Qype: The Albert in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

I wasn't over keen on this place. I think I have a talent for sniffing out Greene King venues before I walk into them, and on seeing Abbott Ale and GK IPA on tap, my worst suspicions were confirmed. The tables had that "we're been cleaned, but we're not clean" look of many a faux-gastro establishment. A shame, cause I think you could make this place really nice.

The barmaid was incredibly rude when my girlfriend had a rare moment of hesitation before ordering the usual white wine, despite there being no other customers waiting. Which means just 2 solitary stars...

Check out my review of The Albert - I am filchambers - on Qype

Qype: Trojka Russian Restaurant in London

London - Restaurants - Russian

Situated in leafy Primrose Hill, along a particularly pleasant stretch of Regent's Park Road, what better place than Trojka for dinner on a summer's evening? I had been promised gorgeous decor and even more gorgeous waitresses, they delivered on the first. But the jazz guitarist was an unexpected bonus! OK, we did get charged a 2 pound "music fee" on the bill, but with Ukrainian borsch at only 2.95 and mains at around 8 quid, you don't feel ripped off here, just remember where it is!

Highly recommended.

Check out my review of Trojka Russian Restaurant - I am filchambers - on Qype

Qype: Paddington Station in London

London - Travel & Hotels - Stations

A lovely classic British station, which happens to be home to some of the most expensive rail routes in the world! But I won't hold that against them. In fact, only this morning, despite being robbed on the Heathrow express, I was filled with a sense of wonder on stepping out of the train and gazing at the lovely ironwork and light seeping through to the diesels below. Yes, the Great Western Railway still doesn't seem to be electrified - maybe that's why it's so pricey?

Check out my review of Paddington Station - I am filchambers - on Qype

Qype: Heathrow Express in London

London - Travel & Hotels - Airports

FIFTEEN POUNDS FIFTY PENCE! It's not often I write in capitals, but I nearly threw up all over the ticket machine this morning when enjoying the swish new T5 Heathrow Express station. Incredibly expensive for a 15 minute train ride. Just enough time to fall asleep, and bang, you're shoved onto the Bakerloo line, broke and upset.

Still, what a station!

Check out my review of Heathrow Express - I am filchambers - on Qype

Qype: The Cambridge in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

The Cambridge is a decent central pub that is always always packed due to its location right in Soho. The crowd are a real mixture of pre-clubbing 20-somethings, tourists who accidentally landed there, and some regulars. The landlady is a particularly nice Irish girl who always will attempt to fit you in upstairs for food, and doesn't tend to get irate despite the overcrowded nature of the place.

I've never been anything but impressed with the beer. It's well-kept, and they tend to have 3-4 guests, plus often a trad cider or perry on draught.

Generally it's better to drink here in summer as you can stand outside comfortably and watch the bustling tourist crowds getting into rickshaws and other such gimmicks. Otherwise, prepared to be bumped into quite a lot...



Check out my review of The Cambridge - I am filchambers - on Qype

Qype: Charlie's Karaoke Bar in Manchester

Manchester - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Nightlife - Karaoke

Pretty bloody funny karaoke place just off Princess Street, right in central Manchester. Funny because, as much as you are keen to do your best rendition of "Sweet Child O' Mine", the proprietor, Charlie himself, will insist on having a dabble around every 3rd song!

Still, great to see someone who loves their work so much! Classic night out.

Check out my review of Charlie's Karaoke Bar - I am filchambers - on Qype

Qype: Christiansens Fine Drinks & Cocktails in Hamburg

Hamburg - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Cocktail Bars

Superb establishment. Everything everyone has said is true, I realised as much after my own personal "cocktail consultation" on "massage Mondays"!

What do you like? What tastes, what spirits, what mood are you in? What's your favourite colour...? What's your name, where'd you come from, how many.... no wait.

I got recommended a Hendrick's crush, which contains crushed kumqats! What an invention, a fruit that no one had any use for before, apart from ornamental, of course. Anyway, it was delicious.

I've since been back and sampled the flammkuchen (also great) and watched the fish a lot. An impressive tank.

On Monday nights every customer gets a free massage too - slightly surreal, but great!

Check out my review of Christiansens Fine Drinks & Cocktails - I am filchambers - on Qype