Daniel B.

Review of The Larder

22 Jan 08, 16:44

Go for the sandwiches

Ok, so me and Rik tend to go here together, so like him I should add that I've never been to the main restaurant. But the little sandwich shop next door is out of this world.

It makes sandwiches as they should be, fresh and right in front of you. Judge a sandwich by the tomatoes I say. If the bread isn't slightly damp because of the juice then it's not up to my standards.

The ingredients are fantastic, thick slices of ham, nice and mature cheese, black pepper, which may sound simple but is often left out. They also do a nice selection of pastries and biscuits, as well as slices of pizza for a pound.

Better yet the price is reasonable, expect change from a fiver for lunch.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Review of FACT

09 Jan 08, 10:15

A place of many things

I almost applied to do an MA here a few years back. FACT had just opened with endorsements from across the new media industry and was offering some really attractive courses. The reason I didn't go is another story and has nothing to do with the quality of resources and teaching on offer -far from it.

FACT was founded Eddie Berg (who is now the Arttistic Director of the BFI's new Southbank project in London) with the aim of offering access to a range of new media teaching and support for creatives up and down the country.

FACT also acts as a exhibition space / cinema / bar and cafe making it a great visit for those visiting Liverpool and those native to the area.

A landmark for a new Liverpool and without question part of the reason she is the European Capital of Culture for 2008.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of Sosho

04 Jan 08, 19:38

It's Match but not in Farringdon

Same lighting, same polite staff, same beers, same cocktails, even the same door. It's just Match but not in Farringdon. Not that I am complaining, if you've built the 2nd best bar in the world then you're not likely to change much. Like moving from the 4-4-2 to a diamond when you've won three on the trot.

The main difference being that this place is a lot a bigger. It has a downstairs, a DJ, and according to my friend who has been here before a dance floor when it gets a little later.

Oh, and did I mention the free WiFi? We'll no need to, I'm using it now.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Review of Cross Cafe Bar

02 Jan 08, 16:57

Late night Moseley Drinking

Other than the Bull's Head the Cross is the only bar/pub in Moseley that gets a late license - surprising when you consider the number of places there are to drink nearby.

Unfortunately the Cross fails to hit the nail on the head for me. Don't get me wrong it has a lot going for it. Dencent food, small but sufficient selection of beers, a a ton of seating towards the back. It may be the clientele that put me off - they very much reflect how trendy Moseley has got in recent years - or indeed the bars choice of music, either way there is something not that right.

If you're looking for somewhere to drink til a little later than normal opening hours try the Cross. You won't be disappointed, you just won't be that overwhelmed either.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Battered Cod

07 Dec 07, 15:52

The only place to get fish and chips

Fallowfield isn't short on takeaways. In fact given the amount of booze that is consumed in and around the streets of Manchester's student bubble you think they could actually squeeze in a couple more.

So were clear on the fact that if you want a kebab you're spoiled for choice? Actually there is actually only one place you should go, and that's Raj, but that is another review. However, if you want some good old fish and chips you have a lot less room to maneuver.

The Battered Cod is actually a chain, well, a Manchester chain anyway, of really excellent Fish and Chip shops. Good cod, better chips, thick curry sauce and gravy (none of this watery crap) and some of the best mushy peas I have had anywhere in the country.

It became a bit of a Friday night institution in my student days, which seems to be the case for quite a few people because the line could get quite long.

Don't leave it too late, you may end up disappointed and with a doner in you hand.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Skylon

06 Dec 07, 17:37

Nice, but the space deservces better

Anywhere else in London Skylon would easily be getting four if not five stars from me. There is little to complain about when it comes to the food. A well rounded menu and equally strong wine list provide little to complain about. But for me that was just it, it was nothing hugely exciting. Pork belly -check, pumpkin foam or soup -check, seared scallops -you guessed it- check.

Glance over your shoulder however, and you get a vista few cities in the world can compete with.

And therein lies the problem with Skylon, you leave talking about the view and not the food.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Raj Takeaway

05 Dec 07, 15:16

Best Kebabs in the City

I must have had a kebab here every week for three years. That may be somewhat of an overstatement, but I definitely wish I'd had one that often, and I may well have had more that I forgot about due to intoxication.

Colin and Paz run a damn fine establishment that is a favourite with freshers and mature students each and every year. All you need do is look at there walls and walls of messages, Facebook appreciation group, and Subaru Impreza's to see that.

Tell em it's your birthday and they may well treat you to something special. Otherwise tell them "doner with everything mate."

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of 5th Avenue

05 Dec 07, 15:06

Student Indie Palace

Do you like sticky floors and cheap Red Bull? Do you like even cheaper Vodka, indie classics and Madchester from circa 1990? If you answer yes to just one of the above questions then you'll love 5th Avenue, well on a Thursday at least.

5th Avenue is a Manchester student clubbing icon, grimey, sleazy, always full, and lacking in any character what so ever you are guaranteed to have a great night out.

Jump on any bus from Fallowfield, off at the BBC, past the tramps at the HSBC, (that wasn't meant to rhyme) cash machine on the corner, out at 2am, down to Raj for a kebab. A great night for thousands of students each an every week.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of The Fox and Anchor

05 Dec 07, 14:54

Gastro-nomical Delight!

My friend (Tom. H) who works at the Charterhouse rang me one night in a highly excitable mood. The Fox and Anchor across the road from his pub had reopened and he had popped in to check on the menu as well as wine and whiskey list. What he found made him almost instantly pick up the phone, our table was booked.

The Fox and Anchor is best described as Ye Olde Pub, straight out of the middle ages it's equipped with tankards, snug rooms in the back for eating, and a beautiful looking fireplace. The food is not different. Huge portions of red meat, beautifully cooked, well sourced, and served on wooden chopping boards. Just like our waitress joked, there is a vege option, but it's not really why come here.

The wine list is extensive with some really choice bottles, but for me it's the whisk(e)y where this place really shines. I'm not going to bore you with my knowledge of islays, highlands and even Japanese malts, you're going to have to trust me.

The Fox is also in the process of renovating the upstairs in order to open some hotel rooms, which after the quantity of food and beer that gets served here is definitely needed.

Watch out Zetter, more over Jerusalem, here comes the Fox.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.