O perfil de aerynsun

I was a member of fifth dimension gym for a year and their fitness program is excellent, with helpful trainers and computerised equipment that tracks your progress.

However, I didn’t renew because 1)Their awful air conditioning which never seems to work made the gym totally unusable in the summer 2) The lack of hygiene in the changing rooms (MOH said there were some very concerning stains on the pouffs - can’t understand why they had pouffs instead of benchs) and 3)They are very over subscribed, so the gym is always packed in the evenings and you have to queue for equipment.

This is actually a review for the Joules Website.

I first heard of Joules about 4 years ago when a catalogue dropped through my door for a previous (long gone) occupant and I’ve been a fan ever since.

I like their stylish stripey tops and fitted polo shirts and love their wellie bobs (perfect for dog walking). I did have a problem with my first pair of wellibobs (like cut off wellies / jodpur boots for those who are wondering what on earth they are!), were they began to let in water after about 9 months of lightish wear. The customer service team were excellent in arranging a replacement pair without quibble and I completely salute them for this!

I LOVE Hatchards. It’s the store itself with it’s own charm, nooks and crannys and floor to ceiling books; it’s the staff who are knowledgable, personable, smile and chat to you; it’s the selection of books including the first editions and signed copies. It’s just everything! It’s where all other bookstores should send their teams to learn how to do it properly!!!

I had possibly one of my worst dining experiences in about 10 years here last night.

It must have been my third visit there, and each visit has been progressively worse (why did I persist you may ask, well it’s a dining buddies favourite, so not my choice!) Every visit has served up at what best can be described as mediocre food (really, if I’m paying their over inflated prices, I want the food to be at least better than what I can cook at home). Last night hit an all time low. After waiting an hour for our main meal to arrive (I really wasn’t expecting to be eating at 9pm - wish I’d had a sandwich before I went out), I had the veggie filo parcel and salad and a side of gratin dauphinois. Well, the parcel was burnt yet chewy (quite how they managed that?) and the potatoes looked like they’d been sat on a hot plate for hours. My dinning buddy, had the mexican wraps, which looked a bit like they’d already been digested and come out the other end and served up with cheese. I think he’s finally been convinced that we won’t be visiting again.

Set in the rather lovely surroundings of Stratford Park in Stroud, the leisure centre is a little dated on the outside, but does provide fantastic (and under rated) facilities for the population of Stroud.

I’ve been a gym member for about 6 months now (prior to that, I hadn’t even visited the leisure centre!) and I think it’s a little gem. There’s a good range of classes (including an excellent yoga one on Tuesdays) and a nice clean indoor pool (and an outdoor one for the summer).

Affectionately called “The Grot Shop” in our household, Home Bargains is always worth a visit if you’re in Stroud. It’s an Aladdins cave of branded (and some non branded) household goods from cleaning stuff, to smellies to sweets and crisps and toys at the fraction of supermarket prices. You really never know what they’re going to have in stock, but I’m never disappointed!

The Harvester in Quedgeley is a really nice little pub (particularly for a chain). The staff are fast and efficient, and the menu is varied and excellent value for money. If you go for the early bird offers (i.e. before 6pm) you can eat a great meal for less than £6. I’m a particular fan of their spit roast chicken and you can help yourself to unlimited salad. Fast food how it should be!

Jack Paws is a website selling dog harnesses, dog collars, dog leads and dog tags at a very reasonable price. There’s a great selection of products that you don’t normally find in pet shops and delivery is very fast.

I highly recommend the Red Dingo Dog tags - there’s free engraving and the tags are beautiful! Also hardwearing (I’ve bought 2 different colours to match different collars but they’d also make funky keyrings!)

I love lush (I guess it’s one of those marmite places - you either love it or hate it.) Whenever I’m in Cheltenham, I just follow my nose and end up at Lush. I always plan to just get one thing, and seem to get tempted into buying a bag full of lovely goodies.

The staff are pretty friendly, my only negative comment would be that I wish they’d back off a little when you first go into the shop, I want a little browse in peace!

It’s always worth saying yes to a copy of the Lush Times - it’s a great read, and I find myself circling stuff I want to buy. It also tells you about online exclusives (ie. the old favourites they don’t sell in the shop anymore, but you can buy them online.)

I’m amazed that Storyteller gets such great reviews, I just don’t get why it’s so great. I found the service was quite poor (slow and slightly surly) and the food was at best mediocre. The dining area is quite cramped as they have tried to cram as many tables as possible into the space.

Maybe it’s just not my kind of place, but it’s definately not somewhere I recommend as a good place to eat in Cheltenham.