Qype: Shoreditch House in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Cocktail Bars

I was sure I'd reviewed Shoreditch House having been here quite a few times - but it appears not. Anyway - very very good Shoreditch House it has to be said. Beats Soho House and makes the Hospital look frankly ragged. The only members club I like more is Milk & Honey, but that might be just familiarity.

The highlight is definitely the swimming pool at the roof area - great stuff, more Miami than London in terms of styling, but with a little bit of an NYC feel thrown in as you look out across the city. The whole place has a great atmosphere to it - brilliant put together throughout with all the different floors having their own unique feeling. Very occasionally it can feel a little bit overly 'media' but nothing too annoying/distracting.

Service is excellent whether its food or drinks you are after and of course the food and drink is first class. If you are going to get stuck into the cocktails - may I heartily recommend an espresso martini, a fabulous drink made to perfection here.

While not being cheap by any stretch the food and drink is definitely good value.

If you are going to join a club - join this one. Yes yes it's in Shoreditch and not the centre of town, but if you're stumping up to join, I'm sure you can afford the cab ride over there!
Check out my review of Shoreditch House - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Bunch Of Grapes in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

It's a nice little pub this one, hidden away off the main drag of Borough High Street, and currently hiding behind some fairly major roadworks. It's a fairly small place, in traditional English pub style, with lots of dark wood, lots of tall tables and chairs and a pretty good selection of beers.

As 78Apples says - a bit less 'blokey' than a lot of pubs in the area and that's certainly no bad thing. It's got a friendly atmosphere, full of lots of chat.

It gets pretty busy from mid-week onwards and actually, despite the credit crunch it was rammed this week on a Tuesday when we popped in.

No music and no TV for those interested in that sort of thing - just chat and drinks.

All in - if you're looking for a pub around the area you can do a lot worse than drop in here.
Check out my review of Bunch Of Grapes - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Albert in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

There are quite a few really nice pubs, bars and restaurants around this area and the Prince Albert is definitely one of them. It’s a good looking building from the outside - a very traditional feel to it and this is continued inside where its all wooden furniture and brass.

A decent range of drinks in a pub that is always relatively full but never too busy and never too empty - seems to always be just about right.

Food is very good and it has a decent enough range on the menu.

Bearing in mind the beer garden out the back is basically a small concrete space, they have done well to make it as welcoming as it is with lots of trees and bushes around the place. However, I seem to remember having a very very long afternoon here and can tell your the wrought iron garden furniture gets a bit uncomfortable after about 5 hours…

All in - very much worth a visit and a much friendlier place than The Engineer which is just down the road from it.
Check out my review of The Albert - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Parliament Hill bench in London

London

Not too far away from me and although it's a long old walk to get to this bench, it's well worth it for the marvellous views all across London. The odd thing is that there isn't a queue for it after dragging yourself up to it.

The other interesting thing is that this bench has featured in a few films as well. Judi Dench in Notes on a Scandal, and a whole chapter of the super-budget, but rather good Scenes of a Sexual Nature was set on this bench (the whole film being set in Hampstead Heath). The Omen had some filming done here as well - though I'm not sure if the bench was in it -has it been in any other movies? Is it the most famous bench in cinema history? Should it be getting a royalties cheque?
Check out my review of Parliament Hill bench - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Allies Statue in London

London

I really like this bench/sculpture - it's always one I stumble across by accident in London rather than design. It's incredibly lifelike and is considered the artist's most famous work.

The background on it is that it was a gift from the Bond Street Association (the shops and businesses of Bond Street) to the City of Westminster to commemorate 50 years of peace. It was unveiled on 2/5/95 by Princess Margaret.
Check out my review of Allies Statue - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Gaucho Grill in London

London - Restaurants - Latin American - Argentinian

Only going to give this Gaucho a 4. It's got a great view from upstairs of the Tower Bridge area, but for some reason it's not quite got the same level of quality of staff, service and atmosphere as some of the others. It's still a brilliant place for a steak and there is still the fun opportunity to see the cuts and have them explained along with how they are best cooked before diving in to the eating.

However, for some reason the environment doesn't quite work as well as at other Gauchos. Added to this the last time I was here was with a chef from the Oxo tower and the Sommelier we had decided to try and convince us that the red wine we were having should be served at the same temperature as rose. Wrong, and simply not a very good idea when someone works in the area for a living. This undermined the experience a little - she should really have just admitted she was wrong and that the place they hold wine up from the cellar was a little too cold - but we still had a fun night.

Oh and if you really fancy a meat adventure - why not get one of each of the four cuts in a 1200 gram steak extravaganza...just don't get two of them to share between 4 people. 2,400 g of meat is just too much steak!

Check out my review of The Gaucho Grill - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Gaucho Grill in London

London - Restaurants - Steak Houses - Restaurants - Latin American - Argentinian

Vegetarians - you must not go to this place, or you will go to the dark side. This is my favourite of the Gaucho set of restaurants around London. The food, as at all of the Gauchos, is first class with a fabulous selection of Argentinian steaks with a variety of cuts and the opportunity to see the cuts and have them explained along with how they are best cooked before diving in to the eating.

Outside of the steaks are a great selection of sides with the mushrooms being my personal favourite though all of them are great and go very well alongside the main event of the meat.

There is a decent wine list as well along with a wide variety of other drinks to satisfy the majority of diners. The wine varies from reasonable to fairly mind crushingly expensive so something for everyone really.

The atmosphere is great - its all cow hide seats in a little darkened cellar style setting, and it really is the perfect place or a long lunch that just keeps on going...I seem to remember one time we were still there when the evening sitting was coming in...

Cheap it is not - but I'd say it's good value as it's not exorbitant.

Service is speedy, polite and knowledgeable. Get yourself a steak and enjoy.

Check out my review of The Gaucho Grill - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Bar Kohl in Edinburgh

Edinburgh - Pubs & Bars - Bars

Bit of an Edinburgh institution this one - it's been there since my days as a student and that was really quite some time ago now sadly.

It has an extraordinary amount of drinks, focusing on a quite simply ridiculous number of flavoured vodkas.

Great atmosphere to the place - gets busy mind, but always chatty and friendly.

If you're heading to the 'Burgh, get yourself along here and 'enjoy' a red hot chili vodka shooter...

Check out my review of Bar Kohl - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Catch 22 in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars

Two floors and two bars in this bar. Downstairs you have a series of little booths on a raise platform all opposite the bar. Cosy and ideal for 4 people to sit and chat. If you have more than 4 people - not such a good idea to sit here as there aren't really many spare chairs to pop on the end. And even if you do get one, as the booths are raised and there is a railing running parallel you are going to get in everyone's way anyway.

Upstairs is a long room, with a decent sized bar on the left hand side and a small stage for bands at the end - there are plenty of music nights here. However, even if the bands are great the acoustics are a little odd. The room isn't a great shape for live tunes - being a little corridor-esque and the ceiling is all a bit awkward with slants and different height levels. Having said that they put some good nights on so well worth checking out.

All in pretty good bar - very shoreditch with plenty of angular haircuts around the place.

Check out my review of Catch 22 - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Warren Evans in London

London - Home Services

Warren Evans is so good - I'm stunned this is only the second review of it.

I think just about every single one of my friends has got their bed here. They have a variety of styles, types of wood, colours, sizes and mattresses to suit everyone - even bunk beds for the kids. They also have a range of other bedroom furniture. Staff are knowledgeable and helpful, and go out of their way to make sure you get the bed that is right for you.

You don't have to wait for weeks for it once you have ordered it either - they can usually have your bed to you in a few days, and the super efficient delivery chaps will come in and put it together for you in about 5 minutes.

Prices are good value as well - not the cheapest thing you'll ever going to buy, but its great quality stuff.

Can't recommend it strongly enough if you are in the market for a bed - and enjoy trying out all the different mattresses in the showroom.

Check out my review of Warren Evans - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Bedales in London

London - Restaurants - French

Situated on the edge of Borough market - Bedales is a great little place for a visit for those who love their wine and those who just like visiting great little bars. The ground floor has plenty of seating for those looking to enjoy a tipple from the very large selection of wines they have on offer round the walls of the room. The back has some seating which flows out into Borough market itself, and downstairs is an excellent cellar bar. The whole place has a great atmosphere to it, with lots of interesting characters enjoying their purchases. Staff are very friendly, although somewhat distracted when it get busy.

The corkage fee of £8 on each bottle I believe which is a bit over the top in my view. Especially when you consider the dictionary definition of corkage: "a fee charged, as in a restaurant, for serving wine or liquor brought in by the patron."

Well - didn't we just buy the wine there rather than bring it with us?

Check out my review of Bedales - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Globe in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

Where are all the actors? Oh...not that Globe in Southwark...the pub one...Situated near Borough market & Southwark Cathedral - the Globe is less touristy than you might suspect. Half crouching under the railway bridge, the globe looks pretty tired from the outside, and that's repeated inside - where it's a very traditional English pub and there are a collection of random antiques (including numerous globes of course) up in the open wooden rafters.

The service is pretty speedy and the prices are good value for London, especially in the area. For smokers - its got plenty of outside space which is under the cover of the railway bridge, although if its really raining you're going to get dripped on.

Check out my review of The Globe - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Coach & Horses in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

The other Coach & Horses in Soho and I was feeling sorry for it, as the more famous one has 22 reviews...whereas it's a zero for the one Poland Street.

I'll always have a soft spot for this pub as it oddly became a local for me and my mates when we first moved to London...mainly because it was in the middle of town and miles away from all of us living in the north/south/east/west of the city. There was a faulty logic to it and it led to us meeting up a lot here. Having not been in a while a recent visit revealed that....nothing had changed. Good on them for keeping it as a good old London boozer. Its got loads of dark wood, it's got upholstered slightly tired furniture, it sells beer, it's got dubious toilets and slightly bemused looking staff.

It's small and pretty perfectly formed as pubs go on the downstairs. But oddly it has a room upstairs which is rarely used (and a bar which is very rarely open). A shame really as its light, airy and spacious in comparison with the space down stairs.

It's also handily positioned just off Oxford Street, so not too bonkers busy, but also a nice place to escape to from shopping hell. Prices are reasonable for the area - as in pretty expensive.

So overall a solid 3 for a good old fashioned honest London boozer. May it forever stay that way...and some of the people from the other Coach & Horses should come and review it!

Check out my review of Coach & Horses - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Green Man in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs - Pubs & Bars - Bars

It's a solid 3 for the Green Man, which is a handy pub just off the Oxford Street 'drag' (and isn't it a drag at times?). It's a decent sized boozer, which sells a decent range of drinks at reasonable prices. It's open late, it shows sport on big screens & it has a pool table. It does pub fare.

Stylish it is not, and nor will it ever be. However, it's a good place to go for a bit of respite from the madness of shopping on a Saturday and to catch the footy results. Not somewhere I'd head as a destination pub to watch a match - but handy to know about if you are meeting people in town.

Check out my review of The Green Man - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Heathrow Express in London

London - Travel & Hotels - Airports

Ok, the Heathrow Express is expensive - indeed at about £15 quid each way it can cost you more than your flight! However, has anyone taken the alternative route? Do you not remember having to get up at about 3am to get a 10am flight from Heathrow, because you had to take the Piccadilly line - a trip so long you can see people visibly age during it?

So it's your usual pay off here between time and money. If you haven't got an Oyster it's going to cost you £4 on the tube each way and take about an hour if you went from Paddington to Heathrow - and way more than that if you are in North, South or East London.

Add to that the fact that the Heathrow Express is built for people travelling with bags - as opposed to the tube and the convenience and speed surely mean it's worthwhile?

Oh and finally it's a lot nicer to travel in than the dear old tube as well as it has been cleaned that day as opposed to given a rub down in 1963...

Check out my review of Heathrow Express - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Toucan in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

The Toucan is a little Soho legend. Just off Soho Square, this very small pub is spread across two floors (ground and basement) and er...the street outside. It's not the smoking ban that has driven the drinkers of the Toucan out onto the street - its the fact that it seats about 40 and yet any night from Wednesday onwards it usually has about 200 people trying to get a drink.

But don't let that put you off - it's a great place for a very good pint of guiness and has a very nice relaxed atmosphere to it.

As has already been written - its probably at its best on a quiet afternoon or early week night when you can just sit and enjoy the atmosphere of the place, but its good fun at any time.

Price is pretty much your usual Soho. The food when I've had it has been fine both taste and price - pretty simple stuff though.

The toilets are not the best...but the decor and the fact that this is a real irish pub not a theme one make up for the little issues.

Check out my review of The Toucan - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Eddie's Barber Shop in London

London - Beauty & Wellness - Hairdressers

I've been to Eddies a few times and it's your classic blokes barbers basically. Though a classic of the 1980s period rather than the red stripey pole, cut throat razor, take themselves a bit too seriously type.

Some odd fading bluish photos of people with 1980s haircuts, loads of people seeming to know the two blokes that run it and popping in for chats, a selection of random 6 month old magazines topped off with the weekends papers.

For all that - its quick, its pretty good value at a tenner and they do a fine job if its nothing too complicated.

NB: Qype has the right address, but the map has Eddies somewhere slightly bizarre - it's actually on Kentish Town high street, down near Quinns pub.

Check out my review of Eddie's Barber Shop - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Crown in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars

Hmm - going to have to disagree with Moonrising on this being an Australian bar. I think he might have just walked in there on Australia Day maybe? As every time I've been there's been no hint of aussieness to the place - it's much more of a traditional London pub with a random and friendly selection of punters from all over the place - your classic bar leaning London blokes supping their pints, a few tourists chattering away and a mix of people just in for a quick beer after a spot of Covent Garden shopping.

The pub is basically a triangular shape with the bar in the middle of it and dividing it into 3 spaces. At the top of the 'triangle' where the main entrance is the biggest space with a few tall tables and bar stools, then through on the back left is a little room with some sofas and a few regular tables and chairs. The back right is high bar stools and ledges.

It's not big by any stretch of the imagination, but its got a nice traditional London pub decor in it, and the place is friendly with a good atmosphere and feels very cosy in winter. Prices are ok for drinks and there is an ok range there.

All in - a nice spot for a sit down and a bit of relaxation post-shopping, though I can't see myself ever seeking it out for a night out. So overall a solid 3 stars.

Check out my review of The Crown - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Junction Tavern in London

London - Restaurants - British

Ah the marvellous Junction Tavern. I've just moved in Kentish Town and I'm a lot closer to the Junction now - which is good news as it's very good place, if a bit of a hotch potch of things.

The main bar is a big wood panelled room and it's split into a restaurant area and a small 'pub area' next to the bar with tables and chairs. It then expands out into a sort of big conservatory out the back with a load more tables and chairs and then finally it has a decent sized beer garden out the back with plenty of tables and plenty of cover.

As already noted it has a good and frequently changing selection of real ales and also hosts a mini beer festival over the end of May bank holiday weekend which is always entertaining as the usually fairly young crowd runs into the beard scratching gang testing out the Dragon's Toenail from Dobeg and comparing it to the Badgers Facial Warts beer from the isle of Egg.

The food is pretty good on the whole, though a little bit over priced in my view for what it is, and a little bit over complicated at times as well. The beer isn't the cheapest either but its not too bad. However, the service on the whole is friendly and pretty efficient.

All in, it may be trying to do a bit too much and be a few too many things to a few too many different types of people - but on the whole it works and the mix of people you get coming along can be entertaining in its own right. Well worth a visit.

Check out my review of The Junction Tavern - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Owl Bookshop Ltd in London

London - Shopping - Books

Yet another Kentish Town Gem - which makes me wonder, has Kentish Town got the best high street in London with its collection of random and brilliant independent shops? Anyone know any other goodys out there?

Anyway, back to the Owl. It's a lovely and well put together independent bookshop. It's not huge by any stretch - but it has a great and carefully put together selection of new books in every category you could think of mixed in with some wisely chosen old favourites and a sprinkling of old titles you'd never have thought of.

It's got a great atmosphere in there - very relaxing and a little like stepping back in time to gentler days, as you potter through the tatstefully selected cards and near genius DVD section which basically is what I wish my DVD collection looked like but doesn't....

Served by some knowledgeable and very friendly staff - the last time I was in they were talking in a lot of detail to two 10 year olds about various different options once you have read all the Harry Potters. These same staff will also more than happily advise you if you are a bit older than 10 and also order anything they haven't got in for you.

Go on - give the Owl a visit, go and spend your money with them and no Amazon or Waterstones and keep an institution going.

Check out my review of Owl Bookshop Ltd - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Two Floors in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars

A Soho bar that has been there almost as long as I have been in London is something pretty refreshing frankly.

I remember first going there in about 1997 and thinking it was great, and have come back many a time since then, although my trip last night was the first in a year or so.

The genius with Two Floors is that is was never uber-cool, just quite comfy with itself as being a good friendly bar and because of this it has never really hit the heights of impossible to get into/served at, but it has also not lost all its customers to another bar as they migrate to the latest and greatest.

The top bar is long and the main room is fairly spacious with sofas, wooden seats and low tables dotted around the place. The basement bar is slightly random with some sort of Hawiian style decor going on. It's low lit and doesn't get a huge amount of light in because of its position so think New York bar experience for that part of the atmosphere. It's a friendly place as well and always feels a very comfortable place to hang out in.

Only has the one beer on tap - but its the very good Kirin and reasonably priced. Has a fairly good selection of bottled beers too. Does some good cocktails for around £6 as well.

I'm not so sure about the service these days. I might have hit it on a bad night, but it was pretty amateur last night with the selection of who was next seeming to be totally random.

Overall though a really good bar and a true stalwart of the Soho scene.

Worth noting - I don't think it's ever had a sign outside, so note the address. It's pretty obvious its a bar from the outside, but you won't find the name there.

Check out my review of Two Floors - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Cha Cha Moon in London

London - Restaurants - Chinese

Went along here last night and I was impressed. Alan Yau managed to come up with something new and exciting when he brought a pimped up version of the Japanese Raman style noodle bar to London with Wagamamas, and here his inspiration is Hong Kong market noodle bars.

Similar to Wagamamas in terms of being arranged in benches - there is a bit more space for your elbows and its darker, rather than the impossibly bright lighting of some Wagamamas. There is also room for you to eat on your own without feeling quite so much of the proverbial sore thumb as they have some tall bars and stools which seemed pretty busy with people stopping off for a bargain meal on their way home.

The promotion they are running with at the moment with everything at £3.50 is ridiculously good value for money - though worth noting they charge the same for a main course as a starter (or side as they call it here) at the moment. The food is not only good value - but also tastes good. Drinks choice is pretty limited with just one beer - Harbin - and a few cocktails and wines. The Wen Wen cocktail is very fruity and not very vodkay...and Harbin is pretty average beer but fine.

It's obviously all about dwell time here and getting people through as quick as possible. The staff are politely and unobtrusively get you on your way swiftly by picking up everything that's finished within about 10 seconds so you suddenly realise your table is clear and you may as well get the bill. You won't be hanging around here for a leisurely two hour meal.

The atmosphere is really nice in there - I enjoyed the evening and it's quite fun looking in at the chefs hard at work in a kitchen that appears to have fallen out of the Death Star and landed in W1.

Check out my review of Cha Cha Moon - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Lockside Lounge in London

London - Restaurants - Bistros - Pubs & Bars - Bars

I think how much you like/dislike this bar might depend on when you go. I have been numerous times on weekday evenings and its a pretty chilled out place which feels fairly spacious and is certainly a more pleasant place to be than when it used to be a club quite a few years back.

It's got some good outside seating, a fairly ok range of beers inside and the food is pretty good for lunch.

Having said that - come the weekend and it gets rammed and that's when it turns into Mr Hyde, having not enough room, being too hot, and generally a bit rubbish.

Having said that I've always found the bar staff to be a good bunch.

So overall - pretty good location, slightly away from the main Camden drag, but beware the business of the weekends.

Check out my review of Lockside Lounge - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Abbey in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

Good place The Abbey - just round the corner from me as well, so probably as close to a local as I have. It's a decent sized bar and has a garden out back with heaters - fortunately for the 11 months of the year that England is too cold to sit outside.

They play a decent mix of music and also have plenty of live bands on as well. It is a bit on the loud side from time to time for a quiet chat with someone, but most of the time it works well.

Good place for a Sunday with the papers as well - it's pretty chilled out and feels spacious.

The food is tasty too - nice mix they have on the menu now as they have brought in some great Caribbean dishes.

Oh and finally it's got late night opening which always makes for a good pub.

Check out my review of The Abbey - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Auntie Annies Porterhouse in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

I'll give this a very quick review as it's opening night at the renamed Annies - no invite for me though.... It's no longer yellow on the outside - it's beige. It's got black awnings. It has a piano in it which struck me as odd, and the workmen were still finishing off the outside as lots of people were sipping champers on the inside. A little odd.

It's called Annies as of today in a little homage to the old pub. Be interesting see how it gets on and 'll do a proper review when I'm not just walking home and peering in the window at a party I'm not invited to :)

Ok - update as I went there last night to check it out. Bling might be a good word for it? A white baby grand piano and a massive chandelier plus some knocked off 17th century Court of King Louis French seating...add in cocktails, doormen (in kentish town??), 4 foot high silver plant pots and you have something that feels a little like someone teleported a bar from miami or LA onto Kentish town high street.

When you consider the view out from the bar is Somerfield, Chicken Cottage, Blustons and Ladbrokes...it makes you wonder if the people behind it are living on a different planet?

Then again it was busy as hell last night, and you have to admire the ambition of trying to set something like this up. So good luck chaps...and best of luck with the old locals who looked like they came back to have a nose and spent a lot of time discussing the lack of TV...

Check out my review of Auntie Annies Porterhouse - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Saint Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest

Budapest - Arts & Entertainment - Religious & Spiritual

An absolute must visit if you are in Budapest. Like a lot of Hungary it has undergone its fair share of trials and tribulations over the years with the original dome collapsing and being rebuilt and then being bombed during WWII leading to a major reconstruction project starting as late as the 1980s.

The church celebrates St Stephen, who is the man attributed as originally uniting Hungary. As Bell mentions as you tour around the imposing inside of the building you will happen open "the fist of St Stephen" or possibly his fist...or more likely someone else's mummified hand but never mind. A bit like some 1800s fairground, you can put a small amount of change in and lo and behold the golden box that holds the fist lights up so you can get a good look...just shame there's no bizarre music to go with it.

Anyway - there are some great views to be had up from the top of the church, the building itself looks great in its position in front of a large square and if you go on the 20th August, you'll run into St Stephen's hand being given a triumphant trip round the square and surrounding streets as Hungarians mark his day.

It's also a beautiful church to go round inside and well worth a look for some of the fabulous architecture and design inside.

Check out my review of Saint Stephen’s Basilica - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Colosseum in Rome

Rome - Arts & Entertainment - Landmarks

A fantastic landmark and an absolute must see on a visit to Rome. It's remarkable to think how old it is when you look at the size of it and even more remarkable when you understand that although it was built 2,000 odd years ago (alright about 1,930 years ago...) it is the blueprint for how all modern stadia are built(!) in terms of getting people in and out quickly.

It was a rainy day when we went to see it, but you were still struck by it's size and the impressiveness and ingenuity of the design.

I'd agree with the above about skipping the guided tour (though I rarely do them myself anyway) as there's plenty of information around and somehow it seems all the more interesting to imagine it for yourself rather than rely on others descriptions to shape your mental image.

Quite an amazing piece of architecture and an absolute must see.

As to the spelling...hmm I've seen about 10 different versions which people swear by!

Check out my review of Colosseum - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Phil in Wien

Wien - Pubs & Bars - Pubs - Cafes & Coffee Shops

Great place - it feels a little like the modern Ying to Cafe Demel's Yang. Really great relaxed atmosphere here - books to read, posters to browse through, a whole mix of different types of people to watch and all at a very good price. Perhaps most interestingly (or indeed oddly) you can buy everything thats there - coffee, beer, the books, the music, the chairs you're sitting on, the lamps and all the fixtures in fact! Interesting idea & great place to go hang out. Loved it.

Check out my review of Phil - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: owl and pussycat in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars

Traditional old fashioned and unchanged pub in amongst the home of skinny jeans & awkward angular hair types that is Shoreditch. Before reviewing I think it's important to mention that this is another pub that is likely to not be here in about 6 months. There is a big development going on in the area and I think this pub is going to go in that development, which for me is a real shame. (I'm not 100% on this..maybe someone else knows on here?)

It's really just a traditional English pub, with a garden out the back and a decent sized room upstairs. It's about as good an example of an English pub as you could get and yes the landlord may look like a sourpuss, but he is friendly enough in a gruff way and service gets the job done well in my view.

Also has a billiard table and TV.

Good atmosphere from my experiences there - well worth a visit if you fancy something traditional in the land of all things skinny and angular.

Oh and finally - great name for a pub!

Check out my review of owl and pussycat - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Owl Bookshop in London

London - Shopping - Books

Another gem in Kentish Town - this independent bookshop is just a great place to dip into and have a browse. I'm a big fan of independent bookshops as they make such a nice change from having all the usual new releases foisted upon you on walking into a Waterstones. Here, there is a real variety of books on offer in a fairly small shop - it has old favourites, new releases, and favourites from the team on offer.

They cover all the categories you could imagine, also sell a selection of interesting DVDs, and are handy for some great cards and wrapping paper.

On top of that staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and can get hold of any book you are after.

So it may be sacrilege to say this on a website, but don't go to Amazon (or Waterstones for that matter) - go to The Owl Bookshop and order your books there or indeed go for a browse and pick up something you might never have thought of reading.

Check out my review of Owl Bookshop - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Blustons in London

London - Fashion - Ladies Fashion

A legend in Kentish Town, providing a lot of charm to the variation that is the shopping experience along the high street. In amongst the Somerfields/Wollies/Tescos and Boots - there are a whole array of unusual and very traditional shops.

Basically Blustons offers fashion from the 1930s and it really doesn't care that things have moved on. It's still out there offering highly suitable outfits for the well to do mature lady.

Love the way the window is done - it's a multitude of wire frame dummies with various flowery dresses carefully hung on them. Everything about the place is like a step back in time, from the window set up to the checked tiled floor entrance. It's just a wonderfully unique place to see in 2008, so go see it.

I think I've read somewhere that's it's been around for about 70 years an long may it continue. Go check it out and for gods sake buy something to make sure its around for another 70 years and doesn't get turned into GAP!

Check out my review of Blustons - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Wheatsheaf in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

Another of the traditional pubs around the Borough Market area. This one is slap bang opposite the market and just down the road from the Market Porter.

It's pretty small inside, so probably not a place to visit if you have more than about 3-4 people in tow, or you are going to struggle to get all together, as it does get bus - especially in the evenings at the end of the week.

Inside it's not only traditional, but also what you might call unreconstructed! Wooden floorboards and panelling throughout the place and it looks like it could maybe do with a bit of love - but in fairness it brings it's own charm.

For the smokers amongst us, it has a handy little 'garden' out the back. I say garden, it's very concrete and not very green and also very small - but has room for a few tables out the back, and is handy for fans of the 'evil weed' if you don't fancy the occasional lottery of potential getting flattened by drivers steaming past the market out the front.

It has a couple of TVs in here for showing sport, and shows most things. Indeed it was the only pub I could find in SE1 showing the Rugby World Cup 3rd vs 4th place play-off between Argentina and France last year. And although busy for a Liverpool Champions league game it was friendly in there - TV's are pretty small though, so it's a bit like having 100 people come round your house to watch the match (and bring their own bar..)

Generally a good atmosphere and a good place for a tete a tete early in the week, as it has a fair amount of seating around.

Check out my review of The Wheatsheaf - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Market Porter in London

London - Food & Drink - Delicatessen - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

An institution in the Borough Market area and the pub with the most charm out of the collection surrounding the area. However, that charm does mean it pays the price of being very very busy at times.

It's pretty much your quintessential boozer insider - all wood, brass, barrels for tables and real ale. There's a decent amount of room inside, but it's not huge by any stretch of the imagination. It has a lot of real ale on offer so for any CAMRA fans, this is a decent pub to head for a visit.

It gets very popular in the evenings, and you can often find yourself forced out onto the street outside - not the worst thing as the pub's atmosphere flows out onto the street and its a generally very friendly crowd. However, the delights of the British weather can make it a bit of a lottery especially on a Friday night.

It's been said already - but despite it being very busy the service is pretty decent and they get through serving people quickly, generally are good at getting the order right and are friendly.

Food here is your typical pub grub - but of a pretty good quality.

Oh and as dmj1962 says - if you fancy a beer at 6am, this place is open for business...always a bit alarming when I work past it on the way to an early start to work and there's a load of people tucking into their pints(!)

Check out my review of The Market Porter - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: St. Christopher's Inn in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars

Pub - does what it says on the tin. It's got a pool table, it's really wooden & brass, its a bit grubby, it's got pub grub, it's got a couple of decent sized screens and a small TV, and it's one of the few pubs around Borough that you can watch the footy in without it being impossible to see the screen. Usually has a pretty friendly atmosphere and the beer is ok priced for central London - though I'd swerve some of the continental lager pumps, as there seems to have been some insanity on the pricing.

Weirdly, it has a downstairs which is totally different. Lots of plush sofas and table service while we were watching the Champions league. That bit is not always open though.

Check out my review of St. Christopher's Inn - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Good Ship in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

Went here recently for one of the Saturday gig nights - fun place, really good mix of people, some great live music and a good range of tunes afterwards.

However, and this may just be my age and going to far too many gigs in my 20s...the music is pretty damn loud in my view - expect to have one of those conversations where you shout in someone's ear, they look at you slightly bemused, then shout in your ear and you realise they looked bemused as you can't hear a word they are saying!

Anyway, besides that - good range of drinks and pretty reasonably priced.

The stage/dancefloor is very small though and it's an unusual place to watch a gig as the stage is basically down a small square where you can fit a few people in front watching it and then everyone else peers down from the balconies surrounding it. I'm told it's good fun to play though.

Oh and it's open well past my bedtime...

Check out my review of The Good Ship - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Hellenic Book Service in London

London - Shopping - Books

Unusual bookshop, that just adds to the charm of Kentish Town's rather unusual shopping experience - a high street and surrounding roads which have a fair share of chains, but also some brilliant one-offs on the shopping front.

Anyway, back to the Hellenic. What's not to like about a bookshop covering Greek and Latin writing, with a fair selection of recent books translated into ancient Latin? I was particularly pleased to find the ancient Latin version of The Cat in The Hat for my dad - a retired classics teacher. Should amuse him for a while!

I think the shop has recently moved just down the road to new premises (I think 2 doors down and only in the last week or so) - so might be worth double checking the address.

Check out my review of Hellenic Book Service - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Lowlander Grand Cafe in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs - Restaurants - Bistros

We like this place - but then again what's not like with a 1 page menu and a 20 page drinks menu?

Great selection of beers - having Amstel on tap is a winner to kick off with, but the huge range they have in there is excellent. However, it's worth bearing in mind that these are serious beers and not to be taken lightly - try having four pints of the Delirium stuff...picture uploaded of a bottle of it - it can't be a good idea to drink it can it?

Good food as well. It's not cheap, but it's not ridiculous and the service is good and it has a friendly atmosphere.

Check out my review of Lowlander Grand Cafe - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Christophers American Bar & Grill in London

London - Restaurants - Fast Food & American

One of my favourite place for a business meeting in town. Old school surroundings, decent service, good food and a nice range of wines and cocktails. Marvellous place to while away an afternoon if the lunch meeting spreads out a bit.

The atmosphere is great - lots of chat going on, but enough space between the tables so that you can have a decent discussion without having to raise your voice at all.

Highly recommended for lunches and a nice cocktail bar downstairs for your evening do to roll on a little further.

Perhaps a little 'suity' at but not enough to put you off. Highly recommended.

Check out my review of Christophers American Bar & Grill - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Quinn's in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Sports Bars

As Adore says - when Quinns actually closes is a consistent mystery that may well never be solved as it would involve someone leaving it and still being sober enough to remember...bearing in mind that people are normally half-cut by the time they get there - it seems unlikely it'll ever happen.

A big bar once you get inside and a big space as well - Quinns does seem to have some tardis like qualities. It's a slightly odd atmosphere as it's half old school locals/half spill over from Camden looking for a drink - but it's absolutely fine so long as you're not on your own!

It has a few TV's dotted around the place and because it's usually not that busy it can be a good place to catch a game. Having said that the pub doesn't really feel like it's been set up to watch sport and it can feel a bit like you are in a mate's massive back room watching their fairly decent, but not exactly huge TV.

Not sure about the day - it's always seemed pretty dark in there and I can think of numerous bars around the area which are far nicer for a fat Sunday or quiet daytime pint and paper.

Has to be said I haven't tried the food there...I suspect it might be a bit alarming.

Good place for a late night would be my recommendation.

Check out my review of Quinn's - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Bar Lorca in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Cocktail Bars

It's crying out for Qype to allow halves here - as this is a square on 3.5 out of 5 for me, but I couldn't quite bring myself to give it a 4..so it's a 3...anyway, shall I get into the review now?

The venue was once a bank, it was then a short lived cocktail bar, and oddly for a short time became a sort of squat pub/cafe - a fairly unique proposition...but also fairly short lived from the legal beagles point of view. Anyway - after that it was taken over by the fine team that run the excellent Dartmouth Arms nearby and turned into a spanish themed bar, serving expensive spanish pints, decent spanish bottled beer and serving some ok tapas, together with a good range of expensive wine.

The reason for it being expensive is it's basically opposite the tube and they are trying to keep a certain sort of bar patron going to the Boston rather than their venue - something which undermined the cocktail bar mentioned above.

Good little venue inside and most of the time it has a pretty good atmosphere going on, plus in traditional Spanish style - it is of course open late so a good bet for a Friday or Saturday night when the local boozer has closed.

It does however (like a lot of pubs/bars) have a bit of a theft problem - in that I think someone in there has had something nicked 2 out of the last 5 times I've been, which isn't so great. The other drawback as already mentioned by Barbaridad is that it does get pretty damn loud at times in there and pretty damn busy too.

Check out my review of Bar Lorca - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Empire Cinemas Ltd in London

London - Nightlife - Cinemas

Now I hadn't been to a cinema in Leicester Square for a while, but having not managed to go and see Cloverfield for numerous stupid reasons - I was forced into town as it was one of the few places still showing it. So off to the home of premiers I go, and oh...first impressions aren't too good as it's now got casino emblazoned on the front as well as cinema - the choice of font and general look is not a good one. Anyway, in we go and while it's better than your run of the mill Odeon, it's really nothing special - an ok seating area with a few sofas and a long bar, but it's all so devoid of personality and makes you think you're waiting for a plane not your cinema screen to be ready.

As it was late (very) in Cloverfield's run, we were in one of the small screen rooms and although they have good leg room and the chairs are pretty comfy, they are not exactly wide.

Overall ok I guess, but it's not a patch on the Ritzy in Brixton or numerous other independent (ish) cinemas like the 'on the Hills' around London.

Check out my review of Empire Cinemas Ltd - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Goose in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

Couldn't agree with DrO2e more - this is a pub out of a vending machine.... It's cheap, its plastic, and the food is about as average as its possible to be. Brixton is packed with better pubs and bars to go to - the only decent thing about this pub is the location and proximity to the tube and Brixton Academy.

Check out my review of Goose - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Camden Tup in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Sports Bars

No nonsense pub, the Camden Tup. Serves some fairly good pub grub, has a fairly good range of beer, has lots of TVs all over the shop for watching big games and has a pool table upstairs. It gets a pretty good atmosphere going for big rugby or football games and has a load of space - gets busy though.

Check out my review of The Camden Tup - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Hampstead Heath Extension in London

London - Arts & Entertainment - Parks

Outstanding place to spend a weekend afternoon going for a stroll. It's not too far away from me and I love going for a wander there.

It's big, very well looked after and has a huge amount of variety to it - from feeding the ducks, through visiting Kenwood House, to a bit of open air swimming. Just a great place for a sunny afternoon at the weekend.

The surrounding area is great with the lovely Hampstead and Highate just nearby if you tire of the park - though I'm not sure why you would???

Check out my review of Hampstead Heath Extension - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Witchery in Edinburgh

Edinburgh - Restaurants - British

Awesome restaurant - just brilliant. Millybroadbent has summed it up very nicely with her description - it is a really magical place to go and visit. The venue is just superb at the foot of Edinburgh Castle and is beautifully lit to give the whole place a fabulous atmosphere.

The friendly and knowledgeable staff, brilliant food and the venue is just about as good as it gets. The wine list really is a massive book (think encyclopedia not airport novel as a size guide)...for me I had to stick to the front...but if you have the money there is an amazing choice if you go back through the book.

It's an absolute bargain if you go for a pre- or post- theatre sitting.

Can't recommend it highly enough - if you are in Edinburgh, get yourself along there. Especially if you are after a romantic setting...although it's not just for dates, it's worth a visit whoever you are with.

Check out my review of The Witchery - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Oxford in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

Can a pub try and be too many things? I sometimes wonder that about the Oxford. It's got a nice chatty bar in one half with casual sofas you can lose yourself in and a mix of old school long and small pub tables and then the other half is a sit down restaurant which does good food. The split feels a little odd and it's not really helped by the pumping tunes in the bar and no music at all in the restaurant - that combined with occasionally having a small TV on for big football or rugby matches makes for a place that feels like it isn't quite confident in what it is.

Having said all that - I'm a fan. It's got a nice chilled out upstairs to get away from the busy bar, and the food on the whole is generally really good. Decor is dark traditional pub and works well. Staff are efficient and friendly in the bar, and they have had some excellent staff in the restaurant - interesting and fun. It's also got a whole load of benches outside for the smokers amongst us.

It can get really busy on a Friday and Saturday night, and watch out for turfing out time on a Sunday from The Church at the Forum as you are going to find a lot of very drunk antipodeans rolling in...not perhaps ideal for a far Sunday reading the papers....

Check out my review of The Oxford - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Euston Flyer in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

If you only got two words to describe a pub, this would be massively average. In that it is absolutely huge, and just feels like it fell of a conveyor belt of "how we imagine traditional pubs". Food is fine, but average, drink choice is fine but average, prices are average and atmosphere...you guessed it average. The good news is that most of the pubs around Euston station are rubbish, so actually average is a step in the right direction if you are hanging about waiting for a train and fancy a pint.

Check out my review of The Euston Flyer - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Waxy O'Conners in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

Well it's huge quite frankly - I can't think of a bigger pub I've been to in London, or in fact anywhere come to think of it. But despite it being so big, it can have quite an intimate feel as it has lots of little nooks and crannys and would appear to have been designed by a madman at first glance but it all actually really works to give a venue big enough to get as many people as you like in, but small enough to gossip quietly in the corner.

Good atmosphere overall, though it can get really quite busy and you're a braver man than me if you try and get in there on St Patrick's day.

Oh yes, and it's already been said but there's a tree in the middle, which is a bit odd but does give it something rather unique!

Check out my review of Waxy O'Conners - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Terracotta Army at British Museum in London

London - Arts & Entertainment - Museums

Totally agree with annyeap - you really need to try and get along to see this exhibition, or indeed event. There have never been this many of the figures outside of China and in one place before, so it's a unique experience (unless you have been to China of course...).

The exhibition itself is brilliantly curated and really underlines how amazing Qin Shihuangdi, the first Emperor of China, really was. His achievements are remarkable - starting as head of one of the provinces of China and then conquering the others to create the basis for modern day China. In his spare time he sorted out one currency, one set of weights and measurements and built the original great wall. All in the space of about 35 years. The exhibition tells this story fantastically well and really takes you on a journey through it, showing how everything interconnects and then finally you come across the figures at the centre of the display - they are stunning.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect is that the huge tomb which the First Emperor is buried in remains untouched. Various techniques have shown there are two massive buildings underneath the artificial hill created over it, and there are huge mercury deposits which have led people to speculate there are rivers of mercury in there...intriguing and yet the Chinese seem almost frightened to investigate it. Instead they focus on excavating the pits around the tomb where the Terracotta Army themselves were found.

Even though there is not long left the British Museum is putting 500 tickets on sale first thing in the morning each day so you still have a chance to get along. The only slight problem being you will not know what time slot you are going to get as it's a time allocated visit.

Check out my review of Terracotta Army at British Museum - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Soho House UK Ltd in London

London - Nightlife - Clubs

Is it a bit 2005 as they say? Well I still like the 'so last week squad' can go hang. Spread across numerous floors and slap bang in the centre of town, Soho House has a lot going for it as a venue and that is without the understated decor, the screening room, the handy smokers roof top areas, the tasty food, great mix of drinks and the subtle yet attentive service. All in - a very relaxed place to hang out, so long as you can get yourself a membership...

Its got free Wi-Fi (natch), and is quiet enough during the afternoons to get your head down and get some work done. Handy if you find yourself stranded in the middle of town, miles from the office.

Oh and on a more practical note its also got some very good event facilities - both large and small and is reasonably priced.

Check out my review of Soho House UK Ltd - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Twickenham Stadium in Twickenham

Twickenham - Sport - Stadiums

I can only give it 4 stars as a brilliant stadium it may well be, but its the home of English rugby - meaning it's the home of all that is bad in the world. The good guys live at Murrayfield of course (and if you haven't been to Murrayfield for Scotland vs England - beg or steal yourself a ticket as that it what big match atmosphere is all about)

On Twickenham though it really is an impressively designed stadium and has a really good atmosphere now they have rebuilt the last stand - I was pleasantly surprised by how good the views were from up in the gods when I went to watch England vs France before the World Cup. They could do with sorting out the drinks stands at half time though, that and get some better beer partners in!

Check out my review of Twickenham Stadium - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Boston Arms in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

I'm giving the Boston 3 stars mainly through fear. This is a pub not to be approached under any circumstances in a suit. The beer is cheap, people will try and sell you cheese and bicycles, and there is the potential for a bar brawl brewing upon a late night. One of my most recent trips at the tail end of a birthday pub crawl, we ventured in, went to the bar and suddenly the chairs and pint glasses were flying - in a way quite intriguing to watch but then again some people like rubber necking...

Oddly, it can be quite a good place to watch a footy or rugby match as it has a decent big screen, and as Curvey Charlie says it has live music as well, which can be fairly good.

So best things are its cheap and open very late. Oh and when they aren't fighting the locals are actually pretty friendly...

Check out my review of Boston Arms - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Bull and Gate in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars

For me this is one of those places that should never have been subject to the smoking ban...the venue just isn't the same without a haze of smoke drifting across it - it should have been exempt, but enough of my personal gripes - how about a review?

Well this is the classic small London venue - sticky carpet, decades of random band pictures stuck up in the bit where bands play (next to the pub) and a general feeling that it seen more booze than Noah saw water. That obviously makes it brilliant. It has a good mix of nights on and is a great place to catch a gig at the weekend with a good variety of different bands playing. I'm a bit bias as my other half's band have played here a few times - next gig Feb 22nd... :)

The pub itself is pretty spit and sawdust, but there are friendly bar staff, the beer is fine and it usually has a good atmosphere whether people are there just for a drink before going down the road to The Forum or there for the night. It's not too pricey and there's a pool table for those not up for the gig. I can't say I've sampled the food mind...don't think it's that sort of pub....


Check out my review of Bull and Gate - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Hawley Arms in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

The Hawley was a great pub - had many a fine time here including 2 or 3 birthdays along the way. Terrible that it has been so damaged in the Camden fire on Saturday 9th Feb that apparently the talk is of it being pulled down. Hope the guys and girls behind the Hawley can get it back up and running again soon - best of luck to them, they ran a fine pub with a great atmosphere. Lets hope the traditional pub feel, the smoking deck and the good food can be brought back to Camden quickly.

A bit about the fire here: http://www.nme.com/news/razorlight/34226

Check out my review of The Hawley Arms - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Centre Page in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

The Centre Page is fairly unusual for the area as it is rarely so busy that it feels uncomfortable - probably because of its slightly unusual location between St Pauls and the Millennium Bridge. It's a friendly place with cheery bar staff and a fair range of decent pub grub. In terms of decor - its very much your traditional English pub - no bad thing. It lacks a little in personality because most of its locals are pretty transitory and even on a Friday night its usually quiet by about 9.30/10. Has a good range of beer though and a load of booths for gossiping in. Worth a visit if you're in the area and a lot better than numerous other pubs in the vicinity.

Check out my review of The Centre Page - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Millennium Bridge in London

London - Arts & Entertainment - Landmarks - Public Services - Infrastructure - Roads & Bridges

Ok, similar to the London Eye (the one time named Millennium Wheel) and indeed anything else the UK did with the word Millennium attached to it - it didn't get off to a great start - but now, what a brilliant addition to London this is. A wonderful view walking across in either direction - you either have St Paul's in front of you or the striking Tate Modern building with views of the other bridges of London such as Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf off in the distance.

It's always a relaxing experience and as someone who works across it every day to work - it makes me think what a great city London is first thing in the morning.

Check out my review of Millennium Bridge - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Crown & Goose in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

Best pub in Camden by far, and in my view one of the best pubs in London. Depending on what time you go there it has different moods, but is always a good place to be. It's a great place for lunch and does a decent variety of good quality food. Plays a decent mix of music in the evenings (though it's normally the chat rather than music that fills it), though it can get pretty busy on a Friday and Saturday night. Also worth noting it's got a room upstairs which you can hire for virtually nothing and they can get you a late licence - handy for birthdays etc, I had my 30th here. Atmosphere is always friendly and the bar staff are (almost) always good at their jobs.

Perhaps the best thing about this place is its almost exactly the same now as it was when I moved to London 12 years ago. That doesn't mean it's falling apart its just that they have kept the same feel to the place. It nearly wasn't there though as they had to fight against plans to knock it down 3 years ago - fortunately the local community got behind them.

Go check it out.

Check out my review of Crown & Goose - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Oxford Arms in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

It really depends on what you want from a pub - this is not a nice sit down, read the Sunday papers and chill out sort of place. It is however a good place to go and watch a big football match or if you really want to immerse yourself in a whole world of sport for a Saturday - they often show different matches on the myriad of TVs and the ridiculously hi-tech satellite system they have. The atmosphere is great during a European championship or a World Cup - it was adopted by Brazilian fans during the 2002 world cup which made for a lot of fun. And has a great atmosphere for all big matches. It also opens early for Lions tours of Australia or New Zealand.

As a place to go for just a drink? Well probably not a first choice to be sure but it is open late and also has quite a decent quiz night.

Check out my review of Oxford Arms - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: New China Club in London

London - Restaurants - Chinese

An unexpected little delight of a restaurant. This is miles away from being the sort of chinese you are used to, but also not in the mind-crushingly expensive land of Hakkasan either.

Be prepared to take a dip into the unknown when ordering from a spicy Si Chaun style menu. My visit with a couple of friends consisted of a dip into the following- hot-and-numbing soup, fish-fragrant pork slivers, and Ggong Po chicken with peanuts amongst others. Also on the menu is fire-exploded beef tripe which certainly sounds intriguing although we'd ordered quite enough before getting there.

It is a feast of chillis here - that's the cooking style and a little care needs to be taken if you are not a fan of the very spicy, but the chilli husks are obvious and it's more about the style of cooking. The boiled fish drowning in a sea of chillis was a sight to behold and a delight to eat as well.

It was quiet when we visited but that was a Monday. The staff were very nice and happily did a doggy bag for one of the party.

Nice atmosphere, fun place and a great dining experience for about 20 quid ahead with drinks. Get yourself up to Euston and find yourself a little hidden gem.

Check out my review of New China Club - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: Parliament Hill in London

London - Arts & Entertainment - Parks

A 100% London classic. A beautiful place for a weekend walk and as mentioned by other reviews, it's even better during the week when it is quieter. But even during a busy weekend it's easy to find moments of peace and quiet and get away from the madness of the city for a while. What's not to love about the bench at the top of the hill or sitting watching the ducks glide by?

Check out my review of Parliament Hill - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

Qype: The Dartmouth Arms in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

If there is a better example of a local pub in London, I haven't found it in a dozen years. Hidden away in the back streets of Dartmouth Park, near Tufnell Park this is what it's all about. Full of community and people who use it as a home from home, it does great food, has a decent range of beer and a brilliantly friendly atmosphere - whether you've been going for years or it's your first time there.

It's divided into two halves with a TV in the front which shows big matches and be warned the front bar can get very busy for England, or Arsenal games. But the back bar which is focused on food is usually pretty quiet still and there is no TV in there (except during World Cups). The TV in the front bar is only on for games though so there is no constant distraction in the background. A sound decision.

The old wooden style bar, and copper food boards give it a nice authentic feel. And the bar staff are all really well chosen to make sure it keeps up its friendly reputation.

Go check it out on a long lazy Sunday with the paper and after several hours relaxing and realising its like your front room - decide to buy a house in Dartmouth Park just so its your local.

Oh and if you like cider - this place has so many its untrue.

Check out my review of The Dartmouth Arms - I am scottishwolf - on Qype

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