David M.

Review of Camden News

12 Aug 07, 08:00

Fairly overpriced, but alright.

You think of a newsagent and you think 'random amount for something you want' when you go in. Camden News does follow this suit - but you end up paying more than you initially thought. You'll find things at 1.10 that you'd find 0.86p elsewhere. However, you can find my favourite drink there though (Arizona Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey). Again, this is 1.10 - so it's not as though as I can splurge and purchase it all the time. Although, it' a decent shop based on location.

The prices are high, as I've mentioned. Plus, for those with children/pushchairs, be mindful - it's a rather small shop. And yes, since it's right there on Camden High Street - it gets REALLY busy, especially on the weekends.

The staff seem to be in a hurry - but my only experiences there are fast-paced days (saturdays). So of course it only makes sense. They weren't disrespectful about me bringing in a huge buggy with my four year old in it - even though I could tell it was causing problems.

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Review of Leighton Food and Wine

12 Aug 07, 07:51

A bit overpriced...

I live, literally, right around the corner from this place. When I saw the sign being put up, I was getting a bit excited. And for the first few months, I came to this place nearly religiously (day in and day out). But then things started to change around, prices got jacked up, and my customs moved behind them to the other super-close local shop. I'm a fair bit disappointed in the fact that they asked frequent customers what they wanted - and they got it, but then it ended up vanishing from the face of the earth and then it became more of an off-license than a convenience shop.

The owners and frequent employees there were really nice to begin with - but things have changed apparently. The overall goal has been changed as well. With this said, it's not a bad shop - but most of it is a tad overpriced compared to other shops within walking range of this one. It's just the only one that's out on the main street of Leighton Road (although there's one right up the hill and to the right, on brecknock road). But if you're in a hurry, you can plop in here and mosey on your way without much problem. It's rarely too crowded - but it still gets a nice amount of custom for local folks.

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Review of Greggs

12 Aug 07, 07:22

Not going back..

This particular Greggs has done far to much to cause me to stay away from going back to it again. Last summer, I got a five-day long food poisioning from two of their Custard Tarts. Then, some time in January, I was given a bogus fiver ..twice. But besides their bad customer service and distasteful handling of their foods - Gregg's is probably one of the most populated areas in Kentish Town during lunch time (it's a bit disheartening).

Upon further evaluation, I noticed that not all things get tossed out at the end of the day - so you occassionally find yourself eating "one or two day old" food. It definitely doesn't follow the logic of "Baked Fresh Daily". This is probably where my ever-so-wonderful food poisioning came from a year ago. Regardless, the food here is sub-par at best. You can find all of these things and better stuff in other bakers around Kentish Town.

I would avoid going there at any cost, as I've been doing. They've given me a bad fiver twice (the same one) and on the second time of getting it exchanged - they placed it right back into the till as though nothing was wrong with it (had the queen's head on front, then on back had a deutch person on it). Point is, they should've tossed out the fiver or reported it to the authorities.

Either way, I'm not going to suggest going there again until there's new management of sorts.

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Review of Crusty Bloomers

12 Aug 07, 06:59

Inviting Desserts

Crusty Bloomers Bakery is right up there on Brecknock Road with some of my favourite shops (Corrigan Butchers, Salvino's Deli). I've been in here about nine or ten times over the past few years of living in the same area - but with my low-carb diets these days, this place is a no-go zone. My favourite dessert would have to be their cheesecake. It's a bit different, in some fashion - but it's awesome for a picnic or for the 'on the go' person. There are loads of other things you can get, of course.

Generally, the prices make sense here. If you go to Gregg's up on Kentish Town Road, you won't find the more interesting things like you would at Crusty Bloomers. You can go in and grab a few things for under a fiver and still come out with a somewhat decent lunch. If you're a fan of cutting your own bread (or not), they have decent breads there as well (they will slice it for you on request!).

The desserts there can be rich and flavourful; but you need to be careful because some of the things may seem like they've been left out for a little too long. I'm not sure if this is just how they're made to not last that long, or if they're there for longer than one should let them linger there. Either way, just be mindful when chosing your products to buy.

Employees there seem to be nice, typically two women that work from time to time and keep the place prancing around trying to keep up with everyone. Around lunchtime, this place will get a bit busy (about 10-15 people in que). This doesn't always happen, but I've seen it done on a number of occassions.

It's a typical bakery, but that's a lot to be said as many other bakeries around the same area can't pull off the basic things.

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Review of Bumblebee Natural Foods

28 Jul 07, 19:59

Adding a photo!

This is going to be my second review (main reason is to add photo). Even though, I've been going in there to grab some of those yummy Gunmodojos (I think this is what this is called). My wife is nearly addicted to them; as I've gone in there a few times in order to grab them for her. The only problem is that they rarely ever get them in. If you enjoy tofu and seaweed, I would grab them. They're dome-shaped and have bits of seaweed visible on the 'crust' layer. There's a big chunk of flavoured tofu in center - so be prepared for the flavour blast.

Their hot dishes tend to be good if you get there before 12:30. The entire place gets crowded around the same time anyways. Next door, you're bound to find some really fine nuts and unique soya snacks. Just don't get too wrapped up in the deal; it can be a little pricy if you grab anything your heart desires.

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Review of Corrigan Bros

28 Jul 07, 19:49

Scrumptious and Well-Prepared!

The first time I've gone into this place; it was to get some of their eggs (boy do they have loads of eggs for a cheap price - if you're doing that kind of thing). Today, however, my wife and I went in to look at the hordes of meat they had on offer. Now, the most wonderful thing about this place was that you could get two packs of meat (about 4 chunks of pork chop, lamb chop, certain sausages) for only a fiver.

That alone, made me want to give them a glorious and beaming review. I know, price shouldn't be a huge factor - but the variety of meats and selections was rather large (considering it's not that big of a shop) and anyone could go home happy. If you're a Barbeque fiend, I'm sure you could have had a block party for under £50 for anywhere around 15-20 people. Or, if you're more of a family person, a good £10 would be enough for a family of six. Personally, I think that's one heck of a deal.

Even so, I decided to wait to write a review until after I've cooked and eaten the meat that I've purchased. I grabbed a pack of Smokey BBQ Pork Chops and my wife got some Minted Lamb Chops. After the first bite, I couldn't stop mowing down the Pork Chops. They were so scrumptious and I couldn't believe how well-prepared they were just from the butchers! My wife just threw them into the grill and they came out wonderful! Without a doubt, it was the best pork chops I've had in a very long time. And to top it off, we have some Peppered Steaks for tomorrow night. Total amount we spent? £10. Amazing.

I requested to take some photos of their shop and the butchers - they were very happy to let me do so. My final words would be: If you're in the area, go in and see if there's something you fancy - I'm almost certain you won't be disappointed.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of Sams Chicken

24 Jul 07, 20:56

Cheap, Friendly, Effective

As Duncan has said, the prices are really reasonable considering how much some other chicken fast food places end up being. The quality of food is actually rather decent; based on comparing it to something like "Hen Cottage" or other oddly named places further down Kentish Town Road. Albeit, it's not KFC - but you're bound to get a bang for your money here for sure.

My wife and I used to munch on the "2 for 2" deal - two burgers and two fries (chips) for 2 pounds. I think since then, they've raised it up to 2.30 or so off and on. Even so, you can't argue with such prices. The only reason we haven't been back lately is due to our change in eating habits (avoiding super fast food); but I would recommend it for someone who's aiming to get a load of chicken for a number of people (3-6 people for around a tenner).

The staff there has been kind to me throughout the time I frequented there. If you're specific about your orders, it's bound to be messed up depending on how busy the place is. Although, if you apologize and ask for it to be corrected - they try to do their best (please try not to be rude to employees just because they've got your order wrong, it's just not cool).

The environment isn't for those who are hoping for a full family sit down; but a few mates together can sit down and enjoy theirselves for sure. My only gripe is that some customers end up leaving their rubbish on the tables out of laziness/habit (whichever) and expect the staff to clean it up as soon as they leave - this isn't always the case. So you may have to end up cleaning up your own table/area to sit down depending on how busy/loaded the place is.

One last word of advice: since sometime mid-last year, they've started asking people to only consume (drink/eat) products purchased from them. This was due to people abusing the seating indoors by grabbing something from Everbest (next door shop) or McDonald's and eating there. Please try to be mindful of this, or at least ask if it's okay to drink something from off of the premises.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Nandos

24 Jul 07, 20:43

Yeouch!

Nando's has been nice to me over the handful (or even less) of times that I've been there. Tonight, my wife and I decided to "kick it up a notch" (I'm aware of the cliche) by getting Hot chickens and Very Hot wings. I'm not too tolerant of extremely spicy things; curry doesn't phase me too horribly. However, Peri-Peri chicken is a force to reckon with when paired up against my body.

If you like spicy stuff; it's one of those places you want to go. Don't be too intimidated if you're not a fire-breather, they have "Lemon and Herbs" and "Mild" (which is actually very tame) flavours for the chickens as well. If you're still brave and want to see how spicy it gets (when you're not too tolerant of it), make sure you get the bottomless pop (soda), as it'll be your only escape from running away with fire flying out of your mouth. Bare in mind, I'm not saying it's the worse burn you'll ever feel - but it can pack a punch if you weren't truly expecting it.

The prices are a bit steep for "just chicken" - but the quality is beyond a regular chicken shop that charges 2.30 for two burgers and chips. I would highly recommend any of their salads though; they're all succulant and of high quality. Expect to pay about 15 quid for two, if you get the "Meal" that comes with a full chicken, two bottomless drinks, and one large side (meaning enough for both persons). If you're in the mood for a drink or two, they have a rather decent amount of selection - considering it's not a pub.

Staff members seemed friendly and weren't aggressive like some places. My wife, son, and I got a booth seat just fine, out of generousity of the staff member seating us due to us having a child with us.

Overall, good place to go if you're in the mood. If you're not keen to eating a fair bit of chicken, avoid. If you have a hankering for trying out your taste bud immunity to fiery-spices, pop in for a half of a chicken for about a fiver or so.

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Review of Pizza Hut

24 Jul 07, 07:34

Right..

Pizza is normally considered 'just pizza' to most people; but when it comes to you lukewarm and the side dishes you got were soggy... you kind of wonder about ordering from the same place again. Pizza Hut has never been anything spectacular; but, they end up having appealing deals and discounts going on.

Dissapointed in their website as well; registered to order the pizza but the only 'deal' they didn't have was the one I was looking for. Be careful getting delivery from here, it's like flipping a four-sided coin. Hot, Lukewarm, Soggy, or Late - you have a 1 out of 4 chance of being satisfied. Sounds okay; but some may not want to risk it.

At least they're taking debit cards properly...I guess.

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