Ruth's reviews
Review of Poverty Aid UK
08 Nov 07, 20:53
Biggest charity shop in Leeds 
Yep, this is the largest charity shop you'll find in this part of the world. Poverty Aid UK is situated on Cardigan Road, close to Hyde Park and is definitely worth a look if you like a rummage. Unlike some of the other charity shops round here, they don't mark prices up because'vintage' clothes are in fashion right now- so you can grab an excellent bargain. As well as clothes, shoes, books and records there is also a huge array of different furniture, including some beautiful retro items. Due to the student population items are brought in constantly so check back regularly for rare treasures and odd little curiosities.
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Review of Jumbo Records
08 Nov 07, 20:15
Jumbo records
This music store excels if you are looking for more obscure jazz or world music, especially on vinyl- there is a large selection to choose from and they will take orders. It's also a ticket shop. If you have posters or flyers for upcoming gigs, the friendly staff will be happy to display them and you can also pick up local free music mags here. One corner has a nice arrangement of local music, too. Not the cheapest record shop in Leeds but this one has character and a decent array of stuff to choose from.
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Review of Escobar
08 Nov 07, 19:53
Escobar fun
Admittedly it's the only place I've ever ventured to in Wakefield on a night out, but my several visits here have always been highly enjoyable. This bar and venue puts on a variety of great gigs, featuring local promoters Louder Than Bombs, and has seen an exciting array of up coming artists and NME favourites over the last couple of years. Inside it's cool and stylish, though the bar is quite pricey and it's rather compact so gets very busy at the more popular gigs. The train ride from Leeds is worth it if you fancy a change and like a good indie night with a friendly, up-for-it crowd.
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Review of Shared Earth
08 Nov 07, 19:33
Earth-friendly shopping
This shop is designed just for people who love shopping and unique designs, but care about the planet- Shared Earth stocks many fairtrade items, kooky gifts and cute homeware with animal and nature designs, as well as greeting cards and writing paper. I especially loved the gorgeous mobiles and hanging beads. Some very pretty jewellery too. Prices are fairly reasonable and you can rest assured that you are purchasing items that will help somebody improve their quality of life.Inside the Merrion Centre, look out for the adorable cat shaped purses too.
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Review of Octopus
08 Nov 07, 19:26
Octogood
If you are present shopping and want something a bit different from the norm, you may be able to find it at Octopus. This chic, colourful shop tucked into a trendy arcade sells gifts unlike anything else- everyday objects have been transformed into works of art and every product on sale is a funkier version of itself- check out flowery toasters, smiling garden trowels, bird shaped lighters and bags patterned like orange juice cartons- and many more weird and wonderful designs. Lovely gift ideas for less conventional people. Also stock a bold, interesting jewellery range and some amazing cuckoo clocks.
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Review of Citrus Cafe
08 Nov 07, 19:15
A bit of zing
With a menu very similar to their city centre establishment, the Citrus Cafe found in Headingley has more of a lively atmosphere than the aforementioned Corn Exchange one but the food is of the same quality and staff seem friendly and relaxed here- and I wasn't kept waiting half as long. A chilled, modern decor and some tasty dishes will keep you entertained. Pop in later on for more of a bar feel and drinks with friends. One extra star as it's an improvement on the other cafe bearing it's namesake.
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Review of Tokyo
08 Nov 07, 18:39
Tokyo Nights
Tokyo's nightclub is a welcome presence to Huddersfield's modest nightlife, boasting the town's most worthwhile student night with an eclectic mix of dance, indie, pop and house tunes and also hosting Club NME each week, featuring live bands and DJ's til late. Bar prices are reasonable, and become cheap if you get accosted by someone in the street with flyers/wristbands- and there are Disney parties, Army nights and so on throughout the year. Get there early to avoid queuing, especially on Wednesdays when it's uber popular. A more classy student club, and less cheesy than a good deal of the neighbouring bars.
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Review of Wokon
08 Nov 07, 18:28
Woked Out
Wok On is a quirkly little noodle bar located close to the trendy drinking area of Call Lane, but very reasonably priced if you want some cheap grub before a heavy night. There is a tantalising selection of dishes, portions are huge and you can get a great meal deal for two including starters, main meals and drinks for about 12 quid. Best of all it's super quick so good for power lunching too. A healthier, fulfilling alternative to fast food in a pleasant environment, with very polite staff.
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Review of Joy
15 Oct 07, 10:32
Shopping joy
Found in the stylish Light shopping centre, Joy is a must for those into kitsch accessories and retro style fashions. It sells everything from funky household items to joke presents and amusing birthday cards, as well as various clothing for both women and men and a myriad of things you don't need but really, really want. Not cheap but good for less conventional gift ideas or for the person who has everything. The shop is big and spacious and there's lots of room to browse; the staff seem helpful and polite.
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Review of Maxi's Express
15 Oct 07, 10:27
Express is best
If you are a fan of Maxi's Chinese restaurant but looking for something that is more focused on value for money and slightly less formal than the restaurant proper, then Maxi's Express in the Light shopping complex is an appropriate choice. An all inclusive buffet, customers pay once for an all-they-can-eat extravaganza. At lunch time it's just £5.90, and £9.00 in the evening. Dishes include everything you'd expect from a decent Chinese buffet with a wide array of delicious starters, main courses and a selection of desserts, as well as some more exotic food choices thrown in for good measure. Japanese sushi is also available.
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Review of Eureka
15 Oct 07, 10:20
Eureka!
Eureka! may be known as 'the museum for children' but adults can still have a lot of fun here, as I discovered on a recent trip over to Halifax. This is not a museum in the traditional sense- the majority of exhibits are interactive, hands on learning type things- and kids are encouraged to get involved and enjoy themselves as much as possible. There are designated play areas for very young children as well as older ones. Eureka! tries to explain in a friendly way how everyday things work, wth exhibitions ranging from shops and banks where children can serve each other to a garage where a car can be fixed, and many other educational features.
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Review of Akmal's Tandoori Bistro
15 Oct 07, 10:04
Curry heaven
Firstly, don't be put off by the strange fact that this curry house used to be a public toilet. It's now a very nice place to eat with friends. Located in the middle of the actual park, you can have a lovely meal for a very reasonable price, and bring your own booze and pay for corkage, or just buy a cheap bottle of wine there. Seems to get quite busy some weekends. I'm unsure on the exact opening times but it seems to be open rather late. The staff are friendly and the service is efficient, and most importantly the food is pretty tasty. Good for a no frills but above average meal out if you are into Indian cooking.
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Review of Fab Cafe
02 Oct 07, 23:13
Ab Fab?
FAB Cafe is not really a cafe at all, more of a club that opens at tea time for drinks though it's usually dead early on. The unique retro feel of the place is like nothing else in the city with a psychedelic colour scheme and items from cult TV, film and music adorning the club: highlights include a lifesize Dalek and the classic movies played throughout the night. There is a more chilled out film club on a Sunday; clubbing wise Fridays and Saturdays you can expect to hear a good mix of indie, pop, 80's, metal and so on. DJ is friendly and will endeavour to play most requests. Admission is free before 10pm and just £2.00 afterwards. The rubbish pints of Carlsberg they sell is made up for by the fact you can also purchase sweetie necklaces and sherbet dipdabs at the bar. Ace.
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Review of The Pack Horse
02 Oct 07, 20:34
Horsing Around
Over the road from The Library and surrounded by takeaways, The Packhorse pub can be found. A curious arrangement of odd little rooms, sometimes it can be hard to find your mates at first, but it's worth it. Another pub featuring a mix of slightly rowdy first year students (often in costume and taking part in the notorious Otley Run pub crawl), twenty somethings who like to get just as wrecked but minus the silly outfits, and the inevitable drunken old men, it's good for a cheap pint with mates. They serve food like any good public house which is fine but other local pubs seem superior in this department, so eat elsewhere and go on the lash here. Quality gigs are put on upstairs, by various promoters, and there are also other rooms upstairs available to hire for parties and likewise. A good start to a night out as it's close to the town centre to walk.
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Review of The Library
02 Oct 07, 20:25
A Library with a difference
The Library pub is large, cheap and had a previous reputation to be 'chavvy'- but the opening of the upstairs room as a gig venue seems to be definitely changing this attitude. As a 'Scream' pub, members are entitled to discounted pints- a card can be obtained from the bar for a measly pound to get involved with this. The few gigs I've attended there so far have been ace, well populated with some decent local acts gracing the stage. Fairly studenty downstairs, like much of the surrounding establishments, but cheerful and friendly. Food is served with 2 for 1 deals on some dishes and the meals are tasty and satisfying. Part of many a popular pub crawl around this area, so expect the lairy crowd in fancy dress on a weekend.
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Review of Old Kings Arms
02 Oct 07, 20:17
King of pubs
It may be a bit of a trek for those only familiar with the city centre, but the odd venture to this funny 'local' pub in quaint Horsforth proves quite enjoyable every now and again. It's basically a very traditional pub, with an eclectic mix of people who are probably too young to drink and those who are probably too old to still be drinking the amount they seem to consume. Besides this, the atmosphere is quite friendly, though there is quite a cliquey vibe some nights. Fridays can get very busy, as it's often first stop for the locals before a jaunt to town to hit the clubs. Booze is reasonably priced. They also serve food, which this reviewer is yet to sample but others assure her it is very palatable. If you find yourself in this neck of the woods give it a whirl- just avoid the pub over the road (The Black Bull)- the clientelle can be quite hostile at times.
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Review of The Hifi Club
02 Oct 07, 20:04
Hi Five
The Hi Fi Club is sassy, classy, and a good venue for those into funk and soul, due to the nature of several of its club nights. It also plays host to other one off gigs and a popular monthy night, the Tea Time Shuffle, where live music is offered on a Friday between 6.30-10pm. These gigs are always well attended and feature a great range of acts so there is something for everyone. The bar is fairly pricey and the club can get stupidly busy on a weekend later on, but it's worth it if you like somewhere with a bit of style. Some super drunken nights have been had here by this reviewer. Other events held here include comedy nights and a fashion show is upcoming. Fun.
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Review of Dare Cafe
02 Oct 07, 19:58
Dare to try it
It seems rather non descript from the outside, but venture in and you'll find a clean, quiet cafe serving a nice selection of food with some very well priced deals on a lunchtime: think £5.00 for a main meal and drink, or £3.50 or so for a sandwich and soup combo. The food is tasty and a little bit cosmopolitan, but minus the snobbery, and the service is good. I've only visited mid week, but have enjoyed many a pleasant lunch there. Recomended for people wanting to grab a quick bite and a good conversation.
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Review of Ls6 Cafe
02 Oct 07, 19:47
Tasty snacks
Formely known as Clock Cafe, LS6 can be found happily nestled between cool vintage shops on Hyde Park corner in Student Land. Apparently Corinne Bailey Rae once worked here, should that nugget of info influence you in the slightest. Inside it is retro in style, with tables tucked neatly into corners and bright lamps just on the right side of tacky. Now the important stuff: the food is gorgeous. There are sandwiches, salads and the most wonderful potato wedges to be found in Leeds in this modest little cafe on a lunchtime, and main meals in the evening. Also licensed to sell alcohol with food, and a selection of european beers are available. The only negative is the slow service as it often seems to take the waitresses an age, but the wait is worth it and in fairness it does get busy on a regular basis. Definitely worth a look.
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Review of Dry Dock
02 Oct 07, 19:39
Man overboard
...is what they might say when someone who's had one too many stumbles out of this boat-shaped joint in a drunken haze. Easy enough to do on a Tuesday night, when all pints are a quid and the bar is open til 2am. In my experience the beer doesn't taste amazing, but its cheap enough and the outside deck seating area is very pleasant on the right evening. It can get stiflingly busy, particularly on a Tuesday and weekends, and the crowd often seems very young, and sometimes a tad alternative, but the quirky factor of having a beer on a boat is worth this. Located close to the Met university, this is one to check out for a fun evening with friends.
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Review of The Royal Park
02 Oct 07, 19:26
The Royal Park Pub
Set slap bang in the middle of Hyde Park, The Royal Park is a cheap, cheerful, reasonable sized pub serving good food of the traditional pub menu style (same food chain as several of the pubs in the neighbouring area) There is also seating outside for smokers, though food can only be eaten inside. Live music is also prominent in Th Royal Park Cellars, a cosy humid venue found underneath the pub with decent sound and crowd. There are new pool tables, quiz machine and so on, and Friday nights are the highlight with the infamous Royal Park Karaoke, which is always worth a laugh and gains a sizeable crowd. Down to earth and fun.
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Review of The Cockpit
02 Oct 07, 19:20
The Cockpit
Playing a host to a wide range of gigs many touring bands make the Cockpit te Leeds stop of their tour, especiall true of those in the indie genre; though metal and more alternative styles are also included. Local bands also grace the smaller stages on occasion. Crowd is fun and friendly and often quite studenty at Panic! or The Garage club nights. Various drinks, usually bottles, are on offer. This low roofed, 'under the arches' venue is often hot and sweaty so bear this in mind when dressing for mosh-worthy gigs. There is also a small bar area featuring acoustic nights. Good for dancing on a weekend if you don't mind a bit of a crush; rubbish for a quiet chat with your mates.
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Review of Faversham
02 Oct 07, 18:54
Frolics at the Fav
A trendy, lively venue, The Faversham hosts a variety of nights catering for different tastes, including Friday's New Bohemia, featuring tunes and artists from hip hop and related genres, Bad Sneakers, an indie/rock club night with the added attraction of live bands on a Saturday, and a plethora of other weekly and monthly gigs and clubnights. There are several rooms including a conservatory with comfy sofas and dim lighting and delicious food is served during the day. Bar prices, though, are not cheap, but there is a good selection of beers and cocktails and the occasional deal for the discerning drinker. It may be located worryingly close to the university, but think haircuts, rather than scruffy: sharp dressers are welcomed here, especially on the 'indie' nights. Still a good atmosphere and a heaving dancefloor always make for a good night out here.
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