Craig R.

Review of Fleurette Florist

04 May 08, 13:43

Beautiful

Much better than flowers bought from a supermarket or a petrol forecourt.

These are also not the normal market flowers, they are well thought out high quality creations.

Even the look of the outside of the shop with it's displays will give you an idea of the quality these guys can give you. If you're after a really beautiful bunch of flowers then come here

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Review of Poundland

02 May 08, 16:19

It's a Pound

How much... well a pound actually. it says so on the sign outside.

They probably get tired of being asked this by students who think it's the funniest thing on earth (I'm pretty sure I did as well though)

A medium sized store with everything. it's a bit like bric a brac interspersed with useful household objects. However if you're plannin on buying matches or a lighter, get them here. They're dirt cheap.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Michael Waterton

02 May 08, 16:08

Great

Take a trip out of town and down here.

They do bespoke suits and alterations. If you have a jacked it can be made to look very expensive if it fits you properly and these guys do a great job.

I took an cheap jacket in here to have it taken in and I'm really pleased with the results

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of J D Sports

01 May 08, 23:16

Fashion not sports

This place has general sporting goods, but not so much on the specialist stuff.

It's well stocke for fashion items, but if you're going for proper sports and running gear then go to a proper specialist store as they'll fit you properly

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of W H Smith

01 May 08, 16:45

Tucked awa

Tucked away in the Harpur centre... you're going to have to go looking for it if you want to pick up the latest magazines. They do a good range of stationary and this shop is nicely laid out and spacious

However, who buys DVDs from here when they are half the price elsewhere on the high street. I can't figure it out.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of County Town Books

01 May 08, 16:35

Gem

A fantastic little place that you might not now exists and probably walk past.

Go in here, they have a massive range of book, but not the normal stuff that fills up the shelves of waterstones.

I got drawn in by the mediaeval maps of Bedford. History fascinates me and i could have lost hours in here, i was just lucky I was on a long lunch break or I would have been late

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Harpur Shopping Centre

01 May 08, 16:28

Outside brought Indoors

I quite like the Harpur centre, although it's not quite a specific shopping centre like Milton Keynes or Bluewater... it's like an extension of the high street and silver street only it's undercover

the range of shop is good enough as everything else you might want is just outside the doors. As it's in the centre you don't have to make a specific journey, it's conveniently located and bright and clean

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Millar Tree

01 May 08, 16:24

SAS (Surplus Army Store)

I was after a particular watch and managed to find it here. God bless Welovelocal as I don't think I would have been aware of this place otherwise

A good selection of army surplus stuff (if that's your thing) I was just after the watch, but if I ever get into the SAS then I'm coming back here for rations and stuff like that

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Blacks Bedford

01 May 08, 16:22

Efficient

It's basically like Millets. It's good though and they have plenty of stuff for any outdoor excursion.

it's not as specialised as Snow and Rock, but not all of us are conquering everests...a lot of us are just going hill walking so it's perfectly pitched

The staff were helpful and I found what i was after really quickly, which is handy as my parking was rapidly running out and i didn't have time to mess around

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Millets

01 May 08, 16:19

Camp-Tastic

Plenty of camping and outdoor equipment.

There is plenty of different items to choose from laid out on the shop floor (which was ok as I don't think i've seen the place really busy at any point so they've got it right)

There's more stock up the stairs at the back of the shop so have a look up there as well. A nice tidy shop as well as the last time they were in there they were scrubbing the windows with extra vigour

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Wilkinson

01 May 08, 16:08

Difficult to find

If you were to try and explain Wilko's to someone from another country you'll realise that it's really difficult.

It's a cross between a John Lewis, Woolworths and Tescos in a homeware theme

Stuff here is cheap, but it can be a bit of a faff trying to find everything

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Marks & Spencer

01 May 08, 15:55

Crap-Pop

The food hall is what it's all about in this place.

A little bit of class in Bedford, if you're after posh sandwiches.

My only bugbears are that the sandwiches are hidded down a side exit with the cushions and they only sell own brand cola which as Peter Kay would say is "Crap-Pop". It's not even that cheap compared to Pepsi and Coke, so if you want to live life to the Max or taste the real thing, you're going to have to go elsewhere for a drink at lunchtime

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Woolworths

01 May 08, 15:52

Old and Confused

This place has loads of toys and games, however if you're after a magazine you're going to be disappointed.

I popped in to pick up a copy of a magazine (no, not that kind of magazine) and the lay out was set out in a herringbone fashion making it nearly impossible to see what's down the aisles

There is some colourful markers on the floor telling you where everything is, but they are really worn and you can't see them

Once I found the magazine rack, the selection was minimal and I had to walk away empty handed.

Poor show Woolies

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Ernest Jones

01 May 08, 15:43

Watch Mecca

If, like me, you like to stare at watches, then Ernest Jones is a mecca.

They have a really good selectiona nd the staff were helpful in letting me try all the watches on until I found something that I really wanted.

They never lost patience as I ummed and erred over which one to buy

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Baker Bros Jewellers

01 May 08, 15:40

Diamonds are forever

I have to agree that Bakers are the diamond specialists.

The staff are always helpful and friendly and will talk you through everything (even if you don't know your carrotts from the carats)

They can also advise you on what is suitable and the best value or your price range

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Masons

01 May 08, 15:37

Jeans and T-Shirts

The menswear shop is the antithesis of the shop opposite (Claytons) by aiming for an sub 30s market

Jeans and selections of T-shirts and shirts.

The shop is quite small, but it's nice to pop in and have a browse away from the generic high street chains that you find in every town.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Claytons

01 May 08, 15:28

Well Heeled

Best classic men's clothing for the well heeled country gent

It's actually a good selection of clothes for someone over 40. Plenty of smarth clothing available and more casual slacks and shirts

I scoffed as I walked past this place, but realised when I went in that the clothes were of good quality and my dad would absolutely love it in here (and he hates shopping) They know their market and have targetted it really well

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Denmark Street Fish & Chip Shop

30 Apr 08, 21:49

Best in Bedford

One of the first things you do whenever you get to a new place is scope out the fast food places.

I'm chuffed to say that the Denmark is a great fish and chip shop.

Everythig is light and not oily (as you can get some places) and an absolute must if you're in Bedford.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Halfords

30 Apr 08, 17:47

Staff... what staff?

PC World for the Motoring industry. What I mean by that is... they have everything you could want but tyring to get help from a member of staff is like trying to lick your own elbow. It's impossible for the normal man and if you do manager it, you'll be in the guiness book of records.

The prices are cheap, so as long as you know what your after and where it is you'll be find

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Mickey D's

30 Apr 08, 17:07

Solid

A solid haircut here. You won't end up getting savaged like I once did at Toni and Guy's

A decent solid efford by Mickey D's (no they don't do burgers while you wait) and all that for under £8. Bargain!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Bedford Creative Arts

30 Apr 08, 15:57

Fascinating

Fascinating and not just an art gallery. When I went in there, they were showing an artist's work which was portraits of Morris Men from the local area.

I didn't think I'd be interest, but it drew me in as I wasn't even planning on going in here.

They have facilities if you want to get into art and photography and the people will help you start out or talk you through the art on show

Not enough people go in here and they really ought to

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Debenhams

30 Apr 08, 14:44

Several levels

Over several levels and if you're taking a wheelchair you might want to pick your entrace wisely otherwise you're going to have to use the lift.

The menswear section was extensive enough, with women's and childrens stuff upstairs

They do a hire service for suits and the staff are helpful enough. They'll always come over and ask you if you need anything specific.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Moss Bros

28 Apr 08, 18:27

Great service

Great for hiring and buying suits, they were also really helpful when i was buying from here, talking me through dress shirts and dinner jackets.

Really helpful staff and it made it really easy to sort out what I wanted and what I actaully needed. They even managed to find the same stuff in a deal that would make it cheaper for me... now that's service

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Oasis Beach Pool

28 Apr 08, 17:56

Wave Pool

I love a wave pool. it's a bit like rollercoasters and fireworks, i don't think I'll ever grow out of it.

Perfect for kids, fun for the family and one day they'll let me go in the wave pool and crank it up to 11 and really let it feel like proper tidal waves.

One day.. however currently it's still great and the staff are really helpful.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of JJB Sports

28 Apr 08, 17:51

Rammed

If you fill the shop with everything you have and then add some people on a Saturday it can be a fight to get into and out of this shop.

There's a lot to choose from, but it's not that easy to get into the shop to actually choose it.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of TK Maxx

24 Apr 08, 18:55

Jumble Sale

Always a bit of a jumble sale when you go in. There never seems to be any order to the place. I once found something that I wanted to buy, only I would have had to expand to a 48 inch waist if I was going to get it to fit me. It was more like a marquee than a pair of trousers!

0 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Four Bedford Ltd Restaurant

22 Apr 08, 17:00

Excellent

If you need to take a date somewhere, or you’ve got family coming to visit then I suggest you visit this place. The food is great and definitely worth the extra money. I have never had a meal here that was anything less than brilliant. Book a table and enjoy

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Music Centre

18 Apr 08, 13:34

Great

Having just recently just used this place, they’ve got loads of equipment not just music, there are amps and dj equipment. The stock list is really extensive and you have a range of midi cables in varying lengths just shows how much stock they have.

Very helpful and plenty of staff to answer your queries who are all knowledgeable. All stock is reasonably priced

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Tesco Stores

17 Apr 08, 14:45

As Expected

The cardington road tescos is a large store, comprising of the clothes and homewares section that we've become accustomed to in the stores

It also has a hot food counter, and one of those postman pat vans out the front that will make your child seasick for only 20p

Busy for sandwiches at luncthime... in fact the car park is usually busy no matter what time it is

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Peacocks Stores

17 Apr 08, 14:10

What you pay for

Cheap and cheerful as noted by other reviewers. you tend to wander past the window with some curiousity and then hurry on, unable to overcome your prejudice.

You get what you pay for. Budget clothes that won't set the fashion world alight, but if you've got grandparents they will probably love it in here. With purple rinse cries of "oooh look at this and so cheap as well"

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Park

16 Apr 08, 18:22

Business Lunch

Great lunch venue, able to cater for groups who want to get in and get out in an hour, plus have a drink too.

Friendly staff, able to cope with businesses. good food and reasonably priced. Beautiful interior and great when we had a Xmas dinner here at the end of last year. A selection of food is available as well as cask ales, if that's your sort of thing

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Boots The Chemists

16 Apr 08, 18:16

Girl Gift Heaven

Girls love this place. The gift selection if perfect for moronic men like myself. It's so easy you can go the gift aisle, stick out a hand and you inevitably grab something that she'd like. It's mostly about the packaging and girls like "pretty things" apparantly.

Men like TVs but this isn't a man shop, it's a girl shop. It's also kinda helpful if you're ill too

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Subway

16 Apr 08, 17:17

Open Late/Early

Open late which is massive plus, especially when you want something with a vague nutritional value and not just deep fried meat

As good as deep fried meat is, a sandwich can really fill all the gaps at all times of day and night. The late night service gets this place another star, especially for putting up with inebriated clientelle in the early hours

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Ann Summers

16 Apr 08, 16:30

loud and proud

Don't feel ashamed to go in here if you're a bloke, the staff are welcoming and will explain stuff to you.

It's not quite like Agent Provocateur... where they will model the stuff for you (possibly the best hour I've ever spent in my life, I nearly forgot I had a girlfriend)

where else are you going to get nipple clamps... you might as well get them loud and proud on the high street

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of River Island Clothing Co

16 Apr 08, 16:27

Not next to Next

A bit like Next, but not Next... it's also Near to Next, but not next to Next... opposite in fact.

You'll get more fashionable stuff here at high street prices. Not the place to invest in a suit, but somewhere to stay up with the ever changing fashion trends on the high street

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Next Retail

16 Apr 08, 16:17

Next

Handy helpful next, good for stocking up on white t-shirts, but there's just something about it which makes you think that your dad might possibly wear this as well.

Fine if you are a father, but not if you're in your 20s

Decent enough selection for a Next store, but not the biggest you'll find. You may have to order something specific or find a larger store with more items for selection

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Iceland

15 Apr 08, 17:35

Bennet v Katona

Apparantly mums go to Iceland... so I wondered if I was allowed in. Don't worry I was. Cheap Food, Frozen solid... that should be their motto.

They should however go back to the little known one hit wonder called "Mum's Gone To Iceland" by a band called Bennet from 1997 that was played on Simon Mayo's radio 1 show.

They sang about Prawn Rings.... it was brilliant. Forget Katona barking on about everything being a pound, bring back Bennet

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Harvey's Bar

15 Apr 08, 15:39

Sofa Sogood

Rapidly becoming the place to be in Bedford

Sofas and plasma screens have given this place an ambience that isn't available anywhere else in the town.

Get down there early as it does fill up quickly as the glamorous and the good head to the place to be seen

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Innaction

15 Apr 08, 13:05

Inn-timate

The gym is situated below the Park inn Hotel, it's a little small, but if you go off peak, often you'll be one of only a couple of people there.

There aren't many gyms where you can use a runner or cross trainer that looks right onto the banks of the River Great Ouse.

The staff are always willing to help, give advice or put a programme together for you without you having to pay £70 per hour for a personal training session.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Burger King

14 Apr 08, 16:56

King Burgers

It's a burger King... it's like Macdonalds only someone hasn't prechewed your food as much.

A purveyor of smashed meat products, but it's great when you've had a few and need something to line the stomach before you head off somewhere else.

On a plus note... their fries are much better than Macdonalds

0 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of McDonald's Restaurants

14 Apr 08, 16:30

Same Old

Is this review for Macdonalds going to be any different from a review for any other... probably not, but that's the nature of Macdonalds. You go anywhere in the country and you know what you're going to get.

Cheap and cheerful burgers that are the same all over the world (except Hong Kong, where it's all a bit wierd)

Burgers, Nuggets, pretty much everyone is McLovin it... especially Justin Timberlake who probably earns a fortune every time that jingle is paid.

0 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Pizza Express Restaurants

14 Apr 08, 16:20

Slightly Classier

It's like Pizza Hut, only slightly classier and therefor, slightly more expensive. However, you get what you pay for and it's always good. Plus the wine is great and it's an ideal place for a group night out, whether it's with work or friends.

A good starting place before you get the drinks in somewhere else and I've never had a bad meal here, or any other of their chains.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Pizza Hut

14 Apr 08, 16:17

All You Can Eat.

Home of the all you can eat lunchtime buffet. An offer that I've taken advantage of on more than one occasion.

When going for an all you can eat, make sure you go for thin crust, too much dough takes up much needed room for tasty meaty toppings.

It's good value and you know what your getting.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of McDonald's Restaurants

14 Apr 08, 16:15

Always There

Er... it's a Macdonalds.

It's that place with the smiling clown who wants to sell you smashed meat products. Oh heck if you don't know about it now, you never will.

Burgers that are cheap and cheerful, but it's open late and always there when your starving after a night on the sauce.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Nando's

14 Apr 08, 15:32

Chicken from Heaven (well Portugal actually)

Affordable, delicious and recently namechecked in Gavin & Stacey for taking cards if it's over a fiver.

A subtle blend of peri peri spices and chicken is all you need to know. I've yet to find anyone who doesn't like it (I'm sure vegetarians are bound to be a little fussy in a chicken restaurant.)

It's phenomenal, although don't fill up too much on olives and spicey nuts as there's always plenty.

Word of warning... if you're so obsessed with Nando's that you're more than happy to eat in there on your own, they do have a tendency to stick you in a window seat, like some sort of lonely freak. Maybe that's just me.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.