baldrick's Qype profile

A really quirky hairdressers run by a lovely down to earth husband & wife team. Realistically priced (gents haircut £13.50) and quick service. Originally a barbers & still has the old barbers chairs. Musical taste is eclectic, with Lou Reed playing when I dropped in for a cut on Saturday

I started fly fishing here after attending a one-day introductory course with my son. I can highly recommend the course - by the afternoon you are on the banks of the lake casting 'fluff' (flies without hooks).
I've been back with a mate for a couple of evening fishing sessions - if you trace the roads around the lake you can find car parks which are free and avoid any crowds.
Still no fish as yet...

We've been to the Kirthon after colleagues recommended it as doing the best takeaway in T Wells. After half a dozen visits this has become a firm favourite with Mrs Balders - and I have only been let down once (not including making the mistake of oredering the salted lassi - think thin yogurt, salt, salt, salt...).
A lovely option on a summer's eve is to sit outside - great when the musci festival is on - it gets really buzzy!

It used to be a public toilet - nuff said. Our teenage kids loathe the place as it attracts the local alco-pop kiddies - but to give it it's due there's not much else for the kids to enjoy. Eldest daughter has been to a few gigs here which she enjoyed - her friends Dad is lead singer in local band The Anti Nowhere League so they get VIP access...

'Spoons' (as it's known to my teenage daughter) serves the cheapest beer in town and as a result attracts the local youth element and a motley crew of 'pavement philosophers'.

You don't actually need to venture inside - just walk by at lunchtime and cast your eye over the unfortunates huddled outside smoking roll-ups and shouting incomprehensibly at no-one in particular.

There's many fine pubs in the area so you'll not miss anything by giving this one a wide berth...

While visiting Sydney on business I stayed in a hotel overlooking the bridge and the Opera house. Arriving late on Friday - jet lagged and bleary eyed - I was only half aware of what a fantastic spot I'd arrived at. Waking on Saturday and opening the bedroom curtains I was knocked out by the view and the amount of yachts and boats sailing around the bay. I walked to the harbour and sat in the Opera Bar just soaking it all in. I remember it as pricy but it's one of those places (like St Marks Square) where you're going to pay a premium for the superb location. And it's a great spot to watch the lunatics who walk across the top of the bridge! My advice would be to treat yourself to a good glass of wine then walk up to The Rocks for a grand night out in one of the pubs.

Not heard of the Officers Mess - thanks for that.
The service probably suffers from the (somewhat) overly polite staff. It does tend to dampen the atmos a bit. Then again - this doesnt seem to be on the fourpintsandacurry trail - so an excellent place to enjoy very good food with friends.
Look out for the amazingly good value lunch offers - I've been with my Indian pal Del and he was more than satisfied with the quality of the food - and he's a picky bugger at the best of times!

Must try the hot chocolate - truly different.
Building was a church - go to the top floor and look at the stunning decorated ceiling,
As you walk in the smell of roasting coffee is fantastic - as are the cakes.
You can buy the coffees as beans - would recommend the Mr Ismails blend which is deep and full of real aroma and flavour (and their cheapest option).
Sitting outside is a bit sad in the cold months - unless you know anyone that frequents 'Spoons' across the road (florid types with balance and mobility issues...)

Just opened (yesterday) so too early to give Taywell's a rating (so the one star is only because I can't leave the rating blank!) . Occupying the former futon shop 'Shao Lin', Taywell position themselves as a shake, smoothie and coffee shop - however they also sell chilled and frozen ready dinners from Cook, local beer, wine and cider plus smoked and fresh meat and fish, pates, chutneys, cheeses and loads of impulse-buy items that you really didn't think you needed!
They also operate a farm shop at Goudhurst and their own provender is available in the 'deli' section - the premises are divide in two with a shared space at the back.
If you're dropping in for a coffee there's seating at the back (rustic pine but comfortable) and downstairs - apparently they offer free wi-fi and newspapers.
For the opening there's a £1 promo running on coffee and shakes - so make sure to collect the voucher on the counter. I'll be back to try the breakfast smoothie. Definitely worth a visit so give it a try.

Good quality Nepalese/Tibetan cuisine with pleasant, calming service from quiet-mannered and attentive staff. Well OK - it was lunchtime (late) and I was the only person in the restaurant - but there was no pressure to move me on.

I had the Sekuwa Parbat from the lunch menu. This was preceded by a small poppadum and a few chutneys which was unexpected. The main course came as a fresh side order of salad, another mild chutney, a Nepalese Nann (fresh, slightly crispy with a hint of fennel seeds) and the lamb. This was cooked in the 'Chuli' (clay oven) on a skewer with peppers and tomato. It was delicately seasoned - only slightly spiced - and perfect for a lunchtime. The meat was tender, fat free and presented medium rare.
Atul Kochhar is quoted on the menu but his testimonial ('the best Nepalese I have ever eaten') is a little dated (2006)! Nonetheless my first experience was very pleasant and I will be back to try the Sunday lunch (a steal at £10.50) and I also took their takeaway menu - which is 10% cheaper than the restaurant prices. A truly refreshing change from the trusty Indian standby. Do give it a try!