Heidi M.

Review of Boots

13 May 08, 11:27

Everything you need

This boots is MASSIVE so if you're popping in for an eye cream you'll find yourself in there a while... but this would be perfect if you've got a load of birthday presents to buy or you've got some time to spare. It's got SO much choice. The makeup counters seem to go on forever (they have an Yves Saint Laurent so you can get your Touche Eclait in here) and stock every fake tan you can think of (apart from fake bake, the buggers!) The points boots offer are the best around so I always go here. Plus this one has a huge selection of face masks which I force my partner to try out with me - he loves it. Loads of staff on too so no long queues...

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Review of Milton Keynes Central Library

08 May 08, 18:28

Huge library

This library is huge and you will certainly find what you're looking for... I used to come in here a lot for school work (back in the day!) because there were always loads of books and you knew all the reference books woouldn't have been pinched. As libraries go this one is definitely the best in the area. Nice to have a bit of culture in the centre of my concrete birthplace of Milton Keynes. Yes, I DO have that on my birth certificate. Watch out for the statue of the whispering women nearby. So typical of Milton Keynes, random, but it kind of works!

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Review of Malmaison Hotel

08 May 08, 18:23

Malmaison Hotel Bar

I've been to the bar here but I haven't eaten here (although I know loads of people who have and have said it is AMAZING! However, the food is pretty posh and the portions are small. A nut on a lettuce leaf etc....) This is a 5* hotel so it looks slick and modern, incredibly well designed. Aesthetically it's stunning. It has very comfy leather seats too. You don't have to be staying in the hotel to enjoy the bar either which is nice. The drinks are very expensive but nothing you wouldn't expect for somewhere so posh. In all honesty, I would say this place is snooty, some of the other people were pretty awful. A lot of people would love that atmosphere, but I won't be rushing back for that reason.... if you took away the other guests, it would be lovely!

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Review of Starbucks

08 May 08, 18:06

Great coffee - staff are a bit wired!

I really like this Starbucks... unfortunately it doesn't have a view though as it's right in the centre of the building. There are lots of comfortable chairs and the food (cakes) are delicious (very over priced but I eat them anyway). The coffee of the day is good value though, if you're not fussy like me, you'll love it. Nice big mugs too. I went in here with my sister and although I liked them, she thought that the staff are over-bearingly friendly. They were all foreign (mostly South African and Australian). They've obviously been trained by an American youth camp worker who had drunk 17 red bulls.... eyes and teeth! They'll go "is that everything can I get you anything else??" after you've paid and started walking away. They do mean well, but it's too over the top because it always sounds like they're reading a script rather than actually talking to you. Ooh and also, it's REALLY unbearably hot sometimes. Maybe the workers are so friendly in order to stay conscious....

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Review of Ocean Kitchen

08 May 08, 17:57

Panoramic views

This place is REALLY nice although it's much more like a bar than a restaurant. Most people tend to go in here to have a drink (upmarket atmosphere so most people drink wine). The view is panoramic, it's absolutely gorgeous and you can see all of the harbour. It has a huge balcony where you can sit in the sunshine with loads of tables outside. Inside, the couches are really comfortable. The people who go in there tend to be really pleasant and not snooty at all. It's more like a bar than a pub. It's a very coupley sort of place in the evenings. It's not very family orientated at all though, even in the daytime. The design is modern and it's really spacious and airy. The staff are OK but you can get to the bar from both sides and then the barman/women never know who has been waiting longest... they're very average but friendly enough. Be prepared to wait a little while at the bar.

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Review of Baxters

08 May 08, 17:45

Baxters

Baxters is a really lovely place to eat. It's excellent value for money and in a lovely position because it's high up and has stunning views of the harbour. It's very popular so I would recommend you always book for the evenings (and sometimes lunchtime although you can be lucky and there are some tables free). The service is very friendly and helpful. I wouldn't recommend it for a date, but it is a really nice place to go with your girlie friends after shopping or during work. It's much quieter during the week so I'd recommend it!

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Review of Fox FM

08 May 08, 17:39

Fox FM

Awww the home of the lovely Neil Williams. Neil eats celery all day and plays music for you between 10 and 1pm. He is awesome. If ever you want to play the "say the word" game with him, secretly text him a word and listen to him shoe-horn it in there (82122). You can also catch him presenting on Sky in between the programmes. He's so clever. Fox is part of the One Network so plays really good music. It's Oxford through and through so definitely worth a little listen. Oh, and it used to have two of the best receptionists in the whole wide world. They were so nice. Whatever happened to those little ladies...

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Review of Cult Clothing Co

08 May 08, 17:32

Great clothes - pricey

This place does fantastic clothing - great trousers. But it is pretty expensive. I used to get the bus over to Oxford specifically to come to this place. The hoodies are amazing too. Staff always seem nice (I had to go and pester some of them a while ago re. some work stuff and they were really nice). It's very cool, but not so cool they make you feel like a freaky weird alien who doesn't belong... like Billabong in Milton Keynes where they're all too cool for school and only wear flip flops. Lush clothes, worth a trip!

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Review of The Head Of The River

08 May 08, 17:30

Great location

This pub is awesome, I've been here loads. My friend and I had lunch here and then got a boat out on the river a few months ago. It's got a gorgeous huge garden and the staff have always seemed very friendly. It does get very warm inside in the summer, but if you go in the winter it's really cosy. It's the perfect place to go to on a Sunday afternoon but I do need to warn you about two things.... 1. It gets REALLY busy 2. Parking is always really expensive in Oxford and parking near this place is a pain in the bum. Either get the park and ride or get dropped off

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Review of The Fat Cat Cafe Bar

06 May 08, 18:18

Great food during the day

This might not be the first place you think of if you're looking for lunch somewhere, but I went on Saturday and they do REALLY nice food. Plus they've got an undercover outside area so you can sit out. The staff were really friendly too. Definitely recommend for the day. I've heard it's a really good place to go in the evenings too... lots of tasty men of the rugby playing variety. Hmmmm!

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Review of Smart Motorcycle Training

03 May 08, 14:01

Great instructors

I did all my motorcycle training with these guys and god knows how, but they managed to get me through my test first time! Although I don't ride anymore, I basically learnt because I wanted to prove to myself I could do it. I learnt with my cousin and I have to say, we had the BEST laugh doing it. Geoff who is the main instructor here is such a character. He's a really nice man, as are the other guys who work with him. They are SO dedicated to teaching you how to be the safest rider possible. Be prepared to put up with some "female rider" jokes but they're really nice instructors

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Review of Blenheim Palace Gardens

03 May 08, 12:59

Beautiful - concerts can be BAD

This is one of my favourite places in the world. The grounds of Blenheim Palace are absolutely stunning. You really do feel like you've gone back in time. It's SO expensive though. Unless you want to see the house I would suggest parking in one of the villages a mile or so away and then walking through the grounds. The house is stunning, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, you can see his cot and everything. It's ideal for a walk, or if you're stuck for somewhere to take the oldies, they'll love it. My partner took his parents there and he said they absolutely loved it. It's also got a tea room so after a long walk you can have cake. They have loads of exhibitions and shows in the grounds so keep an eye out for that. I went to see James Blunt live there. The concert was fabulous, but the organisation of the cars was AWFUL!!! They had TWO exits for thousands of cars so it was horrific. I would suggest you treat yourself to a night in a hotel in Woodstock if you go to a concert there.... then you can walk past as everyone else is stressing

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Review of Lloyds TSB Bank

03 May 08, 12:36

Staff are SO patient

Somehow, this Lloyds have managed to find the most patient people in the world and convinced them to work here. Every time I go in there are queues of foreign people trying to ask complex financial questions with their four words of English yet the staff are always SO patient and friendly, one lady in particular. They're efficient and very friendly.

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Review of Matalan

03 May 08, 12:31

Great value but LOOOONG queues

Matalan is great. This shop in particular is huge and in the last couple of years they've really raised their game and are producing really fashionable, amazing value clothing. The quality of Matalan is also really good. I bought a gorgeous scarf there last week for £3 and a belt for £3. You'd pay £30 for both in Next easily. They're also ideal for holiday shopping because they have loads of great summer items in at the moment. One thing that really does annoy me though is a) the queues (get more staff!) and b) the fact you need that irritating Matalan card whenever you shop - why??? Anyway, for bargains and loads of choice this shop in Bletchley is great. They do loads of homeware stuff so if you want canvas' etc, it's perfect.

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Review of La Senza

03 May 08, 12:28

Perfect for undies and nighties

This is a really nice shop - great size so you're guaranteed not to get knocked out by dozens of red faced women with their shopping bags. They do great night time wear, and have loads of cosy stuff if you don't want anything sexy. Sexy?? Pah. Throw me the comfy pants anytime, which they also sell, but cute ones! Not like the ones old women buy in BHS that act as chest minimisers too. Plus, whenever you buy any presents for people they put it in a box for you so it makes it look prettier...

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Review of Wyevale

29 Apr 08, 17:20

Great for gifts

I recently went here to do some charity collecting and the staff were REALLY friendly. I had a few minutes to have a look around and you don't be fooled into thinking that they only sell plants... they sell loads of gifts and some gorgeous jewellery which really isn't very expensive. They've also got a cafe and the manager is one of the most efficient, friendly men you will ever meet. Definitely worth a little visit!

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Review of Picturedrome

29 Apr 08, 16:55

Great Roof Terrace

This place is REALLY nice - one of the nicest bars in Northampton by far. It's quite far out the centre of town but that's good because you always seem to get a nice group of people who go there. They hold comedy nights here and although I haven't been to one my friends have said they're a really good laugh. There's a really nice outside roof terrace with heaters so if your friends smoke you don't have to feel like you've only seen them for 15 minutes all night....

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Review of Stables Boutique

29 Apr 08, 13:10

Stables Boutique

This place is for older women admittedly, and it's very expensive, but it's a gorgeous place to have a look around. It's set in Stowe Castle which overlooks Stowe Landscape Gardens and House. It is all very grand. As you enter there's a beautiful gift shop, and then up the stairs is the clothing section. It would be the ideal place to take your mum if you're stuck for something to do. It is very pricey, but the quality of the clothing is second to none. The best thing about it is that the clothing is very unique... you won't find endless copies of the same top on the rail

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Review of Tesco

29 Apr 08, 12:58

Costa Coffee inside

They're looking into expanding this tesco apparently, which seems a bit odd, as it's pretty large already. But then seeing as Milton Keynes has the biggest Asda in Europe they may be trying to compete. I know a lot of local people are really strongly opposed to this idea. However, I wanted to review this one because it's the first Tesco I know that has opened up a Costa Coffee inside. Tesco cafes are usually pretty gross and so it's good to see this has been recognised and they've allowed a Costa inside. It makes shopping so much more bearable when you know there's a huge slab of caking waiting for you once you've finished...

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Review of John Lewis

29 Apr 08, 10:04

Amazing store - helpful staff

For some reason I feel like I spent half of my childhood in the John Lewis cafe looking down on everyone doing their shopping... it would be the oasis I longed for while my mother dragged me around her endless shops on a Saturday. This shop is gorgeous but as you would always expect from John Lewis, although never knowingly undersold, they're still pricey. The furniture is stunning as is all the wall art you can buy. The cafe is a good size, expensive, but you can get a really nice lunch. Ideal at Christmas as they really push the boat out with all the decorations, plus you can look down on Middleton Hall and watch all the decorations and exhibitions. They have massive perfume and makeup counters of which I could quite easily spend 24 hours standing beside. For huge choice it's the ideal place - they even have a whole material section if you make dresses. I recently went in with a friend who was buying an Ipod docking system and the girl who helped her (refreshing change to have a female working in the gadget department) was very helpful and objective with her opinion. Only downside is, because all the shops I prefer are down the other end of the centre, I rarely venture all the way to Middleton Hall noawdays...

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Review of Marks & Spencer

29 Apr 08, 09:43

Shopping and cake

I am unhealthily obsessed with the Per Una range in Marks and Spencer Northampton... unfortunately due to the fact I am always ridiculously poor I can never afford any of it, I tend to just go into the shop and just touch it, convincing myself one day I'll be able to go in and buy the lot. Marks on Abington Street is so handy because it's got a whole food hall too. It's got a lot younger and fresher. The underwear is great as is the homeware section (which isn't actually THAT expensive). The best thing about marks is the jewellery. SO much chunky stuff in there at the moment. And then when you've been round the store and maxed out your third credit card you can go to the cafe upstairs for cake.... shopping and cake. Nothing can beat that.

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Review of TGI Fridays

29 Apr 08, 09:36

High School Musical

You may feel a little like you are entering the green room for High School Musical when you come in here... Always very popular so best to book if you've got a high number of people, but the staff are always REALLY friendly (eyes and teeth!) and have been taught loads of psychological stuff like crouching down as they talk to you so they're on your eye level... sounds weird but I think it's about the whole making you feel welcome thing. My friend used to work in one and it's amazing how much time the management invest in its staff and training them how to serve the best etc. It works though, they are by far the most friendly staff. They do amazing cocktails in here and puddings. At lunch you can have a two course lunch for £9.99 which isn't bad! (They've got very annoying radio adverts with a woman with a false American accent talking about it....) Ideal for lunch or dinner and perfect for parties

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Review of Zizzi

29 Apr 08, 09:27

HUGE restaurant

Zizzi is a chain of traditional pizza and pasta restaurants - all pizzas are cooked in a wood burning oven and taste amazing. I've been here a couple of times. It's a HUGE restaurant, really light and airy. The staff always seemed very efficient, particularly as I was in a very large group of people. It's a great place for lunch and dinner. You don't feel at all crammed in and so it's a very relaxing experience. They've got two of these in MK now but I went to the one in the Theatre District. They do takeaway, lots of vegetarian foods and you can expect to pay around £25 for two people. Worth a visit!

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Review of Buckingham Arms

28 Apr 08, 19:04

Italian Food

This specialises in Italian food so if you like your pasta and your lasagne you'll love it. The bar bit is pretty dated, but the restaurant looks really nice. Last time I went in they had two massive friendly rottweillers walking around. I adore dogs so I loved it, but for people who are a bit nervous, it may have put them off. Quite full of locals and it did feel like they looked a bit like "hmmm, she's not a regular!" as I walked in which always makes you feel a little awkward. But we sat round the corner away from everyone and it's a really good place to have a chat and a few drinks.

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Review of The Crown

28 Apr 08, 19:01

Small but lovely

This is a really lovely country pub. It's small and really cosy. They have an open fire in the winter and a small restaurant through the back. There's only about eight tables in total so it's really intimate. It's reasonable in price (except they charge £1.50 for soda water!) There's a guy with dread locks behind the bar who's really friendly and there's often some lovely dogs in there who come and say hello. If you've been for a walk in Great Horwood, it's a nice place to finish. They've got tables out the front on the green so you can eat out on a sunny day...

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Review of Woburn Safari Park

28 Apr 08, 18:58

Great day out

I LOVE this place. I normally hate zoos because I don't like seeing them when they can't express completely natural behaviour... but Woburn is great as they have SO much space to run around and behave normally (apart from the rangers who sometimes have to chase after them in land rovers). People worry about the monkeys ruining their cars but it's fine, they're really not that interested. Then at the end they've got cafes and shops etc so lots of things to do and see. Great for children but don't go on a hot day unless you have air con as you have to keep the windows shut at all times...

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Review of Navigation Inn

28 Apr 08, 18:42

Pub at Stoke Bruerne

This is the pub right next to the canal in Stoke Bruerne... it is lovely. SO popular in the summer as it had a massive garden and play area. I went on a first date here ages ago. Terrible date, but perfect location. You can sit and relax by the canal and watch the boats go by, or finish off a long walk with a drink, or go out for a proper dinner or lunch. Bit dated inside but it's a real gem and I would highly recommend it. Plenty of parking too. Just watch out for the screaming children....

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Review of Thorntons

28 Apr 08, 17:49

Amazing chocolate

It's a tiny shop but it's perfect for picking up a gift in, you can't go too far wrong with chocolate. They'll personalise things for you too so you can make your gift a bit more special. If you've been having a rubbish day and want to treat yourself, or cheer someone else up, the chocolates from here are amazing. They're quite expensive, but you're always going to pay more in Thorntons as you're paying for the name. Definitely worth a look.

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Review of Superdrug

28 Apr 08, 17:22

Superdrug - sells the best fake tan

If you are obsessed with fake tan like I am and you've been looking for ages for the best one... trust me, I have found it. Fake Bake is by far the best. I've been wearing fake tan since I was 15 so almost 9 years of my life and believe me, I have tested pretty much every one going. The trouble is, fake bake is only sold in Superdrug and not boots (why, I don't know!) So this is the place that always has the lotion in stock (other places seem to only have the mousse). It'll set you back about £25 but it's worth it. I always get mine from here because you can park for free in the shopping centre and because this Superdrug never seems to get too busy. They have a huge makeup selection PLUS last time I went in an entire shelf dedicated to fake tan and bronzer only - heaven. So if you want to be bronzed and beautiful, or just have a massive selection of cosmetics, come here. The guy who seems to always be on the tills seems nice too.

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Review of Albert J Ramsbottom

28 Apr 08, 13:13

BEST CHIPS

I had chips and gravy here the other day and they were absolutely gorgeous... they're often busy which tells you a lot about the quality of their food. The chips are the best around and the staff always seem very friendly and REALLY efficient. For some reason they do close really early on a Saturday though! I'd say that was the only downside. It's perfect if you want a takeaway (cone of chips is 90p) but if you want to sit in they've got a nice cafe bit through the back. If you're having a bad day - the chips from this shop are the way forward.

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Review of Karen Millen

28 Apr 08, 13:08

Beautiful detail

On a busy day in Milton Keynes Shopping Centre, this shop is a bit like an oasis of calm because it's never too busy and it has a great layout. The clothes are absolutely stunning (well out of my price range) but if you do want to treat yourself, then this is the place to go. They do beautiful detailing on the clothing and because of the way the shop is designed, you feel like you can see everything clearly without being bashed and bruised by other shoppers. Definitely a shop for those wanting to feel spoilt! It's in the new part near to Waterstone's and Topshop...

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Review of Bay Trading Co

28 Apr 08, 11:56

Another great place for dresses

The dresses Bay Trading are selling at the moment are so beautiful - particularly in this shop which I was in over the weekend. If you've got a special occassion but have a tight budget, you can get a gorgeous dress from here (average about £35). I've always found Bay reasonable and have a good range of clothing that lasts pretty well for the money. The sunglasses are always good too. If you're after a pretty summer dress, look no further...

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Review of Old White Hart The Public House

28 Apr 08, 11:40

Old White Hart Pub

I've been here quite a few times and I would highly recommend it. It's got a huge area to sit outside (if you're a smoker or if it's sunny) but bits are undercover which is cool. This place is good if you're on a date because it's quiet and generally quite a relaxing place to be. I haven't eaten here, only had drinks, but the staff always seem really friendly. Generally, a really good place to go for a chill out

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Review of Charles Bradlaugh

28 Apr 08, 11:38

Charles Bradlaugh Pub

This is pub is a little way out of town but still does really well with trade - always seems busy. They have a really nice outside bit where you can have a drink and they serve food all day (until 9pm). It's a really good place to go and chill out on a weeknight, or go to on a Saturday when it's much busier and open until 2am. It seems to attract a really nice crowd of people too - worth popping into.

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Review of HMV

28 Apr 08, 10:29

Efficient staff

I went in here a while ago to buy some vouchers for a colleague's leaving present and the guy who served me was really friendly and very efficient. I really like it when they make the effort to chat to you, although I see why some don't as they have to serve so many old miseries. HMVs are notoriously busy, but they seem to really manage this one well. Price wise you can get some good bargains, but I still do most of my CD/DVD shopping online as you can get it cheaper. But if you're in a hurry and want to grab and go, this is a good place to nip into. In my experience you'll get served very quickly and be on your merry way...

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Review of The Orange Tree

28 Apr 08, 10:13

Good for vegetarians

If you're vegetarian and struggle find somewhere nice on a Sunday, you should go here because they do a really good vegetarian roast, they don't miss out on anything, just replace the meat with vegetarian sausages. We went last Sunday and sat in the huge garden they have out the back (easy to miss unless you know it's there) and it was lovely. Definitely worth a visit, even if just for a drink because it's really nice inside and out... and perfect if you've had a long day shopping.

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Review of Gap

26 Apr 08, 12:31

BIG

I always think that it's really over priced and never seems to have any originiality. However, this particular shop is a really good size and well presented so you can see things really clearly (plus you won't have to keep wrestling with push chairs!) I don't think I've ever bought anything from here, but if you like your Gap clothing, then this is a good shop to visit...

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Review of Topshop

26 Apr 08, 12:10

Great undies - pricey tops

This Topshop is really big so it's good if you want a big selection of clothing. Personally, as much as I love it, I think Topshop is often very over priced a lot of the time but they do really nice underwear, lots of choice and not always knickers that make you feel like if you move too abruptly you'll be sliced in half. They always do good deals on undies (3 for £10 etc). Obviously their jewellery is amazing, I love the Freedom range. If you love Topshop, then you are going to love this one in the centre MK (it's in the newer bit by the way near H&M)

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Review of Ask

24 Apr 08, 17:46

If you don't ask...

This place is gorgeous. It's SO light, airy and cool with huge windows. The food is amazing but I'm a huge fan of Ask anyway. Don't be put off because it's a chain it's really nice. Perfect place to go for lunch if you've been dragged around the shops (or to make it up to someone if you've been the draggER) Very friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere. I had pasta with roasted vegetables last time I met my lovely friend Val there and it was sooooo good

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Review of Pi Bar

24 Apr 08, 17:07

Nice atmosphere but really noisy

I really like this bar. I've been in a couple of times now and although it's really noisy it does have a really nice atmosphere. Wouldn't be a very good place for a date as you wouldn't be able to hear each other speak though... wish we had more bars like this in Northampton. I imagine it would be a really nice place to go and chill out in after work.

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Review of Mario's Leic

24 Apr 08, 17:03

Good chips!

My friend always drags me in here kicking and screaming.... hmmm more like the other way round. I know it looks a bit minging but I've been a few times now and I like it. It's very chilled and you can eat chips, drink coke and play pool. We saw a girl buying chips in her pyjamas the other day, now if that isn't chilled....

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Review of Jolly Anker

24 Apr 08, 16:55

Nice inside - but often quiet

Obviously this is now Route 69... I went in there a few weeks ago and I have to say I REALLY liked it. It's a great atmosphere and everyone seems very friendly. It's really light and airy and play good music (apart from Lazy Town which I heard one time!) Trouble is, the place is always really quiet and I'm not sure how long it'll last... but if you haven't been it's worth going into. Don't be put off at all with it being a gay bar or feel awkward if you're straight, everyone is so nice and just want to have a dance and a laugh

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Review of H & M

24 Apr 08, 16:32

Amazingly nice underwear

I got the underwear bargain of the century here a few weeks ago.... I got a matching bra and knicker set (which was £75% off) for about £4. They're really nice too! I also bought lots of lovely black undies here the other day which were really good value (you'd pay about £35 for it in Anne Summers). For underwear, it's great. Don't miss the upstairs bit as there's loads up there. You can get some real bargains here. Just generally, this is a really nice shop to go in and good value

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Review of Laura Ashley

24 Apr 08, 16:07

Great quality - very pricey

I disliked Laura Ashley for years, it was a trauma effect from when my indecisive mother would drag me round there for hours as she ummed and aahed about clothes she couldn't afford anyway... it always used to be a bit for the middle-aged, but I have to say, they do sell some gorgeous clothes in there now. I saw a stunning dress for around £120 so it's pricey, but the quality is really high and it's a really nice, quiet shop. If you have some cash burning a hole in your pocket and fancy feeling a bit like Kate Middleton for the afternoon, you should pop in!

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Review of O2

24 Apr 08, 16:03

Helpful Staff

I went in here with a friend yesterday and the guy was really helpful and friendly. He really seemed to know his stuff and it's not one of those places where they hard-sell stuff at you as soon as you walk in the door. They have loads of choices and personally I'm on O2 because of all the really good free text offers they have. If you're a bit confused by phones and need some help I would recommend this place

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Review of British Heart Foundation

24 Apr 08, 13:23

Great for books

If you prefer your books second hand like I do, then they always have a great selection. I got the entire Janes Austen collection for £10! They look brand new anyway...

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Review of Greggs

24 Apr 08, 11:31

Good cakes

I'm never really impressed with their sandwiches although I know people rave about Greggs but their cakes are soooooo good.... particularly their donuts. If your energy levels are dipping in the afternoon I would recommend you pop in.

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Review of Peacocks Stores

24 Apr 08, 11:27

Really good value

I LOVE Peacocks. They sell really fashionable clothes but at a cheap price. I've bought lots in here in the past and I've always been really impressed. Their jewellery and accessories are really nice too. For a bargain, I'd recommend it.

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Review of Subway

24 Apr 08, 11:26

I go here lots

I go in here loads and they're always really friendly (plus they play Northants 96 so they must be good!) It's good value and really nice, freshly made food. They have so many combinations for vegetarians too.

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Review of Pizza Express Restaurants

24 Apr 08, 11:08

Really friendly staff - great food

This restaurant won a best of Oxfordshire award for restaurant about 3 years ago... it may seem weird as it's quite tucked away and considering some of the amazing restaurants in Oxfordshire. But I have to say, I think it was won because the staff there are so friendly and helpful, it's beautifully decorated and the food is amazing. If you want a really good meal that won't cost a fortune then you should try this place. I haven't been for a few months, but if it's anything like when I went last time, you won't regret the visit.

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Review of Revolution Bar

24 Apr 08, 10:11

Really nice surprise

This is SUCH a nice place to go on a Sunday like my friend and I did. We had a really nice lunch which was good value and sat outside in their garden bit at the front watching everyone go by. Inside is really lovely and it was so quiet when we went there we didn't have to wait at all. One thing though, and you may think I'm weird, but I hate it when bars have the women's toilets miles away from the bar, up four flights of stairs and in the attic like this one (not literally) but I could imagine on a quiet evening it's not very nice as you feel SO isolated. That's the only thing I would suggest they change. If you're like me and think about things like that, take a girlfriend with you.... also they have free papers so I imagine it'd be really nice to go on your own on a weekend and chill out during the day.

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Review of Banter

24 Apr 08, 09:51

Lovely place to eat - maybe not on Sunday

This is such a nice restaurant. You're not all crammed in and the staff are exceptionally friendly. When I went in there last time we were served quickly and she even asked if we'd like to move so we were nearer the window because she thought it would be nicer bless her. The food was fantastic too. It's a bit more pricey than I normally pay but it is worth it. Only downfall is, I went in there with my friend last Sunday and they only do a Sunday roast all day or vege lasagne, nothing else, so that's a bit of a pain.

Opening Times: Mon - Thurs: 10:00 - 21:45 (last food orders) Fri & Sat: 10:00 - 21:45 (last food orders) Sun: 12:00 - 21:15 (last food orders) Avg Price: £22.00

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Review of Oxford Ice Rink

24 Apr 08, 09:45

Good for a laugh

I have to say, one of the most fun nights out I had was when some friends and I went to one of the 'disco nights' here. It's such a laugh and you don't feel like a nob falling all over the place because everyone does, and the only people who stand out are the ones who think they are one half of Torvill and Dean. I would recommend grabbing a load of friends because you'll have such a laugh. And who cares it's chavvy!

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Review of Royal & Durngate

23 Apr 08, 20:32

Worth a visit!

Love this theatre - it's small enough to be intimate but big enough to be impressive. I went to see a play about a year ago and the set and sound were both great. They get some really good names here too. I would recommend going to see a show - the mailcoach next door is perfect for dinner beforehand or a drink after...

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Review of Red Lion

23 Apr 08, 20:27

Gets my vote

We used to go in here and hunt down Stowe boys when me and my girlfriends were in our teens.... but since my perving days are long over (hmmm) now it's ideal for a meal and a drink. It's quite pricey but it's very cosy and has a very nice atmosphere. Definitely worth a little visit!

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Review of Tesco Stores

23 Apr 08, 20:22

Sells the world and his wife

If this is the Tesco I think it is (Bletchley) then you could literally buy everything you could ever possibly need in here.... I bought my telly here and the guy was really helpful and even carried it to the car for me. For food shopping, I wouldn't go near as it's bigger than Wembley Stadium but for clothes and jewellery it's great. I saw a dress on the tesco advert, popped in, there it was, bought it for a tenner, bob's your uncle. LOADS of selection and not a bad price....

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Review of Budgens Supermarket

23 Apr 08, 20:14

Amazing home made cakes

This is a handy place to pop in for odd bits (although you will pay a fair bit more) but one thing I love about Budgens is that they sell homemade cakes which are amazing. You feel like you've just walked into a local WI stall except without women in pearls and loafers. So if you fancy pretending to be the dream woman and tricking your partner into marrying an evolving Mary Poppins, buy one, pass it off as your own and he'll be yours for life. If cake isn't the way to a man's heart.... not that I have EVER pretended one of these cakes was my own of course (erm - only at every coffee morning I organise, but don't tell)

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Topshop

23 Apr 08, 19:42

Great selection

How friendly are the staff!!?? I went in today and one of the staff members Laura was so lovely when my friend and I asked for her help. Really went out of her way. They're not all snooty like in some places. Staff are so pretty though you may leave feeling like you've just been in the company of the Pussycat Dolls - damn them. Oh good lord how I love thee Topshop! I just wish my funds allowed me to shop anywhere other than Primark..... (sigh)

OOH - although one bad thing is my friend was told a cardigan she wanted was the last one they were going to have in so she bought a size too small as she couldn't bear leaving it - a week later, there was another load delivered! So she was annoyed about that....

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Review of Waitrose

23 Apr 08, 19:21

Expensive but best quality

If you have the money, then Waitrose in the way forward. My partner shops in here, not that the likes of me can afford such luxury. I'm more a netto girl and I'm not ashamed to say it. The staff are really friendly though and as food shopping goes (yawn!) it's one of the most chilled places to do it. Quality is second to none too.

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Review of Games Workshop

23 Apr 08, 19:14

Friendly and popular

My friend James LOVES all this kind of stuff and I know some people take the mick out of these places, but I have to say, I love walking past and seeing people (pretty much always men) enjoying this sort of stuff. And I must say, I went in on my own the other day to drop a poster off and they were really friendly! I don't think women enter very often... but if you like your war stuff and all that, then you should go along here. The staff seem really clued up and passionate about it all.

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Review of Oceana

23 Apr 08, 11:51

HUGE selection

I'm not a massive clubber myself, but Oceana is amazing. Some of the people are quite grim and watch out for the 'boudoir' section post midnight when all the dry-humpers think it's really sexy to get it on infront of a room full of people. Tasteful! But other than that there's loads of choice for everyone. The Japanese bar is great to go and chill in if you've had enough of the Ice Room... plus the disco room is fun and plays loads of cheesey stuff. Not much room to dance though so you may find your face in many an armpit. Nice.

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Review of Almarie's

22 Apr 08, 14:41

Great food - lovely decor

My friend used to own this restaurant and it's really popular in Buckingham. It recently changed hands but it seems to have been kept pretty much the same... same food etc. The service previously was second to none as the owners, Alex and Annmarie, were SO friendly and ran it fantastically but I went in for the first time the other day and it's still a great place to go. I know the previous owners asked people to leave pushchairs outside as it got busy and quite cramped, unfortunately that rule seems to have been discarded so it's a bit of a maze getting to a table at times! But it's still one of the best places for lunch in Buckingham. Plus, they're now open on Sundays 9-2pm (woo!) so you can go 7 days a week

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Review of Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel

22 Apr 08, 13:54

Lovely location

I've stayed here a couple of times and I liked it. It's right on the river so perfect place to have a walk at the weekend and a drink in the bar. There are quite a few bars and it's especially nice in the winter as they have massive fires...

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Review of Royal Oxford Hotel

22 Apr 08, 13:51

Ideal location to explore

This is the ideal hotel to stay in if you want to explore Oxford. It's right in the very centre so you can walk to everything. It doesn't have a car park but you can stay in the one across the road (long stay train station) and it's cheaper. Smollensky's below is one of the best restaurants you'll visit... perfect for a bit of sight-seeing and luxury at the same time

PS - The photo associated with this isn't the hotel.... !

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Review of Kazbar

22 Apr 08, 11:52

Gorgeous

I went here ages ago and then again more recently with some friends - it was AMAZING. Great food, the most amazing atmosphere and although quite pricey, I definitely would say worth every penny. It's really relaxed and you don't feel like you're all crammed in having people listening into your conversation all the time...

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Auntie Ruths Bar

22 Apr 08, 11:50

Great salsa lessons

I've only ever been there for salsa lessons (which are awesome!) but it seems like a great place. I know lots of people who go there and rate it really highly. I love all the photos on the wall - it's really unique so definitely worth popping by...

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of La Tasca

22 Apr 08, 11:44

Great food - great atmosphere

I've been here quite a few times and it never fails to impress. The decor is gorgeous and I love the Spanish Music. It's really nice for lunch as they do great Tapas or for an evening meal - very romantic but not too expensive if you're thinking of treating someone!

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Review of The Woolpack

21 Apr 08, 16:25

Dog friendly and great in summer

This is the BEST place to go in the summer because the garden backs onto the river and there are loads of places to sit. It's really nice in winter as they have the fires on and it's really cosy and then in the summer it's great for relaxing in. They are dog friendly in the garden too (and they used to let them inside too, not sure if they still do though) so really nice place to take them. Food is a bit hit and miss... sometimes it's REALLY great and other times the portions are really small. But I would recommend it for lunch definitely. They got REALLY badly flooded and were closed for ages but since the refurb, it's even nicer inside.

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Review of Jilly Sanders

21 Apr 08, 16:22

Best for posh dresses

This is such a great shop - it is quite pricey but if you're looking for a proper posh dress it's not much more expensive than somewhere like monsoon. It's a bit more quirky and individual too so if you're looking for a posh gown, I highly recommend this place. You also know you're not going to show up somewhere in the same dress as someone else because they only seem to have one of each style. I got a STUNNING black dress from there for £90 and seeing as I've worn it about 5 times already it was worth every penny. Amazing accessories too.

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Review of Xscape Centre

19 Apr 08, 11:57

LOADS to do

Xscape is an awesome place for shopping, eating, cinema, or snowboarding... It has great quirky shops (although bit pricey for the likes of me) La Tasca there is GORGEOUS along with ASK. You can literally spend a day there and have plenty to do. Then at night you've got all the bars, of which there are loads. They also have live music in the bowling bit where all the bars and arcades are. Pre 6pm parking is expensive though!

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Review of Flames Grill

18 Apr 08, 11:20

Buy one get one free pizza

I go here quite a lot for a takeaway because they do buy one get one free pizzas so it's always really good value. They always have about 2847238947 staff on too so your food arrives within about 2 minutes. It's far from pretty inside (!) but they are really friendly. I recommend it.

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Review of Ann Summers

17 Apr 08, 17:26

Good service

I love Anne Summers generally, but the shop on Abington Street in Northampton has really friendly staff and they seem to update their stock lots too.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.