Andy's reviews
Review of Maxim Peking Cuisine
22 Apr 08, 12:19
It's all Chinese to me...?! 
This place is a bit of an institution in Ealing. The food is always absolutely superb and I couldn't recommend anywhere more highly for great chinese food. It gets pretty busy Friday & Saturday nights so make sure you book a table. It's not a particularly modern or impressive-looking restaurant, nor is it the cheapest Chinese meal you'll find in the area. The takeaway option is good too - although last time I tried, they don't deliver.
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Review of Odds Farm Park
22 Apr 08, 12:23
Moooo!
We first took our kids here when they were still crawling, and have been back many many times since.
It's essentially a whole load of farm animals, lots of tractors of all kinds, adventure playgrounds, and open spaces for kids to run around.
I asked the kids - who told me their favourite bits were the slides, the vintage tractors, the goats, the rabbits and the hay bales in the barn (they've created a huge structure out of hay bales where you can climb and explore tunnels - it's hard to explain but you'll see what I mean!).
It's good value, and the food/drink isn't expensive - although there are tons of picnic areas both indoors and outdoors, meaning it's good all year round. Just can't fault this place at all.
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Review of Carluccios
22 Apr 08, 12:35
Anyone for coffee? 
A good place for coffee in a nice location across from Lammas Park. Food is consistently high-quality as you'd expect from this chain. Service is always efficient and informal, and away at the back it's very child/baby-friendly. Gets very busy on weekend lunchtimes, so book ahead.
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Review of The Plough Inn
22 Apr 08, 12:43
Late Licence!
A great pub which was much improved by it's conversion to smart 'gastro' pub a couple of years ago. The real ales are always good and there's plenty of choice. It's got a good atmosphere, gets pretty busy on Friday/Saturday nights, and is open late some nights. It's got a good beer garden where I've spent many a long lunch in the summer. If you want to eat, reserve a table as it gets busy in the evenings. My only slight disappointment here is that the quality of the food doesn't always live up to the decor or the prices they're charging - but not enough of an issue to keep me away from a really good pub.
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Review of Woburn Safari Park
22 Apr 08, 12:45
Monkeying around! 
A great day out for kids of all ages. We started the day doing the vehicle safari which they say can take an hour. Initially I thought the tour would be a bit dull, as the first area has some of the less exciting animals, but far from it - in minutes we were right up close to a herd (?) of rhinos, then tigers, monkeys (the more adventurous ones like to ride on wing mirrors!), elephants, giraffes, bears - with my favourite being the lions - and one particular lioness who took a shine to the front bumper of my car (there are always loads of rangers in landrovers close by so you always feel safe)....loved it so much we went round twice!
I'd say that in terms of getting up close with some amazing animals this rates far better than some of the big zoos, and doesn't feel shabby like some of them can. Then we parked the car and checked out the rest of the park - there's absolutely tons to see, and it's brilliant for kids. My advice would be watch out for pickpockets - at one point I had two monkeys on my shoulder trying to get into my rucksack to steal food!! Overall, a really good day out and well worth the slightly pricey admission fee (£16 adults). Switch off your PC now, get the kids in the car and get to Woburn immediately.
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Review of Osteria Del Portico
22 Apr 08, 12:47
Pizza pizza pizza...
I love this reaturant! The menu is pretty varied, but try as I might, I can't seem to order anything but the pizza. Osteria del Portico's pizza is the best I've eaten anywhere in the world (including Italy).
It gets very busy, so always book a table unless you're arriving really early and can risk it. In the summer, the courtyard outside is a great place to eat - although it's just off the street it feels very secluded.
It's not the cheapest eat (helped by the price of the cover charge for bread & olives & the pricey wine list), but in my view worth every penny.
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Review of Griffin Inn
13 May 08, 12:44
Beach Bar
This pub is right next to the sea in the small village of Dale. It's situated at the southern end of the beach next to a little pier/pontoon. What's great about this place is that on a summer day, the sea wall becomes an extension of the bar, and the beach doubles as the pub garden. A really relaxed feel and friendly staff makes this a firm favourite for me.
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Review of The New Inn
13 May 08, 12:47
Get Inn!!
Sitting in the New Inn on Sunday lunchtime we were talking about how the staff always go out of their way to make your visit a good one. We were there for the Sunday Roast Carvery, which has the be the biggest plate of Sunday lunch you'll get anywhere. Just pay at the bar then take your ticket to the carvery, where you can choose from several roast meats, usually a couple of veggie options and an olympic selection of vegetables.
It's got an enormous garden/patio at the back.
As for the pub, there's always some sport showing on the big screens, but if you're not a footy/rugby fan it never seems to interrupt the normal running of this friendly local boozer. Good beer too, if you're a real ale drinker.
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Review of Bekonscot Model Village
13 May 08, 12:49
It's a Small World...
Visiting this place is a bit like stepping back in time about 50 years. In fact, it's based on English villages from around the middle of last century, so that's not surprising.
It's a charming place to visit - initially I was skeptical thinking it would be dull, but there's lots going on in every scene you visit. My son especialy liked the model railways which run throughout the whole village, with trains appearing suddenly from tunnels where you least expect them.
The playground and picnic areas alone are enough to keep most kids occupied for a couple of hours. There's also a miniature train you can ride on (costs a little bit extra), and the gift shop is inside an old railway carriage. Only take small children (especially boys) inside if you're immune to pester power.
Very well done. Give it a try.
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Review of Red Lion
13 May 08, 12:52
I'm not Lion...
A really great London pub, known for the quality of it's Fullers Ales. Does exactly what it says on the tin - whether it's Friday night beers with the lads or a family Sunday lunch, it never disappoints. They've a nice garden at the back, with patio heaters, and a few tables at the front. Food is basic but good quality.
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