Paul H.

Review of Sunglass Time

30 May 08, 13:53

oh please

All I wanted was a pair of sun glasses to go on holiday with. I didnt expect the spanish inquisition. One pair, just one ... the sales assistant had the whole shop on my head before I could even look in a mirror. Nice lady, but boy is she keen to please.

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Review of United Colors Of Benetton

30 May 08, 13:36

what IS the attraction

Sorry but I can not see the attraction of Benetton. I have never ever bought anything from this branch or any other to be honest. I always look, but end up leaving bemused and wondering if I had missed something.

This shop has a really nice floor area but I never see anyone buying. It sort of rambles on from one rail to another, but never anything in it that appeals.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Monsoon

30 May 08, 12:46

Monsoon

Hey how much do you guys earn??? Even at the factory warehouse reduced prices, its still damn expensive in here.

Monsoon, renowned for being pricey at the best of times, at least this one is cheaper, even if it is last seasons stock.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Merlins Amusements

29 May 08, 19:27

what Dave L

must be a while since u been here Dave L.

Its dirty, the carpets are worn and the machines are out dated.

This place needs lots of love and care - but I suppose with the Butlins crowd, they really dont care as long as the moneys flooding in.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Mcdanas Takeaway

29 May 08, 19:13

the name gives it away

supposed to be a good play on words but fails miserably.

bland food, badly cooked .

Burgers are tasteless - apart from the bitter tasting raw onions.

Chips are usually crispy on the outside , but hollow (where does the potato go?)

Fish is greasy and the batter is the wrong side of golden.

Avoid

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Carousel Gifts

29 May 08, 18:56

someone burn it please

hell fire, if anyone ever bought me a gift from this place, i'd know they really didnt like me.

Pull of plastic souvenirs and plaster of paris ornaments.

Stunningly aweful ... and not even in a good way.

Probably time to bin the fade post cards too

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Odeon Cinema

17 May 08, 21:25

no big shake

so it has 5 screens, big deal my locla independant cinema inBarnstaple has 5 two. The thing is in Extere you would expect choice, but no, this cinema was showing the same movies the night we were in town as back at home. Also, why are cinema prices for sweeties so extortionate. Disappointed at my visit, thought there would be a better choice of films.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Barnstaple Office Club

17 May 08, 20:23

Rambling

loads of office furniture in here and Im sure if you rummage long enough you will find something. Always looks like a jumble sale to me, but i did find a great swivle chair for my home office.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Movie Mix

17 May 08, 17:30

never in

Im all for small business but locally owned video shops are never up to scratch because they cant afford to invest in stock. if ur a video shop, you need more than 2 copies of the latest release. I can NEVER get what i want in here, its always already out - they only have in the stuff u saw at the cinema already or the stuff u tried to hire form tehn 6 months earlier

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Barnums Party Shop

17 May 08, 16:11

hmmm

sorry i didnt get the joke .. It wasnt funny that the woman is so miserable. The lack of stock is just a laugh. Infact there was nothing of interest in here that I couldnt get from any card shop in the country .. laughable.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Ashore Jewellers

17 May 08, 15:23

Misleading

i heard an advert saying this was a premier jewellers ... its not. Its a gift shop ( all be it a very GOOD gift shop ) that also dabbles in a small bit of jewellry. Sorry to be negative. The jewellery IS good and unusual. BUT its not a jewellery shop ( how the hell do u spell jewellery anyway)

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Stallones Night Clubs

17 May 08, 14:25

a dive but fun

yeah so its a place full of teens (normally) but hell, at least they know how to enjoy themselves. The music is a bit hit and miss, either clubby techno hip hot rave dance garage, or cheeeeeezzzy. so doesnt really have an identity music wise. Well worth taking advantage of the cheap booze early on, then moving on to some where else.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Three Cooks

14 May 08, 13:41

Boil in the bag

Three Cooks are a national company. Their "boil in the bag" approach to baking leaves a lot to be desired. The stuff all comes part cooked in boxes and the "bakers" throw the bread, pies and cakes into a pre heated oven and 20 mins later out comes the goods. I want a sausage in my sausage roll, not a line of sausage paste!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Trago Mills

11 May 08, 22:40

why the hype

cheap and tacky. supposed to be discount outlet but not really. They buy it cheap sell it cheep. They buy cheap un branded good, sell cheap unbranded goods . The staff havent a clue what stock they have and dont care. The shop itself is one big Jumble Sale. Its a shop that sells Cheap quality goods, not a shop that sells nice things cheap.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Room

11 May 08, 22:30

old fashioned

I find it hard to believe people still buy clumpy dark wood furniture. Sort of stuff you find in old stately homes, big chunky, cumbersome. Beds. Chest of drawers, cabinets, cd racks, all big, all chunky. Indian if im not mistaken. I guess they survive because of the nick nacks they sell, vases candles room fresheners etc. Im sure the wood stock has been there since it opened 7 years ago. that, or they bought a lot of the same stock

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Cotton Traders

11 May 08, 22:14

serve me please

Great selection of clothing , more up market than most of the clothes shops which is good if u want a good quality t or polo shirt. I just wish the staff would get their act together tho. The art of multi tasking has escaped the staff completely. one customer 2 staff ... even if someone is waiting to be served.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of E & R Cawthorne

11 May 08, 19:53

totally disagree

I knew some one who worked in here for a short time. I asked why the staff were so grumpy. Apparently it comes from the top of the chain ... the woman who owns if is grumpy and that filters down to the shop floor. Shame really cos the shop itself is really lovely, well stocked, clean and always busy

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Vision On Video Hire

11 May 08, 19:19

Sorry but ..

I hate to dis local shops but this really isnt up to scratch. The few times I tried to use this shop, I was very disappointed. They had a really poor selection of movies. They few that I did want to hire - the more current ones - were already out on load and the guy couldnt tell me when they would be back in. I ended up travelling into Barnstaple and going to Block Busters. i dont think this shop will be around much longer , if indeed it still is!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Bideford Brides

08 May 08, 13:58

in Northam

All was well with this place untill my cousins wedding was called off a few months b4 the day. The dress was still in the design stage so no material had been cut. They were very unfriendly and insisted the full price of the dress was paid. The good thing was that 6 months later a new date was set and they could then go ahead with the dress that had already been paid for. They were only interested in the money - but the dress WAS fabulous.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Blackwell's Pasties

02 May 08, 11:51

Better in the area

Sorry but I really did not like the pasty i bought from here. It was all pastry and hardly any filling. Really not nice. The other problem here is parking, the shop is just off a severe bend and up hill with only very limited parking outside. Thought the food was a bit "mass produced".

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Woolworths

30 Apr 08, 13:45

the forgotten branch

The branch of Woolworth that time forgot. Still the same interior from the 70s, still cramped, badly set out but still the only shop of its kind on the high street. Still doing the dvds and the music department. The only place in bideford to buy current music and video.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Chocolate Box

30 Apr 08, 13:37

Childhood memories

Sadly this once triving emporium of tooth decay is now flagging. I have great memories of this shop from when I was young, being stacked from floor to ceiling with jars of sweets and a counter full of fudge. Sadly, the shelves are barron these days, with just a few jars of old favourites . The once jam packed fudge counter now only boasts a few basic flavours on its enpty shelves. RIP old friend.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Clinton Cards

30 Apr 08, 13:17

Cashing In

The only saving grace with this branch of this national chain, is the staff. They are always having a laugh and actually seem to care about their customers. How can anyone justify a card at £4,99. I have worked in retail and know profit margins .. thats one hell of a profit. Best to think ahead and get the "special" cards (halloween, christmas, easter etc) once they have been reduced the next day .. then save them for next year.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Morrisons

30 Apr 08, 12:56

Morrisons but where is it?

I was really pleased that this brand was now in North devon. What a bloody mess tho. The prices are good as with all Morrisons but PLEASE get the lay out sorted. Why would you have a row of canned food, right next to dry dog food, then Christmas decorations? Then in the next isle, more pet food and canned items?? Its just a mess and i found myself doubling back on myself several times as the store is not logically set out.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Goodliving Booksellers

30 Apr 08, 12:39

cheapo book shop

I agree the staff could be more friendly, but you must admit the prices are very cheap. a bit like a book jumble sale with stacks of discounted, cut price books that were once best sellers, but now just book shelf fillers. I managed to by the George Michael biog for 99p - well it has been about 5 years since it was released.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of DJ Jude

30 Apr 08, 12:14

is new years eve a good showcase?

Have only seen this DJ perform once and I wasnt impressed. Huge crowd of people on New Years Eve waiting to be entertained and she fell well short. Totally the wrong music for a "party" crowd and unprofessional with the language bearing in mind there were kids at the event too.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Wimpy

30 Apr 08, 10:58

Expected Better

Sadly Wimpey restaurants seem to be dieing out. Theres now only two in North Devon. Unfortunately this branch is a shadow of its sister branch in Barnstaple. It sort of refects the general lack lustre of Bideford as a whole. It looks dirty and the tables have that "tacky" feel to them. The food is great, as you would expect from a burger chain, BUT the place needs updating.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of First In Last Out

30 Apr 08, 10:21

Oh please

If your idea of a great night out involves a sticky carpet and smelly toilets, this is the place for you. From the outside it looks tacky and on the inside, the outside doesnt disappoint. Ive only been there once and that was enough - the wedding reception from hell - oven ready voul-e-vents and puff pastry sausage rolls .. classy.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Boots The Chemists

29 Apr 08, 13:45

Hmmm ??

This branch of boots seems to be different to all the others in the area .. for some reason they do not do the boots saver card sceme. i was a bit miffed that I bought goods there and then had my card refused ... i though all boots did the points ....

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Ottakar's

29 Apr 08, 13:40

Big Change

Ok well, this used to be Ottakars a privately owned book shop. Recently taken over by the Giant Waterstones. Has changed from good local personal service book shop to being just another "knock em out cheap " national book shop. Really has lost the personal unique touch.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Boots The Chemists

29 Apr 08, 13:38

OK but basic

Great that theres a branch of Boots right next to Sainsbury, but why would you go there now when Sainsbury has its own pharmacy in the new building? I hate to say it buy this boots isnt very well stocked and next door has just as good ( if not better) selection.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Living Coasts

28 Apr 08, 11:47

but good

For some reason I thought this was going to be an all day adventure. The TV adverts make it seem bigger than it is. The parking was a nightmare the day we went with half the carpark closed because of building work. Once inside, we found it all a bit small and cramped. Great to see the animals and birds but the clever advertising made it seem huge and it really isnt. The cafe is expensive too. Luckily the theatre was open down the road so we were able to go see Joe Pasquale once our 45 mins in the place was over.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Officers Club

24 Apr 08, 12:54

Watch the sizes

I am always drawn into this shop by the offers in the window. the only problem i have with this shop is the sizes. The largest size they do in clothes is XL, which in all other shops is ample for me. Unfortunately their XL is like L in other high street shops. I have many items at home that are just too small to wear .. I guess thats where ebay comes in. lol Great styles, great value discount clothes, but watch the sizes

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Corn Dolly Tea Shop

24 Apr 08, 11:32

pull ur sox up .. put ur prices down!

I used to love this quaint cafe. doylies, frilly napkins etc etc a real olde world tea shop where you could take ur mum for a sunday pot (YES POT) of tea. Unfortunately I think they're relying on their reputation too much these days. The waitresses are quite gloomy - perhaps 16 year old kids are not the right people to employ? As for the food, over generous portions, too much to eat, but i suppose thats how they justify the very high prices. 3 of us spent £37 on 3 sandwiches, 3 drinks and 3 pieces of cake. Sorry Corn Dolly, you need to pull ur socks up, and put your prices down

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Wayfarer Inn

24 Apr 08, 10:50

Is this place ever open?

I have often found myself in Instow and have often seen this place on the seafront and often wanted to go in ... but I can never find it open. Perhaps Im just going at the wrong times. A real shame cos the menu looks stunning. fresh locally caught fish!! Oh well I'll keep trying.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Draper's Discounts

22 Apr 08, 14:11

sad and flat

this once thriving family business is a shadow of its former self. once renowned for quailty, over theyears its followed the cheap and tacky route and to be honest is just a cheap jack shop. avoid

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Spar Stores

22 Apr 08, 13:42

stay away and go somewhere else

The staff are soo rude in this place. its a basic Spar so u know what to expect, but you dont expect rude. what else can you say? I guess with a new Tesco and Co-op openning, it might spur the management to pull their sox up.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Pendle Stairway Cinema

22 Apr 08, 13:24

history

This place was the height of entertainment way back in the 40s and really, until it closed down mid 00s it hadnt changed in the slightest. Sadly it didnt keep up with changing expectations in the world of cinema goers and was run into the ground. but, from the ashes of the mighty Pendle Stairway has risen the might that is the Embassy.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Swiss Cottage Cafe

22 Apr 08, 12:57

NO !!

I used to mitch off school to go to this place way back in the 80s it was FAB. Sadly, it hasnt changed a bit, still dark, still dingey and still in need of a facelift. recently went there with the kids mid week 2pm only to be told " we dont do food after 2" - WAKE UP .. this is 2008 for god sake. I bet they close half days on a wednesday too. AVOID.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Tarka Inn

22 Apr 08, 12:10

Why change the name

This used to be Heanton Court but it changed to the Tarka Inn. Before the name change it was a pleasant place to visit with good food and friendly staff. Now its not. The food was basic .. almost boil in the bag (sorry) and we had to wait an age for it. Kids got bored, but luckily it was a sunny sunday so they were able to play outside till the food eventually arrived.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Hunters Inn

22 Apr 08, 11:52

Hit n Miss

This place really does take some finding. And to be honest, they really do have a captive audience. Unfortunately, the meals tend to be bland and uninteresting and over priced. But thats what you get when there's no where else to go! At least the Peacocks are nice to look at!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Funky Diva's

11 Apr 08, 20:20

Not for the kids

I must confess I was more than a little shocked at some of the "items" in this shop especially as it is aimed at young girls. Some of the items would not be out of place in a more adult shop!! I am certainly not a prude, but found myself a bit nervous when I spotted a Vibrating Carrot and glow in the dark condoms.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Londis

11 Apr 08, 20:03

you decide

ok so theres a choice of 2 convenience stores in this small village LONDIS or COSTCUTTERS - the latter holds the Post Office. They are pretty much of a muchness. Londis is under new management and in chaos, Costcutter staff are at best grumpy at worst down right rude. Might be worth jumping in the car and driving into Barnstaple to get ur shopping - I do!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Bar

11 Apr 08, 18:54

lifeless

once a thriving local pub with character and atmosphere, this has become an empty lifeless sterile place to have something to eat. its shiny and new, but has no soul. the food is average, the staff are average, the beer is average.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Bar

11 Apr 08, 18:52

from a pub ... to a sterile lifeless shell

once upon a time this used to be a cramped local pub with "old John" supping his real ale in the corner, beguileing us with tales of yore. It was always packed, always lively and always THE place to gofor a good old pig out. One day it closed. A few months later it opened ... all shiny, all silver, all COLD and no atmosphere. In one stroke, they managed to kill a unique village pub. The food is still ok, probably a bit fancy and a bit pricey for the locals now, but ideal for those trendy once a year city folk who descend on the village ....

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Chequers Estate Agents

11 Apr 08, 18:34

never got back to me

when we were despirate to move from Lynton to the BArnstaple area, this estate agent was the only one we had to push to send us house details ... and we wanted to buy! Although on the phone they took all our details, we never once received house details of the properties we were interested in. In the end we went with another local company

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Clarks Shop

11 Apr 08, 17:58

down hill

the staff are lovely, but the quality of the shoes has fallen drastically. once a world class brand with a local factory, Clarkes moved production from Barnstaple to somewhere abroad where labour is cheap. Still great for very young kids and toddlers, but still very expensive even with cheap labour

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of 4 2 Sixty Six

11 Apr 08, 17:07

Whats Happening

This is a great shop. An amazing collection of wierd and wonderful gifts that you geniunely wont find anywhere else. BUT whats happening to it ... it closed down a while back, only to re open a few months later. Last week i see its got closing down signs up again. ... so, not worth seeking out incase it has gone, but if ur in Boutport Street may as well have a look to see if they are still trading

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of H Samuel Jewellers

11 Apr 08, 16:47

Ratners under another name?

Hang on , remember what Gerald Ratner said about his jewellry? Well didnt Samuels just buy out Ratners and change the name? Nuff said. Cheap. Mass produced. The sort of jewellry you buy when you dont want to spend much cash, but you want someone to think you care.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Royal Exchange

11 Apr 08, 13:48

no

once upon a time pubs were dark and smokey .. surprisingly even after the smoking ban, this pub still IS dark and smokey ... always packed and full of locals, always dark and despirately in need of some new decor. A splash of pain would clear the smoke stained walls

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Kwik-Fit

11 Apr 08, 13:42

Something extra

thing is a tyre shop is a tyre shop so take ur pick. what sways a person to one or the other is the attitude of the staff. well this place doesnt appear to employ anyone who actually has an interest in customer service. Sorry Im sure some of the guys are are great, but on the few times Ive visited , i didnt meet any!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Co Op

10 Apr 08, 15:02

you'd expect ..

one would expect a Co -Op to be a Co-Op, but I try and avoid this place. I dont like writing bad reviews, but I can find nothing to praise the staff about. They are generally grumpy, unhelpful and look at you as if you're about to ron the till. Sorry, but I can not reccommend this shop. Two stars is generous.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Lynton Sheepskin Shop

10 Apr 08, 13:44

There are better

This place is a shaddow of its former self. Once a thriving business making a vast array of Laether and sheepskin goods on the premesis. Sadly, chances are you wont find anything worth while to buy, which is a real shame.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Holiday Shop

10 Apr 08, 13:27

What happened??

Last time I visited this place is was an emorium of imported wood stuff, tables, chairs, patio sets, huge wood carvings etc etc. Sadly these days its just beachside junk - coconut birdfeeders and tacky beach mats. I guess they're catering for the masses these days.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Greenhouse

10 Apr 08, 12:47

Looks Good

Looks like a nice place, but found the menu limited. The staff didnt know what was on or off of the menu.The restaurant was cold and unwelcomimg - sadly the calor gas heater couldnt cope with the vast area of the place.Maybe its change since i last visited which was a couple of years ago

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