• Added: 9th of October 2008
• Area: York
• Category: Shops

York YO1 8QG

mazphd said
Decadent leader of the Fash pack?
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 York’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 £'s to spare, then this 'unique' fashion collective could be yours.

Otherwise, from my observation customers tend to opt for Vivienne’s trademark over-sized ORBs. There's something almost too wag-tastic about this to take seriously, but if you want to spend £'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.

• Added: 8th of October 2008
• Area: Barbican
• Category: Restaurants

London EC1R 4QE
020 7833 8336

mazphd said
Why wait until toMOROw?
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 Ontañon, Gran Reserva a 2001 Spanish Rioja. On the side of 'pricey' at nearly £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.

• Added: 7th of October 2008
• Area: York
• Category: Health and Beauty

York YO1 8AS
01904 632888

mazphd said
NOW CLOSED
Boo my favourite pampering place is now closed.

More here,

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

• Added: 28th of September 2008
• Area: York
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

York YO1 7LF
01904 622584

mazphd said
MOVED
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.

• Added: 28th of September 2008
• Area: York
• Category: Bars and Pubs

York YO1 8AX
01904 620222

mazphd said
reviewed again
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.

• Added: 22nd of September 2008
• Area: York
• Category: Bars and Pubs

York YO1 7EH

mazphd said
Still Lamb, waiting for the Lion's ROAR
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.

• Added: 12th of September 2008
• Area: York
• Category: Take Aways

York YO1 7HY
01904 624788

mazphd said
deceptively popular
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.

• Added: 5th of September 2008
• Area: York
• Category: Bars and Pubs

York YO1 8RA
01904 655868

mazphd said
Pullers paradise
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.

• Added: 5th of September 2008
• Area: York
• Category: Events and Entertainment

York YO1 7HD
01904 623568

mazphd said
All the world's a stage
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.

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

York YO1 8AZ
01904 640222

mazphd said
fast and fresh
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.