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 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 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 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...!

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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.

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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.

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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 Velvet

28 Apr 08, 08:50

I like it a LOT!

I love Velvet...it's the perfect place to find something a little kitsch and a bit special for your girlie mates...or the very effeminate man in your life...or indeed yourself.

Trinkets aplenty...homeware...clothing...shoes and bags...you can easily spend a good half an hour in there taking it all in. I challenge you to come away without a little something that you weren't expecting to buy.

1 out of 1 person 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.

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Review of The Station

28 Apr 08, 08:18

We waited...and waited...and waited

Now The Station at Hove could be a really great place...and I've had a couple of decent nights in there with work mates but mostly because of who I was with. It lacks a certain something...maybe it's the size & layout of the place.

My last visit there really put me off...they do a buy one get one free pizza offer on a Tuesday (I think it's a Tuesday anyway). I went with 4 other mates and although we all ordered our pizzas all together they came out about 45 minutes apart. Even then they got the order wrong and they really weren't that nice either. P*ss up and brewery spring to mind! I'm sure I'll go back to The Station but it won't be to eat...which is a shame because it could be really good.

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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.

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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 A J Autospray

26 Apr 08, 17:34

Get the body you've always wanted!

On your car I mean.

AJ Autospray will sort all your dents, scratches, prangs and the like in no time at all. Go see Andy and the boys and they will have your vehicle back to its former glory before you can say 'there goes my no claims discount!'

Seriously though...if you're paying for it yourself you certainly won't have to fork out as much as you would elsewhere. They're professional, highly skilled and efficient. Oh and they have a courtesy car too should you need some wheels to get around in whilst they finish the job.

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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 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 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.

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Review of Hove Station Hand Car Wash

24 Apr 08, 08:37

Bye-bye bird poo!

If you're like me and live in a flat with no driveway or no means of getting the vacuum cleaner out to your car then pay the boys at Hove Car Hand Wash a visit. In fact...just go there anyway because who can really be bothered to wash their car? Especially when the pesky Brighton seagulls decorate your vehicle on such a regular basis.

They do a really good job on your car...it's rinsed and soapped and scrubbed and power-sprayed then chamois-ed up at the end. They do the full range of services including mini-valets and the like. If you just want a wash, dash & hoover that'll cost you around a tenner. Well worth it to save yourself the effort.

Oh and expect a good bit of banter from the lads...they're a happy bunch who like a good laugh with the clients.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Charter Medical Centre

24 Apr 08, 08:05

Good practice

Now I know nobody likes going to the quacks but if you're new to the Hove area and looking for a decent doctors' surgery I would strongly recommend Charter. They have a great policy when it comes to booking appointments...you can't book more than a few days in advance. This is a good thing because it means they usually always have an available time for you within about 48 hours. Their slots aren't all clogged up with people that booked when they were ill two weeks ago and haven't bothered to cancel. Oh and you can book online too and check in on a touch screen when you arrive at the surgery. Technology eh?!

My actual GP is really easy to talk to...you rarely have to wait long and he doesn't make you feel like you're wasting his time. In fact all of the staff there are very helpful...the nurses (for lady things), the pharmacy staff and the receptionists too. Also as it's a large new building it feels clean and well maintained as well.

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Review of Misty's

23 Apr 08, 10:06

Blindin' bar

Despite its dodgy 80s name Misty's is one of the newer venues in Hove...I think it's been around for about 18 months. It's a small place with a huge cocktail menu and great staff. There's an upstairs too if it's full-up downstairs and a funky outdoor area with high stools.

I've been there many times with girlfriends and always had a great time. You get treated well by the guys behind the bar...they really look after you. I have to admit I've never spent a whole evening at Misty's but that's only because I've been off the meet people elsewhere but it is perfect to pop in for an hour or so early on or really late for that matter...!

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Review of Bankers Fish Restaurant & Take Away

22 Apr 08, 12:13

The antidote...

...to Harry Ramsden's...Bankers is far superior. It's on Western Road nearer the Hove end and is really the place to go for a sit down fish n chip supper. Based inside a typically Brighton regency building it is quite a big place with polished wooden floors. It feels clean and well looked after and the smell as you step inside the door is irresistible.

Of course every good fish n chip place can be rated on the quality of its chips alone. They're not left hanging around getting soggy...they're crisp and non-greasy. The take-away is equally as good and you don't mind the short wait because you know your lovingly wrapped chips will taste incredible when you get them home. Or if you can't wait that long take a wooden fork and ask for them unwrapped. Just beware of the envious stares of passers-by as you walk along the street munching.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

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 Harrys

22 Apr 08, 08:22

Best breakfast in Hove

Harry's is near my house so I can't really go wrong when I need a decent breakfast. You'll need to book on a Sunday though...it's extremely popluar and they do take reservations for any time of the day.

As a veggie I'm always on the look out for the perfect non-meat based breakfast and I think I may have found it in Harry's. It's not the cheapest fry-up you'll have but worth every goddamn penny. You get a decent portion and you can tell the ingredients are good quality.

In the evenings they serve more top quality English food. It's a basic looking place but that's part of its charm. I love the art they display on their walls so much...I ended up buying a piece. It's vital that you give Harry's a try...but don't forget to book.

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Review of Walk In Wardrobe

22 Apr 08, 07:50

Top frocks

Walk In Wardrobe is the place to go if you're off to a posh do...well for the ladies anyway. They have a huge selection of eveningwear to hire or buy (if you have the cash) including shoes and accessories

The lady that helped me last time (possibly the owner) doesn't mince her words or blow smoke up your backside...if you look like a dog's dinner in the dress you're trying on she'll soon tell you. She's also very good at picking outfits that will suit you and make the most of your body shape whatever that may be.

If you can't afford to buy an evening gown then why not rent one from Walk In Wardrobe...you'll feel like a princess.

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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 Farm Tavern

21 Apr 08, 11:57

Relaxed and friendly

I love The Farm (the pub...not the band....actually I quite like the band too)...it's tucked away just behind Barney's on Farm Road just off Western Road. It's the second pub on the left up the hill. It's popular but never packed out...it's very rare that you don't find a cosy table for you and a few mates. It's the perfect Friday night pub if you're not up for a hectic one.

It's not flashy in any way...and the food is excellent especially the Sunday roasts. My favourite spot in the pub is the big table in the window upstairs. You'll have to get there early to nab that one though. The upstairs is pretty small but is available for hire. We've had a couple of dos there and you can get a set of decks in and about 25 people without it being uncomfortable. Just right if you haven't got that many friends...!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Review of Grubbs Take Away Food Shops

18 Apr 08, 09:49

Late night scofff.

Grubbs is just the best place to stuff your face after a night out drinkin' and dancin'...they have a HUGE choice of burgers including 8 or so options for vegetarians. As a veggie this pleases me no end.

They do nice skinny style chips but you get about 6 times more than you would at those infamous fast-food chains. Good sauce selection too.

OK it's not the healthiest option in the world but their ingredients are fresh and they cook their burgers to order so there's nothing festering on a hot plate. This can mean a little wait but it's well worth it. By the time they put that big fat juicy burger in your hand you are almost drooling!

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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 Pizza Express Restaurants

17 Apr 08, 07:46

They're not all the same!

Ok, ok you know what you're going to get when you go to a Pizza Express but the one up the road from me in Hove is really very good.

I've eaten in a fair few branches in my 33 years but the pizzas here just seem better than the rest. I was there last night...a dish of olives whilst browsing over the menu...dough balls to start and then my favourite Fiorentina pizza (although I have it without the egg). It was all gorgeous although I do stink of garlic today! Stay back.

The service is excellent too...plenty of staff on hand so you're never left hanging on. And of course it's very reasonable...all in all the perfect place to head to if you just simply can't be arsed to cook one night.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Cissy Mo

16 Apr 08, 10:02

Quirky gifts...

...aplenty!

This is a great gift shop if you need to buy something for a mate with an odd sense of humour. They've got a nice selection of cards too...and not the run-of-the-mill kind either. In fact some of them are downright offensive but very amusing.

My most recent purchases at Cissy Mo consisted of a make up bag decorated with hamsters and acorns...a plastic gun that fires small plastic nuns and a BA Baracas birthday card. Each recipient was delighted with their gift...well they appeared to be anyway.

The lovely lady that works there is very helpful too but leaves you alone to browse around at your leisure.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Hove Place

16 Apr 08, 09:53

It's all about the garden.

This is my local...and a damn fine one it is too. You feel a bit like you're going into some underground carvern as you take the steps down into the pub but it's not like that at all inside. It's got three 'sections' to it...the middle bit is the busier bar area where people tend to stand in groups to do their drinking. The other two areas are cosier with plenty of tables and chairs.

Hove Place is at its best when the sun is out though...the garden is really gorgeous with tons of seating and umbrellas and little heated areas for the smokers. I've only ever eaten dessert there...I think it was some kind of gooey chocolate brownie and I wasn't disappointed. I really must try the rest of the food someday...

Oh and one more thing...they were very kind to me when I left without paying once. They did have my card behind the bar but found the whole thing amusing nonetheless!

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Barneys Bar & Canteen

16 Apr 08, 08:54

I'm a regular

I heart Barneys!

This is definitely one of my favourite places to go at any time of day in Hove. I'm a picky vegetarian but cannot fault their veggie breakfast or other non-meaty options. I'm also a massive fan of their pineapple & lime smoothies and imagine my delight to discover they sell decaff tea. Not many places do you know.

You can slob on the sofas when it's quiet (you'll have to be early at the weekend to bag one of these), sit properly at the table like your mum taught you or soak up the sun on one of the pavement tables. Very continental!

The staff are real characters too...they love a chat and can be quite cheeky but that just adds to whole relaxed atmosphere of the place.

This is a place I feel very comfortable in even sitting on my own...you can take your book, newspaper, laptop or just sit back and take it all in. Love it.

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 Ashoka Tandoori Restaurant

15 Apr 08, 08:38

Quality Ruby

There are a fair few curry houses in Hove but this is my new favourite. I've been to most of the others but have now come to the conclusion after giving it considerable thought that this is the best!

They just do really great curries that always taste incredibly fresh. Also they'll cook your dish exactly how you want it even if it isn't on the menu.

To my mind you can always judge a good Indian restaurant by its poppadums...big and crispy...perfect! It's very popular with the locals...I was there on a recent Thursday and by the time we left there wasn't a spare table in the place. The service is top notch and you get decent chocolates on your bill instead of the usual After 8 rubbish...you can't argue with that.

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 Chip Basket

14 Apr 08, 09:28

High quality chips in Hove...

...guaranteed!

I can't speak for the fish or the saveloys as I'm a veggie but the chips and battered mushrooms are really, really good. I've never experienced any soggy-ness myself...sorry to hear that about your batter Jamie S.

The place is spotless too which is always very encouraging especially if you have mild OCD like me! I like the staff too...they happily chat to you whilst you're waiting at the counter. I don't mind the wait...it means my chips are fresh. Then all you need to do is get home and slap them on two slices of white bread (the chips...not the staff) with real butter. Heaven...although not good as part of a calorie-controlled diet...

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.

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Review of Sussex At Hove

14 Apr 08, 07:37

Good all-rounder

This is a great local pub frequented by a good bunch of its neighbours. You can stand at the bar and chat to the regulars or tuck yourself round the back at a comfy table if you want some peace and quiet. They show all the major sporting events on TVs at the front of the pub and serve pub grub at very reasonable prices.

There's a pool table and quiz machine if you need entertaining but the best thing about The Sussex is the garden. It's a real sun-trap and makes you feel like you're on holiday in the Med...easy to spend a whole Sunday afternoon there...well so long as the sun is actually out.

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Review of Los Amigos

12 Apr 08, 17:44

Gorgeous Mexican

This restaurant has a really intimate feel despite always being busy. You'll definitely need to book at weekends to make sure you get a table. The food is really fantastic with a good veggie selection although I would say a little on the expensive side. I think the last time I visited it was around £13/14 for the fajitas...but worth the cost as they are to die for.

It's somewhere I like to go as a treat as opposed to just popping out to grab something to eat after work...I enjoy spending a whole evening there because of the atmosphere. Perfect for a romantic night out tucked away in the corner or good fun with a group of mates on a special occasion.

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Review of La Veramente

12 Apr 08, 17:08

My favourite restaurant in Hove...

This is a family run Greek & Italian restaurant located right opposite the Blind Busker pub. I've eaten there more times than I can remember both at lunchtime and during the evening.

You always receive a very warm welcome from the lovely couple who run the place. There's a huge choice of traditional mediterranean dishes on the menu, everything is reasonably priced and absolutely gorgeous. They do a 3-course lunchtime special which is fantastic value...beware though you might feel a little sleepy from all that lovely food if you have to go back to work in the afternoon!

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Review of Lookfantastic

12 Apr 08, 16:49

Everyone I know goes here...

I love going to this hairdressers (although they're actually called Lookfantastic these days) It's a real treat. I've had my hair cut by Becky...one of their Senior Stylists...for over 6 years and just can't fault her in any way.

Compared to other well known hair & beauty chains their prices are really competitive too. They never make you feel 'grateful' for getting an appointment, they text you to remind you when your appointment is and they offer fantastic beauty treatments upstairs too. You won't be disappointed...I've recommended at least a dozen of my friends to them and they've all come away more than happy. Do it!

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