David's reviews
Review of Tesco Express
18 Aug 07, 11:13
It's ..Tesco's? 
You can't really expect a miracle out of Tesco's, but it is nice to have a newly built one nearby at times. The funny thing is, is that there's a 24 hour Tesco's just about 5 minutes from this one. Either way, if you can't find what you're actually looking for in one - it won't kill you to go look in the other one. It's nice that way.
Prices are "okay", some things you'll pay more for, others less. This shop does lack in some areas - as it doesn't have much pet food, nor housing utensils. But the only real Tesco's I've seen have a full stock of these types of things were large supermarket buildings.
Sometimes I find myself drawn to their offers on their steak mince. It's pretty decent considering the price; even though going to the butcher's is bound to get a better quality of it (sometimes it's not about quality, just about using it to flavour something). Either way, you may find a few things in here that you might want to get - you never know.
By the way, they have an ATM (which you may see if you look in the picture - a guy is standing in front of it). Trust me, some days - this is the only working ATM on Kentish Town Road .. so keep it in mind.
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Review of St. Pancras Hospital
18 Aug 07, 10:07
"Subpar", at best.
I've been here twice on occassion; however, the problem is that there's always too much running around and far more waiting than I've seen at other hospitals. I'm sure it would be more comfortable if the seating was better - much like the UCLH. However, I have to realise that this is an older hospital by far.
In the end, the staff there has been nice (as many as I've met). The only problem I have with this hospital is that it's so..spread apart (between different buildings) - that you seem to rarely find anyone to talk to (staff or patients).
Only problem I've really had is that they've cancelled one of my surgery appointments because the surgeon himself had quit. I still haven't had that operation done yet.. (it's been almost 1.5 years since).
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Review of Cafe Renoir
18 Aug 07, 09:58
Average, but peaceful
Perhaps it's just that I've lived in Kentish Town the whole time I've been in London; but, the two times that I've eaten at Cafe Renoir - they've dished up some pretty good omelettes. I'm not too picky about omelettes, so that's not saying *too* much. The staff has been rather good at being approached by people who need a seat or otherwise; and the food has been promptly delivered on a number of occassions.
The location is what gets me, it's a nifty little area. But I think this is just the aspect that it's in Kentish Town. The quaint area surrounding it can be rather peaceful - as long as you're getting in there around opening time. Otherwise, be prepared for morning/daily traffice on Kentish Town Road.
Although, I must say - their mocha cappucino was pretty nice. So was most of the other coffee-based products I got there. All in all, check it out if you feel like going to a cafe in Kentish Town. However, you can always find better closer towards Camden Road.
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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 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 Pangs Garden Fish Bar
23 Jul 07, 12:41
Decent, good for 'on the go'.
Most of my experience with Pang's Garden Fish Bar has been a "walk around" one. Meaning, my wife and a mate (or two) popped in and grabbed some chips to go. Then we walked around with them. They're really sincere and easy going; sometimes a bit jestful when you make mistakes with giving orders for multiple people. Never a problem, a good laugh is appreciated by me at least.
The chips are large; and delicious no matter how you try to have them. The fish isn't so bad either; it's a good change. I prefer their battered sausages out of anything; considering most others are too crispy for me - these aren't too crispy and not too soggy.
Also, if you're in a weird mood; you can always grab a bite to eat from the chip shop and go next door to Pang's Chinese Restaraunt. That's a totally different review though. Either way, I would suggest trying out either of Pang's places, they're both good to eat at.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Eds Easy Diner
21 Jul 07, 12:16
I put this lightly but...
It's the best american diner you'll find that gives that authentic taste. I'll come out and say that I'm from America; and have lived in the UK for a few years. I've attempted to taste this or that from different grocerers (sainsbury, morrison, and somerfield) that seem to say they're "American" dishes. Suffice to say, they have the design and desires - but never the right taste. This is where Ed's Easy Diner comes into play.
I marked this "As Expected" only for one reason: this is exactly what american diners should be like! The maltshakes are addictive, the burgers are huge and appetizing. I once made the mistake into thinking I could handle a double burger! I only got through about half of it before realising that I've digested as much as I was capable of. Burgers are less than a tenner (I think about 7-8 pounds). The maltshakes are ..amazing. You can get peanut butter and chocolate ...(my personal favourite) maltshakes that will be your drink and dessert all at the same time. Maltshakes are like having crushed Maltesers throughout the entire milkshake (in case you weren't aware).
The staff can be a bit harsh at times; depending on how much of a rush you're in (and they're in). So keep in mind that it's the authentic experience of America in that sense; the "go go go" logic due to people coming in and going out through busy times. I would recommend popping in right before or right after the lunch rush (or before the dinner rush).
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Review of McDonalds
19 Jul 07, 07:39
It's McDonald's..
There isn't too much one can really say about McDonald's in a review that people don't already know about. The one on Kentish Town has a playplace, if you want to take your kids there. Though, most people would swerve away from a McDonald's as long as they can - others may find it a cheap deal since there's a keen 99p menu.
The location is kinda of suitable, in regards to the other restaraunts and shops on the kentish town high street. You can just pop in for your kids while you're finishing off something you've grabbed elsewhere if you've wandered to a place they're not too fond of and let them play around in the playground area.
The food is generic, of course. Who hasn't heard of a Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, McFillets and the likes? Regardless, some of the food can be decent for digestion - while others you may want to steer clear of. I've never been too satisfied with their fish-based sandwiches; but I could deal with a double cheesebuger from time to time (which is also on the 99p menu, I believe - might cost £1.19 or so).
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Review of Giraffe
17 Jul 07, 21:43
Pretty interesting
I must admit one thing: We (wife, son, and I) only popped in here for desserts. But boy do they do some yummy desserts! My wife had the Rocky Road Sundae. The taste of it that I had was superb. I, myself, ordered the Swiss Chocolate Cheesecake - which had to be one of the best cheesecakes I've ever had. Yes, I know it sounds rather routine (nearly everywhere has cheesecake) - but the chocolate sauce and the swiss chocolate was beyond expectations.
We sat outside, which is always a nice touch (especially in the Brunswick Centre) and had a relaxing dessert. The prices seemed rather reasonable, upon glancing at the menu. Employees were rather nice and helpful - especially with the fact of having a highchair out in the outside sit-down area for our son.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Wagamama
17 Jul 07, 21:22
Easy goings
Wagamama in Camden Town is alright, the food is superb (though, as mentioned, generic) and the staff is rather warm-hearted. The environment itself can be secluded; only depending on what time you get around to being there. The atmosphere itself is laid back and easy going when it comes down to it; which is one of the more prominent amenities.
The food is healthy and soothing; just be weary of some of the juices as they can be ...overwhelming. If you're keen on Ginger and other herbs and spices that can be intense, they have some great juices and teas. The desserts are pretty savvy as well; can't complain about them, even though very generic though constructed rather well.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.