Gareth B.

Review of Condor Cycles

09 Jul 08, 11:11

Great service - been around since the 40s

Bike shops seem to be a bit hit and miss as regards to service. I've seen some fairly scathing reviews of this place online, so approached with trepidation, ready to run out the door and hand my hard-earned over at Evans Cycles (perish the thought!). I think some of the negative reviews can stem from people who expect to be served the minute they walk in, and, well, in a shop like this, it isn't going to happen. A busy shop is a good sign, so if the staff are busy with other people, you need to wait your turn. Difficult, i know, in this times of choice, of the customer coming first etc etc, but unless you're simply buying something off the shelf, get in line. I was buying a new bike, and the guy who served me, Rob, clearly knew what he was talking about, and rather than sell me what he wanted to, was able to listen to what I was after, and within the price range i'd given him, dsicuss the options. i didn't feel pressured, and the advice he gave was spot on. They've been in business for 60 years for good reason in my opinion.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of John Alan Flowers

09 Jul 08, 09:20

Great local florists/flower shop

If you need a quality bunch of very beautiful flowers, come here. They also have a large assortment of flowers and shrubs etc in pots outside, so for a bit of floral giftage, drop in here! I'm happy to say i don't know a lot about buying flowers, but the staff here will, if you're a bit useless like me, guide you in the right direction.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Fen Farm Caravan & Camping Site

07 Jul 08, 11:40

Well equipped family campsite

Not really a 'getting away from it' campsite, but very good for young children. Good points: 1) 5 mins walk to the sea 2) Decent playground for the kids 3) Decent showers/toilets/hot water etc 4) Plenty of water taps!

Bad points Bit busy, and I got bitten to death by mosquitos, but I'm not blaming the campsite.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Islander Fish Bar

07 Jul 08, 11:32

A chip's throw from the coast

Well, I say coast, i mean several hundred metres of mud flats, with spectacular views of the Bradwell nuclear power stations across the estuary. Anyway, the chips were lovely, the fish was a bit greasy and batter heavy, but when you're sat by the sea and it's not raining, what could be better? Although the fish and chips were fine, I've marked them down a point because they had the nerve to charge me 10p for a plastic knife and fork!?!? I thought this was a bit cheeky, as if you're ordered fish and chips for your family, having to pay 40p on top so they can eat them in a reasonable manner takes the gloss off. Anyway, take your own dispoable cutlery along to this cheapskates (ha!) chippy and you'll be fine. On a related note, they were two policemen (well, one man and a lady, yes, a police LADY!) queueing in the shop for their chips. They weren't fat and sweaty coppers, so sorry to disappoint stereotype fans, but someone said to me after they'd left "If it's good enough for coppers, the chips must be good here!" Well, I politely agreed, but, is that true? Are policemen known as the arbiters of good chips? Surely they go for what is cheap and quick while they have a break. The kebab shop round the corner from me at home has often got fully tooled up armed policemen in their, and no, it's not because I live in Peckham, but because they're guarding the Home Secretary round the corner, who is fond of Peckham kebabs as we all know. But it's a ropey kebab shop, nothing special.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Green & Blue

03 Jul 08, 15:05

Lovely food and wine

The effort the owners are putting into this place really shows. Great food and wine - from ordering a few nibbles to getting in lots of bits and sharing tapas style, this hits the mark. The wine is why you should come here though, staff will recommend wine for you, and are very good at helping you find something new, unusual and tasty.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of The Neal Street Restaurant

02 Jul 08, 15:37

Restaurant closed

interesting to read suzy g's review. What was the Neal Street restaurant is now a branch of American Apparel, so maybe she got confused and ate a very delicious pair of overpriced, brightly coloured pants?

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Strada

27 Jun 08, 11:00

Good riverside stop-off

If you've been to a Strada before, you know the score, but it's fairly generic Italian food, but the food and decor are a level up from the the usual places. This branch gets extra points for being within garlic bread throwing distance of the Thames, and the staff were very efficient without being annoying. Also they sell Grand Riserva Peroni, which is nearly 6%, so gives Stella a run for it's money whilst actually tasting nice. If you're heading to the Festival Hall or idly twatting around by the Thames, worth it for a reasonably priced filling meal. (And some strong booze, did I mention that???)

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Just Williams

25 Jun 08, 16:19

Good local toy shop

Assuming you can't stand the idea of going to Toys R Us as it is an utterly nauseating experience, then local toy shops are where it's at for non-digital kiddy fun. This places sells Lego, Brio, Doctor Who stuff, all the usual stuff, plus the odd wooden scooter, plastic sword, mad things to throw and catch etc. Not a great range, but helpful staff.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of William Rose

23 Jun 08, 09:38

suppliers of 'special stuff'

Great butchers. If you like meat, this is the place to come in the area. Everyone else feels the same way, as there are queues round the block most weekends, which invariably means I hardly ever visit. Can source you pretty much anything if they don't have it in stock, get your Xmas orders in early!

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.