Jennifer's reviews
Review of Polka
20 May 07, 23:03
Fancy wine bar 
Much of Soho's post-work drinking takes part in the multitude of really very good pubs, but Polka (formerly Jamie's) belongs firmly in the Fancy Wine Bar and Cocktails genre. Dark banquette seating, high stools, stylish lighting and surly-but-good-looking staff create an atmosphere of pseudo-sophistication for the heavy-drinking Friday night crowd. Though not extraordinary, it's a good spot for a weeknight tete-a-tete or a more civilised start to your evening than a pint of Samuel Smith's.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Nicolas
14 May 07, 10:56
Best cellar 
Most of us have a weakness. I have several, but my two favourite are men and wine. Imagine, then, my joy at finding the perfect marriage of the two in Nicolas, the wine merchants on Berwick street. Shelves of intelligently stocked produce (majoring on the French), selected by beautifully presented, intelligent men (also French): perfect. When on a mission to find a particularly obscure bottle for my father's birthday, both of the assistants were attentive, helpful and didn't laugh at my hideous French pronunciation. Plus they gift wrap.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Topshop
12 May 07, 17:48
Keep your hair on
My friend and I visited the Hot Hair concession @ Topshop yesterday with money burning a hole in our pocket. We needed wigs to wear to a fancy dress party. We had limited time and big spend potential. Unfortunately the person in charge of the Hot Hair concession was "on her break"? or indeed "might have gone home"? no one seemed sure. In her absence we were left with a bunch of lacklustre, over handled hair pieces, representing only a fraction of the range available. Not impressive. No other Topshop representative would assist us. In the end the girl finally appeared and was sulky but eventually helpful. And we spent a sinful amount on synthetic hair.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Stanfords Map and Travel Books
09 May 07, 14:31
Find yourself 
Lost? In need of some direction? Stanfords, just off Covent Garden, is a mecca for all things cartographical. Not only is there a huge selection of travel writing from around the world, but you can also purchase maps of virtually anywhere. Be inspired by the literature and the setting , there's an enormous map of the world table where you can plan your exploits. It's also a great spot to meet people and swap tales of your exploits , or to pick up a travel journal to ensure that when you're back home you've got plenty of anecdotes to come in and recount. Unparalleled for all things travel in London , plus they even sell some outward bound clothing and equipment.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Living
06 May 07, 09:29
Cheese-tastic
Living is my default setting if I'm ever in need of a drink- and dance-fuelled night out. Upstairs it's sticky, sweaty, busy and brilliant. The music is Eighties and Nineties Alt.cheese (an under-exploited genre) and the crowd is eclectic. Don't expect beautiful people, and don't go sober. Do go to Dance Like You Mean It. Entry is usually a fiver, but depending on the bouncer and how many pretty ladies there are in your party, this can be negotiated. It's open until 4am.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.