Toko, Bournemouth

After a bad experience on New Years (sustained tinnitus from the shit sound system, �4 cloakroom fee, robbery of �24 for 2 vodka and cokes and half a lager, and Now 24 on the decks), I decided to give it another try over the weekend on the off chance that someone (Richard Carr - does he still own it?) may have spawned some concept of customer service in the last eleven months.

Unfortunately I wasn't in the best of moods having come from its sister dump, Bliss. However, they shone like gleaming beacons of success compared to the horror that awaited me at Toko. Still the sound system was deafeningly bad - it sounded like someone had dropped some small change in the bass bin. I paid �20 for three pints whilst being smacked around like a tennis ball due to the fact that they were clearly about three hundred people above capacity, the doormen were gormless and the soap in the ladies stank of onions. Whilst I was not particlarly on the pull, I didn't relish the sideways glances of disgust from the opposite sex everytime they stood downwind. Oh and the music was still appalling.

Aside from the fact that they rip people off everyday through ludicrous drinks prices with no standard of service to back it up - why are they bothering?

FYI it takes more than some fit bar staff to run a decent bar.

7 Nov 2006 19:10

The Keston Lodge, Islington

Have to say that I'm a bit surprised by the comments from Fredwood. I actually came on the site to say how good I think Keston Lodge is!

I went last night for a friends birthday having not been there since maybe Jan. They've done a bit of a refit since I was there last and its definitely given it a warmer feel. We reserved a table and had some food, drank loads of cocktails and rose wine and had a generally fantastic evening. Thoroughly recommend the French Martini's and Raspberry Collins'(?). Thought the bar and waiting staff were great too - unlike most Upper Street toilers, they actually have a personality, shock horror. Toilets a bit dark but low lighting was probably a good idea by the end of the evening!!

All in all, on the strength of last night, I will make the journey to Keston a bit more often - maybe even during the week.

Oh and for the record; I'm 26, brunette, of natural skintone and far from being a slapper!

16 Sep 2006 14:31