• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Southend On Sea
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

Southend On Sea SS1 1EE
01702 443400

Droop said
Great for the Kids
It's on the seafront and it's advertised as the 'driest' attraction in the UK. Be that as it may it's still jolly expensive.

Actually it's free to get in and look around, but to buy a 'wristband' that allows you to try what you like all day. “You only pay if you play” is their slogan. A junior band (if you're between 1 – 1.2m) is £15, and adult wristband is £22 so a family of 4 is going to have to pay at least £74 more if your children are over 1.2m possibly £88.

Although I must add book online for a good discount; £5 for an adult, £3 for children. Even so for my money I'd rather go to Alton Towers where a family of 4 can purchase a ticket online for only £78. Then again if you're in Southend then Alton towers is a long way away.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Southend On Sea
• Category: Nightlife

Southend On Sea SS1 1LH

Droop said
do the Reflex
Do you remember the 80s? Well, if you would like to then this is the place to go.

Only £4 or £5 to get in and the drinks are really reasonable. Somewhat 'older' crowd, mostly those that were 'there' during the 80s but you usually get a few in their 20s too.

Music obviously is all 80s. Be that as it may there is still plenty of variety; from the new romantics to the soul (modern day R&B) to the tacky pop; it's all there. Dance along to Tiffany or Rick Astley if you dare.

You can even purchase 80s memorabilia.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Marlow
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

Marlow SL7 1AH

Droop said
Give it a go
Yes it's a chain, but a good one. There on every corner in California. Not the cheapest place for a coffee but you know what your getting.

A good atmosphere and a good coffee (subject to your taste of course).

Wi-fi courtesy of T-Mobile. Could do with supplying newspapers to patrons. Other than that, what more could you ask for.

Ladies leave your man here, give him a coffee and a cake and take his credit card to the nearby clothes shops. He'll be much more contented and relaxed when you show him how much you have spent.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Nottingham
• Category: Restaurants

Nottingham NG2 3as
0115 958 8111

Droop said
Is a Hoot
Only had the occasion to frequent this place once. Although I have frequented the chain in the States from where it originated.

It's a great place. Pretty girls abound of course and with your with a bunch of lads then why not. The girlfriend / wife might not appreciate joining you there.

In fact you tend to forget about the food and drink and concentrate on the staff, and why not. Shame the chain are yet to open more branches in the UK. Here's hoping. That's hoping not hopping.

If you're ever in Nottingham and fancy something a bit different then give it a go.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Henley On Thames
• Category: Food and Drink

Henley On Thames RG9 1QW
01491 573333

Droop said

Pizza is not always Pizza. Do you like it thin and crispy on soft and fat. Either way you can count of Thunders delivery service when you don't fancy cooking and don't fancy going out, give them a call.

They are quick, efficient and tasty (the Pizza's are tasty not the staff who are of course summed up by the first two descriptives.)

They make a change from the run-of-the-mill Pizza chains. Give them a go you will not regret it, and don't forget your garlic bread and Coke.

Prices not too bad either. In fact I feel like giving them a ring now.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Henley On Thames
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

Henley On Thames RG9 2AA

Droop said

Although now looked down as second best to the new Starbucks, this has got to be the best Coffee Shop in Henley.

An all-round good experience. You can sit on comfy sofas in the window and watch the world go by or sit at the back and read a paper or just people watch while you sip your coffee. Or maybe even just have a good chat.

Frequented by a young studenty crowd from the local college. Music can sometimes be a tad too loud (the staff like it), and sometimes the air-con is a bit too chilly.

Very good coffee, cakes, biscuits or what-have-you.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Henley On Thames
• Category: Restaurants

Henley On Thames RG9 2AR

Droop said
Good allrounder
Part of the Whetherspoons chain.

During the day, great for the family. Even for breakfast. Plenty of tables. Some great big round ones. Great for sitting the family round. Outside patio for the smokers. Newspapers supplied for your reading enjoyment.

Food reasonable priced with fairly large portions, they even do a good selection of gluten free meals for those that find that necessary.

Public bar for those who prefer the old days.

Friday and Saturday nights comes alive for the pre-clubbers (or those that don't want to be out too late). DJ and music provided.

Toilets very smart and clean.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Henley On Thames
• Category: Nightlife

Henley On Thames RG9 2AA

Droop said

Friday nights seem to be much better than Saturdays, cheaper to get in to, only £5 as opposed to £10.

Two 'areas', up and down. Downstairs is more of a bar / pub. Good if you want to chat as upstairs is very loud. Great music though. Bit empty if you get there too early. But, hey, someone has to be first, that's why it's cheaper to get in if you get there early. But most start off down the likes of the 'Catherine Wheel' (see review).

Not a bad crowd, not surprising as Henley is a good area. Staff friendly, never had a problem with them, and they've never had a problem with me

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Southend On Sea
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

Southend On Sea SS1 2YN

Droop said
Something for everyone
Southchurch Park really does have something for everyone.

The very large lake where you will often find gentlemen with their radio control boats (quite ones). They've been coming here for 60 odd years.

The home of Southends' cricket, bring your beer and sit and watch.

A massively refurbished children's playground. Tennis courts, Table Tennis table.

A great cafe (reviewed elsewhere). Beautiful gardens. Lots of trees to shade from those rare sunny days.

One slight glitch earlier in the year when the 'council' refused to remove algae that had taken over the lake but generally very well maintained.

Apparently there is a football pitch planned for the near future.

• Added: 1st of September 2008
• Area: Southend On Sea
• Category: Nightlife

Southend On Sea SS1 2JY

Droop said
For a great night
Now this is a good place for a good night. Well on a Friday anyway. Went back on a Saturday and I was not so impressed.

Back to the Friday night. £5 to get in. Very loud, but there are 'quite' areas. Two seperate rooms featuring two different styles of music. Trance in the first, 70s and 80s pop in the other. A youngish crowd, but a friendly lot.

Many bars so waiting to get served is not too much of a problem. Spotters with their cameras about so look out or you might get posted on the web. Not to be missed on a Friday night.