sbkoch's Qype profile

I don't quite get the hype about TK Maxx.

Upsides: it's large, and the selection is vast! Yes, there are some bargains to be had, but only if you know your brands and can tell which really are bargains and which aren't.

Downsides: see above - not everything is good value, and prices are still steep compared to what you would call "budget" clothes shops. Although of course the quality is generally better.

Generally: I think calling TK Maxx a budget shop is misleading. It's marked-down brands, but can't compete on price. This shop is good for quality classics you'll wear often (or homewares you will use for a long time), but if you're after one-season wear then you're not getting a bargain here.

This Costa is actually outside the station proper, in its own modern building. Offers seating both inside and outside, although it does get crowded with business users sitting there with their laptops. The usual Costa selection. I would recommend this place more for take-out coffee to have on the go; it's too busy and crowded to have a conversation with a friend in there.

I transferred to this surgery when I moved to the area. Like with all surgeries, everything depends on you getting on with your doctor. I have had a very good experience there, but also had to see another doctor when mine wasn't available and I found that person very abrupt and uninterested.

The point is: there are quality doctors at this surgery. If the one assigned to you doesn't work for you, simply ask for another.

In general, staff are very helpful and professional, appointments are quick to get too.

A tiny library, offering only a most basic selection of mainly fiction, but as it is part of the larger Reading library system it is easy to order books in from one of the other libraries. More importantly, this is the site of the Reading Toy Library and can be an extremely helpful place for parents to cheaply offer their children a wide selection of toys and children's books.

I went for lunch on a visit to Oxford. Prices were extremely reasonable and the portions were really generous!

We did have to wait for a very long time to be served, and when we were, my order wasn’t right so I had to wait still longer, during which time the person I was with was almost finished with hers. When I did receive my order, there was no cutlery with it and I had to get it myself.

Then again, for the money… and the food was very good quality.

This Costa has an extensive amount of seating space, which means there are plenty of sofas as well as small tables with chairs: a great place to chat before departure, or to wait for someone.

Despite being at a busy airport terminal, this restaurant is on a mezzanine level which is reserved for food outlets and is only moderately busy. So it’s a good place to have a conversation: you can hear one another. The coffee and food is Costa’s full menu.

A stylish place, with dark wood furniture and great food. Very large tables you sit around, which are great for coming with a larger group as I did.

The waiting staff were organised and attentive, and a misunderstanding I had was resolved very graciously and quickly. The food was enjoyed by everyone in my party of 12, who all had ordered different things.

Just one note: if you don’t like ginger or hot food, you will struggle!

Very large for a Co-op, with its own large parking lot and a Post Office within the shop. Has its own bakery and a good selection available. Very easy transport links as it’s on a main road going to Stafford.

I’m most impressed by the friendly wait staff whose attitude makes the experience relaxed and enjoyable. The food is just average, as in all Wagamama restaurants - it’s a chain restaurant and the food is unimaginative. The place is usually quite full and the decoration is very utilitarian as you sit on hard benches and feel crammed together. The staff, again, redeems this place and it’s an uncomplicated, low-key place to start off an evening.