Yelp

All the world's a soap box and all the men and women merely loudmouths. The internet has transformed us all into critics. The world is awash with judgements. Reviewing is no longer the sole preserve of professional "opinion formers" enlightening the poor, disenfranchised mass. Thanks to sites like imdb.com and amazon.com we all have the chance to get our views out there.

Yelp is a reviews and listings site which allows you to celebrate the good and bemoan the bad about the place where you live. A success in the US, co-founder and chief executive Jeremy Stoppelman says a UK version has been set up based on popular demand.

Like its American relation, the site is a place to go to review and read everything about your part of the world. Divided by city, Yelp offers suggestions, tips and views on everything from bike shops to cafes, dentists to parks. If you need to know a nice restaurant, want to find out about art house cinemas or fancy getting a manicure, it's worth having a look at Yelp to get some local opinion. If you go on someone's recommendation and find yourself disappointed, then you can go straight back and write a counter review. Whether you use it as a travel guide, as a means to help with settling into a new area, or just to feel that you part of a community, Yelp is a great means of being in touch with people you share space with. It'll help you find some wonderful new places and you'll also learn what to avoid.