London - Nightlife - Cinemas

This is definitely one of the better Odeon cinemas i have been to. Situated in a nice little complex opposite the station, The Odeon in Wimbledon has approximately 8 screens and (of course) shows all the latest releases.

Don't get me wrong, i love my independent cinemas, but there's something welcoming and familiar about this particular Odeon. Sometimes i just like heading out into the lobby and getting a diet coke, salty popcorn and some starburst and not an organic cider and a flapjack (clapham picturehouse).

Participators in "Orange Wednesdays" so keep this in mind!
Check out my review of Odeon Wimbledon - I am ahunter - on Qype

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars

I have to agree with the last 2 reviewers. The Circle in Stockwell tries hard, but the location and often the service lets it down. The Thai food here can be exceptional, but the last 2 times has proven to be a little bit mediocre.

I'd sooner hit the Clapham North or The Priory Arms. Not the worst boozer in Clapham/Stockwell, but a long way from being the best :)
Check out my review of circle bar - I am ahunter - on Qype

Hamburg - Arts & Entertainment - Parks

In my opinion this is Hamburg's best park. The "clapham common" equivalent in Hamburg. Popular with all walks of life, this is the place to barbecue, play 5-a-side, volleyball and picnic with the family.

We spent a good 6 hours here on Sunday and had an awesome time (the German's weren't too sure what to make of our cricket match!).

A great park. Highly recommended to visitors to Hamburg.
Check out my review of Stadtpark - I am ahunter - on Qype

London

The Millenium Arena is a gem of a sports complex in the middle of battersea park. Plenty of tennis courts, a running track, gymnasium, bike hire and much more.

The original track here was built in the 1920s and was cinder and 3 laps to the mile. It is now officially known as the Millennium Arena but previously it was just called Battersea Park Athletics Track. The downstairs of the pavilion is for athletics changing and the upstairs is a fitness centre. It was first used for a Scouts meeting on 21st May, opened to the public for training on 22nd May, was officially opened by Tessa Sanderson on 1st June and the official track opening meeting was on 4th June 2000.

I am very tempted to join the tennis bit of the complex. £39 joining fee and £8 per hour on court may sound expensive, but these courts are great quality (unlike vauxhall and waterloo) and the location is fantastic.
Check out my review of Millenium Arena - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Rio Beach in London

London - Shopping - Fashion - Menswear

I thought i'd reviewed everywhere on Clapham High Street, but then i remember Rio Beach Clothing. Stuffed with clothes suitable for Don Johnson and The Hoff, Rio Beach is a bit of an anomaly. I don't think i've ever seen anyone walk into the shop, but amazingly (like so many places on the high street) it is still open. Thus is definitely not cutting edge high street fashion, but i suppose it has its charm. Staff are quit friendly too. I very nearly walked out with a shirt with pineapples on it, but at the last minute decided against it. Best wait until it warms up by 10-15'c :)
Check out my review of Rio Beach - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Benenden Church in Cranbrook

Cranbrook

One of Kent's finest and typically British churches (and surrounded by some darn good pubs!)


A bit of history -

"We know from the Domesday Book that a church existed here in 1086. It was enlarged towards the end of the 13th century though being shorter than today through lack of a west tower and the sanctuary projecting less than it does today. The south port was added about this time.

There were more alterations in 1418, which may have been the time the famous detached bell tower was erected. It was a skilfully constructed wooden building on a stone foundation, situated some ten or twenty feet from the north-west corner of the nave and stated to have been 132 feet high - nearly twice as lofty as the present tower. Its tall spire was shingled and the church itself probably had a shingled roof then.

At this time the north porch was added with its grotesque gargoyles and stone-vaulted ceiling. The boss at the centre represents a salamander (symbol of eternal life). The four corners have curious corbels in the shape of fantastic faces or masks. The stone seats on either side were provided for parties to betrothal and marriage settlements and also for handing over legacies and other payments requiring witnesses.

Then in 1672 there was a great fire:- "Munday the 30th day of December 1672, between twelve and one in the morning, arose a storm of lightning, thunder, a hard gale of wind and some rains out of the south-west, which set fire to the steeple at Benenden: whereby the said steeple, with the roofe and all timber works of the Church was consumed in 4 or 5 howers time; the five large bells melted; also five houses adjoining to the Churchyard Gate on the north side burnt to the Ground".

An appeal was launched and rebuilding took place 1677-1678. This included a low flat ceiling supported by Ionic columns, windows probably altered to let in more light, a red three-decker pulpit on the south side, squire's high-boxed pew on the north side and a gallery in the west end from which the music for services was played. An estimate for this work in 1673 quoted £3,920 14s 0d.

The present tower was started at that time but not finished to its present height until 1718 when sufficient interest had accrued from money invested after the sale of the scrap metal from the old bells. The interior of the church then remained little altered until 1861 when it was entirely re-designed and adapted under the architect David Brandon who was commissioned by the Rt. Hon. Gathorne Hardy, owner of Hemsted from 1857 and later created Earl of Cranbrook. This resulted in the present appearance of the interior, which has altered little since and is especially lovely at Christmas when the original Victorian candelabra are used."
Check out my review of Benenden Church - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Virgin HQ in London

London

Wow. What an office! Set inside an Old School House, the Virgin Management HQ is something to behold. Loads of quirky Virgin/Richard Branson trinkets hang on the walls, an awesome (free) cafeteria and all the dotcom esq. bells and whistles you'd expect in a Virgin office. The meeting rooms are aptly named after destinations and places that virgin fly to and you can't walk 10 paces without seeing some quirky slogan on the wall or finding a toy to play with.

Knocks eBay's office out of the park and gives Google a darn good run for its money!
Check out my review of Virgin HQ - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Fitness First in London

London - Sport - Gyms

This is definitely one of the better Fitness First's in London. The space in itself is a good 4 times bigger than my local branch in oxford Circus and the staff seemed friendlier. All the usual Fitness First equipment you'd expect - lots of treadmills, cross trainers, rowing machines. They all have 2 very large aerobics halls.

Why only 3 stars i hear you ask? Well, it turned out that 80% of the head phone slots on the running machines, bikes and cross trainers are broken! I can't exercise without my music!
Check out my review of Fitness First - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Blackfoot Butchers in London

London - Shopping - Food & Drink - Butchers

Mmmmm...mmmm....mmmm. Now that was a tasty sandwich. I didn't get a chance to take any meat away (this is a butcher after all), but i can certainly vouch for the sarnies. I opted for the chorizo, mozarella and rocket on ciabatta and it was ruddy delicious. Staff were friendly and charlotte place is such a lovely little street.

I'll be back for more meat!
Check out my review of Blackfoot Butchers - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Sadya in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Indian

Sadya sits at the top of Bedford hill and is one of the better Indian restaurants in the Balham/Clapham area. I'd highly recommend the Chicken Malabar, Vindaloo or the mooli fish curry. All excellent!

Come out of Balham tube station and turn down oakmead road. You can't miss it!
Check out my review of Sadya - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Westfield Shopping Centre in London

London - Shopping - Shopping Centres - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Cafes

Sweet Jesus i was blown away by the Westfield Shopping Centre. I was expecting a Bluewater/Trafford Centre esq. Shopping Mall, but Westfield is much better than this and it marks the UK joining the likes of Japan, Hong Kong, USA et al. in the realms of 21st Century shopping.

It's a bit like Terminal 5 in many respects. Clean, new, modern, posh shops... just nobody calling your flight every 2 minutes!

I'd recommend checking out the food court too. It's pretty darn impressive!
Check out my review of Westfield Shopping Centre - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: TK Maxx in London

London - Shopping - Fashion

Meh.....

I've experienced TJ Maxx in the US, and frankly it blows "TK" Maxx out of the water. Not as cheap. Range of products is pretty poor and if you're not an XXXL then you're not going to find anything other than bright green spandex and t shirts that say "Barn Party 87'".

Disappointing.
Check out my review of TK Maxx - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Recipease in Battersea

Battersea

Jamie Oliver has only gone and done it again. "Recipease" in Clapham (about 200m from Clapham Junction) is fan-frickin-tastic.

The basic concept is that you can do what Jamie does on the telly, in the actual shop. Friendly staff will help you whip up a curry, pork en croute, pizzas, fish pies and more in less than 15 minutes! What a great idea. All the ingredients are prepped ahead of time so making your meal is really, really simple (but fun!). The shop can probably accommodate 10-15 people all cooking at the same time and it gets very busy at the weekend (so you may want to phone ahead).

Recipease is also stocked with your usual Jamie Oliver swag - Books, cookware, jams, olives, cheeses, breads etc.

And the best thing? Read made Jamie style roast in a baking tray. They're £17, but they're perfect in every way. Just popped it in the oven for a couple hours and you're done. Awesome.

Highly recommended. Venue for a Qype party perhaps??
Check out my review of Recipease - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Whole Foods in London

London - Shopping - Food & Drink - Organic Food - Shopping - Food & Drink - Health Food

Say what you will about Whole Foods, but i bloody love. Yes, it's massively overpriced (£5 for a bag of raisins! Are you mad!?), but there's something about Whole Foods that i just love. The produce (particularly fruit and veg) is exceptionally high quality and the tinned and packaged good have a distinct wealthy American feel.

My advice would be DO NOT do your weekly shop in Whole Food by Clapham Junction station, but, pop in once a month for treats like - fresh pesto, hummus, nice bread and cheese. Oh, and they also have a great section for vitamins, remedies and healthy living (including baby food). Worth checking out.

Not for everyone, but worth a wander at least!
Check out my review of Whole Foods - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Clapham High Street Station in London

London - Transportation - Stations

I am saddened to say that Clapham High Street station may no longer exist in a couple years time! :(

Imagine my consternation when a note came through my door asking me to "save the station"! I had no idea they were thinking of scrapping it. Such a shame given it's a direct route into central London for the people of Greater Clah'm (it only takes 11 minutes by the way).

The station isn't in particularly good condition, but it is quiet and traditional. One of the last bastions of 1960's suburban railway stations in London. It would be such a shame to lose this gem (i bloody hate the tube!)
Check out my review of Clapham High Street Station - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward in London

London - Services - Other Services - Property - Estate Agents

I've been look at houses over the last couple of weeks and KFH are some of the most professional and informative bunch i have come across. Not bullshit or sales waffle (in my experience) Javaid my agent was a straight talker and extremely courteous and efficient. I ended up seeing a bunch of houses and having a brilliant time!

Now, should i put an offer in.... hmmm....
Check out my review of Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Schmidt's Cafe in London

London

This place has all the promise in the world. A diamond spot on Clapham Common, Loads of outdoor seating space, a booze license and more. But unfortunately they haven't been able to realize this potential. Schmidt's just seems half finished, oh, and the service was pretty terrible. Do they even have menus??

My tip to Schmidt's would be - Get a decent sound system, fire up the barbecue on a Sunday and make it obvious that you serve beer. The "tea room vibe" isn't going to work with the 20 somethings of Clapham Common.
Check out my review of Schmidt's Cafe - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: The George in Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells

Nestled into the idyllic village of Frant, The George is a classic weald of Kent pub. The building itself dates back to the 1750's and the oak beams, chirpy service and stunning location make this one of my favourite pubs in the South East. Excellent selection of real ale (including Harvey's of course) and the food, while simple, is decent and hearty.


Frant is bordered by Eridge Park and is on the High Weald Walk making this place a popular stop for ramblers and cyclists. The pub has its own golf society, “the Gofers” and is a meeting point for local clubs. Winter is enlivened by the Monday night Quiz, special food nights, and darts.
Check out my review of The George - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Tn4 Public House in Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

TN4 has recently been refurbished and is actually looking pretty darn slick. New paintings on the walls, puffy leather sofas and new bar stools give the place a bit more class, but they haven't detracted too much from the original design. It's not quite a pub and not quite a bar which makes TN4 a bit of an anomaly. Staff are nice, burgers are good, plenty of drinks to choose from and a very nice seating area out back. I will definitely go back again as this is a regular watering hole of my friends in TW, but i must admit, i'd much rather be tucking into a pint of Harvey's down the road at the George in Frant.
Check out my review of Tn4 Public House - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Six Bells Inn in Chiddingly

Chiddingly - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

Now this is quite a country pub. Perched on the corner of a winding country lane, opposite an idyllic pub - bikers, families, ramblers and more come from far afield to visit the Six Bells in Chiddingly. The drive from Horam to Chiddingly is BEAUTIFUL. I'd highly recommend it.

The pub itself is cosy with a very nice beer garden at the back and picnic tables at the front of the pub. Sunday must be "biker day" as there must have been 50 motorcycles parked out front (all there for the live jazz and blues perhaps).

The food looked delicious (but we didn't eat) and lots of regional ales on tap. My only gripe is that they use really cheap soft drinks (my coke was pretty nasty). If they fix this, The 6 Bells is a 5 star place.
Check out my review of Six Bells Inn - I am ahunter - on Qype