 14:30
handy station! 
This petrol station has saved me numerous times! It's open late and is en route to the M27 which means it can get busy first thing in the morning and at weekends when everyone is trying to go places. My favourite employee is the guy with long hair who works nights - he's a funny man! Long may he reign! Also handy for late night snacks when the corner shop has closed!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Brook
04 May 08, 13:57
some really good acts play...
The Brook over the years has hosted some really good names who have played live on their stage, and they still continue to do so with either upcoming bands performing, or older bands doing reformed tours. The place is constantly rumoured to be closing but it hasn't so far so there's still hope for the old place yet!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Flares
04 May 08, 13:56
Why would you go? 
Oh dear oh dear oh dear, whenever I go past Flares it just looks like everything that is wrong with a nightclub - playing dreadful music, with not-so-classy ladies falling about all over the place, and barely anyone under 40 in the whole venue. Oh and the staff are always really moody. Sounds like a great place to go for a night out doesn't it? No, I don't know why anyone goes either...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Jurys Inn Southampton
04 May 08, 13:31
good effort!
OK, so let's imagining you're designing a hotel... Where would you put it? Right in the middle of a roundabout of course! That's not going to annoy anyone!
That's exactly where the Jurys Inn is in Southampton, but don't let that put you off too much. It does mean that all rooms have a nice view of the, errr, road, but if you're on the right side some also overlook some of Southampton's gardens which can be quite pleasant. Thankfully the windows keep out most of the noise so it's pleasant enough, and the staff are very efficient too.
For it's location it's not a bad effort!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Hotshots
04 May 08, 12:48
awful. no other words can describe it..
If you want to go bowling, go somewhere else.
The staff gave the impression that they couldn't care less, the lanes are old and shabby, and when we went they didn't have enough shoes so we were told to just play in the shoes we were wearing!!!
This is a great meeting point for chavs, but an utterly awful bowling alley.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Aldo
02 May 08, 14:33
high end fashion? not convinced... 
Until quite recently I didn't realise this place did stuff for guys as well - I was always put off by the range of handbags that spilled out onto the West Quay main entrance bit!
I think they're trying to be a high-end fashion store but I just find their stuff overpriced to be honest! Women might be fans of the handbags but I'm yet to be convinced by their guys stuff!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of John Lewis
30 Apr 08, 17:22
huge but somewhat expensive!
John Lewis in West Quay is huge, and designed so that you get lost - it took me several trips here to LEARN the way out... Because otherwise there's mirrors and pillars everywhere and you'll find yourself walking round in circles for ages before you find the way out! Most of their stuff seems vastly overpriced, but in amongst it there are some quality products at reasonable prices!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Halfords
30 Apr 08, 17:13
good products, not such great service!
This Halfords, at the retail park, always has a display of mountain bikes outside, but when you go inside they don't actually have that big a range of bikes! Go figure! The staff aren't terribly knowledgeable about them either, but on the plus side they have a good range of accessories and stuff for your car. Which is a shame, because being at West Quay Retail Park means you've probably had to park miles away from your car!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Grosvenor Casino
30 Apr 08, 17:07
first timers needn't feel worried!
Grosvenor Casino is a great night out - only for anyone over 18 of course, but you don't have to pay an entry fee or become a member - you can just turn up and have fun... The place isn't just for the seasoned pro's - you needn't feel stupid if it's your first time as there's leaflets and guides on how to play and the staff will explain as well if you want(!). They also have special events every now and then that give you discounts and freebies and the like so watch out for those too! Becoming a popular place to go for a party!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Furniture Village
30 Apr 08, 17:03
a HUGE range of furniture...
Based down at the retail park behind West Quay, Furniture Village is a HUGE store with more sofas than you can imagine. And not just sofa's - they sell a whole range of furniture. When I went in there were lots of staff who approached me straight away asking if I needed assistance and were very welcoming.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Frankie & Benny's
30 Apr 08, 17:00
awful service..
"What can I get for yourselves today for yourselves?" That's all this place reminds me of...
We went to eat here once and were turned away by the staff. I'm not sure why. The place wasn't full, it wasn't late, I wasn't with a bunch of unruly people - we were just a few friends out for a meal. I've since been back and still found the service dreadful. They take forever at the bar and are really rude when you eventually get served. Funnily enough I won't be going back.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Diva
30 Apr 08, 16:56
Ikon's little sister...
This is Ikon's sister club right next door. Actually, not even next door - they have a connecting 'tunnel' between the two. I used to stand in it and get very confused with very different music blasting loudly into both my ears.
Much like Ikon, Diva is alright but very dependent on the crowd - some nights can be very chavvy, others can seem quite classy... Entirely up to what is on and who is there, but on the whole it's a good night...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Carpets'N'Beds
30 Apr 08, 16:53
friendly service!
This is not a big place, so imagine my surprise when I went in to discover that Carpets'N'Beds sell carpets AND beds! I know, I was as gobsmacked as the next man...
They don't have a huge range of beds, but what they lack in range they make up for with their local friendly approach - the guys will take care of you and make sure you get what you want whether you're after a carpet, a bed, or perhaps you're intending on really pushing the boat out and going for both? Oh you spoil yourself!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Brantano Footwear
30 Apr 08, 16:51
lots and lots of shoes...
Brantano is a brand that Europe has known about for ages, but they've only been in this country for a few years... This is a typical Brantano branch - it's on a retail park, but being the West Quay Retail Park you'll still have to hunt for a parking space. The place itself goes for the whole 'warehouse' feel which will leave you feeling a bit cold in every sense, but hey, it's a shoe shop, not a lounge... There are some really good shoes in here for every occasion. Well, nearly every occasion...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of ASK
30 Apr 08, 16:48
overly clinical...
ASK do pizza. And to be honest they do it very well. They also do a few of the staple pasta dishes too and some stuff that's not even Italian (scandal!). But being a chain this place always feels to me like it has no individuality - the restaurant has been done out in a very simplistic way, and Leisure World itself isn't exactly overflowing with artistic statements of uniqueness. The whole experience feels a bit clinical and pre-meditated, and you pay for the 'pleasure' too... It's alright for a meal, but if you're looking for that 'special' place to take someone then this isn't it!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Alan Day Honda
30 Apr 08, 16:45
Friendly Honda dealer
Alan Day Honda is right down on the seafront in Southampton so the cars come off the ferry and can literally stumble into Alan Day Honda! The staff here are really helpful and they have a good range of cars on offer, usually some big discounts too...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Jongleurs
29 Apr 08, 22:11
far too expensive...
If you want comedy find a local place that has a reputation for pulling in top comedians - the university in Southampton does a great comedy night, and a couple of the local pubs too. The Jongleurs charges far too much because people think it is the only place they can go for comedy so they get away with ridiculous ticket prices and the drinks here are horrendous too. If you're going for a party then I guess you might pay the price but if you're just after a few good laughs then forget it. The atmosphere is tense and there's always some drunkard trying to heckle ruining it for everyone. It's an alright night - but there's much better out there...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
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!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Kaos
29 Apr 08, 19:46
not as good as it once was...
Kaos is still a good night out, but it's not as great as it used to be - prices have gone up and the atmosphere has gone down. On the occasions I've been there's always been trouble and security have been mid-throwing somebody out as I've arrived. Nice pleasant welcome! Musically it's a really different venue - give it a whirl, but bear in mind what I said!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Gordon Arms
29 Apr 08, 19:42
student favourite...
The Gordon Arms looks like a quiet local establishment from the outside, but the owners clearly know where the money is - they've installed free wi-fi, a secret hidden door and a host of other quirks that make this place a real student favourite. The quiz night is renowned and the bar staff are a clever mix of experienced locals and students looking for some money to help pay the rent! If you want a quiet drink, pop in during the day. If you want a 'lively' drink, try going in the evening, you'll have fun!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Bent Brief
29 Apr 08, 19:40
not a great pub...
This pub is a bizarre mix of local residents and students, that means the atmosphere here can really vary depending on what day/time of the week you pop in. Catch a bunch of students on a pub-crawl and it'll sound like a good place to be, but pop in when they're in exam season and you'll feel the eyes of the locals burning holes in the back of your head. Not actual holes, mind. They haven't got laser beams on their heads or anything - that'd be the sharks from Austin Powers that you're thinking of...
If you're going with a large group then pop in for a drink. But I wouldn't go here out of choice and I certainly wouldn't stay that long...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
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!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Bambuubar
29 Apr 08, 19:31
not nearly as classy as it pretends to be...
Bambuubar is located the ever-so-slightly 'chavvy' Leisure World but still markets itself as a high-end cocktail bar. The only problem is, it's a VERY long walk to the rest of the bars/clubs in Southampton that aren't at Leisure World, so it kind of limits your going out options if you start a night here.
Drinks are expensive, staff are rude, but hey if you fancy pretending to be classy try here... If you're actually classy, go somewhere else.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Kolebka
29 Apr 08, 19:29
this is how pre-club venues should be done...
Kolebka is quite a new place and actually really well done. You can go there for a quiet drink if that's all you want, or you can spend an evening there with friends drinking and chatting, or if you're on your way to town it's the perfect pre-club venue. The decor is classy without being over-the-top and the staff are always friendly to boot.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Hot Shots
29 Apr 08, 19:27
avoid it!
Yuck. A massive pre-club venue with its own bowling alley and arcade, pool and airhockey tables? The whole place just screams 'chav' at you, and funnily enough that's who it mostly attracts. That said it dooes get quite a large student crown ahead of the Ikon student night next door which give the place a bit of a lift, but generally I avoid it unless I have ages to kill before seeing a film at the nearby Odeon!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Hogshead
29 Apr 08, 19:24
big bar, good atmosphere
It's part of a chain but I developed quite a fondness for this place whilst I lived in Southampton - it felt like a really big bar but small enough to still have a really good atmosphere when it matters. The bar staff always try to be as quick as they can and serve you with a smile if you ask for one!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Old Fat Cat
29 Apr 08, 19:22
at weekends - dreadful, in the week - quite good!
The Old Fat Cat is one of those pub/bar crossover places that you're not sure whether to pop in for quick pint on the way home or whether you should make a night of it here with some friends. At weekends it fills with, errm, older female clientel who are all up for being loud and falling all over the place. Avoid like the plague. In the week, however, different story and a genuinely good place to go for a drink or twelve!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Yates's Wine Lodge
29 Apr 08, 18:53
well-thought out Yates' branch...
Yates' Wine Lodge in Southampton is pretty much like every other Yates' in the country - there's drink and it's averagely priced, and at weekends they get a DJ in to give the place a bit of a 'livlier' feel. They also show all the big important sporting events so the place can get backed out - arrive early to get a seat!!! This one has an upstairs too with a balcony so you can see down to the main room so it does seem more like a club than a pub at weekends which is good!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Fruit
29 Apr 08, 18:49
lacks atmosphere...
Fruit is a bar trying to be a club that looks a bit like a bar that wants people to come and drink and stay all night but isn't bothered if they leave. In short it's got a bit of an image crisis. Some of the theme night ideas they've come up with have been good - an Ibiza night and a Christmas party come to mind, but once they recognise it is just a bar and will always be just a bar then it will get busier. At the moment on usual nights it lacks an atmosphere, try as the staff do.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Bar Risa
29 Apr 08, 18:47
nice enough but can be troublesome...
I've been down to Bar Risa a few times and have usually had to leave quietly whie a 'disagreement' is taking place elsewhere in the venue. It seems like a pleasant enough place, and is quite large so I've always been able to get a table, I'm just not sure why it seems to attract the type of people who want to fight each other? It's also next below Jongleurs Comedy Club so handy if you don't want to pay Jongleurs prices!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Isobar Southampton
29 Apr 08, 18:45
good 'pre-club' venue
Isobar is a really cool venue (no pun intended... ok, pun partially intended...) that comes very close to being the trendy venue it sets out to be. The only thing that lets it down is it's location really - stuck in St Mary's means it only really attracts students on their night out to elsewhere rather than any 'regulars', but it means the atmosphere here is always good.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Varsity
29 Apr 08, 18:40
plain and simple no-frills bar
Varsity is a very studenty-type venue in that it's cheap and simply done-up - don't expect fancy decoration, don't expect any special nights, don't expect any entertainment. It's a bar to drink before you go on elsewhere - nothing more, nothing less.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Lizard Lounge
29 Apr 08, 18:38
great way to start a night!
The Lizard Lounge does super pizzas during the day, and at night many a time I've had a good night in here, although it can get VERY busy of a Friday/Saturday night, literally to the point you can't move(!), but hey, if you're on the pull then getting forced up close with a stranger can certainly help start that initial conversation!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Square
29 Apr 08, 18:37
good cocktails but very bad service...
The cocktails here are great, but I never really liked this place - the other customers are always really rude, everyone pushes in at the bar so it takes ages to get served, and the staff have tried to short change me here on more than one occasion - whether intentional or not, they should be more careful. I also got ID'd once trying to buy a lemonade... Go figure...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Joiners
29 Apr 08, 18:27
the reputation speaks for itself...
The Joiners is a legendary local venue. What amazed me here was seeing the list of famous names who have played in The Joiners before they made it big - it's a VERY impressive list... It also means that if you pop along to see a band you've never heard of then there's quite a big chance they'll turn into the next big thing. It might look dingy and scary, but go in. You'll love it. Trust me.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of ATS Euromaster
28 Apr 08, 18:09
helpful about tyres...
The guys here were very helpful last year when I needed a new tyre. I left the old one with them for a bit and they sorted the whole thing out told me how much it'd be and I went away happy. The place was reccommended to me so I'm reccommending it on!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Matalan
24 Apr 08, 13:39
cheap department store...
Matalan in The Mall Marlands is a very large Matalan store spread over two levels, with ladieswear, menswear, and homeware too, it's everything you need really at fairly cheap prices. The stuff isn't great quality but there are some good designs available if you hunt for stuff.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Woolworths
24 Apr 08, 13:37
average but popular...
The Woolworths in Portswood still thrives off the local population, and to some extent the local student population too. Recently refurbished, athough to be honest you wouldn't really notice. Staff aren't overly helpful, but do you need assistance buying a bag of Harribo?
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Woolworths
24 Apr 08, 12:59
awful, but thankfully it is no more...
This branch of Woolworths used to be a dump, there was always stuff all over the place, half the lights didn't work, half the staff didn't seem to have a clue what they were doing, and the security were always wrestling one shoplifter or another to the ground right outside the store.
Thankfully it has since closed and is currently being turned into a new TK Maxx, replacing the one down the road.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Argos
24 Apr 08, 12:00
Not overly brilliant in the efficiency department...
This Argos down at the bottom of town has is huge, which is quite pointless really considering it's a catalogue shop so they don't really have any products on the shop floor... bizzarre... Anyway, they do sell a huge range of goods, but I always find when I shop at this Argos that my stuff takes much longer to arrive at the pick-up desk than any other Argos I've ever been to! The exception to this is when I shopped here once at the very end of the day when stuff was coming through almost straight away - funny that, just as the staff want to go home!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Brick Shirt House
22 Apr 08, 15:56
Shirts galore - as you'd expect!
The name is hilarious. Let's get over that first. Have a good laugh, what a well-written pun, how amusing of them. Finished? Right, can we talk about the shop now? good. They sell a good range of shirts. Big ones, small ones, mans ones, ladies ones, checked ones, stripey ones, posh black tie ones, casual evening out ones. If you're in need of a shirt then here is probably a good place to start. They also sell other belts and a few accessories.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of USC
22 Apr 08, 15:54
no limit to style here
USC sell clothes and lots of them! The only problem I have with USC is not so much a problem, in fact some people would find it an advantage - is that there doesn't seem to be a limit of style - there are literally all kinds of clothes side-by-side, trendy, retro, chic, alternative, sportswear, casual, it's all there.... I also once got a bit confused where the guys section ended and the ladies section began and found myself accidentally looking at ladieswear... Shhh, don't tell anyone!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Envy
22 Apr 08, 15:51
independent range alongside high street brands
Envy have a large clothing range for men and women and also sell accessories and footwear.
They are one of these trendy shops that have recently started selling their own label stuff alongside the big brands you'd expect to find at a shop like this such as FCUK and Teddy Smith. The place can feel a bit 'chavvy' because of these brands, but don't let it put you off because there IS some good stuff and the staff are nice too!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of ShakeAway
22 Apr 08, 15:41
their milkshake brings all the boys (and girls) to the yard...
Kelis' Milkshake might well have brought all the boys to the yard, but a ShakeAway brings all the boys AND girls, and most importantly keeps them coming back for more! ShakeAway's unique selling point is that they pretty much put anything you want into a milkshake... They have a massive range on the wall, and a very long list of suggestions, but if you have your own ideas and think they are better then you are more than welcome to suggest it to them and have them make you up your very own milkshake - how very cool!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Next
22 Apr 08, 15:39
really good range at reasonable prices...
Next do some really good stuff - menswear, ladieswear, and a good selection of home stuff. Some of their top end stuff can seem a little overpriced but a lot of their range seems about right.
They have a really good selection of menswear available in sizes XS-XXL which are usually all in stock - excelllent! The staff are always pleasant and friendly and will always go and check out the back if you want to know if they've got something in a different size/colour...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Gap
22 Apr 08, 15:26
clothing that's not too bad...
People reinvent themselves all the time - think Madonna, think Kylie, but Gap seem to have mastered a brand that constantly reinvents itself whilst maintaining its key credentials. Gap clothing always remiains at the forefront of mainstream fashion, which also gives it licence to set their prices where they like, because they know their loyal fanbase will pay for it.
Personally I've never been a massive fan of Gap merchandise or clothing, but I know people who swear by it. Take it or leave it, I'll often havea quick browse, but I won't buy something just for the name...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Moist
22 Apr 08, 15:24
Good quality, but pricey...
Moist is located just inside the Bargate shopping centre and offers a trendy range of clothes with a surfer twist - think of it as a cross between Fat Face and River Island - both of which, funnily enough, are already in Southampton. This could explain why this place is never overly busy, as the clothes are quite pricey for what they are.
They have some good designs which are different to what you find in the major high street chains, but you pay for that individual quality.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Topshop
22 Apr 08, 15:22
trying too hard?
Girls love Topshop, and all the guys love Topman upstairs too. I've never really been a big fan of the Topman range - occasionally I'll find something I like, but I find it tries a bit too hard to be trendy and fails, where the likes of River Island succeed. Though the girls stuff down in Topshop remains popular with the trendy and their friends. Price-wise it's pretty much what you'd expect for a high-street store - it's not cheap but you get what you pay for really...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of T K Maxx
22 Apr 08, 15:20
cheap or not, I can't decide!
TK Maxx - I've never been quite sure whether this store is meant to be selling reasonably clothes cheaply, or quality clothes at reasonable prices... And browsing through the rails I'm still not sure...
Some of the stuff is really good and although it is cheaper than you'd pay for it in a brand store, it still is quite expensive for what it is, and I'm always reluctant to pay so much for an item in a discount store!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Clinton Cards
21 Apr 08, 17:13
Handily located in the student area...
In amongst the charity shops, banks, and takeaways that line Portswood Road is Clinton Cards - your friendly card shop. Ideal when you've forgotten that important birthday (which clearly wasn't that important else you would have remembered it), or a 'sorry you're leaving us' card for that person at work who has announced their departure even though you never really liked them anyway.
The staff are friendly to chat to if you've got time for a natter as well.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Clinton Cards
21 Apr 08, 17:06
Nice enough card shop...
If you couldn't find anything in the Clinton's Cards two minutes down the road then let's be hoest, you're not likely to find anything here either because the two card stores are pretty much the same. They both sell cards and have a large range of gift ideas. The only noteable difference would be that being inside West Quay makes this one a) more popular, and b) somehow feel less tacky. It's a question of perception I think... Nice enough place to get a card!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Clinton Cards
21 Apr 08, 17:05
Cards and birthday ideas galore...
Inside the newly invigorated Mall Marlands, Clintons sell more than just cards, you can also get a giant teddy bear, or a mug bearing the name of your friend or relative which is very classy and ideal if you've totally forgotten it's their birthday, and you've nipped out on your lunchbreak with only minutes left to find them a present. Not that I have ever done this. No sir, not me, nope. Well, maybe once or twice...
The prices aren't cheap, considering a card is still just a bit of paper folded in half, but I think that is the greetings card 'industry' in general, rather than just Clintons...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Pizza Hut
21 Apr 08, 11:58
tiny pizza hut... could be so good with a little effort...
This is a small Pizza Hut restaurant located off of Southampton's 'back streets', and so has always been busy whenever I've been here. You get your standard buffet at lunch or you can order from the menu, but quite frankly why would you do that when the buffet is cheaper?!
The staff can be a bit moody in here sometimes compared to the other restaurants in the area, but then it is busy, especially at weekends.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Pizza Hut
21 Apr 08, 11:52
Efficient staff, located in shopping centre...
This Pizza Hut is located on the top floor of the West Quay shopping complex in the 'food court' area. Whenever I've eaten here I've been surprised by the efficiency of the staff compared to some other Pizza Hut restaurants, they actually refil the free refil drinks when you're running out, rather than having to ask them to do it, and if you go when the buffet is on there's always a good range including vegetarian.
Being in the shopping centre means it's not open in the evenings, so is busiest at lunchtimes, especially weekends when it gets packed with families.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Pizza Hut
20 Apr 08, 22:01
popular with students
This Pizza Hut is right in the middle of the student area of Southampton and so is incredibly popular with students who just can't keep away from the buffet lunch. It is also for the most part staffed by the aforementioned students which means in the summer months you do wonder how the place keeps going with neither customers nor staff, but somehow they do!
Busy at lunchtimes, a little less so in the evenings.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Tesco
19 Apr 08, 17:33
They do probably sell everything...
This Tesco doesn't sell food. No way. Not a bit. Well, ok, it does sell a bit, but only a few snacks. The main purpose of this Tesco is to sell everything that Woolworths used to sell, but better. Downstairs there is a colossal array of stationary, more varieties of post-it note than you could ever possibly need, and a lot of kitchen utensils - half of which could double-up as surgical tools should the NHS get really bad.
Upstairs you can buy a massive TV, a brand new hi-fi, the latest album, or some clothes.
See... literally everything you could ever want, and more. Though I'm yet to find the kitchen sink department. I'm sure it's there somewhere...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Mecca Bingo
19 Apr 08, 17:29
Actually really good fun!
How do you make a group of pensioners swear at you? Shout bingo!
It's funny because it's true. By day, this bingo place smells vaguely of urine, but by night it becomes quite a good laugh as the young and old combine as they "eyes down look in" blot out their numbers in search of that all-elusive win.
It's actually a surprising amount of fun, and the word is spreading as more and more young folk join in.
Bingo - don't knock it til you've tried it!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Waitrose
19 Apr 08, 17:23
Making West Quay better...
Waitrose makes the whole of West Quay feel classier. It makes you want to go in because you'll feel like a better person afterwards. There is also a big rumour that they nearly weren't in West Quay at all because the centre management were worried about the trollies damaging the floor. I think the floor should consider itself lucky to have been graced by the wheels of a Waitrose trolley. I bought some "Apple Yum-Yums" from here once, and they were delicious. Go on, try them!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Asda Stores
19 Apr 08, 17:12
I love this Asda... possibly for the wrong reasons...
This is my favourite Asda in the world, and for one very simple reason: the lady on the tannoy. I don't know if she still works there, but three or so years ago, there was a lady who would basically just have a conversation with herself over the tannoy on a regular basis in broken English. Always had me creasing up in the pasta aisle for no particular reason. On many an occasion I actually forgot what I came in for as I was mesmerized by her voice.
The other amazing thing about this Asda is that it has an in-store mobile phone fixing shop, a chinese drug store thing, an ironing place, and a hairdressers - presumably so you can have your clothes ironed and your hair cut whilst you shop...?!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Somerfield Stores
19 Apr 08, 17:08
bread, milk, cheese, all sold here!
This Somerfield is ideal for one or two 'bits' when you can't quite be bothered to go to a proper supermarket. They do all your staples and you'll find one or two people who use this as their regular weekly supermarket, but on the whole it is just frequented by people who've run out of milk, and as such it does its job.
Their delivery lorries always park on the bus stop directly outside, which mean the buses have to double park, which means the whole high street can't move, so I wish they wouldn't...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Iceland
19 Apr 08, 17:06
I wish mums didn't go to Iceland quite so much...
"That's why mums go to Iceland", and boy, do mums go here. The problem is they're the wrong type of mums. Tearing round Iceland picking up a few bits is a fairly dangerous task, because you have to not run over any wild children with your trolley, else you risk the wrath of the mother who is three times the size of you, and even if you do avoid the children she'll still probably scowl at you for no real reason.
Yuck.
Though their frozen deals in summer are REALLY handy for the ole' barbeque!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Tesco Stores
19 Apr 08, 17:03
Tesco Extra - now with added petrol station!
This is a little Tesco Extra store with its own petrol station. It is very handy for those living close by, as the only other supermarkets within walking distance is a Waitrose (for the overly posh) and a Aldi (for the overly poor!) so it's a perfect middle-ground choice.
Don't expect to find a huge range of stuff in here, but it's got all your essentials - milk, cheese, chocolate, ready meals, pizzas, pringles. That sounds like my weekly shopping list pretty much.
This store also has a FREE cash machine outside.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Starbucks
18 Apr 08, 17:16
Coffee has never tasted so expensive...
This Starbucks is located at the busy West Quay retail park, and so is ideally located to let all those stressed folk relax with a coffee and watch everyone else get wound up by all the other people hunting for a new wardrobe.
Starbucks prices are more than I've ever paid for a coffee elsewhere, but I guess the coffee was also superior. I closed my eyes and thought for one brief moment I was on the set of Friends. But then I opened my eyes and remembered I was in a shopping centre in Southampton. We can all dream.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Starbucks
18 Apr 08, 17:12
Fancy a coffee break whilst shopping?
One of two Starbucks outlets in Southampton town centre, because there's nothing worse than having to go shopping and not being able to stop for a coffee or a mochachocafloccha with extra chocobits or whatever it's called. It gets quite busy because it's just outside the Mall Marlands shopping centre, but the queue does move quite quickly which is a good thing.
They once got my order wrong but once I pointed it out they changed it without any fuss and apologised...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Waterstone's
18 Apr 08, 17:09
More than just books... they sell CDs too!
This Waterstones is located downstairs in the West Quay retail complex, which is bizarre really because if you had the ability to fly through floors, you're probably less than 100m away from the other Waterstones outside, but hey, you can never have too much of a good thing! Being downstairs and a bit 'away from the action' this is a quieter bookshop - if you can have one of those, I've never really been in a bookshop that I'd describe as 'noisy', but you catch my drift...
The usual lineup of bestsellers in the window continues with more books inside, shelves full of the things in fact. I once was trying to locate a book here for a relative and the member of staff was very helpful and knew exactly where it was!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Waterstone's
18 Apr 08, 17:02
Helpful staff, and a good range of books!
The stone-clad building that encompases Waterstones is located on the main shopping high street in Southampton and so fills up with passers by hoping to find something they might like, especially around Christmas time when they are struggling to find gifts for family members who they don't see that often.
If you are genuinely just looking for a book though it's quite a good branch and quite well laid out with helpful staff available.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Waterstones Booksellers
18 Apr 08, 16:43
books of a medical nature.
If you're coming in for an op, you might need something to read during your recovery period, so if it accidentally slipped your mind beforehand, then fear not because this a handy bookseller on-site! Result!
It is, however, mainly used by medical students so expect to find lots of them browsing the all important journals and like.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Waterstones Booksellers
18 Apr 08, 16:39
University-based bookshop...
This small branch of Waterstones is located on the main University of Southampton campus and contains essential course books so you'll usually find a few people posing as hard-working students trying to locate that all important book they're after. Though of course the real hard-working students are too hard-working to visit a bookshop and can be found in the library instead, but nice try...
This store is also primarily staffed by students, so they know what other students are all about.
Also suitable for locals.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of South West Trains
18 Apr 08, 14:36
if you need to get a train - these guys can help!
South West Trains seem to be one of the more expensive train companies in the country, but at least their trains are also of a really good standard and for the most part they are usually on time. If you ever find yourself in Southampton, but would rather be in London or even more bizarrely Weymouth then these lovely folk can help.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Tie Rack
18 Apr 08, 14:29
In need of a tie?
What is a guy to do when he is in urgent need of a tie?! That's right, you COULD go to any high street store and browse the large selection of ties amongst the more and less formal clothes also on sale, but it would surely be more fun to go to a shop that JUST sells ties, right?! Well I'm afraid that is out of the window too, because Tie Rack don't just sell times anymore, they sell some hats and scarves and gloves and things. Keep living the dream...
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Burton
18 Apr 08, 14:12
good range of menswear...
This branch of Burtons is in West Quay, upstairs from Miss Selfridge and another woman's place I forget the name of, which means your other half can look around downstairs while you browse the men's stuff upstairs! The only downside of this plan is that while you can take the escalator up from the front of the store, the only way out is by walking through the aforementioned ladies shops!
They've got a fairly large range of formalwear as well as casual stuff plus I THINK they still offer student discount, which is handy... if you're a student.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Montserrat Menswear
18 Apr 08, 14:00
Not as pretentious as the name makes out!
Despite the name this place isn't really as pretentious as it tries to make out and their range is actually pretty good. I've only ever bought a couple of things in there and they were probably a bit on the dear side, but hey everyone likes to treat themselves once in a while don't they?!!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Topman
18 Apr 08, 13:46
trendy and cool on a whole new level
Trendiness and cool on a level you won't really find anywhere else, and that's just the staff. I always feel a bit out of place in here for not being as skinny as everyone else in the shop, it's like a condition of entry.
Some of the clothes are good for normal people, but on the whole I'm not much of a fan of the stuff in this shop, though I know some people who swear by it...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Odeon Cinema
17 Apr 08, 17:26
Bog-standard Odeon!
You know what you get with an Odeon: a multi-screen cinema with the famous Orange Wednesdays - getting you two cinema tickets for the price of one if you have an Orange phone... Thing is it's so popular it's not worth going to the cinema on a Wednesday unless you plan HOURS in advance!
This cinema is quite nice, but it's at Leisure World which tends to be a bit, umm, frequented by youths in tracksuits, but avoid those and you'll have a lovely time.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Original 106 FM
17 Apr 08, 17:19
Not so original...
Original 106 keep telling us they play great stuff that you don’t normally hear ont’ wireless, but this simply isn’t true.
Whenever I’ve tuned in, they’re either playing really bad music (and that’s why you never normally hear it) or one of Bon Jovi’s best known hit’s that’s already been played to death on TinPot FM down the road.
Must try harder…
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Fat Face
17 Apr 08, 16:35
He was a surfer dude, he said see you later dude...
Fat Face is basically a clothing store for surfer dudes. Rock up in your board shorts and sandals with your board under your arm and you'll fit right in. You'll look like a right plonker in the rest of the shopping centre, but at least you'll feel at home here.
In the summer months this shop is a hive of activity, but in the winter months the range doesn't seem all that, probably due to the lack of surfing in winter.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Republic
17 Apr 08, 16:18
labels you'll love...
Republic at West Quay has some kind of weird 'Space-Age' feel to it with metal all over the place, I think it's supposed to reflect the urban clothing style but it's all a bit weird if you ask me!
That said, the clothes there are usually really good quality, good designs, and although they are pricey you are paying for quality brands so if you need to be branded up with the latiest trendies then you'll love it.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Bank Fashion
17 Apr 08, 16:16
quite classy but nothing special really...
Bank is one of those stores that seem to have employees who double up as 'door staff' and you almost feel like you might be asked for ID on your way in! Not really sure what the point of that is, because the stuff in side is quite good but nothing special, and mostly very pricey.
If you've got LOTS of cash to splash then it's worth a look, but otherwise it's nothing special...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of H & M
17 Apr 08, 16:13
never quite got it...
I've never quite got H&M. Everyone raves about how great it is but I rarely seem to find anything I like and when I do it fits awkwardly. These days H&M seems to be more a place for trendy types to be seen rather than for anyone to actually buy anything!
That said, my girly friends still love the place and are always picking stuff up there, so maybe it's swings and roundabouts... Nah, hang on, that's a playground.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Primark
17 Apr 08, 16:08
Nobody wants to admit they shop here... but we all do.
Nobody wants to be seen here but everybody shops here because let's be honest, amongst the tat and the riff raff there is some decent stuff in Primark! Don't go late in the day because the place gets in a right mess as the general crowds riffle through piles of items in search for their own bargain, and don't hang around waiting for the queues at the till to go down - they NEVER do, I don't think I've ever spent less than 10 minutes waiting to pay here...
Guys stuff is not as good as it used to be either.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of River Island Clothing Co
17 Apr 08, 16:05
Stylish clothing
I used to spend far too much in this store, too much time AND too much money, but that's because I always found that the styles and quality were SO much better than the other high street stores, and, most importantly for me being a short-ass, most of their stuff is stocked in XS so clothes that actually fit me!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of HMV
17 Apr 08, 11:29
More than just CDs...
More than just CDs HMV sell a large range of other stuff to for fans of music, film and television! I sometimes struggle to find CDs by certain artists because they have some bizarre categorisation system where an artist I think of as 'pop' will appear in another category in another part of the shop, but if you can't find something the staff are quite helpful.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Prezzo
16 Apr 08, 16:29
Hit and miss...
The Prezzo chain is usually a great place to go for a meal, though last time I ate at the Southampton branch I was left feeling a bit disappointed at the quality and the staff.
The first time I ate here I found the food and the service superb, but the second time the food took a while to come out, and it just wasn't as good as we'd expected and the staff kept us waiting for drinks and bringing the bill, and then they add on a service charge! So it would seem this one is a bit hit and miss... Good luck!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Standing Order
16 Apr 08, 14:21
The lesser 'spoons in Southampton!
One of two Wetherspoons-owned bars in town, usually referred to as the "other" Wetherspoons because for some reason it never seems quite as good as the Giddy Bridge. The pub is long and thin, so has lots of secluded booths which are good when you fancy a chat but mean the place seems really void of an atmosphere.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of West Quay Cars
16 Apr 08, 13:29
Taxis that turn up on time!
West Quay Cars used to be my first choice for taxis in Southampton because unlike some of the other firms in the area they always turned up when they said they would and they also give you a bell when they're outside, so if it's chucking down with rain or you're in one of Southampton's less glamorous suburbs then you don't have to lurk around outside!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Lush
16 Apr 08, 11:45
handmade cosmetics galore!
You can usually smell a Lush store from about three miles away. They sell a huge range of handmade cosmetics made from natural ingredients. The staff are very knowledgeable about the products and whilst they may seem overpriced they do seem to last forever and make GREAT birthday/Christmas presents!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of TGI Fridays
15 Apr 08, 17:37
gimme gimme more fridays!
Give me gimme more Fridays! TGIs is a great place to go for a meal, though it does seem extortionate compared to other places you can eat! Mind you, you do get a jolly nice meal out of it at the end so it's all good!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Junk
15 Apr 08, 17:33
Stylish swanky club!
Junk is a swanky club that locals students the cool the trendy and the just about normal all love to rave about. They frequently organise special events with special guests and top name DJs that almost justify the entry prices and drinks prices!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Orange Rooms
14 Apr 08, 18:39
Chic, Le Freak, and the very very orange.
The Orange Rooms is one of the coolest most chic venues in town, though sometimes I have wondered whether it is just pretension masquerading as cool but I never figured it out then it stopped bothering me.
The drinks prices aren't as cheap as some of the nearby venues, and the music can vary enormously but all-in-all it's a good place to meet friends or go for pre-club drinks.. But expect to be judged by everyone else there...
Oh, and yes, the decor is mostly Orange, but don't worry, it doesn't look like EasyJet.
0 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
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!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Hot 4 You
14 Apr 08, 18:31
Speedy takeaway pizzas at silly prices...
The owners of this place also run "Hot 2 You" in Portswood and so both branches are more or less the same...
The best deal they do is BOGOF on any pizza when you collect, and at less than a tenner for a decent sized medium pizza, that means you get TWO decent sized medium pizzas for less than a tenner!
There are some excellent pizzas but if you don't like them then have a go at the 'free choice' option and reel of your list of ingredients du jour and have them concoct it for you - they're just not to blame if it tastes 'orrible!
Oh... and they're just as yummy the day after too!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
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...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
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!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Edge
12 Apr 08, 08:49
Southampton's best gay venue...
Southampton's only real gay 'club' which has recently undergone a HUGE transformation, turning the previously dingy upstairs area into a sophisticated new trendy bar, with the downstairs now a much more inviting dancefloor area with some funky new features. THere is also a large outdoor area for smokers and fans of fresh air alike, and a third bar/dancefloor upstairs known as 'The Box'.
It's now becoming the venue that Southampton has always deserved and remains popular every night of teh week, with a regular student night, karaoke night, and friday and saturday club nights!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Ikon
12 Apr 08, 08:44
Average Southampton club...
Ikon has a repuatation for being the 'chavviest' club in Southampton - you stick to the floor, drinks are spilt everywhere, the toilets are a mess, and the music is loud you can't hear properly afterwards for a good few days!
But if you just fancy a night out where you can have a drink or twelve and have a dance and probably pull then there's nothing wrong with Ikon.... The music stays usually fairly mainstream chart/dance.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Ocean & Collins
12 Apr 08, 08:38
Top night out!
Easily the best thing about "The O.C" as it's known are the electronic tables that allow you to order drinks from the bar without having to move, and you can flirt with people on other tables or send covert messages - HOURS of fun!
Then when you get bored about that you can go have a dance on the sizeable dancefloor, or just order another drink - they're quite cheap, especially if you get one of the offers. A great night out!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Reflex
12 Apr 08, 08:35
Brilliant 80s themed club!
Despite the stick it gets, I'm yet to have a bad night at Reflex! It's primarily an 80s club, but does occasionally stray either side of this, but either way the hits keep on coming, every one is a massive tune, and therefore everyone wants to dance! There's just a real feelgood vibe in there, and the crowd is usually really mixed - the students love it because it has a bit of a kitch factor, and of course it's a popular spot for the locals who actually REMEMBER the 80s!
Make sure you get yourself an inflatable guitar and oversized glasses from the bar - they may cost a few quid but will make the night even better!
Entry is also cheap compared to nearby club venues - usually only a few quid...
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Giddy Bridge
12 Apr 08, 08:32
spoons in the centre of town...
It's a Weatherspoons... So you know what you get! ...cheap drinks, a good place to start your evening if you're heading out somewhere, but equally if you just fancy a quiet drink then in the week you can usually have one of these. From experience it can get really busy at weekends.
The staff aren't overly friendly but they are always fast and do their best to keep up with the long queue at the bar!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Mitre
12 Apr 08, 08:24
Good honest pub...
A good honest pub with all the usual things you want - good selection of beers and spirits, pool tables, lots of TV screens showing all the major sporting events, and a room you can hire upstairs for private functions.
From experience it can get a bit rowdy of a Friday/Saturday night but the door/bar staff are usually quick to act on any trouble...
Popular with both students and locals.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.