• Added: 1st of October 2008
• Area: Glasgow
• Category: Shops

Glasgow

Smithsj said
Lush
My favourite place in the world and defiantly where I would spend all my money if I ever won the lottery, the many lovely scents as you walk into the shop oozing from the hand made products are amazing, granted this is a place for the girls as all the wonderful smells are too much for a man to handle. The products themselves also work miracles, my boyfriend had a break out of dermatitis on his hands and after much persuasion he used some of their “girly” hand cream for three days and it cleared up completely….not so girly after all!!!

• Added: 1st of October 2008
• Area: Newcastle Upon Tyne
• Category: Restaurants

Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 6AE
0191 261 8360

Smithsj said
Zizzi
Fantastic Italian food in a relaxed yet upbeat atmosphere, the restaurant is set over two floors and often caters for large office parties ensuring the atmosphere is never quite and subdued. The décor is quite unique with large squares dug into the wall and filled with logs giving a rustic feel. The kitchen is in full view of the restaurant and you can see each dish expertly prepared. The service can be slow at times due to the size of the restaurant and the fact that it is always busy but it is worth the wait and I can happily sit and chat in this anything but stuffy quiet restaurant while I wait.

• Added: 1st of October 2008
• Area: Durham
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

Durham DH1 3AQ
0191 3865050

Smithsj said
Brown Sugar
This gorgeous little place is situated just off the main pub area in Durham making it a real find, with its massive couches and laid back décor it is the perfect place to relax over a glass of wine and catch up with a friend. As this is more of a wine bar there is no draught beer but they do have a wide selection of bottled beers and wine at reasonable prices. Brown Sugar is also perfect if you are looking for somewhere to chill out over a coffee, just pull up a pew in front of their full length windows and watch the world go by.

• Added: 1st of October 2008
• Area: Glasgow
• Category: Events and Entertainment

Glasgow

Smithsj said
Carling Academy
I have only been to this venue once to hear One Republic at the weekend but I was bowled over straight away, I am used to seeing bands in the SECC and it always feels like they are miles away and you have to squint to see them. At the Carling Academy it feels like they are playing in your living room, up close and personal which means the sound blows you away, you hear every word, every note and literally feel the music through your chair. I would defiantly go back here to see a band! As for One Republic, I was pretty impressed by them too.

• Added: 1st of October 2008
• Area: Durham
• Category: Nightlife

Durham

Smithsj said
Bishops Mill
Probably one of the best nights out in Durham, I have been here with friends having a girly night and also on my own with my partner and I always have a brilliant time. The Pitcher and Piano caters for all types of night outs and all groups of people which makes it the perfect hang out no matter who you are with. Open till the wee small hours with a dance floor to one side it is easy to start your night having a few drinks and find it turn into a night of dancing. A must if you want a good night out in Durham.

• Added: 1st of October 2008
• Area: Glasgow
• Category: Restaurants

Glasgow G41 3NH

Smithsj said
The Granary
Set at the road fork of Pollockshaws Road and Kilmarnock road this pub/restaurant is ideal for anyone living in the area, it offers real ales alongside the normal draught and also offers a range of cocktails. Unlike most bars in Shawlands they actually serve tenants as well. Set over two levels and two bar areas there is plenty of seating for both diners and sociable drinkers alike, and the different areas means that even this large busy pub can feel intimate and cosy when you are enjoying a quite drink and a catch up. The food is excellent with many of the recipes having a traditional Scottish feel.

• Added: 30th of September 2008
• Area: Glasgow
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Glasgow G41 2HG

Smithsj said
Linen
A laid back and relaxed atmosphere during the week and day time with a more up beat exciting feeling at night when it gets really busy. The live two piece band on a Friday night are excellent and play a wide range of rock music to suit all tastes young and old. The balcony above the bar area provides a chilled out area when the downstairs bar is busy or somewhere to get a great view of the live band or football game that is showing. Linen caters for all tastes and has been nominated for their cocktail making abilities, after sampling one you will see why.

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

Glasgow

Smithsj said
Iveory Hotel and Restaurant
The Ivory is not just a hotel or a fantastic restaurant but also a great pub! I have never stayed in the hotel but can definitely recommend the restaurant which is open to non residents. The food was fantastic and the cheesecake was the best i have ever tasted, and i have tasted A LOT!!! The restaurant has quite a relaxed lay out with some booths down the centre, modern decor throughout. The pub area is also relaxed with some large sofas dotted around, the pub also has entertainment most nights varying from quiz night to comedy night to live bands. There is a large conservatory at the front of the where you can eat a meal or chill with a drink, there is also a decked area at the front to soak up the sun. Perfect.

• Added: 4th of September 2008
• Area: Glasgow
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

Glasgow

Smithsj said
Beanscene - Battlefield Road
I love this place, my partner’s kids love this place and my parents love this place! It really is that good and caters for all age ranges, young, old and families. It is a relaxed coffee shop which can be enjoyed day and night 7 days a week. It not only has a wide range of coffees, teas, soft drinks and the most amazing hot chocolate but also has a wide range of freshly made paninni, larger meals and cakes to chose from. By night you can "bring your own bottle" and enjoy your meal with something a wee bit stronger than coffee. The staff are friendly and always have a smile for you when you walk in. I really am a huge fan of this place as it is not like your other coffee shops that are large chains, expensive and the staff look miserable to be there, this place has something different, relaxed and laid back. I love going here with the family or on my own with a good book. A must try if you like to relax with a good coffee.

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

Glasgow

Smithsj said
Church on the Hill
Many will know this place as Bar Buddha, I have recently moved to the area and have been using this pub as my local. From the outside it looks like a gorgeous old church but on the inside it is relaxed with no harsh lights and modern decor. There is a TV at the top of the entrance stairs so you don’t miss any football while outside soaking up the sun in the beer garden or smoking. The seating is in two levels with the lower level in front of the bar having view to all three flat screen TV's (ideal for football)the second level has a mix of relaxed couches and more formal seating for meals. The menu is wide ranging and will suit most pallets covering pub grub favourites and some more "fancy" dishes. The staff are friendly and helpful and can offer you a wide range of drinks including cocktails. Only downside is the female toilet is not always clean and stocked with toilet roll.