amethyst's profile

It’s taken me a while to get around to visiting Snog but it was worth the wait. The groovily, cool and funky, pink-and-white premises are appealing (if perhaps a touch 'girly’ as another reviewer stated - although I don’t think that prevented any of the guys I witnessed from enjoying the product).

The downside for me is that I found the prices a little staggering but I guess the décor and location account for much of that. (£3.55 for a 'little’(ie the smallest) cup of yogurt with one topping)...

I appreciated the choice of 3 variants: natural, green tea and chocolate. Being torn between two, I opted for a combination cup of green tea and choc with naturally toffee-like medjool dates as a topping. (I would have been content with a 'naked’ cup but the topping was included in the price)...

It was busy when I visited - on a sunny Saturday afternoon - but the staff worked well as a team; they remained smiling, super-courteous and efficient in spite of the queue and when asked the same questions over and over by new customers.

I definitely recommend Snog for an indulgently healthy sweet treat. Perhaps they could consider loyalty cards for fans and regular visitors offering accrued discounts or a free cup to enhance the temptation/value quotient? Yum!

How do you choose a dentist? Not always an easy or straightforward process. I’ve been seeing Dr Kyaw for several years and have followed her from her previous surgery (even though protocol meant that finding where she had moved to wasn’t that easy).

The new (private) practice was founded by a Kingston Hospital specialist, so has a reassuringly good pedigree. It’s located on a pretty section of Green in leafy central Teddington. As soon as you enter the pristine premises, you feel relaxed (at least I did) and you can help yourself to some filtered water or a hot drink before you sink back into a leather sofa with the latest magazines.

But to the main point, what I particularly like and respect about Dr Su is that she is especially gentle, fully explains everything and never recommends unnecessary treatment. The panoramic x-rays carried out during check-up (at around £25) will give you a brilliant insight in a way that the standard x-ray format doesn’t and can also highlight any potential future concerns.

For the first time in ages I needed some work. My gums were so well pre-treated with gel that I didn’t even feel the injections. As the procedure was carried out, Dr Su gently explained everything and was reassuring throughout.

I’d have no hesitation in recommending Dr Kyaw to anyone.

I’d been looking forward to my visit to the prestigious Gulbenkian award-winning (2007) Pallant House, for a long while. Arriving at the elegant exterior, mid-way down a charming characterful street, I wasn’t disappointed at my first view.

Armed with my floor plan, I went upstairs, starting in the historic collections. One of the most impressive sights, in the first room, was the gilded bronze bust of Charles I, created by Hubert le Sueur, in 1637. As I progressed through the rooms, I was intrigued to notice chic leather chairs with strategically placed pine cones (not for artistic reasons but to prevent the temptation for visitors to rest on them).

Moving out of the historic collections, I came upon the striking original (walnut?) staircase, contrastingly complemented by Nina Saunders amazing velvet fabric creations. I had to smile when I noticed her limited edition (of 50) velvet dustpan: Mr William Morris’ Pan for the Application of Utilitarian Cleaning available to order, for the sum of £360. I also loved Susie MacMurray’s highly inventive After 'Shell’ with mussel shells and deep red velvet dramatically combining to form unusual but exquisite tulips.

Speaking with the empassioned guides, I learnt that much of the collection had been donated by Walter Hussey, former Dean of Chichester Cathedral, in 1981, on condition that it be made available for public view. Charles Kearley’s remarkable bequest (1988) contributes the mainstay of prominent European masterpieces in the collection.

The highlights for me, were varied and many, including: Antony Gormley’s simple elegant, stunning mild steel rod sculpture Trajectory Field III (2002, on loan); Richard Hamilton’s Swingeing London (sic), a 1967 piece depicting the hand-cuffed Mick Jagger and Robert Fraser as they were driven away after a drugs raid; Eileen Agar’s simply beautiful Italian Girl (1927); Julian Trevelyan’s Absentee Pig (1943); George Bracque’s stunning, vivid blue The Bird (1949); Salvador Dali’s hot-hued Hawaii Suite II (1973).

I loved the temporary Lee Miller and Friends exhibit (runs until 29th March '09) packed with wonderfully evocative and iconic photography (taken mostly in the 1940s and '50s), including everyday moments shared with Pablo Picasso and his family and Jean Cocteau.

There are several routes into the Bar and Restaurant; it has its own independent access to the side of North Street and two entrances within the Ship Hotel. Enter through the main hotel door and, to your left, you’re greeted by the welcoming sight of a roaring log fire (in winter!) alongside inviting squashy sofas in modern neutral tones. Walk past, or through, the bar and you’re in the spacious, airily stylish restaurant.

I chose to sit in the strikingly attractive, subtly-lit conservatory, looking onto the quiet side street. The Lloyd Loom (style) seating was both chic and comfortable.

I opted for the evening two-course table d’hote menu, at £10. My starter of fresh grilled sardine was inventively filled with ricotta and accompanied by green salad; it was light, tasty and the perfect size for an appetiser. I wasn’t sure about my main of pan-fried mackerel when I ordered it but it proved to be deeply-delicious, packed with flavour, as fresh as could be, complemented with crushed new potatoes, black olive, fresh tomato concassé and salad leaves. The busy staff provided excellent, efficient service and remained smiling and attentive throughout.

In spite of extensive recent interior refurbishments, this attractive Grade II Georgian listed building is in keeping with its surroundings and retains a smart presence. With rooms on three floors, take the stairs and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the elegant sweeping 18th century Adam staircase; on the walls - of the first floor - you’ll discover memorabilia dating back to the time of the original owner, Admiral George Murray, who served with Nelson.

Bedrooms are sympathetically restored, with an unobtrusive modern touch, in warm neutral tones. There’s a flat-screen TV on the wall, comfy chairs to relax in, a good supply of quality wooden hangers (although only wall hooks, rather than a closed wardrobe) to hang your clothes on and a sleek, efficient kettle together with tea and coffee supplies to prepare hot drinks with.

The bathroom is simple and white, comfortable enough (and very clean) with courtesy (ginseng-enriched) products. Rooms still use a traditional key system and have a name as well as a number. I was concerned that sounds from the (quite noisy) old-fashioned, gate-style, lift might be intrusive but happily that wasn’t the case. Views from my window (at the back of the hotel) were of buildings and the car park with verdant hills in the distance.

Reception staff were efficient, smiling, helpful, welcoming and obliging. Well-deserved of its three star rating; decent value (even better if you get a special offer deal) and a very pleasant, convenient place to stay in the centre of Chichester and for access to other parts of West Sussex.

An enticingly appetising café and take-out (originally) from Raymond Blanc’s stable. As you might expect, it’s packed with tantalising sweet and savoury goodies, alluringly displayed in glass cabinets.

The giant meringues looked delectable (in several versions, such as deep-hued berry and almond). Typically French children’s delights include long sticks of squidgy guimauve (marshmallow) and come in surprising flavours like violet and aniseed.

There are plenty of tables to sit at and enjoy the culinary delights, ideally accompanied by a delicious in-house coffee. Although salads and lighter choices are available, it might all just prove too overpowering if you’re on diet… Staff are smiling and professional.

A couple of minutes walk from the main shopping hub is this upmarket ladieswear shop. On the traditional side, the emphasis appears to be on quality, classic looks with a few touches of mild eccentricity (which I appreciated) in the form of Cornelia James mauve and green snakeskin belts.

Staff are welcoming and attentive but the ambiance is a little stiffer, more formal and less fun than in funkier designer boutiques. If you’re less inclined to browse and not into fashion experimentation, it could be just what you need.

Quirkily appealing fashion and accessory boutique in a pretty side street - well worth the detour. I was lured-in by the funkily 'distressed’-looking (in a positive way) wooden clogs in the window. Available in a rich burgundy red or warm brown leather with interesting buckle detail, at £50. I also loved the cute accessories, particularly the leather 'flower’ corsages.

There’s a strong element of bohemian hippy-chic here, although price tags are more designer than high street. The colour selection is warm, bright and happy; clothes are far from predictable but definitely the wearable side of quirky. It’s a treasure trove for unusual detail and less mainstream looks.

Lovely independently-owned boutique, packed-full with aspirational and desirable goodies for fashionistas and style-o-philes. Alongside the major design labels such as Vivienne Westwood, Chloé, Nicole Farhi and Alexander McQueen there are quirkier looks from Mara Hoffman and Alice San Diego.

If it’s jeans or casual wear you’re after, you’ll also be spoilt for choice with Made in Heaven, Acne, Rock & Republic, Juicy Couture and Pinko. Shoe and handbag fans will be thrilled at the choice here, too. Perhaps it’s only your wallet that won’t be so happy - unless you visit during their fantastic sales… Staff are brilliantly helpful, offering honest opinions and great suggestions. A fashion and style-lover’s delight!

Oh the wonders of Chichester Cathedral! It’s extraordinary; since 1108 it has been a remarkable presence. As soon as I entered through the doors, warmly greeted by the two duty volunteers, I felt the serenity of the ancient site embrace me.

I discovered that there are over 500 volunteers - such is the affection that the Cathedral is held in, reflecting its unique status. Those I encountered were passionate about their role and contribution, and the privilege they felt to be able to work in such a splendid place.

My highlights - other than the overall experience - were the magnificent rich-hued (almost glowing) stained-glass window created by Marc Chagall (based on Psalm 150 and commissioned by Dean Walter Hussey in 1978), the beautiful fragment of 2nd century Roman Mosaic - now under glass - (re-discovered in 1966) and the exquisite Lady Chapel (in the process of restoration) with its impressive red-and-blue line detailing and sublime green-and-white ceiling. Also the richly vibrant Piper Tapestry (at the High Altar) which was woven in France (created in 1966) making a remarkably thought-provoking impact in its modernism - contrasting (positively) with its ancient setting.

As my visit was coming to a close I was surprised to notice, close to the exit, that composer (and former choirmaster at St Paul’s School) Gustav Holst was buried there, in 1934. I was also charmed to read the collection of enthusiastic letters from young (primary school) visitors who treasured their special Cathedral experience.