Nat's reviews
Review of Keston Lodge
09 Jul 07, 19:19
Cosy and quirky 
I've only been here once, but I really liked it. The decor is an intriguing mixture of modern and quaint, blocky cosy chairs and patches of bare wall mingled with giant floral lampshades and a scatter of farmhouse plates on wood pannelling. The crowd is young but relaxed and not rowdy, and the drinks are not too expensive, considering the location. There seemed to be some good deals on cocktails in the early evening, but alas we arrived too late. I would definitely recommend at least a couple of drinks have if you are planning a night out in Angel.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Paperchase
03 Jul 07, 21:59
Stationary lover's dream
Ok, I have a confession to make - cute stationary makes me dribble with happiness. Put a monkey or a wonky monster on a notebook, and you're going to have to drag me kicking and screaming out of the door to stop me buying it. I also collect cute and wacky postcards (again, preferably involving monkeys or wonky monsters... pandas at a pinch).
For all these reasons, I love Paperchase. This one is three whole floors of stationary heaven - one of cutesy gifts and cards, the other two of arts and crafts and more serious household items (but that's not really my area).
However, letting my rational mind defeat my monkey-loving soul for a moment, I can see that the popular stationary ranges here are overpriced and childish, and this isn't a place for basic, practical stationary needs (for those, I would recommend the London Design Centre in Covent Garden).
I still love it though (the image of a child in a sweet shop comes to mind...)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Ki Mantra
03 Jul 07, 21:47
Just what those aching shoulders need
I go here for shoulder and back massages (bear in mind I have the upper body of a creaky pensioner), and the service has definitely improved over time. Downstairs is a juice bar and upstairs are cubicles where treatments range from massage, through waxing to manicures and pedicures. This upper area used to be satured with new age music and massuers peddling their new age theories... but thankfully on my last visit this had been replaced with Motown and burly Europeans who only want to sort your body out and leave you to tend to your soul.
A range of massage types is available, from relaxing to sports deep tissue massage. My treatments tend towards the harsher end of this spectrum, but the deep tissue massages are definitely worth the temporary discomfort involved if you have long-standing muscular problems. My skin is usually left slightly bruised, but my muscles feel so much lighter and looser.
A massage costs £35 for half an hour - I don't know if this is typical as I have not been to any other central London spas.
Above all, this is Lily Allen's favourite health hang-out - and if that doesn't make you want to go...
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Watkins Books
03 Jun 07, 19:27
A book for every spiritual need
I love this shop. Its a proven fact that I can't come out without buying something. Covering two floors, the range of books is extremely wide, with large sections devoted to eastern religions, as well as a thorough coverage of such topics as the western tradition, witchcraft, bodywork, psychic phenomena, mythology and feminist spirituality. If you're interested in this kind of thing, you can while away considerable time happily browsing this selection.
Until recently there was a companion shop incorporating crystals, new age CDs, tarot cards and magazines, but this has now been integrated into the main shop. This is slightly disappointing as it reduces the space available for both the books and the spiritual accessories.
Watkins just missed out on getting a 5-star review from me as the staff have a fairly poor attitude to the customers. They are very inattentive while serving you, often chatting amongst themselves as if you don't exist, and greeting friendly attempts at humour with blank stares quite clearly implying you are in some way mentally deficient.
That said, this is the most comprehensive collection of esoteric books for sale in London, and nothing's going to keep me away for long.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Make Mine
03 Jun 07, 18:57
Super salads!
This outlet offers a wide range of salad and sandwich selections, with 'choose your own filling' options to suit every taste - a much more flexible system than in comparable outlets such as Subway. The food is made to order while you watch, so can cater to all likes and dislikes. Service can be a little abrupt, but that is understandable as it does get very busy at peak times - on a weekday lunchtime you'll be lucky to get a seat. The venue is rather cramped. However, this is more than compensated by the sheer deliciousness of the food. I especially recommend the Ali and Levy salad, with falafel and humus. The salad bowls are very generous and always leave you feeling full.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Gallipoli
03 Jun 07, 18:50
Yum yum!
A wide range of Turkish cuisine is available, including many vegetarian options, a very generous meze (take a friend to share) and delicious deserts. The service is quick and attentive - there is a very high staff to customer ratio. Less cramped than the other Gallipoli outlets, and with less oppressive, though still atmospherically Turkish, decor, this makes an ideal night out if you are looking for something different from the standard fare, at a very reasonable price.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Topshop
05 May 07, 14:34
Top of the Shops
With 4 massive floors (3 ladies' and 1 men's), you're bound to find something to suit you. As well as Topshop's own basics, there are a wide range of featured designers and even a vintage section. Topshop's own lines of clothing are reasonably priced, although you will have to pay more for the one-off and designer pieces. There is a huge selection of items available, with specialist areas within the shop, like make-up, shoes and jeans. I especially love the household section with cute and slightly wacky accessories. The jewellery is sheer tat though - try not to touch it with a barge pole.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Mysteries
01 May 07, 23:56
Esoteric bookstore and New Age supplies
The waft of incense draws you in from the street to explore (or it might just make your nose itch...). Immediately inside you are greeted with a colourful, varied display: candles and incense, crystals, ornaments and jewellery. Around the corner, you can find books (covering the psychic world, paganism and eastern religions), a wide range of tarot cards supported by the expert advice of the sales people, and meditation music.
If you only want to go to one place for your New Age shopping, this is the best location in London. However, if you are primarily interested in the books (as I am), you might find the range of titles somewhat limited. Ok, it goes beyond the teenage fluffiness of Silver Ravenwolf and co, but for a much fuller selection I would recommend Atlantis (Museum Street) or Watkins Books (Cecil Court).
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.