Clare's reviews
Review of Hove station
23 May 08, 16:47
Adequate 
This is not the best station I've been to but not the worst by far! Despite being small, there is plenty of choice for coffee, flowers, papers etc. It's reasonably clean and well kept but I would say it could be a bit of a nightmare during busy times. There are a few fast track ticket machines, so if you don't need to get any travel advice, it's probably best to use these. Also, there's not alot of parking outside so try and avoid taking your car.
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Review of Coral Brighton & Hove Dog Stadium
23 May 08, 16:43
Better than expected 
I was pleasantly surprised by my visit here, for a Thursday night it was extremely busy with a fantastic atmosphere. Despite not being seated in the restaurant area, we all still managed to find a table with good views. Access out to the track is easy, so you can nip out to watch whatever race you've bet on. The tote's were a little grumpy but I think this is the same whichever one you visit! Despite not winning on a single race I still had a thouroughly good evening and would recommend here to any who fancies a different night out.
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Review of Caffe Nero
08 May 08, 16:05
It's all about the outside!
This is probably one of the busiest coffee places in Hove - not necessarily due to the quality of the coffee (which is pretty similar to anywhere else) It's more to do with the seating outside, as it's located on a busy corner on Church Road you can pretty much spend all day in the sunshine, people spotting. I love it here and am always envious of the people calmly sunning themselves amongst all the mayhem of Church Road.
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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?
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Review of Freemasons Tavern
03 May 08, 10:30
Busy but not for me...
I have visited here quite a few times and am yet to leave feeling like I've enjoyed it there. It's always really busy with loud loud music! There is a real 'Brighton' feel to the decor, quirky and interesting but a little odd? Upstairs has a nice cocktail bar, but the lighting is a little stark - everyone seems to have a blue tinge! Also, the seating is very haphazard, you can be perched on a stool whilst your friend has been swallowd up by a battered old armchair. I always feel that this place looks good on the surface, but it's not particularly practical? A good place to stop off on the way into town but don't spend your whole evening there (unless you've got stuck in one of the armchairs)
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Review of Topolino's Duo
03 May 08, 10:23
A little disappointing...
Well, having heard brilliant things about Topolino I tried here last night. The food was really really good, not a huge menu but all the dishes were served fresh and hot. The outside area has been set up so you can dine without feeling cold, most people tend to eat out there as you can enjoy a cigarette after your meal. However, as we didn't get here til after 9, the place cleared quite quickly and I was extremely uncomfortable as the waiters were clearing all the tables around us whilst we ate. What was a warm, buzzing atmosphere quickly became unwelcoming and empty. At one point, all 4 waiters were watching us eat. Not fun and a little disappointing.
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Review of Topolino's Duo
03 May 08, 10:23
A little disappointing...
Well, having heard brilliant things about Topolino I tried here last night. The food was really really good, not a huge menu but all the dishes were served fresh and hot. The outside area has been set up so you can dine without feeling cold, most people tend to eat out there as you can enjoy a cigarette after your meal. However, as we didn't get here til after 9, the place cleared quite quickly and I was extremely uncomfortable as the waiters were clearing all the tables around us whilst we ate. What was a warm, buzzing atmosphere quickly became unwelcoming and empty. At one point, all 4 waiters were watching us eat. Not fun and a little disappointing.
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Review of Tesco Stores
02 May 08, 16:13
Avoid peak times
This is probably the best place for big food shops in Hove - the store is huge and seems to stock more variety than your normal Tesco. As I drive by here on my way home from work, I quite often pop in for bits. However, it's not the best place for 'popping' in - the barrier system is a nightmare and extremely confusing. I would suggest going later in the evening when there is less traffic & people, so you can spend some time rather than getting frustrated at every minor thing.
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Review of Tin Drum
02 May 08, 16:09
Very Hove!
This bar comes highly recommended by all my friends, however whenever I have been here I've always found it a little too busy. (must be my age) The bar is quite small so it can take an age getting served and there's not alot of seating. However, I have always been here on a busy weekend night, so perhaps this place needs to be for daytimes and weeknights. There is a nice seated area outside, which would be good for a sunny day. Worth a try!
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Review of Flower Stand The
30 Apr 08, 20:54
Alot of money for what it is...
With this flower stall, you really pay over top for what aren't going to last for very long. There is always plenty of choice here and they dress the flowers up really prettily. However, they don't tend to last very long and I've often found flowers from a supermarket are of a better quality. If you want to make a grand gesture, then this is the place to go. But if you want flowers that are going to last, try M&S
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Review of Hove Place
30 Apr 08, 13:44
My Local
Deceptive from the outside, this pub hides one of the best beer gardens in Hove. It's quite small on the inside, with lots of little alcoves but you can generally find a seat. The food they offer is of a good standard and they do PROPER chips! The best part is the garden though, it's a lovely place to while away a sunny afternoon. One of my faves.
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Review of Lookfantastic
25 Apr 08, 22:07
As recommended by Southern FM!
Having discovered almost all the ladies at work frequent here, I have recently followed the crowd and joined the Look Fantastic posse! I have to say they really are fantastic. Becky cuts my hair and she is a lovely lady, as are the rest of the team. There's a really friendly atmosphere and you can tell they all get on. It's actually a nice way to spend a few hours. Only drawback is that it's not cheap but then you get what you pay for.
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Review of Ashoka Tandoori Restaurant
25 Apr 08, 21:22
Poppadum down!
Have just sampled my first curry here and I have to say I am suitably impressed. We were eating fairly early, so it was not so busy. However, by the time we left it was practically full - always a good sign. The food was of a good standard, nice crispy poppadums to start and the best Sag Aloo I've tasted in a while. The staff are almost too attentive, perhaps as it was a little quiet.
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Review of The Blind Busker
24 Apr 08, 16:57
A Pubby Pub
This pub is not glossy, or showy. It's just a great pub for beer, football and your mates! Have enjoyed a few messy evenings there and vaguely remember they do some good jugs of cocktails! I have heard the food is not so hot but it's a great place for a few beers after work. Also, there's quite a nice area outside which is a real sun trap.
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Review of Ancient Mariner
23 Apr 08, 20:48
Work Fave
A popular choice for after work drinks, this pub gets quite busy and has a nice buzz to it. The food is proper pub grub, with a good selection for veggies. The Sunday Roasts are particularly good, although hard to eat if you've gone for the sofa option! Also, stay away from Sunday lunchtime if you are not keen on kids, it can get extremely tiring on your eardrums with all the screeching and running about. Good outdoor area for smokers, although the heating could be better. Bar staff are friendly and happy to perform, my last visit included the barmaid doing an impression of the lady in the Baileys ad, who shakes about all over the shop. Particularly amusing after a few large wines.
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