Qype: The Canadian in Cardiff

Cardiff

Hmmm. Where do I start? There's a lot to tell about The Canadian. Some good and some not so good...
It's big - there's a skittle alley, a tabled area for food and another area with a pool table in the middle that can be moved away if there's an event on and a dance floor's required. They show sport live on a very big screen. Sometimes the landlord brings down his Wii and punters can have a play. Don't touch the man's pool cue though - made that mistake once in my ignorance and it got tense there for a while!
Went last halloween and they had the funniest band playing. I say band. There was a big guy on guitar dressed like uncle fester who amused the crowd by putting a lightbulb in his mouth and making it light up and a small guy with a black wig who looked a bit like Peewee Herman. He was the singer and I thought he was really good. Then I was told that there was an awful lot of backing track going on! I still thought he was good though!
The landlord and land lady are very friendly (they even offered us a tab one night when we were a bit short) and do their best to organise live music events and entertainment. Unfortunately, a lot of people seem to let them down and the place can often be a bit dead. There are the regulars though and these are...spectacular! One guy spends all night feeding pounds into the jukebox and then singing along so loud that you can only hear him and not the track! He always seems to sing the same stuff though! Then there's the really really drunk guy that looks like a Thunderbirds puppet version of Noel Gallagher. He just sits there drinking, by himself, until he figures out he might not be able to get up if he has another drink. Then he goes home.
There are others, but these are the best of the bunch.
There's a little smoking area out the back or you can stand out the front of the pub (but not after ten o clock - they are mindful of the neighbours as the pub is at a crossroads between 2 streets).
The pub is in an awkward position and this can show. Some nights it's dead and on others it's buzzing and you can have a whale of a time.
Why not try it out for yourself?
Check out my review of The Canadian - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Calahonda in Urbanizacion Oasis de Costa del Sol

Urbanizacion Oasis de Costa del Sol

Calahonda is a small town in the Costa Del Sol. Up in the mountains there are lots of lovely white apartments and holiday complexes that are pleasing to the eye and away from the maddening crowd. This is where I spent a week in June 08.
There is a small train that runs regularly from the beach area to the top complex in the mountains, stopping off wherever you want on the way down or up (providing you tell the driver as you hop on). If you're feeling fit, of course, you can walk, but it's a tough trail in heels or flipflops. Being lazy and a bit sun-frazzled, me and me mates caught the choo choo. It's so cute! But the ride is really bumpy. If you've got big boobs, wear a good bra, or you'll be in agony by the bottom! In fact, it's a bit tough on the old bottom too!
We stopped off at the little 'strip' just before you hit the beach area and went to an Irish bar to meet friends before going on to the one and only mexican restaurant in the village. It was lovely to sit outdoors in great weather, having cold beers brought to our table by a young, hot, waiter. Plus they were playing cheesy rock videos on the tellyboxes. What more could a girl want?
The mexican (name escapes me, sorry, but it is the only one there!) was also good. Nachos for sharing are a good laugh, but you might have to scrape off some guacamole as they seem to empty the whole tub over the plate! A couple of friends had the Chimechanga and when it arrived, some of them, my sister in particular, went pale at the sight of it. It was HUGE! You'd have to be Joey from Friends to get through a whole one by yourself.
Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming and I would go back there for a holiday in a heartbeat. If you want sun, swimming and chilling out with your mates, then Calahonda's a good call (and it's cheap too).
If you have a hire car like we did (man, how many times did I hit the kerb? It's HARD driving on the other side of the road) I would really, really, really advise a trip into Ronda. It's a wonderful old town up in the mountains with a rich history ad a huge george running through it. Also has the oldest bullring in Spain if you fancy adding a little history to your holiday.
Check out my review of Calahonda - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: The Clifton in Cardiff

Cardiff - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

every evening, between 5ish and half past six, there is a guy stood at the bar in the back room of The Clifton with a home made sign that reads 'gone for a fag' and everytime he nips out the front for a ciggie, he props it against his pint of bitter. Just for that, you've got to love The Clifton.
There's a big front lounge, with flat screen TVs and a jukebox and some brown leather sofas, but we usually congregate out the back room where there's a pool table with LOADS OF ROOM around it, meaning you don't have to keep sayibg 'excuse me' or angling your cue at 45 degrees to take your shot. It's 50p a game, which is much cheaper than most places in Cardiff and the table is decent. So are the cues come to think of it.
The back room leads off to a smoking area with undercover seating and those really bright orange lukewarm heater light. Motly they stay switched off, thankfully.
If you go early in the evening, the TV out the backroom will be switched on really loud and you will see the following: wales today followed by either Emmerdale or Corrie. After that, it's anyone's game and you can either switch it off or put some sport on - they are your two choices.
There are usually some very drunk people patronising The Clifton of an evening, but usually they are funny and friendly and not aggresive and intrusive. You can earwig on some genuinely genius conversations if you sit out back and have a fag. If you don't have a Cardiff accent, you will be immediately accosted and asked 'you're not from around here are you?'. You will say no and then you will be told 'no, i didn't think so, not withthat accent'! It's brilliant. Often, people who have said this to you before were so drunk at the time that they can't remember and you go through the whole rigmarole again. Wonderful.
Top tip: don't play the bar manager at pool, he's a demon, and don't turn the TV off in the middle of a saop.
Abide by these rules and you're golden.
Check out my review of The Clifton - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: The Clifton in Cardiff

Cardiff - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

every evening, between 5ish and half past six, there is a guy stood at the bar in the back room of The Clifton with a home made sign that reads 'gone for a fag' and everytime he nips out the front for a ciggie, he props it against his pint of bitter. Just for that, you've got to love The Clifton.
There's a big front lounge, with flat screen TVs and a jukebox and some brown leather sofas, but we usually congregate out the back room where there's a pool table with LOADS OF ROOM around it, meaning you don't have to keep sayibg 'excuse me' or angling your cue at 45 degrees to take your shot. It's 50p a game, which is much cheaper than most places in Cardiff and the table is decent. So are the cues come to think of it.
The back room leads off to a smoking area with undercover seating and those really bright orange lukewarm heater light. Motly they stay switched off, thankfully.
If you go early in the evening, the TV out the backroom will be switched on really loud and you will see the following: wales today followed by either Emmerdale or Corrie. After that, it's anyone's game and you can either switch it off or put some sport on - they are your two choices.
There are usually some very drunk people patronising The Clifton of an evening, but usually they are funny and friendly and not aggresive and intrusive. You can earwig on some genuinely genius conversations if you sit out back and have a fag. If you don't have a Cardiff accent, you will be immediately accosted and asked 'you're not from around here are you?'. You will say no and then you will be told 'no, i didn't think so, not withthat accent'! It's brilliant. Often, peole who have said this to you before were so drunk at the time that they can't remember and you go through the whole rigmarole again. Wonderful.
Top tip: don't play the bar manager at pool, he's a demon, and don't turn the TV off in the middle of a saop.
Abide by these rules and you're golden.
Check out my review of The Clifton - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: The Clifton in Cardiff

Cardiff - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

every evening, between 5ish and half past six, there is a guy stood at the bar in the back room of The Clifton with a home made sign that reads 'gone for a fag' and everytime he nips out the front for a ciggie, he props it against his pint of bitter. Just for that, you've got to love The Clifton.
There's a big front lounge, with flat screen TVs and a jukebox and some brown leather sofas, but we usually congregate out the back room where there's a pool table with LOADS OF ROOM around it, meaning you don't have to keep sayibg 'excuse me' or angling your cue at 45 degrees to take your shot. It's 50p a game, which is much cheaper than most places in Cardiff and the table is decent. So are the cues come to think of it.
The back room leads off to a smoking area with undercover seating and those really bright orange lukewarm heater light. Motly they stay switched off, thankfully.
If you go early in the evening, the TV out the backroom will be switched on really loud and you will see the following: wales today followed by either Emmerdale or Corrie. After that, it's anyone's game and you can either switch it off or put some sport on - they are your two choices.
There are usually some very drunk people patronising The Clifton of an evening, but usually they are funny and friendly and not aggresive and intrusive. You can earwig on some genuinely genius conversations if you sit out back and have a fag. If you don't have a Cardiff accent, you will be immediately accosted and asked 'you're not from around here are you?'. You will say no and then you will be told 'no, i didn't think so, not withthat accent'! It's brilliant. Often, peole who have said this to you before were so drunk at the time that they can't remember and you go through the whole rigmarole again. Wonderful.
Top tip: don't play the bar manager at pool, he's a demon, and don't turn the TV off in the middle of a saop.
Abide by these rules and you're golden.
Check out my review of The Clifton - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: The Clifton in Cardiff

Cardiff - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

every evening, between 5ish and half past six, there is a guy stood at the bar in the back room of The Clifton with a home made sign that reads 'gone for a fag' and everytime he nips out the front for a ciggie, he props it against his pint of bitter. Just for that, you've got to love The Clifton.
There's a big front lounge, with flat screen TVs and a jukebox and some brown leather sofas, but we usually congregate out the back room where there's a pool table with LOADS OF ROOM around it, meaning you don't have to keep sayibg 'excuse me' or angling your cue at 45 degrees to take your shot. It's 50p a game, which is much cheaper than most places in Cardiff and the table is decent. So are the cues come to think of it.
The back room leads off to a smoking area with undercover seating and those really bright orange lukewarm heater light. Motly they stay switched off, thankfully.
If you go early in the evening, the TV out the backroom will be switched on really loud and you will see the following: wales today followed by either Emmerdale or Corrie. After that, it's anyone's game and you can either switch it off or put some sport on - they are your two choices.
There are usually some very drunk people patronising The Clifton of an evening, but usually they are funny and friendly and not aggresive and intrusive. You can earwig on some genuinely genius conversations if you sit out back and have a fag. If you don't have a Cardiff accent, you will be immediately accosted and asked 'you're not from around here are you?'. You will say no and then you will be told 'no, i didn't think so, not withthat accent'! It's brilliant. Often, peole who have said this to you before were so drunk at the time that they can't remember and you go through the whole rigmarole again. Wonderful.
Top tip: don't play the bar manager at pool, he's a demon, and don't turn the TV off in the middle of a saop.
Abide by these rules and you're golden.
Check out my review of The Clifton - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Salt Bar in Cardiff

Cardiff - Nightlife - Clubs

It's awful. Truly awful.
Salt is a chain and this particular link is very weak.
The food is greasy and fatty and generally not very good, and the layout is all over the place (booths, tables, big donut shaped couches all in one room). A hideous spiral staircase just made for falling down spears the centre of Salt in the Bay.
The upstairs bar isn't much better, but it does have a terrace outside, so you can escape the confines of the bar if the weather's good enough.
On the weekend, the place is rammed (it opens late). The music is bad and the dancing worse. Generally people are very, very drunk. It's a favourite on the hen/stag scene.
Yuch.
Check out my review of Salt Bar - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Hard Rock Cafe Ltd in Cardiff

Cardiff - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Cafes

A bit kooky, a bit quirky the first time you go, it doesn't take long though for the the Hard Rock to become a bit gimmicky. There's loads of memorabilia on the walls, packed in around the giant TV screens (which were playing some truly shocking glam rock videos when I popped in for a drinks one Sunday night - Aerosmith's video for Crazy is like soft porn!) - though a lot of the memorabilia belonged to people that i'd never heard of! There is a wonderful photograph of Elvis in a spangly suite and cape hanging by the back door well worth checking out.
There isn't a lot of choice at the bar (only Stella, Becks or Boddingtons on tap) but the price per pint is reasonable (as in 'under £3'). The burgers are fairly good (can't remember how much they cost) and they do a mean milk shake. There's a limited seating area out the back, inside the Brewery 1/4, so smokers are catered for.
I guess you know what you're going to get with the Hard Rock Cafe and they don't disappoint. Unfortunately, they don't inspire either.
PS - why are the waiters covered in badges (or 'buttons' as they are called in the US)? Can anyone shed any light?
Check out my review of Hard Rock Cafe Ltd - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Cardiff Central Railway Station in Cardiff

Cardiff - Travel & Hotels - Stations

I'm a fan of Cardiff Central Train Station. It's big and bustling and you get a great glimpse of the city landscape from the platforms.

Downstairs, where you can buy your ticket from the teller or from one of the machines, you'll find a pasty kiosk, a confectionery kiosk, a WHSmith (which doesn't open until 7am and sometimes a bit later than that) a baguette and coffee shop (which sells alcohol) and a Marks & Spencer. Stocking up on stuff for the journey isn't a problem here. Oh, and there's a big clock hanging above the entrance to M&S. Big clocks are coooooooooooool.

There are cash machines out the front of the station along with a kiosk selling newspapers (handy if you're an early morning traveller as Smiths probably on't be open). Out front is also a taxi rank and an NCP car park. The station has its own open-air carpark out the back, but spaces are limited.

Upstairs on the platforms you've got your standard stuff - toilets, waiting area, kiosks, benches etc.

For newbies to the Cardiff, when exiting the station via the front, you'll be facing Cardiff Central Bus Station (currently undergoing massive renovation). Take a right and walk until you reach the Great Western Pub and you will find yourself on St Mary's Street (lots of bars and shops). Take a left and walk the whole length of the street and...ta daaaah - the castle is there at the end.
Check out my review of Cardiff Central Railway Station - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Shrewsbury Railway Station in Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury - Travel & Hotels - Stations

I was off to Aberystwyth from my home in Cardiff, entrusting myself to the rail system, so naturally I had to get on a train and go to England before getting on another train and travelling back into Wales and cross country to Aber.
That's how I found myself standing on platform 4a of Shrewsbury Station on a drizzly October day, clutching a cardboard cup of nasty coffee and coveting it like it held the last vestiges of warmth on planet earth.

But back to the station itself. It's a fair size - 7 platforms i think. Accessible from platform 4 is 'The Lemon Tree' cafe and kiosk, which sells food and drink (should have gone for late, not filter), newspapers, magazines etc. They have a handful of tables scattered at the back of the shop.

There are plenty of benches along the platforms, but the corrugated roof covering platforms 4a and 5 seemed to have leaks all around each support pillar.
Check out my review of Shrewsbury Railway Station - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Times Square in New York

New York - Arts & Entertainment - Landmarks

Even if you've seen it a million times on the tellybox, nothing can prepare you for the moment you climb out of a yellow cab on Times Square. It's better than Disneyland. But you must go at night to get the full impact of all those dazzling billboards and lights.
I suggest wandering around for a while until your head spins and you can't take it anymore. Then head to the top of the Marriott Hotel and visiting the revolving bar. It takes an hour, apparently, and spins a whole rotation, giving you the best view of New York. The cocktails are fabulous as well. Finding the 'special' lift that takes you from floor whatever (40 or something) to the restaurant above is a bit of a challenge though (oops, i mean special 'elevator'!).
When i went last October, Puff Daddy was walking in the back entrance surrounded by 'paps' and cameramen. He's tiny in real life. The diamond in his ear was HUUGE though.
Check out my review of Times Square - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Times Square in New York

New York - Arts & Entertainment - Landmarks

Even if you've seen it a million times on the tellybox, nothing can prepare you for the moment you climb out of a yellow cab on Times Square. It's better than Disneyland. But you must go at night to get the full impact of all those dazzling billboards and lights.
I suggest wandering around for a while until your head spins and you can't take it anymore. Then head to the top of the Marriott Hotel and visiting the revolving bar. It takes an hour, apparently, and spins a whole rotation, giving you the best view of New York. The cocktails are fabulous as well. Finding the 'special' lift that takes you from floor whatever (40 or something) to the restaurant above is a bit of a challenge though (oops, i mean special 'elevator'!).
When i went last October, Puff Daddy was walking in the back entrance surrounded by 'paps' and cameramen. He's tiny in real life. The diamond in his ear was HUUGE though.
Check out my review of Times Square - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Times Square in New York

New York - Arts & Entertainment - Landmarks

Even if you've seen it a million times on the tellybox, nothing can prepare you for the moment you climb out of a yellow cab on Times Square. It's better than Disneyland. But you must go at night to get the full impact of all those dazzling billboards and lights.
I suggest wandering around for a while until your head spins and you can't take it anymore. Then head to the top of the Marriott Hotel and visiting the revolving bar. It takes an hour, apparently, and spins a whole rotation, giving you the best view of New York. The cocktails are fabulous as well. Finding the 'special' lift that takes you from floor whatever (40 or something) to the restaurant above is a bit of a challenge though (oops, i mean special 'elevator'!).
When i went last October, Puff Daddy was walking in the back entrance surrounded by 'paps' and cameramen. He's tiny in real life. The diamond in his ear was HUUGE though.
Check out my review of Times Square - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Times Square in New York

New York - Arts & Entertainment - Landmarks

Even if you've seen it a million times on the tellybox, nothing can prepare you for the moment you climb out of a yellow cab on Times Square. It's better than Disneyland. But you must go at night to get the full impact of all those dazzling billboards and lights.
I suggest wandering around for a while until your head spins and you can't take it anymore. Then head to the top of the Marriott Hotel and visiting the revolving bar. It takes an hour, apparently, and spins a whole rotation, giving you the best view of New York. The cocktails are fabulous as well. Finding the 'special' lift that takes you from floor whatever (40 or something) to the restaurant above is a bit of a challenge though (oops, i mean special 'elevator'!).
When i went last October, Puff Daddy was walking in the back entrance surrounded by 'paps' and cameramen. He's tiny in real life. The diamond in his ear was HUUGE though.
Check out my review of Times Square - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Times Square in New York

New York - Arts & Entertainment - Landmarks

Even if you've seen it a million times on the tellybox, nothing can prepare you for the moment you climb out of a yellow cab on Times Square. It's better than Disneyland. But you must go at night to get the full impact of all those dazzling billboards and lights.
I suggest wandering around for a while until your head spins and you can't take it anymore. Then head to the top of the Marriott Hotel and visiting the revolving bar. It takes an hour, apparently, and spins a whole rotation, giving you the best view of New York. The cocktails are fabulous as well. Finding the 'special' lift that takes you from floor whatever (40 or something) to the restaurant above is a bit of a challenge though (oops, i mean special 'elevator'!).
When i went last October, Puff Daddy was walking in the back entrance surrounded by 'paps' and cameramen. He's tiny in real life. The diamond in his ear was HUUGE though.
Check out my review of Times Square - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Juboraj Express in Cardiff

Cardiff - Restaurants - Take Away

Holey shmoley, this takeaway's good. Specially for a Monday night (traditionally not a good night for takeaways - not that i'm suggesting that the weekend's leftovers are sometimes farmed out on a Monday night or anything remotely like that).

Basically, it went like this: got home from work, didn't fancy cooking, did fancy a curry, local curry house is out of favour as it's got a bit poor (OK, a lot poor) so looking for somewhere decent. Surf tinterweb and up pops Juboraj Express - the takeaway branch of South Wales Indian giant Juboraj. The website is funky and informative (drag your mouse over the menu to turn the pages!) and the selection on offer is extensive. Ring through your order, wait an hour and bingo - delicious food to your door.

We ordered chicken tikka bhuna, lamb rogan josh, chana massala, keema nan and pilau rice. It cost just over £19, which is pricier than lots of other takeaways, but it was worth every penny. I figured that out about two seconds after the first forkful of chana massala. Then again with the first bite of chicken and when i got to the lamb it was so good it made me giggle.

There was enough left over for lunch the next day (except for the rice - note to self: more rice next time), which makes the higher prices easier to swallow.

Top marks to Juoraj Express. Needless to say i'll be calling again.

Oh, I forgot to say that the food is delivered in a dinky little box. Coooooool!
Check out my review of Juboraj Express - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: The Fat Cat Cafe Bar in Cardiff

Cardiff - Pubs & Bars - Bars

Yes, it is an upmarket bar and yes, it does have atmospheric lighting and velvet drapes, but NO, it doesn't maintain a relaxed feel! Not on a Saturday night when it's rammed with 'beautiful people' and the DJ can't keep his hand off the volume dial. Jebus, my ears were quivering after a couple of hours at Fat Cats.

Went here with a delagation of European youth workers to enjoy a tasty meal, yummy cocktails and even better conversation. I got 2 out of 3. The food was diabolical and the music was so loud, Satan himself would have struggled to make himself heard over the dancemusic din. The cocktails were, however, perfect. Classic Mojito mixed well. Got to give 'em credit for that.

It was sooooo embarrassing though - one of our guests had to order 3 times because they had run out of so many things on the menu. A couple of us had to order twice. Then the food turned up at different times, so some people's food got cold waiting for the other dishes to arrive. My Beef & Ginger with Noodles was apparently 'back by popular demand'. I swear that the chef (yeah, right) just up-ended a bottle of soy sauce over the plate and sent it straight out to the table. It was inedible. The beef was beyond as well. Tough as old boots, yes i think that's the best way of describing it. Some of the other people's food came out of the kitchen stone cold and 'limp'. Really, it wasn't good enough. If they can't cater for groups of 10 people on a Saturday night, they shouldn't take the booking.

Oh yeah, the bouncers were very rude to everyone going in and coming out as far as i could tell. Hey, at least they didn't discriminate!

Having said all that, i'll definitely be popping back for a couple of cocktails after work, but on a week night and in a small group.
Check out my review of The Fat Cat Cafe Bar - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: The Fat Cat Cafe Bar in Cardiff

Cardiff - Pubs & Bars - Bars

Yes, it is an upmarket bar and yes, it does have atmospheric lighting and velvet drapes, but NO, it doesn't maintain a relaxed feel! Not on a Saturday night when it's rammed with 'beautiful people' and the DJ can't keep his hand off the volume dial. Jebus, my ears were quivering after a couple of hours at Fat Cats.

Went here with a delagation of European youth workers to enjoy a tasty meal, yummy cocktails and even better conversation. I got 2 out of 3. The food was diabolical and the music was so loud, Satan himself would have struggled to make himself heard over the dancemusic din. The cocktails were, however, perfect. Classic Mojito mixed well. Got to give 'em credit for that.

It was sooooo embarrassing though - one of our guests had to order 3 times because they had run out of so many things on the menu. A couple of us had to order twice. Then the food turned up at different times, so some people's food got cold waiting for the other dishes to arrive. My Beef & Ginger with Noodles was apparently 'back by popular demand'. I swear that the chef (yeah, right) just up-ended a bottle of soy sauce over the plate and sent it straight out to the table. It was inedible. The beef was beyond as well. Tough as old boots, yes i think that's the best way of describing it. Some of the other people's food came out of the kitchen stone cold and 'limp'. Really, it wasn't good enough. If they can't cater for groups of 10 people on a Saturday night, they shouldn't take the booking.

Oh yeah, the bouncers were very rude to everyone going in and coming out as far as i could tell. Hey, at least they didn't discriminate!

Having said all that, i'll definitely be popping back for a couple of cocktails after work, but on a week night and in a small group.
Check out my review of The Fat Cat Cafe Bar - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Splotlands Hotel in Cardiff

Cardiff - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

Oh wow. I've never had quite such a strange experience in a pub as when I visited Splotlands. There was a private function going on in the big back room and a lot of smart-looking people wearing their best Sunday frocks were sat around having a jolly time. Then the Karaoki started.

Wow. That's all I can say. Apart from "If I never hear the song 'if tomorrow never comes' again it will be soon!".

Out the cosy little smoking garden at the back of the pub, four girls were sat chatting in another language (it sounded like Gaelic!) and a very creepy looking guy was stood right behind them just staring at them..and staring...and staring. I was pretty sure he didn't know them.

In the front lounge, a group of old regulars were tucking into sandwiches sent through by the private partygoers, munching and having a conversation in what can only be described as "shout". Then one of them fell asleep, sat upright. His mate didn't seem to notice.

Me and the other half fancied a game of pool, but couldn't get a look in as a bunch of teens were quite posessive of it!

Oh yeah - last but not least. Prepare to get covered in slobber as the pub's dog is very friendly and will eat anything it can find on the floor (she seemed to really like the skittles that one of the teenybopper pool maestros kept slipping her. Hmm - taste the rainbow). She paces up and down the room, checking out new customers and if she finds someone she likes, will sit on them until they scratch her or give her affection.

All this on a Sunday night!
Check out my review of Splotlands Hotel - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Cafe Floyd in Cardiff

Cardiff - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Cafes - Cafes & Coffee Shops

Floyd's a bit like Marmite - you either love it or hate it. Hidden away above a clothing shop (that recently appeared on a popular TV business makeover show, so is enjoying a revamped look and a surge in popularity) it's easy to walk right by Floyds without missing a beat, so keep your eyes peeled for the little billboard they place outside on the pavement. In fact, watch you don't trip over it.

If you find the magical doorway to Narnia and climb the narrow wooden staircase, what can you expect to find?

Well, lots of posh people air-kissing each other on the cheeks, judging by last Saturday night. But enough of that, on to the place itself. Narrow and long, the bar has lots of wood, swish and swanky leather couches and a cafe-style area by the bay window full of tables and chairs. Twinkly little fairy lights curtain the window and elsewhere, low lamps and candles give off a mellow glow.

It's cosy, no doubt about it. If there are more than three people stood at the bar, it can get a bit crushed as it's very narrow. Plus, the drinks are Pri-high-see (expensive, innit but) - me and the other half had a vodka & coke and a bottle of Corona between us and it came to £6.50! SIX POUND FIFTY. That's not cool even if you've got a million quid in the bank and can air-kiss for Britain.

Having said that, Floyds remains popular. I guess it is like Marmite - you'll just have to go along and see if it's to your taste.
Check out my review of Cafe Floyd - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Club Metro in Cardiff

Cardiff - Nightlife - Clubs

If you live in Cardiff, you have an obligation to go to Metros at least once! A pilgrimage to Metros is the story Chaucer never wrote. Honest to God.
It's stinky, it can be smutty, it's sweaty, it's dark and dank and damp, it's either empty or rammed, completely aweful or utterly fantastic - you can either have the best night of your life in here or the worst. Metros sure is individual and quite the experience.
The best nights I had were made up of the following ingredients...bubble machine, strobe lights, smoke machine that smelled of freeze-dried strawberries, heavy metal leading into more popular rock, finishing up with indie and some prodigy, dancing with your drinks, getting in the 'pit' being shoved by some mosher and shoving right back, pogoing to Cyprus Hill and downing shooters at the bar.
Long live Metros. Long may it drive people crazy!
Check out my review of Club Metro - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Gourmet Burger Kitchen in Cardiff

Cardiff

The burgers are great - whoppers in fact, though not to be confused with their Burger King compadre. All the food is cooked fresh and the tastebuds can testify to this.
The choice is grand and you get good food fast.
But, there are a couple of niggles that makes this a place you would go to once in a blue moon and not all the time. So here we go:
It's cold. Not only in terms of decor, but in terms of the air conditioning is turned up way too high! Brrrrr. The staff could be a bit warmer and less brisk too.
It's expensive - you're looking at around £8 for a burger and the bottles of beer are almost a fiver! That's not cool even if you've got a wad of £50s in your pocket.
It's full of people eating burgers with a knife and fork (I ask you!) talking loudly and eating their overpriced food and drinking their overpriced drinks like burgers are the new Beluga. It's a BURGER BAR for crying out loud, not the Savoy. Wise up people!
Check out my review of Gourmet Burger Kitchen - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Miller's Residence in London

London

OH MY GOD! THIS PLACE IS INCREDIBLE!
And I don't say that lightly - please go to the website and look for yourself.
I stayed here last September with my sis and two friends for the weekend because we had booked to see Prince in the O2 centre and I didn't think for one minute that the experience in the hotel would match or come cose to the Prince gig, but it bloody well did and then some!
The hotel is swish and swanly and filled with gorgeous antiques and the rooms are lavish and oppulent and make you feel like a kingor a queen. It's £150 a night per room but the beds are big enough to share if you like the people in your group.
Every evening at six the guests are invited down to the lounge for complimentary drinks. That means that the drinks are FREE! You can just help yourself from the drinks cabinet! And after that, say if you get in from a night out and want to party on, you can help yourself to the cabinet as long as you replace the next day. For real!
When I stayed, there was a party going on when me and the girlies got back from our night out and we were invited to join - everyone there is so friendly - and we had an absolute blast. Evan Dando from the lemonheads was there! Got to bed at 11 the next morning!
The Sunday night, after the Prince gig, the night porter got us a Pizza menu and we orderd take out at 1am! We shared with the porter because he had been so good, and sat up in the oppulent lounge, chowing down on pizza and listening to Prince's new album on the music system (which you can use to your heart's content unless you're stupid and turn it up really loud).
Also, breakfast is a help yorself continental affair which stays out until around mid day, so there's no need to get up early.
I can't say enough good things about this hotel. If you want to or have to stay in London, you'd be MAD not to give Miller's a ring and see if there's a room free.

Check out my review of Miller's Residence - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Isle of Wight Festival in Newport

Newport - Arts & Entertainment - Festivals & Fairs - Arts & Entertainment - Events

Went to IOW 2007 and it was better than this year's festival. Having said that, this year was enjoyable enough. Really enjoyed Zutons, The Enemy, The Kooks, Jolene and the Jing Jang Jongs, Feeder and James. Iggy Pop was a revelation and hillarious to boot. Can't quite make up my mind about Sex Pistols. Ian Brown was shockingly bad. Pathetic.
We lucked out with the weather and the food stalls (if you look hard enough you can find some non-mainstream really tasty grub - had some fabulous jerk chicken from a little stall tucked away next to the Ray Ban tent) but we were incredibly unclucky with our 'neighbours' back at the campsite.
Next to us was a gang of about 15 people who can only be described as disgusting / horrifying. They had no respect for anything or anyone. They went 'on the rob' on day one and came back with a haul of other people's camping stuff, like folding chairs, wheelbarrows etc, and were constantly going round to other people asking 'have you got a beer for me then' or 'give us a fag mate, i know you got some' even though they had plenty of their own. On the first night one of them 'had a shit', as they delightfully put it, next to the tent. The next day, he scooped it up with a bat and flung it away from 'their area' with no regard to who or what it hit or where it landed. As long as it was away from them. The next day one of them slung a half eaten hamburger in the same way and it hit my friend in the face. They demanded one of us hand over our torch, even though we were using it, because 'he needed it' and when we declined, he threatened to take down our tents. I could go on and on. They were horrible and could have spoiled the whole weekend for us if we hadn't fought hard to ignore them and enjoy ourselves.
This year there seemed to be a 'nastier' element that last year. More cups and cans and plastic bottles being thrown around, more people being loud and disrespectful and doing what they wanted and to hell with everyone else, more yobbish behaviour.
This sounds really negative now! The festival was fab in lots and lots of ways and there were tens of thousands of people there having a really good time without making anyone elses life a misery! We saw some hilarious fancy dress outfits and costumes and witnessed some very 'special' dance moves and overall it was great.
Still. if i go next year, i'm going to be far more careful where i pitch my tent!

Check out my review of Isle of Wight Festival - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Strada Restaurant in Cardiff

Cardiff - Restaurants - Italian & Pizza

I rate this restaurant highly. Went there a couple of months ago on a Sunday afternoon after a hectic week and weekend and had the most chilled out, blissful time.
First off, the decor is great - modern but warm at the same time. There are great big lamps hanging from the ceiling giving off just the right amount of ambient light. The place isn't dark in any way, but it is what i call cwtchie!
There is a well balanced mix of large tables and small, allowing the place to cater effortlessly for couples or large parties. In fact, i have been there with my boyfriend and on a works night out when there was 11 of us and the service was of the same high standard both times.
On the subject of the staff, they are warm, smiley, funny, polite and know their stuff. They can advise on food and drink and on what compliments what without making you feel like a dumbo!
When i went with my boyfriend on that Sunday afternoon, the place was only half full and everyone seemed to be kicking back and chilling out over a glass of wine. being mainly a beer drinker, i decided to avoid my usual tipple and go for a red wine. After a quick chat with the waiter i chose a bottle of Italian red that was deep and fruity and a bit spicy and alltogether gorgeous (and i can't remember the name of it! Yikes - i'll have to come back later and update my review). My boyfriend never drinks wine, ever, but he polished off half of the bottle and would have ordered another one if i hadn't remembered it was a Sunday and we had work the next day!
On the subject of the food, i can clearly remember what i had. Carbonara. Boring you may say, but not for me, because i never order it. I usually go for the seafood option.
The carbonara was beautiful. Not too creamy, on a bed of rocket with fat shavings of parmesan and real parma ham draped over the top. It was really very very good.
As was my boyfriend's bolognese, i'm told.

Anyhoo, if you're in the bay and you fancy an Italian, give this place a go. I'd be very surprised if you regretted it.

Check out my review of Strada Restaurant - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Pica Pica in Cardiff

Cardiff - Restaurants - Mediterranean

Check this out - you can order a WHOLE chicken! Right, now that's out of the way i can tell you more about this interesting tapas bar right in the heart of Cardiff city centre. Set on Westgate Street, Pica Pica offers tasty tapas (whilst really scrummy, the portions are quite small, so if there's a big group of you, don't be afraid to order lots), good beers and wines and a very respectable cocktail list. The barstaff are quick and competant and the food is served promptly. It can get really busy at the weekend, so you may have to wait at the bar for a while and conversation can be a bit of a strain as the volume of chatter swells. The bar itself is cavernous, in that there are exposed brick arched ceilings and exposed brick walls. There are different seating options, like low slung coffee tables and leather sofas alongside more traditional dining type tables and booths.

Now, finally, back to the chicken. On the tapas menu there is the option to order a whole roast chicken, which comes with bread, a spicy salsa and a sharp knife! It's great fun to tuck in with your friends and fight over the wishbone (or the last bit of meat). Mmmmmmmmmmmm.

Check out my review of Pica Pica - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Buffalo Bar in Cardiff

Cardiff - Pubs & Bars - Bars

For a great overview of Buffalo Bar, I refer you to Seren01's review. She sums it up really well. I will just add a couple of personal thoughts and observations:
* Secret garden - beautiful on a summer's evening and a great place to enjoy drinks al fresco with a group of mates or just you and your 'cariad'. Nice and quiet early on so you can get a seat and a bite to eat without too much hassle, the garden gets busy late at night and buzzes with great atmosphere.
* Cocktails - best in Cardiff in my opinion. They are £5 a pop, but the quality is excellent. The bar staff know their stuff and the end product is well worth the wait. The Bloody Mary is a revelation and the Mojito's are classic (see review of Milgi's for my concern on the nearing extinction of the classic version of the Mojito!)
* Upstairs – had a couple of fantastic nights dancing away up here (you can hire it for private functions, by the way). It’s intimate and the vibe is really good. Music is varied and diverse and DJs are funky and cool. Toilets flooded once though so girls with sandals were scuppered!
* Downstairs – décor is fantastically eclectic and the furniture is all miss-matched but blends really well. Even the salt and pepper pots are different on each table. It’s bloody freezing in the winter though. They need to turn the air-con off when the bar isn’t bursting at the seams because it can get quite unbearable between 5 and 8pm, especially if people are popping out for a ciggie and propping open the doors!
* Food – tasty stuff and reasonably priced. It arrives quite quickly too.

All in all, I really like this place.

Check out my review of Buffalo Bar - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Qype: Bar Cwtch in Cardiff

Cardiff - Pubs & Bars - Bars

Cwtch was a non-smoking bar waaaaaaaaaaaaay before the smoking ban came into place and has always done its own thing. Situated in Cardiff Bay, next door the the Ely Jenkins pub, you can get into Cwtch via the standard front entrance or you can go to the back door and enter via the Tardis! The seating area out the back is lovely too.

Cwtch is cosy (a little too cosy when it gets really busy) and friendly and has its own Pizza oven (the pizzas are something else in here). The owner loves music of all kinds and will often play requests. His iPod playlists are fab and you never quite know what's coming next.

Probably one of Cardiff's very few truly original bars and well worth a visit.

Check out my review of Bar Cwtch - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype

Tidy

Boo hoo hoo

Right then, about that crying at the most ridiculous things.


I don't know what's going on, but the older i get, the more stupid stuff makes me bawl like a baby. It certainly hasn't always be this way - as a child I refused to cry over ANYTHING (I was the only teenage girl in the cinema with dry eyes at the end of Ghost) but lately I don't only cry over spilt milk, but I cry if there's only one carton of milk left on the shelf and it doesn't have any milk buddies to keep it company (they'll be coming to take me away soon!).

Recently, my friends and I were serenaded by a guitarist and a harpist whilst on hols in Spain and I turned to my sister, said "that was so beautiful" and burst out crying.