Kerry H.

Review of Sainsburys

17 May 08, 17:32

Not my number one

I'm a Tesco girl...pure and simple.

I do have a nose round this branch of Sainsburys now and then as it's near work and is pretty huge. They do seem to stock absolutely everything and I quite like some of the stuff in their TU clothing range. However the food is just that bit more expensive...I'd never do my weekly shop here if I'm honest.

The car park always does my head in too...you always feel like you're miles away from the store. I'll stick to what I know I think.

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Review of Video Box

17 May 08, 16:32

Does the job

OK so this dvd rental place...(do they even do videos??) isn't as big or as shiny or as well stocked as some of its larger competitors but I've never left empty handed. There's enough choice for you to come away with something half decent every time. Even though this is a chain...it has a bit more of an independent feel to it. A bit more soul if you know what I mean.

The staff are total film geeks but that's a good thing believe me. They really know their stuff and can reel off a whole list of films if you're stuck for ideas.

My only gripe with Video Box is that they don't stock all of the latest big American TV series...I NEEDED to see the last two episodes of the last series of Desperate Housewives before the new one started. They didn't come through on this occasion. I won't hold it against them though...

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Review of The Cricketers

17 May 08, 11:09

Proper Brighton Pub

The Cricketers is one of those places that everyone tends to meet up at before a big night in town. Well the slightly older 'I-hate-Yates' crowd anyway. One half of the pub is VERY traditional with heavy red velour seating and walls adorned with...well as much as they could cram on them to be honest. On a Friday and Saturday night it can get uncomfortably busy and hot in there.

The courtyard bit to the right though is really cool...stone floors and big wooden tables. Much more comfortable if you're not the sort that enjoys being jostled about by the bar. Something for everyone then I guess. All good.

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Review of Sussex Cricketer

17 May 08, 11:03

By the cricket ground...oddly enough

The Sussex Cricketer is owned by the same brewery that run The Sussex down on the seafront in Hove...and you can see the similarities in the decor and size of the place. There's usually plenty of room in there except of course on days when the cricket's on and then it's rammed! Good pre-match atmosphere though and what do you expect from a pub that lives virtually on the pitch?!

Aside from cricket days...I had a stint as a quiz regular (not that I can remember what night it was on...sorry) and really enjoyed it. The questions can be pretty hard but you feel well pleased with yourself when you get one right! Besides it's the taking part that counts isn't it? Isn't it?!

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Review of Toys 'R' Us

17 May 08, 10:56

What's wrong with me?

I am a 33 year old woman with no kids and I LOVE going to Toys R Us. Should I seek help? I think it's a regression thing but if I happen to be at the Goldstone Retail Park I find it hard not to pop in and soak up the madness and colour and noise in there. Since becoming an Aunt I now have an excuse...brilliant!

Due to the size of the place it can be a bit of a chore finding what you're after and it's not always easy finding a member of staff to ask but all in all it's just damn good fun. Wooo!

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Review of Lush

17 May 08, 10:34

Feel worthy as you wash

The great thing about Lush is their 'all natural ingredients' policy. You can feel safe in the knowledge that your fizzy bath bomb isn't packed with harmful chemicals that might damage the environment or indeed your precious skin. The colours, textures and smells of their products mean you spend your time in the shop almost buzzing as your senses tend to go a bit mental!

As well as buying something nice for yourself or your mate's birthday...you can feel good about yourself if your purchase supports one of the world wide campaigns they back. This often means the up-for-it staff have to don a silly outfit to raise awareness...but they don't seem to mind at all.

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Review of Cobblers Thumb

15 May 08, 08:34

Cosy pub

You can't miss this pub...it's as you head down New England Hill towards Preston Circus...and it's got a GIANT thumb on the front of it!

It's a proper pub...i.e.it probably hasn't been decorated for a while but that's all part of the charm. It's never rammed so you can usually find a seat. It's great for a quick after work drink...or on a Sunday lunchtime. No complaints here.

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Review of Eagle

14 May 08, 18:20

Standing room only

I do really like The Eagle...their food is excellent although a little over-priced. The main problem with this pub is that it is just too small and too bloomin' popular. I know that's a good thing but you can never find a seat and if you do you spend half your night getting elbowed in the head as people squeeze past you sloshing their beer down your neck!

I'm well aware that I sound like a miserable old cow but I just wish there was a bit more room in there...I'd go more often.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Picasso's

14 May 08, 18:14

Quick and bargainous!

I'm not even sure if that's actually a word but bear with me! Picasso's is one of a couple of VERY cheap Italians on Ship Street. It's not a place you need to book for...just wander in when you're hungry and they'll squeeze you in even if they have to put you in the kitchen!

The menu deals are excellent value and the food very decent. You'll receive a smiley welcome too. I'd describe it as 'fast food' but in a nice way...

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Review of Waitrose

14 May 08, 17:59

Treat yourself

So we all know Waitrose is at the top end of the supermarket chain when it comes to quality stuff and high prices...but let's face it they do some gorgeous stuff!

This isn't a huge store but does seem to stock everything you need for your weekly shop...with extra goodies chucked in for good measure.

The only complaint I have with the Brighton branch is the location of the tills...it's always a bit chaotic and you'll never whizz through the checkouts. Never go there if you're in a hurry!

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Review of Walkabout Inn

14 May 08, 17:55

Big and sporty

Walkabout in Brighton is pretty much like any other Walkabout you'll find...but without the attitude. It's a huge place with plenty of seating and standing areas and the staff are up for a laugh. Drinks are cheaper than you'll find in some of the city centre bars and they do good pub food too. The toilets can be a bit minging but all in all not a bad place to go especially for sports on the GIANT TV screens.

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Review of Flower City

13 May 08, 13:00

Cheap(ish) and cheerful

Flower City is your standard florist type shop. They stock all the usual blooms but lack a little on the exotic front. The staff are lovely and friendly (even if they're freezing their bits off in the winter!) and on hand with good flower advice if you're a bit stuck.

They sell a good range of plants of all sizes too. In fact it suprises me how much they get in that little shop. If it's a bouquet for your nan your after...this'll do the trick nicely.

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Review of Alfresco

13 May 08, 12:55

See the sea

Alfresco is the glass restaurant jutting out of the seafront at West Pier. It really is a great spot for a drink in the sunshine on their balcony. The restaurant is spread over two floors...the 'ground' floor is at pebble level so gets very busy on a sunny day.

You can hire the downstairs for parties/wedding receptions etc. The bar is right in the middle and there's plenty of space for a DJ as well as seating. The only downfall here is that the food really isn't all that. Don't get me wrong...it's not hideous it's just a bit bland and uninspiring. I've eaten in better Italian restaurants for sure. Oh and it's expensive too. Fortunately its location kind of makes up for it...but maybe just go for a drink!

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Review of Charnley Arms

13 May 08, 11:29

Good value

OK...so turning up at this pub just off the M6 on the same day as Man Utd were playing Wigan on the last day of the season probably wasn't a good move but once the 50 or so fans had left the pub it was fine!

We stopped off there for lunch during a mega motorway journey. Their menu offers the usual pub grub but with a two for one meal deal it's a bargain. They don't do many veggie options...and the one I picked they'd run out of. That said the veggie burger I had in the end was decent. My other half had an almighty sausage in a giant Yorkshire pud...looked good.

Not a bad spot if you're sick and tired of service stations...and you get a good feed for half the price.

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Review of H & M

09 May 08, 08:53

Take a size up

As is the way with H&M you generally don't fit into your normal size at the Brighton branch...which can be quite soul destroying for some! Or maybe I just need to lay off the pies...

Anyway...this is a pretty big branch spread over two floors. I can usually only face going in there mid-week because at the weekends it is chaos. You'll queue for an age to get in the changing rooms or to pay for your stuff if you haven't run out of patience by then. That said it's always great for a bargain...and there's a huge accessories section too.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of The Chambers

07 May 08, 19:11

Good starting point

Chambers on London Road in Southampton is a big place usually pretty busy and very lively. It's a great way to start the evening off if you're out and about in town. They show the footie on big tellys if you need to know what's going on in the world of sport...oh they do great pizzas too. It can get a big warm in there when it's packed...what with big pizza oven and all. Apart from that nothing to moan about here!

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Review of Fat Jackets

07 May 08, 18:21

Good Spuds

I'm not usually one for 'food courts' in shopping centres but I was ravenous and a jacket potato seemed like the only way to go.

Apart from being offered pickle with my cheese & beans spud (weird) it was all good. The potato was nicely baked...no rock hard bits of skin that you can't cut through. That's important in a jacket. The lady serving was very polite and smiley...and I was most interested to see that they put the cheese on first with the beans on top. I'd never even considered that as an option but let me tell you...it works.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Pitcher & Piano

07 May 08, 18:02

Smiley, smiley, smiley!

I'd written off the entire Pitcher & Piano chain after a bad time at their Southampton branch but this was much better all round.

The staff were REALLY friendly...I thought our waiter was going to offer to cut my burger up and feed it to me himself! Our food was good too...nice veggie burger with big potato wedges...my other half enjoyed his fish finger buttie too.

The only downside of the whole experience was the flat beer. We went to get it changed...still flat. Not ideal.

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Review of Museum & Art Gallery

07 May 08, 17:49

Perfect on a rainy day

I'm more of a fan of contemporary art but still enjoyed my trip to the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. The building itself is very beautiful and tardis-like...vast inside! Many of the pieces are from the Pre-Raphaelite era...so you'll love it if that's your thing. It can feel quite moody and sinister in there but that simply adds to the atmosphere.

There's a huge cafe if you need an 'interval' and the obligatory gift shop serves you well too. The staff dotted conveniently around the building are more than helpful if you're lost...or wondering what it all means...!

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Review of All Bar One

07 May 08, 17:28

Tasty tortillas...

...although a little on the soft side.

All Bar One is a good-allrounder. Its canal-side location is great when the sun's out. Nice for a drink and there's a good selection of food from their 'World Tapas' menu. The tortilla strips are unfortunately a little stale tasting....but everything else makes up for it. Good spot...good choice of beer & food...and nice staff to boot.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Bubbles 2 Launderette

01 May 08, 21:19

Does everything you need it to do

Is it just me or is there something quite romantic about laundrettes??! It's all that warm, soapy water sloshing about and strangers peeking at each other over newspapers and novels.

Bubbles in Hove is not a bad place to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday morning if your machine is bust or if, like everyone in Albert Square, you don't own one. Ok..so you won't get to see Nick Kamen in his pants but at least your smalls will get washed. It's quite cosy in there really...watching your stuff spin round and round. The staff are friendly too...and you never know who you might get talking to...!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Flower Stand The

01 May 08, 21:11

Bloomin' lovely...

...but not for long unfortunately.

This is a well stocked flower stall...you know the one...it's by the church near the floral clock appropriately enough.

They have a huge range of flowers...many of them quite exotic. You'll get much more than a bunch of carnations and gyp here. The staff know their stuff and make up beautiful bouquets but don't expect them to last more than 3 days. They're very pricey too. I pass this stall every day and have to admit I find supermarket flowers better value.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of B & Q

01 May 08, 11:35

You can do it yourself!

Places like B&Q can be a bit daunting for someone like me...I am not what you'd call a naturally practical person and DIY scares the living whatsits out of me!

The staff at B&Q in Shoreham make the whole DIY shopping experience much less frightening. It can take a while to find someone who is available to help but once you get hold of them they'll make sure you know where to look for what you need. They really know their products too so if you're unsure just ask away and they'll sort you right out. A bit manic over the weekends so get there mid-week if you can.

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Review of The Lion & Lobster

01 May 08, 10:32

Large portions!

The Lion & Lobster is on one of the little streets that run off Western Road towards the sea. You can't miss it...it's painted lobster pink!

It's a cosy pub with a nice 'local' feel to it. There are a couple of TV screens dotted about for the sports fans but they're not too imposing if you're not bothered. The food is very decent pub grub and the staff take the time to chat as they serve you. A lovely friendly place all round.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Cineworld

30 Apr 08, 07:13

The better of the two

Cineworld at Brighton Marina is much newer and cleaner than the other city centre alternative (you know the one I mean). It does everything a cinema should do...and the parking is free. This is a big deal as it can be damn expensive going to the flicks these days. I know they're no different to any other cinema but drinks and snacks are pricey so if you're hungry make sure you visit the cash machine first!

That said the seats are big and comfy and the staff are friendly and helpful. A much more pleasant experience than you might have at the 'other one'.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Pub With No Name

30 Apr 08, 06:56

What's it called?

Now either the owners of this pub are creative and original or they just simply couldn't be bothered to think of a name for it. The Pub With No Name is almost at the top of Southover Street on the corner of Toronto Terrace. If you're walking you'll be exhausted by the time you get there but at least you can just roll back down the hill afterwards. It's cool inside and out...but has a nice homely feel too.

You can hire out the upstairs rooms for parties...it's a bit like being in someone's house as it's all divided up. The food is decent and the staff friendly...a very typically Brighton pub...

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Review of Pearl Harbour

29 Apr 08, 18:33

It's upstairs...

...not that that has any relevance really.

This is a nice Chinese restaurant in the centre of the city that's been around a while. I last went there a couple of Christmas Eves ago and had a thoroughly nice time. Even though our table ordered a set menu my veggie needs were well looked after. I seem to remember it being pretty good value too.

My only gripe with the place is the minging fish tank they have which is WAY too small for the fish and is absolutely filthy. Not nice at all.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Chon Chola

29 Apr 08, 09:36

Good local Ruby

The Chon Chola has been around for as long as I can remember. It was always a favourite with my Dad's cricket team for post-match/post-drinking sustinance. I'm sure the staff there were delighted when we rolled up late every Saturday night...all 25 of us...especially as the majority of the group were trolleyed.

Still...that's what you get late on in a curry house. We were always well received and well looked after. Those guys must have the patience of saints! The food is good and the prices very reasonable. You can't go far wrong here.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Indian Cottage

29 Apr 08, 08:28

Curry...in a cottage

A pretty little cottage adorned with hanging baskets is not your usual location for a curry house...but that's exactly what this is. I've only been there the once with a mate who lives nearby and had what I would call an average curry.

There's nothing particularly special about the Indian Cottage apart from how cute it looks from the outside. The food and service are all very standard but if you really can't be bothered to cook and you live round the corner...there are worse places you could go for your tea I'm sure.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Thistle Hotel Brighton

29 Apr 08, 08:21

I feel sorry for the window cleaner...

The Thistle is the all-glass hotel on Brighton seafront. Although I've never stayed there (I live up the road so that would be daft) I did used to be a member at their leisure club and have been in the bar a few times.

It's an angular, odd looking place but pretty big and good for business travellers I would think. The lounge/bar area in the centre of the hotel is overlooked from the inside by some of the bedrooms...strange but quirky I suppose.

The leisure facilities are ok...not the best I've seen...but there is a small pool and gym...and a sauna if my memory serves me right. Not a bad place to relax after a hard day's networking...or whatever it is you do!

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Review of The De Vere Grand Hotel

29 Apr 08, 08:13

Brighton landmark

This is without doubt the most famous hotel on Brighton seafront...it's beautiful from the outside...a real landmark.

It is definitely a place for the much older crowd. I've been in the bar during the evening a few times and felt like I was a little out of place...too many blazers and comb-overs for my liking!

That said though you can't go wrong with afternoon tea there with good friends on a special occasion. Very sophis.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Worldwide Wok

29 Apr 08, 06:55

Now Stones Cafe

This cafe on Boundary Road Portslade does the job nicely...it's only a few months old and has a nice modern, clean feel. I've only eaten there at lunchtime...they have a decent selection of snacks on the menu and the food is of good quality. My only gripe when I last visited was that they don't sell crisps...what am I meant to put in my sandwich??! They did let me go across the road to buy some and eat them on the premises though!

The staff are warm and welcoming and food is cooked to order so that can sometimes mean a bit of a wait. All in all though one of the better lunchtime haunts in the salubrious town of Peurto de Salade.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Devonshire Park

28 Apr 08, 20:41

Traditional

The Devonshire Park Theatre has been around for donkey's and is everything you'd expect from a traditional english performance venue.

I've only been at Christmas time for panto but really enjoyed the productions. The auditorium itself is quite lovely and it feels nice and intimate. That may have to do with how close the seats are to each other! It can also get a bit warm when it's full especially if there's a full house. If you love the theatre though...this place is a must.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Mangerie Restaurant

28 Apr 08, 20:34

Bring your own

Mangerie is one of those restaurants you don't really notice on Church Road...it's right opposite Tesco at the lights. I ate there with a big gang of girls on a hen night. No...not the L-plates/condoms sort of affair. Just a group of ladies having a nice time.

The staff were warm and friendly and the food hearty and tasty. This is a 'bring your own booze' restaurant which makes the whole experience much cheaper too.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Le Lion D'Or

28 Apr 08, 08:38

Hmmmm

It's quite nice in Le Lion D'or on George Street but it feels like you've stepped back into the 80s. If you're taking in a few bars in the Hove area then it's definitely worth popping in for one. The clientele are older (nothing wrong with that) and the decor involves a little too much animal print. But then that's only to be expected as the owner of the place (and many other places nearby) is somewhat obssessed with lions...he's famous round here you know!

It's rarely packed...you can always find a seat so if it's a quiet, intimate one you're after then Le Lion D'or could be right up your street.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Orsino Cocktail Bar Restaurant

28 Apr 08, 07:57

One of many...

...Italian restaurants in Hove Orsino has undergone a bit of a transformation in the past couple of years. It used to be very much a late night dinking place at weekends with the restaurant down the side and at the back. Now it's all about the food.

You won't be disappointed with the menu or the quality of the food but I do feel it's a little over priced. They do offer cheaper set menus but their a la carte menu can look expensive compared to other equally as good Italians. The staff are very friendly and the restaurant itself is clean and nicely decorated.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Park Gate Tandoori

27 Apr 08, 19:49

Choo Choo!

Yes this is the curry house at Swanwick Train Station...which is why I've always been confused as to why it's not called Swanwick Tandoori. Not really that important I guess.

Anyway...they have a take-away area & bar downstairs and the restuarant upstairs. The restaurant is very small and is designed like a train carriage. See what they've done there?! The food is good quality and the staff efficient. It does get a bit warm in there...especially when it's full...which doesn't take much to be honest! It's a decent curry house but nothing out of the ordinary...unless you're a train spotter of course.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Frankie & Benny's

26 Apr 08, 17:23

Does the job

Frankie & Benny's is of course a chain but I've only been to the Brighton one at the Marina. It's not my favourite restaurant by any stretch but the staff are lively and efficient and the food is as you'd expect...pizzas, burgers, pasta etc. From a personal point of view they don't have a great deal of choice for veggies. Their mushroom ravioli is very tasty though!

This is the perfect place for families...it's the kind of place I'd have loved as a kid. So to that end there's always lots of nippers in there. Oh and birthdays...always at least three of them in the restuarant on a weekend. You don't have to join in with the singsongs that the staff fire up...but I usually do. Well why not?!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Black Lion

26 Apr 08, 09:59

Funky pub

I really like the Black Lion...it's just the right size and has a couple of sofas dotted about if you're lucky enough to nab one. I wouldn't particularly call it cosy or intimate but then I guess that depends what time of the day you go in.

It's good for a night out with a few mates or to start your night off if you plan on going dancin' later. I would have given the Black Lion 4 stars but was a little bit disappointed with the food last time I went. The staff are dead friendly but got our order wrong and when our lunch arrived it looked a bit like it had been chucked together...not a lot of love there!

Definitely good for drinking though...worth a visit.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Floating Pagoda

26 Apr 08, 09:44

Floaty Boaty

The fact this Chinese restaurant is on a boat moored up at the Marina is of course the big novelty factor. It just feels a bit more exciting to eat your tea on the water for some reason, doesn't it?!

I've only been there the once for a mate's birthday and was impressed by the food and the service. They looked after us well. It is a little on the expensive side though to be honest...in fact I'm not sure I've been to a more expensive Chinese restaurant before. Oh and when you get back on dry land and you do feel a bit weird for a while...! Good fun though...if you've just been paid.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Kings & Jax Bar

25 Apr 08, 22:45

Sticky floors

Granted I haven't been to Kings for a couple of years but this is the kind of club you go to with a bunch of mates who aren't particularly bothered about what they're dancing to so long as they've had a skinful.

It's good fun...packed out at weekends and dishes up a good selection of cheese. Yes the floors are sticky...yes the loos are manky but you will have a laugh if you're with the right people. You might even get hit on by a teenager too...bonus!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Mimmo's Bistro

25 Apr 08, 22:20

Shopping fuel

Mimmo's is located bang smack in the middle of Ashton Lane...climb the steps up towards the incredible smells drifting out of the door.

The food is really very good...it has an authentic Italian feel as opposed to the endless 'fast food' Italian chains you'll find in town. We ate here at lunchtime desperately in need of a major feed and we weren't disappointed. Everyone needs a good portion at some point during the day let's face it.

On the downside the staff were a little surly...our waiter looked positively put out when we first walked in. It also lacks atmosphere...we almost felt like we had to keep our voices down it was so quiet in there despite there being plenty of other diners. Maybe it's different in the evening. We'll give them the benefit of the doubt because of the fanastic food. See...I'm nice I am.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Jinty Mcguinty's

25 Apr 08, 21:56

Up for the craic

Jinty Mcguinty's covers the Irish Bar genre in the West End nicely. It's a tall, skinny place and the walls are adorned with the requisite Irish memorabilia. It makes up for in atmosphere what is lacks in sophistication...although be prepared to wait for your drink. Service is slooooooooow.

The beer garden was packed on my only visit here...clearly a favourite with locals and tourists alike. You can watch the loony world of Ashton Lane wander by from your table and if you're as lucky as we were there'll be an astonishingly good busker perfoming just outside to keep you entertained. I like Jinty's...good for a quick stop off at anytime of the day.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Transport Museum

25 Apr 08, 09:39

Geeky...but somehow cool

To say I was a little underwhelmed to discover my new boyfriend was taking to me to the Transport Museum for a date is an understatement to say the least.

But...I secretly really enjoyed myself if I'm honest. They had every mode of transport covered dating back as far as you can go with this kind of thing. I had that excitable feeling in the pit of my stomach by the time we left...you know the one you get when you're on a school trip. If it's chucking down outside and you want something different to do...it really can't hurt to spend an hour or so wandering the Transport Museum. You might want to keep it to yourself though...!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Theatre Royal Brighton

25 Apr 08, 08:33

Beautiful...

...but not always that comfortable the Theatre Royal is about as traditional a theatre as you can get. It's a very old building and although it looks stunning from the inside it can feel a little cramped and my word does it get warm!

That said I do love going there and have seen some brilliant stuff over the years. The variety of productions is vast...something for everyone...and you can't beat the taste of the ice-cream during the interval. Especially if you've been melting up in the balcony!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Post Office

24 Apr 08, 12:42

They post your stuff

This is the nearest Post Office to my place of work...nice and handy. They are a lovely bunch...a smile awaits you as you reach the counter. If you just need stamps and there's a big queue for the windows...just buy them at the fag counter at the front. You can buy singles too...you don't have to get a whole book you know.

Apart from the actual post office services the rest of the 'shop' is a little lacking in other post-officey type products. There seems to be a lot of empty space...but to be honest it's never really affected me that much.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of King Alfred

24 Apr 08, 09:20

Oldie but goodie

The King Alfred Leisure Centre in Hove is quite frankly knackered...but I still like it. It's under constant threat of being flattened by developers. What really needs to happen is for somebody to give the whole place a clean-up and good face-lift. It's our only public sports facility and it would be a real shame if it disappeard altogether.

Because the place is so old and falling apart it doesn't come across as the most hygenic of buildings but it has its charms. The pool is particularly good...it's huge and great for lane swimming. There's plenty of other stuff for the kids too to keep them out of your way! I've also been to a trampolining class at the King Alfred...it was wicked fun...although I hurt in places I didn't even know existed afterwards.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Browns

23 Apr 08, 09:32

Arsey staff...good food!

I've only eaten at a couple of branches of Browns...the Brighton one being most local to me so I've been there a handful of times. The food is always really well prepared and tasty. It's a little on the expensive side but it is worth it.

The last couple of times I've been there to eat I've found the staff a bit up their own backsides...maybe that's how they're taught to be?! Last time in particular the guy who served us was efficient but looked as though he'd rather be anywhere else in the world. He finally broke a smile near the end of the night when my dad took the Mickey out of him...well he deserved it the moody git.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Oxford Brasserie

22 Apr 08, 09:31

Great food...but expensive

I took my mum to Oxford's for her birthday and we did have a lovely night. The food is really good but a little on the pretentious side. It was my treat so I was prepared to splash out but nearly fell off my chair when the bill came!

We were well looked after by the staff especially when they found out there was a birthday amongst us. There wasn't a huge selection for me as a veggie but what I did choose I thoroughly enjoyed.

I would go back to Oxford's but may have to wait until I get a payrise...which could be in about 5 years time...

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Review of Tin Drum

22 Apr 08, 08:28

A regular haunt of mine

The Tin Drum is good at any time of the day. I mostly go there for food but in the evenings the bar is really popular with the locals and gets pretty busy.

The food is really decent and many of the dishes are of Polish origin...although I haven't taken the time to find out why yet. This is one of a few Tin Drums in Brighton & Hove but I've not visited any of the others. Then again I don't need to as the Hove one is literally on my doorstep.

The staff are good...although can look a little harrassed during really busy times. If I could recommend just one thing on the Tin Drum menu...it's the sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream. It is heaven on a plate...HEAVEN. ON. A. PLATE.

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Review of Biscuit Factory

21 Apr 08, 18:55

It's The Wick Inn these days

This is one of my locals...and a very decent one it is too. I've not sampled their food yet but go there regularly for drinks with mates. Since becoming The Wick (again) the place has had a full re-fit and looks really good. It's all dark greens and heavy wood...a little Dickensian I guess.

The funky round bar means you get seen and get served pretty much straight away...the staff are really quick and efficient. My favourite bit of the pub though are the big squishy chairs upstairs right at the back by the window. I've spent many an hour there watching the action below on Holland Road...most entertaining!

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Review of Coopers Cask

21 Apr 08, 08:06

Great food...

...but not a lot of room!

It's fair to say the Coopers Cask is very cosy. It's a tiny pub so you're lucky to get a seat at busy times but if you're the patient kind and very hungry it's well worth checking out. The veggie selection is particularly good and the prices are more than reasonable for what you get.

It's ideal either to get in there early for your tea before your night out or if you're just drinking it's one of the places to take in as you head towards town. There's a few tables outside too and as Farm Road is one of the quieter little one-way streets in Hove you don't have traffic screaming past you as you while away a couple of hours on a sunny evening.

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Review of Freemasons Tavern

21 Apr 08, 08:02

A mixed bag

The Freemasons is a good pub but I think is going through some sort of identity crisis. Esentially it's a pub downstairs with some cosy round booths. They serve decent food...especially the Sunday roasts although they do start to run out of stuff around 2pm.

Upstairs is the cocktail bar which is swanky with lots of mirrors (too many actually...you don't need to see yourself from every angle as you make you way to the toilets), blue lighting and perspex. Friday and Saturday nights it gets absolutely rammed with the pre-club crowd. They sometimes have a DJ on downstairs and pack the place out. That's all very well apart but you do end up looking a bit bedraggled by the time you leave!

All in all the Freemasons is worth a visit but not if you're looking for quite and intimate. Not a chance!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Rodmill

19 Apr 08, 17:12

Good lunchtime pub

I used to work at the college across the road from The Rodmill so it was great to pop to for lunch when there was a birthday in the office...or for any other reason for that matter.

It's a big pub with plenty of seating and lots of different sections so you don't feel like you're rattling about in there. It had a full re-fit in the past couple of years so it's comfortable and clean. The pub grub is decent and pretty cheap too...just all round good value.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Gourmet Burger Kitchen

18 Apr 08, 23:21

Wow...that is a big'un!

GBK (as it's affectionately known) is the perfect place to stuff your face whether it's at the end of a hard day of shopping, before a big night out for lining of the stomach or because you're off to Komedia in an hour's time and can't face their nachos again.

I'm a veggie and was concerned when I walked in that my options would be limited. WRONG! There's plenty for us non-eaters-of-things-with faces. If I remember rightly I had the falafel last time and it was nearly as tall as me. It was smothered in cool yoghurt and cucumber dressing...yum.

Definitely worth a visit...you won't spend your whole evening there but it is high-quality 'fast' food.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Digital

18 Apr 08, 23:00

An old flame revisited

I used to drive to Zap (now Digital) from my hometown of Southampton as a hungry 18 year old. Alright I was 17 but don't tell anyone. I was bang into my hard house and loved the Zap and all its glorious weirdos. I spent many a crazy night in there flinging myself about and talking to people I probably shouldn't have.

I don't really club so much now but have been to Digital in the past year to see Gallows and British Sea Power. It's small enough to feel like you're part of the act...well Gallows spread themselves right around the place anyway so you didn't have much choice in the matter. Both were excellent gigs and strangely well suited to a place known for its strutting dancefloor lovelies.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Tesco Stores

18 Apr 08, 22:28

The one and only...

...'proper' supermarket in Hove really. Well the only one you can park at and get pretty much everything you need.

Jamie S is right...the barriers at the car park entrance can be a right pain in the arse but it seems someone with sense is now in charge of them and they remain open all the time. Of course the only problem with this is that non-shoppers park there and clog up the spaces. The bloody cheek of it.

They can run out of stuff so if you go after work of an evening don't be suprised if they don't have all of the veg you've carefully written on your list. They also seem to have the supply/demand equation on houmous all to cock. I'm a daily houmous consumer and there's nothing that vexes me more than an empty houmous shelf. Just not on.

Apart from that Tesco in Hove serves me well...and I'm now in the habit of using their green re-usable hessian bags so you won't find my plastic bags floating about on the landfill site.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Churchill Square Shopping Centre

18 Apr 08, 22:19

Spend, spend, spend!

Churchill Square is the 'High Street' in Brighton basically. It's got most of the big names (although M&S, Boots and Top Shop are outside on Western Road). There's a Debenhams and a BHS...River Island, Next, Miss Selfridge, Warehouse, Zara, Jane Norman, USC, Envy, Aldo, Dolcis, Schuh, Pumpkin Patch, Expo, Superdrug, WH Smith, JD Sports, Accessorize, O'Neill, Republic, Habitat, HMV, Virgin, Game...ummm and lots more.

There's a fair amount of parking and it's not too expensive but it's better and probably easier to use the buses if you can. They're so frequent you'll never be waiting around. If you're coming in by train it'll take you about 10 minutes to walk to the shopping centre.

There's a food court on the top level but I have to admit I don't really use it. I think there's a Quizzno's, McDonalds and maybe even a Spudulike...not sure though. I only live up the road so I usually go home for my post-shopping nosebag.

You are spoilt for choice for shopping in Brighton as a whole but Churchill Square more than serves its purpose...and is great when it's wet outside.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Blind Busker

18 Apr 08, 09:53

Average pub

The Blind Busker is ok really.

It's up the road from where I live and they show all the big football games...it gets rammed on these occasions and a bit moist (!) I've only eaten there a couple of times and was pretty underwhelmed by all accounts. It is very cheap though so I guess you get what you pay for.

It is probably the most central pub for me and my mates in Hove so we do end up going there quite a lot. I like the layout of the place as it has lots of different sections so it has a nice atmosphere about it...and the staff seem friendly too.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Hove Tandoori

17 Apr 08, 08:15

Funky Indian Restaurant

I guess you'd call Hove Tandoori a 'contemporary' Indian restaurant. It's all wooden floors and white walls and big vases with twigs in. Not your usual heavy velour seating and flock wallpaper.

The food is good...but not much different to any other Indian restaurant and the service is decent too. The only problem with Hove Tandoori is the size of the place and how many tables they've crammed in there. You can often feel like you're sharing a table with complete strangers.

Don't write it off though...it has a nice relaxed feel to it and because of the whole minimalist decor thing it feels very clean and hygenic too.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Otello Restaurant

15 Apr 08, 18:41

One of many...

...Italian restuarants in Hove but this one gives you a really good feed for a decent price. What I'm basically trying to tell you is BIG PORTIONS!

I'm a veggie and never disappointed by the choice available to me pasta or pizza wise but my carnivorous mates tell me the Rossini steak is bloomin' amazing. It's this big chunk of fillet steak balanced on a generous crouton topped with pate and smothered with a creamy, rich brandy and mushroom sauce (think I could get a job writing this stuff?!). Doesn't appeal to me personally but I've seen people literally dribbling over it.

If you're so hungry you could eat a scabby horse then this is the place for you. And it doesn't just fill a big hole...it does it with very hearty and tasty Italian fare.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of David Lloyd Leisure Club

14 Apr 08, 18:59

For the gym-bunny in you.

I've been a member at David Lloyd for almost three years and although it's damn expensive I do make the most of it. I'm not one for pounding the treadmill but do love their classes. I do a mixture of stuff from Body Combat to Aqua Aerobics...I try and get in there 3 times a week if I can.

I'm definitely not a natural when it comes to exercise and don't live for the gym by any stretch (no pun intended). I make myself go and actually quite enjoy it when I get there. The instructors are all really good and keep you well-motivated. The facilities in general are decent...large gym with all the equipment you need (well as far as I can tell), pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room etc. There are no racquet sports at the Brighton branch unlike some of their clubs. All in all it is what you'd expect from a leisure club but I highly recommend the classes...yes and for the blokes too...oh and there's free parking. A bonus in Brighton!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Lawns Cafe

14 Apr 08, 09:35

A good brew

This cafe is perfectly situated on Hove Lawns but only has outside seating so no good on a rainy day. That said when the sun's out...or even if it's grey and dry then this is the place to stop and refuel before, after or even during your stroll along the beach.

They do a cracking fry-up (even for veggies) and stock decaff tea which is an unbelievable rarity in these parts for some reason. I'm a delicate sort...can't do caffeine as it sends me funny.

Anyway...they do the lot in terms of cafe food and it's cheap and tasty. Sit back with your brew, protected from the wind and watch the sea...aaahhh...

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Ancient Mariner

14 Apr 08, 08:58

Sausage & mash heaven!

I really like this pub...especially the food. They have an amazing sausage & mash menu. Pick your sausage...pick your mash...pick your gravy...or beans...yum! They have other stuff too but why would you bother? Unless you're like my exceptionally weird mate Kathryn who doesn't like mash...what?!

The pub gets really busy at weekends but has a really nice feel to it...lots of locals but not in the slightest bit clique-y. Good sofas...exhibits of local artists on the walls and a nice heated outside area for the smokers. The ONLY thing I would knock them down on is that the bar service can be a little slow. Other than that...all good.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.