Qype: Harms & Schacht in Hamburg

Hamburg - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Cafes - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - International - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Cocktail Bars - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Austrian


We had a function here and I guess the size of the place was just not befitting to a large gathering mid-winter. Without the extension of the outside area to enlarge the space it was just a bit cramped but perhaps it was due to a misunderstanding of our team building antics.

The staff were generally pretty friendly but had a weird process of us lining up at the entrance to the bar ordering drinks off the side - bit odd as one might expect the nimble waiters to tick round and see who needs a top up.
Have to agree I wasn't a fan of the food, especially as midway through the queue everything ran out and we all waited mid-queue for them to scramble to find top ups - and sadly not many of them were found and the idea of being polite suddenly felt a little self-defeating.

The smoking section was just terrible - a big hot-box latched onto the side of the building without an air vent or a window made myself, happy with a cigarette if I have a drink, rather stand on my own out front so I could breath between puffs.

I'd definitely come back here - especially in the Summer when the outside area on the canal is open. But for functions I'm not convinced.

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Qype: Last Days of Decadance in london

london - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars


I love a theme or a little side show or something that offers me more than just a song, drink and bar stool. So spying the piano and being told to dress a lil old fashioned and to expect a burlesque show I was a little tickled.

In reality this place misses a lot of pert points for me - the cocktails were really disappointing and for the price you'd expect an old hand. my friend actually ended up sending her dark n stormy back as it was missing two ingredients (alledgedly by a newbie). My mojito was oddly made by squeezing two full lemon halves on a nobbly orange juicer followed by a sugar syrup, the booze and crushed ice with min leaves thrown on the top. As a bit of a mojito fanatic a little part of me died while watching this. Where's the muddling that rocks my mojito? The freshness of the leaves ground into the sharp contrast of the lime? I don't know, I had to take a moment.

The burlesque show was in the seedy bar downstairs that whiffs of beer and is so crowded you're unlikely to see much below the face - which, er, is pretty integral to a burlesque show I would have thought.

It's pretty popular soit must rock some folks boat, but for me it's hit and miss, and I'm not likely to go back unless another friend insists on celebrating a Birthday there.

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Qype: The Hospital Club in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Nightlife - Clubs


A little on the fence with this one - I wanted to like it more than I did but this may have been down to the fact I heard it gloated about for quite some time before I was able to visit as a plus 5 and see for myself.

There are aspects about it that are pretty cool - and hey, what's not to feel good about an exclusive club. But at the end of the day I might enjoy my time a little more in a rowdy pub where I mingle with all sorts of people.

I also think although some of the features are uber cool and the building itself is pretty flash, I like to keep work and play separate. And so when we were getting down to meeting time in a cold airy meeting room, I couldn't help but feel I was missing out on some other action near the bar area.

I get the appeal, but I wouldn't step in line for a membership just yet. But handy to know someone with one too.

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Qype: Columbia Road Flower Market in London

London - Shopping - Markets - Shopping - Arts & Crafts - Potteries & Ceramics


Not ideal whether conditions for my first visit - cold and rainy-ish but then again this is what is needed for such pretty tulips and daffodils! I think the market is sort of out-growing Columbia road and with two single-file rows of people-traffic, it was still rather nightmarish getting through.

If it's your first time it's worth walking one way through and looking at what's available (and what deals people have further on), then dive in for a second swoop and get what you want. That way you don't have to worry about your flowers getting crushed by too many passers by.

I expected it to be a bit cheaper and so would probably only pop in to take people to or if I was in the area - unfortuntely it's just a little out the way for me and doesn't warrant flocking here for fresh flowers. Even though a house with fresh flowers is a happy one.

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Qype: Nuffield Health Centre in London

London - Sport - Leisure Centres


I did a trial here as I was in the market for a new leisure centre. Unfortunately it's not destined to be this one. While I did like aspects of this centre; free towels, great bathrooms, nice pool. It didn't help that most times I had to wait to use a machine, and two of the ones I did try claimed to be 'out of batteries'!

It's quite a small gym and I think it already has enough members without me needing to pile on too. I also didn't love the fact that the locker keys aren't on any bracelet (have the organisers not seen what other gyms have been doing to years?) so you have to carry the key in a pocket (not a common feature of gym clothes). I also had to get the change room assistant to help me on both visits to get my locker to open - one was a drop-kick-door-to-the-left affair and the other was a jiggle jiggle hold and twist. I don't have 10 minutes to fight with a locker door after and excercise and juding by the nice lady's 'don't worry, it happens ALL THE TIME' there are pretty good odss of this happening.

Nice to try new things, but for £77 a month, this is not the gym for me.

PS - unless you know London very well or have Radar you may never find this place. I had to call reception on the way in and they guided me in Harry Potteresque - don't leave the station, instead walk all the way down platform 8 and three quarters...

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Qype: Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre in London

London - Sport - Gyms - Sport - Climbing


This Leisure Centre was a firm 2 stars until my recent trip to another sports centre and luckily realised that considering the cost of it and number of machines, it's not *quite* as bad as I imagined.

The biggest issue I have about this spot is that no one here knows what's going on; their website is a complete joke, their staff are pretty clueless and they have no concept of rewarding customers, keeping the old ones and enticing new ones in.

Example in point: I walk in and register immediately - not from their disinterested sales team, but because it was rather large on my 'to do' list = money on legs. I come in to do my 'free assessment' where the half-asleep instructor ping pongs me between a few faulty machines to try and find one that can complete a test of measuring my heart rate while displaying all the other important vitals. After this he jots down a suggested routine on my card and shows me where to find it on the next visit.

A little unsure of the advice, given a few medical conditions including back pain I decide to give it a go. To this day I've never seen that card - it magically disappeared, shortly followed by the trainer a few weeks later. Which is only revealed to me by staff confused at who to point me to next.

After 2-3 months I want to switch to pay as you go as I'm going on extended holiday. This often loses the gym money and would be gold for them to have a little 'why are you requesting this change?' box in their form. Nope, nothing. And the sales chap doesn't say a peep when I ask him to switch.

To this day I've never received an email. In an email age where some people make millions selling email addresses, I found it hard to imagine a business running without at least a monthly 'here's what's new'.

Besides this some processes are backward; such as if you're put on a waiting list for a class you can go in and wait but you're not allowed to use the gym. And if you do go to the class you need to come back and pay after. Just silly. Can't these cards take credit? Do I really have to stand in a queue for 10 minutes every time I visit? Can't I transfer funds from my bank/charge it up online?

And besides all this how about a little welcome pack, some info on services, trainers, classes etc.

The only reason the gym is as saturated with little excercisers as it is, is because it's cheap - at £40-something a month it's very competitive with other gyms in the area.

I think they really need to take a look at their retention and education schemes to make their customers fit and happy. Rant over.

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Qype: The Archduke in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Wine Bars


Have mixed feelings about this place and ultimately would go back, but a couple of little drawbacks.

On the plus side the decor is pretty cool - under the archways of the train tracks around Waterloo Station - so pretty easy location too. They have live jazz most nights that goes on until quite late, which neatly masks the rumble of the trains above, although they do seem to stop for quite long periods.

Having had an early dinner I just got the charcuterie starter platter which was quite good, and should be for £9, though had to order extra bread as the two mini wedges didn't cut it. They have a decent cocktail menu, each at £8, a decent wine selection but unfortunately no beers on tap.

We had a big table and service was pretty slow with only mass orders every so often so I took to ordering a couple of drinks at the bar and so came face-to-face with a few employee fights which give you that same feeling as when you're out with a couple you know and they start arguing in front of you. Awkward.

In terms of a decent spot to have a meal and few drinks in tourist central, The Archduke isn't bad. But there are a few things they could work on.

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Qype: The Phoenix in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs


One of those pubs where you're always surprised to find it busy - I think in this case it's due to a lack of decent pubs in the area and so collects all the local work folk. It's decent enough with a few tables outside, a good selection of wines and beers but is on the pricey side. We came here on a Thursday evening and ended up standing near the door for most of it, reminding ourselves it's probably not worth it. I imagine it's very quite on weekends.

If you worked around the corner I could undestand why you might pop in, driven by convenience, for after work drinks. But if you don't have a location-relation, it's nothing special and not ideal as a meeting spot.

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Qype: Zonzo in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Italian & Pizza - Eating & Drinking - Fastfood & Takeaway - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Delivery


The restaurant has lovely decor that's both warming and charming. The toilets are some of the best I've ever seen in London.

The waiters and owner were a little wooden and there was a feeling of being processed through a factory, even though the place was rather empty.
We had booked with a taste London card which said '50% off the food bill' and, after double-checking the small print, booked our table stating we were card barers. As we walked in and said we had a reservation he said 'taste london yes?' and motioned to our reserved table.

We placed our order of a few starters and mains and were surprised when he shook his head and said sternly 'everyone must order a starter and a main course to get the discount' - clearly nothing about this on the taste london website, I was a bit annoyed but we ordered up and off he went. They do have their own offer of 50% off food during the week and state the main/starters thing there, but he clearly knew we were from taste london.

The starters had mixed comments - the mussels in white wine sauce weren't bad (£7.45), but the grilled calamari was tasteless and pretty disappointing (£7.45). For mains two of us went for the Saltimbocca which is a favourite of mine and again it wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing. Also only came with a few dry roast potatoes and what looked like the end of a raw leek (?!) I sort of expected some greens and these were missed (I would have happily added some spinach or vegetables of the day to it to keep the scurvy at bay). The calzone my friend ordered looked pretty good and the pasta of our fourth companion was cooked well, if a little on the bland side.

When we got our bill I was rather shocked to see that, unlike the customary 'optional 12.5%' I'd come to know and dislike immensley, they had chucked on 18%! 18%! This was just ridiculous, but we worked it out to most likely be worked out before the discount on the food. Unfortunately this left a pretty sour taste in my mouth.

All in all the setting was lovely, the waiting staff a bit off, the food alright. Doubt I'd pop back - only maybe to use the toilet.

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Qype: Le Dolci in London

London - Eating & Drinking


I have yet to venture into the little heavenly spot of Le Dolci (but really must) but have had the pleasure of the owner's company as she taught us how to fill canolli at an event recently - and of course the chance to sample tasty canolli.

I'm so thrilled by the idea of a cake club that I need to work on the office to join for a Friday as that may possibly make my week.

The cakes and desserts are all baked with traditional recipes and made freshly from seasonal ingredients - surely reason on its own to pay a visit to Maida Vale!

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Qype: Cafe Creperie in London

London


After aborting dessert at the previous spot due to it being a bit shoddy, we ambled down the road and settled in here for our coffee and sweets. The menu is quite extensive and we took our time drooling over it and eventually ordered. For sweet pancakes I found the prices a bit on the steep side, and what came was very different to what we were both expecting. The toppings were pretty sparse and didn't quite match up to the descriptions; 'melted white belgian chocolate with strawberries, toasted almonds and cream sounded A-MAZING. When it came it sported two lost strawberries, a few almond flakes, syrup and a blod of cream. With a couple of hard little chips of white chocolate on the top. Basically a syrup pancake with some pretty garnish. And considering it's around £8 it was a little disappointing.

The owners are all very French but in a good way and this really has potential to be a good spot but unfortunately a creperie is judged on it's pancakes and these failed to deliver for me.

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Qype: RIBA Cafe & Restaurant in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants


Went here as recommended by a friend and sat in the dining room but ordered from the cafe menu (weird tables plonked outside in what seems to be a walkway) as it wasn't as expensive or fancy.

After flagging down staff who didn't seem too keen to attend to us, we all ordered the hamburgers which came with a bit of greenery and a side of potato wedges. We asked how the burgers came - whether medium or well done and the reply was 'we only do them standard'. Standard, by the way, appears to be 'pretty darn dry'.

The three burgers took half an hour to arrive, quite long considering it was lunch time and the place was nearly empty - no I'm not expecting MacDonalds here by any means, but generally lunch should be viewed as an hour window, and to spend over half of it waiting for a dish means no coffee or desert, which was the case here.

Anyway, summary of what I had: for £9, burger was a bit overdone and small, coming without any relish/sauce and plonked on a bigger bun that had been toasted black. Wedges were okay.

To top it off after we flagged down someone for the bill there was an extra random item on there. But to be fair it was promptly removed once pointed out.

The food and staff let this place down - pity as the room itself is quite glorious - high ceilings and big windows letting the light in. But unless I had an architect friend who was bound to this place and I could only visit them there, I'm afraid wouldn't pop back.

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Qype: Alimentari in London

London - Shopping - Food & Drink - Delicatessen - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Cafes


A prime little gem proving that there are spots outside of the centre that rival any of those based in central London - and may be worth the few extra tube stops. Went here to learn how to make a proper cappuccino and had a lovely night with the Alimentari team - and of course ended up buying half the shop on the way out including cold meats, cheese, olives and the obligatory bag of Mulino Bianco biscuits.

Besides killer cappuccinos this cosy spot also offers wine tasting evenings, takeaway paninis, and big barrels of olive oil that you can either buy bottles of or bring your own to fill up which is really nice.
If you live anywhere in North West you should definitely book-mark Alimentari.

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Qype: The Clifton in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs


A blanket for my knees while I sit outside under the heaters? Why I don't mind if I do. I think to be honest what sold this spot to me was the cupboard overflowing with board games - sure half the pieces will be missing and unless you're there from opening time on a Sunday you'll be stuck with rummy, but it just added another 'tick' to what makes a pub really cool for me. An off-the-beaten-track local - tick. Sunday roasts - tick. Pub quiz somewhere in the week - tick. Pubby menu - tick. Big space with a few different rooms - tick. Seating outside - tick. Friendly staff - tick. Decent wine list with someone who knows what they're talking about - tick.

On top of that they've got a couple of tellies and I hear sports days are pretty busy. (you can have my seat on these). Impress some friends or visitors by whisking them passed the Beatles Abbey Road crossing and straight on to a place that the tourists are less likely to know about.

Check out my review of The Clifton - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: O'Neill's in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs


Er, so had a hearty Irish stew craving and due to where our office is based, O'Neills popped up first on the radar and I figured 'meh, why not?'
One has to be reminded that it's a pub chain and the positioning of this particular speciman is to catch unwitting tourists as they stumble out of the bleary lights of Oxford Street. The interior is a lot bigger than you'd think - head past the bar and there's a big cavern of tomb-stone rows of 2-seater tables.

They've got a very afforable Irish special menu with all meals £4.89 > Irish stew, bacon and cheese burger (er not _particularly_ Irish in my eyes), fish n chips etc. Come on lets face it, you probably can't even eat in at Pret for that price. So for a quick dirty pub meal it's pretty good - don't think gastro but more gastro-enteritis. No just kidding, I just thought that was funny. The stew hit the spot and for a decent price and speedy delivery, why not? Don't forget to memo your table number and hop to the bar to place an order - no one will tell you this.

Check out my review of O'Neill's - I am Urbanite - on Qype

Qype: Tsuru in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Japanese & Sushi


Was lucky enough to attend a cosy little sushi making event here recently - complete with warmed saki and step by step instructions from one of their chefs. We rolled cucumber maki, inside out salmon and avocado rolls, tempura prawn hand roll and salmon and tuna nigiri.

The chef was friendly and gave little tips and suggestions about making your own sushi (like you shouldn't buy raw salmon from super markets for sushi as most of it is wild salmon and there are some nasty bacteria that you don't get in controlled, farmed salmon that's not so good to have raw) and took us through the motions to produce our own little rolls of joy.

There was a little confusion over when to eat what we'd made as well as what was planned as initially we'd been told miso soup and katsu would also be involved, but on the whole was a fun evening and at a superb sushi destination with great staff and a pretty decent, authentic menu.

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Qype: Hardy's Restaurant in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - European - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Health & Beauty - Health - Mobility Services


I drooled over the menu, and waited excitedly for the bus to stop so I could dash down the road and visit Hardy's with a friend. I was so disappointed by the end of the visit after a combination of things being below par - and not just 'oh-maybe-it's-just-an-off-night' wrong - I ended up moving elsewhere for desert and coffee.

My friend had booked a table and got there a few minutes before I, by when a waiter had already whisked away one of the menus as he needed it - by menu I'm talking a black and white A4 printed page (rather different to the sample menu on their website). Fine, so chatted with my friend and oggled the menu and waited for 20 minutes for someone to come and offer me a drink. I was giving all the right signals - menu down, looking around, neck craning - even a bit of finger tapping to catch someone's eye in order to get a drink. Eventually half out of my chair I waved someone down and asked for a bit of wine advice, were met with a blank stare so we ordered a bottle and got back to chatting. It arrived and was fine and we ordered our food.

We went for the game terrine, rare steak for main. I asked if the steak came with anything to which the waiter floundered a bit and said no I need to order a side vegetable - we both opted for spinach and awaited our food. After a while I imagine the owner came to us and asked if we'd eaten yet, a bit concerned we said 'Er, no'. She disappeared and came back with our plates - 'Who ordered the herbs ont he side rather than on the steak?' It was our turn for blank stares as we had no idea what she was talking about. She shrugged and put the plates down and went off. To cut a long story short the game terrine was like a cold, thick slice of meatloaf, the steak was indeed rare but also as tough as boots - and a big piece but rather unpleasant to eat. I couldn't quite finish all my spinach because it also came with A BIG PILE OF GREENS AND POTATOES (not quite as bare as our waiter had suggested) so the windly bowl of spinach between us (£7.50) was really silly.

After trying to get another drink and waving over waiters for the next 20 minutes we were fed up and decided against tempting fate with teh deserts and asked for our bills.

One of those places I really begrudged paying the 'discretionary 12.5% service charge' which such a lack of it. So £75 for a shared starter, 2 mains, and a bottle of wine really didn't float my boat.

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Qype: Atari-Ya Foods in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Fastfood & Takeaway


Fab, fresh, well-made sushi at super low prices makes this little Sushi den my new BFF.

Went here on a Friday lunch time and worked out the trick is to pre-order (and hopefully have somewhere to eat it other than the 2 mini tables squashed in the back) then whisk in and collect. It wasn't _that_ busy when we came in, with a few people in a queue before us but they seemed to run a person through to completion rather than taking multiple orders and processing. I imagine the latter might speed things along a bit. I suppose it doesn't help that so many phone orders are coming in then too.

Very good value for money - I had two portions of sashimi, salmon and avo california rolls and 2 battered prawns and got change for £10.

Check out my review of Atari-Ya Foods - I am Urbanite - on Qype