Holly's reviews
Review of Amelia's Attic
12 Oct 07, 22:57
"Chelsea on Sea" at its best 
This is a truly beautiful boutique that makes you wish you had an attic that looked this good instead of one full of old christmas decorations and un-used items. Amelia's attic stocks all sorts of jewellery and trinkets from well known designers such as French Sole, to bags and purses that are hand-made in Salcombe. As well as clothes, shoes and accessories; Amelia's Attic also offers books, cards and toiletries from the likes of Cath Kidston. My only gripe with Amelia's Attic is the hard sell approach to customers. It is often "oh thats the last few left, we won't be going to Paris for weeks to get more". It can be a bit over the top and they very much know that they are playing to the "chelsea on sea" market. Prices can be inflated but having said that Amelia's Attic is the only shop like it (and that does it so well) in Salcombe and the surrounding area.
1 out of 1 person 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.
Review of The Arena
12 Oct 07, 23:25
What's that smell?? 
This is the question that most people ask when they enter Arena nightclub in Exeter and the answer is: vomit. Yes, no matter when you go, there always seems to be an unpleasant smell as you walk through the doors. Don't let this put you off however; if you re looking for somewhere to dance the night away then Arena is definetly a good place to start. It is quite a cheesy club and you may well need to take full advantage of the various drinks promotions they have on offer to get truly into the swing of things. This is a totally student dominated nightclub during the week with each night offering a different theme. The weekends tend to see a more local based party go-er. I do occasionally enjoy going to Arena, but in order to stomach the cringeworthy horror of hundreds of male students taking their tops off to the Baywatch theme tune at the end of the night I have to be pretty drunk. But if you like to pull shapes to such classics as the Baywatch theme tune and Night Fever by the Bee Gees then Arena might just be the place for you. On the other hand if you're after a more alternative music scene you might want to look else where.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Cath Kidston
12 Oct 07, 23:38
Floral Fantasy 
If you like all that is shabby chic then you may well think you have walked into shabby chic heaven when you enter the Cath Kidston store. It is so beautiful that you instanly wish that you had a house that needed decorating and a purse full of money. There is so much to choose from, be it that you're looking for a piece of fabric to cover an old chair to a shower cap. There is a very friendly atmosphere in store and you always leave feeling inspired and probably a little bit poorer.
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 Rokit
13 Oct 07, 00:08
over-priced vintage 
If you like vintage then you will like looking round this shop, however you might well stop and think "why I am paying such high prices"? There is definetly an extensive range of all styles of vintage clothing, but £15 for a belt seems a bit much. This store is in the centre of Covent Garden so can probably get away with charging above the odds, especially with vintage being so in vogue.
I'd definetly go here for some inspiration as the way the store is laid out is cool and always looks good, but it may well be worth seeing if you can find something similar in your local charity shop for a whole lot less money. I do see things I like but I cant bare to part with my hard earned cash when I know there are cheaper alternatives out there.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Beyond Retro
13 Oct 07, 00:14
A better vintage store
I do like vintage stores but often find them to be over priced. Beyond Retro is a bit different. It is one of the largest vintage shops in London, with bins full of scarfs and hats, rail upon rail of shirts and skirts. But it also has a section with some extra special items. These pieces are a bit rarer, older and in some cases designer. This is why Beyond Retro is somewhat better than the others. It is easier to part with your money when you know that you re getting something that you might not be able to find in every other vintage store.
1 out of 1 person 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 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 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.