Qype: Thai Orchid in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Thai - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants


I agree with the other reviewers below. The Thai Orchid is pretty crummy and, like c_montford, "I always leave feeling a little disappointed". The Pad Thai was dry and fairly tasteless and service was sluggish (but not rude). Clapham need a good Thai restaurant! The Thai Orchid, The Pepper Tree and The Banana Leaf just don't quite get the Hunter stamp of approval.....

Check out my review of Thai Orchid - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Starbucks in Hamburg

Hamburg - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Coffee Shops


A nice little Starbucks right next to Rodingsmarkt metro station. English is spoken here and the staff are always quite friendly. I'd probably opt for Starbucks over Balzac coffee, but maybe that's because i'm 1/2 American! One thing that slightly annoys me about this particular branch is the lack of fresh fruit which makes getting a healthy breakfast difficult. Brits will be pleased to hear that this particular Starbucks is well stocked up on Earl Grey, Darjeeling and English Breakfast tea!

Check out my review of Starbucks - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Shalamar in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Fastfood & Takeaway


Popular with the "infernos fallout", Shalamar serves up fried chicken, chips, burgers and much more (all Halal of course). I've only been in here once and to be honest, with all the fast food joints on Clapham high street, i doubt i'll come back. Don't get me wrong, the chicken strips in here are delicious, i just prefer happy valley a few doors down or even nando's.

A solid 3 stars.

Check out my review of Shalamar - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Playlounge in London

London - Children - Toys


Anywhere that sells 3ft Ralph Wiggum (Simpsons) action figures is alright in my book. Playlounge is a big kids paradise and is packed with weird and wonderful japanese toys, books and trinkets. This stuff isn't cheap, but it's so unique that it's definitely worth a look inside.

I haven't spent much time in Japan, but i kinda imagine this is how all toy shops are (or should be!) in Tokyo!

Check out my review of Playlounge - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Miromesnil in Paris

Paris - Transportation - Public Transport - Stations - Underground Stations - Transportation - Public Transport - Public Bicycle Stations


The closest Metro station to Qype HQ in Paris and a very agreeable little station indeed. Miromensil is slap bang in the middle of the 8'eme and is a great stop to get off at for xmas shopping, coffee shops and the Palais de l'Eysee. Be warned, this station gets pretty busy during rush hour so expect a scrummage or a wait on the platform for an empty train if you're travelling on a weekday between 6-8pm.

Check out my review of Miromesnil - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford

Oxford - Arts & Entertainment - Museums


A fine museum - dark, musty, jumbled and a great place to go exploring. The museum is arranged according to how the objects/artifacts were used (rather than history/origin/age) which is kinda cool. I'm not sure if these exhibits are still running, but i would highly recommend "the shrunken heads" and the "witch's bottle". In fact, all of the witchcraft history in the Pitt River is absolutely fascinating.

Well worth the visit and great for kids too.

Check out my review of Pitt Rivers Museum - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: John Hollingsworth in London

London - Services - Services - Other Services - Property - Estate Agents


I really like the staff in John Hollingsworth (particularly in this branch). The JH website is awful, but hey, this review is about the branch on Abbeville road so i'll stick to that. The girls in here (they were all girls when i walked in) were very sharp, professional and took me out on viewings immediately. I never found my dream flat on Abbeville road, but when i start looking again in the new year, i will definitely be back!

Check out my review of John Hollingsworth - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Lidl in London

London - Shopping - Food & Drink - Supermarkets


I struggle to see why people rave about Lidl so much. Maybe it's just my cheap friends, who knows, but i find it hard to see why anyone would do their food shopping here when this particular Lidl is metres from a huge Tesco and a stones throw from an even bigger Sainsbury's. The only time i have ever shopped here was for a house party (cheap water, cheap ice and passable party snacks) and i must admit it did the job and was easy on the wallet. Still, i'm not sure it warrants its current 4 star rating!

Check out my review of Lidl - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: M Moen & Son in London

London - Shopping - Food & Drink - Delicatessen - Shopping - Food & Drink - Butchers


Without a doubt the best butcher in South London. Moen & Son are open Monday-Saturday and provide Claphamites with exceptional meat (that's what she said?). We ordered a pork loin last weekend which was phenomenal and i often get steaks, sausages and roasting chickens from here.

It's worth noting that Moen & Son have also setup a stall at the Venn Street Christmas market (just around the corner). At weekends you'll find them here with a whole roasted pig serving up pork and apple sandwiches at £4 a go. Perfect!

Check out my review of M Moen & Son - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: BAR SOCIAL in LONDON

LONDON - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Cocktail Bars - Nightlife - Casinos


I like Bar Social. While the poker night isn't a patch on the Priory Arms in Stockwell, it's still pretty decent and the crowd is friendly. Decent range of bottled beer (plenty Asahi and Becks available which always scores well in my book!) + nice staff.

This is a good bar to come to if you are in and around clapham junction or looking for somewhere to start your evening off. They even have belly dancing!

Check out my review of BAR SOCIAL - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Party Superstore in London

London - Shopping


If you need a fancy dress costume for any occasion, this is the place to come. Costume range from £10 (cowboy) to about £100 (Chewbacca) and the staff are always helpful. Be warned, around Halloween all of the good stuff goes really, really quickly. I had to settle for a dodgy fake moustasche and a flower shirt (i went as Magnum PI).

If you live in SW4, SW11, SW8 this is pretty much the only fancy dress shop i can think of. There are better ones in Fulham if you're willing to go that far.

Check out my review of Party Superstore - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: The Eagle and Child in Oxford

Oxford - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs


Sister pub of the Lamb and Flag across the road, the Eagle and Child is a fantastic pub, steeped in history. As you can read below, this is Tolkien's old watering hole and the meeting place for the famous literary group the "The Inklings". Good selection of ales, friendly staff and decent pub grub. Popular with students and tourists with a guide book and a cracking weekly pub quiz.

Hunter's Tip - Try the Pie & Chips!

Check out my review of The Eagle and Child - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: The Turf Tavern in Oxford

Oxford - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs


How the hell have i never reviewed the Turf Tavern!? This is an absolutely awesome pub and you're knee deep in history if you're sipping on a locally sourced ale at the bar here. Everyone below has said how great it is, so here are a few quick fire facts about the Turf:

- It's foundations date from the 13th Century and the bar is 400 years old.

- It used to be called the Spotted Cow but the name changed in 1842.

- The Turf used to be an ilegal gambling den, so they setup just outisde the city walls to avoid prosecution.

- Former Australian Prime Minister set a Guinness World Record for consuming a yard of ale in 11 seconds in this pub.

- And of course, this is where Bill Clinton famously "did not inhale" back in the 70's

- FACT: This is an awesome pub.

Check out my review of The Turf Tavern - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Bodrum Kebab in Oxford

Oxford - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Indian


This is the kind of kebab shop where they aren't afraid to give you "extra stuff" with your meal and I love that. If you order a chicken kebab, expect a mound of chips on top of your meal and a free can of lilt. Awesome. These aren't the best kebabs in Oxford, but the level of service and the "extras" make this a 5 star place in my book.

TIP - Try the chilli sauce! It's awesome!

Check out my review of Bodrum Kebab - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Manoir Aux Quat Saisons (Le) in Oxford

Oxford - Hotels & Holidays - Hotels - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Gourmet - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - French


Without question one of the best restaurants in Oxfordshire (if not the UK). Le Manoir is massively over the top and oozes sophistication, but it's just so, so good. It has been consistently voted a top 10 restaurant for locals and tourists (and rightly so).

My personal recommendation:

Go on a warm summers evening and try to get a table outside (you will definitely have to book). Order the Fois Gras to start with and the roast lamb for your main course. Polish it off with a decent bottle of burgundy and you're all set. Oh, bring your credit card. This meal will set you back at least £100 per person. But it's definitely worth it for a special treat!

Check out my review of Manoir Aux Quat Saisons (Le) - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: The Bedford in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs


I'm pretty sure this is my favourite pub in Balham. Great for live sport, decent pub quiz and plenty of beers on tap. The upstairs function room seems to have events on pretty much every night - comedy nights, poker, gigs (people that have played here before - Alistair Griffin, James Fox, Paolo Nutini, Guy Chambers, The Storys, Foy Vance) private parties. This is definitely an "activities pub" right down to the monopoly and Jenga behind the bar!

Decent outdoor bit for the summer and good snack food (i'm yet to go here for a main meal). The Bedford is the perfect warm up spot before a big night out in SW4 and SW12.

Check out my review of The Bedford - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: La Maison du Chocolat in Paris

Paris - Shopping - Food & Drink - Sweets & Chocolates


Some of the best (and arguably the most expensive!) chocolate i have ever tried. La Maison du Chocolat is the perfect spot for christmas shopping. I picked up some awesome little treats (all boxed up and gift wrapped) and, although expensive, it's hard not to get swept up in the magic of this place. The lady that runs the shop is a typical Parisian. Everything is "fantastique" and "incroyable" and she takes time to tell you about the chocolates (and the world famous chilli ice cream). Be warned, no English spoken here, but then that's part of the fun isn't it!

Check out my review of La Maison du Chocolat - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: La Pampa Grill in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Latin American


La Pampa Grill is surprisingly good actually. I've always been of the opinion that if a steak in London isn't more than £15, it's probably going to taste like a leather shoe, but my thoughts on this changed last weekend. Great service, nice ambience and good humoured waiters (similar experience to haggislondon below!). But this place gets a good name because of the steak. Try the rib eye or the rump - both are excellent. How do Argentinian's manage to make their steak taste so good!?

Check out my review of La Pampa Grill - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Tortilla in London

London


Massively disappointing. Chilango, Benito's Hat, El Burrito and Freebird are streets ahead of Tortilla. I just paid £7 for my large steak burrito with guacomole so i was expecting good things, but what turned up was very average. The steak was particularly poor quality, almost like the kind of meat you would expect in an army ration pack. They aldo do fajita wraps, salads and tacos, but i'm pretty sure i won't be coming back in a hurry.

Tortilla is the McDonald's of the London burrito scene. Epic fail.

Check out my review of Tortilla - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Haus 73 in Hamburg

Hamburg - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Cafes - Nightlife - Music Venues


I agree with Ali's comment - "why don't i go here more". I'm not particularly freaked out by the kiosk by the entrance (in fact, it's a very convenient place to by cigarettes!). They also have table football, cheap drinks (+ excellent cocktails) and a nice little lounge bit out the back.

Haus 73 is a great warm up place. If you're planning a night out in Sternschanze, i would recommend eating at Oma's Apotheke (just around the corner), heading to Haus 73 for cocktails and a bit of table football and then Zoe 2 for beers before the Reeperbahn. Purfick!

Check out my review of Haus 73 - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Nachtlager in Hamburg

Hamburg - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs


Review in one line - "A loud, fun and very busy toilet scrummage. The beer is cheap though."

In all honesty, it depends on the night of the week with Nachtlager. Monday-Thursday this place is actually quite a nice spot to relax - table football, comfortable sofas, chilled out music, but at the weekend it all becomes quite chaotic. Don't get me wrong, it's alot of fun, you just don't want to be here sober. Or even half-cut. You need to be on the west side of at least 8 beers to appreciate the full "Nachtlager Experience". Oh, and don't forget to go to the loo before you come here. I'm really not joking about the toilet scrum :)

Check out my review of Nachtlager - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: babel in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars


I've only ever been here during the day, so i can't really comment on how crazy it gets after dark! Plenty of lagers on tap, but make no mistake, this isn't the kind of place where you'll find London Pride and pork scratchings! In the words of Super Hans, this is a "fizzy lager, logo in the foam" kind of place - leather sofas, sharing platters and girls called Felicity. The staff are nice though and they do whip up pretty decent cocktails.

I agree with JaneB's comments, if you can bag a leather sofa in the summer months you are golden. A great place to relax after shopping on Northcote road!

Check out my review of babel - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Villandry Restaurant in London

London


A very decent, French style restaurant on Great Portland Street. I've been to the Villandry food store a couple of times before, but today was my first time in the main dining area. I can highly recommend the rib eye steak with chips which i wolfed down with gusto. It'll set you back £25 (and to be honest, you can get a better steak at the Gaucho Grill), so it's not cheap (but thankfully i wasn't paying!). Wine selection is excellent and we got stuck into a very nice bottle of Beaujolais. Like the food, wine is not particularly cheap though, a bottle of 2005 Barolo will set you back £80 and the Chateau Neuf du Pape was about £60 if i call recall correctly.

I'll be back i'm sure, but i'll have to save my pennies if i want to eat well!

Check out my review of Villandry Restaurant - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: The Caviar House Prunier in London

London


This is without a doubt my favourite shop in Heathrow Terminal 5. If you're travelling overseas (and of course you are other why would you be in T5!) this is the place to pick up gifts. Fois Gras, Vintage cheddar, excellent dried meats, wine, cavier... it's all here. I'd can highly recommend the wheels of vintage somerset cheddar - £12 for a huge chunk of some of the most delicious cheese i think i've ever eaten!

Extremely friendly staff who are happy to dish out samples (so this is also a good place to come if your flight is delayed and you're a bit peckish!)

Check out my review of The Caviar House Prunier - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Harms & Schacht in Hamburg

Hamburg - Eating & Drinking - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Cafes - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - International - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Cocktail Bars - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Austrian


A great space for a private function and everyone has a great time, but Harms & Schacht kinda let themselves down with the food.

Good points - Friendly staff, decent canal side location, cool smoking area and relatively cheap booze.

Bad points - Reasonably slow service, a bit of a mission to get here from the middle of town and the food! I know German food is generally pretty nasty, but this place takes the proverbial biscuit.

I'll be back for a drink, but i'll pass on the food thanks!

Check out my review of Harms & Schacht - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Giraffe Restaurant in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - British - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - International


I like Giraffe, and this is a particularly good branch. Excellent smoothies, good burgers and one of the best Enchillada dishes i have had in London. Service is always quick and friendly in the Battersea Rise branch and i've always been well looked after.

One word of warning - This is on the fringes of the "Nappy Valley" so expect 100s of screaming 2 year old and yummy mummies at the weekend!

Check out my review of Giraffe Restaurant - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Reeperbahn in Hamburg

Hamburg - Nightlife


Ahhhhh the Reeperbahn. Stag parties, night clubs, fast food joints, sex shops and more prostitutes than you can shake a stick at. This is not a place for the faint-hearted and certainly not somewhere you want to take the little ones for ice cream. The Reeperbahn needs to be experienced for its sheer sleaze and debauchery, but if you're looking for a less touristy scene hit up:

- Hamburger Berg (student street)
- The Schanze (relaxed, cobbled streets and nice bars)
- Grosse Freiheit (live music, party street)

Check out my review of Reeperbahn - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Golden Pudel Club in Hamburg

Hamburg - Nightlife - Clubs


Ah, the Golden Pudel. Very cheap (beers are between 3 and 4 euros and entrance even at the weekend is less than 5 euros) and if you're into German eurotrance, this is the place for you. Don't expect to get a seat in the Pudel, this place is rammed from about midnight onwards and the dancefloor is busy and sweaty.

If you're in Hamburg on a saturday night, i'd recommend hitting the bars of the reeperbahn and then heading to the Pudel at about 2.30am. Leave the club at 6am and head for the fish market to congregate with all these other ravers eating fish sandwiches. Perfect!

Check out my review of Golden Pudel Club - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Farmers Market on Venn Street in London

London


An excellent addition to Clapham. Venn Street market is in test phase at the moment, and if it proves popular with locals, may become a permanent fixture in the new year.

Plenty of locally sourced treats (as well as some French and German stalls). I can highly recommend the pork and apple sandwiches and the Moen & Sons stall + the German bratwurst! Pieminster pies, Monmouth coffee... it's all here and this is a great places to pick up locally sourced xmas treats.

I'll be back this weekend to finish up the xmas shopping!

Check out my review of Farmers Market on Venn Street - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Mooli's in London

London - Eating & Drinking - Fastfood & Takeaway - Indian - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants - Indian


Love it. Try the beef filled roti or the paneer wrap. Both are excellent. The lunch time special is incredibly good value - £5 for a Mooli, a bag full of delicious poppadoms and a fruit juice. Friendly staff and really close to my office!

Burrito + Curry = Mooli!

Check out my review of Mooli's - I am ahunter - on Qype

Qype: Le Cavern' in Paris

Paris - Nightlife - Music Venues - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars


A great little venue with live karaoke in the basement every wednesday night. The band are excellent and seem to know practically every song ever written. Friendly, English speaking staff and plenty of vodka to sample! The Qype event at Le Cavern' was a roaring success and i can't wait to come back!

Check out my review of Le Cavern' - I am ahunter - on Qype

Harrogate

I'm going to be heading up to Harrogate next weekend and i'm desperate to hunt down the best pubs and bars. Any suggestions? A mate of mine just got a job in Harrogate so i'm popping up to visit him.

Qype: Pret a Manger in London

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


Particularly friendly staff in this Pret which is why i'm reviewing it (I usually don't review chains!). A stones throw from the Ritz and the shops of Mayfair, this is a good place to stop for a quick coffee or cup of tea (plenty of seating towards the back of the cafe).

That's about all i have to say! Pret is Pret. You either love it or hate. I must admit, i can't resist the cheese, hamon and bacon croissants!

Check out my review of Pret a Manger - I am ahunter - on Qype