The old market town of High Wycombe sits just North West of London, which makes it close enough to enjoy the fruits of our capital. However, the town itself has plenty to offer students with three campuses set against a backdrop of rolling countryside.
The town is currently in the midst of a massive regeneration programme,which will see new leisure and shopping facilities open in Spring 2008.
Here’s what students have to say about their second home...
Paradise Bar
19, Octagon Parade, High Wycombe
Tel: 01494 459602
Paradise Bar has got a wicked interior, a very cool duke box, and good prices for the drinks and for the light snacks that they sell. Also, the staff there are very friendly and very nice to talk to. They have just got extended hours, so you can enjoy the place ‘til the early hours of the morning. Also, for a place to go out to, Butlers is the place to be. It’s a pub like scene with excellent music and a cool dance floor, it gets very packed but it’s worth it. Good prices for drink and you meet friendly people that are up for a laugh, it’s also open ‘til very late and they have student nights and discounts
Pure & Obsession
14-16 Octagon Parade, Oxford Street, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Tel: 01494 444644
Clubs are a bit sparse in High Wycombe but the one that we do have has quite recently been refurbed and re-branded from its previous guise of Club Eden and Time. The music policy is fairly commercial with house and urban filling most of the nights and quite often you’ll find a live act or PA on the line-up. The sparkling new look is also doing much to attract the more discerning clubber.
Nicky Pritchard
Hobgoblin
35 High Street, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Tel: 01494 526533
When I first arrived in High Wycombe, I was told that Hobgoblin was where all the Goths hang out. While that’s not necessarily true these days, Hobgoblin does attract a more alternative, indie crowd and some kooky characters and I find that to be a refreshing change from some of the other high street bars. Some good ales on offer here too.
Russell Bishop
Eamayl Chinese Restaurant
35 new street, Aylesbury
Tel: 01296 422191
www.eamayl.co.uk
There’s several of these around the county, I've only been to the Aylesbury one, but I'd imagine that they're all fairly similar. A great 'eat as much as you can stuff your face with' Chinese, with a really good selection of food for everyone - usually veggies suffer at this kind of place, but Eamayl has loads- you can have meats fried while you wait, and there’s loads of sides and puddings. Be careful to book or get there early, they do tend to fill up really early.
Noodle Bar
5 Crown Lane, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Tel: 01494 447555
The Noodle Bar has more of a canteen feel than a restaurant and the service is ultra-speedy. The rice and noodle dishes are fairly cheap and easy but the food is always tasty so it never feels like you’re sacrificing quality for price.
Erica Morley
Francesco’s
19 Octagon Parade, High Wycombe
Tel: 01494 436346
This restaurant is my favourite place to eat in High Wycombe and was founded by a Sicilian chef in the early 80’s. All of their pizzas and pasta sauces are made fresh every day to his original recipes and the breads come direct from their own Francesco’s Bakery. The venue makes a nice change from all of the ‘light and airy’ chain restaurants dotted around with colourful décor and a real homely feel. Nothing is too much bother for the staff. I love it!
Gwen Martin
Bridge Street
There are a couple of excellent kebab vans on Bridge Street – must-have cuisine after a night on the tiles!
Mike Ellis
Craft Market @ The Octagon Centre
If you want to escape the usual high street shops, I recommend paying a visit to the Craft Market, which is tucked away inside the Octagon shopping centre. There are always unusual gifts, pretty bits of jewellery or a huge selection of beads to make your own. It’s a nice place to lose a few hours when your Uni work is getting on top of you.
Jacqueline Bissell
The Hellfire Caves
West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Tel: 01494 533739
www.hellfirecaves.co.uk
The Hellfire Caves are a mile of underground passages that were dug in the 1750’s under order of Francis Dashwood. The caves were used by the Hellfire Club and were rumoured to house massive orgies and wild parties, which certainly gets you thinking as you wander around the huge banquet hall! They are now said to be haunted which just adds to the spooky effect. A great place for an unusual date or a day out with mates.
James Minshore
