• Added: 4th of September 2008
• Area: Balham
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London SW12 9BP
020 8673 0535

loyd said
Cheap and Cheerful!
Now the smoking ban has stopped visits to this Weatherspoons turning into a smoke fest, this is probably the best place to get a cheap drink in Balham.

There is a larger than average population of elderly gents who are usually keen to partake in any conversation, whilst sipping on a napkin laden pint, but they usually drift off if you bring up anything modern. The pub is good for watching bigger sporting events, and does get quite packed, especially during London derbies, where things can get a little heated.

The toilets are a little on the rough side and I have never had the privilege of walking on a dry floor in the gents.

However, cheap does mean you have to take some cuts and they do not put me off! Cheap drinks, cheap food, nice staff... winner!

• Added: 4th of September 2008
• Area: Balham
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London SW12 9HD
020 8682 8959

loyd said
Great but packed.
As previous reviews have said, this is one of the best pubs in London. There is always something going on and the choice and variety of acts astounds me. There does, however, always seem to be a 15 minute wait for drinks.

If you are willing to wait though you will be treated to the most amazing maze of corridors and rooms, including a globe theatre...

Staff are usually great, although you do sometimes get a few snooty customers in who are set on making a scene. Perhaps they are drawn in by the Thespian vibes...

All in all, one of the best pubs in London and definitely worth a visit if you live anywhere near by, even if it doesn't become your favourite regular watering hole.

• Added: 4th of September 2008
• Area: Guildford
• Category: Restaurants

Guildford GU1 4AF
01483 300501

loyd said
Good for the family...
This is definitely for the kids, most notably birthday partys. The last time I went with a group of friends we were even given some cake by a lovely family celebrating their son's special day.

Service could definitely be better, and water was served to us in what only could be described as measuring jugs. No, they were actually measuring jugs. Not really setting the scene at all.

The food was good, although some of the pizza wasn't hugely hot. Ice cream factory always makes up for that though...

Great for kids, alright for everyone else.

• Added: 4th of September 2008
• Area: Guildford
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Guildford GU1 4RF

loyd said
Expensive but worth it.
A very nice traditional pub... but really quite expensive. If you are willing to pay the extra cost though this is a fantastic venue for a casual drink. There is a good range of ales and beers on offer, and although pricey, it is worth it for the excellent staff and good atmosphere.

The staff are always friendly and service is usually fairly quick, although sometimes the pub does get slightly full, especially at weekends.

A great pub that, although slightly more expensive than others in Guildford, should not put you off paying it a visit. One of the best in Guildford.

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Guildford
• Category: Take Aways

Guildford GU1 4YT
01483 454221

loyd said
Standard...
Well its a McDonalds... nothing fancy about it... nothing particularly nice about it, but sometimes you do just have the need for one.

This is situated right at the top of the Friary and is a pain to get to... service is usually pretty good, although it does get quite busy on Saturdays and during peak periods. There are a number of fast food outlets in the close proximity, however, so there is highly likely to be one or two which don't have a long wait.

For students, don't forget to take your NUS/campus card for either a free McFlurry/cheeseburger/hamburger with a large extra value meal or free chips with a Big Mac.

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Guildford
• Category: Restaurants

Guildford GU1 3UH
01483 451221

loyd said
A good treat...
Cafe Rouge do some of the best steak around, although it isn't cheap. Staff are always well dressed, polite and the service is excellent.

The location of the restaurant is ideal, a short walk from the main high street, and the building is very traditional, with lovely rustic wooden beams.

The choice of food is very reasonable, although I would say go for a steak every time! If you are an earlier eater, then why not try a breakfast there or just drop in for a cup of coffee... they make a nice change from the Costa/Starbucks rushed and noisey atmosphere.

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Oxford
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Oxford OX1 2BN
01865 726255

loyd said
Cheap as chips
The Goose is one of the few places in Oxford where you can pick up a sub-£2 pint. This does mean that some of the clientèle are a little on the scruffy side, with a lot of students thrown in. There are some great promotions to be had, such as a beer and burger for under a fiver.

Bouncers can be a little rude, although they are a reassuring presence. The Goose is a great venue if you are after a nice meal in the day, where it tends to be a little less manic than a Friday night: the bar frequently disappears from view.

A great cheap pub, but sometimes a little crowded.

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Oxford
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Oxford OX1 3SU
01865 243235

loyd said
Magic
The Turf Tavern is simply the most magical pub in the whole of Oxford, perhaps even the world. As you head through the sunken passageways to find it, I always feel slightly excited, as if travelling to some far off world.

As you enter the Tavern, don't be thrown by the various seating areas... simply head to the bar (either side of it) and choose from one of the many varieties of traditional ales and ciders (Old Rosie is a particular favourite).

If you time your visit right, especially during summer, there may be a BBQ outside serving exceptional burgers at reasonable prices. If not, there is always the food served from the bar (although they stop serving quite early). Prices are very fair, drinks are a little steeper but you really don't mind as it truly is a wonderful pub.

Staff are always fantastic!

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Guildford
• Category: Shops

Guildford GU1 4LB
01483 440188

loyd said
Good for classical stuff...
Alberts is a lovely little music shop just off the Guildford High Street. It serves a faithful few for their classical needs and service is always good.

Prices are a little on the steep side, but they do offer bulk discounts and there is always something nice to browse around. Plus staff are always on hand to offer advise.

If you want drums, electric guitars or electro acoustics then Andersons is by far the better option as they have a much wider choice and are cheaper, but for those wanting a classical experience or buying first instruments for children, Alberts is the perfect place.

• Added: 2nd of September 2008
• Area: Guildford
• Category: Nightlife

Guildford GU1 4AF
01483 531446

loyd said
Getting better...
"Time" was horrible. The music was rubbish, the floor horrifically sticky and the drinks expensive. This is probably why "Time" closed a few months back and "Dusk" has taken its place.

Despite a few initial teething problems (rumours of opening doors when inside was actually a building site were plentiful...), but they seem to have sorted them out. Expensive drinks have now been replaced with exciting promotions such as £1 bottles and shots. The music wasn't even that bad on my last visit.

Hopefully, things will keep improving and "Time" will simply become a distant memory, allowing for a new dawn...