Claire's reviews
Review of Herne Bay Library
30 May 08, 13:02
For a small seaside town... 
.... this isn't too bad a library. Set on the main high street there isn't parking attached, but there are plenty of car parks around. It is fairly small, but has a good selection of books and the staff are very friendly. There are also internet terminals, which can get pretty busy.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Open House
30 May 08, 12:51
Good, could be great
Fabulous layout, fabulous beer garden, fabulous food... why has it only got three stars I hear you ask? Answer, because it tries to hard. I don't understand why a pub as good as this makes the effort to attract SOOOOoo many students when we all know they're skint.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Railway
30 May 08, 12:37
No frills kinda joint
You certainly wouldn't look at the railway from the outside and think that it was one of those trendy pubs which brighton has so many of... and you would be right 'cos it aint. What the railway is, is an old school dodgy barstools kinda pub. The decor is far from modern and there are no uber trendy pictures on the wall. However, the beer is always good, the place is always clean and there are a few big-arse screens to watch the footie on. It's a comfortable pub and will be worth a visit during Euro 2008.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Sankey's Soap
30 May 08, 12:18
Good but not as good as it was
Sankey's Soap is a Manchester clubbing institution, housed within a former Soap factory it overcame a massive refurbishment in 2006, some would say for the better.. others would say it took the soul out of the soap. Still worth a visit though if in Manchester.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Devonshire Park Tennis
29 May 08, 11:17
Not quite in the premier league
A little piece of Old England for a week in June; with a traditional tennis atmosphere of strawberries and pimms.
Centre court is a great facility but I'm always disappointed by the other courts which look exactly the same as the ones we used to have at school. It's always a bit of a shock to walk past what looks like a practice court to realise Martina Navratilova is playing Maria Sharapova whilst the spectators file past for their next meal. I suppose it's not worth spending a fortune developing the centre when it's used so rarely, but it would be nice to see it all brought up to the standard of centre court. Saying all that, it's still a wonderful day out. And as from 2009 there will be a mens tournament as well so perhaps there will be extra investment.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Gatwick Airport
28 May 08, 13:24
location, location, location
Gatwick airport wins because of it's location, if you live in Brighton (like I do) it is just so handy. It is currently undergoing a refurb, name me an airport that isn't!?! Inside there are plenty of shops and restaurants, the problem is it's not particularly big and on a busy bank holiday in can be horrendous!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Waitrose
27 May 08, 13:35
Of course it would be Waitrose
It's a posh don't you know... both the good people of Lewes and Waitrose supermarket. This is a small but perfectly formed branch right in the town centre. The best bit is the cakes selection, oh my goodness they are good!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Furniture Village
27 May 08, 12:12
Large carpark
This branch is on the busy Old Shoreham road, at the junction with Sackville Road. It has a large free carpark which is accessed from the Old Shoreham Road. It is a big branch, with a large selection of furniture on two floors. The furniture is fairly expensive, mainly 'cos unlike Ikea a lot of it is solid wood... however, like most of these stores they seem to have a sale every fortnight so you can pick up a bargain or two.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Coral Brighton & Hove Dog Stadium
27 May 08, 12:05
Good night out with friends
We went with work and had the Six Pack deal - that includes (wait for it, deep breath!) admission and racecard, a basket meal, 2 free drinks, a free jackpot bet (very complicated if you've had a few beers!?) and a scratchcard. And all that for £10! Recommended for a fun night out with friends, just don't expect the bookies to smile!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Badgers Watch
27 May 08, 11:38
Lunch after the Mince Pie 10 mile run
Every year a Mince Pie 10 mile run is hosted along the cliffs here. Afterwards this is a great spot to go and refuel. Right on the edge of the cliff Badges Watch has great views, a fab atmosphere and serves good pub grub. It's not trying to be a gastropub and it does feel a bit chainy, but I'd recommend it for a good value dinner.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Tin Drum
22 May 08, 09:39
Moulin Rouge
Went here at New Year to a Moulin Rouge theme night - it was brilliant 'cos everyone really got into the spirit of it. I've been back since and there was a distinct lack of men in bowler hats and women in burlesque costumes but it's good none the less. There is plenty of seating, friendly staff and a good menu.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Belle Vue
22 May 08, 09:35
Had a couple of good nights here
I have had a couple of good nights in the Belle Vue in the past, but I wonder whether that was more to do with the company than the pub? It is in a pretty central location being a long walk up a short steep hill from the station, or a short walk down a long hill from Seven Dials. The staff are friendly and they have pool and table football, always a winner!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Queens Head
22 May 08, 09:30
Best pub near the station
If you're waiting for a train or a friend to get off a train The Queens Head is a good place to wait. Directly opposite the station it is very handy. It isn't anything spectacular but the staff (the Landlady is particular) are very chatty and friendly.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Heals & Sons
22 May 08, 09:24
This is fairly new to Brighton - last year or so
Heal's is a furniture shop for people who can afford to spend a bit more and are fed up with everything in their house coming from Ikea. They sell contemporary designer furniture and everything else inbetween - lighting, kitchen bits and bobs, bathroom accessories. If you're looking for a wedding gift (assuming you want to go "off list" risky I know!?) they sell the most beautiful vases and bowls.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Central Hove Surgery
22 May 08, 07:58
Small and friendly
Compared to some of the big medical centres one encounters these days - the Central Hove Doctors Surgery feels small and friendly. The waiting room is clean, comfortable and although the receptionists have the usual doctors surgery attitude (you know what I mean, I am in control here and I will make you feel like you are a pathetic timewaster for wanting to see a doctor) they aren't as bad as some I've encountered. I should add though, I am no longer a patient here because they rejected me for moving two streets away!!?
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of La Veramente
21 May 08, 22:01
Greek and Italian in one restaurant!?
This an unusual restaurant in that it serves both greek and italian food. I've been here a couple of times and really enjoyed it. The food is good and being as they are taking dishes from two countries there is something for everyone and a really good selection. It's very good value and the staff are really friendly.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Hove station
21 May 08, 21:58
08:11 to London Victoria is leaving from Platform 2
Hove station is pretty average, been to worse, been to better. The thing that is very annoying is how if we experience 1mm more rain than usual the underpass floods. Oh and there is always a queue to buy a ticket. Inside there is a small newsagent stand. Outside there is a flower stall and a fairly small carpark.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Brighton Station
21 May 08, 21:52
Welcome to Brighton
Brighton station is in a great central location and you can walk to the sea. It's not particularly big but it has a few shops - including a tiny but well stocked Marks and Spencer and a newsagent. The best bit is your friends/family can park round the back and wait for free. The worst bit is it can be REALLY cold when you arrive on the last train from London at 2:30am!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Theatre Royal Brighton
21 May 08, 21:48
Star spot - the Queen
Yes I once met the Queen at the Theatre Royal in Brighton. Okay maybe met is a bit strong, but she came to celebrate some anniversary of another and I was there too! The Theatre Royal is stunning and the atmosphere if you're sat the stalls near the front is fantastic, if the show you're seeing is good that is! However, as others have mentioned it isn't the most comfortable.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Fabulous Floors
21 May 08, 21:44
Amtico
Fabulous floors is actually ever so slightly up Wilbury Road, just round the corner from Topolino - the Italian restaurant on the corner. What makes fabulous floors fabulous is that they stock amtico floors. Amtico is the Ferrari of floors with a price tag to match. God they're gorgeous... I just walk past and window shop 'cos I can't afford one just yet.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Ganges
21 May 08, 21:31
Pretty Googes
Ganges is pretty good, not amazing Indian food but pretty good. What makes this place though is the G Bar underneath. It's a small bar which is open really late and is a great alternative if you don't want a nightclub and you don't want to go home. Because it's practically at the end of my road my friends and I have been known to pop in here for a cheeky vodka on the way home. The staff are so friendly and the atmosphere is really chilled.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Sevendials Restaurant
21 May 08, 18:21
converted bank
My main negative with Sevendials Restaurant is it used to be a bank so the atmosphere isn't that great. However, the outdoor seating area is lovely for the smokers in the group. The staff are friendly and overall the food is good, though it is a little expensive for every day.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Black Horse
21 May 08, 14:36
Good for Sunday lunch
This is a great pub for Sunday lunch - serving giant yorkshire puddings - yum! The main dining area is in a lovely conservatory out the back. And there is a great garden with wooden seating, perfect in the summer.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Spur Hotel
21 May 08, 14:31
The Spur Pub at Slindon
The Spur at Slindon is an old country pub which has been modernised and has a lovely friendly atmosphere. It serves traditional pub grub and it has a great garden.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Black Horse Inn
21 May 08, 14:13
Pies of the day!
This pub in the east of the village of Nuthurst is a typical oldie worldlie place, with a big fireplace and a cosy bar. The food is very good - they do a pie of day, which my brother is a big fan of!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Swan
21 May 08, 13:57
Great spot for lunch
This is a great pub for lunch during or after a walk round the beautiful countryside near here. There are a couple of commons and a lovely wood nearby. It's a proper oldie worldie type pub, it's really old and used to be a coaching inn back in the day.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of White Horse Inn
21 May 08, 13:53
Lovely pub in the village of Sutton
This is a lovely village pub in Sutton. It has had a refurb inside but has still managed to retain it's traditional pub feel. There is a big menu and at lunchtime they do excellent sandwiches. I went here with friends and they were very welcoming to their dog and their baby.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Lickfold Inn
21 May 08, 13:02
check out the fireplace
In the winter this pub is fantastic 'cos it has a MASSIVE redbrick inglenook fireplace. It is very much a pub for eating in. The menu is quite posh, though they do have lighter dishes/lunches. I believe it's recently changed hands so there may be changes on the way.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Orsino Cocktail Bar Restaurant
20 May 08, 12:33
Love Orsinos
Orsinos on Church Road in Hove used to do the most amazing deal, £5 for three courses on a Monday. Not sure if they still do it? Either way it's a great italian - with some more upmarket dishes than the usual pizza and pasta. They do fantastic starters - mozzarella, deep fried brie, calamari. And the risotto is delicious.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Topolino's Duo
20 May 08, 12:04
There are better Italians
This is a pretty average Italian restaurant on Church Road in the centre of Hove. The things that make it good - fairly cheap, great outdoor seating area at the front, friendly staff. It's just the food isn't that great. The pizza I had was a bit dry/hard... it's not awful, it's just Leonardos (down the road, see my other review) is better.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Bandstand Cafe Bar
18 May 08, 22:46
Great place for a beer in the sunshine
The Bandstand is in a great location, right on the seafront in Herne Bay. It's a lovely spot for a beer or two in ths sunshine and they do fairly good lunches, sandwiches etc. They often have performances in the bandstand, being as it's a bandstand!?! I've not been here in the evenings, but I know they often have DJs.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Gap
18 May 08, 18:20
Always busy in the changing rooms
This Gap is opposite Churchhill Square in the centre of Brighton. It is not a very big shop, girls downstairs, men upstairs. It is always busy in the changing rooms even if there doesn't seem to be that many people in the store. Having said that I recently purchased a pair of jeans here and they were very tolerant of the 900 pairs I had to try on before I could make a decision and happy to run round finding me bigger/smaller/tighter/darker pairs.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Ann Summers
17 May 08, 22:34
Great for hens
Ann Summers is a great shop for all your hen do needs. This one in Brighton has recently moved and is now bigger and better than ever!?! The shop gets saucier the further back you get, The staff are very helpful and friendly.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of STA Travel
17 May 08, 22:15
going round the world?
The staff here are well informed and knowlegable - although I did feel slightly bulldozed into doing what she recommended. It does get very busy and you often have to wait a while so it would have been nice if they'd had a water cooler. They are good at getting back to you when they say they will.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Wickes
17 May 08, 21:51
way better than B&Q
This store has an excellent product range and a great layout. Unlike B&Q there are always staff on the customer service desk. The problem is discussing bathrooms or kitchens 'cos you can't make an appointment and it can take ages. There is a great burger van in the carpark.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Bhs
17 May 08, 21:32
Good for swimwear
BHS is surpisingly good for swimwear and accessories, some very on trend bikinis and cover-up items for your holiday. However, everything else is still firmly stuck in the 1980s. Very handy toilets.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Sports Cafe
16 May 08, 18:24
It's a sport bar...!?
This bar is a fantastic sports bar showing all kinds of sport, everything from stuff you'd expect a packed pub to show ie. football to some really weird Japanese stuff that might not even be a sport. It is perfect if you're in town and want to watch the big game - even if it does get a little crowded. Just don't go here if you don't want to watch sports.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Office London
16 May 08, 16:53
Always packed
Day or night (okay I exagerate, not night, clearly it's closed at night) this shop is PACKED with people. It is too small, Brighton needs and deserves a bigger branch, and way it's laid out is odd - two doors!? Having said all that I love Office shoes so it's worth the effort :-)
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Kurt Geiger
16 May 08, 16:47
Gorgeous window shopping
This shoe shop looks great, really spaceous, well laid out and some fantastic looking shoes. However, I've never bought a pair!? I like to go in and look, but no pair has ever been SO gorgeous that I've been inspired to get my purse out.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Cath Kidston
16 May 08, 16:38
All your chinzy needs!?
If you'd have told me when I was a few years younger than Cath Kidston flowery stuff would be cool... I'd never have believed you... but life is odd like that.
This shop is tucked away in the Lanes in Brighton and although it's a bit of the small side, it's packed with stuff and there's an upstairs too. It mainly sells clothing + homewear.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Origins
15 May 08, 12:06
Expensive but gorgeous
Origins stuff is expensive but gorgeous. It all smells so good and is great if you want to treat someone. They do an amazing tropical body scrub which I'd really recommend. This store also offers things like head massages and eyebrow threading.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Mock Turtle Tea Shop
15 May 08, 11:56
I can't make up my mind about this place
I can't make up my mind about this place. Downstairs where we were sat is really odd/old fashioned inside and I can't decide whether they are being kitch/trendy/ironic or whether it's just old fashioned and odd. We had tea and hot chocolate both of which were very good. The window displays the most amazing donoughts, which look handmade, unfortunately I didn't notice this til I was on the way out so I didn't get to try one! I've just decided I better go back and check it out again.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Brighton Pier Rock Shop
15 May 08, 11:52
No trip to Brighton...
No trip to Brighton is complete without a stick of rock or three. This shop wins 'cos it's actually on the Pier and it stocks all sorts, not just the traditional Brighton type, you can also have your own name running through it - amazing.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Dolphin Leisure Centre
15 May 08, 10:53
Showing it's age
Rebranded as Olympus, but will always be the Dolphin to locals. Was Mid Sussex's first indoor pool when it opened in the seventies but is beginning to show it's age. The pool is rather odd, 33 metres, so no good for cometition swimming and with two shallow ends and a deep middle! There are no slides, rapids or wave machines and the much missed diving pool closed a few years ago to become the plunge pool for the new private Health club. The one thing in it's favour is a fantastic, seperate learner pool where thousands of youngsters have learnt to swim over the years. Extensions have been built with squash courts etc. but you wonder how many years the centre has left in it; especially as there are persistent rumours that Mid Sussex District Council might move it's campus to the site.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Strada
15 May 08, 10:01
safe choice
This is a safe choice if you're up in town not sure where to eat, feeling hungry and don't want to spend to much. They serve above average pizza and pasta and the service in this particular branch is always friendly and attentive.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Browns
15 May 08, 09:58
Safe
Browns is a chain of bar/restaurants and if you're new in town and you want somewhere predictable then this is a good bet. This branch is in a great location right on the green in Islington and is nice and big. There service is quick and layout is good with people eating at the back and drinking at the front. Don't order a cocktail though, they were rubbish!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Walkabout Inn
15 May 08, 09:56
Cheesy and packed
The walkabout does exactly what you expect it to do. This branch gets really packed on a Friday and Saturday night. I went there for a hen do and it was just what we wanted - with great cheesy 80s music. Get there early though otherwise you'll be queuing for ages.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Cafe Rouge
15 May 08, 09:51
Friendly staff
This is a pretty average Cafe Rouge, serving the usual. What makes it better than average is the service. The staff are friendly and attentive without being in your face. It's in a lovely location too, just opposite the green in Southgate.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Tesco Stores
15 May 08, 09:49
Worst carpark!
This is a fairly good Tesco - but the carpark is dire. You have to loop round and often end up in a queue while some idiot tries to reverse into a space (why do people do that?!) Once inside the store is an average size, with a fairly small range of clothes. The photograph machine is a bit unreliable, I've been in quite a few times and it's often broken.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Peacocks Stores
14 May 08, 12:43
Great for High Fashion items
If you are looking for a cheap high fashion item then Peacocks is worth a look. It's a bit hit and miss. Some days you go in and can find two three nice things. Other times it is full of tatt (as my mum would say) It is worth visiting regularly 'cos there is always the potential to find a real gem. The shoe selection is good, at the moment they have some great little summer pumps.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Ha Ha Bar
14 May 08, 12:33
Great location
This HA HA branch is in a fantastic spot right on the river Thames. It is well laid out... comfy sofas and chairs downstairs and resturant bit upstairs. It has a good atmosphere and gets busy without being insane. It also has free wifi if you want to impress your friends with your Ipod Touch.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Martins
14 May 08, 12:11
The death of the newsagent
In the future we will regale our grandchildren of the days when there were newsagents on every corner and people used to buy newspapers (what you mean they weren't online?!) and sweets (what you mean they weren't illegal?) and fizzy drinks (what are they nanny!?)
The newsagent will soon be no more and Martin's is a perfect living (only just) example of the reason why!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Hampton
12 May 08, 15:27
Not bad...?!
Don't go out of your way to visit this pub... but if you're around this way then it's a pretty good pub to pop into for a pint or two. The atmosphere is good, lively and friendly on a Saturday night. They also have a nice garden if you need a smoke. I agree the toilets aren't up to much, infact that seems to be a common problem with lots of Brighton pubs. Why can't pubs have nice, normal, clean toilets? Surely it's not that hard?
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of HMS Belfast
11 May 08, 19:16
Ships ahoy!
This is Europe's only surviving World War 2 cruiser and it feels enormous. It's hands on and aimed at families. At the moment they've got an exhibition on ship building. The best bit is that children go free. Word of advice for the ladies - don't wear a skirt, no good for climbing rigging!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of BFI London Imax Cinema
11 May 08, 19:12
Buckle up!
This is the biggest screen in Britain and shows films in widescreen, 2D and 3D. Before the film starts you get a safety announcement (rather like a pre-flight one.) I mocked the woman doing ours and lived to regret it when I had to take her advice to "close your eyes if you feel sick." I'm afraid to say the enormous screen made me feel nauseous but everyone else seemed to really enjoy it!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Pizza Express Restaurants
08 May 08, 09:01
It's a small branch afterall
This Pizza Express isn't one of their best. The branch is really small. It's in a good location though, right in the centre of Haywards Heath. Also the staff are very friendly. It's just a bit of chain restaurant, which yes I know Pizza Express is... but some of the branches manage to make it feel a bit more personal and real - this one doesn't.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Brighton Sea Life Centre
08 May 08, 08:56
Love the turtles
The sealife centre works out really expensive for the whole family - a friend of mine described it as a rip-off, I don't think I'd go that far. It is a bit disapointing in parts 'cos some of areas are a bit sparse as you wander round. However, the show featuring the turtles is really great. Avoid the shop at the end, it's expensive.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Westbourne The Public House
08 May 08, 08:48
Nice local
The Westbourne has two bars, the back one has a better atmosphere - nice lighting and lots of comfy sofas. The menu is a good but a bit faffy (is that how you spell it?!) Don't take the car, it's permit holders only around and about or you have to pay, so walk and have a drink or two.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Zizzis
08 May 08, 08:36
It's a converted church
Zizzi's in Haywards Heath is just off the main drag in a converted church. Inside there are loads of church pews, high backed chairs and old tables. The menu is what you'd expect for a Zizzi's, There is no real parking.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of All Bar One
07 May 08, 13:28
Best place in Leicester Square for a beer
But that's not saying much as your alternative is Yates!? This is a fairly good Albaroney (as a friend of mine always calls them) but it gets so crazy busy afterwork you can lose the will to live waiting to get served, particularly if the sun comes out.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Specsaver Opticians
07 May 08, 12:42
Adjust your specs
This is a small branch of Specsavers but it still has a good selection of glasses. They have little booths at the back where you can go and have your glasses adjusted if they don't fit right, which mine never do at first.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Specsavers Opticians
07 May 08, 12:37
2 for 1
You've got the love Specsavers with their two-for-the-price-of-one deals. This store has a very good selection of glasses - some gorgeous pink frames! They have a large amount of staff who float around and are happy to help but not too in your face.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Haywards Heath Station
06 May 08, 13:12
Ok if you've got a season ticket
For as long as I can remember this has going to be rebuilt, but at the moment it's the same as it has been for the past fifty years. It's one of the busiest Commuter stations in the country, so don't expect to get a space in the car park after 9 o'clock in the morning and if you need a ticket for a morning journey buy it the night before or allow plenty of time. The queues for the ticket office and machines are very long and time consuming. The tunnel under the track to the platforms drips when it's raining and there's no seperate newspaper stand now; so you have to use the cafe, which means queueing behind a load of yuppies having complex coffees manufactured before you can hand over your 40p for 'The Sun.' No wonder the 'Metro' is so popular. No page 3 but at least you can get a copy before your train goes. On the positive side, the station is full of character and you can spot a lot of famous faces waiting on the platform
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Pressure Point
06 May 08, 12:22
too cool for skool
Gaining a reputation as a 'serious' music venue (indeed it's rumoured Blur have played there!) it's basically a room above a pub, but has an amazing atmosphere that makes it feel very special. Entry is a bit daunting through a very narrow corridor and up some very tight, steep stairs but you think 'this is what going to the Cavern to see the Beatles must have been like' (except it's up not down!) I must admit that only having been there to see a Rock School gig, this oldster would like a few more seats, but I'm sure when it's full of it's target audience it must be a fantastic place and you do get the feeling that you're seeing the stars of tomorrow.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Macari's
05 May 08, 13:04
We're taking you back to the 80s!
Inside Macari's is a trip back in time to the 1980s. You queue up with your tray rather like a bad service station, place your order and then find a seat. The jacket potatoes come with too much filling... what I hear you cry... how can a jacket potato have too much filling... well believe me I didn't think it was possible but Macari's put them in a little bowl and then swamp them with filling - not good. On the plus side they do great baguettes and hot chocolate and they have some seats outside so if it's sunny you can watch the good people of Chi (that's what the locals call it don't you know) wandering by.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Browns
02 May 08, 18:18
Good for entertaining Westminster correspondants!?
We took our Westminster Correspondant to Browns last time he came to Brighton for a party conference and it was a great venue. The food is good - not amazing - but good... and they do red wine by the glass. Our waiter was friendly friendly and helpful and we had a lovely big round table. Aren't round tables great when you've got a crowd and you all want to hear what each other is saying.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Marks & Spencer
01 May 08, 22:38
It's improved... but could still do better
This branch of Marks and Spencer was in the running for worst in Britain but it has had a bit of a facelift and is better. The food section in particular has been expanded and is vastly improved. However, don't use the help yourself tills with a card, the readers don't work very well and you end up having to wait for an assistant which kind of defeats the object. The one at Holmbush in Shoreham is a million times bigger and better (okay a million times is a bit of an exageration!?)
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Homebase
01 May 08, 22:33
Not great, not bad either
This is a pretty average homebase, next to carpet right just off the Old Shoreham Road. The staff are very friendly and helpful but it's not as well stocked as the nearby branch at the Holmbush Centre at Shoreham. When I was doing up my flat I went here a couple of times for things they didn't have, some particular shades of paint if my memory serves me correctly.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Asda Stores
01 May 08, 22:22
Crazy busy, but what a bargain!?
This store is always crazy busy whatever time of the day or night you visit. The carpark is always rammed and you end up having to park downstairs and use the gladiator style travelator. The layout inside the shop is odd too, I always get distracted by the cheap clothes on the way in and end up wasting time browsing in that part of the store. The great thing about this Asda is the price though, it is cheaper than Tesco and Sainsbuys my a considerable amount.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Sainsburys
01 May 08, 22:05
Why is there always a MASSIVE queue for petrol here?
This Sainsburys in average... there are bigger and better ones (see other reviews, Eastbourne is better, Highlands Village is worse) The thing I can't stand with this one is the car park, it just seems to laid out so weirdly and I never feel I'm near enough to the door. Also the queue for Petrol can get ridiculous, it's not like it's so much cheaper than anywhere else... it must just be people getting filled up before they hop on the A27?
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Blockbuster Video
01 May 08, 21:52
It is small... but the staff are very friendly
This is a very small blockbuster video... makes me think of that add they did when they first arrived in the UK "I've never seen ten thousand videos all in one store?!" Well you won't do here ;-)
However, what they lack in size they make up for in being very fast and efficient and kind. I joined recently and rather than give you the third degree and treat you like you're trying to join the freemasons they very quickly sorted me out with a card and the DVD of my choice.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Coast
01 May 08, 21:49
Made me look fat!
I love the stuff in coast, on the hanger...!! but the one and only dress I bought in here I ended up taking back. The sales assistant raved about how good I looked in it and how I must get it and how it was this seasons new stock. Then I tried it on at home everyone said I looked fat and when I took it back it was in the sale! Having said all that... a lot of my friends swear by coast for weddings and special occasions. This branch is quite small and can get quite crowded on a weekend 'cos they cram a lot in. The changing rooms are nice though. And the sales assistant was very helpful when I took the "fat dress" back.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of B & Q
01 May 08, 12:16
Kitchen worktops
I ordered my kitchen worktops from B&Q and found the service at this branch very helpful and efficient. It does get crazy busy, especially the kitchen design service on a weekend and the car park is a bit of a freeforall crazy design.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
01 May 08, 12:12
Come on the Albion
The problem with Brighton and Hove Albion is the same reason they're great fun to watch... you never know whether they're gonna turn up and play well... or get their arse kicked!?! All they need now is that new fabulous stadium at Falmer. My colleague says it'll never happen... I hope he's wrong (he is usually right)
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Lush
01 May 08, 12:08
Soap and a campaign against Guantanamo Bay
The Brighton branch of Lush brings you soap and smellies and a campaign to get the American detention centre Guantanamo Bay closed down all in one delicious smelling store. They have a giant pair of orange pants in the window and sell an orange bath bomb (inmates wear orange boiler suits in Guantanamo) I have to say I'm not sure it's not a bit tasteless, but I guess if it raises the profile? Very friendly and right-on staff.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of The Palmeira
30 Apr 08, 14:34
What is happening to the Palmeria?
When I walked past the Palmeria at the weekend it was either undergoing some massive refurb or builders were in the process of turning it into a whole bunch of flats?! It was closed and covered in scaffolding. Watch this space....
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Caruso Restaurant
30 Apr 08, 14:18
Average Italian
This is a bog standard Italian restaurant. I have had a pizza here a couple of times and it's pretty good - good size, good base texture and nice range of toppings. I did have gnochi once and I'm afraid it wasn't great - a bit sloppy - ugh!?
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Cineworld
30 Apr 08, 12:55
Been to better... been to worse...
The cineworld in Brighton Marina is a pretty average cinema. The seats are comfy and they get the temperature right (some cinemas are really cold) The free parking is good, but you have manoeuvre round the multi-storey car park with the most narrow ramps the world has ever seen, nightmare!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Brighton Racecourse
29 Apr 08, 11:28
Love ladies day
I'm not a huge fan of horse racing but I really recommend getting your gladrags on and heading to Brighton's Ladies Day this summer -wear a big enough hat and you might even win a prize. The views across the sea and the downs are spectacular.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Punch and Judy
28 Apr 08, 22:32
Sit on the terrave
The Punch and Judy is in central Covent Garden. It serves fairly good pub food - bit pricey. But the best bit is the terrace where you can sit out and watch the cheesy but funny entertainers.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Lamb and Flag
28 Apr 08, 22:29
Flamb and Lag
The Lamb and Flag is a cramped traditional pub near Covent Garden. Our Geography A Level teacher introduced a whole class of us to it years ago. It is worth a visit if you're thirsty and nearby.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Piccolo Restaurant
28 Apr 08, 22:17
Fast cheap Italian food
Like Donatello's (another Italian restaurant in the Lanes) this restaurant offers fast cheap Italian food. It is not the place for lingering or having a romantic meal or anything crazy like that. It is simply - in, order, eat, pay, leave and all within an hour or so. The food is pretty good and the atmosphere is pretty good on a busy Friday or Saturday night.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Pizza Hut
28 Apr 08, 22:08
Good buffet lunch
I went here today with my colleagues from work 'cos we had some free vouchers. We enjoyed the buffet lunch, all you can eat pizza, pasta and salad. I thought it was very good. Our waiter was speedy and friendly (engaging in some amusing banter with us) The Marina isn't the best place in the world to visit 'cos it's all a bit ugly and disjointed but I thought this was a good branch of Pizza Hut and noticed they had 5 stars for hygine.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Caffe Nero
28 Apr 08, 21:56
This is a good one....
This is a great branch of Cafe Nero. It has lots of comfy sofas and well spaced out tables inside. And on a warm summers day it's lovely to sit outside and watch the world walk by up Church Road.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Anchor Inn
25 Apr 08, 18:19
It's lovely, but not on a busy summers day
The trouble with the Anchor is it's in such a fabulous location on a busy summers day it gets crazy busy and the service goes to pot. It's right on the river at Barcombe Mills and there are so many fab walks around and about it's hardly a surprise it gets busy, but still it's a shame they can't cope. I recommend going here on a bright winters day when you might be lucky and have the place to yourself!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Momma Cherri's Soul Food Shack
25 Apr 08, 17:41
What a mad couple of years it's been for Momma Cherri
So Momma Cherri used to own a very small restaurant called the Soul Food Shack. It served great food but was tiny and worryingly for Momma's bank balance not very busy. Then the saviour Gordon Ramsey arrived and the publicity was just what Momma wanted and needed... but not good for us locals who'd be customers for years. It got to the point where you couldn't get a table for months in advance... so they moved down the road to a bigger premises... and that's where the problems started. Momma Cherri's Big House just isn't the same. It's lost what made it special and they've increased the prices. It's a real shame, and they know it... so the good news is they are trying to get back some of their "soul" - let's see what happens.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Fratelli
25 Apr 08, 17:28
The posh cousin of Donatello
Fratelli is new(ish) and is pretty good. It's right the middle of the Lanes and served slightly posher Italian food than it's brother/cousin Donatello just round the corner. It's good value for money and has a really nice atmosphere.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Woolpack
25 Apr 08, 16:28
Small but perfectly formed
The Woolpack is a small but perfectly formed pub just opposite the auction rooms in Southgate, down from the tube station. It's a little bit old man-ish and has known to close randomly, but the staff are very good and it's got a nice friendly atmosphere.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Zara
25 Apr 08, 15:06
At last a Zara in Brighton
When Brighton finally got a Brighton women across the city jumped for joy. This one is situated in Churchill Square at the first corner (where Mothercare used to be) Zara offers reasonably priced high fashion clothes. It's particularly good if you're looking for a cheap dress or jacket for work. This Zara is a fairly good size and jam-packed full of stuff. The changing rooms are a bit cramped and dirty and on a weekend the queues can get a bit long.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Southern Grill
25 Apr 08, 14:56
Great Grill
The Southern Grill in Portslade is a great greasy spoon cafe. Can I suggest a cup of hot chocolate and a round of toast. Or if you've not eaten for a few days you could try to tackle one of their fry-ups. Oh and I should add the staff are very friendly.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Timpson
25 Apr 08, 14:53
Great for all your watch battery needs
I have a fossil watch where the face moves and as a consequence I need a new watch battery about once a fortnight. The staff here are very helpful and fast.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Waggon
24 Apr 08, 12:56
Recent facelift has massively improved this pub
It seems all modern pubs get the same makeover - comfy sofas, wooden floors and plasma screens etc. The Waggon and Horses recently had such a facelift and is much better for it. It is a good pub for catching up with old friends 'cos it's fairly quiet and you can always get a seat.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Fishmongers Arms
24 Apr 08, 12:50
Previously known as The Southgate
The Fishmongers Arms is on Winchmore Hill Road right next to Southgate swimming pool. It is a large pub with a big garden out the front (on the main road) There are pool tables and those pub games - millionaire etc. It's quite good for watching live sport on the big screen but does get busy so get there early to get a good view.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of White Hart
24 Apr 08, 12:47
Really near Southgate station
The White Hart is a small friendly pub right near Southgate station. It has had a bit of a facelift in recent years and now has wooden floorboards and comfy sofas. It isn't particularly busy and 'cos it's quiet can lack in atmosphere. But if you're looking for somewhere to go and catch up with friends it's perfect.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Priory Restaurant
23 Apr 08, 17:56
It's had the Gordon Ramsey treatment
Went here for a Southern FM live at the local event with The Feeling. It was a great night and I thought the venue was excellent - huge! It's easy to find, just through Haywards Heath off the A23. I saw it recently on an episode of Gordon Ramsey's kitchen nightmares and it has rather put me off going for something to eat there.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Zizzi
23 Apr 08, 15:47
Great location
Zizi's is a fairly good chain of Italian restaurants - which do some lovely pizzas and this no exception. However, this branch wins for location... it's right in the heart of Whitstable (which is a lovely seaside town) in a new development next to the sea. I just feel sorry for the people who live above it.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Eros Nightclub
23 Apr 08, 14:02
Does what it says on the tin
This is one of those weird nightclubs on an industrial estate in the middle of nowhere - where you have to get a cab from the pub you're at... or convince your Dad to give you a lift (most of the people who go here are in their teens and twenties and still live at home so this isn't a problem!) If you go with a crowd and you're up for a laugh then a good night can be had at Eros. Be warned men - they have weird dress code rules which seem to vary depending on whether they like you or not.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Little Italy
23 Apr 08, 13:44
Great little Italian
This is a great little Italian restaurant just on the river in Canterbury. The building is really lovely, really oldie worldie. The menu is the usual Italian foder - which some good specials - and prices are reasonable.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Dominos Pizza
23 Apr 08, 13:41
Great takeaway pizza
This is fantastic takeway pizza place, the pizzas are tasty and the service is very quick. Plus they once let me take a group of Brownies round and we all made our own pizzas it was brilliant - the girls loved it.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Long Reach Beefeater
23 Apr 08, 13:37
Typical Beefeater
This is an average beefeater which we used to go to after work, til we found somewhere better! It's right near the Thanet Way so it's very handy and it does have a huge beer garden... but it's not got a great atmosphere being next to a travel lodge.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.