Gregory's reviews
Review of Schuh
03 May 08, 13:50
Reasonable prices 
Prices here are fairly reasonable. I was in here on a Saturday and I was served quite quickly (although another man in the shop was getting very grumpy with the lack of attention). Got a decent pair of boots, job done.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Morrisons Petrol Station
20 Apr 08, 10:34
Used to be Safeway
This petrol station off the old Basingstoke Road is pretty cheap and normally easy to get into, I'm not a fan of Morrisons the supermarket but the petrol station's fine.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of BP
20 Apr 08, 10:32
By the Mitsubishi dealer
Easy enough to get into and get out of, not cheap but BP do Nectar Points so that's a bonus. This is the nearest petrol station to Sainsburys.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Petropolis Wokingham
20 Apr 08, 10:29
By Tesco
This is the petrol station just before you get to the railway bridge as you're heading south out of Wokingham, it's normally not too crowded, possibly because it's fairly expensive. Staff are OK but should wash more.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Carphone Warehouse
19 Apr 08, 19:49
If you need it quickly and you're nearby
This branch of the Carphone Warehouse probably isn't going to give you the cheapest prices you could get if you shopped around on the high street and the internet, and it might take you ages to get served. But sometimes you just need a mobile phone shop in a hurry, and if you're near this one, it'll do the trick.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Halfords
19 Apr 08, 19:45
As you'd expect
This is the Halfords near Focus, it's fine, always space to park, they're friendly if you're up in the bike section where things can get a bit complicated or you might need extra help, and the prices are fair.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of FOCUS DIY
19 Apr 08, 19:43
They've probably got it here
It's pretty impossible to find things in here (or is it just me?) but it's probably in here somewhere. Particularly good value for garden stuff, including lawnmowers etc.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Comet
19 Apr 08, 14:06
Fine as far as it goes
There's a better Comet out on the Brunel Retail Park off the A33 (near the football stadium) but this city centre one is OK too. The service is just about good enough and they have a reasonable range of stuff. They've stopped doing that thing where they try to bully you into taking out an extended warranty (I walked out of one branch of Comets once because of that) so that's an improvement.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Toys 'R' Us
19 Apr 08, 14:01
Good but feels a bit out of date
Everything on this particular shopping park feels a bit down-at-heel, it must have been very up to date when it was opened but now it feels as if it needs a good makeover. Despite this, this branch of Toys R Us is fine, with the normal great range of goods, making up for the fact that there are rarely any staff around when you need them.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Toys 'R' Us
19 Apr 08, 12:16
It's OK
You won't get a great deal of help here if you're looking for something specific, but it never gets too busy, and the huge range of toys makes up for the lack of brilliant service.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Woolworths
19 Apr 08, 11:56
Has all the latest games
My son bought a Pokemon game at this branch of Woolworths, it was easy to find thanks to the signs outside, and it was a reasonable price with a two-for-one offer. It's one of his favourite shops.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Disney Store
19 Apr 08, 09:55
Pricey
I'd give this more stars, if it wasn't all so expensive. You've got to hand it to Disney, the store is beautifully laid out, it really is a fun place to go, but you can't head into it with children unless you're going to be prepared to spend money - and boy once you start, the money goes so quickly. Still, I guess people are prepared to pay those prices, so it must be worth it.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Sports World
19 Apr 08, 09:51
Good enough
This place is a bit cavernous and the staff are not always that polite, but all you need from a shop like this really is good prices and a decent range, and Sports World has definitely got those. You can't miss it in the Oracle.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of House Of Fraser
19 Apr 08, 09:42
Good on the ground floor
The sections for kitchen things, and towels etc for the home, are both good, well laid-out and spacious with a good range, but the rest of the store isn't as impressive. Worth popping into if you're looking for something specific.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Bull
14 Apr 08, 14:31
A reasonable pub experience
They've just completely refurbished this ancient old pub and they've made a good job of it, but when I went there it was still lacking in character (although that might have been just settling back in after the refurb). Food looked fine although I was only there for a drink.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Oxford Arms
14 Apr 08, 14:13
A regular pub in a classy spot
I've always liked the Oxford Arms - it's never going to win awards as the most amazing pub in London but it's friendly and the service is good. If you just want a down-to-earth pub in Camden, this is the one for you.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Cherrys Halfway Chemist
14 Apr 08, 11:00
Reliable local pharmacy
This chemist has been in the Halfway shops for many years whilst all the shops around it have come and gone - if you need a reliable local chemist in the area, Cherrys will do the trick.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of W H Smith
14 Apr 08, 10:21
Reliable old Smiths
It's been around in the High Street in Walton for years and years, and despite the Hart development over the road it's still good for all the usual stationery, books and sweets.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Old Farm Inn
12 Apr 08, 11:07
Good service
This is a particularly nice pub in the summer when you can sit out in the garden. It's got good beer and the service is fine. One of the nicer pubs in the area.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Big Apple
12 Apr 08, 10:48
Good bowling experience
Big Apple is in the place where years ago there used to be a Mexican restaurant - near to the swimming pool and Burger King.
It's a good bowling place, the service is good and if there's a problem with one of the lanes getting jammed, they'll help you quickly.
It's not that cheap, though, and it gets busy with birthday parties at the weekend.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Costa
12 Apr 08, 10:23
Central Bournemouth cafe
This is a good, standard Costa with quick service and their normal range of snacks and pastries, it doesn't get too busy so you'll probably find a table at most times of the day.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Trouville Hotel
11 Apr 08, 22:02
Fine and reasonably priced
This is run by the same company as the Tralee down the road, it's a well-run hotel with good staff and reasonably priced, a decent place to stay if you need a hotel in Bournemouth.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Bournemouth Marriott Highcliff Hotel
11 Apr 08, 21:59
Good traditional service
This is the main hotel they use when the party conferences come to Bournemouth, and if you like your hotels big, old-fashioned and luxurious, this is a good place to come. It'll cost a fortune, though!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Southcote News
11 Apr 08, 21:05
A regular newsagents and corner shop
If you're just popping in for something you've run out of, or you need a paper or some chewing gum, this place (by the radio station) is fine.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Zizzi
11 Apr 08, 21:02
A decent place
We were waiting at the door for what seemed like ages before someone came to find us a table, and the whole thing feels a bit like a chain, which of course it is, but if you need feeding and you're nearby, this place is as good as any.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Halfords
11 Apr 08, 20:48
It's a Halfords. It's fine.
A big store, plenty of parking, not too busy and open till late. If you're in the area, and you need a Halfords, well here it is.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Red Oak Stores
11 Apr 08, 20:40
Good for sweets for the kids
This place is fine, nothing special but with a good range of sweets. It's the one next to the fish and chip shop at the California Crossroads.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Flying Fox
10 Apr 08, 18:20
Convenient
Handy to get to from the A5, this is a big pub where you're sure to get quick service, and the food's reasonably priced. Good for an office lunch out as well.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Brazen Head
10 Apr 08, 17:47
Nicer than it used to be
The Brazen got re-fitted a little while ago and it's a lot brighter in there than it used to be, the staff work hard to keep it cheerful and although it's never going to be the best pub in the area, if it's convenient to where you are, you can do a lot worse.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Mulberry Bush
10 Apr 08, 17:45
As good as it gets round here
The bar staff sometimes get a hard time from the locals and it's not got much character, but the Mulberry Bush is OK if you just want a quick drink.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Pour House
10 Apr 08, 14:43
Nice atmosphere but pricey
Good place to come for Sunday brunch, space to spread out the papers and tuck into a nice omlette and toast without getting hassled. Friendly service. Quite expensive.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Chequers
10 Apr 08, 14:38
Good local pub
Just down a bit from the cricket ground, this doubles up as a good pub with plenty of little corners to hide away, and also a restaurant in a separate area which is very good value.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Dillons Newsagents
10 Apr 08, 14:34
They deliver
This place is the local newsagent for large parts of Lower Earley, they deliver for fairly good rates, and inside they've got a good range of sweets, cards, magazines and newspapers.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Cooper Dean Arms Harvester
10 Apr 08, 14:29
Cheap and convenient
It's a good place to drop into if you need feeding in a rush, they'll look after you in there and the food's OK. It's not the best around, but it does the job.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of McDonald's Restaurants
10 Apr 08, 14:23
Just another branch of the Golden Arches
It's a drive-through McDonald's so handy if you're in a rush to grab something for the kids on the way home. Fairly new, clean and tidy.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Sung Lee
10 Apr 08, 14:21
Quick and easy
Chinese, fish and chips, whatever you need for an easy takeaway evening in, these guys will do it quickly, and the food will be good.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Cafe Rouge
10 Apr 08, 13:47
Reliable
This is a good, standard Cafe Rouge with friendly staff and their normal decent range of food and drink on the menu. On Milsom Street just up the hill from Waterstones.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Ship Inn
10 Apr 08, 10:23
An old favourite
Don't know how long the Ship has been in Wokingham but it gives the impression that it's been there forever. It's one of the busiest pubs in town and is well worth a visit if you've never been before.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Ye Olde Leathern Bottel
10 Apr 08, 10:22
Full of corners
If you want a pub where every corner of the place has a different feel and there are plenty of different places to hide away with your mates, this could be the one for you. Easy to park and not hard to find between Barkham and Wokingham.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Two Poplars
10 Apr 08, 10:21
Much improved
If you remember the Two Pops from years ago as being a bit down-at-heel, it's worth trying it again, it's been refurbished and is a much nicer place now, including big TV for sports if you want somewhere to watch the football.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of The Bull
10 Apr 08, 10:18
Nice atmosphere
There are two pubs called The Bull in the area, and they're both good. This is the one on the road to Wokingham from Arborfield. Friendly service and although I haven't tried the food, it always looks nice when it's being brought out to tables.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Queens Oak
10 Apr 08, 10:16
A good English pub
This is one of many pubs that claims to be the oldest one in England. Up by Finchampstead church, it's a good old-fashioned pub with reliable food and a nice atmosphere inside.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Harry Ramsden's Fish & Chips
10 Apr 08, 10:08
Good for the kids
I took the children here at Half Term and it's not cheap but it was perfect for them. Good views out over the beach and the sea and good service.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Coasters Restaurant
09 Apr 08, 16:37
Take a break from the beach
Coasters is nice and simple - somewhere to go for a bite to eat by the beach at Boscombe. It's cheap and warm, service is good and it's fine for the family if you've got little one's in tow.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.