Juliette M.

Review of Birkbeck College London

15 Nov 07, 10:39

Highly flexible premium quality higher education

The college, part of the University of London, is London’s only institution specialised in evening higher education – although they also attract an increasing number of full-time students. They offer a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, divided into four faculties comprising 16 Schools in total – the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Lifelong Learning, Faculty of Science and Social Sciences Faculty.

The opportunity to study part-time means you can easily combine work and studies, a valuable advantage in such an expensive city as London. You also get to increase your professional experience as you learn. The quality of the education is from a very high standard thanks to the college reputation of world-class research and teaching institution. Indeed, Birkbeck has consistently ranked Number 1 in the UK annual National Student Surveys estimating students’ satisfaction. The academics are massively involved in research, giving your studies an extra dimension and a very knowledgeable approach, part of the learning experience at Birkbeck.

Recently entirely renovated, the library – open until 10.30pm during the week and from 10am to 8pm at weekends – is a pleasant place to study, with a large selection of books and academic journals, as well as an online library accessible form the numerous computer centres in the campus but also from outside the college. Birkbeck students have access to all the facilities, conferences and social and professional events offered to Universities part of the University of London.

If you are thinking of completing a Master or a Research degree, I’ll strongly recommend this choice – not only the education your will receive is excellent, it’s also a very good value for money.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of Tibet Dreams

15 Nov 07, 10:35

Hidden tiny shop in the heart of Covent Garden for a journey to Tibet

Ideal place if you are looking for inspiring gifts ideas.

Not only are all products sold there hand-made and of good quality, it’s also the opportunity to buy something quite unconventional: traditional wooden or silver jewellery and eccentric yet stylish clothing for both men and women, all mainly made in Nepal.

Prices are relatively reasonable given their originality.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Cafe Emm

15 Nov 07, 10:33

Warm cosy setting for a busy area

In the heart of Soho, this family run café/restaurant is an ideal location for a quick lunch or light pre theatre dinner. The food ranges from traditional British meals to more exotic international flavours. It’s very affordable with their £6.88 two courses lunch and average meal price is between £6 and £10. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, so is their helpful staff.

Their £8.95 Sunday roast is a bargain given the location.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Salisbury

15 Nov 07, 10:31

A strictly "No Sport" Pub!!!!

Looking for a nice traditional Victorian English pub without big plasma screen showing football, rugby, cricket, etc…? Go to The Salisbury. It’s clearly written on their windows, they are a non sport pub. What I love about this place is the setting and lavish decoration – etched windows, wooden furniture and stairs, stylish chandeliers and mirrors and with its massive central mahogany bar, you’ll rarely queue for drinks. A shame they closed the first floor though, but there is still an area you can book for parties up to 50 people.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review of Clockwork

01 Nov 07, 11:28

How to like Saturdays night out again

Saturdays night out in London has often been synonymous for me with over crowded clubs in Soho or never ending queues in busy Brick Lane bars. What’s more, it’s very hard to find a good drum n bass night on Saturdays in London because they’re all on Fridays… But now there is Clockwork!

Ideally located within 5 minutes walk from Angel station, the club doesn’t look like anything special with the de rigueur bouncers at the front and its pub-like black and red front look. You can get in for free in the ground floor bar area (where there is still a DJ to warm up the atmosphere) but the best part is on the first floor. Access is £6 before 11pm (sometimes 12pm), and once you’re reached the dance floor area after you’ve managed to “climb” the tiny staircase, you know you’re in for a great night of fun and good music. They do special offers on beers (3 for £5) and vodka red bull (although bar staff could be friendlier) and always have amazing line-ups for such a small place (yes, the dance floor in more like a large bar than a real club one): from Zinc to Marcus Intalex or Shimon, all the best DJs in town play there. There’s so close to you that you can’t escape but bounce to the vibes, jump with the MC, go get more drinks, go down for a cigarette – a rare attribute for a London venue these days to be noticeable: you don’t have to pay extra to be allowed to go out for a smoke!!!! – and come dance again…and again. Until you realise it’s already 5am and you start to feel tired. No worries though, plenty of buses to central London in the area at this time of the night.

A must go - if you like_good_music!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Review of Souk Medina

07 Sep 07, 13:47

A trip to Marocco

Very nice place - and quiet, a must given the area - to hang out with friends for a tea, ice cream or dinner - haven't tried their meal yet, sorry :-). What's most impressive there is the atmosphere that makes you really feel like you were having a tea in a Marrakech souk!!! It’s very well decorated throughout, with all the typical sofas, tables and lamps. I had a very good time there and all for very reasonable prices. Also worth mentioning the waiters/waitresses are very kind and polite which is also quite rare!

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Boggis Sandwich Bar

09 Aug 07, 09:24

Fresh sandwiches for a quick lunch

Definitely one of my favourite places to get a fresh sandwich (made on the premises as you order it) for a really reasonable price. And what is a must in busy Covent Garden is that you rarely queue! Have a try with the avocado / Parma ham / tomatoes / mozzarella and basil….amazing. The bread is what makes sandwiches there so delicious: pure French style bread that will leave you with flour all over your face, just as it should be!!! Worth having a try!

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Bird Cage

13 Jul 07, 12:02

A farytale kind of shop

I pass by the shop everyday on my way to work and since it's closed at that time, it took me a while to get in! The window is very nice and so appealing that you have to visit if you go by. You'll find there out of the ordinary stuff, a lot of colours, materials, fabrics and totally useless things but so beautiful ...I love the shop, and if you're looking for a present for someone (I'll say more for a woman I guess) then it's a perfect place in case you're out of inspiration! And it's in Covent Garden, so really easy to find and access (not like these really cool shops you have to digg for...)

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Boxfresh

11 Jul 07, 13:45

Definitely deserves to be better-known

OK, maybe like me you don’t know the brand - it's just great. Women range is cool and everything but what's even better is that it's original: you won’t see a person wearing the same jacket/skirt whatever you buy there as it often happens when you buy from one of these big-profitable-copycat-chains-shops...if you know what I mean!! It’s expensive, and to be honest I never bought anything on regular price, they often do sales and it’s proper sales, really well discounted. They also do a 10% (or is it 20%?) discount for students if you have a student card. Really a must see if you’re having a shopping spree in central London! Check out the website.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.