Heidi's reviews
Review of China Seas
13 May 08, 13:14
AMAZING stuff inside 
You know when you come across those shops and you think.... wow, why the hell haven't I come here sooner?? It's like that with this one. It has a HUGE range of products from the Far East. They also have a brilliant website so you can view everything online. The stuff they sell makes excellent presents for friends, even if they're not particularly 'new age' (I think that would be a fair description of the stuff inside). If you're looking for thoughtful gifts to relax people, or for lovely ornaments for your house that are unusual, it's a great place to go and look.
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Review of Compass Bar & Grill
08 May 08, 18:46
Compass Bar & Grill
This place is lovely, more like a pub than a bar. Nice interior with dark wood. It never seems particularly busy, even on a Saturday night so great if you want a proper chat with a friend without being drowned out by large groups of squealing women. Popular with local young professionals. It's quite small inside, but it's quite cosy too. The value for money was pretty average. The staff were always very friendly and young, they're also quite trendy but not in an intimidating way at all. Very informal and relazed, perfect place to unwind....
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Review of The Cameo Bar
08 May 08, 18:43
My sister's favourite!
I absolutely LOVE this place! My sister and I went in here and this is her favourite bar in the world. The atmosphere is really lovely, very dark and cosy with small corners where you're tucked away from everybody... lovely food, it's delicious and well cooked. It's a bit like an American Diner menu (burgers and chips) but all homemade. The vegetarian burger was amazing. It's EXCELLENT value for money and the chips are great. In the winter they have an open fire which you can sit right by to have your drink or eat your meal. It does get very busy on weekend evenings, it does get crowded, but during the day and weekday evenings, it's so nice and quiet but still enough people to make it nice. The staff are very young and friendly. They're also really informal so you feel really relaxed. It's not for students, but it is for younger people... it's pretty much the opposite of Malmaison, very informal. It's very popular with people after work as it's opposite the Scottish Civil Service building. Highly recommended!
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Review of Britannia Spice
08 May 08, 18:37
Best Indian Restaurant in Scotland - OFFICIAL
This restaurant won the best Indian Restaurant in Scotland award a couple of years ago. This is testament to the quality of the food and service. The interior is lovely, typical Indian restaurant, opulent, long table cloths, dark rich colours etc... I wouldn't say it was really a family place, and it's very quiet during the day. In the evening it gets busy and on the weekend you have to book in advance. It's mostly couples or small groups of friends in there. Definitely worth a try if you're a curry fan.
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Review of Posh Fish
08 May 08, 17:35
BEST Fish and Chips in the World
I have known people travel for miles to come to this place... it is so good. My friend and I used to go in lots, hence our wasit lines (well not his as he's gone all celery eating and skinny but anyway) it's lush! The chips are amazing and you can eat in or take out. It's quite expensive but you get what you pay for and you won't get better than this. Even if you live 300 miles away, just whack some petrol in your car and pop over because it's so worth it. BEST chip shop I have ever known... and believe me, I have tried many!
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Review of Blockbuster
03 May 08, 13:39
REALLY helpful staff
I found the staff in here really helpful. The girl was very friendly when I signed up (despite it being really busy and her being evidently stressed) and the guy helpfully pointed out I was attempting to rent Blu-Ray things, whatever they are, and that they wouldn't work on a normal DVD player (blonde moment) which considering he didn't have to check I definitely knew they were Blu-Ray things I was very grateful. Queues are really long on a Saturday so go early...
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Review of Oxfam
29 Apr 08, 16:46
Great jewellery - thoughtful gifts
I love Oxfam and I try and support their local shops as much as possible. I bought nearly all my Christmas presents in here because they're fairtrade. Although this one in Buckingham isn't great for clothes, it always has a great range of books in, along with tea, coffee and loads of other fairtrade products. I got some gorgeous older hard back books you would have paid five times more if they were new. The jewellery in Oxfam is so beautiful and all the money goes directly to the producers. Oxfam is currently providing water, sanitation and livelihood opportunities to more than half a million people in Darfur and Chad! You never ever feel guilty for spending too much money because it goes to such a great cause. Also, if you're stuck for presents, they have these vouchers you can buy that for example say "£24 for an animal aid kit" so you then know that money is going to help farmer's animals in third world countries. Or if you're feeling really generous you can literally "lift a farming family out of poverty" for £1,600! There's a huge selection of these directly infront of you as you walk into Oxfam in Buckingham. You can see them all on their website too www.oxfam.org.uk/shop.
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Review of House Of Fraser
29 Apr 08, 09:59
5 Stars - amazing bags
Be prepared to walk into quality heaven... the range and the clothing in this shop is fantastic. It's HUGE and you can get pretty much everything you need. Obviously you've got your little designer sections, and then upstairs they've got a lovely (but quite expensive) cafe. It's such a nice place to wander around but I warn you now, the bags are there purely to torture you! If you have no money, then do not enter because you may leave in tears. They are so pricey but they are so beautiful
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Review of The Canal Museum
28 Apr 08, 18:39
Great day out
This is set next to the Grand Union Canal in Stoke Bruerne. The village is gorgeous with loads of pubs. It's so nice walking the dogs along the canal... the museum gives you an insight into the 200 year old story of our waterway transport. I know it sounds boring, but it's not. You can even try on clothes from 200 years ago. I went on a school trip years ago and I always remembered it because it was so much fun. Definitely worth a little expedition out to!
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Review of Rookery Open Farm
28 Apr 08, 18:28
BEST afternoon out
This is one of my FAVOURITE places EVER! I love animals so much and this place gives you the opportunity to see them close up. If you like farms, you'll love this place. They have sheep, horses, pigs, cows, chickens, rabbits.... the list goes on. However, I don't like the way the owners let young children go in with the goats. I saw a brat chasing a baby goat round and round until one of the staff told her to stop - I don't think it's fair on the animals and her parents' will be the first to complain if she gets booted in the face by the goat's horns. I think you should respect the personal space of animals just as you would with a human, but having said that the staff do seem to keep a close eye on what is going on. The animals are well kept and very friendly - the cows will let you stroke them and the pigs come grunting over to you for some love. They have a tea room and a children's play area (which is so noisy). The worst thing about this place is the number of screaming children running around... best to go on a weekday early and enjoy a walk around without Beatrice and Isabella screaming and falling all over the place!
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Review of Bodycare
28 Apr 08, 17:54
Best place for perfume!
OK... so if you don't know how the perfume is so much cheaper, it's because it's nearer to going out of date, but not by much. They have a massive selection of perfumes that are much cheaper than if you bought them up the road in Debenhams. They have so many bargains in here. You can get moisturisers and shampoo for pretty much half the price, plus they've always got great offers on. Look out for the Sanctuary Covent Garden collection - they make perfect pressies (plus that look more expensive than they were!)
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Review of Internacionale
28 Apr 08, 17:15
My favourite
Now we're talking.... loads of choice, fantastic value, great shoes, amazing bags and very sexy underwear that won't cost you a fortune. You can get some absolute bargains in the sale (although you do have to rummage a bit). My favourite pair of jeans were £5 from here and I have worn them to death. I got shoes which are great and most of my undies are from this shop. If you've got kids then the upstairs bit has loads of kids stuff and as for the jewellery.... don't get me started. There is so much chunky gorgeous wooden jewellery in there at the moment you won't be able to drag yourself away. The staff always seem quite friendly and they play good music. Just be prepared, the gorgeous girlie skirts and dresses in the shop will make you want to get your legs out... so you may want to get some fake bake at the same time.
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Review of Papa Luigi Pizza Franchise
28 Apr 08, 13:16
Great staff
I was really impressed with this place. We popped into get a takeaway pizza a few weeks ago (when it was freezing outside) and said we'd collect it in about 10 minutes. The girl offered to meet us around the back in the car park so we didn't have to walk so far! So we ended up literally driving round, meeting her (who was waiting in the cold for us bless her!) and picking up the pizza on the spot. I don't know if that was a one off but if all their customer service is like that then they definitely deserve 5 stars. Food is good too - but you can't go too far wrong with pizza....
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Review of S & G Services
28 Apr 08, 12:30
OUTSTANDING
I initially found these guys via the goodgaragescheme.com and went because a female reviewer had said how comfortable she had felt going there... well I agree. The service I recieved from the guys here was fantastic and I have recommended them to my friends ever since. They were so quick and helpful in getting my car fixed - but for my friend, not only did they do loads of tests on her car for her the same day, but they then didn't charge her as they said it didn't take long! She was equally impressed with their service. We take our work cars down there now too because they are so efficient and helpful. Finding garages can be a nightmare but I guarantee once you've been here you won't go anywhere else. And if you feel apprehensive about going to a garage as a woman on your own, you don't even have to consider it here...
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Review of Debenhams
28 Apr 08, 10:17
Amazing dresses!
If you're dress-shopping, I would highly recommend this place because they have so many beautiful ones in at the moment. I went in at the weekend and I was spoilt for choice. They're quite pricey (around £80 each) but if you've got a fancy do coming up or a wedding they are perfect. Plus, some of the staff wear the dresses so you can see how pretty they look on too! Really great choice here - definitely worth a visit (but take your credit card because if you're like me you'll want them all and will be able to afford..... none of them)
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Review of Agent Provocateur
24 Apr 08, 17:56
Better than Anne Summers
If God made sexy underwear.... this is what it would look like. Thanks goodness Bicester Village opened this place up. They also have shops in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester... If you feel funny about going in though (although you shouldn't) you can do all your shopping online and they offer free home delivery on all orders over £25 (which is pretty much guaranteed considering a candle alone will cost you that). The underwear is STUNNING and you will definitely find something you like. Better quality than Anne Summers and more original. This shop is open 10am-6pm everyday (until 8pm on Saturday) and I would definitely recommend you have a look. BUT take your credit card (or get someone else to pay) because it is SOOOOOOOOO expensive!
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Review of Steffans
24 Apr 08, 17:38
GORGEOUS
If you want to be spoilt then drop many huge hints to potential listening ears about Steffans. I could spend all day in this shop because it's just so pretty and sparkly. I probably could never afford anything from there, but if you want a really nice birthday present for your boyfriend/husband they do really beautiful watches. Naturally, this place gets my thumbs up because for a long time they had a huge billboard with Ben Cohen's heavenly face and body on it staring back at you. You could see him for miles. Now if that isn't enough to attract you to the shop....
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Review of In 'n' Out Xpress MOTs
24 Apr 08, 16:28
5 STARS!!!!
I can't stress enough how LOVELY the people are who work here. I'm not a huge fan of garages myself, but they were really friendly and helpful. They took the time to explain stuff and kept calling me with updates throughout the day. It failed its MOT so they arranged to get it all done for me at a local garage and then I picked the car up a few hours later. I paid £400 but that was only due to my car being a wreck, as places go, that really wasn't bad at all. They're opening up loads more of these luckily, they are just so so handy. Definitely the way forward for organising such crappy things as MOTs and services!
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Review of CSG
24 Apr 08, 16:14
You don't get better than this
I have never received such good service... seriously. I took my laptop in as it wasn't turning on, the guy spent about half an hour testing it, trying loads out etc and then found the problem (needed a new power adapter). Not only did his colleague then search for the cheapest one for me online, he then suggested I buy directly from the website as they bump the price up slightly to cover their costs so it'd save me money. Then, to top it all, they didn't charge me a penny! They are SO friendly and helpful. I wouldn't take my computer or laptop anywhere else. They really know what they're doing and what they're talking about. 5 stars from me!
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Review of 99p Store
24 Apr 08, 11:21
Bargains
I can't believe how much other shops mark up prices to make a profit... you can get all your usual names in here for 99p. I get all my toiletries stuff in there, particularly because they sell a lot of the Natural Source collection which don't test anything on animals (and are vegan friendly) and smell gorgeous. Once you've been here you wonder why you ever paid triple somewhere else...
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Review of Brighton Pier
24 Apr 08, 11:18
You don't get better than this
I love this place!! I go to Brighton quite a lot. It's the ideal place to get away and chill out and there is nothing better than spending the day on Brighton Pier. I was there a few weeks ago and my friend and I just sat and drank and ate all day, played in the arcade and had our tarot cards read (for £20 - bit of a rip off but has to be done). It's so fun. You wouldn't catch me going on any of the rides of death as they look like they're held together with chewing gum, but it's fun to watch!
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Review of Primark
24 Apr 08, 09:29
The best primark you'll find
Oh yes... this is how all Primarks should be. It's massive, it's cheap and it's really light and airy. Plus the staff seem very efficient and friendly. This is the cream of the Primark-shopping-world so it's definitely worth a day out in Oxford for alone...
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Review of Milton Keynes Theatre
23 Apr 08, 20:31
Love it
Awwww I went to the opera here about a year ago (not my choice...) and have been to see a few shows. It's really impressive inside - spacious with plenty of room to sit. You will come across a fair few snobs who tell you off for sneezing (well, if you're going to the opera) but it's definitely a great place to see shows. They had whatshisface from Corrie in the panto at Christmas, Bradley Walsh, that's the one... so it attracts some fairly big names too
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Review of Tesco Stores
23 Apr 08, 19:33
Perfect size
Finally - a supermarket you can whizz round quicker than a speeding bullet. Not much choice, but who cares, there is far better things to do than sodding food shop! They're always really friendly too and really helpful. I've come across four members of staff who are exceptionally helpful, particularly the guy who collects the trolleys who will have it whisked from your hands as the final bag is placed in your car. Hoorah. Only downside though is no clothes.... tesco do really nice underwear
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Review of Zara
23 Apr 08, 12:30
Gorgeous
I love Zara. Their clothes last ages and this shop in particular is generally such a great place to shop in terms of space, layout and high number of staff. If I could afford it (if only!!) everything I owned would be from this shop...
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Review of Microflights
23 Apr 08, 12:26
Great value - amazing experience
If you're stuck for birthday presents - try this! You can send a friend/family up in a microlight and give them a tour over Stowe, Silverstone etc. It's such an amazing experience and you won't be in better hands than with Head Pilot James and his crew.
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Review of Homeflair Gift Shop
23 Apr 08, 11:41
Beautiful jewellery
This is one of those shops you can't walk past and not go in... they sell gorgeous jewellery which isn't stupidly expensive at all. They also wrap it for you if it's a gift. If you're after cards or gifts for young children, this place is ideal. A hidden treasure in Buckingham - go look!
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Review of Gillyflowers Gift Shops
23 Apr 08, 11:35
PERFECT place for presents
I've been going here for years. They have a massive selection of gifts and the shop is beautifully decorated. They also wrap all your gifts for you which saves time. I bought the most gorgeous pink in-car kit for my friend and she got me a pink tool box with a pink hammer and everything! Ridiculously girlie but such a great gift. You'll always find something here - although take a fair bit of cash....
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Review of Girls Bike 2
23 Apr 08, 11:32
Female bikers - you'll love this place
If you're female and you're a biker... this is the place for you. I don't ride anymore, but after I passed my test I got all my kit from here. The lady who runs it is REALLY helpful and so friendly. I got everything I needed in about half an hour so definitely worth a visit.
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Review of Leicester Sound
22 Apr 08, 17:51
Great station
They play excellent music and they've had some really good artist feature days lately like Estelle and Sandi Thom recently. I heard the boss doesn't have much of a sense of humour though....
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Review of Windmill Vetinary Centre
22 Apr 08, 17:37
Windmill Veterinary Centre
Sometimes you go into vets and you wonder why on earth the people who work there work there... they don't even seem to like animals let alone love them! But this place is the opposite. I've always taken my animals here and although they are very expensive (no vet isn't though) they really do take good care of the animals and care about them. When I had to have my beautiful labrador Sweep put to sleep, they came to the house and couldn't have dealth with the situation better or with greater understanding and respect. I'll always be grateful to them for that alone. They also have a centre in Buckingham. If you want somewhere that really cares about your pets and put your mind at ease, then go here. They're lovely. Particularly Mandy who used to (not sure if she still does) work there on reception!
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Review of Wakefield Farm Shop
22 Apr 08, 17:30
Wakefield Farm Shop
I live right near here and it is SO nice. It's quite hidden away but worth a visit. They have really nice shops (wedding shop, health shop etc) and they sell local food. Obviously, you're going to pay a bit more, but it's great if you're concerned about the environment and want to support local farmers, it's ideal. They have a really nice tea shop too. Really nice place for a relaxing wander with the oldies...
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Review of The Mailcoach
22 Apr 08, 15:23
Perfect if you're going to the theatre
Another REALLY nice, classy place for a drink in the evening and food. It's ideal if you're visiting the Royal and Derngate because it's right next door... only thing is they're too posh to do crisps!
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Review of Baroque
22 Apr 08, 15:20
One of the best bars in Northampton
This is one of the best bars in Northampton... really nice atmosphere and friendly staff. I've been here loads lately. They do great food too! Highly recommend it
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Review of The Betsey Wynne
22 Apr 08, 15:12
BEST PUB FOR MILES!
This is by MILES one of the best pubs in the area. The food is amazing, the decor is really nice and it's perfect for lunch or for dinner. The staff are really friendly too. It hasn't been a pub for that long, not that you could tell. It has been beautifully designed so it looks really old when it's actually very modern. It's great in the summer too as they have loads of places to sit....
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Review of Whittlebury Hall
22 Apr 08, 13:59
Amazing spa
If you deserve a bit of pampering... this is the place to go. Unfortunately, I've never been able to afford a spa weekend (boooo!!) but I have been here a few times for dinner. They do a buffet lunch on Sunday which is really good value (£11 with no limit but I do think you have to be a member) and you can eat it over looking the swimming pool which sounds weird but is all very chilled out. If you want to treat someone special to a weekend away, then choose here, you'll be in her good books for MONTHS!
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Review of Willen Hospice Shops
22 Apr 08, 12:04
Really nice quality things
I know this may seem like a bit of a strange one to review... BUT myself and my best mate have got so many bargains in here lately I wanted to share it. At Christmas they sell hand-made scarfs for £2 (!) which are gorgeous and you'd pay £15 for in Next. It's really nice quality stuff in this shop and you don't ever feel guilty for spending lots and treating yourself because you know it's going to such a great cause.... I got a brand new Wallis bag for £1 in there and I use it pretty much everyday. If you want a bargain, you should have a look. If you're a bit of a secret snob and don't like recycling, it's not for you.
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Review of Chapman Auto Services
22 Apr 08, 12:00
BEST car service around
I have lost count the number of times Ian and the rest of those who work there have gone WELL out of their way to help me (and my friends and family's cars). They are great value and 100% trustworthy. They're really helpful and Cathy who is on reception is lovely so you never feel weird going into the place as a woman on your own (like some places can make you feel). You don't get better service than here.
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Review of Cineworld
22 Apr 08, 11:57
Great choice
If you like your cinema... you won't find a place better than this. They have THIRTEEN screens which means there is always something on. It's expensive but then what cinema isn't? Really comfy too.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Smollensky's
22 Apr 08, 11:56
My FAVOURITE restaurant
This restaurant is to food and service what John Mayer is to music... absolutely amazing. This is my FAVOURITE restaurant ever. The food is just incredible (and not even that expensive) and the puddings (peanut butter cheesecake) are the most amazing ever. Loads of people literally go in on their own in the evening just for the pudding. The kitchen is open plan so you see all your food being prepared, the decor is fab and if you want to push the boat out like I did one weekend with a friend, we stayed in the Royal Oxford Hotel above it. They serve your breakfast in the restaurant which is equally impressive. Go go go. BUT BOOK! It's popular
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Review of Timpson
22 Apr 08, 11:38
Went out of their way
I went in here to get my shoes sorted about three weeks ago and I wanted to write a review because the guy who did it was SO helpful. I went about 4pm and he said because I needed them urgently he'd have them done in under an hour, which he did. He was really friendly and went out of his way. Definitely the place to get your stilettos sorted. They do steel heels too so they last longer - happy days
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of O'Briens Irish Sandwich Bar
21 Apr 08, 16:46
Friendly and great fresh food
This is SO nice in the summer as you can sit outside and watch everyone go by... such a nice place to escape to at lunch when you're having a stressful day. The staff are really nice and the food is always fresh and made to order. I always go there for takeaway hot chocolate too, best by far around
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Review of The Royal Bengal
21 Apr 08, 16:43
You won't be disappointed...
I LOVE this place - food is amazing, staff are friendly and the prices aren't bad. It's really spacious and airy and you don't feel like you've been crammed in. Plus they have air con on (which I love, I HATE being hot) so the whole experience of going there is really nice. Vegetarian choice is good too. They also do coconut ice cream served in half a coconut like in Spain - it's worth going there just for that alone!
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Review of Buckingham Fort
21 Apr 08, 16:38
Great food - lovely staff
The staff here are SO friendly and make you feel so welcome. Plus they always give the ladies a flower when they leave which I think is lovely. The indian food is great and they also deliver. Prices are good too. Definitely try it. Doesn't look great from the outside, but you'll love it. Loads of my friends have had birthdays in here and had huge groups there and they never fail to impress
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Review of Back To Nature
21 Apr 08, 16:32
Great for Cruelty Free makeup
If you want a local health food shop, this is your place. REALLY helpful staff who are always happy to answer questions and best of all, they sell the whole Cruelty Free makeup range which is all natural and not tested on animals!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Aristocuts Hairdressing
19 Apr 08, 12:06
Best value
For the BEST value come here. They're really friendly, they don't keep you hanging around but most of all, the prices are really good. I have recommended Aristocuts to most of my friends who now go. They also have an upstairs beauty bit so you can have your hair done and have a spray tan on the same day!
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Review of F & M Restaurant Bar & Pizzeria
18 Apr 08, 11:29
One of the best in Nortahmpton
I love this restaurant. It's so nice inside and the food is amazing. We went there for a work do a while ago and we had a great night. The puddings are SOOOO good. 100% recommended for a really nice meal in a lovely restaurant.
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Review of Lush
18 Apr 08, 11:26
Best smellies shop
The girls in the shop are all lovely and really friendly. Plus I love it because nothing is tested on animals and it's all made of natural ingredients. It's perfect for presents too. A bit more pricey than you'd usually pay, but definitely worth it.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Makmara
17 Apr 08, 17:21
Most friendly place you'll go
Owww the owner and main waitress in Makmara's are so lovely, always remember your orders and are always really helpful. My colleagues and I go in all the time. They do the nicest jacket potatoes around.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Stuffed Olives
17 Apr 08, 17:16
SO lovely
The Stuffed Olive on the Wellingborough Road is the perfect place if you want a really lovely, quiet meal with a friendly service. We went there on a work night out and it was one of the best meals I've had - highly recommend it.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Society
17 Apr 08, 17:13
I love Society
Society's one of my favourite bars/restaurants. I love the food and the service is so friendly. I went there on New Years too and it was a really good night. Plus, they have the best wallpaper in the world AND lots of good looking men are often in there...
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