Latest reviews in Bristol, United Kingdom

The Square Meal Cafe - Fantastic cuisine. by nigel212121

nigel212121 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:22:28 +0000

Review by nigel212121

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0117 9652350

Tags: amazing brew, poetry readings, top food

Excellent, quick service by the staff, all of whom are native speakers of English. Great, traditional food such as pie and mash, and I thoroughly recommend the locally brewed ale.

The decor is also beautifully maintained, with the sparkling white tiles on the floor ensuring a bright, light interior.

The breakfasts are also fantastic, with all ingredients sourced locally.

Please note : 10% skinhead discount applies at all times.Excellent, quick service by the staff, all of whom are native speakers of English. Great, traditional food such as pie and mash, and I thoroughly recommend the locally brewed ale.

The decor is also beautifully maintained, with the sparkling white tiles on the floor ensuring a bright, light interior.

The breakfasts are also fantastic, with all ingredients sourced locally.

Please note : 10% skinhead discount applies at all times.

Moguls Samrat - The Mogul Shamrat by DxCooper

DxCooper — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:08:02 +0000

Review by DxCooper

Rating: 5.00

Tags: restaurant, indian, food

I eat here regularly and have always been very pleased with the experience. The service is friendly and very helpful, and the food is well worth waiting for. I'm very fond of food that's at the hot end of the spice scale, and the Nagastan that they've recently added to the menu gets a full 10 out of 10 for that - but be warned - it's NOT for the faint-hearted!!! The ambience is cosy, comfortable and pleasant, and likely to have a fine atmosphere on a busy evening (which I've yet to try).I eat here regularly and have always been very pleased with the experience. The service is friendly and very helpful, and the food is well worth waiting for. I'm very fond of food that's at the hot end of the spice scale, and the Nagastan that they've recently added to the menu gets a full 10 out of 10 for that - but be warned - it's NOT for the faint-hearted!!! The ambience is cosy, comfortable and pleasant, and likely to have a fine atmosphere on a busy evening (which I've yet to try).

New Taj - Great place to try traditional Curry by Currylover

Currylover — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:41:02 +0000

Review by Currylover

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0117 942 1992

Tags: indian

New Taj is easy to get to being on the famous Gloucester Road or as I think it should be called the "Curry Road". It has been around for years and never dissapoints me in terms of portion size, value for money and the sheer dream come true for tastebuds. They seem to always be innovating at this place which I like - they brought a new indian dish out called the Flu-indaloo and they always have new offers on. They now have a new menu which has much better descriptions than most other menus I have seen and they also have a website: www.newtaj.co.uk so you can order from work and pick up on way home which is what I usually do. Waiting times are usually 15-30 mins but its worth waiting for quality foodNew Taj is easy to get to being on the famous Gloucester Road or as I think it should be called the "Curry Road". It has been around for years and never dissapoints me in terms of portion size, value for money and the sheer dream come true for tastebuds. They seem to always be innovating at this place which I like - they brought a new indian dish out called the Flu-indaloo and they always have new offers on. They now have a new menu which has much better descriptions than most other menus I have seen and they also have a website: www.newtaj.co.uk so you can order from work and pick up on way home which is what I usually do. Waiting times are usually 15-30 mins but its worth waiting for quality food

The Prom - Grim and pretty depressing venue by Herrick

Herrick — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:59:56 +0000

Review by Herrick

Rating: 1.00

Tags: live music, rock, pretentious

Saw a great band "Red Faced Charlie " on Thursday 13/11/2008. The place was half empty. In spite of a fisrt class performance from a brilliant band , the sound guy was screaming his head off about the volume (which was perfectly reasonable to my friends and I ) . On top of this the atmosphere was similar to that of a public toilet ,basically it had none! Chairs were uncomfortable and it considerably lacked heat . Management and staff were very unfriendly.Never again!Saw a great band "Red Faced Charlie " on Thursday 13/11/2008. The place was half empty. In spite of a fisrt class performance from a brilliant band , the sound guy was screaming his head off about the volume (which was perfectly reasonable to my friends and I ) . On top of this the atmosphere was similar to that of a public toilet ,basically it had none! Chairs were uncomfortable and it considerably lacked heat . Management and staff were very unfriendly.Never again!

Aldi - Bargain shopping experience by Murwest

Murwest — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:41:34 +0000

Review by Murwest

Rating: 1.00

Website: http://www.aldi.com

Tags: bargain, groceries, frozen foods

Forget the groceries and wide range of what they have to offer - beware of their car park. Whilst they pride themselves on offering affordable groceries, the added value sentiment doesn't translate to the car parking facilities. Unbeknown to me, I was parked in the Aldi Bedminster car park just 7 minutes over a governed period. The result - a Â£70 fine for my trouble, courtesy of an automated parking fine system (Parking Eye); which only tells you of the fine by post some 10 days after the event.
So what's fair and good value about my shopping experience - nothing! In 7 minutes this automated parking system has blown my weekly food shopping budget; leaving me feeling that there's no 'bargain' attached to shopping and parking at this Aldi.
Forget the groceries and wide range of what they have to offer - beware of their car park. Whilst they pride themselves on offering affordable groceries, the added value sentiment doesn't translate to the car parking facilities. Unbeknown to me, I was parked in the Aldi Bedminster car park just 7 minutes over a governed period. The result - a Â£70 fine for my trouble, courtesy of an automated parking fine system (Parking Eye); which only tells you of the fine by post some 10 days after the event.
So what's fair and good value about my shopping experience - nothing! In 7 minutes this automated parking system has blown my weekly food shopping budget; leaving me feeling that there's no 'bargain' attached to shopping and parking at this Aldi.

Deason's Restaurant - Just as wonderful as I heard it was. by mj_wills

mj_wills — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:22:31 +0000

Review by mj_wills

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0117 973 6230

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

Tags: romantic, business, good value

I have always heard really good things about Deason's and I was not disappointed. I took my husband for his birthday and we have since been back for teh wonderful Saunday lunch and huge breasfast. The service is friendly and the food is really great. Everything was cooked just as it should be and the flavours were woonderful. Hitting your taste buds at diffent stages. I can not say enough good things about Deason's. Can not wiat to go again very soon I hope.I have always heard really good things about Deason's and I was not disappointed. I took my husband for his birthday and we have since been back for teh wonderful Saunday lunch and huge breasfast. The service is friendly and the food is really great. Everything was cooked just as it should be and the flavours were woonderful. Hitting your taste buds at diffent stages. I can not say enough good things about Deason's. Can not wiat to go again very soon I hope.

Blue Lagoon - mr by egyption

egyption — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 03:25:07 +0000

Review by egyption

Rating: 5.00

Tags: jazz, cool, live music

the best place l have never been in bristolthe best place l have never been in bristol

La Tasca - francesj by francesj

francesj — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:52:25 +0000

Review by francesj

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0117 925 9933

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

Tags: spanish, lively, bar

My sons wedding reception was held at La Tasca on 20th Sept 08.
We couldnâ¬"t have chosen a better venue for a Spanish reception!
The setting and ambiance was lovely and atmospheric.

We had a sit down wedding breakfast meal for 23 and evening buffet for 80
We all had an absolutely fantastic time and definitely to be recommended.
The Manager Ben Waring was very professional and very helpful and it was his attention to detail that ensured the day went perfectly.

Prior to the wedding my son and his bride met with Ben to discuss the details and we had a pre wedding meal which gave us the opportunity to sample the food we had chosen choose the wine and discuss variations to the menu and table layout etc
We were able to have drinks of our choosing available behind the bar and any arrangements that we wished including a room for the bride to change etc

We choose to have Pims and freshly squeezed juice served on the balcony as the guests arrived and Sangria on arrival for the evening guests.
That was Benâ¬"s idea and it was nice to have the balcony available as the day was sunny and warm and our guests were able to enjoy it.

The restaurant looked fab. Ben had stayed late the night before and decorated the tables and they just looked lovely beautiful and attractive and just as the bride wanted them to be.
He even inflated all the helium balloons and added his own touches to make it all look great.
The food was perfect tasty, and couldnâ¬"t be faulted. Well done chef!
The service was superb and prompt and this included the amazing buffet in the evening.
It was very Spanish included paella etc and the feedback from our guests was positive and happy.

We choose to have a Spanish band and there was ample space for them to perform and for guests dancing. There was also Spanish music provided by La Tasca which was nice.

One guest remarked that it had been the best wedding they had ever been to!

Ben took all the stress of the catering away from us and I felt very confident that all would go well on the day and it certainly did.

Thanks Ben for making the day so special.

I felt he personally made the day go so well because he gave great attention to detail, was approachable and very competent.
I will certainly be using LA Tasca Clifton again would recommend that people looking for that special venue should have a chat to Ben firstâ¬¦

My sons wedding reception was held at La Tasca on 20th Sept 08.
We couldnâ¬"t have chosen a better venue for a Spanish reception!
The setting and ambiance was lovely and atmospheric.

We had a sit down wedding breakfast meal for 23 and evening buffet for 80
We all had an absolutely fantastic time and definitely to be recommended.
The Manager Ben Waring was very professional and very helpful and it was his attention to detail that ensured the day went perfectly.

Prior to the wedding my son and his bride met with Ben to discuss the details and we had a pre wedding meal which gave us the opportunity to sample the food we had chosen choose the wine and discuss variations to the menu and table layout etc
We were able to have drinks of our choosing available behind the bar and any arrangements that we wished including a room for the bride to change etc

We choose to have Pims and freshly squeezed juice served on the balcony as the guests arrived and Sangria on arrival for the evening guests.
That was Benâ¬"s idea and it was nice to have the balcony available as the day was sunny and warm and our guests were able to enjoy it.

The restaurant looked fab. Ben had stayed late the night before and decorated the tables and they just looked lovely beautiful and attractive and just as the bride wanted them to be.
He even inflated all the helium balloons and added his own touches to make it all look great.
The food was perfect tasty, and couldnâ¬"t be faulted. Well done chef!
The service was superb and prompt and this included the amazing buffet in the evening.
It was very Spanish included paella etc and the feedback from our guests was positive and happy.

We choose to have a Spanish band and there was ample space for them to perform and for guests dancing. There was also Spanish music provided by La Tasca which was nice.

One guest remarked that it had been the best wedding they had ever been to!

Ben took all the stress of the catering away from us and I felt very confident that all would go well on the day and it certainly did.

Thanks Ben for making the day so special.

I felt he personally made the day go so well because he gave great attention to detail, was approachable and very competent.
I will certainly be using LA Tasca Clifton again would recommend that people looking for that special venue should have a chat to Ben firstâ¬¦

Obento - Very Delicious, worth to go!!! by derekMc

derekMc — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:44:52 +0000

Review by derekMc

Rating: 5.00

Tags: japanese, good value, lively

I am a big fan of sushi and I love their sushi , fresh and very 'creative'. Similar price to other sushi bars (sometimes even cheaper!) but much better taste, choices and environment. Love it!I am a big fan of sushi and I love their sushi , fresh and very 'creative'. Similar price to other sushi bars (sometimes even cheaper!) but much better taste, choices and environment. Love it!

Red Mullet - Best in Bristol by meats

meats — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:03:40 +0000

Review by meats

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0117 925 1828

Red Mullet.....where do i start. Firstly i would like to say what an amazing and lovely place to eat your food or take it home. What an amazing variety of food they have. such as = fish,currys,grilled foods and noddles all freshly made to order. When me and my friend went there for the first time we did not know what to choose. I had the lemon pepper cod and he had the mexican big daddy burger, which he could'nt finish because it was so big. But the lemon pepper cod wich was so tasty and like nothing i have had before.
James AKA MeatsRed Mullet.....where do i start. Firstly i would like to say what an amazing and lovely place to eat your food or take it home. What an amazing variety of food they have. such as = fish,currys,grilled foods and noddles all freshly made to order. When me and my friend went there for the first time we did not know what to choose. I had the lemon pepper cod and he had the mexican big daddy burger, which he could'nt finish because it was so big. But the lemon pepper cod wich was so tasty and like nothing i have had before.
James AKA Meats

bSb Waterside - Management dishonest by zebzero

zebzero — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:01:10 +0000

Review by zebzero

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 0117 922 0382

Tags: live music, jazz, cool

I have played with my band at BSB waterside on several occasions.

At one-before-last gig we played, the management tried to underpay us (i.e. pay us less than previously agreed.)

At the last gig, they simply refused to pay us, on the ground that there was not enough money in the tills. This was a on a busy Thursday night.

I don't think they would find it acceptable if a punter ordered a drink and did not pay for it; yet, somehow they find it acceptable to treat artists this way.I have played with my band at BSB waterside on several occasions.

At one-before-last gig we played, the management tried to underpay us (i.e. pay us less than previously agreed.)

At the last gig, they simply refused to pay us, on the ground that there was not enough money in the tills. This was a on a busy Thursday night.

I don't think they would find it acceptable if a punter ordered a drink and did not pay for it; yet, somehow they find it acceptable to treat artists this way.

Severnshed - Style over substance by yorkie99

yorkie99 — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:02:54 +0000

Review by yorkie99

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 0117 925 1212

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

Tags: lively, good value, romantic

The food was truly awful. Myself and at least 5 other guests had terrible steaks, fish, vegetarian. The chefs incompetence was only match by a waitress tipping hot coffee on one of our party. I cannot recommend this place to anyone who enjoys food.The food was truly awful. Myself and at least 5 other guests had terrible steaks, fish, vegetarian. The chefs incompetence was only match by a waitress tipping hot coffee on one of our party. I cannot recommend this place to anyone who enjoys food.

Amoeba - Amoeba by disasterdemon

disasterdemon — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 21:14:52 +0000

Review by disasterdemon

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0117 946 6461

Website: http://www.amoebaclifton.com

Tags: cosy, live music, jazz

Amoeba is a cool and funky hidden little bar in Clifton Village, open late and doubling up as a cafe by day. The speciality is a great range of drinks and a cosy ambience. It's perfect as a party venue, the downstairs and garden are free to hire any night, and the laid back atmosphere makes it great for casual get togethers. Get 241 cocktails in the week, or relax with a Belgian wheat beer in the heated garden. Yum.Amoeba is a cool and funky hidden little bar in Clifton Village, open late and doubling up as a cafe by day. The speciality is a great range of drinks and a cosy ambience. It's perfect as a party venue, the downstairs and garden are free to hire any night, and the laid back atmosphere makes it great for casual get togethers. Get 241 cocktails in the week, or relax with a Belgian wheat beer in the heated garden. Yum.

The Rummer Hotel - what a selection! by Yabe

Yabe — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:41:16 +0000

Review by Yabe

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01179290111

Website: www.therummer.co.uk

Tags: young professionals, cool, cool & smart

I dropped into the Rummer some weeks ago, mainly out of curiosity, as I had heard that this is the location of the oldest inn in Bristol. The old Inn has gone (except for the foundations, perhaps) but the Rummer Hotel claims to be the oldest licensed premises in Bristol.
It is located just off busy Corn Street, close to the Corn Exchange and Corn Street Market. In its current guise, the Rummer is a smart, slightly understated eating and drinking venue. The interior is a nice blend of ancient, timer beams and stone flooring, and a modern, extremely well-stocked bar, comfortable seating and a homely atmosphere.
When I visited, at lunch time, the Rummer was a busy, yet spacious, pleasant place where it was easy to feel comfortable. It is famous for its huge (seriously large) selection of spirits. The choice of vodkas is mind boggling and the different rums available just go to show how varied the luxury spirits market has become in recent years. Similarly, the Rummer's range of whiskies (and whiskeys) is legendary, from exclusive blends, to single malts, to Bourbons and even an Australian blend.
For some reason, I drank a bottle of one of the best, dark, West Country beers I have ever come across. I can't remember its name (it had a dark purple label), nor why I ordered it, but it was an absolute beauty. Served in a frozen glass from the freezer, the cold, chocolate-coloured ale was a treat on a warm Saturday.I dropped into the Rummer some weeks ago, mainly out of curiosity, as I had heard that this is the location of the oldest inn in Bristol. The old Inn has gone (except for the foundations, perhaps) but the Rummer Hotel claims to be the oldest licensed premises in Bristol.
It is located just off busy Corn Street, close to the Corn Exchange and Corn Street Market. In its current guise, the Rummer is a smart, slightly understated eating and drinking venue. The interior is a nice blend of ancient, timer beams and stone flooring, and a modern, extremely well-stocked bar, comfortable seating and a homely atmosphere.
When I visited, at lunch time, the Rummer was a busy, yet spacious, pleasant place where it was easy to feel comfortable. It is famous for its huge (seriously large) selection of spirits. The choice of vodkas is mind boggling and the different rums available just go to show how varied the luxury spirits market has become in recent years. Similarly, the Rummer's range of whiskies (and whiskeys) is legendary, from exclusive blends, to single malts, to Bourbons and even an Australian blend.
For some reason, I drank a bottle of one of the best, dark, West Country beers I have ever come across. I can't remember its name (it had a dark purple label), nor why I ordered it, but it was an absolute beauty. Served in a frozen glass from the freezer, the cold, chocolate-coloured ale was a treat on a warm Saturday.

Bristol Parkway Station - shiny and efficient by Yabe

Yabe — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:17:56 +0000

Review by Yabe

Rating: 4.00Bristol Parkway is Bristolâ¬"s second main railway station.
It is located to the north of town (actually outside Bristol, but letâ¬"s not be pedantic), on the busy London Paddington to South Wales line.

The station is much more modern than Temple Meads station and has been extended and improved over the past 5 years. It is now a modern, well-functioning and busy station serving a large part of North Bristol and Sth Gloucestershire.

The large car park is massive. It now very helpfully offers you the chance to pay by phone from your mobile, or even pay in advance. This can make all the difference if youâ¬"ve just been stuck in traffic on the ring road or M4 and have a train to catch!

Occasionally, whether it be through flooding or bridge strikes, the station is bypassed by trains from London. It is useful to know that on these occasions it is worth changing trains at Swindon (assuming you are coming from London) to the line that goes through to Bristol Temple Meads.

Bristol Parkway is Bristolâ¬"s second main railway station.
It is located to the north of town (actually outside Bristol, but letâ¬"s not be pedantic), on the busy London Paddington to South Wales line.

The station is much more modern than Temple Meads station and has been extended and improved over the past 5 years. It is now a modern, well-functioning and busy station serving a large part of North Bristol and Sth Gloucestershire.

The large car park is massive. It now very helpfully offers you the chance to pay by phone from your mobile, or even pay in advance. This can make all the difference if youâ¬"ve just been stuck in traffic on the ring road or M4 and have a train to catch!

Occasionally, whether it be through flooding or bridge strikes, the station is bypassed by trains from London. It is useful to know that on these occasions it is worth changing trains at Swindon (assuming you are coming from London) to the line that goes through to Bristol Temple Meads.

Woodes - laid-back, 'old world' coffee house by Yabe

Yabe — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:07:42 +0000

Review by Yabe

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0117 926 4041

Tags: lively, good brew, takeaway

This is a long established 'coffee house' and sandwich temple, at the bottom of Park Street and within spitting distance of the Cathedral and College Green.
Woodes is a bit of an institution and offers a useful respite from the traffic-mad thoroughfare outside. An excellent place for a strong, early morning coffee and a bacon roll. If you're into cakes, Woodes usually has a sumptuous range of pastries, cookies, rolls and snacks. The hot chocolate also comes highly recommended.
One of the useful things about Woodes is the relative privacy inside the eating area. The way in which the tables are laid out allows for a comfortable space, where conversation are not easily overheard and where there is no pressure to vacate your table if you were to get carried away gossiping.
Where Woodes really comes into its own is if you are looking for a sandwich at lunch time. Its reputation for freshness and choice is legendary. The long, snaking queue on Park Street confirms this. If you work nearby or are short of time, the take-away side of the business is ideal. The staff here have perfected the art of 'speedy service with a smile'.
If you can stroll into Woodes, who needs one of those bland, pretentious, global 'coffee' outlets? Get real!This is a long established 'coffee house' and sandwich temple, at the bottom of Park Street and within spitting distance of the Cathedral and College Green.
Woodes is a bit of an institution and offers a useful respite from the traffic-mad thoroughfare outside. An excellent place for a strong, early morning coffee and a bacon roll. If you're into cakes, Woodes usually has a sumptuous range of pastries, cookies, rolls and snacks. The hot chocolate also comes highly recommended.
One of the useful things about Woodes is the relative privacy inside the eating area. The way in which the tables are laid out allows for a comfortable space, where conversation are not easily overheard and where there is no pressure to vacate your table if you were to get carried away gossiping.
Where Woodes really comes into its own is if you are looking for a sandwich at lunch time. Its reputation for freshness and choice is legendary. The long, snaking queue on Park Street confirms this. If you work nearby or are short of time, the take-away side of the business is ideal. The staff here have perfected the art of 'speedy service with a smile'.
If you can stroll into Woodes, who needs one of those bland, pretentious, global 'coffee' outlets? Get real!

Bristol Temple Meads - historic building, poor performance by Yabe

Yabe — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:05:44 +0000

Review by Yabe

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 0870 241 0930

Let's start with the positives....
Temple Meads station is a beautifully designed, terminal station designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel for his Great Western railway line between London Paddington and the West Country.

Many of the original roofs, platforms, entrance ways and outbuildings remain and have been incorporated into the present day station. The modern additions, including some extra platforms, lifts, shops and restaurants look a little out of place, but it's generally accepted that they are necessary for an efficient station.

This is where the negatives have to be aired. If only the station operated efficiently! As a regular user, it seems to me that the people who manage the station should be forced to use it in a way that is similar to the many thousands of passengers who have to put up with the mad, random and unpopular 'improvements' that have been made over the past 5-10 years.

OK, we all realise that it is hard if you have to work within the confines of an old, early Victorian railway terminus that is both a listed building and extremely busy. But do you really have to create unnecessary bottle necks everywhere?
The booking hall is a nightmare to get through during the rush hour, the ticket gates are staffed (with a couple of exceptions) by people who clearly couldn't care less and would rather be somewhere else, and the underpass connecting the platforms is littered with retail outlets, advertising boards, merchandising displays and other obstructions.

Major improvements to the way this old station works are well over due. Worst Great Western keep saying they have 'plans' but these are obviously being upstaged by the incessant 'failure of lineside equipment', late or missing drivers, train staff who act more like nightclub bouncers and by the wrong type of weather, regardless of the season.

FGW pays lip service to its fare paying 'customers' and indulges in using euphemisms instead of thinking through the problems it purports to 'tackle'.

If this review was a school report, "Could do better" just wouldn't do - FGW and Temple Meads are heading for exclusion. If we can nationalise the banks, why not the railways?

Let's start with the positives....
Temple Meads station is a beautifully designed, terminal station designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel for his Great Western railway line between London Paddington and the West Country.

Many of the original roofs, platforms, entrance ways and outbuildings remain and have been incorporated into the present day station. The modern additions, including some extra platforms, lifts, shops and restaurants look a little out of place, but it's generally accepted that they are necessary for an efficient station.

This is where the negatives have to be aired. If only the station operated efficiently! As a regular user, it seems to me that the people who manage the station should be forced to use it in a way that is similar to the many thousands of passengers who have to put up with the mad, random and unpopular 'improvements' that have been made over the past 5-10 years.

OK, we all realise that it is hard if you have to work within the confines of an old, early Victorian railway terminus that is both a listed building and extremely busy. But do you really have to create unnecessary bottle necks everywhere?
The booking hall is a nightmare to get through during the rush hour, the ticket gates are staffed (with a couple of exceptions) by people who clearly couldn't care less and would rather be somewhere else, and the underpass connecting the platforms is littered with retail outlets, advertising boards, merchandising displays and other obstructions.

Major improvements to the way this old station works are well over due. Worst Great Western keep saying they have 'plans' but these are obviously being upstaged by the incessant 'failure of lineside equipment', late or missing drivers, train staff who act more like nightclub bouncers and by the wrong type of weather, regardless of the season.

FGW pays lip service to its fare paying 'customers' and indulges in using euphemisms instead of thinking through the problems it purports to 'tackle'.

If this review was a school report, "Could do better" just wouldn't do - FGW and Temple Meads are heading for exclusion. If we can nationalise the banks, why not the railways?

Bristol Folk House - nice garden by Yabe

Yabe — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:03:52 +0000

Review by Yabe

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0117 926 2987

This place really IS hidden, unless you've been before.
The main access is from Park Street, but there is only a narrow alleyway visible, next door to the Spar shop.

Once through the alleyway, things begin to fall into place. A very nice, enclosed, little garden with picnic benches looms and gives way to the main entrance. The Folk House caters for a wide range of different people and different interests. Whether you've come for one of the many classes, information sessions, public meetings, private events, or just for a bit to eat, the Folk House is both welcoming and inspiring.

Located directly off the busy retail and entertainment area of Park Street, this is a quiet, laid-back little oasis in the heart of busy Bristol. It is a favourite lunch time destination for the many shoppers, office workers and visitors alike. The restaurant has a great range of hot and cold dishes, breads, snacks and refreshments. One of my favourites here is the spinach soup with crusty rolls (as well as the (gentle) curries and nice cakes and lots of other items).

When visiting the Folk House on a warm, sunny day, the garden is a lovely place to enjoy the great food. The rumble of the hustle-bustle can be heard in the background but you could be in a completely different world. Once you know your way around the place, there is also a handy back door into Culver/Trenchard Street.This place really IS hidden, unless you've been before.
The main access is from Park Street, but there is only a narrow alleyway visible, next door to the Spar shop.

Once through the alleyway, things begin to fall into place. A very nice, enclosed, little garden with picnic benches looms and gives way to the main entrance. The Folk House caters for a wide range of different people and different interests. Whether you've come for one of the many classes, information sessions, public meetings, private events, or just for a bit to eat, the Folk House is both welcoming and inspiring.

Located directly off the busy retail and entertainment area of Park Street, this is a quiet, laid-back little oasis in the heart of busy Bristol. It is a favourite lunch time destination for the many shoppers, office workers and visitors alike. The restaurant has a great range of hot and cold dishes, breads, snacks and refreshments. One of my favourites here is the spinach soup with crusty rolls (as well as the (gentle) curries and nice cakes and lots of other items).

When visiting the Folk House on a warm, sunny day, the garden is a lovely place to enjoy the great food. The rumble of the hustle-bustle can be heard in the background but you could be in a completely different world. Once you know your way around the place, there is also a handy back door into Culver/Trenchard Street.

Asda Stores - convenient by Yabe

Yabe — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:02:20 +0000

Review by Yabe

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 0117 923 1563

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

Tags: bakery, delivery service, gifts

This Asda store is very conveniently located, close to the centre of Bristol. It is very well served by bus routes and there is a huge car park at the rear.
Although the store itself is not huge, it is big enough to make it a destination food store where you can either stock up on some essentials when you think of them, or where you can do your weekly shop.
This store has a good size clothing section with some true bargains. Other non-food items vary a bit but often include useful and household items, instead of some of the useless rubbish that some food stores now clutter themselves up with.
You will find the usual range of food, a decent size fresh counter and a reasonable fruit & veg selection (but be very careful here, especially if you enjoy apples or would prefer to have your fruit not too badly bruised....)
Outside the main supermarket section is a row of smaller 'service' units for dry-cleaning, photo printing, music and dvds.
The entrance from East Street is marred by an ugly, smelly MuckDonalds. It's not exactly out of place, as so many Asda customers seem to be stopping off here for a 'meal' or snack, but it's not exactly pretty.This Asda store is very conveniently located, close to the centre of Bristol. It is very well served by bus routes and there is a huge car park at the rear.
Although the store itself is not huge, it is big enough to make it a destination food store where you can either stock up on some essentials when you think of them, or where you can do your weekly shop.
This store has a good size clothing section with some true bargains. Other non-food items vary a bit but often include useful and household items, instead of some of the useless rubbish that some food stores now clutter themselves up with.
You will find the usual range of food, a decent size fresh counter and a reasonable fruit & veg selection (but be very careful here, especially if you enjoy apples or would prefer to have your fruit not too badly bruised....)
Outside the main supermarket section is a row of smaller 'service' units for dry-cleaning, photo printing, music and dvds.
The entrance from East Street is marred by an ugly, smelly MuckDonalds. It's not exactly out of place, as so many Asda customers seem to be stopping off here for a 'meal' or snack, but it's not exactly pretty.

Tesco Metro - surprisingly well-stocked by Yabe

Yabe — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:02:56 +0000

Review by Yabe

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0117 948 7400

Website: http://www.tesco.com

Tags: mediterranean, newspapers / magazines, bakery

Very busy Tesco in the 'Metro' format. It is located on the edge of Broadmead, near the Mall and the old city. This is a surprisingly well-stocked store, even if it's not all that large.
Its location means that it is often extremely busy at lunchtime (12-2) so it's worth trying to shop before the rush or in the evening.
This store offers a good selection of fresh produce and (being Tesco) you can rely on the quality of the fruit and veg, unlike some of its competitors. There is also an excellent organic section and a decent range of 'free from' items for those with special dietary needs.
Most impressive is the wine section - it puts many an off-licence to shame and with regular offers and case discounts, there are some bargains to be had.
Once you've struggled with your basket(s) and reach the tills, you can either queue for a regular till, use a self-service checkout or prenetnd you only have 5 items in your basket and use one of the 'express' aisles.
As there is usually a negative side to anything that appears really good, this store has the audacity to stock silly, useless or bulky items. They impede circulation and are just not the items anyone in their right mind would come to an inner-city Metro store for. Who doesn't Tesco think of its customers, instead of forcing us to look at high-margin items that sit in the way?Very busy Tesco in the 'Metro' format. It is located on the edge of Broadmead, near the Mall and the old city. This is a surprisingly well-stocked store, even if it's not all that large.
Its location means that it is often extremely busy at lunchtime (12-2) so it's worth trying to shop before the rush or in the evening.
This store offers a good selection of fresh produce and (being Tesco) you can rely on the quality of the fruit and veg, unlike some of its competitors. There is also an excellent organic section and a decent range of 'free from' items for those with special dietary needs.
Most impressive is the wine section - it puts many an off-licence to shame and with regular offers and case discounts, there are some bargains to be had.
Once you've struggled with your basket(s) and reach the tills, you can either queue for a regular till, use a self-service checkout or prenetnd you only have 5 items in your basket and use one of the 'express' aisles.
As there is usually a negative side to anything that appears really good, this store has the audacity to stock silly, useless or bulky items. They impede circulation and are just not the items anyone in their right mind would come to an inner-city Metro store for. Who doesn't Tesco think of its customers, instead of forcing us to look at high-margin items that sit in the way?