David M.

Review of The Falkland Store

18 Aug 07, 11:03

Very Nice Staff, Good Selection, Cheap

Unlike most of the shops surrounding it, The Falkland Store has its goods priced cheaper. If you're a drinker, you can easily get your alcohol cheaper from here than you would from, per se, "Leighton Food and Wine" just a few steps away. The biggest problem with this shop is that it's not on a main street - so not many people take notice of it.

They're an off-license convenience store, with everything from Cakes to Dog Food. The funny thing is, the dog food I get there is more expensive than the alcohol I get from time to time. That's the interesting aspect of it all. The staff there are friendly towards all of the regulars (and the newer customers as well). I've been going there for the past two (nearly three) years; especially once I noticed the price jack at the other shops surrounding.

If you live locally to here, this is the shop you want to go to. If you're worried about the steep hill, there are ways around it - no matter where you live. Personally? It doesn't bother me. I live right around the corner one way or another, hill or not. Takes about 3 minutes to get there.

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Review of Mornington Sports Centre

18 Aug 07, 10:34

Quiet, Peaceful, Work Out!

I admit, I'm a bit chubby. However, when I was going to Mornington Sports Centre, I was losing a fair bit (lost about 3-5 stones in two months, I believe it was).

The gym isn't all that "extensive" - but if you're into the cardiovascular work-outs, you'll have a bit of fun here. There are treadmills, bicycles (both 'computerized' and old-fashioned ones), and 'stair-master' type of equipmen there to work out on.

There are some nice weight-lifting pieces there too - but most of the times you'll find the more "body building" types (those who are heavily focusing on their muscles and not their weight) will be there pressing and pulling.

The cost isn't so awful; but unless you have the money to throw out for a gym - you probably won't be able to afford it [41 pounds per month (one person) , 77 pounds per month [a couple - must live at the same address]). With this price, you get the ability to attend all of the exercise classes (and normal classes - like Karate, and other fun things) without any restraint - plus this extends to about four or five other gyms in Camden (Swiss Cottage, Kentish Town, Mornington Crescent...only ones I can remember). Plus, if you want to go for a swim - that's covered too. It's pretty much a "do whatever you want to do" type of membership (for the most part).

I would recommend this place because it's quiet and you won't find yourself too hot either (there's air conditioning in the gym itself). Most people get a little confused the first time there about where the changing rooms are. Just a little 'insider info' so you don't have to ask anyone (and seem silly) - they're downstairs and in the gym (take a left past the check-point and go straight down, to the right [in middle of the wall is going to be men's and women's changing room]). Have a great workout!

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of University College London Hospitals NHS Trust

18 Aug 07, 10:14

Comfortable, but a bit too busy.

There's as happy medium as to what's good and what's bad when it comes to a hospital. I have to admit that the entire hospital was beyond any expectations I've had (in regards to comfort for both patients and visitors). The reception lounge is pretty laid back and easy going - not too difficult to be able to sit there for a bit and read a paper if you have to.

As a second thought though, I didn't like the fact that when my son was in here for a surgery - it took over 2 hours to be told if we could take him home or not. I can understand it was possibly busy and all - but the Doctor should've made more of a poitn of at least checking up on him to give us the "Okay" to go home. Also, there is a television and telephone thing that's on the bed - which is kind of unnecessary. I can see some patients would rather be in bed, watching television due to their pain and the likes. But, what ever happened to the days where each ward had one television (at best)? It seemed to bring a sense of community amongst those that were there. Just a personal pet peeve/thought. Even though the telephone/television combo seemed interesting for each bed to have - they give you a pound of "viewing pleasure" (I'm not sure of the equivalance to time) - but the problem with my son's was that (at first) it wouldn't play sound..and then it wouldn't accept that we still had a pound left. Either way, it's nice to have it there - but not necessary. I do like the fact that you get your own "private" phoneline - except expect your friends/family to dish out up to 35p per minute to talk to you.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Starbucks

18 Aug 07, 10:01

"Taking what they do seriously"

I know there's a million and twelve Starbucks in London - don't get me wrong. However, I'm an advocate for their Frappucinos (even though, I've started making my own version at home). The point is, is that most of the other Starbucks I've been to have never mixed up my frappucino enough to kilel a large majority of the ice -- except for this one.

Even while on a busy day, I've always had a decent Frappucino from this Starbucks. The one further into Camden seems to do this from time to time (it's hit and miss). The only thing that really gets me is the location of this Starbucks. It seems like it was a historical building at one time, filled with information. Now, it's been bought by a conglomorate - feels a little off.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

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.

0 out of 0 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 Caversham Group Practice

23 Jul 07, 12:31

Superb Group Practice

I've been going to the Caversham Group Practice for almost three years now and I have yet to have any problems or instances where they've done me wrong. My GP from there has always tried to make sure I knew that was going on, what status some of my out-going transfers were at, and attempted (at times) to speed up blood test results if he thought it would calm my never-ending nerves.

They have a multiple services you can make good use out of. Everything from child care (in regards to taking your children there) to even psychology (there's a building right next to them they may recommend you go to if necessary). But overall, it's a laid back place. I've been in there a number of times where I've been looking for a specific person or doctor who worked there and was given prompt service (even if I were above in the que out of line, when it was near-emergency related).

They have a nice computerized check-in service so you don't have to worry about signing in and making sure the receptionist took note of it. It's almost certain you'd find a GP here that's suitable to your needs (male/female, background studies, specialities, etc).

I'll agree with Dan in saying if you're moving, or have moved recently to the Kentish Town area - I would give them a call. When I first registered, it was a breeze. Fill out forms, and finished. I had to change my GP, but that only took a quick "But..." and that was finished as well. Waiting times aren't that long, unless you pop in for the morning surgery.

Lastly, a bit of a hint/suggestion, if you're in need of a Doctor appointment (and not one with the nurse[s]), I would recommend calling after 8am. This is when they get most of their cancellations. Just be careful because you won't always get your GP if you're in that much of a rush to get in the same day.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of Phoenicia

23 Jul 07, 11:49

An awesome deli and shop!

Phoenicia started out as a medium-sized deli until Blockbuster Video went out of Kentish Town and they accumulated that side as well. I've been fairly new to mediterranean food, but Phoenicia has drawn me to some of the more interesting dishes. I can't say that I've had too much from there; but I have peeked in to get a grab for this and that.

The Baklava is beyond expectations; it's a pastry that has nuts in it. It's really delicious to say the least. Around lunch time, you can get the cooked chicken that's stuffed lemon and cinnamon. That, in itself, is an awesome meal if you're in a 'savoury but sweet' mood. You can't go wrong with their large array of stock either. You could just about do your grocery shopping there since they have cereal, biscuits, sweets, seasoned meat, unseasoned meat, loads of cheese, and tons of mediterranean things you could try. My wife is addicted to their olives, especially the ones stuffed with almonds. They also have aubergines stuffed with walnut or peppers; another thing I would suggest to pick up if you're the type to like them in general.

There's loads of things in this once-small (but now very large) that you can just pick up and enjoy as soon as you walk out the door. While, if you're in a more culinary mood, you can always grab most (if not all) of the ingredients you could want for your dishes!

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of New Mayflower Chinese Restaurant

21 Jul 07, 11:58

Professional and Authentic

As others have mentioned, the food is quite authentic and tasty. The environment can get rather cramped on evenings (weekend evenings, especially); which is to be expected considering it's one of the more popular chinese cruisine restaraunts (plus it's in Soho!).

When I ate there, I ate with a few mates, and my family (wife and son). There were a total of 7 of us that night; but we were actually quite fitted and still had room for ourselves (on a busy evening at that). We ended up getting about a dish each; but everything was beyond what you would get from most other places.

I would suggest some of the more routine things if you want a good evaluation of how much difference there is altogether. I recall getting the lemon chicken and it was probably one of the better ones I've had. There was enough zest; but the chicken was still crispy (even though covered in Lemon sauce). Their noodles are very easy to fall into eating as well.

As Elaine has mentioned, expect to pay anywhere from a tenner to about 14-15 pounds for some dishes. The soups are scrumptious and you can't go wrong in picking one that sounds to your taste (because if you have that feeling - you'll most likely enjoy it).

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Blue Moon Cafe

21 Jul 07, 11:45

Deliciously Diabolical

The biggest problem with the Blue Moon Cafe is that it is actually *too* good. I would recommend their Drunken Noodles or Pad Thai; as both noodle arrangements are amazingly addictive. You can't really go wrong with ordering just about anything on the menu.

I've only got delivery; but the atmosphere doesn't look too bad when you past by it. Seems like it could be a very intimate and sincere place to go for a little get-away from the stresses of work and other problems. Delivery has always been on-time; sometimes even earlier.

Everything I've got from Blue Moon has been spectacular. You can't go wrong with getting a little something for takeaway (or sit down) from here. The delivery staff has been quite sincere; both for time and personal kindness. I would highly recommend this place for friends, families, and just people who have a hankering for Thai food..

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Wasabi

19 Jul 07, 08:52

Sushi? Yes, Sushi!

Wasabi is probably the best sushi place I've been to in regards to price to quantity *and* quality. There are other sushi bars/restaraunts throughout London, sure - but, Wasabi is comparably cheap compared to majority of them. YO! Sushi looks like a 'proper' sushi bar (with the rotating bowls of sushi and other yummies); but the prices seem to be able to rack up faster than any other place I've seen. Wasabi has the same quality of sushi, for far cheaper. Two bits of sushi ranges from about £1.25 to £2.50. I would highly recommend the Wasabi Peas; as they're pretty sweet (but horribly spicy when you're least expecting it).

I haven't had any problems out of the staff; but they're normally busy around the times that I've gone in there anyways. The only problem I have is that they've removed the tables that you could sit down at outdoors (though, I'm sure there's some reasonable explaination for it). If you have a hankering to try out sushi, this is probably the best place to get a feel for it as well.

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Review of Salvino

19 Jul 07, 07:32

Want a piece of Italy?

Salvino's is probably my favourite italian delicatessen in any location I've been (england or otherwise). The staff is very helpful, beyond any doubt - they will suggest the right pesto, sauce, sausages, meats, or anything you need assistance with for your italian dish.

The food is beyond any expectations; from the ciabatta to the homemade pesto they make fresh theirselves. There's an unlimited array of dishes you can create with the goodies you get from Salvino's. My favourite meats from Salvino has to be the roasted ham and one of their mid-range salami. They have a range of sausages that will either spice up the dish or give it a sharp (but delicate) savoury flavour [I suggest the chilli caravale sausages].

As for prices, you may end up dumping a load of money for one dish - but if you're feeling like you need a strong dish for dinner for a few people (pesto and sauces can go a long way), it's not that bad. Sausages are about £2.80 and pestos range from £1.99 to £4.99 (or more if you get the homemade pestos).

Comparing price to quality, it works out anyways. As I've already mentioned, the staff there are all friendly and helpful with anything you need to ask. The food itself is beyond any taste of italy I've had (even from authentic italian restaraunts!).

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Review of Hare and Tortoise

17 Jul 07, 21:32

Large Portions - Lower Prices

Hare and Tortoise is a rather hot-spot (especially during the lunch hours and evenings) for just about anyone in the area or who's in the mood for some oriental meals. The prices are rather cheap (compared to the equal at Wagamama's) and you get huge portions. It's near impossible to leave the place without having cured that annoying hunger.

The menu itself can be rather interesting to look at - there are many choices to jump into. There is some sushi; but I haven't had any of it personally. I haven't had problems out of any of the stuff I've eaten so far (just a hint - the singaporean rice noodles and the katsu [rice] are awesome). The Singapore Rice Noodles come with beef, chicken, and prawn - all wonderfully seasoned and the egg they mix in it is nearly addictive. I've had one of their plum drinks - it was a little weird since it had an actual plum in the glass; though, on the other hand, it added a more fruity (less alcoholic) taste to it.

If you're ever near the Brunswick Centre and have a hankering for a large lunch/dinner at a lower price than most routine oriental shops - this is the place to pop into.

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