Chloe N.'s Profile

So this review is based on my recent expedition of BGWC's fun-filled theme of Games Night.

I like games. Specifically social games. Not mind games (I tend to be pretty direct with people, and say what I mean, and mean what I say). And not computer games (though one day I may be sucked more and more into online social games - early predictions say, it's going to be the biggest growing industry in 5 years) but I like pub quizzes, board games - you know, random games and if you like social games then BGWC is the place to play them.

I've been to a few nights here before and to be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect ''because it's all about fun, & money's a dirty word unless you win it!!!!'' (Their words, not mine). But if I had predicted I was going to challenge two other contestants to a game of utter flexibility to pick up a Kellogg's cereal box with only my teeth - in front of a room full of boozed-up strangers chanting my name - then I would have known what I was getting myself into!

There was bingo (£1 for two games) with fabulous prizes such as toilet seat covers, fishing reels, t-shirts and free sambuca shoots, karaoke which normal folk in the crowd can get up and belt out a tune (no not like Lucky Voice but actually a stage performance! There was this amazing guy who alternated between falsetto and bass to Blondie's Heart of Glass - I think he had rehearsed this one...), the tape measure challenge where participants had to measure-out to the roof - without bending the tape and my personal favourite (apart from my apparent graceful attempt at doing the splits earlier that night) 'Queoke' - that's right, you form a que and each singer gets to sing a few lines each while everyone else dances in the front!!

Like I said, I have been to a few other nights here. And they can cost up to £10 entry-fee but Games Night is free to get in, and it's certainly a night where the crowd start off tentative and as the evening wares on, people are more likely to loose their inhibitions and volunteer themselves for a bit friendly gaming-malarkey!

£3 for spirits and bottled beer. You can also order takeaway. But my friend's order arrived almost 2 hours later and with no cutlery - so it's a bit hit and miss to be honest.

Other nights are brilliant too by the way!
But my first games night will be a night I certainly won't forget! Go and find out for yourself.

In two hours of power, Yelp's On a Bowl at All Stars Lanes, in Brickers rocked my 80s socks off last night!!

A massive thank you to Leon C, Lizzie G and Laura N for organising yet another brilliant night of Yelpentertainment (this word should be added to Urban Dictionary STAT).

Cocktails - check! 'steaming gin, rum and ginger goodness that just kept on coming'
Canapes - check! 'mini-burgers, pizzas and fishcakes..oh my!'
Dessert - check! 'chocolate mouse to-die-for in a pot'
Bowling - check! 'random good times meeting other Yelpers'

As it turns out, I spent a large proportion of my time eating, drinking and socialising, so by the time our stellar team of Christianne B, Leon C, Uli B, Bibi B and me were ready to rock'n'bowl I was a little merry by this stage. But guess what? My bowling skillz were better than average. So next time, remember to have a tipple before you bowl to up your strike rate ;)

Oh and I have one last suggestion for the next event, Yelp's Starlight Express Roller Disco, anyone?

Thanks again to Yelp and All Star Lanes, Bricklane for putting on the night!

If your fave band is playing at The Roundhouse, then prepare yourself to get up close and personal with your 'rock idols' - because the 'roundness' of this venue means you can get a pitch perfect view where ever you are standing = result! I saw AC/DC at Wembley Statum last year - and although it was epic - it didn't compare to bouncing around to Oasis classics and seeing the Gallagher brothers bickering on stage from only a few feet.

I also saw La Clique here too, and that was aces! They turned the venue into an intimate cabaret experience, whilst blending it with contemporary circus decor.

The other reason this venue gets the full five stars - in my opinion - is because of the venue's backstage performance area called 'The Hub'. Let's just say it's like walking through the halls of Harry Potter...

''My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard,
And their like
It's better than yours,
Damn right it's better than yours,
I can teach you,
But I have to charge.''

It's their milkshakes (and JD hardshakes) that keeps me coming back to this Americana burger and fries joint. Chocolate & peanut butter FTW They are a bit pricey but considering they serve you the 'leftovers' you can usually get at least two glasses full :)

The service is always good here too; fast and attentive to their customers. The place has a rocking soundtrack that doesn't sound like Grease (even though you feel like you have stepped into a 50s film set) and there are plenty of booths. Plus the upstairs deck is noice - a hidden beer garden in summer.

Though I have to agree with the 3-star average rated by the rest of the Yelpers - as The Diner is fairly over priced for the food that you get. A tiny burger and a few french fries. But I guess you are paying for 'the experience' and it's the no-brainer appeal of the place that keeps me coming back (plus those shakes!).

If you want to escape the bustle of Oxford St or take cover from the relentless rain, then I would recommend The Bricklayers Arms. It's great little quintessential British pub hidden behind Tottenham Court Rd.
Upstairs you feel like you've walked into your Grandma's sitting room (in a good way!), with plenty of lounges, a fireplace and a bar. It's cozy, has a lively atmosphere and the pints are cheap as chips. Worth the trip for some after work drinks and quick bite to eat before you roll out and take on Soho. It's a good find!

Yay! I'm a fan :) even though I can't play foosball - It's a fun bar to rock up to and play a few friendly games with your mates.

It was the first time I visited Bar Kick  for London's very first Geek Foosball Championships. They hosted the event in the basement and reserved the four back tables - which were conveniently located next to the bar.

About 50 or so tech heads participated (with another 50 cheerleaders aka spectators). We were each given a number at random to pair up with another geek. I'm not going to lie - I wasn't the best foosball player there and was knocked out in the first round oh well better luck next time :)

And if you want to find out who the winners were I made a video which you can watch here: http://techfluff.tv/20...

So I am a bit slow on the up take of reviewing this fantastic event but I made a video of the whole thing - So please have a look here: http://techfluff.tv/20...

(This was shot on a Kodak Zi8)

So my highlights include; the photo booth with lots of strange, wacky and wonderful props to play with, the GnT tea party complete with real grass (I thought it was fake. It wasn't!), the amazing roast hog, rum cocktails and ZipCar who gave everyone a free lift to the after party at Slim Jim's up the road. And of course, catching up with people and making new Yelp buddies!

A big thankyou to Lizzie, Laura and Leon - Yelp UK's community managers - for organising the shingdig and to some fellow yelpers who shared their favourite things and memories about the review site. Some of my favourite things about Yelp UK is the sense of community from online which translates to offline and that they have a nifty and very popular iPhone app where you can become instant Yelp friends.

Hope you enjoy the party video!

I love sushi and back home, in Aus, we could buy big fat sushi rolls for a decent price [it would be around $2 AUD but the Melbourne sushi takeaways may have hiked up their prices by now...].

So when I moved to London a few years ago - you could imagine my utter shock to find it cost quite a few quid just for a few measly pieces of sushi from a supermarket - Until I was recommended Yoshino by a friend and I never looked back...

For approx £2 you can buy 8 big fat sushi pieces - of fresh tuna and avocado, or fried chicken and cucumber. It's the best and cheapest sushi deli I have visited in London. And Yoshino is open 'til 8pm every night (or until all their sushi runs out).

It's perfect for ducking in to grab a quick bite for lunch and moving on.

The only thing is - there is only one Yoshino deli in London (they do have a restaurant but I have yet to try it) and I'm not always traveling through Piccadilly Circus - but when I'm there and I need my sushi fix I know where to go :)

I've heard about this Dalston institution - But never seem to venture enough east and tend to stick to the haughts of Camden and with the central Shoreditchians but I'm glad I went on the hike to the Dalston Jazz Bar because it didn't disappoint.

I would describe it as a fun-filled sweat box with lots of odd-ball characters thrown into the mix. No entry fee. Mojitos were served in large plastic pint glasses for only a fiver [My fave cocktail!], music was great and the barmen were dressed as sailors hahaha brilliant!

if you seek - you will find...and probably won't leave until 6am the next morning.

I'll visit again - Just for its randomness.

Today i went for tea, cakes and gossip at Time For Tea in Shoreditch for my friend's birthday.

There were a selection of teas to choose from and for 1 it was £2.50, 2 £3.50, 3 £4.50 and a pot for four was £5.50.

Unfortunately they had sold out of scones on the day (£2) but there was some cake left (£2.50) - though it was a bit dry.

It was a small, cosy place with very friendly owners - sporting some awesome handlebar mustaches - and a free jukebox playing all the 30s and 40s tracks. I also hear they have some events there too.

I had a nice time though I wasn't bowled-over by the place. I'd probably visit Time For Tea again - and look up one of their future events. oh I'm going to add half a star to my review since the owners were so lovely :) - so make that 3.5 stars.