Claire C.

Review of The Jubilee Library

30 May 08, 12:55

Above expectations

This Library has formed the focal point of a massive regeneration of the North Laines. It is an amazing PFI (Private Finance Initative) building and has won all sorts of architectural awards. They have a fantastic gift shop on the way in.

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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 Food For Friends

22 May 08, 18:38

Vegetastic

As a reformed vegetarian - over 10 years veggie - I love this place. It is everything that is good about veggie food and makes the mouth of even the most die hard meat eater water. I highly recommend the haloumi and mango salad, god it's good.

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!

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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 Terre A Terre

22 May 08, 09:13

Posh veggie - an oxymoron

No I'm not called Vegetarians morons - I was one for over ten years. I'm just saying I don't usually associate being a vegetarian with being posh... yet that is exactly what Terre A Terre does. The food is delicious and full of flavour, even the diehard meat eaters in your group will be satisfied. Just make sure someone other than you is paying, the prices make this somewhere for a treat not everyday.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Havana Restaurant & Bar

22 May 08, 08:27

The food is good, there's just not enough of it!

Havana is almost in the lanes, it's that bit off West Street with Nine West on the corner which eventually turns into the Lanes. I thought the food was good, the problem for me was the portion size - some of the dishes are tiny. It's expensive too.

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 The Saint

21 May 08, 18:27

Fantastic French food

This is a wonderful French restaurant in Brighton's Kemptown. The food is delicious, the place has a lovely ambience and the service is excellent. It isn't cheap, so my advice is to get your partner or your parents to pay! Also, it's difficult to get a table so make sure you book plenty in advance.

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 Blanch House

21 May 08, 11:37

Blanch House

Highly recommend Blanch House. The food here is excellent, the service is very good - without being in your face. But the best thing is the bar - the cocktails are AMAZING! Also I had some friends who stayed here in one the themed rooms and they said they had a wonderful time and commented on how warm and friendly the whole place is.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Sumo

18 May 08, 18:37

many a good night spent here

I've had many a fun night here, mainly with people from work. Upstairs it's a bar, downstairs they have a large dance floor. Mike Pantelli often DJs here and he is excellent, anyone who plays Michael Jackson wins my heart!? The only negative is it can get very hot downstairs

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Pitcher and Piano

18 May 08, 18:33

Rammed meat market

I went here with a couple of girls friends on a Saturday night... and although this will make us sound old (we're not that old) and borring (we're not so boring)... this pub was a crazy busy meat market. And even more depressingly the "meat" on offer wasn't up to a very high standard. I don't know what it's like on a week day, but I'll not be going back on a Saturday night.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Beach

18 May 08, 18:25

The Coalition

Being situated practically on the beach this is a great place for a beer/pimms in the sunshine. During the day they often have live music, and some of the bands I've heard here have been really good. Many a hungover sunny Sunday has been spent sat here watching the world go by. It can get difficult to get a seat in the summer. At night time it transforms into a cheesy club. We went here recently for a friends hen do and it didn't let us down. Loads of great tunes, reasonable (for a club) priced drinks and friendly bouncers.

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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 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 Mash Tun

17 May 08, 21:20

Great location

The Mash Tun is in a fantastic location right near the Pavilion. I was here last night and had a thoroughly good time! The atmosphere is buzzy and fun, with a real mixture of people. There is a large outdoor seating area if you're a smoker.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Richer Sounds

16 May 08, 18:13

Good value

I was introduced to Richer sounds at University when we had to buy portable mini-disk recorders (god, how old am I?!) Anyway, it's a fantastic chain of shops and this one in Brighton is particularly good. You can buy all things electric here -speakers, TVs, stereos... I doubt they still sell mini-disk players though!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Cricketers

16 May 08, 18:09

Oooh I do like this pub

The Cricketers is a lovely pub, it's just a shame it gets so crowded sometimes on a Friday/Saturday night... but hey it is in the popular Lanes and it's difficult to keep good pubs from getting all popular and busy!!? If you're a smoker you'll love it 'cos they have a fab covered smoking courtyard thingame that feels as much like smoking inside as you can legally get.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Nine West

16 May 08, 17:07

Big branch

This is a big branch of Nine West with a good selection of shoes, boots and a bags section out the back. The staff are very helpful, particularly if you're umming and urring about whether to spend over £100 on a pair of boots. They don't put you under any pressure, which is nice.

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 Jones Bootmakers

16 May 08, 16:45

Great customer service

I bought my favouritest pair of shoes EVER from this shop. Black patent shoots (that's shoe boots btw) with bows on the front. They are gorgeous and have caused much a stir in the office. This branch is small but has a good selection. The staff member who served me was very friendly and helpful, and didn't mind while I went to Dune down the road to check I didn't like a pair there better! They also sell the plastic things that keep your boots nice and they were half price recently.

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 Molton Brown

15 May 08, 14:16

Perfect presents

I love Molton Brown - oh my god their stuff smells and feeling SO good. My mum reckons the best presents you can either eat or bath in!?! And if she's right then, Molton Brown is a winner. This shop is great 'cos it's big-ish (all Molton Brown stores are small) and the staff are very friendly. If you say what you're buying is a gift they'll wrap it up really nicely.

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 MAC Cosmetics

15 May 08, 12:03

It is £30 you know!!?

I seem to have a bit of a problem... Staff in shops keep telling me how expensive stuff is when I show an interest in buying it... Do I look like I can't afford it? I must do. Anyway, MAC in Brighton is another example of this happening to me. I went in to buy my mum a new big makeup brush for Christmas. I enquired about a brush and was told in a snooty voice "It is £30 you know." Well of course I was then forced to buy it even though £30 for a makeup brush is ridiculous and both I and the woman serving me know it!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Body Shop

15 May 08, 12:00

Great staff

The best thing about this bodyshop are the staff. They are friendly, helpful and attentive.. without being annoying. It is in a prime location right on North Street in the centre of town. The Body Shop first store opened in Brighton (not at this location) but it means the shop has always had a special place in the city's heart.

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 Paperchase

15 May 08, 09:41

Paperchase rocks!?

This shop sells the usual fantastic cards and wonderful different coloured pens, paper etc. BUT it is too small to service the stationary needs of Brighton. They need a massive paperchase with the full range, but instead this branch is tiny and tucked away at the bottom of the South Lanes off the main drag. It's a great brand, but this store is one of their weakest branches

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Duke Of York Cinema

15 May 08, 09:31

Duke of York

The Duke of York is a gorgeous independent cinema. One of it's most unique sessions is a parents and babies club on a Wednesday morning. Dozens of yummy mummies and noisy babies and noone gets cross if yours cries during a good bit! Get there early though it gets really busy.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Royal Albion Hotel

14 May 08, 12:18

Is there a pea under my mattress?

The Royal Albion is home to the lumpiest bed I have ever slept in! I stayed here when I first moved to Brighton and had the worst night sleep ever. My mum says I could sleep on a washing line and I reckon I'd have been more comfortable on one.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Gars

14 May 08, 10:54

Yum!

I went here last night with three friends and had a lovely meal. The food is really good - in particularly they serve wonderful prawn toasts (not your usual over fried skinny excuses!?) The service is friendly, smiley and prompt - without being in your face. The restaurant looks really clean and although it's small it's not cluttered. It's not a cheap chinese, but it's worth the couple of quid extra 'cos it's so fresh and tasty.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Alfresco

13 May 08, 17:54

Four stars for the club sandwich

Alfresco gets four stars for it's club sandwich alone. It's the only thing I have ever eaten here and it's wonderful. Unusually, it contains crayfish and it is delicious. I've also been here for a few times for a glass of Pimms, sat outside in the sunshine practically on the beach - wonderful.

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 Atlas Lounge Cafe

08 May 08, 12:24

Doesn't look much for the outside

It doesn't look much from the outside, but inside it's a pretty funky bar. It's sort of got a Moroccan theme - I think?! The staff are very friendly, they'll serve you at your table and I have found if I pop in for one quick beer I end up staying for 3/4/5!! It's a good place to stop on your way between Hove and Brighton.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Sussex Yeoman

08 May 08, 09:14

Just up the road from the station

Just up the road from Brighton station the Yeoman is a great pub with a chatty open atmosphere and great food. The menu is fantastic, lots of fresh fish and yummy specials. My friend described her burger as "to die for" but as she had just been for a 21 mile run (Marathon training) that might have had something to do with it!?!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Zilli Cafe

08 May 08, 09:12

Delicious fresh lemonade

Zilli Cafe (owned by Aldo Zilli, the famous chef and star of such top reality tv shows as celebrity fit club!?) is in the newest bit of the North Laines very near the Jubilee Library. It is a cafe and deli and you can eat in or takeaway. They serve delicious salads, chiabatas and pasta. They also have fantastic fresh lemonade and a chocolate brownie that is to die for!!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Inside Out

08 May 08, 09:07

Bit slow, but worth the wait!

Inside Out is a great cafe in the North Laines. The service can be a little bit slow but it's worth the wait. All the food is cooked to order and is lovely and colourful and fresh. I particularly recommend the chiabatas, paninis and melts. They also have a fantastic cake display on the way in, haven't succumbed to temptation though (yet) so I can't vouch for them, but they look wonderful.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Zizzi

08 May 08, 08:59

Great food, great atmosphere

This branch of Zizzi's in one of the best. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is great. Being a chain you know what you're getting - which can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on how you feel about chains - but this Brighton branch has a few more unusual options. The staff are very friendly. The only negative, it can get a bit pram congested on weekends.

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 The Pond

08 May 08, 08:53

Fabulous Omelette

The Pond is an Irish-ish pub in the centre of Brighton. Upstairs in the evening they do Thai food, downstairs it's pub grub (wonderful cheese omelette) There are tables outside which are in a total suntrap and it's a great people watching spot.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Lord Nelson

08 May 08, 08:39

Trafalgar Street

The best bit about the Lord Nelson on Trafalgar Street is the back room which is really light and airy and can be hired for free. You can reserve tables and our work recently had an excellent buffet lunch here. At night they pull down a big screen for big sporting events.

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 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 Magpie Recycling Co-Operative

06 May 08, 12:06

If it can be recycled... they will...

Magpie Recycling collect bags of paper from work. But they will collect almost anything it seems. They arrive when they say they will and are very polite and strong (you need to be to carry all that paper!?)

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 Asda Stores

01 May 08, 22:27

Wish I lived nearer

I wish this was my nearest supermarket 'cos it's the best in Brighton by a mile. There is ample parking, it's very well stocked and the staff are always very friendly. But the best thing is the price - it is considerably cheaper than Tesco or Sainsburys. I love the hedgehog bread and the clothes - George clothing is still the best supermarket clothing in my opinion. In my opinion, this is a review website of course it's in my opinion!?!

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 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 Fortune Of War

29 Apr 08, 12:30

Just don't go upstairs if you're tall!?!

The Fortune of War is a great friendly, popular pub on Brighton seafront. It has a kind of oldie-worldy feel to it, but a lively young (but not underage) crowd. The only criticism is you can feel a bit squashed in upstairs - as it's under the arches.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Concorde 2

29 Apr 08, 12:23

What a great venue

Concorde 2 is a great venue. I have been here a few times to see unknown bands - I think I have a curse cos none of them have ever gone on to musical stardom!? It's not a fun place to get to in the middle of winter - a windswept walk along the top and down some steps or along Madeira Drive. It's a shame they haven't got the lift from the top working - now that would be cool.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Pret A Manger

29 Apr 08, 11:33

Why won't they open one in Portslade!?!

I love Pret sandwiches. In particular the crayfish and rocket which is to die for - really it is the best sandwich in the world. The Brighton branch always looks mega busy but the queue moves quickly.

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 Ollie & Nic

29 Apr 08, 11:24

Adore this shop!

I love this shop... purses, bags, jewellery... it's all gorgeous. I particularly like buying friends presents here because you can get them something different and special. I bought my friend a yellow bag with budgies all over it recently and she loved it. I have quite a few bits of jewellery from here too and cos they're unusual they always get a comment (in a good way!?)

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Tootsies

28 Apr 08, 22:20

Particularly good branch

This is a particularly good branch of Tootsies. The serve is good and the decor and layout is fab - really modern and fun. It's a great place for burgers and also breakfast. There is lots of competition to corner the "luxury" burger market - but I reckon this is the best.

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 La Fourchette

28 Apr 08, 22:04

Tres Bien

Yummy! Tarte aux fraises, pommes, citron, foret noire, brioche, Pain Au Chocolat... need I say more. It's the cakes that steal the show at this fantastic french cafe. The hot chocolate is pretty good too.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Oasis

28 Apr 08, 21:49

Just on the edge of the lanes

This Oasis is just on the edge of Brighton lanes - on the corner near FatFace. It is a pretty small branch of Oasis and it's a bit weirdly laid out with two entrances/exits. It doesn't have a huge amount of stock and can take a while to get new stuff in. I think they really need to move to bigger premises and up their game.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Hampstead Bazaar

28 Apr 08, 21:45

Star spot - Rula Lenska and Judi Dench

This shop is very popular with Rula Lenska and Dame Judi Dench - and there are signed pictures of them in the window. Without being rude 'cos Rula and Judi are legends - Bazaar sells clothes and accessories for women of a certain age/size. They are very good at it though, and have won loads of awards.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Hennes

28 Apr 08, 21:41

should be good... but it's not

H&M (which will always be Hennes to most of us) should do really well in Brighton 'cos it's high fashion and cheap. But this branch is pretty poor. It is set over two floors but there is no logic as to what is upstairs and what is downstairs. And on a busy weekend it can look like a jumble sale.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Velvet

28 Apr 08, 21:39

Clothes and Niknaks

This is the branch of Velvet just up the road from the other one which sells clothes and niknaks. Highly recommended for presents or little treats for yourself. Just be careful on a weekend, it can get really busy and the potential for knocking something over is great as the place is crammed with stuff.

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Review of Velvet

28 Apr 08, 21:37

Great homestuff

There are two Velvet shops on Bond Street. This one sells the homestuff and it's fabulous. I have bought two things in here recently. A fantastic pink chanderlier and a great black photo frame. They sell everything for your home from enormous french style wardrobes to soap dishes. Great for accessorising your chic Brighton/Hove abode.

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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 Pokeno Pies

25 Apr 08, 17:25

Great pie and mash

If you're a fan of pies this is THE place to eat in Brighton. They do everything from the usual chicken, beef etc. through to the unusual stilton, haddock, olive - not all in one pie it should be added!?! Oh and they won an observer food award recently so they must be good.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Nia

25 Apr 08, 17:16

One of the best breakfasts in Brighton

Brighton is kind of famous for it's lovely little cafes... and this is one of the best. Particularly the breakfasts, which are delicious. It is a bit cramped, but in a good higgle-dee-piggle-dee kinda way. The only complaint, our table was an old school desk with an ink well.. and a very annoying child kept coming over and fiddling with it... infact there were some very annoying loud children in Nia the last time I was there.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Bills Produce Store

25 Apr 08, 17:12

Is it a warehouse?!

From the outside you're like... "what is this place?!"... but I suspect that might be deliberate to keep the DFLs (Down from London) away. Bills started life in Lewes and was SO popular they expanded to Brighton. It sells and serves proper yummy local food and you feel good just being in here. Highly recommended.

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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.

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Review of Ha! Ha! Bar & Canteen

24 Apr 08, 12:41

Great bar/restaurant in a great location

Ha Ha's are pretty good pubs in general, but this is the best of the bunch. It's in a fab location just near the Pavilion right the centre of the city. It's big, without compromising on atmosphere. The staff are very friendly and the food is very good. The only thing is it gets dead busy on a Friday and Saturday night with a lot of DFLs (down from Londons)

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Carluccios

21 Apr 08, 20:09

Don't opt for a chain restaurant in Brighton

With Carluccios you know you're going to get good Italian food (they do serve great breakfasts) and this one is in a fab location right in the centre of town... But come on... you're in Brighton don't opt for a chain.. go for one of the millions of brilliant independent restaurants in the city.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of The Chimney House

21 Apr 08, 20:05

Great gastro pub in Seven Dials

The Chimney House is a great little gastro pub in Seven Dials. The menu is very simple, just a few choices for each course (so if you're very picky it might not be right for you) and the food is very good. The owners try to use British produce wherever possible. Their parents own a free range beef farm in Scotland so I'd recommend the beef!! Prices between £8-£10.50 for a main course so very good value. They also have an excellent wine list.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Drakes Hotel

21 Apr 08, 19:57

Boutique Hotel with a roll-top bath in the bay window!?

Drakes hotel is where all the bigwigs in our company used to stay when they came to Brighton. Times are tighter now, so I hope they stay in the travel lodge!? Anyway, I was invited to see one of the rooms (do you want to see my etchings stylee!?) and was amazed to discover a roll top bath in the bay window overlooking the sea - mad! There was also a wet room for more shy guests. Anyway, it's not cheap but it is special. The cocktails are amazing but start at £7.50 a pop so make sure the company credit card is behind the bar.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Brighton Dome

21 Apr 08, 18:24

Best venue in Brighton

The Brighton Dome is a fantastic concert venue. It's a beautiful building right in the heart of Brighton. Wherever you sit you get a good view and 'cos it's quite small you feel really close to the stars. I saw the Zutons here and the atmosphere was excellent. If you get a seat upstairs be warned you can't stand up, so if you want to dance go for a standing ticket downstairs. Oh and the bar is fantastic - really funky and fairly quick service for a concert venue.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Lavender Room

21 Apr 08, 18:17

Ended up buying gift tokens

A friend of mine asked for "anything from the Lavender rooms" for her 30th birthday. I'm afraid I ended up buying her gift tokens 'cos I was totally overwhelmed by the incredible gifts, smellies, accessories, socks, slippers, lingerie. Is it possible for a shop to have too many lovely gifts? I think in this case it might be.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of English's Of Brighton

21 Apr 08, 18:13

Amazing fish Gnocchi

One of the most well known and oldest restaurants in the Brighton Laines. I have been here once and keep meaning to go back cos it's so good. I had a fish gnocchi starter, which was delicious if it wasn't so filling I would have eaten it three times over. It's not cheap and the decor is a little mad, but I really recommend it.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Sejuice

20 Apr 08, 23:32

with juice bars aplenty this one stands out

The Brighton laines have more than their fair share of juice bars/smoothie shops. But this one is particularly good - I think because it puts a lot of emphasis on the taste of it's drinks, rather than trying to make them too healthy. I recommend a "squeeze me slowly" raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, ginger and cinnamon - really refreshing.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Noa Noa

20 Apr 08, 23:28

Never actually bought anything - but enjoy a browse

I've never actually bought anything from this shop. But everything looks so good in the window I always go in for a browse. The fashion is quite floaty and floral. I fear it's the sort of stuff that looks better on the hanger and they don't have a huge range of sizes but everything looks and feels lovely.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Bens Cookies

20 Apr 08, 23:25

Melt in your mouth

Ben's cookies are SO good they melt in your mouth. Quite often you get them and they are still warm from the oven. My favourite are the chocolate, fruit and nut ones. They sell them by weight and they are not cheap, but they are so delicious and worth every penny.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Streamline Taxis

20 Apr 08, 17:11

The only taxi firm that turn up early!?

Streamline Cabs are the only taxi firm that turn up early and actually get out of their car and come and ring your doorbell. They are very reliable and efficient.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Hilton Brighton Metropole

20 Apr 08, 17:05

Fantastic wedding venue

I was at the Brighton Hilton Metropole for a wedding yesterday. The couple had a civil service in one of the big function rooms downstairs and then a wedding breakfast and disco. It is a great venue for wedding because it feels really classy and the food and decor are excellent. Only negative, I think some of the guests from Huddersfield were a bit shocked by the prices, it's not cheap.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Volks Railway

20 Apr 08, 16:35

125 years old - this year!

The Volks Railway was the first public electric railway in the world. It's a bit of fun if you're legs are knackered from walking round the lanes and you want to get between the city centre and the Marina.

It runs between the Aquarium (stops at Peter Pan's play ground) and Black Rock (near Brighton Marina) It's open from March through to September. It cost £1.50 for an adult single trip.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Royal Pavilion

20 Apr 08, 16:31

WOW!

This is an incredible building. Outside it's like a exotic palace, inside it's stunning - quite Chinese/Indian. It's not cheap (£8.50 for an adult) but it's really worth a look. If you live in Brighton and Hove and haven't been wait 'cos at least once a year they'll let you go round for free with a utility bill or other proof you live here.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Mai Ped Ped Ped

20 Apr 08, 15:57

Hiccup Duck!

This is an excellent Thai restaurant. The menu is really varied and each dish has a really cool/funny little description to go with it. I'd really recommend the hiccup duck - delicious. The only negative is the service. The staff can come across as quite abrupt, almost rude. A couple of times I have been in here and seen people practically man-handled out of the restaurant. On a weekend they get really busy and - they do two sittings and if you're on the early sitting and you take too long you will be told to leave! I'd go for a week night instead to avoid being thrown out ;-)

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Donatello

20 Apr 08, 15:51

Cheap, cheerful and very fast

If you want a cheap pizza or pasta dish in a hurry in Brighton city centre then Donatello is your place. I don't recommend it if you're looking for something special. But if you want to fill a gap and then get on with shopping. Or you haven't booked anywhere and everything is full on a Saturday night you can always get a table at Donatello.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Bromptons

20 Apr 08, 15:48

Amazing selection of glasses

So you can go to specsavers and get two for one and I don't deny they are good value and it's a great way to boost your glasses collection... But if you're looking for something different, cool and funky then Bromptons has an amazing selection of designer glasses and sunglasses. They are not cheap, but the comments you will get while sporting your new glasses make them worth considering investing in. Even if you don't buy anything it's fun going in and seeing how you'd look in lime-green frames!?

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Brighton & Hove Albion F C Club Shop

20 Apr 08, 15:43

Get your seagulls stuff here

If you're a fan of Brighton and Hove Albion or you know someone who is... this is the place to go. It sells all sorts of Seagulls stuff from the obvious football shirts and scarfs to other stuff like kids clothes and golf balls.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Jog Shop

20 Apr 08, 15:40

Keep on running...

The Jog Shop is a great place for keen runners with a large stock of all different brands of running shoes, spikes and clothes. The staff are very experienced and helpful. They also organise a run in October which is very popular. If you're a member of the Brighton and Hove running sisters you get a discount, I expect other running clubs get the same.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Brighton Bead Shop

20 Apr 08, 15:37

Every bead in the world ever... and then some

If you're into making your own jewellery then this shop is a dream come true. It has ever time a bead imaginable.. and some you'd never imagine!? If you're looking to do a big craft activity say with a group of girl guides or school kids or something then this isn't really the place to get your resources 'cos it's not really cheap/bulk buying. But if you like to make your own jewellery or treat friends it's worth a look.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Custard Card Shop

20 Apr 08, 15:34

Fantastic for cards and little pressies

I bought my friend who is very high up in HR in some big powerful company somewhere a fantastic little mirror from this shop. It saying "do I look like a f**king people person" on the back of it. She says it's the best present she has ever received and she gets it out at meetings when things aren't going well! Highly recommended.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.