Candice L.

Review of Black Horse

01 Sep 08, 08:31

The Perfect Olde English Pub

There are lots and lots of pubs in or near our city. Pubs on estates that sell cheap pints, pulled by pretty but air headed bar maids, with boarded up windows and winking fruit machines. Then there are the pubs that wish they were restaurants. Mostly situated on busy roads heading into the city, offering two main courses for a fiver, and giant pre-prepared puddings for a pound! You’ve got the pubs that are chains; soulless, spineless, generic, mostly Irish. And then you get the family type pub with world class play areas but kitchens that dole out micro waved, warmed up, plastic excuses for meals – stuff that my dog would think twice about. They have big shiny menus, with carefully shot photos of the food you want, but know you’ll never get.

And then … then … you get the old English pubs that are so fantastic, so picture perfect, that you dare not tell a single soul about because it’s your best secret. I found one of those on Sunday by chance. It was in a little village not far from the A605. The pub was brick, built centuries ago (1600’s), with wooden floors and beams, and more charm than you could shake a stick at. The regulars were cheery, the bar staff more so, and the specials chalked up on a blackboard looked like they were done so by a chef who took pride in what he did. Part of its character was its smell – it actually smells of beer, or ale, as good pubs years ago always did. Then a rock band plugged themselves in and started to play Rolling Stones, Radiohead and Commitments classics. The lead singer had a potbelly and a killer voice. I think they were called Grounded. Kids and adults alike all sat or stood singing along, and as pub bands go, I would describe them as exceptional.

We ventured outside and found by far the best beer garden I have ever laid my eyes on. And I have seen a fair few over the years. Its’ chairs and tables were modern and clean. Its grass was vast and well manicured, with badminton and football nets in permanent position. Conker trees hung like giant beanstalks dangling just waiting to drop their treasure. And behind all this as you lifted your gaze, miles and miles of rolling countryside. There were things that you kids could climb and so well fenced in was the area, you could sip your real ale in the knowledge your kids were safe. I even found myself admiring the colourful flowers, so content was I to be with my family in this place on a late August Sunday evening.

And even though it began raining, quite heavily, it didn’t matter a jot. We, and everyone else, continued to enjoy the atmosphere that is so hard to find these days – that of the perfect olde English pub.

And the pubs name?

The Black Horse in Elton. Go there now, you will love it.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Showcase Cinemas

12 Jun 08, 13:37

Does What it says on the tin

The best cinema we have in Peterborough. It is perfect for kids during school holidays and weekends. The kids can even join a cinema club and get money off of future visits.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Hairdresser

11 Jun 08, 16:29

Chop chop

A really great small business. I was really impressed with the service and the staff are extremely friendly. I would recommend this hairdressers to anyone.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of John Lionel Hair Design

11 Jun 08, 16:27

A cut above the rest

Really friendly staff and great service. Best of all you don't have to book. The price list is very fair for a hairdressers based so centrally.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of W H Smith

20 Apr 08, 09:48

Any mag you like

WH SMITH offers such a wide range of magazines...from Vogue to cross stitching for ladies with purple hair.

If you can't see what you want on the shelve they will also try to order it in for you.

I really love all the stationary in there aswel.

The staff are friendly, all in all a nice shopping experience.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Woolworths

20 Apr 08, 09:44

Exactly what you'd expect..

everyone loves woollies and this one is no different to any store across the country.

Could do with a bit of a facelift as it is looking old and tired.

You can pretty much always find what you need from pirate outfits to bluetack if not the staff are very helpful.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Waitrose

20 Apr 08, 09:33

You can't beat it.

I love the chioce at Waitrose and that they stock lots of organic food.

They have a fresh deli...the homous is lovely from there and reasonably priced.

the staff are very friendly and love to have a bit of a chat at the till (makes a change to shop assistants that don't even make eye contact with you) .

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Queensgate Shopping Centre

20 Apr 08, 09:28

The staff are lovely

The best thing about Queensgate isn't the choice of shops...it's the friendly and willing to help staff that are on hand 24/7.

There isn't the hugest choice of shops but ypou can always find what you need.

It is usually fairly easy to park, although is can be quite expensive. I would suggest using a different car park and walking in (except on a Sunday because you can park all day for a pound).

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Barclays Bank

20 Apr 08, 09:17

The one in Cathedral sq

I have been with Barclays for years and the cutomer service has always been and is till very poor.

The staff are unhelpful and never crack a smila.

You can always guarantee there will be a huge queue...i'd rather deal with the atm if possible.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.