Profil von brightonblagger2

For all the hype that arose for this building, I was disappointed.

Apart from the free loan of books, and use of computers (up to an hour per day, best book in advance!), the layout and cleaniness leaves much to be desired..

Needing to shift a few pounds, I heard about a free 5 day trial FF was offering, via one of the cashback sites (www.topcashback.com, i think..)

Getting set up was a bit of bother- having to enter your details online, THEN call them up, to book an intro session?

Failing to get through on the 3rd or 4th attempt, I went into the actual gym, and was sorted out straight away..

On the 1st session, I was briefly shown around, and then left to it.. from reception, you have to doewn down one floor to the open plan gym, with changing rooms etc on the next level down.

The impression I got was of a converted factory, who's owner had got a job lot of grey paint - grey is everywhere! The rarther harsh lighting does no favours, either..

There is no escaping the corporate FF brainwashing - posters, large tv's etc are in view everywhere you look, enticing you to sign up for more pain (er, I mean courses..)

Equipment wise, there is a lot of choice, though rather tightly positioned, (with one or two partly obscuring fire exits?) - could be tricky whenever it got busy..

I would say about a dozen running machines, same again for step / cross trainers, various other leg / arm / body machines, 4 rowers , and plenty of free weights too, with a few members of staff around, to guide you through if needed..

Downstairs there are lockers with credit card type (RFID?) locks, with shower stalls, leading to the wet area-

The steam room was not working when I was there, though the sauna was- indeed very hot, and it took a few sessions (going to / from shower) to build up tolerance to the humidity..

I do not know how much membership is, though I guess you get what yuou pay for.

Surprised that Google and Pizza Express dont have this branch's exact location listed, but hey.. it's next to the Jubilee Street library, off Church Street..

I had a Gustavo ring pizza, which was served with some little salad leaves in the middle..

A 'light bite' as they say, though not worth the £9 odd.. finished off with a nice cheesecake and ice cream.

Service was fast, and friendly. but the noise from the 'pesky kids' was distracting..

Seemed to be the ideal place for yummy mummies, and ladies who lunch?

Loowatch- upstairs, past the empty tables..

I went to the taster session yesterday, as well (thanks Sarah!)- it was great fun, seeing pasta being made by Matt, then trying* to do it ourselves..

(* A leftover pasta and parmasan kebab-alike effort didnt quite work out, though out 2nd batch of ravioli/tortellini was fab!)

It was quite satisfying, tasting something I had made myself, rather than opening a tin of ??, and popping in the microwave..

I hadn't realised they did regular courses like this, or that there was a full-on kitchen at the back of the store.. I might try going there for breakfast one day, too..

would have given 5 stars, but it was hard work, and i kept hitting my head on the storage racks!

(reposting this under a new profile, as log-in probs with old one..)

I went to a food & wine tasting evening, discovered by chance via twitter, and enjoyed every minute - what a great way to try new places, and meet new folks at the same time- in real life too, not just on cyber space!

Being told about the the different wines we tried with each dish was very helpful, as muggings here doesnt usually venture past the cheap and cheerful own brand stuff..

If I can remember, and in no particular order, here's what we tried-

Chicken Liver pate, on ciabatta. a nice smooth and crunch combination.

grilled goats cheese. quite savoury, earthy. a big step up from cheddar!

Pork Ribs- very tender, and moreish. absolutely lovely!

Chcken Wings (BE WARNED- the 'hot' wings are exactly that - VERY hot, but succulent (There is a 'not hot' alternative, too...)

Rib-eye steak. I normally have steaks well done, though medium-rare suited this well. I just had a nibble, but main courses can be 8 oz, or a 28- oz monster! ideal for sharing.

I can't remember all the wine tasters, but my fave ones were Presecco, a light sparkly aperitif, and Muscat- like honey in a glass!

The place looked busy for mid-week, which can only be a good thing?

Wil have to get my friends along on a Monday sometime, for their Ribfest all you can eat (for a tenner?) deals..

Been going here for donkeys years, til I got a trimmer set for xmas..
(they have nothing to fear, competition wise!)

A friendly, no-frills gent's barbers.

No appointment needed, ande usually not long to wait-
plenty of magazines to keep you occupied.

The banter between the barbers, and radio on makes for a relaxed vibe.

A big up to them one year, for shaving my head for free, in a bid to raise cash for Children in Need (eventually raised £203!).

V surprised no one has done a review on this place, yet!

I felt a bit cramped / buffeted, sitting in the side bar while waiting for our table, but otherwise its well laid out, with a separate area on mezzanine level, and more rooms upstairs too, for larger groups.

Having worked in a pizza shop before, I decided to try something different-

Went for a creamy salmon and pasta starter, which was fabulous- 'nuff said!

Main course was less fab, but still nice.. a chicken breast in some fancy sauce, with mixed veggies, and (i think) saute potatoes).. memory slightly hazy, by this time ...;-)

On the night we went, they had some stag / hen do's in upstairs, so the staff were rather stretched- but always friendly.

In my view, it's a nice treat, either for a loved one, business lunch, and families- ongoing lunch specials on he boards outside, or in local press.

plenty of space for groups, but not ideal for xmas-
I felt like a sardine, last time i went. they were literally cramming them in (surely not safe, if there was a fire, etc..?)

fare value, though rather bog standard Italiano fare.

I feel Al Duomo is far better, across the road..

And I HATE having to wait at the (expensive) bar, for a PRE-BOOKED table!!

Not been here in a while- have previously enjoyed group meals out (especally trying to go through the complete cocktail list!), though smaller bookings seem to get 'lost/forgotten', amidst the melee..

Far better places around town (eg- Old Bank, Kemp Town-, but then I am biased- see other entry for that..)