absinthecity's Qype reviews
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1 RopeMaker Street, London EC2Y 9AW
absinthecity
wrote on 26 May 2011
I'd describe this venue as a 'health club' or glorified gym rather than a spa. but this is more a criticism of the way it is marketed, not of the place itself. It is, after all, a perfectly good gym and health club!
For these reasons, while I was a little surprised at what I found when I visited City Point (I had bought a 'spa day deal for two), it was not a problem for me as I was with a guy who was not hugely into the idea of pampering. However, it did have a few decent 'spa' trappings, including saunas and steam rooms (sex-segregated) and a relaxation room cosy enough that I fell asleep.
It's worth considering City Point as a couple's destination (if you're looking for a fun experience rather than a romantic retreat, that is) if one or both parties are not too comfy with full-on pampering - and lots of male halves of couples, in my experience, are not. Just don't go if a day of being cosseted is what you are expecting! I will personally head back to the Sanctuary for that sort of experience in future.
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135 Whitecross Street, London EC1Y 8JL
absinthecity
wrote on 2 June 2010
This place is wonderful - I thought I'd already found every last vegetarian eaterie in town until I had a meeting in Barbican and discovered Carnevale lurking down a back street.
The restaurant itself is small and cosy, but there's a lovely little covered courtyard at the back where you can sit come rain or shine. The food is imaginative, tasty and great value for money, and they have some pretty decent organic wines here, too. Will definitely be going back for more!