Always found Bournemouth very helpful and only once been refused when loads were very high.
Southampton (Solent) also OK but tend to be a bit curt - need to get your radio call(s) planned in advance so you can be concise and accurate.
Also make sure you LISTEN for their responses - first few times I was so relieved to have got my call right that I didn't listen to the response properly.
I always use the mnemonic TRPACER when asked to "Pass your message"
Type, Route, Position, Altitude, Condition (eg VFR), Estimate (next turning point or zone boundary), Request (eg. FIS and Zone Transit)
Hope this helps