Rob's reviews
Review of City Glass
10 Dec 07, 12:14
Friendly, helpful glaziers 
This is one of those places you need once in a blue moon.
We needed a (very) large mirror for the en suite bathroom.
They cut it brilliantly first time - sadly, I didn't measure the gap properly and the mirror wouldn't fit.
They happily took it back for me and cut a bit more off for no extra charge (while laughing at me secretly, I should imagine).
Anyway, suffice to say, if you live in the area, try them out.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Claudes Creperie
07 Dec 07, 16:43
Definitely not 'crep'
Claude's a quirky, French-y restaurant on the High Street in St Albans.
As the name implies, it mainly serves crepes (and galettes), but it's far from a dull experience.
There are so many options and combinations of fillings that it can be quite bewildering, but definitely entertaining.
The restaurant itself is rickety, wooden and has a certain rustic, Gallic charm.
One word of caution - steer clear of the house wine by the carafe - it's ropey as old boots!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Batchford Convenience Stores
07 Dec 07, 16:34
You want it? It's got it
This is one of those stores that's got everything.
Want to make a cake and need some baking powder? Not a problem!
Aargh, run out of lime juice... there, there, here you go!
Not only that, but it's a local store, with a great following from those who live in the area.
Not exactly that different to any other 'corner' shop, but it does what it says on the tin and much more!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Ikea
07 Dec 07, 16:29
What else did you expect? 
It doesn't matter how cheap the furniture, pot plants or wine glasses are, I can't believe anyone seriously enjoys a trip to Ikea.
For better or worse, I've had to go quite a few times in the last year or so and it never fails to make my heart sink.
The car park is a nightmare, it takes ages to find anything and queueing up to pay is an awful experience.
And yet, and yet...
For what it costs, the quality is good. The restaurant/cafe is actually quite enjoyable and you do get a great idea of what to put in your pad.
In fact, if you go when it's quiet (and I have managed that), it's actually an enjoyable experience - sadly, it's almost impossible to work out when it will be quiet.
Oh, and the other branches in and around London (Thurrock, Brent Cross) are no different, so please don't try to convince me my experience is confined to the Croydon branch.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Leon
07 Dec 07, 16:22
Needs time...
I love Leon. The branch in Carnaby Street is lovely and embodies exactly what this small restaurant chain was trying to do - serve seasonal, organic food at reasonable prices.
The thing is, they're branching out and some of the newer venues are on a far different scale.
The new one behind Tate Modern is a case in point. The try-too-hard decor is in place, as are the friendly menus, but the space is just too big. It feels empty a lot of the time and, sadly, it's in an area that is less likely to attract an evening crowd.
The food is still great and the drinks are lovely. The staff are friendly, as well, but this place needs time to establish itself and a loyal clientele. Good luck!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Hobbs Barber
20 Nov 07, 14:48
Cosy little barber
Forgive me for saying this, but a barber is a barber. He cuts hair to order, but there aren't massive variations on the "short back and sides route".
Hobbs is a lovely, cosy little barber nestled in Borough Market. If there's more than 4 of you waiting, anyone else will have to go to the pub.
It's not the cheapest of barbers, but it's far less expensive than some poncey salon in Soho.
And, anyway, most of us blokes don't go to get our hair cut looking for high fashion. We just want a neat trim - and that's just what Hobbs delivers!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Doggetts Coat and Badge
14 Nov 07, 13:54
Multi-levelled boozer
I love the Dog! It's right on Blackfriars Bridge and is just cosy and fun.
The food's pretty good and the beer tastes as good as most beer in London.
There are lots of little nooks and crannies and you can seat large parties, as well as getting secrecy for two of you.
There's even a beer garden that is sheltered from the road. If you're in the area, you could do a lot worse!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Founders Arms
14 Nov 07, 13:51
Funny little pub
This doesn't really look like a pub from the outside - it's more of a large shack on the Thames, seconds from Tate Modern.
But once inside, it's actually pretty nice. It serves decent food, the beer is Youngs and is fine and the location's pretty cool as well.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Joanna's
30 Oct 07, 14:48
Great for all occasions 
This is a modern European restaurant with a touch of class.
From the outside, it looks a little unprepossessing, but inside is a different matter. The staff are friendly and efficient, the feel is just formal enough, without being austere and the food is sublime.
Their burger, which sounds oh-so-naff, is a delight. The rest of the menu tends to alter, but usually includes a sublime fish dish, lamb, pork, two veggie main courses and lots more besides.
By far and away, the best restaurant in Crystal Palace and also recommended for their weekend breakfasts which are the perfect pick-me-up, but also somehow feel healthy.
Never had a bad meal here yet and don't expect to!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Tamnag Thai
23 Oct 07, 14:57
Busiest restaurant in the area
Monday and Tuesday nights are usually quiet for restaurants - not in the world of Tamnag Thai.
This is a busy, lively and good-quality Thai restaurant in the heart of Crystal Palace.
Always packed and always able to serve the needs of both takeaway and eat-in customer.
Their lunchtime specials are a true bargain, if you happen to be in the area. The food tastes authentic enough and the ingredients seem to be of a high quality.
It's already seen off two other Thai/SE Asian restaurants in the past couple of years and another very good one (South East) is wobbling, so it clearly has something going for it.
My one quibble is that it's a little pricey when it comes to takeaway, even though you get a 10% discount if you collect.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.