Qype: Growing Life in London

London - Shopping - Garden Centres

Really unique little shop. Everyone I’ve mentioned it to immediately thinks of growing something dodgy in the bedroom closet, but, well, that’s enough said about that! What this shop specialises in is the means to grow plants hydroponically (in water rather than soil), and/or without natural light. The range of stock is actually larger than you might think and rather interesting, including different soil replacements, some nice seeds and a fish tank which grows plants in the top (fish fertilize the plants with their poo, plants put oxygen in the water for the fish). A lot of the stuff claims to be actually rather ‘green’ too.

Somewhere to visit if you are environmentally aware, a technology junkie, or looking for something cool for a dark corner of your top-priced Islington home. Quite a range of potential customers too then…
Check out my review of Growing Life - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Pavement Barrier in London

London

I recently wrote about a new barrier in Hackney, that seems to be intended to protect pedestrians from bikes, but is in fact resulting in people walking in the road. This one is probably less dangerous, but, if anything, sillier.

It’s situated in a pedestrianised side street that provides a nice cut through to Upper Street next to the Town Hall. What’s really clever is that in this case one side of the alley is marked as a bike lane. But whoever positioned this barrier put it across the lane, so the only (staggered of course) gaps are on the pedestrian side. So cyclists have no option but to go through the gaps for pedestrians…

The people who plan these things drive cars all the time don’t they?
Check out my review of Pavement Barrier - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Appetite in London

London

Part of recent updates to the buildings around Hackney Town Hall, this is opposite the rather ugly addition to Hackney Empire, nestled under the corner of new Museum building.

In the past I’ve gone in and decided against, feeling it a little pricey. I’m not sure if the prices have actually gone down, or I’ve just got a little richer and used to Islington prices… but they seemed fair on my last visit. They do a good range of fresh sandwiches (including paninis ready to be heated), salads etc. They range from £2 or so upwards. I went for a Chicken with lemon and spring onion. I was worried that the onion would be overpowering, but I’m glad to say it wasn’t. The taste was lovely and fresh, with the chicken holding it’s own.

They do have seating outside, though I don’t think the setting is exactly the most picturesque in London. Never mind, they do provide quality at reasonable value.
Check out my review of Appetite - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Dominic Crinson in London

London - Home Services - Interior Designers

I don’t want to look at the prices… the ones I’ve glimpsed are scary… Oh well. This shop is just gorgeous. Fabulous and unusual tiles and wallpaper. The sort of place where one look through the window starts you planning a whole houseful of rooms around feature walls featuring the stuff… if I ever had the money. Some of it is crimson (notice that is not quite the name), but loads of other colours featured too. Influences from Indian glowing colours to modern cool. Great eye candy and window shopping… unless you can find the money for at least that feature wall!
Check out my review of Dominic Crinson - I am moonrising - on Qype

Bus Stops, Loos and Overpasses

I have a bit of a history on Qype, for reviewing strange places. These include several loos, walls (OK, those usually have Banksy’s or other art on them), pavement furniture and an overpass. I’m rather glad when I find someone else at it. So thanks to Char-lotte who added her own review of Clissold Park Toilets to mine, and also did this rather fabulous review of a set of bus stops. Actually I know the one’s she means… I feel a review coming on…

Other reviews of note I’ve found with a quick browse: Mornington Cresent, and a cellar. I think I like the off-beat ones the best.

Qype: The Real Greek in London

London - Restaurants - International

I headed down here on Sunday, equipped with a 2 mezedes for 1 voucher. On a very glum afternoon it was empty. But then it is the edge of the city, so I guess it will probably be busier in the week. I didn’t fancy sitting in there on my own, so I went for a takeout and had a good look at the building while I was waiting. It seems to be some kind of old industrial or public building. Floors are a mix of wooden, woodblock and tile. Walls include wooden panels, glazed and painted brick. Colours soft browns, accented with lots of little lights everywhere. Very pleasant. Toilets would not have been out of place in an old school building, but OK.

I was promised my order in about 10-15 minutes, and that’s what it took. Staff were lovely and friendly (and seemed very glad to have a customer!). My dishes came in little plastic tubs and cardboard boxes, all in a rather smart paper bag. I ran home over a mile, but it was getting a little cool by the time I got there!

I can’t comment on how ‘authentic’ it all was. But generally it was tasty, and different to much of the food I usually eat. I had Dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with rice, nuts and sultanas): moist and full of flavour. Tiropitakia (feta and spinach parcels): I was doubtful about the inclusion of leek, and I did think the result was a little gloopy, but would be fine if you like leek. Kalamari (squid): only second time I’ve had it, and was much the better of the two, so I’m not sure if the weird texture is how it’s meant to be! The honey and paprika juices were good though. Loukaniko and Gigandes (giant beans and spicy sausage): wonderful. Real cold weather comfort food. On the whole I did find the food a bit rich and could have done with some plain potatoes, salad, fruit juice or maybe alcohol to cut it.

I was happy paying £9 for that with my voucher. Would I have paid twice as much? Hmmm, certainly not every day… I think I might be tempted back for the beans and sausage though.
Check out my review of The Real Greek - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Longdan Express in London

London

Vietnamese, Chinese and oriental supermarkets seem to be getting quite common these days. Generally they have a wonderful assortment of stuff, all crammed onto shelves that look like they came second hand from Woolworths after a refurbishment 20 years ago. Pretty they are not.

Longdon is different. It’s posh. All the shop fittings are new and ‘designed’. And at the same time the range seems to be even greater. They have freezers full of frozen fish and sea foods, dried stuff, sweet stuff, pot noodles with labels I can’t read, etc. They also have a very tempting array of hot stuff right by the checkout (I fell for a dumpling with a lotus seed filling: never had one hot before, but it was great). And they have food from other ethnic groups too. One lot I’m pretty sure was Polish. There’s even some English stuff. As I left I spotted some signs advertising ‘bubble’ drinks that looked intriguing. Have to try them next time…

I also sort of like the fact they’ve called this ‘Express’. Competing with Tesco perhaps?

Wonderful shop.
Check out my review of Longdan Express - I am moonrising - on Qype