Nick S.

Review of Wembley Stadium

30 May 08, 11:55

Finally.....

Well it took long enough but let me say, it was well worth the wait.

I went to the Community Shield here last season and it was superb. Unlike the old Wembley, they have real toilets so you don't have to go up against the wall. They also have proper seats and not benches like before so eveyrone has a good view. Some bits are VERY steep so it looks a bit like matchstick men.

The walk from the station brings back memories, a great day out and even better if your team wins...

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Axe & Cleaver

20 May 08, 11:22

Absolutely stunning

Everything about the Axe and Cleaver is brilliant. The location down a country lane in the beautiful Dunham, the food, the staff...all perfect.

This is a typical country pub but a big one at that. There is plenty of outside space for the rare British summer's day. It's really tranquil outside and a great place to go just for a drink or for some food. The food is actually as good as the place itself, superb. All freshly cooked and a real selection on the menu. You can't leave without trying a dessert which will leave you feeling really full but satisfied.

The staff are friendly, it's a family run pub on a large scale, everyone is there to make your experience a great one.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Dutch Pancake House

20 May 08, 10:47

A pancake for dinner?? Surely not

Believe it because it's happening, you're going out for dinner and you're other half takes you to somewhere called the Dutch Pancake House?! You might wonder what is going, I will tell you...s/he loves you and wants to introduce you to one of the best eateries Manchester has to offer.

The building is inconspicuous, it's not changed for years, everything around it has changed. The cinema has gone, there are new bars and some weird tram thing called the Metrolink has appeared, what hasn't changed is the quality of the food.

So how does it work!? Well you walk down the stairs to the basement restaurant trying to ignore the horrendous orange and yellow walls, until you reach the restaurant itself, breathe in...the smell is incredible (unless there are a bunch of sweaty teenagers in there in which case I apologise for suggesting you breathe in). When you think of pancakes as a meal you might imagine you get a stack of pancakes on a plate, WRONG. What you do get is a piece of art. A huge pancake, thick but not stodgy, either with sweet things on like the basic sugar and lemon, chocolate spread, syrup etc OR you can have the savoury ones, now these are the real gems. You can have all varieties of meats and veg, think pizza but on a pancake and not just ON the pancake but actually cooked INSIDE the pancake, i know...sounds amazing doesn't it?!! You must try the traditional DUTCH pancake which is bacon and maple syrup!!

So how about the price? Well it's amazingly reasonable. You only pay a couple of quid for the sugar and lemon basic pancake and up to a limit of £7 for the meat feast, it's not going to break the bank at all.

If you're off to the theatre or a show in town then this is a great quick place to eat and it's different, it's not Italian or Chinese, it's just plain different and sometimes you know, different is good!

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Bluu Bar

17 May 08, 17:39

Classy

I love Bluu Bar. It's not cheap but it is most definitely classy. It's in the up and coming boho chic district called the Northern Quarter (i don't even know what BOHO CHIC is but I wanted to say it).

Inside it is very sexy, the decor is uber cool and the food and drinks are incredible. The food is superb and the cocktails are amazing. Definitely worth the money here

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Trafford Centre

17 May 08, 17:19

Keeps getting bigger

Don't get me wrong, I am from Manchester so I am clearly biased, but I do think the Trafford Centre is one of the best shopping centres around, it's big and keeps getting bigger. There is loads of free parking, yes sometimes it is a bit of a maze but you get used to it after a while. Every shop you could possibly want is in here, the food court is massive and has plenty of seats and some good outlets, there is a cinema on the top floor as well. Not far away are the Golf Driving Range which is fun (Play Golf) and the new indoor ski slope which looks incredible

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Selfridges

17 May 08, 17:12

Great store

This is another success story to come from the regeneration of Manchester City Centre. Selfridges is synonymous with the type of people being attracted into the city centre nowadays, quality and class. It's in Exchange Square which is my favourite part of the city, the store is huge and has everything you could possibly want. I particularly like the food hall downstairs, I challenge you to go in and come out empty handed

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Marks & Spencer

17 May 08, 17:09

Huge

Speak to any Mancunian and they will reel off the line that the bomb in 1996 was the best thing to happen to the centre of Manchester, it sounds odd but it really was. Since then the regeneration has been immense, nowhere more so than the actual site of the bomb, M&S. This is now the biggest M&S in the UK (unconfirmed!) and has absolutely everything you would want, it even looks good.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Albert's Shed

17 May 08, 17:04

Another jewel in the Castlefield crown

This is yet another of the fantastic places to eat and drink in Castlefield. It's next to Dukes 92 and just round the corner of the cobbled street from Barca. It's an ultra modern, chic and enjoyable place to come with mates for a quick pint or for a long drawn out meal, gossip and a few bottles of wine

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Dukes 92

17 May 08, 17:02

Inside and out, brilliant

If you get a summer's day in Manchester, head for Dukes for the perfect afternoon lazing around.

The bar is set next to the canal in Castlefield which is a really trendy part of Manchester. Outside there is a lot of space and in the summer they have a huge bbq, it's all very chilled out here, these people are the cool crowd in Manchester, waterfront living and chic bars and all that...BUT it's not pretentious by any means.

Inside it's spacious and again designed with the young in mind, wooden tables etc. Dukes serves great food at reasonable prices, the roast on a Sunday is worth waiting for, the bar is well stocked and there are always plenty of cold beers in the fridge for that perfect BBQ in the sunshine

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Nuke Fashion Shops

17 May 08, 16:54

Out of place but thank god

This shop is far too cool to be in the middle of Altrincham. Around it there are no other really good shops for the young fashion conscious punter. Nuke came along a few years ago and instantly brightened up the options in Altrincham.

The clothes are good but not overpriced, the shoes and accessory selection is decent as well and the staff are always willing to help out and order anything you can't find.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Pizzeria Danilo

16 May 08, 18:24

Bellissimo (if that means good)

In the picturesque village of Hale sits this little beauty. Don't be surprised to be sitting next to a world class footballer, it's nothing out of the ordinary. Don't try and take a photo though, Danilo's prides itself on being a getaway from the everyday chaos of life in Cheshire. You know the usual chaos of not knowing which car to drive to training, which nanny to use to clean up after you....that type of chaos. It's a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere that they have built up here over the years which is what attracts so many high profile customers.

The restaurant itself is cave-like. The walls are exposed brickwork, the tables set in a basic but also unpretentious way. Due to the sheer numbers of people wanting to eat here it's probably a good thing that they use paper table cloths so they can change the tables quickly. You'll appreciate that, especially as you can't book here. At first that sounds annoying, occasionally it is, but the Italian staff are so typically on the ball that they can conjur up a little table for you without too much of a wait. There is a bar upstairs where you can wait with a drink while your table is prepared.

The kitchen is on view so you can watch your food being made, that's nothing new but here it really does add to the experience seeing them making the pizzas. Everyone from the bar staff to the waiters to the management are remarkably friendly and informal. There is one battle weary waiter who looks grumpy but tip him enough at the end of the night and you'll be best friends.

The menu is extensive, the usual pizza and pasta...both of which are very good. The best dish I have ever eaten here is the Escalope Milanese (vegetarian's beware), the Veal in breadcrumbs served with spaghetti, just beautiful. It's not the cheapest but it's worth the extra. The thing I always think when I eat out is, could I make this at home easily? If the answer is yes then don't have it. You can make Spaghetti Bolognese every day of the week so don't order it when you go out, try something new. Oh I almost forgot, the garlic bread is so good.

So as Lloyd Grossman would say, let's take a look at the evidence;

Friendly Staff - Great food - Relaxed atmosphere - Chance of celeb spotting...all in all, this place is brilliant. Definitely an absolute gem if you're tired after a busy day, on the golf course that is.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Aladdin Restaurant

16 May 08, 17:23

The jewel in Manchester's crown

There is a fair chance that even if you've lived in Manchester all your life, you still won't know this place exists. I almost feel like I don't want to give this such a good review because one of its charms is that it is unspoilt. The mangement haven't raised the prices due to its popularity like so many other small restaurants do, it's not been decked out in Ikea furniture like so many lifeless new cafes...it's just a truly hidden gem.

Found on the main Wilmslow Road in up and coming area of Withington, Aladdin is a taste of the Middle East on the outskirts of Manchester. Most people have probably eaten Lebanese food without knowing it, the taste is just mouth watering.

The best way to cope with the sheer choice of the menu is to get a selection of dishes and share with your friends. You obviously have to get some houmous, made as it should be, not made a la supermarket. Get it with warm pitta bread, kibbeh (small torpedo shaped bulgur wheat stuffed with mincemeat and pine kernels) which are really good. In fact it's all good, just take a punt and try something new. One dish you should definitely try is Shawarma which you might be familiar with. You could compare it with a doner kebab...you'd be wrong but you could use that comparison. It's slices of meat wrapped in a thick tortilla or in pitta bread. The meat is cooked beautifully in lots of spices and is so tasty, have it with houmous and chopped salad...a winner every time.

So all the food is good, what about the drinks...well here is the even better bit, it's one of those great places where you can bring your own alcohol. They charge a very small amount for corkage. If you feel the need for more alcohol then there is an off licence right across the road so you can just go over the road for more lubrication!

The prices are fantastic, sometimes it can be costly to order a number of dishes and share but not here. They are still sensible prices and hopefully will stay that way.

As a final bonus, Aladdin also has an upstairs which you can hire out for a private party and get all your friends hooked on the superb food.

Quite simply I love Aladdin and although selfishly I would like it to remain a secret, I also want it to get the recognition it deserves. Go to Aladdin and eat like an emperor

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Basilico

13 May 08, 12:43

Gorgeous

Possibly some of the best pizzas I have ever eaten, seriously good.

I used to do some work a few doors down from this particular Basilico on Finchley Road and I couldn't get enough of it. The pizzas are beautiful and so big, it's not the cheapest but it's well worth the cost.

If you fancy doing something different then how about going to sit on Primrose Hill one evening (if the weather's good) and order a pizza, they'll deliver to you anywhere!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Bills Produce Store

13 May 08, 11:47

A hidden gem

This really is one of Brighton's hidden gems. There's a reason why people queue in the heat on a Sunday morning to eat here, the reason is....it's brilliant food in a great setting.

From the outside it looks like a warehouse and even when you walk in it doesn't look much more. What you have is almost like a New York City Deli, lots of tables and waiters going at 50mph all over the place in a bid to serve the hungry punters. There is loads of seating but it still gets really full.

The food is all fresh and the brunch is some of the best I have tasted, have anything and you will not be disappointed at all. You will want to come back again and again, just be prepared to queue

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Midland Hotel

13 May 08, 11:13

One of the finest

There is a reason why so many big name celebrities stay here when they come to Manchester, quite simply it is one of the finest hotels in the UK...

From the outside you cannot fail to be impressed with the building, it's just had a bit of a facelift to bring back the grandeur which got lost over time. It is very impressive outside and inside. The reception area is large and at christmas time there is the most enormous christmas tree. The bar area is open to anyone and is pricey but then again so is the hotel, worth it though.

The French is the restaurant inside the hotel and is well known as one of the finest in manchester. The rooms are very spacious and elegantly done. The hotel has so many huge function rooms and is perfect for any occasion.

It really is one of the best hotels I have seen and had the pleasure of staying in.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Malmaison Hotel

13 May 08, 11:08

Beautiful Hotel

Manchester is one of the most stylish cities in the world and this hotel represents that style.

If you haven't been to Manchester or you have but it was a long time ago then you will really be surprised by how the city has transformed over the last decade, this type of hotel is indicative of the culture there now. It's a very modern and funky hotel perfect for a cheeky weekend away or if you want a bit of affordable quality.

The rooms are not huge but they are beautifully laid out, the beds are big and very comfortable, the room I stayed in had everything you needed and wanted, TV, radio, CD player, great bathroom as well.

Downstairs the bar area is uber chic and even if you're not staying here you should try a cocktail in the bar. A great addition to the ever growing brilliance of Manchester

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Wharf

12 May 08, 11:37

Perfect setting

I will give The Wharf 5 stars even though I was pooed on by a seagull once when I was here.

It is a great pub situated in Cardiff Bay overlooking the water. Inside it's cool as well, there is a big conservatory part, the main bar and an upstairs room which you can hire out.

The food is exceptional, better than most other pub food I've had. Sit outside and enjoy the weather, the food and the Brains beer. Superb pub

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Woodville It's A Scream

12 May 08, 11:06

Great local

This was my student local and it was by far my favourite pub in Cardiff.

It's near the Uni so I challenge you to walk home without popping in for a quick pint. The drinks and food are cheap but the food especially is really good. They always have drinks deals on and it's always a great atmosphere. A perfect place to enjoy the afternoon and evening with mates safe in the knowledge that non students dare not enter

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Titash Tandoori

10 May 08, 17:48

Love the Titash

Still one of the best curry's i've had. In the heart of Walton le Dale, there is no parking but you can stick it on the road for a minute.

It's very basic, the papers are from the right day and the food is cheap but GOOOOOD.

Go for some Titash, you won't regret it.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of New Peking Palace

10 May 08, 17:34

Amazing

The negative about this place is that it is opposite a cemetery so don't get a seat by the window, otherwise it's brilliant.

The food is absolutely amazing, I love the Salt and Pepper Ribs to start, the sweet and sour is the best in Manchester and the Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup is to die for.

It's a bit off the beaten track but there is parking outisde and it's worth making the journey to

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of ATS Euromaster

10 May 08, 17:25

Great service

We've all been fleeced by garages in the past so it's comforting to find somewhere you're happy with and ATS is that place for me.

The staff are trustworthy and friendly and whereas some mechanics might look under your car and gasp shockingly as though they'd just been shot, here they are very relaxed and your car could be about to fall apart but they'd still be calm!

It's great value for money and they usually have deals on tyres and exhausts so make sure you come here first before getting ripped off from someone else

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Brighton Pier

09 May 08, 11:31

One of the best things in Brighton

I love this place, it never gets boring. You can go on there just to eat doughnuts, you can waste loads of money on the slots, you could go on the rides, you could go to the questionable pub at the end of the pier...anything you like. It's a MUST DO when you are in Brighton. After this pier, no other pier will compare. Just don't bother paying 20p to look through the telescope, I can tell you myself, it's beautiful but you don't see much.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Barry Bladon Hale

07 May 08, 12:29

A hidden gem

From the outside this looks like another independent chemist with it's white exterior, fighting the battle against supermarkets to sell you your drugs. Look through the window and the signs are still there, lots of make up and people in white coats wandering round....it's so much more than that though.

Bladons is an absolute gem. Let's take a look why:

1. It is a pharmacy and you can get your prescription there

2. You can buy your toiletries there, a good selection, yes they will be cheaper in Tesco but you're here now, it's easier to get them now and not go to the big boys.

3. They have a phenomenal selection of gifts, pens, decorative things, gadgets....loads of gadgets.

4. The make up selection I'm told is very good, this is Hale, footballers wives...the make up is VERY good

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Ronis Bagel Bakery

05 May 08, 12:16

Always room for a bagel

This might sound ridiculous but whenever I come to West Hampstead I HAVE to have a bagel from Ronis. It doesn't matter if I've been out for lunch or dinner, I'll get one for the train. They are so juicy and tasty that I can't resist them. Try the Turkey or Salt Beef ones, they're definitely my favourites. They're reasonably priced as well

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Banana Tree Canteen

05 May 08, 12:09

Great food, nice atmosphere

Even though I don't live in London I have been here many times which is testament to how good the food is here. There are so many places to eat in West Hampstead but this is one of the finest.

The food is great and the staff are attentive. The atmosphere is nice as well, if it's a warm summer's evening then you should try and get the seat by the big french doors which they open so it's like being on holiday, as opposed to in the middle of the affluent West Hampstead village!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Bens Cookies

05 May 08, 11:46

Incredible

There are a few places in Brighton that you have to visit...sadly they nearly all involve food, this is one of them.

The selection is superb and whatever you go for, you are guaranteed to like your cookie, or two, or three...they are so good.

Even better, ask if they have any warm ones, if you like white chocolate then see if they have any fresh out of the oven because they are so gooey it's amazing!!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of ShakeAway

05 May 08, 11:21

Superb

You HAVE to go here if you're spending the day in Brighton.

The concept has probably been explained in another review so I won't repeat that but all there is to say, it's awesome.

I've never been brave enough to try one with sweets in like Starburst or Flying Saucers, I normally go dor a chocolate option. Try Terry's Chocolate Orange with Chocolate Brownies, it's amazing!!

Please don't miss out, it's so so good

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Food For Friends

18 Apr 08, 10:52

Incredible place

To start with I should point out that I am a meat eater, I like nothing better than a juicy steak but Food For Friends is still one of my favourite restaurants in Brighton.

It's in the Lanes which is a good start, they're the best area in the city. The building is quite funky, set on the corner of the road. Inside it's simple but not bland, the staff are remarkably friendly and the service is impeccable.

I had chinese style tofu parcels which were beautiful and my girlfriend had a sweet potato curry which she loved. Make sure you leave room for dessert because the chocolate pudding is absolutely stunning!

The prices aren't bad either, you wouldn't mind if it was a bit more expensive because the food is so good and the experience is one you won't forget for a while. Even if you're not a veggie you'd be a fool not to go here at least once in your life.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Strada

15 Apr 08, 22:16

Beautiful food and lovely setting

The city is not short of Italian restaurants and had I not had a 2 for 1 voucher for Strada, in truth I probably wouldn't have tried it...but I'm glad I did.

Set overlooking the water in Brighton Marina, it's a beautiful restaurant, modern but comfortable. We sat on a decent sized table for 2, were served quickly and with a smile.

For starter we shared the Garlic Bread with Rosemary, which was simply superb. Garlic bread is garlic bread at the end of the day but this was delicious, served in a nice basket and just enough for a starter. My girlfriend had the Risotto with lots of green vegetables which was superb, good portion size and very healthy. I had the pizza which was also delicious. The price isn't bad either.

Check the back of your cinema tickets from Cineworld because sometimes they have vouchers for Strada, even if you don't and you want somewhere different to eat after the cinema, go here.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Lee Stafford Salons

12 Apr 08, 17:05

This is now CLIPSO

This is no longer Lee Stafford Salons and is now known as Clipso.

I've been coming here for a year now and really enjoy the experience every time. I am quite fussy about hairdressers but had a really positive first experience and have come back again and again.

It's not the cheapest salon but it's well worth paying a bit extra. You are offered a drink from the menu as soon as you walk into the very stylish salon. You will notice the vast amount of products on offer, it's almost as big as some shops so you should find the product you need, if not then someone will recommend something to you.

The general staff are very friendly and all the stylists are excellent. I use Kirsty now and she is superb. If you are willing to spend a little more than other salons then you won't be disappointed

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Katarina Beefeater

11 Apr 08, 11:04

Surprisingly exceptional

I know it sounds odd to say that this place was surprisingly exceptional but it really was! I came here expecting the usual pub chain food and quality but it was really beyond all expectations.

The service was great, Dirk our waiter was very helpful and friendly offering advice on dishes. The food came quickly, the portions were amazingly generous and very tasty. When the bill came for 3 courses it was still very reasonable. I would definitely come back again

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.