David's reviews
Review of Argos
18 Sep 08, 18:13
Fast if you know the tricks 
Argos is good for getting random items but their queuing system whereby you get a number and have to wait can be slow. You can often see the items being put on the shelf and still having to wait for your number to be called. Therefore, a good trick to try is to go up to your collection point right away and they'll often hurry up the retrieval of the items you've ordered.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Starbucks
04 Jan 08, 18:05
A nice muffin 
I haven't been into a Starbucks for years. I think I may only ever have been in once before. So on a Sunday morning at the train station I decided to go here and get some breakfast.
Starbucks food is nice. As in the orange juice. The only problem is the price. It is very expensive, but then you probably expect that.
On a Sunday morning it was quite busy in the station but there were plenty of seats in Starbucks and it was relatively quiet (noise wise).
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Arora International Manchester
04 Jan 08, 17:58
Quite fancy
This is quite a fancy hotel. I found a good deal online for about £150 per night which was worth it for the one night I was there. I like to stay luxury when going around the country attending concerts and the Arora didn't disappoint.
It's a little difficult to find as it seems to be off the "main" areas but following a Google Map will take you right there - it's easy to spot walking.
Takes about 10-15 minutes to walk from the train station too and about 15-20 to The Academy for the gig.
Quite expensive but you do get a very large room and extremely comfortable beds - they're some kind of crazy air/soft thing!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Oxford
04 Jan 08, 17:54
A nice pub
Having visited Kro Bar before a gig at The Academy, The Oxford was a good end result. It got very, very busy after the gig since it is pretty much opposite The Academy but they served reasonably quickly and have fair prices. It's a great place to go before a gig since it's a 2 min walk to the entrance and after for some thirst quenching.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Kro Bar
04 Jan 08, 17:49
Most expensive vodka ever 
Well, it probably isn't, but it's the most expensive I have ever bought. I went here on recommendation from some Porcupine Tree fans and to be fair, it is very nice inside. That said, the food isn't amazing and nor are the drinks. A double vodka and coke cost me £6 which is the most I have ever paid for a vodka and coke.
I was also unimpressed by the food. It was served quickly but that's because the chicken was cold (it didn't say this in the menu) and it wasn't all that great.
Don't bother going here. I recommend The Oxford instead which does decent pub food and has fairer prices - it's just up the road too (face Kro Bar, and head right on the same side of the road as Kro, by the junction).
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Leon Paul Fencing Equipment
17 Aug 07, 12:18
High quality fencing equipment
Leon Paul are THE fencing equipment supplier - you just don't buy your fencing gear from anywehere else!
All my purchases have been from their website and although it isn't the best site in the world and the order system is slightly annoying, the product quality is brilliant.
All my fencing equipment is from Leon Paul - I have swords, masks, gloves, bags, electric wires, jackets - pretty much everything - and they have lasted well and do the job. They offer a range of products from starter kits to custom swords (of which I have one) and they make everything on site.
The customer service is also good - if you have any questions they are quick to respond and will accept returns if what you bought just isn't for you.
Don't buy from anywhere else.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Ember
05 Jul 07, 20:42
Slow service 
This place is quite small but it looks nice. I went in today for lunch with a business associate and I was impressed up to the point where it took 45 minutes to receive the food we'd ordered. This was whilst other people around us arrived, got their food and left. I wasn't impressed.
Shame. Could've been good.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Boot
26 Jun 07, 10:12
Not so good
Because The Skinners Arms was closed on Saturday, we had to go here as the next closest pub that was open.
This pub is the definition of a local pub. The decor is good but the atmosphere wasn't so great - a few local men sitting around drinking. The prices were also "standard" so there really isn't any particular reason to visit, especially if the Skinners Arms is open.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Skinners Arms
26 Jun 07, 10:04
Cheap vodka! 
Went here on a Friday evening for a few drinks with my best friend. I was surprised at how good the pub was, especially since you can get a double vodka for £1.95!
They have a range of other drinks too including several guest ales. It seems to be a good local pub to visit for a few drinks.
The only problem is it isn't open at all on a Saturday, which was really disappointing.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Initial City Link
19 Jun 07, 12:44
Wear kevlar
After City Link failed to deliver a package on Friday, and being told they closed at 12pm on Saturday, I went to pick up a parcel from them on Monday evening (they're open until 9pm weekdays).
Having to walk from Elephant and Castle station was an interesting experience. I now know why Old Kent Road is the cheapest property on the Monopoly board. I reckon the chances of getting stabbed and/or shot were quite high and I'm guessing this isn't even one of the worse areas of London.
The only good thing was Elephant and Castle station is in Zone 1 which meant I only had to pay a small fare with the Oyster card.
I wouldn't want to walk around here at night. Talk about locating a depot in the most inconvenient place.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.