Justine's reviews
Review of Specsavers
14 Nov 07, 21:08
Should have gone somewhere other than Specsavers! 
We all have a Specsavers in our area and I should imagine that service differs from one branch to another but I feel I must name and shame my local branch. The initial assessment was fine, no problem although the optician who checked my eyes could have cracked the odd smile now and again. I chose the glasses I wanted and sat down for my fitting. Eventually, after waiting a good 10 minutes an assistant came, but she was in no hurry, didn't introduce herself and was blatantly not interested at all. A couple of times I thought she'd fallen asleep! She made no conversation what so ever and I may as well have been served by a robot. The whole experience lasted an hour and a half. I returned the following week to collect my order - I ordered 2 pairs of glasses and one pair had a broken arm when the assistant removed them from the case. She apologised and said she would order a replacement which would be ready in a weeks time, promising to call me when they arrived. That was 3 weeks ago and I am still waiting for a call. Shame on you!
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Review of Prezzie Pot
14 Nov 07, 20:47
A Real Gem 
The Prezzie Pot is a divine little gift shop in Christchurch. There are other branches dotted around the South Coast from Bournemouth to Boscombe. They offer quality gifts for all occasions, beautifully presented in their pink and fluffy shops. Each gift is carefully selected to make a stylish impression for that special someone and is gift wrapped in store, to reflect the occasion - eg pink and fluffy for us girlie's, blue for the love of our life etc. I always go here to buy gifts for Christmas, birthdays, weddings, christenings and even just for little nic nacs for around the home. Every item is individual and I have never walked away from this shop empty handed. They also offer hand crafted gifts made to order and can deliver locally.
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Review of Matisse Beauty Clinic
14 Nov 07, 20:35
Over priced and shoddy goods! 
Oops I'll probably get in trouble for writing this but I have had a very bad experience at this place and must warn you. I went here to get my nails done and have an eyebrow wax (boys move on!) I'd previously phoned and asked the price for Acrylic nail extensions and was told the Gel extensions were better and they cost £36. I have been having Acrylics for the last 10 years and couldn't find anyone in the area to do them any cheaper so decided to go for it. I booked an appointment for the following week. I arrived on time but the two Nail technicians were still on previous clients having run over. No problem, I asked if they could squeeze me in for an Eyebrow wax while I waited. The girl was great, the shape perfect, all was good - except for the price - £13! OK, no problem you live and learn. I then had my nails done, it took the average hour and a half but if I'm honest the shape wasn't great. She painted them in French Polish for me, as we all know, you have to have a polish of some kind. When I came to pay the bill I was staggered to learn that my afternoon of pampering was to cost me £69! When I queried this I was informed that yes it is £36 for the Gel extension and £20 for a polish! Cheeky! Had I known I would have painted them myself, I could have brought 10 bottles of the stuff for that price. I stupidly paid and vowed never to return. I'm used to paying £30 for the nails and brow wax. The place was cramped, overpriced and a completely crap experience. Two of my nails actually broke the very next day - never again will I return!
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Review of Studio 56
14 Nov 07, 20:20
A Cut above the rest! 
We all know that your hair says a lot about you, and us girls take hours doing ours! (And many of you men, not that you'd admit it) A good haircut is a must and I have only ever had good experiences at Studio 56. Adrian generally does my hair and always gives an excellent cut. He is kind, gentle and good at his job. The prices are what you would expect to pay and I always leave there smelling and feeling great!
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Review of Lamb Inn
14 Nov 07, 20:13
My Local
The Lamb Inn is a great little pub in Winkton, about 10 miles outside Bournemouth. If you want a quiet country pub lunch, this is the place to go! The Pub has three main areas, a Restaurant (open for evening meals) - a lounge bar with eating area and a saloon. All are decorated to a very high standard, with gorgeous soft leather sofas to relax in. It really does feel like home from home with a friendly, relaxed ambiance. There is a'smoking area' outside protected by a canopy with tables, chairs and fantastic heaters. There is a garden area with tables and chairs and a play area for the children - a wooden castle! The pub is surrounded by open fields which makes it very tranquil, although the regulars and great Staff ensure there is a constant happy buzz. The food is excellent from locally caught fish to Dorset reared Meat, and is a cut above your average'pub grub'. The Sunday roasts are well worth a taste, as are the Barbeques in the Summer months, when live bands play on the patio area. The pub hosts Karaoke Nights, Pub quiz's, Jazz nights and lots more and is well worth a visit if your in the area.
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Review of Boathouse Restaurant
14 Nov 07, 19:27
Boat on dry land!
The Boathouse at Christchurch Quay is one of my favourite places to eat. The setting is simply adorable overlooking the quay with its many boats and wildlife. The restaurant is open from early morning for breakfasts through to evening meals. You can choose to sit inside amongst a clean, modern setting or on the decking outside and enjoy the fantastic views. Large shades protect you from the sun in the summer months and powerful patio heaters keep you warm on a fresh summers evening. The menu is varied and changes regularly but locally caught fish is a speciality. They also offer pastas, steaks, most meats and vegetarian dishes plus they have a children's menu. There Sunday roasts are to die for! All the food is cooked to perfection and is simply delicious - this is not your normal steak and burger joint! The prices are slightly higher than your average pub, but it certainly is not pub grub that you'll eat here! My only complaint would be that the service is sometimes slow although the staff are great, there just isn't enough of them.
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Review of Hot Rocks
14 Nov 07, 19:13
Prime Location!
Hot Rocks Cafe has one of the best locations in Bournemouth especially in the summer months. It is located by the pier and if you sit at the seating area outside or on the upper terrace you have a fantastic view of the sea and everything going on around! The food they serve is of good quality and reasonable prices. I generally have a juicy steak with jacket potato and salad and thoroughly enjoy it. They serve the usual Ribs, Burgers and Platters to share along side light bites, delicious puddings and side orders. Its great for families in the early evening - children's meals are available - but it does get busier towards 7pm ish when they then start to cater for the groups/couples. They often have Children's attractions such as a Carousel near by and from July - September a firework display is launched from a boat in the sea on a Friday night. All in all its a great place to eat, with excellent atmosphere, friendly staff and reasonable prices.
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Review of Priory 17
14 Nov 07, 13:10
Food for thought?
Walking through Christchurch High Street on a crisp November morning the smell of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee practically has you running into the nearest cafe. With so many to choose from I thought I'd do a run down on them all. There's nothing worse than being tempted by the lick smacking aromas, only to find yourself sitting in front of a second rate, greasy offering that you wouldn't even feed your dog. Priory 17 is a new establishment in the heart of Christchurch. I say new, its actually been there for years but has just undergone a refurb and revamp. It is a cafe/restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and evening meals. Outside it is very well presented, looking clean and fresh with well displayed menus and several tables and chairs for alfresco dining, weather permitting. On entering I was greeted by a very friendly waitress who immediately made me feel at ease. I ordered a Cappuccino which was served in a massive cup and tasted divine - not bad for £2. I ordered a small breakfast consisting of a sausage, 2 rashers of bacon, beans, egg, mushrooms and 2 slices of granary toast for a reasonable price of £3.95. Because I was particularly hungry I ordered black pudding and bubble & squeak as extras at 90p - but to be honest my eyes were bigger than my belly! The menu advertised locally supplied sausages and bacon and they really were tasty, as were the mushrooms but the bubble & squeak was simply the best! I couldn't eat it all but it certainly did the job. All in all I found Priory 17 clean, friendly and welcoming with excellent quality food at reasonable rates and I would certainly go there again.
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