Clare's reviews
Review of McDonald's Restaurants
30 May 08, 13:18
In the good old days... 
...this particular McDonalds was clean and tidy. A common meeting point, it would get extremely busy with youngsters, particularly in the evenings cos it was really cool it opened late! Now, it seems to be just as busy but with foreign students. There is hardly any seating downstairs and the upstairs gets extremely noisy! Best to take away if you're going here at all - but I wouldn't recommend it.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Asda Stores
30 May 08, 12:42
Grim!
Avoid this place if possible! Despite being a large branch, this particular Asda is always rammed! It always seems to be 'messy' too - the clothing section is always like a jumble and most of the shelves are badly stocked. The prices are reasonable here but in all honesty, it's not worth going through the stress of trying to shop here just to save a few pennies
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Cromwells Madhouse
29 May 08, 13:29
Below expectations....even for a Madhouse!
This shop is awful. There are clothes crammed EVERYWHERE, with the majority ending up on the floor. If you want cheap, cheap clothing then this is your place but it really is cheap. The layout is poor, with clothes on rail right up to the ceiling. The staff are not particularly helpful either.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Sainsburys
28 May 08, 13:24
Not the best...
This branch has been in the Arndale ever since I can remember. It's relatively small and in desperate need of some modernisation but it's probably the only supermarket left within a shopping centre. It does tend to get extremely busy but with so many larger stores nearby, you don't tend to get stuck in queues for too long as no-one is doing their big weekly shops.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of H & M
27 May 08, 16:39
Disappointing...
Despite always having the best intentions of nabbing myself a bargain or two I always leave this particular branch empty handed. It's way too small for the amount of stock, with rows and rows of brilliant bargains all crammed together. Even if you manage to find something you like, it's impossible to find the correct size and don't even think about trying anything on! This branch is strictly for the young and foolhardy. Anyone with a brain will shop online, from the comfort of their sofa!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Boots The Chemists
23 May 08, 16:54
Not the best...
I don't particularly like this branch. It is extremely small but the choice of stock is extremely limited. On a busy Hight Street, it would have been far better for them to stock a selection of their sandwiches etc. The pharmacy is relatively good but it's an odd mix of other bits and bobs. The staff are pretty friendly but also quite slow.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Blockbuster Video
08 May 08, 17:31
Not so good.
Despite being a big chain, this particular branch is not that good. Not being a member, I tend to shop in here for older DVD's and the selection isn't that great. You can find some real classics but there are only 2 shelves dedicated to these so if you're after something specific, you probably won't find it. The rental section is huge so you'll not be disappointed there. They do have a weird security system thing where they pass you the DVD's once you've gone through the alarm system - very odd.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Richmond Arms
08 May 08, 16:30
Used to be good.
The Richmond used to be my local and I've spent many a drunken evening in here. It's quite a dark dingy pub, with 2 bars. There are screens dotted around, so it's quite a good place for watching the football. However, it is frequented by quite a few odd characters so I wouldn't recommend gonig on your own (unless you take a paper and keep your head down) The garden is huge, with plenty of seating so it's a good place to go in the summer. Having been back a few times recently, I'd say it's got a little rougher round the edges.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Sovereign Centre
08 May 08, 16:27
Great for kids...
The Sovereign Centre has a great main pool for kids, with lots of slides and a great cafe area for parents to chill whilst their kids amuse themselves. There is a 2nd pool, which is more for people who want to swim for fitness reasons. They have a couple of lanes roped off for the different abilities of swimmers and during the day it's not too busy. It does now look a little shabby, it certainly hasn't had a refurb in the last 20 years - the changing rooms leave alot to be desired.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Station
08 May 08, 16:02
Great for popping in...
...but don't stick around!
This pub is ok for a quick drink. As it's right by the station, it gets very busy with office types, heading home. It's not got the best atmosphere but does get extremely busy, so there's plenty of 'people spotting' to be done. The seating is a little odd too - there's not alot of it and there's a real mix of odd chairs and stools! The menu looked ok but I haven't ever sampled any of the food. I think the fact that you can see the food being cooked (they have an authentic pizza oven on full view) is a sure sign the food is fresh?
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of BP Service Stations Hove Filling Station
08 May 08, 15:51
Not as good as you'd think
Being very excited to discover a Marks & Spencer close to work I rushed down here, only to be extremely disappointed. There is a good selection of food but it's laid out in such a strange way, you can wander about aimlessly! Also, despite being a number of tills, the service is EXTREMELY slow. My advice? Don't go here if you're in a rush!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Ugc Cinemas
08 May 08, 14:47
Over-rated.
This cinema is in serious need of a refurb, ever since I have been going here the decor has remained the same. There are 6 screens, so you can normally get in to see the film you want. However, the whole place feels a little 'grimy' - there's a certain aroma to the place that can put you off your popcorn! Also, it's best to go extra early as the staff are extremely slow at serving the food and drinks. In fact, my advice would be bring your own food and a peg for your nose!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Animal
08 May 08, 14:40
Not alot of choice
This store is a very small, cramped branch with not alot of choice. There tends to be more for men here - great range of hoodies and combats. Ladies - I'd give here a miss, they only have a small selection of clothes and not much variety in sizes. Even if you do find something you like, they don't tend to have it in your size.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Brasshouse
30 Apr 08, 20:37
A young crowd...
Not the best place for a quiet nice - this pub is strictly for the youngsters. It has a huge dancefloor and some very cheesy DJ's. On a Friday/Saturday night it's like a foam party without the foam. Ultimate cheese but fun if you're in a big group.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Shades
30 Apr 08, 20:23
Noisy!
Smack bang in the centre of the Arndale shopping centre, Shades is a pretty average coffee shop. It serves the basic teas and coffees you'd expect from a cafe and the food on offer is very old fashioned. IT used to be a very popular place for smokers to hang out as you could sit and smoke away, watching the world rush by. However, since the smoking ban it's just a plain old cafe that's extremely noisy and not very pleasant. Better places to enjoy a shopping break.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Farm
30 Apr 08, 19:40
Funny Farm
This place used to be known as Friday Street Farm and was pretty average. It's undergone a revamp and is now.....pretty average. The actual restaurant is really nice, lovely and welcoming. However, the menu is limited and the portions are on the small side. I went quite soon after the refurb and the service was appalling. The waitress was too scared to approach us, she forgot basic things like cutlery and the drinks were all wrong. Not a great experience but it may have improved since.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Martins
28 Apr 08, 20:36
Expensive!
This is one of the most expensive newsagents I have ever been in. Their cans of drink are over 70p and don't get me started on the crisps! There is hardly any choice, with very basic ranges of crisps and chocolate. The staff are reasonably friendy, although you're lucky if you get a grunt out of the lad who works there afternoons, he's too engrossed in the music he blares out constantly! There's absolutely no healthy options snacks wise and about the only thing worth buying is a paper!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of McDonald's Restaurants
26 Apr 08, 13:42
Too busy
This place is extremely popluar for the drive through as it is smack bang next to a huge Tesco. It gets hugely busy for the breakfasts at the weekend it it can take a good 40 minutes to get your order. It results in huge confusion, as the staff resort to asking you to park up and they bring the food out to you. Can be highly amusing sitting in the warmth of your car, watching a poor employee running from car to car with a soggy sausage and egg McMuffin. Good entertainment but not so good if you are hungry. It tends to be quicker if you just park up and use your lazy legs to go in.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Mr Topper's Original Barber Shop
25 Apr 08, 22:11
Good Value
Great place for a cheap, decent cut. The actual shop is very basic and there ain't no fuss about the place but what do you expect for 6 quid! All the stylists are well trained so the cuts are quality. It's no frills hairdressing!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Toby Carvery
25 Apr 08, 22:01
Not such a great experience...
...I used to quite like this place as a cheap and cheerful way to get a great Sunday Roast. However, the last few times I have been faced with over an hour long wait, faced with screaming children and grumpy old ladies. I recommend, if you go on a Sunday, take your earplugs!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Charlie Browns Diner
25 Apr 08, 21:29
Been around too long.
Charlie Brown's used to be buzzing, a really popular place. Nowadays, it's not as busy. The food is traditional burgers, although they are all fresh and quite large in size. I think it can be hit or miss really - sometimes you get a great meal, other times it really disappoints.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Cosmo
23 Apr 08, 20:39
Not my cup of tea
Cosmo's is an airport buffet style restaurant. The decor is stark, blank white walls and tiny tables placed about 2 centimetres from your fellow diners. You are allocated a time slot and then it's every man for himself! The food selection is wide but served luke warm. It's a great place to go if you are starving hungry as you can eat and eat and eat. No atmosphere, depsite the staff being very friendly. Don't go there for a first date!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Hogshead
23 Apr 08, 19:37
Does what it says on the tin.
Not one of my favourites. If you've ever been into any of the Hogshead chains you'll know exactly what it's like. Boring menu, with microwaved meals and frozen veg. Beer is relatively cheap but no real atmosphere. The staff are young and grumpy, as are the old men who prop up the bar. Can think of better places to spend my hard earned money.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Bar Bn21
23 Apr 08, 19:05
Cheap and nasty.
Very busy bar, full of your typical student/stag do's/teens. Perfect for getting some cheap drinks in - always deals on beer and spirits. If you like sticking to the carpets, no toilet paper and loud, loud tunes then this is the bar for you. It can be fun in the daytime, as it's location is right in the town centre and you can while away the hours people watching....
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.