• Added: 30th of August 2008
• Area: Kensington
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

London W2 3XA

yasirkhan316 said
Hyde Park, London
You cannot visit London without visiting Hyde Park. It is a very famous movie location, not to mention a national treasure. It may look dull from the outside but do nto be fooled by the park's simplistic look. There are plenty of activities going on inside the park, such as rowing and theatre and open-air acrobatics. Despite this, often T in the Park or Party in the Park or other concerts are held throughout the Summer at Hyde Park. I attended Live 8 and that was a blast. The park can accomodate 60,000 people on ocassions such as this. To get here I recommend going to Green Park station and walking from there, as it is actually closer than walking from Hyde Park Corner tube station. When you get to the park, pick up a map as you will need it. It will help guide you out through the best exit (nearest to your next port of call during your stay in the capital). Overly Hyde Park has a lot to catch up with to stay in line with other parks around the World. For example Madrid's Retiro Park is much like Hyde Park but is maintained more so. Hyde Park requires more maintenance and I'm sure it will become a world famous landmark. Right now you mostly see joggers and people walking their dogs in there. It is a nice place to visit if the weather is good. Avoid if it is rainy as it does not work its charm on such days. Best time to visit is in the summer when activities, concerts and public events are being held. Due bare in mind that public presence is higher in these months so it can be quite busy.

• Added: 30th of August 2008
• Area: Redhill
• Category: Events and Entertainment

Redhill RH1 1NG
01737 772289

yasirkhan316 said
Reilly's Pool/Snooker in Redhill, Surrey
Be it snoker or pool, Reilley's has the answer. They even do Poker Nights, have a full bar and kitchen; not to mention you can watch the footy for free on their huge screen TVs. The Redhill branch in particular is massive, with over 15 snooker tables and 30 American Pool Tables. There are a select few coin operated English pool tables also, if you are into the English game. You have to be a member, which costs £5 a year or pay a £3 guest fee each time you attend. The membership is worthwhile as you do receive perks in return, such as discounted table rates and not to mention the fact that if you are likely to attend even just twice in the year then you're quids in. The quality of game play, the tables and cloth cannot go without being given a special mention. I've played in many pubs before but this pool hall is above them all in quality and standard. The snooker tables are professional size and quality - as you would see on TV when the championships are being played. You can see if there is a Reiley's in your area as a lot of them are similar and I have been to the one in Hounslow, London also and that was much of the same. I recommend this to pool/snooker lovers, and anyone who wants to get into the game, or a fun night out with buddies even if you aren't that familiar with the game or its rules. Reilley's will most definitely accomodate all requirements. Highly recommended!

• Added: 30th of August 2008
• Area: London
• Category: Events and Entertainment

London

yasirkhan316 said
Blue Man Group - New London Theatre
The Blue Man Group perform at the New London Theatre in London's Westend Theatre District. The nearest tube station is Holborn and the theatre is within walking distance. Make sure you attend early as queues do get rather long and ensure you pre-book because the ticket prices just before the show are sky high. The theatre itself is extremely adequate and facilitated well with disabled facilities at a very high standard. The Blue Man Group perform only at this venue due to its design. The group use special equipment to carry out stunts and one of these involves having toilet paper roll down from behind the crowd and scare everyone. It is a whole lot of fun and a great family outing. If you are sitting in the front row there is chance that you will be sprayed with either Blue Paint or Water, so the theatre crew do provide you with overalls (do not turn them down on this offer unless you want to leave looking like them - All Blue!). They are hilarious and there jokes are not adult or even teenage-themed so you can take your kids no matter their age. It is entertainment at its core and well worth every penny. The show lasts approximately 1hr 30 minutes. I would advise you check some of their footage on youTube to see if their performing arts are to your liking and that should help you decide whether you want to attend one of their shows or not. If you are abroad do not attend their show as they are a multi lingual group so unless you're in an English speaking location (London or New York City) avoid the show. A friend fo mine saw them in berlin to find out that the subtitles were in German. If you get the chance, do not turn it down. Worth a visit, most definitely.

• Added: 30th of August 2008
• Area: Redhill
• Category: Events and Entertainment

Redhill RH1 1NN

yasirkhan316 said
Harlequin, Redhill Surrey
Harlequin Theatre/Cinema in Redhill.

This is a very basic theatre/cinema. It only plays 1 movie at a time and the screen is not that big. Unelss you are unable to traevl a little further, e.g. Reigate or Crawley, then I would advise that you try Harlequin. Otherwise it is much more worthwhile going a little further as you will get a more enjoyable experience. This cinema also refused to let my child enter when he was 11 to see Titanic as it was a 12 rated movie. This being despite the fact that we were assured over the telephone that it did not matter him being under age 12 as he was accompanied by gaurdians over the age of 18. This turned out to be false information.

The pop corn that they sell is over priced and you don't get much value for your money as you do in other cinemas. Its worth noting that this is not a chain cinema, and does not belong to any of the major cinema chains which would explain why it lacks in so many departments. To reiterate, avoid at all costs unless absolutely necessary. Do not travel just to visit this venue as there are far better available in the sorrunding area, which a google search will guide you towards. The theatere I cannot comment on as much as I have only seen one production there, and a comedy show which were both successful, so perhaps a day trip with the family for some theatre would go down a treat at this elusive establishment. Over all rated poorly due to lack of facilities and poor opening times. It is also opposite Redhill library so you have double the hussle on weekends.

• Added: 30th of August 2008
• Area: Victoria
• Category: Stations and Transport

London SW1E 5JX

yasirkhan316 said
London Victoria
London Victoria is the main railway station which serves the South of England. It is the largest of its counterparts and has frequent rail and tube services. The station itself is adequate in size with a shopping mall upstairs. When I was there recently I was approached by beggars and have heard this is a common problem throughout London stations. The station is expanding and currently construction work is underway and due for completion in 2011, ahead of the London Olympics.

There are a vast array of Fast Food restaurants, such as Burger King and McDonalds within the vacinity so you won't be hungry while waiting for your train or tube. It is worth noting that if you are travelling to Victoria via tube, depending on which line you are on you may not exit the tube station immediately within view of London Victoria's Rail station. This is due to the way the station was designed and involves crossing a road and going through a tunnel to get to the main station. I would advise staying away from the station over night as they do close and will kick you out if you are there past the time of the last departing or arriving train, which is usually around 1AM. They do reopen at around 4 though, so you'd have to find somewhere to go for a few hours (not advisable!) as this did happen to me once after a concert I was attending went on a little longer than expected. Over all, a good station, one not to be avoided and if you have to travel into Central London via Victoria or Waterloo, always go for Victoria as there are far less cancellations and less rush versus Waterloo.

• Added: 29th of August 2008
• Area: Blackwall
• Category: Restaurants

London E14 5NY
020 7516 9009

yasirkhan316 said
Wagama - Why isn't there more hype?
Wagamama is not just for Japenese food, although a lot of their food is japanese influenced. I recently ate at this establishment with a friend of mine before flying out to the States. It was a wonderful experience. A lot of Wagamama's in London have an outdoor seating area, as did this particular branch of Wagamama.

You will arrive there, be greeted and seated by a waiter/waitress who will then give you a menu from which you can select either mild, hot or very hot dishes. It's not Curry so don't get confused, but a lot of the dishes have rice, chicken, vegetables and spicey sauce.. but it is delicious so its worth a try. The best thing about Wagamama's is that its restaurant style food and dishes for fast food establishment prices!

You can even avail a special offer which is on at the moment by which if you print off a voucher online (simple google search will reveal the link) you can get a 50% discount from your Meal bill. please note that this does not include drinks, just food... so if two of you eat there and pay 8 for your meals each, you would only pay a total of 8 pounds for both meals! split that and you both paid 4 pounds and got half price! Bargain.

Try wagamama's, whether it be via a discount or not because its really tastey, you won't regret it.

• Added: 29th of August 2008
• Area: Staines
• Category: Events and Entertainment

Staines TW18 4BL

yasirkhan316 said
VUE Cinema, Staines
The VUE Cinema in Staines, which is off of the High Street and nearby Boots and Pizza Hut is a fantastic cinema. As soon as you enter you have got a whole line of pay as you go kiosks from which you can purchase tickets. If you don't have a credit/debit card on you then you can always make your way over to the counter (opposite the pay as you go machines) where friendly and always smiling staff will be happy to take your cash in exchange for a ticket to the movie of your choice.

Screens 1 and 2 are the biggest in the complex, and often they play previews or prescreeners there so look out on the billboards outside the cinema and in the car park for great offers. The cinema halls themselves have comfortable chairs and massive widescreens with superior sorround sound quality boosting from each corner of the room. I went to the 'Simpsons' movie and it was a blast there.

I would recommend this cinema if you are in the Egham or Staines area, I would not bother travelling into London where you will have to pay double the price for a ticket. This is definitely your best bet. If you are a student you can avail a discount, equally if you are disabled or a senior citizen options are also available for discounted tickets. Check out the VUE.com website for a full listing of their showings, they show around 10 - 12 different movies a week. Most recommended for teens as it is a 'teen-infested zone' in Staines!

• Added: 29th of August 2008
• Area: Egham
• Category: Take Aways

Egham TW20 9HF

yasirkhan316 said
Perfect Pizza - Take Away - Egham High Street
The only benefit of ordering take away from this pizza place is the price. It is probably the cheapest place you can order pizza from in the Egham/Staines area. It costs £7 for a full size pizza and an additional £1 will get you nuggets and 2x cans of a soft drink of your choice, e.g dr. pepper or coca cola.

The quality of the pizza is not that great but if you are hungry and want a cheap way to feed the family then order a large pizza for £9.99 - be warned though, you should order the pizza a good 45 minutes prior to yourselves wanting to actually eat it! If you are a resident of the university of royal holloway then make sure you state your exact location as otherwise they usually end up going to the wrong campus and then blaming you for giving 'not such good' directions, as was the case once with me!

Over all the pizza is worth the money if you just want a quick and easy fix. Otherwise hit Egham High Street and try out some delicious pasta in the Italian restaurant besides Tesco or if not then some Indian as there are plenty more options available downtown.

• Added: 29th of August 2008
• Area: Redhill
• Category: Sports and Leisure

Redhill RH1 1DP
01737 764732

yasirkhan316 said
Doynings Sports Centre - Redhill, Surrey
This sports centre has a huge swimming pool, a sauna, fully equiped gym, basket ball hall in which tennis, badminton, roller disco, trampoline, bouncy castle etc can be booked. There is a 'fun house' for under 6 year olds which comprises of a huge enclave of bouncy balls (held in by nets), it has slides and whatnot to entertain the kiddies while you sit in the cafeteria and keep an eye on them. There are changing facilities and restrooms located throughout the vacinity.

The prices are a bit steap but if you are a student you can always utilise your NUS card and get a discount (show at reception upon arrival to avail discounted rates). This sports center is ideally located within walking distance (10 minutes) of Redhill's town centre and I would recommend it to you if you want to stay fit, or have a fun day out with friends and/or family members.

• Added: 29th of August 2008
• Area: West Drayton
• Category: Hotels and Travel

West Drayton UB7 0DP

yasirkhan316 said
For early morning flights departing Heathrow.
This hotel is brilliant. It is amazingly cheap if you book online and although its quoted as a 3* to me it is at least a 4*

Make sure you book the Holiday Inn Heathrow M4 J4 (official title) as there are a good few Holiday Inns in the heathrow area and it wouldn't be the first time someone turned up at the wrong one from what I've heard. Get to Heathrow via the Tube and then go to Heathrow Terminals 1, 2 & 3's Central Bus Station. Look for the sign to the Heathrow Hoppa. Get on Bus route 6 which the first stop will be Holiday Inn M4 J4.

There is a free gym inside the hotel, and curtesy coffee and refreshments waiting you in your hotel room. The breakfast is expensive, But not as expensive as the breakfast inside the airport so you may wish to eat before you head out. There is a pub down the road, but be cautious walking there after hours as there is not much of a sidewalk. If you are driving to the hotel make sure you get very accurate directions as if you miss the last turning you will end up heading Northbound.

When I checked in the room they gave me had a dirty bathroom so we complained and they switched our room right away, which was great as the room we then got had an even bigger TV (so we watched Big Brother as it was eviction night) on Channel 4. The hotel is worth it at £50 a night per room, but I wouldn't pay anymore as if you start to go any higher you should be aiming for a better hotel, such as the IBIS or Heathrow Terminal 4's Hilton Hotel.

If you do stay there, and are relying on the Hotel Hoppa be warned it is £4 per person, each way and this can add up if you have a lot of family members!