Kerry H.

Review of Handbags & Gladrags

17 May 08, 16:47

Swap Shop...kinda

You have to credit Dee...the lady who runs this shop...with her great business sense. There aren't many of these places around. You take your used, good quality high street and designer gear in there and she sells it for you. She makes a profit obviously and you get some return on your unwanted items. Genius.

From a shoppers' point of view you get to pick up some fabulous stuff at half the price. Granted it's already been worn by someone else but Dee only takes things in that are in really good nick. There are shoes and accessories too so chances are you'll go home with a whole new outfit and it won't have made you skint for the rest of the month. Brilliant.

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Review of The Royal Pavilion

17 May 08, 16:18

It's not the Taj Mahal...

...but you could be forgiven for thinking you've arrived in India by mistake as you spot this incredible building on your way into Brighton down the A23. Built under the watchful eye of the naughty Prince Regent the Royal Pavilion is one of Brighton's greatest landmarks and museums.

Although Indian in exterior appearance...many of the rooms inside are Chinese in style and decor. Quite odd! That's the whole charm of this place though...it makes no sense at all and is all the more interesting for it. Just beautiful.

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Review of British Airways London Eye

17 May 08, 15:34

Makes you proud of our capital

I've only done the Eye once so to speak but the minute I got off I was all 'again, again!' It is just incredible...well worth the cost and even the queues at busy times. You can buy fast track tickets if you're not the patient type...it might be worth the few extra quid.

I worried before I went that I might feel a bit woozy up there but you don't even realise you're climbing and the views are so stunning you're completely absorbed by it all. My 'flight' was on a beautiful summer's day...now I want to go back at dusk to see the twinkly lights of London.

It's hard to believe this infamous landmark was originally only planned to be in place for a year. London just wouldn't be London without it.

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Review of Duke Of York Cinema

01 May 08, 22:00

Just glorious

A visit to the Duke of York is a real treat. This is a beautiful, traditional independent cinema with huge comfortable seats and a bar. There's a distinct lack of chavvy teenagers annoying you with their ringtones and rustling pick & mix bags.

If you fancy something a little different then you'll find it here. The Duke of York offers a wide range of film showings from classic to arty to European (yes subtitles...take your specs!) and so on. It's a beautiful building with a beautful atomsphere. You'll feel like you've had a proper evening out when you leave...and your backside won't have gone to sleep either!

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Review of Ark Removals

01 May 08, 10:53

Get movin'

I can't even remember how I stumbled across Ark Removals but I'm so glad I did! I used them them for my last move from a basement flat to the first floor flat I'm in now. They shifted everything carefully and effortlessly. They turned up exactly when they said they would and had the job done in no time.

Before the move took place they dropped off lots of packing materials (they do offer a packing service too if you haven't the time yourself) including tissue paper and boxes. Moving is stressful enough without having problems with your removal people. That wasn't something we had to worry about. Ark are professional and efficient. I'd recommend them to anyone.

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Review of Bath Spa Hotel

29 Apr 08, 07:08

Just stunning

My amazing friends suprised me and took me to the Bath Spa Hotel for my very classy hen weekend. It really is one of the most incredible hotels I've ever stayed in.

It is 5 star so you expect quality but this place just blew me away. The building itself is astonishingly beautiful and it is set in acres of stunning grounds. The food, rooms, service and spa are all wonderful and the city of Bath is easily accessible for shopping and the like.

Granted a stay at the Bath Spa will set you back a few quid but save up and go...you won't regret it I promise.

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Review of The George

28 Apr 08, 20:56

Veritable veggie feast...

To the untrained eye The George on Trafalgar Street looks like any other Brighton pub. Wrong! This is so much more. For a start it's really nice inside...lots of different nooks and crannies to settle in and a proper Brightonian atmosphere. Very laid back but good fun.

But the amazing thing about The George is the outstanding vegetarian menu. Now you can get good veggie food in most Brighton pubs but this place really stands out. I've never had a meal that was less than brilliant here...and my meaty mates love it too. If you've not yet made your way down there you're doing yourself an injustice. Go now!

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Review of Les Mirabelles

27 Apr 08, 18:19

Oh la la!

Les Mirabelles is a very special restaurant for a very special occasion. It's hugely popular with those who live nearby and those who travel from afar for its excellent french cuisine. I'd suggest booking at weekends certainly.

You'll receive a warm welcome from the owner Claude who has run Les Mirabelles for many years. The restaurant is nestled neatly in the village of Nomansland in the New Forest...mind the ponies as you drive in. All part of the experience of course.

I am a vegetarian which can sometimes be a problem in French restaurants...I have been exceptionally well looked after everytime I've eaten here. The food is just sublime...the restaurant itself is beautiful and intimate...the wine list impressive... and although the bill at the end is steep...it's worth every single penny trust me.

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Review of Trevose Golf & Country Club

27 Apr 08, 18:04

Breath-takingly beautiful

This is one of my parents' favourite places on the entire planet...and they're well travelled sorts too. They're both keen golfers and highly recommend the courses at Trevose...the stunning Cornish coastline is the perfect back-drop of course.

I'm not a golfer myself but have been with ma & pa to Trevose for a holiday. Even though they'd told me how much I'd love the place I was still completely blown away when I arrived there. It really didn't matter that I didn't have golf to occupy my time. The country club and accommodation at Trevose are of exceptional quality...the restaurant too. They have lots of different kinds of accommodation available...appartments, bungalows and even neat little terraced houses. It's a real treat to stay there.

There's a beauty salon too with all manner of treatments available...just right to recover from a hard day on the golf course. And with Newquay just a short drive away along the coast you can find plenty to do...but that's if you can tear yourself away from Trevose in the first place!

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Review of Southern Power Tools & Abrasives

27 Apr 08, 13:52

Tools, tools, tools...

If you want good solid, advice from real professionals in the power tool trade then SPTA are the answer to your prayers!

Suppliers of Bosch, Hitachi, Metabo, Makita and the like you'll find everything you need for the job whether it's your own project or for work. They deliver nationally...it's free if you live in the area and if they don't stock it they can get it for you with the minimum fuss.

They look after you afterwards too...there's an in-house service department. Give them a try!

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Review of Skerritt Consultants

26 Apr 08, 17:41

Show me the money!

Skerritt Consultants provide top quality financial advice whether it's your pension, your mortgage or your investments causing you stress.

I'm a bit daft when it comes to money matters but felt a whole lot better about things once I'd paid them a visit. Of course being independent all of the advice you receive is completely impartial. They give you your options...explained to you in words you can actually understand...and you make your own decisions on what to do with your cash. You get a very warm welcome from the staff front of house to the IFAs themselves. Nothing seems too much trouble at all.

If you're all up in the air with your financial bits and bobs...go see them...they'll sort you right out.

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Review of Coral Health & Fitness

26 Apr 08, 10:14

Faultless Physio

The first thing you need to know is that I'm not a member of Coral Health & Fitness so it wouldn't be fair of me to review the facilities there. This review is based purely on their Sports Therapist/Physio (whatever his official title is) Paul.

If you've pulled something somwhere (in your body I mean) then this man is a magician. Ok so he's not actually a magician but boy does he know his stuff. I've been to see him twice in the past 2 months for different reasons and cannot tell you how much better I feel. I've suffered with a neck injury for several years and touch wood he seems to have mended it in one session! He works from a small, basic room down by the dog track...quiet in the day I promise. He such a professional you never feel uncomfortable or awkward...he doesn't charge the earth either. Just relax and let him work wonders...you won't regret it for a second.

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Review of Funktion Rooms

25 Apr 08, 23:09

THE place to go in the 'bourne

Funktion Rooms is Eastbourne's newest and coolest nightclub...by a million miles. The former House of Horrors (sorry Commons) has been completely transformed. If you haven't been since the birth of Funktion you simply won't recognise the place. For fear of sounding like a 17 year old boy...the sound system is awesome too.

This is a proper club. With proper DJs. And proper acts. It's just what the town desperately needed...I went when it first opened and you could literally hear the collective sigh of relief from the local clubbing crowd.

There's a reassuringly long queue out the door at weekends...so make sure you take your coat kids. Oh sorry my mistake...you don't need a coat when you're under 25. I was like that once...

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Review of Ashoka Ashton Lane

25 Apr 08, 09:31

Outstanding

Now this is a very big statement to make...but the curry I had when I visited the Ashoka on Ashton Lane, Glasgow was the best goddamn curry I've ever had. EVER.

It's hard to put into words just how good it was...and let's face it we've all eaten many a curry in our lives. It was my first visit to the city...and to Ashton Lane which is uber cool in itself...Ashoka fits nicely in with the relaxed atmosphere of the West End. The service is impeccable..in fact we'd pretty much become life-long friends with our waiter by the time we left the place.

When our food arrived you could literally taste the love with which it had been prepared. The freshest of ingredients and flavours in every mouthful. Just sublime.

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Review of Sussex Downs College

25 Apr 08, 08:55

Learn something new...

..every day!

This is the biggest Further Education College in Sussex and probably one of the biggest in the country. There are campuses (campi?!) at Eastbourne, Lewes and Newhaven.

Sussex Downs offers a vast range of courses to suit every academic level...every individual need...every career path...the lot really. I studied there as an adult taking a course in British Sign Language and really could not fault my experience there in any way. The courses are well organised and the tutors excellent. There's great support on hand too should you need any financial help to fund your course or if you have learning needs. It's all there under one roof.

Of course there are full-time courses aplenty too from A-Levels to plumbing...catering to hair & beauty. They really cover all bases. If you know you want to study but just can't decide which course is best for you...then pop into Student Services and book in for some advice and guidance. It could be the best thing you ever do.

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Review of Coral Brighton & Hove Dog Stadium

24 Apr 08, 18:27

WICKED NIGHT OUT!!!!

You just cannot go wrong with a night out at the dog track in Hove. I'm not exactly a regular but probably go two or three times a year and have just the best time every time. Maybe that's because I'm very sensible with bets and never lose a fortune...

You can have any kind of night you like at Coral...whether it's a loud one at the bar stood up with the all the other excitable punters cheering your dog on at the top of your lungs...or maybe you'll plump for a table near the back and make your bets whilst scoffing your basket meal. You can go out and stand right next to the track too of course.

Then there's the restaurant. Great views of the track from the HUGE window. The only time you leave your table is for the loo...they bring your food...your drinks...take your bets AND bring your winnings without you having to move a muscle. The food is decent and there's loads of....they do a set menu in the restaurant itself.

Go with your work mates...go with your friends...go with your partner...go with your mum & dad.

Just go!

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Review of Blanch House

21 Apr 08, 21:28

Pure class

I've only been to Blanch House the once but was completely blown away. I went there to eat just before Christmas with my parents and their friends. We were treated so well by the staff...I'm a veggie and my mum is dairy intolerant and they made such a huge effort to make sure we were properly catered for. They really took the time to speak to my mum in particular about what she would like to eat even though the restaurant was full and they were very busy.

The restaurant itself is very intimate and not in the least bit pretentious considering what an amazing reputation this place has. Not only are the staff helpful but they are great characters too...they're smart and interesting and really know their food and wine.

After dinner we stopped for a cheeky cocktail or two in the bar. It's very plush but friendly with a massive selection of drinks...I was the only non-drinker in the group. The staff in the bar really went to town on my Virgin Colada...it was a work of art. Even the glass was shaped like a pineapple...Del Boy would have been envious!

Because of the prices Blanch House is to be visited on a special occasion...but make sure you go at least once. It really is very special.

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Review of The Brighton Dome

18 Apr 08, 23:12

I heart The Dome

What a venue this is.

Probably the best in Brighton because of its size (big...but not too big), beautiful decor and fantastic (relatively new) bar area with its mezanine floor. Of course what really does it is the huge range of live entertainment at The Dome.

Of all the stuff on offer I love to see bands there the most. It depends who you see as to whether they leave the stalls in or not but for the most part you can pretty much choose whether you stand or sit. I saw Rufus Wainwright there last summer and that would have to go down as one of my all time favourite gigs...the fact that it was at The Dome was a huge part of that.

If you've never been I suggest you get to their website, pick something that suits your taste and get there as soon as possible. I promise you'll re-visit time and again.

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Review of Komedia

18 Apr 08, 22:41

A bloody good night out

'The' comedy venue in Brighton...definitely one of my favourite things to do with mates of a weekend. I've been countless times and have always had a brilliant night.

The Krater Comedy Club at Komedia never fails to impress with it's line-up of talent. The regular compere Stephen Grant is rock solid and holds the whole thing together seamlessly. His comedy can be a little Brighton-centric but what do you expect from a Brighton based comedy club? He's damn funny so you'll love him even if you're not from these parts.

I've seen a few bands upstairs in Komedia too...the perfect intimate venue to get up close and personal with the artists (not like that you mucky pup). My favourite gig was British Sea Power a few months ago. I've seen them a few times in the past year but they seemed really at home at Komedia...just brilliant.

The food can be a little on the basic side and it can take a while to get served at the bar but push all this aside because it really is a small negative compared to the fantastic entertainment on offer.

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Review of Marwell Zoological Park

18 Apr 08, 22:10

I got married here!

OK so that might not be the basis on which you decide to go to Marwell but this is just a fantastic place to visit whatever your age. The animals roam around in acres of land and the staff are heavily involved in conservation programmes.

There's zebras, big cats, meerkats (my personal favourite) giraffes, rhino, penguins, monkeys, kangaroos, birds, reptiles...you name it they've got it. It'll take you all day so you'll need comfy clothes and shoes and a big packed lunch. Don't feed it to the tigers though...they're not keen on cheese & marmite sandwiches. Well unless it's good quality mature cheddar of course. They do have plenty of places to refresh yourself in the park but it'll save you some money if you take your own.

Admission charges are reasonable and there is a family saver ticket if you're taking the kiddywinks. Not only is it great fun but you learn a lot too. Yes even the grown ups.

Marwell House is bang smack in the middle of the grounds and offers conference facilities as well as being licenced for civil wedding ceremonies. I got married there in the summer of 2004 and we were treated like royalty. All of our guests were allowed into the park for free so many of them turned up early to have a look round. They laid on a road train to take guests from the car park to the venue and the first thing I saw as a married woman was several zebras and an ostrich. How cool is that?!

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Review of Plough Inn

18 Apr 08, 18:48

Astonishingly good

Ok...I admit...The Plough at Pyecombe holds a special place in my heart. I had my first date there with my other half...awww.

We go there pretty regularly now and not just because of the fuzzy, warm feeling it gives us but because it really is one of the best pubs I've ever been to. It's really easy to get to as it's just off the A23 as you leave Brighton. It's got a nice cosy bar at the front with a great selection of real ales (apparently...I'm a geeky tee-totaller) and fantastic bar food.

You'll find the spacious restaurant in the huge conservatory attached to the back of the pub. The menu is Italian and Mexican...and it's huge! The food is incredibly good and very reasonable considering the size of the portions. They do a crackin' roast on a Sunday too. I've never found a single flaw with the place and I've been there more times than I can remember.

The staff are real characters too and treat you like long lost family members even if you've never met them before. Just a real winner all round. Surely I've said enough to tempt you...

Oh and I nearly forgot the stunning garden that backs onto the Downs...beautiful!

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Review of Nissan Worthing

18 Apr 08, 17:56

Not an Arfur Daley in sight...!

Buying a car from a dealership can be quite trying let's face it. But at Yeoman's Nissan in Worthing you won't find pushy, smarmy salespeople. Just good upfront, honest advice and some great deals on new and used cars.

They really know their stuff and genuinely like the product they're selling. What's not to like? Nissans in general are reliable and really great to drive. There's a model to suit all needs too whether it's the fast and sexy 350Z Roadster or the hulking great Navara or the lovely Qashqai perfect to fit the family in. I have the Micra C+C...a neat little convertible with a hard top glass roof. It's by far the best car I've ever had.

Blimey I feel like Jeremy Clarkson...

All the staff at Yeomans really look after you. Whether you're browsing, buying or need a service (your car I mean...) they'll attend to your every need with professionalism. If you need new wheels go and see Sam and his team...you won't regret it.

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Review of Food For Friends

17 Apr 08, 08:42

Simply the best...

...veggie restaurant in Brighton...Great Britain...the World!

As a proper vegetarian (no I don't eat fish...or have the occasional kebab after a few WKDs like some so-called veggies) this restaurant is just pure heaven. You can usually get decent vegetarian food in most places in Brighton...we're catered for very well...but Food for Friends is out of this world. It takes some work to create really different and tasty food made purely from vegetables and they do it with style and flourish without being pretentious.

I've eaten there many times and have always been blown away. The restaurant itself is on a corner and you feel a bit like you're inside someone's home as there are different 'rooms' giving it a nice intimate feel. The staff are smart and effective without being pushy and they really know their food.

And it's not expensive either...you pay exactly what you would expect in a good city centre restaurant. It does get very busy...just proof once more that it is so good. To my knowledge, you can't book which is the case in many Brighton restaurants particularly at the weekend so get there early to avoid disappointment.

I've been there with many of my meat-eating friends and family members and they all loved it too. You really do have to go and see for yourself...

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Review of Drusillas Zoo Park

15 Apr 08, 09:10

Top Zoo!

Everyone in Sussex loves Drusillas...it's just really great fun for everyone whether you have kids or not. And it's family run so the owners care deeply about the animals and their protection.

From monkeys to meerkats...llamas to lemurs...you'll get your fill of the animal kingdom on a day out here. It's all very educational too and there's a Thomas the Tank Engine ride around the park for the youngest of your family.

At lunch time there are huge picnic areas for you to chill out in and a massive play area for the kids...and some of the adults actually...!

You have to go...it's the law.

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