Owen's reviews
Review of Bear Inn
01 Dec 09, 08:58
A great little pub! 
Tucked away on the road that links Pontyclun to the M4, The Bear is a great discovery for the thirsty/peckish traveller.
I suspect the owners may have changed recently, but whether they have or not, the landlord is a real gent. Happy to accommodate my little dog and very friendly, the couple of hours I spent there were really great.
First class and highly recommended!
0 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of FishWorks
13 Nov 09, 16:46
Amazing
A wonderful restaurant with knowledgeable staff and a relaxing vibe. The perfect place to sink some oysters and gulp on wine! highly recommended - you won't be disappointed!
0 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Cafe Pacifico
10 Nov 09, 12:50
I like it, but not for obvious reasons
I really like this place, but it's not because of the food. Or the over-priced Margaritas. It has a great atmosphere and I love sitting in amongst the crammed tables, the knackered wood, the harried waiting staff and sizzling dishes.
To be fair, the food is OK. There are better Mexicans in London, but I genuinely think there aren't many places with a better, vibey atmosphere. A great place to start a lively night out.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Cafe Rouge
10 Nov 09, 12:43
Not great 
In theory, Cafe Rouge is wonderful. I love the decor, I love the menu, but the Cardiff branch isn't great at all and it's all down to the service.
Despite there being a number of waiters/waitresses on display they seem to be utterly inefficient at looking after diners. I've waited ages for drinks, a long time for food and after all that, get hit with a bill that isn't cheap.
Could do better.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Hard Rock Cafe, Cardiff
10 Nov 09, 12:39
Loves It!
I can't help the fact I'm a sucker for loud rock and music memorabilia. I also can't help the fact I'm a sucker for well-cooked burgers and barbeque. Finally, I can't help it that the Hard Rock Cafe has it all under one roof.
Cardiff's Brewery Quarter is a bit naff, and I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole on Saturday night, but the HRC is the jewel in the crown.
The bar area is fun - like From Dusk Til Dawn - and the restaurant does what it does. Food and drink is great, staff are fun, a little over-priced but I couldn't give a monkeys. When you want to rock hard, and you need a cafe, and you're feeling as cheesy as this line that I'm writing, then there's no better place.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Circus Tavern
10 Nov 09, 12:34
Great for the darts - *sniff* 
I went here a few years ago to blow the cobwebs off a New Year's Day hangover. Phil 'The Power' Taylor played Raymond Van Barneveld in one of the greatest darts matches of all time. The Circus Tavern played an integral part in the night's atmosphere.
It's probably ridiculously intimidating on any other night of the week, but with pint in one hand, pie in the other and Sky's darts theme tune blaring over the PA, there was something truly magical about the place. You heard right: MAGICAL.
Alexandra Palace is great, and it's wonderful that more people get the chance to watch top flight darts, but the Circus Tavern really was a wonderful venue to watch the sport of kings.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Millennium Stadium
10 Nov 09, 12:28
The Greatest 
There isn't a better stadium in the UK. Our friends across the border can crow as much as they like about Wembley, Old Trafford etc etc, there's no beating the Millennium.
Fact is, the awkwardness of the neighbouring BT building (or whatever it is) has inadvertently become the greatest atmosphere generator of all time. Having to build up instead of out, there's a real feeling of being on top of the action at the Millennium stadium, which must make it incredibly intimidating if you're a visiiting sportsman.
It's a great place to see a show, too. I saw Dire Straits here when it was the Arms Park and saw Oasis (out of one eye, absolutely hammered) a few years ago. Both amazing. And can I drop the mask of modesty? Bugger it... I've also played here too. Wooooooo!!!!!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Johnny Roadhouse Music
27 Oct 09, 16:58
Here's Johnny...
While touring and in desperate need of a cymbal, Johnny Roadhouse came to the rescue. We were in Manchester, one of my cymbals had cracked and I desperately needed a new one for the show.
I'm very picky when it comes to hitting stuff and the staff at Johnny Roadhouse were very accommodating. I was there for two hours going through every single crash cymbal in the basement until I found the right one. Which I did.
Big up the JR massive. The scene in Manchester wouldn't be the same without them.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of The Purple Turtle
27 Oct 09, 16:53
A venue in Camden
The Purple Turtle is a tourist's mental picture of a Camden venue. It's a bit grungy, it's very dark, there's brushed steel everywhere and the bands are, on the whole, dodgy.
However, a lot of fun can be had in the PT, and I've cut loose here on many an occasion. The vastly superior Koko may be opposite, but the Turtle more than holds its end up in the small venue stakes. That said, a better booking policy can be found in some of Camden's other gig mainstays.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of The Chandos
27 Oct 09, 16:44
Thumbs Up!
This is a great pub in a wonderful location (Trafalgar Square is on the doorstep) with ridiculously cheap prices. A round of four is likely to give you change from a tenner.
The Sam Smith beer they sell is great. Bitter's tidy and the lager does what it needs to. The booths that dot the pub are also great to while away an evening.
An experience that won't hurt your wallet as much as your head on the following day.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.