Holly P.

Review of The Duke of Cumberland

03 Dec 07, 10:24

Perfect Whitstable Pub

The Duke is nestled in the older, quainter part of Whitstable and has bags of character. You can’t miss it this pub, being one of the largest in Whitstable, but don’t be put off, inside is anything but a big, drafty open bar. It is decked out in traditional pub decor, with a refreshing modern update.

Inside is dotted with comfy vintage rustic leather chairs and sofas, perfect for sinking into and relaxing your evening away amongst friends. The most welcoming part of the pub is the huge open fire that roars during the winter months, keeping you warm and cosy! The bar is well stocked with tasty local beers and many better known international beers; the range of bar snacks available is also pretty impressive.

It has a dramatic dining room out the back that boasts a huge Victorian sky light that floods light and sunshine in during summer. All the food served is seasonal and the menu changes weekly. The food is sourced as locally as possible making it really fresh, this really stands the Duke apart from other pubs and eateries in Whitstable.

This place has a great atmosphere that keeps you coming back time and time again weather you are visiting, or a local in the area. The staff are all friendly, inviting and very discreet when you want them to be. I love this place for its great atmosphere and the fact that you feel part of the furniture within about 10mins of being there and warming up next to the open fire. This place is a real must for locals and tourists alike.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Force Charity Shop

13 Nov 07, 22:42

impressive charity shop...

This charity shop on Heavitree high street is really big. There are lots of little rooms running off one another. There is lots of womenswear and a large area of homeware. They also have a room full of proper furniture, so if you re looking for something on the cheap this is a good place to look. You could spend ages in here having a good look through everything. I always end up with some great little finds. The counter always has some nice costume jewellery. This charity shop is also good because it hasnt inflated its prices like many others

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Buttercup

13 Nov 07, 22:37

felicity wishes heaven...

This shop stocks a huge amount of Felicity Wishes merchandise. For those of you who don't know what this is it is a young girls animation that embodies all that is pink and sparkly. Here they have cards, toys, books and much more. They also sell some really nice ceramics, which I have to say are a bit random amongst all the Felicity Wishes products. It is a lovely little shop none the less...

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Cross's

13 Nov 07, 17:13

Art supplies...

Here they sell all that a budding artist needs. Loads of paints in all different varities, from poster to oil. They sell lots of paper, art books, brushes, pens. You name it they ve got it. They also do a photocopying service here too. Staff are helpful and know their stuff. Prices are quite high, but then art materials generally are. A good shop.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Paperchase

13 Nov 07, 17:10

cards galore...

I'm a big fan of paperchase. I think they do the best cards, they re always a bit different and modern. They also sell some lovely wrapping paper and lots of bits and pieces for gift wrapping. They sell a good selection of diaries, photo albums and they also stock filofax refils.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Waterstone's

13 Nov 07, 16:47

a little bit of history too..

This is quite a big branch of Waterstones and has a good selection of fiction and non fiction. It also has a very good childrens section, complete with rocking horse. There is also lots of stuent help books downstairs in the basement. Here you will also find a bit of Roman history where part of a mosaic has been uncovered and is now on display.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of H & M

13 Nov 07, 16:43

Young people only...

This branch of H&M is pretty good and always looks fab. However it only stocks the young trend labels. It doesnt do Hennes or any of the other ranges. This can be a bit annoying if you dont want something bright and teenagerish. It does have the fashion forward "Trend" label though, and this is mainly why I visit it when in Brighton.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Ollie & Nic

13 Nov 07, 16:40

handbags at dawn...

This is a really lovely shop, it always looks really impressive. There are loads of handdbags, purses and all things Ollie and Nic to choose from here. It is one of the few stand alone Ollie and Nic stores so it is worth checking out. They do good sales here if you cant afford a full price bag. The good thing about Ollie and Nic is that is has cheaper items too, which is good if you re a bit strapped for cash.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Noa Noa

13 Nov 07, 16:33

beautiful clothes...

this branch of noa noa is really lovely. the white washed wooden floors and the great visuals give this store a really nice feel to it. the clothes here are feminine and delicate. they have some good bargains here too if you have a good look round. though generally the clothes are a bit more expensive than some places but they are of a higher quality.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Sundae Sundae

13 Nov 07, 16:29

ice cream in boats...

This is a cute little ice cream parlour. It is old fashioned lovelyness. The ice cream is divine and the best thing about it is that you can get it served in a little boat complete with a paper sail. So much better than a Mr Whippy, you must go here

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of C&h Fabrics

13 Nov 07, 16:01

a bit of everything...

This shop only used to sell fabric for dress making and curtians as well as craft materials. Now it seems to be a jack of all trades. It does all the things it used to but now sells shoes, bags, and bits and pieces for the home. There is a bit too much going on now, and gets quite confusing. The place is very old fashioned and the decor is dated. It is a good place to go for all your crafting needs and fabrics. The staff are very knowledgeable and all seem to specialise in a certain area.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Laura Ashley

13 Nov 07, 15:46

laura ashley on the cheap...

This is the only place you can get Laura Ashley now as sadly the shop in the town centre closed down. They only sell the homeware here. They do furniture as well as soft furnishing and other bits and pieces. Much of it is at a reduced price. However, things like curtain fabric tend not to be. You can get some good bargains here. The staff are friendly and helpful...

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Dunelm Mill

13 Nov 07, 15:44

cheap homeware...

This place has all you need for your home and at a really good price. They do all sorts of sort furnishings as well as lighting, kitchen ware, garden ware. Upstairs they have a small coffee shop and loads and loads of fabric for curtains and upholstery.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Rendezvous

13 Nov 07, 15:22

a good cafe...

This is a really nice cafe on whitstable high street. The place is really inviting and cosy. It can get busy at lunchtimes and is often hard to get a seat. The food here is good, they serve baguettes and pannis as well as cake and pastries. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable. The staff are friendly, there is a nice local atmosphere here with lots of people knowing eachother

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Gandhi

13 Nov 07, 15:12

good service...

I have only ever had takeaway from here, but they also ahve a restaurant. The staff are really friendly. When we went in and ordered our food they gave us free drinks and poppadoms whilst we waited. The food is really yummy, I can recommend their Chicken Byriani. The portions are generous. The prices are reasonable. A good Indian Restaurant/Take-away

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Harbour Books

13 Nov 07, 15:09

plenty of books

This is a really good book store located on whitstable high street. They have plenty to choose from be it fiction or non fiction. They also have a good selection of childrens books too. The staff here are friendly and helpful.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of IKEA

13 Nov 07, 15:00

dont forget the food...

For those of you who havent been to Ikea this shop or should I say warehouse sells simple stylish scadinavean homeware at very affordable prices. You walk around the show room writing down the things you like and their location in the warehouse. Once you have picked out all that you want you then go down to the warehouse area and find everything on your list and load up your trolley. I fyou cant find something the staff are usually very helpful in locating it for you. Though one of the best things about Ikea for me is the food. Yep the food! I urge you to try the meatballs with gravy, and cranberry sauce. It is so good and so cheap. It is all self service and you put your trays away when you re finished but this all helps to keep the prices down. So next time you go make sure you get yourself something to eat, you ll need your strength to fight the crowds in the rest of the store.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Costa

13 Nov 07, 14:47

Tanning...

This is a good tanning parlour. The staff here are friendly and knowledgeable. They are also good at recommending how long you should use the machines for so as not to harm your skin. Here they have both stand up and lie down booths. I'm pretty sure they do spray tanning here too, but have never used it. The booths are always clean. They also have products you can use and you can occasionally get a free sample. They also do student discount and have a loyalty card system. Prices depend on how many minutes you re having, but they are reasonable and are in line with other such places

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Tea & Times

13 Nov 07, 14:36

a lovely cafe...

This is a really nice little cafe on Whitstable high street. The decor is warm and inviting. The staff here are really nice and friendly. They do great milkshakes here which I thoroughly recommend. They also do snacks here as well. A great place to spend the morning

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Whittard Of Chelsea

13 Nov 07, 14:34

a good Whitards...

This is a nice branch of Whitards, its quite small but has pretty much everything anyother store would have. The different thing about this branch is that it also sells hot drinks, cakes and pastries. There is a nice outside seating area where you can watch the hustle and bustle of the town. The drinks are a bit more expensive than your average but are tasty

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Diesel

13 Nov 07, 13:38

great jeans...

There aren't many stand alone Diesel stores so I always pay this shop a visit when I go to Bluewater. Here they have the latest denim collections for men and women. The staff are really helpful and know the product well so you ca find the perfect eans for you. They also sell other Diesel clothes. The store always looks good and the visuals are really impressive

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Marks & Spencer

13 Nov 07, 13:31

good store...

This Marks and Spencers has been here as long as I can remember and it has grown in size throughout the years. It no has a huge food hall, which always seems to be busy. It also has a cafe which is a bit more flashier that the usual Cafe Revive. I havent tried it but it looks good. There is a huge amount of womenswear here and they do all the collections apart from Autograph. There is also a good home ware section which also offers an ordering service for bigger items of furniture. The staff are really friendly and helpful as you would expect from M&S employees. The store always looks good and well presented

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Thomas Cook

13 Nov 07, 13:12

really helpful...

This was the first time my friends and I had booked a holiday without the help of our parents and the staff here at Thomas Cook were really helpful. They were good at helping us find the right kind of place and for the right price. They didnt take advantage of our apparant lack of knowledge of booking a holiday. They were really friendly and honest and were happy to ask any of our questions. The accomodation and location when we got there were what we were expecting and we had a really great holiday.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Wagamama

13 Nov 07, 13:01

fresh asian...

I really like Wagamama, it prides itself on fast fresh asian cuisine. This branch of Wagamama is very good, the staff are friendly and the service is prompt. This is probably my favourite branch of all the wagamamas I have been to. The portions are huge. I recommend the chicken katsu curry, the sauce is so good. If you have never been to Wagamama it is a sleek and simple restaurant that serves a wide variety if yummy asian food. Food is served when its ready so you might get your main before your starter. A good place to eat...

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Ed's Easy Diner

13 Nov 07, 12:58

Dinner the U.S of A way...

This is a proper american style diner. The menu has what you'd expect - lots of chips and burgers. The food is really good, and the portions are huge. You definetly get your moneys worth. The milkshakes are amaze - peanut butter or chocolate or the two combined if you want. The service is fast as you'd expect. The staff are friendly despite looking rushed off their feet.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of ShakeAway

13 Nov 07, 12:52

mmmmm milkshakes...

Shakeaway is amazing. Here you can have milkshakes made from all sorts of flavours. The menu is extensive, shelves of sweets and cakes line the walls. You can have a oreo cookies milkshake, or a kinder bueno milkshake or if you wanted you can have the two combined. If you re not sure what to have there are helpful suggestions and others that sound less desirable. As well as this they do toppings - maple syrup, cream, malt etc. Prices are quite good, plus they do a loyalty card like most coffee houses do. They also offer a student discount. As with other Shakeaway branches it can get quite busy and hectic with so many shakes being made at once, so expect to queue. However, if you choose a good combination of flavours, i can assure you it ll be worth the wait.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Angels

13 Nov 07, 12:38

an eclectic mix...

This is a little boutique that has a lot to offer. It has a good range of jewellery, varying in price. Some cheap earrings to more expensive mid-range designer watches. They also sell a good range of womenswear, from casual to formal wear. In fact, if you have a prom or a formal do to go to this place is a really good place to look for a dress. They have all sorts of styles and colours. Upstairs they have shoes, bags and more clothes. Downstairs they have a piercing parlour, where you can then buy your belly bars etc upstairs on the ground floor. Staff are friendly.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Strada

13 Nov 07, 12:16

good staff...

This is a good branch of Strada. The food is really good, nice light Italian style cuisine. The service was prompt and there is a nice atmosphere here too. What stood out for me about this particular branch was the knowledge the staff had. My friend was unsure about which pudding to have and asked a member of the staff for their suggestion; they were able to give a really good description of the qualities each one held and which they preferred. Needless to say my friend enjoyed her pudding alot and was pleased with the staffs suggestion. It was pleasant to see staff that knew their stuff than have to scurry off and ask someone else. A good restaurant...

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Wagamama

13 Nov 07, 12:09

go local if you can...

I really like Wagamama, it prides itself on fast fresh asian cuisine. This branch of Wagamama is very good, the staff are friendly and the service is prompt. This is just as good as any other Wagamama out there. What I really wanted to do in this review is make people aware that there is somewhere much like Wagamama but better and most importantly an independantly owned restaurant just up the road - Typyedong. So in my opinion you should check this place out as it has been struggling since Wagamama opened up.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Jalsha Tandoori

13 Nov 07, 12:05

good indian...

This Indian offers both a takeaway service and a sit down meal. The restaurant area is very nice and has a traditional yet modern indian feel. The staff are attentive and very nice. The food is really good. This is one of the better Indian restaurants I have been to. They do a really good chicken byriani. The takeaway service is also good. There is free delievery if you spend over £15. They arrive within the hour. Prices are reasonable and are in line with what you would expect from an Indian.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Wagamama

13 Nov 07, 12:00

yummy...

I really like Wagamama, it prides itself on fast fresh asian cuisine. This branch of Wagamama is very good, the staff are friendly and the service is prompt. I didnt know this until recently but you can get takeaway from here and its ok though the food was a little bit cold. So i reckon its better to eat there. If you have never been to Wagamama it is a sleek and simple restaurant that serves a wide variety if yummy asian food. Food is served when its ready so you might get your main before your starter. A good place to eat...

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Choccywoccydoodah

13 Nov 07, 11:20

chocolate masterpieces...

This shop is amazing as you walk in you are hit by the sweet smell of chocolate. Then you are amazed by the creations that are made out of chocolate. They look so beautiful it seems as though it might be a crime to eat them. I'm talking huge wedding style cakes covered in chocolate in a modern and cool way. If and when I get married I would most definetly want my cake from here. If you are looking for something a bit smaller, this place has loads of bags of chocolates and other sweet treats. A bit of trivia for you as well, but Choccy Woccy Doo Dah supplied loads of their creations for the latest Charlie and the Chocolate Factory film. You simply must visit this shop...

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Cafe Rouge

13 Nov 07, 11:13

parlez vous anglais???

I really like this branch of Cafe Rouge mainly because the people who work here are actually french. Theres something nice about sitting in a faux french restaurant and hearing people speaking the language. I could close my eyes and pretend I might be in Paris. The decor has a typically french feel and is very inviting. The food here is always good, I have only been here for lunch; but I have friends who have been here for dinner and rave about it. The menu offers traditional french food. The staff are friendly and serice is prompt. The prices are reasonable.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Uniqlo

13 Nov 07, 11:07

good value clothing...

I think Uniqlo is an under-rated shop, they offer good value clothing that is far superior than the likes of Primark. This branch of Uniqlo always looks good and well presented. The staff are helpful. If you are looking for cashmere at a reasonable price this is good place to come. Also if you like simple well designed pieces then come to Uniqlo.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Cafe Latino

12 Nov 07, 21:58

love for the latino...

This is a really good place for lunchtime. They do yummy food, I can highly recommend the chicken, stuffing and cranberry sauce wrap. It is so good. The staff are really friendly and the service is good and fast. Oh and the milkshakes are great too. The place is warm and inviting and is nice just for a hot drink. You should definelty go here!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Bloomsbury

12 Nov 07, 21:54

a diverse shop...

This is such a cute little shop. It holds designer jewellery and lots of other lovely bits and pieces - a very eclectic and diverse shop. This includes, books, toiletries, home ware and some clothing. This shop always looks good and is in an old Tudor building. This shop strangely always smells really good too. This is an excellent place to get a present for someone special. Bloomsbury also stocks a good range of Renne Macintosh jewellery. It also has pieces for men such as designer cufflinks. The staff are really friendly and know their stock well. A great shop!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Alberry's Wine Bar

12 Nov 07, 21:53

a good night out...

Personally I don't think there are that many good places to go out in Canterbury and this is as probably as good as it gets. Auberry's is a wine bar but it also has an area to dance downstairs in the basement. This place has a nice feel to it and quite a buzzing atmosphere. Drinks are not too expensive. There is seating upstairs and a small area downstairs. There are two bars with one being situated next to the dance area. There are different themed nights with good dj's. This is a good place for a night out on the town!

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Strada

12 Nov 07, 21:51

worth the second chance...

I've been here twice, once was really good the other we didn't even get inside. The latter, I think was down to the fact that they had recently opened and were still having some problems. We went there without booking a table and were told to come back in half an hour for a table, which was fine. This half hour soon got longer and finally we went elsewhere. The most annoying thing was that there were people in the restaurant who had paid their bills but hadn't left and were just chatting but the lady on the front house was too scared to ask them to leave. This was ridiculous! However, a few weeks later we thought we would try again and this time we got a table and had a really good time. The food was super yummy and a nice change from other Italian chain restaurants. The portions were just the right size too. The service was good and pretty fast on what looked like a busy night. We even got free liqueurs at the end of our meal. I'm very glad we gave this place a second chance, good food and good service

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Nando's

12 Nov 07, 21:48

very very nice chicken...

I love Nandos, its simple fast food but fast food that actually tastes good. For those who haven't been to Nandos before, they serve Portuguese style chicken dishes. You get to choose what level of spice you want, this is good if you have delicate taste buds like me. There also lots of yummy side orders to ass to your meal. You also pay before you have your meal, which is great as you don't have to wait for your bill at the end, you can just get up and go. They also are good value, for example they do re-fillable soft drinks and the food itself is reasonably priced. The service is fast and the staff friendly!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Rose & Crown

12 Nov 07, 21:33

family friendly...

This is a lovely country pub located to the Perry Wood Parks. This makes it an ideal place to stop and have some lunch after a nice walk in the woods. There is also a car park if you don't wish to walk. There is a beautiful garden area, which is always well kept. There are plenty of picnic tables to enjoy your meal outside. There is also an Avery and a small children's play area. Dogs are also welcome here. Inside it is very traditional with hops lining the ceiling. There is also a dining area. The food here is good and they serve all your traditional pub stuff like Ploughman's. The service is good, it can get quite busy here during the summer though. The prices are reasonable. This is a great place for all the family!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Frank

11 Nov 07, 15:07

inspiring boutique...

This is such a great shop located in the lovely Whitstable. Its a place for British alternative applied arts and contemporary craft; for the handmade and the home-made; for the original, the quirky and the downright eccentric. For books and badges, jewellery and stationery; for textiles and prints, ceramics and lighting. This shop always leaves me feeling inspired and well a little bit poorer too. The fact that it is all about british design and british product makes it a must for any lover of the local!!! A must visit if in the area

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Triple H

11 Nov 07, 15:00

a lovely boutique...

This is a relatively new boutique to Canterbury, it is situated close to the cathedral gates. This boutique mainly stocks mid range designer labels; brands include Orla Kiely. The store always looks good and when you walk past you cant help but want to go in. The staff are friendly and helpful. They know their stock well which is always good. They also sell lots of lovely jewellery and bags too. Well worth a visit...

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Noa Noa

11 Nov 07, 14:55

lovely clothes...

Noa noa is relatively new to Canterbury, it makes a nice change from the usual chain stores on the high street. Noa Noa is a slightly more up-market shop which still only has a few shops on the high street. The shop always looks really good and is well presented. It stocks lovely womenswear. The pieces are all really delicate and feminine. The staff are helpful and know their stock well. Prices are higher than most places but the clothes are of a better quality and will last you a long time

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Marino Fish Bar

11 Nov 07, 14:44

the best in town...

Marino's I reckon is the best fish and chip shop in town. It has 2 branches so you can take your pick, either St Dunstans or Wincheap. The fish is always nicely cooked and not too greasy. The chips are yummy too. They serve all the usual suspects you would expect to see on the menu too. This is actually an awrd winning fish and chip shop. Plus it is a truly family run businness, all the different branches are run by the family of the founder of Marino's so as local lovers this is the fish and chip shop for you

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Marino Fish Bar

11 Nov 07, 14:43

good fish and chips...

Marino's I reckon is the best fish and chip shop in town. It has 2 branches so you can take your pick, either St Dunstans or Wincheap. The fish is always nicely cooked and not too greasy. The chips are yummy too. They serve all the usual suspects you would expect to see on the menu too. This is actually an awrd winning fish and chip shop. Plus it is a truly family run businness, all the different branches are run by the family of the founder of Marino's so as local lovers this is the fish and chip shop for you

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Fenwick

11 Nov 07, 14:13

rejuventated and looking good...

For those who have been to Canterbury before will know that the town centre has had a lot of work done on it recently, most notably the Whitefriars area. Central to this is Fenwicks. Previously known as Ricemans this once outdated department store has now gone under a massive overhaul. It is now modern, and airy. It has a great homeware and furniture department and the young fashion is greatly improved with some top names stocked. This department really does have it all. Fenwicks may have alienated some of its older customers but it has definetly brought in lots of new ones...

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Cornells

11 Nov 07, 14:07

a lovely jewellers...

This is a good jewellers situated right next to the cathedral. It has lots of lovely pieces. The best thing about this jewellers is the service. My parents bought me a ring for my 21st here and the man who runs the shop was really helpful. Unfortunately one of the stones fell out of said ring after quite a while of having it. My parents took it into the jewellers expecting to have to pay for a replacement stone, however, the jeweller did it all for free!! A friendly and LOCAL jewellers

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Pilgrims

11 Nov 07, 10:52

Excellent french cuisine...

A building dating back to just after the Norman Invasion, unsurprisingly situated next door to the grand gatehouse of Battle Abbey. This top class fine french restaurant has very good service from smart, polite staff. The food is delicious and priced accordingly for the quality. An aperitif is offered in the lounge area where an open fire warms the high ceilinged room, before one moves onto the dining room. Sir Paul McCartney often frequents this beautiful old building with good, fresh, local cuisine.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Thai Orchid

11 Nov 07, 10:50

Yummy Thai...

Beautifully decorated Thai restaurant on the Cathedral Green in the centre of Exeter city. The service is exemplary, very attentive without being intrusive. A very wide range of dishes to choose from on the menu, serving wonderfully cooked thai cuisine in a setting overlooking the grand cathedral. An authentic experience of thai food to be found unexpectedly in an old English building.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Red Square

11 Nov 07, 10:49

a hidden treasure...

A small Russian restaurant tucked away out of sight in the middle of the shopping district of the city. Very reasonably priced for decent sized portions of very expertly cooked Russian cuisine. Over 20 varieties of vodka. The service was good with the owners' young grandson helping to clear dishes when it is quiet! A wonderfully different alternative to chain restaurants. The small dining area gives an intimate, family feel. Surprisingly quiet for such a lovely place - the position of the restaurant is most likely to blame.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Cafe Mauresque

10 Nov 07, 21:34

a little bit of morocco in canterbury...

Do you like Moroccan food? That was the question that was put to me the first time I was invited to Cafe Mauresque, well yes I do, as it turned out. Cafe Mauresque is a really cool place with a great atmosphere, just going down the twisting narrow stairs with a candle on each tread gets the evening off to a great start. (Slightly worried about the health and safety aspects I must say!) Downstairs the decor is definitely North African with low seating in secluded alcoves, brilliantly coloured cushions creating splashes of colour against the dark wooden latticed screens. The food is very tasty, pleasantly spiced, and exotically served. The service is good and so are the prices. For an evening with a difference I can thoroughly recommend Cafe Mauresque, you climb back up the stairs to be rather surprised to find yourself in the middle of Canterbury not in a desert in Morocco.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Sam's Garage

10 Nov 07, 21:32

good independant garage...

Sam came recommended to me as an excellent mechanic and I can wholeheartedly agree with this. Not only is he an excellent mechanic but the service is great as well, he is always very helpful, he often picked the car up from our house when it was due for a service or MOT. He never rips you off, and always does his utmost to get the best job done at the cheapest possible price. He is also very realistic about what is possible to do for a car that is getting a bit long in the tooth. Best of all this excelent service always comes with a smile. Just ring up and listen to his answephone if you want to put a smile on your face!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Jeans & Things

10 Nov 07, 16:03

a unique service...

This shops holds a wide variety of denim jeans. They stock some good brands such as Levi and Lee. They do both mens and womens jeans in all sorts of styles. The best thing about this shop is that they offer a free alteration service. All the jeans come in one length and then a member of staff measures how much you need taken off (if any) and then you purchase your jeans and come back in a couple of hours to collect them. For someone who is quite short this is a great service as it means I always get the perfect length jeans. The staff are really helpful and know alot about their products and offer good advise on fit

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Paultons Park

10 Nov 07, 15:55

It's a hoot hoot...

People laughed when me and my friend said we were going to Paultons Park, they thought we were too old for such a place. Well they were wrong, this place has improved a great deal over recent years. It is a great day out for all the family whatever their age. Ok it's not Alton Towers but its got some good rides, especially the Cobra. There is also a log flume which is good fun. Theres lots to see and do. Theres panning for gold, penguins and other animals as well as a mini train ride around the park. Theres lots of eateries as well as benches and tables for picnics. Prices are pretty good, its £15 per person and children under 1metre go for free. The tickets let you go on all the rides for free as many times as you want. You only have to pay extra for panning for gold and crazy golf. Theres so much to do that I have mentioned, so check out their website. I really reccommend this place for a day out...

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Review of Catch Of The Day

10 Nov 07, 15:36

great seafood...

This is a lovely restaurant situated on the main street of Salcombe. They specialise in seafood (hence the name) and are very good at what they do. The food is really tasty and of a high standard. They have a good selection and have regular specials on the menu. The seafood is fresh and from the local area. The decor is nice and inviting. There is also a small area of tables upstairs which over looks the rest of the restaurant. The staff are friendly and attentive. The prices are quite high, but are on line with other places in Salcombe. This place books up very quickly in high season so it is always worth booking a couple of days in advance. A very good restaurant..

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Review of The Salcombe Trading Company

10 Nov 07, 14:53

homeware heaven...

If you dream of the perfect coastal lifestyle; if you have a passion for incredible design; if you love the innovative, the unique, the unusual..... then this is the shop for you - an exceptional range of products for the house and garden, with kitchen and dining taking centre stage. Inspiration comes from the sea and moors of Devon to give their range a distinctly New England feel. This is a lovely shop, that is always well presented and ever changing. New stock seems to come in regularly. The staff are great and really know about their stock and are always willing to offer advice. This shop is excellent for filling up your home with beautifully designed pieces but also for buying gifts.

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Review of Explosures Of Salcombe

10 Nov 07, 14:18

great photography...

Explosures gallery opened in 2001 and offers a great photography service in and around Salcombe. They are well known for their black and white family shots and also specialise in marine photography. The gallery and shop is always changing showing pictures from recent marine events in salcombe to aerial scenes. They also show exhibitions of local photographers. Explosures does all sorts of events and is the best place to come if you want a great picture of your stay in salcombe or for an upcoming family event. All the photos are developed in their own darkroom. During high season staff members will often visit the beaches and take the opportunity to get some lovely pictures of families enjoying themselves. You can them come to the shop and view these pictures and purchase them. Prices vary on size and style. For example black and white pictures range from £5 to a £50 20x16 image. This is a good shop that offers a great service

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Review of Salcombe Boat Hire

10 Nov 07, 13:56

an afternoon on the high seas....

Salcombe Boat Hire has is situated as sort of part of the fish mongers. It is here that you come to get all you need for a fun day out on Salcombe Estuary. You can hire out self drive boats varying in size depending on how may people are going. From something quite small such as spinner to a cabin boat holding up to 8 -10 people. Boats can be hired for an hour, four hours, daily or weekly. Life jackets, maps and instructions are all supplied to make your day enjoyable. Prices vary on the type of boat you hire and you also have to pay for the petrol you use. That also something to remember that you only have a limited amount of petrol so dont forget to keep an eye on it or you ll have to use the oars!!! During high season it might be worth booking in advance, you can either do this on the phone or by going into the shop. This is a good service and makes for a really nice day especially when the weather is good. There are certain restictions as to where you can take your boat, for example you cant anchor on the East Portlemouth side, but there is still plenty to explore. The staff are very friendly and helpful.

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Review of The Salcombe Coffee Company

10 Nov 07, 13:09

salcombes version of starbucks...

This is a lovely little cafe in the centre of Salcombes "high street". Inside is very nice and welcoming with a good cosy feel to it. They offer all your usual hot drinks. They also serve food here. They do breakfast and lunchtime menus and some more substantial meals later in the afternoon into early evening. The food is good and served quite promptly. As with most places in Salcombe they get busy quite quickly and therefore it is sometimes difficult to find a seat. This is a nice place to come and warm yourself up with a hot chocolate if you ve been in the sea or are visiting salcombe on one of its less sunnier days.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Oyster Shack

08 Nov 07, 23:38

lovely seafood...

This is a relatively new restaurant in Salcombe, it is situated away from the "high street" of Salcombe and is in the new building by the boat workshops. The place has a lovely view (at high tide) overlooking the estuary. There is also a decking area which is a perfect place to dine in the summer. The decor inside is very modern with a nautical twist. Ambient lighting changes colour whilst you enjoy your meal. As for the food it is very good, maybe not the best in town (see Dusters review) but still yummy. If you dont like sea food though then dont come here as I'm pretty sure theres no alternative on the menu. There are always lots of specials on offer at the Oyster Shack too so make sure you find out what they are. I can recommend the scallops which were beautifully cooked. Oh and the creme brulee was lovely too. The staff are very friendly and attentive. The prices are quite reasonable. This is a good place to eat and the surroundings make it a nice modern change to the rest of Salcombe.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Brownston Gallery

06 Nov 07, 20:46

contemporary in the country...

The Brownston Gallery opened its doors as Devon's newest and most exciting contemporary art gallery in 2006. The gallery offers contemporary paintings and other artwork for sale by leading local, regional, national and international artists. They aim to show high quality, bold original paintings and work in all media. The gallery holds several different exhibitons throughout the year. What is particularly nice about this gallery is the attention it gives to local artists. One artist that they show regularly is Yvonne Coomber whos bold paintings are absolutely stunning. The Brownston Gallery also has a beautiful range of designer jewellery, thus making it a great place to look for a gift for a special someone. This gallery is a little gem in the small country town of Modbury and is definetly worth spending some time wandering around and taking in what they have to offer. It is a pleasant change to see somewhere modern and new amongst the same old antique shops that over-run the area.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Cranch's Sweet Shop

06 Nov 07, 20:16

sweetie heaven...

This is an old fashioned sweet shop stacked to the brim with sweets you havent seen for years, such as (for my genertaion) kola kubes and sherbert pips. There are also sweets that older generations will re-call. There is a wide selection of fine chocolates including luise handmade and lidt! Plus plenty of fudge, biscuits, sticks of rock and well all sorts of yummy sweet things. There is so much to choose from you'll spend a good time picking. This branch of Cranchs gets quite busy as it is quite a small shop in size, plus all the children come here to stock up. It's hard not to walk down the high street without seeing most children carrying the distinctive pink and white paper bags. This is such a quaint shop and it is also a family run bussiness which is another good reason to buy your confectionary from here.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Broome Bed And Breakfast

05 Nov 07, 21:17

great b&b...

No wonder Janet Street-Porter chose the view of Bamburgh Castle as her iconic view in England, it is the most atmospheric place imaginable particularly in the early morning or as darkness closes in on the miles of vitually empty sands and dunes. And where better to stay than the most unlikely B & B Broome. It looks like a very ordinary bungalow from the outside but inside it is stuffed to the ceiling with an amazing collection of antiques. The garden/breakfast room gives the guests their own sitting room and delicious breakfasts made from locally sourced produce are served here. There is one double bedroom and one twin bedded room, which are most comfortable. The is delightful and full of local knowledge, I can only say that after 2 nights here I was filled with a great desire to spend the rest of my life amid the solitude of the wild Northumbrian coast.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Orchard Cottage Bed And Breakfast

05 Nov 07, 21:13

Great b&b...

Tucked away down a little lane in Modbury is this enchanting little bed and breakfast. You get your own front door and sun terrace and delightful large bedroom. With a cottagey feel, and a very comfortable double bed with crisp clean sheets, a spotless shower room, not to mention comfy armchairs and your own TV, this is about as good as B&B can get. The owners, are friendly and helpful and the breakfasts are delicious. There are several good eateries in Modbury for that evening meal, particularly the local wine bar where the food is surprisingly good. Modbury is a delightful small town set amid the beautiful South Hams countryside and it boasts several interesting local shops.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Lidstones Butchers

05 Nov 07, 21:11

Traditional local butcher...

This is an amazing traditional butchers, the butcher even wears a boater, and you can almost imagine that there is sawdust on the floor. Their mission statement states that they aim to sell the highest quality locally produced organic meat from traditionally reared animals. The blackboard in the shop informs the customer which local farmer has supplied the beef, pork, lamb and poultry that is sold in the shop each day. The meat is absolutely fabulous; tender, full of flavour, just simply out of this world. If you are visiting or living in this part of Devon this is the best butchers shop I know of.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Saffron Cafe

03 Nov 07, 22:16

Great staff and food...

The Saffron Cafe is a lovely little cafe situated off the high street. It is very popular at lunch time as many of the employees of the surrounding offices come here. If you pick a good time this is a great place to come for a bite to eat. There is alot to choose from, there are small snacks such as pannis as well as bigger meals. The food is all very tasty and is served quite promptly. The food is of a good quality and always tastes good. There is a really nice atmosphere here. This is mainly due to the staff who are really friendly. They always greet you with a smile and they know their regular customers. You always feel welcome here no matter if it is busy. I can strongly reccommend this cafe. Its so good to see a family run businness who obviously enjoy what they do and do it well.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Splinters Restaurants

03 Nov 07, 11:01

modern international...

Looking to impress a special someone? Want to take your parents somewhere classy? Or do you just fancy eating something pretty damn good? Look no further. Splinters is located in the picturesque quarter of Christchurch, in the shadow of the famous priory. Christchurch is generally a more laidback alternative to the throng of Bournemouth, only a few miles east and great for Sunday afternoon walkabouts! However, back to the restaurant: the cuisine, described by the chef as 'modern international' is divine, the flavors are obviously painstakingly put together to compliment one another beautifully. The portion sizes are perfect, just enough to satisfy, but not so much that you end up uncomfortably leaving after three courses as though you have consumed a small horse. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate, and the experience thoroughly reasonable on the bank balance for the exquisite food served. Perfect for special occasions.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Shakeaway

03 Nov 07, 10:59

Great shakes...

Since this branch first opened in Bournemouth in 1999, Shakeaway has opened a further 9 stores in the southwest region. However, no visit to Bournemouth is complete without a purchase of one of the endless flavors of milkshake available, the blue and white cups are now a seaside staple!! For those unfortunate lactose-intolerant amongst us, stop fleeing for the hills at once! At Shakeaway they even offer the option of making your beverage with soy milk. In fact, any possible combination of flavors, toppers and bottoms, sprinkles and sauces is available; the only limit is your budget! Still the original branch and the best, Shakeaway offers everything you could hope for to satisfy your milkshake needs. Be sure to pick up one of their loyalty cards; every 10th milkshake is then free! And to be truly in the know, sign up to their regular email updates at www.shakeaway.com; money-off vouchers are a regular occurrence.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream

28 Oct 07, 22:31

possibly the best ice cream ever...

I have grown up with Salcombe Dairy Ice cream as we used to holiday here nearly every year and now my family live here and I never get bored of getting an ice cream even on a horrid day. They do lots of lovely flavours, the ginger and honeycomb are amazing. Plus what I love about this ice cream is that it is made in this small town in the ice cream "factory" 5 minutes away from their shop. The shop front has recently been re-decorated and looks really good. The shop also has a huge amount of sweets, fudge and biscuits on offer, so its a good place to get a little holiday gift for someone. Plus they now serve smoothis as well which are also very yummy. So you must go here for your ice cream cone and not the other place thats before it if you're walking down the street as Salcombe dairy ice cream is far superior.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Dusters Bistro

28 Oct 07, 22:08

The best food in salcombe...

Dusters is a great bistro situated at the top end of town opposite the ferry steps. It offers freshly cooked food, where everything is made to order. I know for a fact that nothing here is brought in and all the food is made by the chef and his team, right down to the wafer baskets the ice cream comes in. The food is of a high standard and tastes amazing. I can reccommend the salmon, oh and the creme brulee. Due to the service provided at Dusters the food is quite expensive compared to other places in Salcombe but it is definetly money worth spending and you get what you pay for here. Despite all dishes being made to order the service is good and the wait for food is minimal. Plus you get a free appetizer!! During high season Dusers puts on a Jazz night on a sundays every fortnight. There are also the occasional Jazz nights on a Thursday. These are really good evening and the bistro takes on a great atmosphere. Both these nights are always popular and it is worth booking in adavance. Actually in high season it is worth booking a table on any night as Dusters quickly becomes fully booked. The staff are very friendly and attentive. Dusters I reckon serves the best food in Salcombe. So make sure you check it out and dont forget to book your table....

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Gazebo

26 Oct 07, 23:51

lovelyness in shop form

This is maybe the most beautiful shop I have ever been in, its just so pretty and perfect. If you love shabby chic this is the shop for you. It sells a wide range of Cath Kidston goods, including kitchenware. Perhaps more importantly, is that it is one of the few stockists of Greengate in the U.K. They carry a good selection from crockery to bedspreads. As well as this they sell beautiful cards, wrapping papers. mugs and childrens wear. The staff are really friendly and helpful. I always end up spending too much money here as its just so lovely. It is one of the few shops in the area that sell such good things. I often come to Totnes just to go here and it is a excellent place to look for presents for people. A real must if you re in the area, i always leave feeling inspired...

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Miso Noodle Bar

26 Oct 07, 22:44

Good prices...huge portions

Miso noodle bar is a great place to go if you re looking for good food at a great price. You can get a starter, main meal and drink for about a tenner. With these prices you may think that the quality of the food may not be up to standard, but it is. It is all authentically made and there is a good choice on the menu. The staff are friendly and very attentive. Miso also offers a takeaway and home delivery service.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Shakeaway

26 Oct 07, 22:37

Milkshake Madness

Shakeaway is amazing. Here you can have milkshakes made from all sorts of flavours. The menu is extensive, shelves of sweets and cakes line the walls. You can have a Jamaican ginger cake milkshake, or a jelly tots milkshake or if you wanted you can have the two combined. If you re not sure what to have there are helpful suggestions and others that sound less desirable. As well as this they do toppings - maple syrup, cream, malt etc. Prices are quite good, plus they do a loyalty card like most coffee houses do. They also offer a student discount. It can get quite busy and hectic with so many shakes being made at once, so expect to queue. However, if you choose a good combination of flavours, i can assure you it ll be worth the wait.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Old Fire House

23 Oct 07, 23:46

The Firehouse

This is a lovely place to spend an evening. It has quite a rustic feel to it, maybe because theres a lot of candle light and the building is quite old. Theres a nice outside area which is great in the Summer. Inside, theres a bar on the groundfloor with friendly staff. Drinks are reasonablly priced. Upstairs there are different areas, there are plenty of tables and chairs as well as big comfy sofas. It has a nice relaxed atmosphere even though it can get quite busy. An enjoyable place to drink a bottle of wine...or two...

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Double Locks

23 Oct 07, 20:41

lovely place and location

The Double Locks pub is situated right next to the banks of the River Exe and is a awesome place to spend a summers afternoon. Its a bit out of the way, but you can either enjoy a pleasant walk from the quay along the river to Double Locks, or as I did hire a canoe and row there (or if you re feeling lazy its accesible via car). The pub is small and quaint and sells a really good selction of locally brewed ales and ciders. So if you know your stuff then its a good choice, or if you dont the staff are happy to reccommend you something. They also serve hot food, which is reasonably priced and of a good standard. There is a decking area outside with plenty of tables and chairs that couldnt be closer to the river. Theres also a large open space and an area for children to play on swings and climbing frames. This is such a nice pub and an ideal place to bring the whole family

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Real McCoy Cafe

23 Oct 07, 20:31

a hidden gem...

The Real Mcoy is situated in a strange little arcade away from the main of the high street, but its worth a walk down the hill. You walk into the "arcade" and you see the old school fronting of the shop with its tables and chairs outside. Thats right the real mcoy isnt just a super cool vintage store but also a place where you can hang out and get a drink and a bite to eat. Its a nice environment to be because its so unique, and as its in a covered area its a good place to be when the weather isnt so good. The food is alright but that isnt the main reason for coming here...its all about the clothes. The downstairs has a good range of men and womens vintage. Prepared to rummage as there are things hidden all over the place. There old shop drawers which are full of all sorts such as scarves, belts and braces. There is a section full of more delicate and special vintage pieces. Prices are quite reasonable, especially as there are no places like this in Exeter or the surrounding areas, as far as I know. Upstairs has more typical vintage items, such as leather jackets. They also stock fancy dress gear, which is pretty good. Then on the balcony there are just rails of all sorts of clothes some more desirable than others. As you can see the Real Mcoy has a lot to offer and its true to its name.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Smiths Of Smithfield

17 Oct 07, 23:23

great atmosphere...

I went here with a friend after work, we only went to the bar but it was really good. The place is definetly buzzing and full of "suits". It is trendy but not so much that you feel out of place. It has a cool industrial feel to it with lots of metal, large wooden tables and a train station style board. It is quite loud with lots going on (great for a bit of people watching) but I think this adds to the feel of the place.

I thought the drinks were quite reasonably priced for the area and I didnt have to wait too long to be served. I thought it was a lovely place and has lots to offer throughout the day. I would very much like to go back to sample the other floors and food, and from the looks of the reviews on here I wont be dissapointed.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Starz

17 Oct 07, 23:06

Star treatment...

This is a great place to go for an evening out. There are 2 parts to Starz, you can either go to the restaurant upstairs or, my preferred choice is the cocktail bar downstairs. Both areas are good, the food upstairs is American style and is very tasty. The decor is really cool and relaxed, with dining tables and chairs, as well as a big comfy sofas. The restaurant area seems popular for big parties, many of my friends have been on work do's etc here and have really enjoyed it. However, the best part is the cocktail bar. It is really chilled out and plush. There are sectioned off booths with expensive drapes and leather sofas. The cocktails are amazing, I strongly recommend The Grasshopper. What I really like about it is that you dont have to queue at the bar, but staff will come and take your orders at your table. The drinks are quite expensive with a cocktail costing about £5, but with such a great setting and service its really worth it.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Cavern

17 Oct 07, 22:25

Good music, good venue

The Cavern is a good place to go if you are in to alternative music, it's not like "Arena" or "Mambos" of Exeter. It is a little underground venue, that does various different nights throughout the week. They have pretty good bands play each month, such acts have included Jamie T and The Rumble Strips. Saturdays are the best night in my opinion, especially when they do Indie night. Expect to get there early as it can get really busy. Doors open at 8.30, usually there will be a band to start the night of then a dj to see the rest of the night through. The Cavern has a nice atmosphere and theres areas to sit down and chat aswell. Drinks are cheap, for example, on a saturday a double vodka and coke costs just £2. The Cavern is also open during the day and serves lunches and coffee, though it is usually full of little scenester college kids who can't get in on evenings because they're underage. The Cavern is my favourite night out in Exeter, I always end up having a good time there; so I suggest you check it out...

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Dinosaur Cafe

17 Oct 07, 21:59

Traditional Food

The Dinosaur Cafe is probably quite over looked in Exeter, due to its location away from the high street and because of its somewhat strange name. It might look a bit like a greasy spoon on the outside but its actually a cafe which serves traditional greek and mediterranean dishes. The atmosphere is really good, the owners are friendly and welcoming. All the dishes are home made by them and certain dishes are served on certain days to ensure you are getting fresh food. Theres lots to choose from and a salad/tapas bar up front where you can take your pick. Prices are very reasonable as the portions are generous. I would definetly recommend the dinosaur cafe.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Tatty Devine

13 Oct 07, 00:27

Devine to say the least

Right at the end of Brick Lane is the Tatty Devine store and it is well worth the walk. Here they showcase past and present collections as well as other pieces by their designer friends such as Chicks on Speed.

What is extra special about this store is that you can see the inner workings of Tatty Devine as behind the counter is their workshop. Containers full of brightly coloured perspex and other materials line the walls. This is a really friendly store and well worth a visit.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Artesian Well

12 Oct 07, 23:54

somewhere a bit different

The Artesian Well is quite deceptive, it looks small on the outside but walk in and you find that there is whole lot more going on. The decor is really un-usual and interesting, with wall paintings, stained glass windows, extravagant sculptures and lighting.

There is plenty of seating on the ground floor if you're looking to chat, though this may well prove to be difficult as the music is quite loud. The first floor contains a dance floor and bar and was packed to the rafters on the saturday night I went. The second floor holds another dance floor. There is a mixed range of music and depending on your taste you can probably find something you like.

It cost £5 for entry to all floors which isnt bad, though the drinks were a bit pricey. Queue for entry was short, which is always a plus. I enjoyed the Artesian Well, it has a good vibe and is somewhere a bit different to spend a Saturday night

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of Boston Tea Party

12 Oct 07, 23:11

The original and the best

In my first year as a student at Exeter there were very few places to go and get a coffee and relax, though over the last two years the high street has been populated with all the usual coffee houses; despite the now wide choice I always find myself going back to Boston Tea Party. This is because it is the original and the best. Bostons is relaxed and comfortable with an impressive converted first floor hall which is full of old sofas and chairs as well as large dining tables. The food and drink on offer is good and made with local produce; it is slightly more expensive than some places but this can be forgiven due to the good service and the fact that they are offering something a bit different from all their competitors on the high street. Bostons does have quite a studenty vibe but this shouldn't put you off as its a lovely place to spend a lazy afternoon.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.