Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Barry Scott

Editor’s Note: Now and then we'll spotlight one of our amazing Google Places reviewers. Both so you guys can start to get to know one another and so we can pull together and share our favourite local places. Today, we introduce you to Barry Scott from London.

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Barry has lived within the same three-mile radius his whole life, but regularly drops into Central London to “be surrounded by interesting things.” We chatted to our latest featured user about the places he loves in the capital and nearby.

Do you have a secret talent?
Is procrastination a talent? I will have to look it up and see, later.

What do you like about reviewing on Places?
When a place is something special (or maybe awful) I like to take the time to let others know.  Starring a listing on my Android phone then writing the review on a PC with a full size keyboard is pretty neat too.

We agree! Share your top London tip with us:
Get an Oyster card! It makes getting around so much easier, especially if you buy a Travelcard on it — you can go anywhere in the zones you choose and not worry about using up your credit.

 
And what are a few of your favourite London places?

Ms. Cupcake - I have never been to the shop, but I have had their cupcakes at the Animal Aid Christmas Fayre and at a market they were in. Literally the best cakes I have ever had and the staff are so nice. Love their hats too.

Beatroot Vegetarian Café - Wholesome food in great portions and at a good price. Their vegan cottage pie is amazing. I was visiting London on my own so enjoyed the laid back attitude here, I could just sit back and enjoy my food. Basically, you pick a box and they will stuff it full with whatever you want from the options available (of which there are many). The vegan sausage rolls are well worth trying.

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary - I love this place so much — lots of rescued animals, large fields, a petting area and a vegan burger bar. When I visited they had a couple of six week-old piglets who followed one of the volunteers like a dog. I arranged to have my induction as a volunteer the next weekend!

The Pilgrims Korai - Great Indian and they’re more than happy to help me find the vegan items on the menu. I explained I needed some help picking items that are OK for vegans, the staff member quickly said, "So no meat, dairy or eggs" which was a very good start. We went through the menu and picked out some things I wanted that were vegan. I had never had Dansak before but some colleagues recommended it. I tried it and it has become my new favourite dish. The only down side is I regularly get Korai withdrawal and have to go again!

Posted by Alexandra Sheppard, London community coordinator