Though the last twelve months have been particularly tough in pretty much every sector, the arrival of spring does seem to have brought with it a more optimistic outlook amongst economists. Whereas companies throughout the UK had adopted a policy of battening down the hatches in the closing months of 2011, the jobs market would appear to be turning a corner and there is hope that 2012 might not see the UK economy heading for a double dip recession as was previously feared. Read More…
New Basecamp vs Basecamp Classic
After the rumours and the wait, 37Signals’ online Project Management application Basecamp has been relaunched in an all-new fashion for 2012. Called “New Basecamp” (as opposed to Basecamp Classic), the new version was also known as Basecamp Next and is being touted as a separate product to Basecamp Classic.
The main difference for me is the completely revamped UI which regular users of Basecamp will also appreciate. Classic has been getting on a bit and is seeing competition in the cloud project management arena with Wunderkinder’s Wunderkit amongst others so 37Signals have been under increased pressure to add a lick of paint.
I’m not yet sure if a split in the product offering is a good one, with New Basecamp currently free to try for 90 days. I’ll give it a go but if the cost increase is considerably more for no real obvious feature benefits then I’ll probably stick with Classic. Read More…
The Apple Cart pub, Cardea, Stanground South
This review has been sat in my drafts folder for a while and it was only when the Evening Telegraph’s JPBaker mentioned he’d paid the Apple Cart a visit that I thought I should add my opinion into the mix.
To cut a long story short, I found the food at The Apple Cart pretty average (more on that below) but as the pub is brand new (albeit a chain pub operated by an established name in the hospitality industry) I decided to give it another try – three tries in total to be exact.
Since I originally penned (and drafted) this review I’ve also received a few comments from friends that have since eaten there. Going on their feedback, they also didn’t think much to the food but here are my thoughts… Read More…
Finding the best steak restaurant in Peterborough
This blog post comes with a meat warning. Not suitable for Vegetarians!
Lets face it, ordering a steak in a restaurant can sometimes seem a bit of a cop-out. You’ve gone over the menu three times and there’s nothing you really want, so with a sigh you choose the steak and as soon as the waitress brings you a razor-sharp serrated steak knife, you know the meat is going to be as tough as old boots. I’m a fan of great steak, but it’s very rarely I’ll order it from a restaurant because I can pretty much guarantee it will disappoint.
So why is it so difficult to get a good steak in Peterborough? Is there a local restaurant worthy of being called a steakhouse?
Conrad Jones Soft Target series order
Since getting the Kindle app on my Android phone I’ve bought more books in the past year than the past ten combined, many of them at a discounted price.
I’m not sure how this works out for authors, but it means that I’ve found books by authors I’d have otherwise never come across… like Conrad Jones.
Christmas Card for 2011
Truth be told, I don’t have much time for traditional paper based Christmas cards. I appreciate the sentiment, but lets be honest with ourselves, cards are expensive, as is the postage and come the New Year all the cards go into the recycling bin at best.
As someone that offers web development services, it only seemed fitting that I send a digital e-card to my clients. Not one of those dancing elf monstrosities, or a cobbled-together-in-5-minutes-because-we-forgot-to-get-cards-in-the-post type affair, but a bona-fide bespoke Christmas card. Then for good measure and a warm feeling inside, a hand-picked charity donation to a cause I’ve supported for a few years – Cats Protection
Last year I got in touch with local designer Liz Elcoate from Capriccio Design who produced a great art-deco “chat noir” style design.
This year I gave Liz the brief of something 50′s inspired, Christmassey and with the obligatory cat (in case you wondered, my company is called Gattonero – Italian for “black cat”). Here’s the finished design which I’m really pleased with:
Review of Clarkes Restaurant
Taking advantage of a recent Groupon promotion, my wife and I headed to the new Clarkes Restaurant in Peterborough for a spot of lunch whilst out Christmas shopping.
Located on North Street on the edge of Westgate in the city centre, the smart front entrance to Clarkes faces onto Lincoln Road. It’s a shame there isn’t a menu on the outside of the building as passers-by would be interested to discover the food on offer.
Dining on a Groupon voucher is always a little awkward for the customer as it suggests you love a bargain you’re a bit of a cheapskate. It’s a great opportunity for restaurants (especially new ones like Clarkes) to show off to new customers, ensuring they go home and tell their friends about how good the experience was. Unfortunately our experience wasn’t as perfect as hoped… Read More…
Review: Margarets Tea Room, Peterborough
Guest review by Tia
Hidden out of the way on Wentworth Street (located on the previous premises for Misaki Japanese Noodle bar), is Margarets Tea Room, a charming little tearoom-come bistro. In the interests of discovering a new independent eating establishment, I took a cake-eating friend along for morning tea and cakes. Read More…
Recent comments