Latest reviews by Mikehyms's friends

Vivienne Westwood - review by mazphd

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:48:29 +0000

Vivienne Westwood - review by mazphd

Rating: 3.0

Location: 10 Blake Street, YO1 8QG, York, United Kingdom

Now opened in York is a standalone Vivienne Westwood boutique. One of the most 'exclusive' in the country so say my sources as it has been specifically designed to house the full Anglomania range, and added bespoke labels. This means high, High HIGH prices and similarly heighty heels for display. But doesn't it all look fabulous?

Well yes it IS 'fabulous, sweetie dah-ling' in a high end Fash Pack way, but the boutique is yet to find its rhythm in terms of layout, design and customer service. At the door (uniquely for Yorks overally middle class haven) is 'Big Daddy' the instore security. Whose job description requires that he stands as a formidable hulk at the door. BUT this is not Bond Street and you will not be greeted and suitably pampered by the staff. A little door holding open wouldn't go amiss here, especially when one considers the prices. Perhaps thats the way 'they' keep the riff raff out.

At least there's opportunity to shop for Westwood outside of Leeds, and the usual Sarah Coggles haunts. The boutique houses Gold Label, Red Label, Anglomania, MAN as in menswear, her jewellery collection AND and the full range of Westwood accessories that include the complete portfolio of fragrances.

It is worth (pushing the door open yourself) and taking a step inside the split level boutique as in terms of space it is one of Yorkâ¬"s finest shops.

Another reason to swish in is to 'admire' the showcase of a replica of Carrie Bradshaw's wedding dress as worn for the Sex and the City film. So if you have a few Â£'s to spare, then this 'unique' fashion collective could be yours.

Otherwise, from my observation customers tend to opt for Vivienneâ¬"s trademark over-sized ORBs. There's something almost too wag-tastic about this to take seriously, but if you want to spend Â£'s on the high-end equalivalent of a be-jeweled chain then you have come to the right place. Reminiscent in my mind of Burberry's (chav)iconic print. but at least you'll look like everyone else.

Despite the Dame herself being awarded the 'Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Award' I'm not convinced that this boutique is as exclusive and leading as it's trying to make out. But then maybe i'm being 'old fashioned' and just like it when doors are held open for you.

Moro - review by mazphd

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:43:08 +0000

Moro - review by mazphd

Rating: 4.5

Location: 34 - 36 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7833 8336

Website: http://www.moro.co.uk/

Tags: lively, middle eastern, business, crowded, expensive, romantic

It is not often that one comes across a restaurant that has style, vibe and some seriously fabulous food. I have been lucky enough to not only dine , but also to experience the wine here, and I intend to develop this very complimentary and devastingly evocative relationship some more.

On my visit, despite being full to bursting and busy every member of staff was attentive, helpful and catchingly perky! Now my experience may have been coloured by the delightful company for the evening (a perceptive, witty and charming dining companion) but Moro also holds all these qualities on its own just on the vibe alone.

For some reason I skipped the Tapas and went straight for the weekly menu, a sardine related dish full of spice, and just the right mix of olive oil and fennel seeds. Simplicity in itself. Now the dining was divine, but better was the wine, and I heartidly recommend, the OntaÃ±on, Gran Reserva a 2001 Spanish Rioja. On the side of 'pricey' at nearly Â£50 a bottle, but mmm so sumptuous.

It has been a while since I've had such great service (especially in the UK!) and wonderful food, and reading the other reviews it seems Moro gets this balance right at least 90% of the time. I'm hoping for those disappointed diners they will return and be charmed in the same way I have been.

My own intention is to revisit and take advantage of the tapas, and moment with a suitably charming dining partner. Oh and to remember to leave room for dessert.

Alquimia - review by mazphd

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:43:19 +0000

Alquimia - review by mazphd

Rating: 5.0

Location: 18-20 Stonegate, YO1 8AS, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 632888

Tags: massage, pamper, beauty, helpful staff

Boo my favourite pampering place is now closed.

More here,

http://www.thepress.co.uk/news/3732854.Luxury_spa_closes_down/

La Bottega Delle Langhe - review by mazphd

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:30:28 +0000

La Bottega Delle Langhe - review by mazphd

Rating: 5.0

Location: 36 Goodramgate, YO1 7LF, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 622584

Tags: Italian, sublime, decadent, refined, top food, proper food, amazing brew, quiet & relaxed, crowded, tasty, lively, cultured, italian

The most wonderful of deli's just got better. La Bottega has now moved to Peasholme area of the city centre (opposite the black swan pub, and nextdoor to the quilting museum, joy)

this means the premises is of comparatively huge proportions to what it had been before. the outside cafe is more like a fully extended restaurant with spaces inside and outside. more popular than ever queues are looooooooong to get space to sit and relax, but well worth the wait. Plus the deli shop means that if you get bored you can buy delights as you wait for your table.

really wonderful to see such a successful business in york. we need more places like la bottega.

Kennedy's - review by mazphd

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:26:24 +0000

Kennedy's - review by mazphd

Rating: 2.0

Location: 1 Little Stonegate, YO1 8AX, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 620222

Website: http://www.kennedyscafebar.co.uk

Tags: live music, sex, pop, late license, cool & smart, live, standard pub food, beer garden, independent pub, friendly, relaxed, cool

I felt compelled to re-review kennedy's for the third time, as despite my last glowing words something has gone terribly wrong.

Kennedy's may be new styled, but on my last visit (yesterday) staff were rude and inept, glasses were unclean, our order was wrong (twice) and no apologies were made.

First i had to wait over fifteen minutes to get served at the upstairs bar empty of other customers and with four members of staff 'mucking about' at the back and far more concerned with flirting with one another than taking a simple drinks order.

After being prompted by myself, twice, to, 'please could someone take my drink order please', this was delivered wrong. twice. They also saw fit to overcharge me, and make no apology. Our glasses were dirty and had to be sent back.

In the ladies toilets, i can't speak for the men's, but the ladies was a shocker. water everywhere on the floor. doors off their hinges, loo paper sopping on the floor. the only saving grace was the lack of light, which meant i probably missed the other hygeine related flouting of regulations. in short. yuk.

The Lamb & Lion - review by mazphd

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:16:51 +0000

The Lamb & Lion - review by mazphd

Rating: 1.8

Location: 2 - 4 High Petergate, YO1 7EH, York, United Kingdom

Tags: young and fun, mature, young professionals, standard pub food, beer garden, independent pub

Well I was misled into thinking that I would be the first to review this 'new' publican house. But it seems that York's worst kept secret is out, with the opening of the Lamb & Lion only a couple of weeks ago three other York reviewers have beaten me to it.

Well things have improved from Oggywawa's evening spent with only ghosts for company, and both Sbrumpton's and Kjhannah's 'disappointment'.

So to my own take. And to start, the bad: well the menu's still not up to scratch. There's only the usual (supposedly 'posh') pub fare grub, with (until this w/e) no vegetarian option. Now vegetarian's do have the option of 'vegetable with dips'. Hmm for what used to be (by all accounts) a reasonable restaurant, the menu and kitchen could do better. Much better.

If sausage and mash is your thing, then you won't be disappointed. And you'll be rewarded with lashings of gravey too.

Over the w/e it was gloriously sunny, and where the sun shines, so too does the L&L. At the back of the pub is a lovely walled garden, with views of the Minster (and sounds of the bells), as well as part of the York Wall. Well worth taking a pew, and listening to the tourists tottle round the Walls. Especially with claims of 'ooo look at that pub garden, how do we get down there', and the inevitable 'Don't fall off the Wall mother! Careful!' I bet the viking's didn't worry about their mother falling off the battlements.

Another plus is that the wine menu for by the glass is reasonably good. I'm disappointed that you can't get a Sancerre, or decent New Zealand Pinot Noir by the glass, but there is a good Rioja and South African Chenin Blanc.

For bar chatter, the French manager is a lively fellow, and more than happy to twist your arm for a Gin&T, rather than just a tonic. Which is what you want in a landlord.

So get the menu together chaps, then the patrons will come. For now, the L&L is quiet, not worthy of vegetarians, but has a lovely garden. Lets hope the sun keep shining.

Oh and I haven't seen any ghosts. Yet.

Petergate Fisheries - review by mazphd

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:49:20 +0000

Petergate Fisheries - review by mazphd

Rating: 3.8

Location: 97 Low Petergate, YO1 7HY, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 624788

Mmm fish n chips, that age ol brit tradition of fried food. oo and mushy peas. Theres always a long queue outside of here. but don't be fooled , the fish is 'ok' the batter has the taste more of 'other fried stuff' than real quality batter. and the chips aren't the best around either.

you're much better off going further out the city for quality fish, chunky chips and fresh mushy peas. still if you're stuck on petergate and like to queue then this place is for you!

just bring you're own chip fork.

Ha! Ha! Bar & Canteen - review by mazphd

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:37:28 +0000

Ha! Ha! Bar & Canteen - review by mazphd

Rating: 2.0

Location: 13-17 New Street, YO1 8RA, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 655868

Website: http://www.hahaonline.co.uk

Tags: trendy, pub chain, late license, standard pub food, young and fun, students

Reliant on loud throbbing base music, the emphasis is on dress to pull, and pull to undress. Two words sum this place up, Meat Market.

Perfect if you're under twenty, going on tweeny and want to go one base further than the back of the bike sheds.

Surprisingly pleasing wine menu though. Vast and good choice (hence the two stars). Food is hit and miss, they seem to be contantly advertising for chef and kitchen staff. That can't be good for the quality of the kitchen. But you can see the kitchen from the bar, which is always a plus. No Rogue restaurant X-files here.

Ha! Ha!'s has also undergone another make-over. Which makes 2 in as many years. This means new paint (red), some pot plants and still the same loo facilities.

Stay for the wine list, leave when the DJ comes out.

Theatre Royal - review by mazphd

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:13:48 +0000

Theatre Royal - review by mazphd

Rating: 4.0

Location: St. Leonards Place, YO1 7HD, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 623568

Website: http://www.theatre-royal-york.co.uk

Tags: helpful staff

It was a wise (and awe(some)-inspiring) play write who wrote,'All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players.

The Theatre Royal is York's stage, and I've enjoyed some really splendid evenings out here. The Theatre seem to be very proficient at having a high, and quality, turn-over of plays, from the sublime, a little Ibsen, to the more ridiculous, one of the most enjoyable was a Ladies comedy night 'girls downunder'. I leave the rest to your imagination.

For all theatre enthusiasts you should know there's something funny about seats here. I've had a few experiences when the staff have been reluctant to sell just two seats for a performance, perhaps because they make more money out of group and family bookings. So do take the opportunity to ask if you are likely to have an indirect, or obstructed view.

Otherwise there's a splendid little bar area, where acts and public mingle. By day this is more home to your wibbly wobbly old ladies, for little tea delicacies, doilies and perhaps a reminiscence of times when they were last on stage. Or so I like to imagine.

Worthwhile asking about on whim, is 'seats going cheap', when a performance is about to start. A risky strategy as you never know what you're likely to end up with, performance, or seats wise. But fun, and spontaneous!

And so I end where I began this review to say, we all have our exits and our entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, a few of which are worthwhile enjoying at the York Theatre Royal.

Buzz - review by mazphd

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:58:41 +0000

Buzz - review by mazphd

Rating: 3.0

Location: 20-24 Swinegate, YO1 8AZ, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 640222

Tags: lively, oriental, good value, crowded

Buzz Bar has going for it, as per the title of this review, that it is 'fast and fresh'. You can see the food being made, and even request little tweaks to the menu. The staff are more than happy to accommodate on that front!

Sadly as a 'sushi bar'/authentic Japanese food fare, this place just is not up to scratch. If you're expecting a Wagamama's style noodle soup express experience, then you will not be disappointed.

If you prefer real sushi, and authentic style Japanese cooking then your not going to find what you are looking for.

Reasonable prices, good selection of the usual drinks, and usually lively with students/young professionals having fun.

Oh the booth-style decors nice too.

Monk Bar Chocolatiers - review by mazphd

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:52:29 +0000

Monk Bar Chocolatiers - review by mazphd

Rating: 5.0

Location: 1 Goodramgate, YO1 7LJ, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 672963

Website: http://www.monkbarchocolatiers.co.uk

Tags: rare finds, exclusive boutique, helpful staff, healthy food

Monk bar chocolatiers is quintiscential york to a T (yorkshire tea that is). Situated beneath one of the main gates into the city, the shop is beneath the Richard III museum, so you can get a bit of culture in before pressing nose against glass and admiring the very fine selection of delectable chocolates on offer.

This place holds York fame too, as was featured as one of the destinations on Channel 4's Come Dine With Me programme. And come dine you should, as there's a vast variety of mouth sized morsals to tempt you with.

for diabetics, there's a 'sugar free' range. And for the real chocoholics (snob) in you there's very high quality cocoa of the purest proportions. For summer there's also real icecream with real chocolate. None of that fake Mr Whippy flake rubbish here. The owner is very helpful, super friendly and knows his chocolate. Best of all his assistant (last time i made a visit) was cute too. So that's chocolate, cute assistant and the aroma of cocoa, enough to enliven all one's senses.

I've ticked the box for 'healthy food', as a the quality of the cocoa is so fine, how could it be 'bad' for you?...

My advice, stop here on a sunny day and then walk the walls with your little bags of goodies. Yum. Bad weather? try some of the 80% cocoa for home made hot chocolate. Mmmm.

Lace Magic - review by mazphd

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:22:28 +0000

Lace Magic - review by mazphd

Rating: 4.0

Location: 48 Low Petergate, YO1 7HZ, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 653966

Website: http://business.thisisyork.co.uk/lace_magic/

Tags: rare finds, stock, vintage clothing, exclusive boutique, helpful staff

So in terms of fashion stakes and on a close inspection of Autumn/Winter Vogue 2008, lace is the new, well lace. SO much so that you and I will be wearing a LOT of Gothic inspired embroidary as winter takes hold. 'But where will I buy all my frilly and lacey offerings from?', I hear you cry.

I introduce Lace Magic. Set on Low Petergate, another one of those 'cute' touristy streets in York city centre. This one accompanies the typical walk to and from the York Minster, with ye olde shops, and ye olde-er tourists. And ye olde this shop certainly is. Stepping over the threshold is like taking an unintended magical journey back in time, when mater stayed home and made doilies, and pater and children knew what doilies were. Must be why they decided to call this 'Lace Magic'.

If you are spending time in York, Lace Magic is worthy of a quick trip, if only to fascinate at the detail of the lace work, and speculate how on earth this little shope keeps going. Staff are diligently helpful, there's nothing they don't know about lace here. And like I said the perfect place to stock up on lacey trims before either designer fave Karl Largerfeld, or high street lovely Gok Wan buy up the supplies. They have everything conceivably lace like here, from handmade Lace, something called Nottingham Lace, Bridal, Christening Robes & Accessories,
Embroidered Teddies, Embroidered Hanging Sachet, a Boudoir (no less) Gift Collection and Victorian Style Nightwear. You'll be applicaying embroidery designs before you know it.

So could it be magic now? Yes, in the case of Lace Magic it could.

Oscar's Wine Bar - review by mazphd

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:35:26 +0000

Oscar's Wine Bar - review by mazphd

Rating: 4.0

Location: 8 Little Stonegate, YO1 8AX, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 652002

Tags: relaxed, modern pub, cool & smart, young professionals, standard pub food, beer garden, young and fun, friendly

Oscars wine bar has two sides to it. On the one hand a briliant 'hidden away ' gem of a bar, the main focus of which is the garden courtyard, which for those inevitable yorkshire showers has some blind style covers to safeguard customers, beverages and food alike.

From another perspective this is also the home of fried style food, the astronomic portion size of which are enough to kill, sorry i mean fill, any hungry belly. Fabulous if the fried style of pre-frozen chicken, burger, fish, potatoes, onion, tacos, nacho's and even cheese are you thing. From the, 'if it wasn't frozen before, then it ain't getting fried' cookery school the most popular option is the nachos, which come with or without chilli mince (zapped by the microwave and not fried this time) , lashings of pre-bought guacamole, mayo and salsa , and even more melted cheese. Judging by the popularity of this dish, the nachos represent York's number one hangover cure all. And very cheap too. You get a LOT of food for your Â£. Come hungry.

The downside to how popular this place is, is that its always hard to find a seat, nay less impossible for a 'crowd' of three or more to find a table. Also the service is slow, slow, slow. So maybe come feeling reasonably hungry, as you will be starving by the time your plates come out. One- at-a-time, and in the wrong order. But not to worry, as i mentioned there's always more than enough food to go round, when the rest of your order eventually turns up.

Feel for the staff too, as the kitchens are located upstairs, so there's a constant tooing and froing of staff up and down, up and down. I suspect tips don't come easy in this place.

So why only the three stars? Well despite its rapid fire, large portion food, and fabulous quirky wine bar location successes, this place lacks any decent wine. For a 'wine bar', there are only four options for white wine, and three for red. If you want something bubbly it better be under Â£36, and of Moet chandon variety. Anything more adventurous and i would channel your energies elsewhere.

So a good place for a 'busy vibed', huge portioned food leisurely afternoon. Nice crowd in the evening. And even better mulled wine in the winter time. If only they could get the drinks menu and service right...

The Blue Bicycle - review by mazphd

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:08:52 +0000

The Blue Bicycle - review by mazphd

Rating: 2.3

Location: 34 Fossgate, YO1 9TA, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 673990

Website: http://www.thebluebicycle.com

Tags: expensive, pretentious

The Blue Bicycle, steeped in yorkshire esque tradition. Or so the story goes. When i first moved to york (four years ago), this was 'the' restaurant for quality fine dining.

Today, a different tale. My last visit was met by a protest line , complete with placards against the restaurant serving fois grois. Which did add colour to the experience. The food? Well it was 'ok', but lacked inspiration, was served in a lack lustre manner, and with little attention to detail, such as check backs, clean cutlery, and re-filling of wine glasses. All of which we had to do for ourselves.

On my last (and no doubt final) visit, dessert came cold. What's so wrong with that? Well it was frozen in the centre, and had clearly not been 'freshly prepared', or baked in the same week, let alone the same day. We sent this back. No amendment was made to the bill though.

Blue Bicycle, where you once had charm (what could be more charming than a blue bike?), you appear now more covered in rust. Why two stars? One for the name, and one as for 'hope' in the future that the restaurant will 're-oil' and get back on track...

Oh and did i mention, expensive. Far better restaurants located in the same street, and offer better value for money.

The Champagne Bar - review by mazphd

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:34:23 +0000

The Champagne Bar - review by mazphd

Rating: 3.3

Location: St Pancras International, NW1 2QL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 3006 1550

Website: http://www.searcystpancras.co.uk/

Tags: posh, mature, cool & smart, young professionals, independent pub, young and fun, trendy, friendly, relaxed

Kings Cross St Pancreas, is not really known as a 'high end' classy joint, but a bar set above the main station does give the dash to the platform a certain vava voom (or that could just be the proximity of the French and less than two hours to Paris Eurostar.

There's a certain charm to sitting on high and being able to survey all that surrounds you whilst supping on champangne. Just one small qualm, unless its a balmy day do make sure you take a cover up, as in the words of 'your mother' things can get a tad chilly and drafty.

Otherwise enjoy take the departure announcements, take in the rush, rush, rush of other passengers and gaze lovingly into your companions eyes before being whisked away on your own journey. Oh the romance.

Sadly my own stopping here was not for a romantic interlude. My train was delayed by two hours, and this seemed more exciting than the local Starbucks.

;-)

Oh and do not be caught out by the lack of a late liscence. One feels the powers that be are missing a trick here. When else would a champagne bar be in more high demand than later on at night... So only three stars, for now.