[Food] Restaurant 2024 thread

[Machiavelli]

Here's hoping 2024 works better than 2023 for the wonderful talent, commitment and hard work of our restauranters.
Will get things going with two recent visits:

Fourth & Church
Went for lunch on Friday. It's outrageous value. 2 courses for £20, 3 courses for £24. They'll be doing this offer through January and February too. If you've got a lunchtime spare, take advantage.
I had a stunning pork, leek and caerphilly croquette with mustard and cranberry ketchup as a pre-starter, followed by salmon (which I'm not normally too keen on) with pak choi and miso. An amazing starter, courtesy of precise cooking in a sous vide, and a seeded crust. Then belly pork with celeriac puree, which was a huge portion and very good too, and then a duo of Neal's Yard cheeses. You just get top ingredients, inventive twists (the Colston Bassett came with some grapes macerated in madeira, which were amazing), and excellent technique from Sam (head chef, co-owner).
We were lucky enough to speak to Paul (co-owner) for about an hour, who said that they were doing the lunch to just get people in after a tough year. Most who go to 4&C know that they've got the (equal?) best wine offering (with Wild Flor?) in town, so it works out well for them.

Tutto
Went there a few weeks back for the pre-theatre menu, prior to a very good Richard Dawson gig. Although they advertise this cheapo menu on their website, they seemed extremely reluctant to let us have it. It really wasn't up to much either. Neither was the service. Not convinced I'll be heading back in a hurry.

 

[South Stand Bonfire]

Be interesting to see what Chambers in Shoreham morphs into since its closure. Rumour is that it will be an offshoot of China Garden. Restaurants in Shoreham are “nice”, but it would be good to have a “very nice” restaurant that Church Road in Hove has loads of.

 

[Guinness Boy]

Here's hoping 2024 works better than 2023 for the wonderful talent, commitment and hard work of our restauranters.
Will get things going with two recent visits:

Fourth & Church
Went for lunch on Friday. It's outrageous value. 2 courses for £20, 3 courses for £24. They'll be doing this offer through January and February too. If you've got a lunchtime spare, take advantage.
I had a stunning pork, leek and caerphilly croquette with mustard and cranberry ketchup as a pre-starter, followed by salmon (which I'm not normally too keen on) with pak choi and miso. An amazing starter, courtesy of precise cooking in a sous vide, and a seeded crust. Then belly pork with celeriac puree, which was a huge portion and very good too, and then a duo of Neal's Yard cheeses. You just get top ingredients, inventive twists (the Colston Bassett came with some grapes macerated in madeira, which were amazing), and excellent technique from Sam (head chef, co-owner).
We were lucky enough to speak to Paul (co-owner) for about an hour, who said that they were doing the lunch to just get people in after a tough year. Most who go to 4&C know that they've got the (equal?) best wine offering (with Wild Flor?) in town, so it works out well for them.

Tutto
Went there a few weeks back for the pre-theatre menu, prior to a very good Richard Dawson gig. Although they advertise this cheapo menu on their website, they seemed extremely reluctant to let us have it. It really wasn't up to much either. Neither was the service. Not convinced I'll be heading back in a hurry.

Happy new year, fellow food lovers and thanks for starting this year’s thread @Machiavelli

That Fourth and Church lunch offer looks good. Etch are also apparently doing some deals on January. I’ll have to decide if I’m doing dry Jan before I book anything, wine will be too tempting in both.

 

[Guinness Boy]

Real issues in hospitality now. Three days into the new year and we’ve seen Tim Lovejoy’s TV sidekick Simon Rimmer having to close one of his Green sites thanks to a landlord putting up rent by 15%.

Now Masterchef finalist Tony Rodd is closing.



These are not just family businesses, these are highly skilled, well known chefs.

Still, a knighthood for Tim Martin so that’s ok.

This country is in danger of cultural communism.

 

[Brian Fantana]

Real issues in hospitality now. Three days into the new year and we’ve seen Tim Lovejoy’s TV sidekick Simon Rimmer having to close one of his Green sites thanks to a landlord putting up rent by 15%.

Now Masterchef finalist Tony Rodd is closing.



These are not just family businesses, these are highly skilled, well known chefs.

Still, a knighthood for Tim Martin so that’s ok.

This country is danger of cultural communism.

Totally agree with this. Only correction would be that from reports I've read, the landlord in SR's case upped the rent by 35% (not 15%), which just seems absolutely offensive. There's no reasonable argument for an increase that much, IMO.

 

[Guinness Boy]

Totally agree with this. Only correction would be that from reports I've read, the landlord in SR's case upped the rent by 35% (not 15%), which just seems absolutely offensive. There's no reasonable argument for an increase that much, IMO.

Actually, it might well have been 35%, I was trying to remember his 'X' post.

 

[Westdene Seagull]

Here's hoping 2024 works better than 2023 for the wonderful talent, commitment and hard work of our restauranters.
Will get things going with two recent visits:

Fourth & Church
Went for lunch on Friday. It's outrageous value. 2 courses for £20, 3 courses for £24. They'll be doing this offer through January and February too. If you've got a lunchtime spare, take advantage.
I had a stunning pork, leek and caerphilly croquette with mustard and cranberry ketchup as a pre-starter, followed by salmon (which I'm not normally too keen on) with pak choi and miso. An amazing starter, courtesy of precise cooking in a sous vide, and a seeded crust. Then belly pork with celeriac puree, which was a huge portion and very good too, and then a duo of Neal's Yard cheeses. You just get top ingredients, inventive twists (the Colston Bassett came with some grapes macerated in madeira, which were amazing), and excellent technique from Sam (head chef, co-owner).
We were lucky enough to speak to Paul (co-owner) for about an hour, who said that they were doing the lunch to just get people in after a tough year. Most who go to 4&C know that they've got the (equal?) best wine offering (with Wild Flor?) in town, so it works out well for them.

Tutto
Went there a few weeks back for the pre-theatre menu, prior to a very good Richard Dawson gig. Although they advertise this cheapo menu on their website, they seemed extremely reluctant to let us have it. It really wasn't up to much either. Neither was the service. Not convinced I'll be heading back in a hurry.

Love F&C - their small plates and a bottle of wine a weekday evening are a joy.

Tutto - not going to try it after reading the Grace Dent review.

 

[CHAPPERS]

Just had an email from Curry Leaf cafe who are doing a decent little lunch deal this month.

Two-course + drink January Winter Warmer Offer - £9.95 — Curry Leaf Cafe

Say hello to our £9.95 January Winter Warmer offer! The offer includes a two-course meal and a drink - after all, Indian food culture's as much about sharing as it is about spices.

www.curryleafcafe.com

 

[tedebear]

Has anyone been to The Set? I don't drink alcohol at all, and it states each meal is paired with an alcoholic beverage...does anyone know if they can be flexible on this (before I offend them) or am I best to steer clear - the menu looks fascinating:

About SEO

www.thesetrestaurant.com

 

[Guinness Boy]

Has anyone been to The Set? I don't drink alcohol at all, and it states each meal is paired with an alcoholic beverage...does anyone know if they can be flexible on this (before I offend them) or am I best to steer clear - the menu looks fascinating:

About SEO

www.thesetrestaurant.com

We went twice to the old location in Regency Square when it first opened. Didn't go back after the second time because of the service. Basically they spent so long pouring and describing the wine that the food was cold by the time they left you alone (I'm quite fussy about food temperature though). In those days the wine flight was optional and a separate cost.

Looking at their site I'd say this is still the case. They've obviously changed venue and front of house since I last went so don't let that put you off (especially as you can't spend ages over a wanky description of a soft drink ).

If they've got good customer service skills and are tuned into the current trend of people giving up booze then they should be able to suggest a soft drink or two, or maybe a non alcoholic beer or wine you can have that would go with the majority of the food, or just don't buy the wine flight and have water which they will certainly provide.

Just ask them when you book though. I'm sure they won't be offended.

 

[tedebear]

We went twice to the old location in Regency Square when it first opened. Didn't go back after the second time because of the service. Basically they spent so long pouring and describing the wine that the food was cold by the time they left you alone (I'm quite fussy about food temperature though). In those days the wine flight was optional and a separate cost.

Looking at their site I'd say this is still the case. They've obviously changed venue and front of house since I last went so don't let that put you off (especially as you can't spend ages over a wanky description of a soft drink ).

If they've got good customer service skills and are tuned into the current trend of people giving up booze then they should be able to suggest a soft drink or two, or maybe a non alcoholic beer or wine you can have that would go with the majority of the food, or just don't buy the wine flight and have water which they will certainly provide.

Just ask them when you book though. I'm sure they won't be offended.

Amazeballs thanks!

 

[CHAPPERS]

They are closing the Set soon, I think next month.

 

[Guinness Boy]

They are closinig the Set soon, I think next month.

Another one bites the dust or moving again?

I'd definitely ask in this case @tedebear as presumably they'll be wanting rid of drink stock.

 

[MattBackHome]

Has anyone been to The Set? I don't drink alcohol at all, and it states each meal is paired with an alcoholic beverage...does anyone know if they can be flexible on this (before I offend them) or am I best to steer clear - the menu looks fascinating:

About SEO

www.thesetrestaurant.com

I haven't been in ages (years) but def would recommend it as one of the best higher-end places to eat in Brighton.

Would have thought that AF drinks options wouldn't be a problem for them at all.

 

[CHAPPERS]

Another one bites the dust or moving again?

I'd definitely ask in this case @tedebear as presumably they'll be wanting rid of drink stock.

Closing on 15th March according to their instagram, they want to do something 'more approachable'. Cafe Rust seems to be constantly busy so the venue should hopefully be okay.

@tedebear might want to be aware that they will be closing for a winter break next week for 5 weeks.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Hit my favourite burger place not just on Friday but also yesterday with Mr and Mrs @Uncle Buck. Doing my best to help them out in testing times.

Yummy!

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

 

[monty uk]

Tom Hamblett, Masterchef winner is running a special residency at South Lodge January to March. Fully booked but there is a waiting list and they phone out if they get cancellations - so if interested it's possible.

Same thing at Lainston House in Winchester following Sough Lodge. I made a reservation there by speaking to them, even though it's full on the website.

On another matter - are there any recommendations for a lightish lunch in Lewes?

 

[Westdene Seagull]

Has anyone been to The Set? I don't drink alcohol at all, and it states each meal is paired with an alcoholic beverage...does anyone know if they can be flexible on this (before I offend them) or am I best to steer clear - the menu looks fascinating:

About SEO

www.thesetrestaurant.com

I think you've slightly misread the website - they say "We offer a drinks pairing using an array of delicious alcoholic beverages from around the world." not that it's compulsory ( highlighting all mine ).

 

[Westdene Seagull]

Tom Hamblett, Masterchef winner is running a special residency at South Lodge January to March. Fully booked but there is a waiting list and they phone out if they get cancellations - so if interested it's possible.

Same thing at Lainston House in Winchester following Sough Lodge. I made a reservation there by speaking to them, even though it's full on the website.

On another matter - are there any recommendations for a lightish lunch in Lewes?

Got this booked for Mrs WS's birthday in March - can't wait. His food looked amazing on Masterchef.