Karen's reviews
Review of Victoria Tea Rooms
25 May 08, 09:34
'tis a good un 
THis is a really old fashioned classy joint, which i have been in a couple of times. Only problem i found it was not in the town centre and was a walk up pilton street hill to get to it.. however if you can walk there or drive there its worth it
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Review of Green Lanes Cafe
23 May 08, 20:36
not the best 
Very over priced and small portions.. Possibly they feel that being in this location can command the higher prices but i won't go there any more as there are better places at better prices within 2 minutes walk
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Loafers
23 May 08, 20:30
Sandwhiches
As the other reviews say, this place does the biggest sandwhiches ever and they are lovely. Well priced and full of goodness and worth every penny.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Exult Fancy Dress Shops
23 May 08, 20:18
dress me up
pain of a place to get to in a car, but has been in this line of business for along time and stocks nearly verything you can think of, and i do love going in here, Beware the prices for hiring are steep!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Childrens Hospice Shop
23 May 08, 20:16
you have got to support this shop 
One the best causes in this area this shop is well stocked and well supported. If you don't want to buy from there please amke sure you donate your unwanted goods to them. Staff are LOVELY here
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Clarks Shop
23 May 08, 20:14
not a foot fan
I am sorry to say every time i have been in here, i seem to have to wait for ages and then have trouble getting the satff to measure the feet of my son. ( maybe his feet are too smelly!! ) It is a trusted brand but it is expensive and I do not like the service the store offers.. sorry!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Heathcoates Fabric Shops
23 May 08, 20:11
make your own
It does what it says in the name.. supplies fabric and bloomin lots of it in all colours styles and designs. The staff in here are great and even though it is round the corner, so to speak and a little hard to find, it's worth perservering if you need this sort of stuff
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Mortgage Shop
23 May 08, 20:08
The famous Joy 
This place has a good reputation and Joy is probably the reason why. It is a smallish office with a few staff but boy do you get the personal touch. They offer the same products as other mortgage shops, but with this plcae you get a great professional service which is worth everything
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Ridds
23 May 08, 19:19
pretty in pink
as the other reviewrs have said you get the personal touch in here which is what it is all about. Flowers are the same cost wise as the other places but the service here makes you want to return
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of JJB Sports
23 May 08, 19:14
so is it that bad??
Well no it's a big staore name that has the advantage of getting goods from other stores if they have sold out. I have store card which i will not use anymore as they charge you interest even if you pay it off the next month and the call centre is on Mars ! The store here itself is okay and the lady staff memebers are fine though some of the guys don't seem that interessted in you when you want something specific
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Sports World
23 May 08, 19:11
sport ...whoop whoop
Actually all jking asdie this is a great sports shop if you want to pick up a bargain.. T shirts for the summer and jogging bottoms are probably the cheapest here, though the shoe range is much on par with other sports shops as the big brands give the same discount to all!. I pick up loads of stuff here for all the family.. does that mean i dress like a CHAV?? possibly so!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Apex Sports
23 May 08, 17:53
one of the best
used to be a bigger chain of stores ( ok ...well 3 / 4 ) but they seem to have scaled down a bit, but this is by far the best one. It may not be the cheapest sports shop around but it is the one in this area that has the best stock of stuff and i spend alot of time and money in there kitting out my sporty son. Staff are lovely and really helpful
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Barnstaple Library
23 May 08, 17:39
books are not boring
Okay this is a typical library but it is modern and airy and the staff have always been quite helpful to me and my son when i want an obsequre book. Well worth going there.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Warren Bakeries Barnstaple
23 May 08, 17:21
rather tasy
This is a favourite shop of all the bakeries in town and they do stock areally good selection of savoury snacks. Staff are nice ehre and have been there a while so get to know the regulars, which is nice and personal
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Presto
23 May 08, 17:19
hey presto you may disappear
Set the other end of town from the main comp which is in their favour as they are quite pricey as one reviwer has said and even though cakes are cakes and they probably taste the same it does make a difference when this shop charges 50p or so more for thier goods
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Three Cooks
23 May 08, 17:15
great hunger stop
If you are shopping this is a place thats lures me in to kepp the family quiet with a quick fix of a sauage roll / sandwhich and chocolate cake! Great savoury stuff but better cakes in shops down the road
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of East & West
23 May 08, 17:12
yummy yummy
THis is one of the best bakery's in North Devon Let alone Barnstple! Garaham and his wife who run it work very hard and all the staff are great and the cakes etc. are all rather delicious.. if you are on a diet do not venture in here as you will be tempted to buy loads
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Superdrung
23 May 08, 09:25
Super who?
I wouldn't have said they were drung!!! This store does tend to rely on its name and everytime i go in here i can't find what i want.. though they do stock a good range of suntan lotions.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Boots The Chemists
23 May 08, 09:21
got it all
I do love Boots and this particaular store is one of the best. Run by a really great amanger with staff that bend over backwards to help you. Thye have ahuge range of stock and the store itself is laid out very well.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Sarah Hodge
23 May 08, 08:56
good chain of hairdressers
I have had my hair cut here and i must admit it was one of the best cuts ever. Their hairdressers are very well trained and the premises is lovely with a really relaxing atmosphere
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Rockabillys Night Clubs
23 May 08, 08:47
bit sweaty
I always find it smells of sweat all the time in here and not the best place in town to go to. The staff are very young and as the other review said i would hate them to get really busy as they woudn't cope! Dance floor is the best part espicailly if you dance like i do and needs lots of room
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Shout
23 May 08, 08:44
sing and dance
Night club may be a bit of an overkill on words, disco is more like it.. it is very popular and is a great place to go. Even when celebs are in town they will be taken here.. so if you want to Shout and dance get your touche overe here
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of F Hinds
22 May 08, 09:49
big store
A big store that has alot of choice which is good, but find it hard to get served as it seems under staffed alot now. Warranty's are pushed on you but i worry they are nor worth the papaer that they written on. If the quliaty is good why do you need a warranty
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of H Samuel Jewellers
22 May 08, 09:46
tacky
Like the oter review has said this store relies on it's name not its product. If i have ever bought stuff from here it's not been good, and i have always been disappointed with it. It may be cheap then you get what you pay for.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Carol Anne Jewellery
22 May 08, 09:43
yes yes yes
If i was given a present of jewellery from this range i would know i had been bought the best. It is lovely and really classy stuff. Staff there are very nice and helpful and have alot of time for people. One of the best in town i say!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Storm Clothing
22 May 08, 09:40
keep going
Glad to see this shop is still going as it's not in the high street and has to compete with the bigger chains. It has alot of stock that is a good arange and well priced. If you are looking for something differmt but trendy go here. Staff are nice and laid back
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Top Shop Retail
22 May 08, 09:37
its a no from me
With the other high street chains within tounching distance this shop is loosing out somewhat. Their stuff is so yesterday and the shop looks very empty and not that appealing.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of D2
22 May 08, 09:33
jeans
I love this store and i can honestly say that the staff are amazing with a really good attitude and fab sense of humour. Good range of Jeans and a great place to take the man in your life into to kit him out as well
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of New Look
22 May 08, 09:29
i confess i have store card
I do shop in here if i need something cheap and cheerful, though in this particular store it always looks messy and crowded and one or two of the ladies that work in there are rather rude to customers.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Next Retail
22 May 08, 09:27
Its Gotta be Next
This shop chain has a great reputation and there is a good reason for this. They have a great range of clothes for ladies and men and kinds though the kids area is limited. Can be pricey, but if you watch for the sales you can get a great bargain. Shop is airy and well staffed
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Bon Marche
22 May 08, 09:23
fit the larger of us
This range of clothes are cheaper ( but thats good ) and are sized right up to 22 which is great as we are not all size zero! can bee alittle older fashioned but you can mix and match
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Private Collection Ladies Fashion
22 May 08, 09:20
Too pricey by far
This shop is so trying to be an upmarket London type boutique in a North Devon town and it doesn't work. their clothes claim to be the top range designer stuff but are priced right out of our market, and the lady ( Jane ) that runs it, is not that friendly if she thinks you are not her type of client! Bit too posh but not in the right way!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Dressed To Kill
22 May 08, 09:17
clothes
I saw this companies clothes at a fashion show and was really impressed with their stuff. The shop is tucked away a bit in Barnstple and looks a bit over powering, but go in there as they have some great trendy clothes even for us older ladies
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Perrin Financial Services
22 May 08, 09:12
make me some money
part of an accountants firm with a financial advisory side. I know alot of people who use this company and have no problems with them, so worth speaking to them as it can all be done in house for accountancy to financial advice
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Phillip J Milton & Co
22 May 08, 09:07
not too sure
Phillip Milton has been in this industry along time and writes a column in the local paper which seems to talk alot of gibberish ( bit like me ) Not too sure this is a company i would use as they seem old fashioned and times have changed espicailly within this industry and where is safe for investments ( not mentioning Northern Rock ! )
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Lyn Financial Services
22 May 08, 09:05
earn me some dwongo
having had dealings through work ( pensions ) with this compnay and found them fine. I know some of the FA's there and they are very experienced. They all have to be vetted now, so you ususlly pick a company like this on who you feel comfortable with.. so these are a safe bet!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Queens Theatre
22 May 08, 09:02
lights loveys
It is the only theatre in Barnstaple but it is a great place to go. Plenty of seating and always has great shows espicailly at Christmas time. Would need to pre book. Watch the prices of the drinks there as they don't let you take your own.. bit of a rip off
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Central Cinema
22 May 08, 08:59
flicks
since this place has been refurbished it is great. they get all the upto date films and have three really nice screens. Advisable to book via the internet though the doors are open to the public for advance bookings by 2pm each day. The staff are great here and run a great place
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Bhs
22 May 08, 08:56
BHS is BHS
typical BHS store with all the usual stuff. Got a good range of swimwear and tucked away upstairs is possibly the cleanest toilet facilites in barnstple. Was a well kept secret hence why they don't get over used
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Ganges
22 May 08, 08:54
hot cully
haven't been here for a few months now but last time i went there it was fab. Lovely food and great service. Bless the guys in there they are work so hard and always have a laugh at the drunk showoff that orders the Fal! Even they don't eat Fals!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Lilico's 1844
21 May 08, 19:59
it's okay
I have eebn in here quite a few times recently and notice even quite late on pople are eating in here. It is popular though the bar space is quite small, but seems to have a good regular trade. I have been to alot worse pubs
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Tavern
21 May 08, 19:57
OM Gosh
I always end up here on a night out in Barnstple and always leave really cheesed off. It's so busy and you can't get to the bar.. but i must be in the minority as its always busy, so is popular.. possibly becuase people are in a habit of going here anyway. They are trying to get food back on the menu but this is on hold as they have had manager problems
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Chichester Arms
21 May 08, 19:55
not a good un i am afraid 
ever since Carina and her hubby sold this it seems to have gone down hill. It's tried to go local to residents in Pilton but I think they have missed the boat.. need to geta more welcoming atmosphere
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Seamus O'Donnells Public House
21 May 08, 19:52
Murphy would not be happy
Why do they call it an Irish pub when it s just the same as any other pub in town. I have been here alot and it is very popular as a meeting place and is always busy but have yet to experience the Irish bit of it!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Claytons
21 May 08, 19:50
first port of call
I love it in here espicailly if i meet up with work collegues..t her are huge comfy chairs to fall into and it's a classy looking place that has a great floor. Can't fault the place or service and its always busy whish is a good thing
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Inn On Sqaure
21 May 08, 19:47
awww why did it change
I used to always go here but lately it seems to have lost its pazzaz! Not too sure why, maybe there are better pubs around now and it does look a little tired.. funny now there is no smell of smoke you can smell the beer soaked into the floor instead. Large place inside
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Jalapeno Peppers Mexican Restaurant
21 May 08, 19:41
chilli heaven
if you love mexican food then this is the place to hunt out. Located in a small road off the Strand.. it has a great resturant, thogh it would be advisable to book as its rather popular in the evenings.. Great food
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Pannier Cafe
21 May 08, 19:35
oooooo no no no
not liking this place atal.. i suppose for the market traders it serves a purpose of somehwre to get a cup of something that pretends to be tea. I really don't know how they keep going as there are so many other places so much better than here 2 minutes away
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Barnstaple Bus Station Cafe
21 May 08, 19:33
yuk
I would only go in here to get out of the rain or weather whilst waiting for a bus. The food is awful and the lady serving is not happy in her job as she was quite grumpy when i asked her about buying something. Bit rough and ready, but as another said serves a purpose
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of River Front Cafe
21 May 08, 19:31
getting good reviews
went here once and i found it really nice for a light snack. Pleasant outlook from premises and relaxed place to be. Staff are very nice which is a plus
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Kafe Karumba
21 May 08, 19:29
different
tucked away in Holland walk there is always a lovely aroma when you go inthere and south American music playing in the background, so the atmosphere is good. they do a really different type of food ( wraps with lots of delightful cheeses etc.. ) and the owner is passionate about her cafe.. if you like spicey food with a different this a little bit classy and popular.. coffees are good here aswell
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Massarellas
21 May 08, 19:25
this is okay
If I loose my family whilst shopping this is the first place i hunt for them. For some reason they like the food here, from fish and chips to a form of roast. It is self service type and the tables are exposed to all walking through the shopping centre but it always seems good value for money
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Chatter Box
21 May 08, 19:23
chat over a meal?
as one of the other reviews siad it is in need of updating and though it seems popular the food leaves a lot to be desired. Tables are small, so larger people feel rather squished.. not the place i would recommend
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Wimpy
21 May 08, 19:21
well for me it sokay
If you are shopping in town and want something to fill a hole ( in your tummy ) this is an okay place to go as it feeds not only hubby but my son. It's not the most healthy of food, and it's always cramped in there but it serves a purpose of somewhere to stop and get food into the winging family who hate shopping with me!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of 62 The Bank
21 May 08, 19:18
yep love it
everytime i go here i am always impressed not only with the food but also the service. Part of the Brends empire it will always have a standard to keep to, which is a good thing and yeas alot of offices have thier parties here but that's cos its good value. perfect place for a light lunchtime snack or big evening meal
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Padfields Of Barnstaple
21 May 08, 09:44
great store
as the other reviews say this is a really good store that sells all furnishings, carpets etc. Lovely staff and the boss is a real old fashioned type of guy who believes in real customer care, so anything you get from here you will be well looked after. Prices are in line with other companies.. but the after service is where you will win for this shop
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Ali's Alcove
15 May 08, 19:37
what is it about this place?
I would never go here unless i had been out on a night out, but when i do go here I love the food and there is always plenty of cooked fresh food.. ideal for quick hunger fix before you trudge home. Staff are the usual keebab staff, not that frinedly but they take alot of unnecessary abuse from people so ican't blame them for being a little offish to rather drunk women!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Subway
15 May 08, 19:34
yum yum
I first discovered this food chain in new york and loved it and lived in it. It's the same here.. though this store has got good staff that try to keep queues down and do try to be friendly though they are busy alot of the time. Lorriane the manager is a top lady.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Alex Buckingham Motorcycles
15 May 08, 19:31
Not a fan
Having a hubby who has a bike ( Honday 1100 ) I am not a huge fan of this place as you can see from my ratings. I think it is the Kawasaki range that they stock plus second hand bikes and we have never found anything good in here that wasn't well over priced. The shop space is small with a cluttered room upstairs for accessories and staff that don't seem that interessed in you when you walk in.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of North Devon Leisure Centre
15 May 08, 19:27
get fit
I like this place as it has got alot to offer. It has a resturant, bar, indoor bowling, squash courts, excellent gym, huge swimming pool and lots of other fitness-stuff -like clasess. You can pay as you go or become a member, which is normally cheaper. Busy place where Barnstaple swimming club operate out of and sometimes you will find they have the use of the lanes alot of the evenings, which annoys some regular swimmers..but hey ho you'll just have to work round them. It won't bein this location for much longer as is going to be replaced at a different location to make way for a new college campus.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Nail & Beauty Clinic
15 May 08, 18:48
smarten up ladies and gents
I have used this place a couple of times, and they offer really good services.. and the plasma screen is a bonus. THey do tend to use the unltra violet glue method for nail extensions which I am not fond of.. but the staff are great and prices are the same as any where else.. so certainly worth a visit
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Woolliams Property Services
15 May 08, 17:48
whats in your house?
These two guys really know theirstuff and have been in this line of business along time being ex Bond Oxborough Phillps Esate Agents.. which gave them a good grounding for this thankless business. If you ever have to move home you will eiether love or hate your agent depednig on how the sales goe, but as far as agents go this is one of the better ones and they are honest and keen which is a plus
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Black Belt Academy
15 May 08, 17:44
Kick those pounds to touch
martial arts is a great thing for the body and mind and this business is the same as the next.. but they do try to get you to sign up and commit for a period.. this is to encourage you to go and to help thier cash flow.. I joined for while but my memebership wained as i lost interest. If this is your sort of exerecise thi place is fine,. though whatch the membership prices as they rise alot!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Fullam Restaurant
15 May 08, 16:39
Love it, love it, love it
This has just gone under a major refurbishment and has got to be the best Chinese ever.. well in my opinion. The owners are two very nice pople who are such good fun and have created a fab place. If there are ever any celebs in the area they go here which says alot fot his place.. go visit and i defy you not to do a great review and be very surprised how reasonably priced their food is
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Barnstaple Town F C Social Club
15 May 08, 16:35
footie means fun?
This club really does seem to have gomne downhill fast. Sorry to say this, but the bar and buildings are looking rather tired and everytime i have been there for a function or a football match there isn't the friendliest of receptions awaiting you! The football side used to attract big crowds.. but now there is only about 40 or so for home matches which doesn't help cash flow to the premises
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Fitness Factory
15 May 08, 16:30
get fit
In a well accessible place just of the town centre this company has changed hands a few times with alot of new owners trying new things. The basics are it is just a gym, but the cirrent owners seem to have got it right, with well priced memberships and a friendly welcoming atmosphere. Before you sign up for any other gym it's worth checking this place out as it has lot more to offer than you first see
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of J & A Cameras
13 May 08, 18:06
local photographers
Local guys who have been in the business a while. I really like the staff in here and though you will have to pay alot for a good camera, you would anywhere else! Service is what it is all about and that is good here, plus they are experts in this field!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Medina Gallery
13 May 08, 18:04
picture this
I have used this company for framing a couple of times and their work has been fine and done relatively quickly. Their prices seem the same as other places, though the staff seem a little impatient when you can't make your mind up!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of A Little Something By Kim
13 May 08, 17:57
just the buis...
I went here by pure recommendation and was glad for that. Possibly wouldn't have found it otherwise, but they stock loads of what i would term girly stuff that is very well priced and really trendy. Great shop worth a visit just to browse the day away.. and i bet you end up buying something
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Hardings Leatherworld
13 May 08, 17:54
smell that is fab
Like one of the other reviews said the minute you walk in this place the smell of leather makes you want the goods. The shop has been going a while and i have bought various items from here, which have not been cheap but very good quality. Stuff will last for ever. Lots of choice though it might be worth asking for what you want as it's quite crowded in there
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Argos
13 May 08, 17:51
argooooos it
As the ad says this is the better way to shop...... yes and no.. it's always quite busy but there are plenty of books around and the queue always seems to move.. would advise maybe going online first to check in stock and save to speed process up when you get there. All staff I have come across have been really good, and i have bought quite alot of good jewellery from here
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Balloon Surprise
13 May 08, 17:46
pop
This is a great shop to get a present for an ossaion that is different. They put the presents in a balloon and it always looks good and makes a very different present for that special occasion. Goodness I sound like an advert there, but I have used them alot so would definatley recommend them
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Pets R Us
13 May 08, 17:44
pet stuff
love this store espicially looking at the all the small animals they have in there. The staff are great and alot of the pet food and products are cheaper than supermarkets, as they have good offers alot of the time. Store is big but clean and well stocked
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Barnstaple Drycleaners
09 May 08, 17:45
clean me up
I have had to use this company in an emergency and they were great. Took my coat in and practically over night cleaned it and let me have it back the next day. Staff are nice and friendly and they do the job that they advertise well. ( exactly what it says on the tin )
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Westerley Barnstable
09 May 08, 17:24
Posh cars
I love this show room and they have a great selection of beemers and minis but i must confess they are well out of my price range! However if i had the pennies i would use this gargae as they are professional and reliable
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Bitz
07 May 08, 19:11
cheap cards
I am so sorry to see the loss of this shop as it was a great place to stock up on cards and paper for those times of major spend such as birthdays and Christmas. As the other review said if they had been more expensice like the competition they would have survived.. such a shame
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Zenas Restaurant
07 May 08, 19:08
scrummy food
i haven't been here in a while but the last time i payed them a vist, the food and service was fab. Lovely tasty food and got a great outside area for when we have our summer days
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Sherrys Tavern
25 Apr 08, 14:02
tis a good un
a very popular local pub with has undergone a tidy up. Great atmosphere with music and a pub that is on the map when doing the pub crawl around Barum
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Barnstaple Rugby Football Club
15 Apr 08, 16:54
up the barum boys
this club is flying high at the mo.. the seniors are potentially going to get promoted again and their junior section is really getting some fab results.. espicailly the U11's who are off to Twickenham for a cup final and are Devon champions 2008. Success will breed success.. though the club house has a great atmosphere and lots of people getting involved in the running of the club. I love it there!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.