[Food] Restaurant Thread 2022

[Machiavelli]

Just booked myself and partner into the soft launch of Tutto, who else is in? I am excited.

No, but looking to book a place on a Friday night in a month's time. Let us all know what this is like when you get there.
Related to this, I've now looked twice to book a w/e 7.30/8ish sitting at Burnt Orange, but nothing shows up despite looking 4 or 6 weeks ahead. Is it that they reserve these seatings for celebs/regulars/etc?

 

[deletebeepbeepbeep]

No, but looking to book a place on a Friday night in a month's time. Let us all know what this is like when you get there.
Related to this, I've now looked twice to book a w/e 7.30/8ish sitting at Burnt Orange, but nothing shows up despite looking 4 or 6 weeks ahead. Is it that they reserve these seatings for celebs/regulars/etc?

Not sure, I know when you've booked once you get sent a link to a 'personal reservation booking page' having checked this it does let you book significantly further in advance and therefore more options still available on Sat/Sun (although still nothing, other than counter seating on Saturday evenings.).

Does it become more of a bar/cocktail place on Saturday evenings and therefore no tables available to book?

 

[thedonkeycentrehalf]

Anyone been to Meze Meze in Lancing? Seems to get very good review on TA.

 

[Springal]

Been to Chalk in Washington just north of Worthing for breakfast. It’s part of the Wiston estate.

Although probably best known for their dinners we fancied breakfast before a good dog walk. Was surprised by how busy it was in and out, dogs only allowed outside.

We did expect it would be expensive so came prepared, fairly small menu of dishes between £6-£12. There’s no full English, eggs florentine with black pudding was £12. Decent - the black pudding was the nicest I’ve had, and you basically got a side plate of it crumbled on rather than the usual disc.

Coffee was really nice, good flat white. Did have a cinnamon bun to share which at £6 is very expensive but was nice and warm, and soft rather then some you get.

Would go back and interested by their dinner menu, but is expensive based on the setting. Also seems to attract a fair few ‘rah rahs’ from around the area.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Cost of living crisis is certainly impacting the hospitality sector here. I have noticed my morning coffee and croissant has steadily increased over the past 6-7 months from 5.5 to 7.05 bu the real eye-opener is the burger place I go to on Sundays...this came to 90 euros with a tip on Sunday for the two of us. This was only 70-ish a 6 months back. I also had an email from a fancy restaurant to say they have to reluctantly had to increase their tasting menu by 25 euros.

Tough times and I hope the restaurant owners, managers, workers on this thread can ride out this storm.

 

[CHAPPERS]

Where's fun in town that I might not have been? Anniversary coming up. Got half an eye on that Tutto as it opens a week earlier. Might hit Riddle and Finns in the Lanes but their waiting list system is a tad annoying. Also considering Flint House as that was nice.

Not done Ciarans so might consider there.

Any suggestions?

 

[Westdene Seagull]

Hi Tubs,
I’m a bit of a hermit these days and don’t socialise or go out much at all. Perhaps I used up much of my sociability in my working life.To be honest, I think I have only eaten out once in a restaurant, pub or hotel restaurant in almost three years, so perhaps I shouldn’t have posted quite as I did. It was a bit tongue in cheek.
Anyway,as an example, we have a new Ivy restaurant recently opened near us, which looks very nice inside, but the menu appears so uninspiring and just doesn’t tempt me in any way at all. Perhaps the most over rated dining experience my wife and I have ever had was in Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow. I had been there previously, before Rick became quite so well known and remember quite enjoying it, but that is all. We used to be frequent visitors to Padstow and last time we were there, I promised I would take my wife. At best, the food was mediocre and at worst, quite poor.The service was ok. Grossly overpriced and overhyped.There are better places to eat in Padstow and elsewhere. A completely different kind of place, but still fishy, is the Prawn on the Lawn, not cheap, but great fun and atmosphere. As well as the Padstow site, they also have one in North London.
Other dining experiences over the years must have been so ordinary that I can’t remember some of them!
,We are going down to Devon and Cornwall in October and looking forward to some decent food. At least the Falmouth Oyster Festival is on,so, at the very least we should be able to feast on those aphrodisiacal delights and even at my age, my luck might be in.

If you're down the Cornwall area then Nathan Outlaw's New Road is well worth a visit. It might get you over the 'don't want to go out' feeling. Utterly fantastic.

 

[thedonkeycentrehalf]

Went to The Coal Shed a couple of weeks ago with some work colleagues - first visit for a while.

Not particularly impressed to be honest. First of all our waitress got a bit stroppy when the pescatarian in our group asked about certain sides - there was no indication whether these were veggy or vegan friendly. Now, I know it is known primarily as a meat restaurant but even so, it didn't seem unreasonable to have the sides labelled - especially in Brighton! As a number of their sides were cooked in beef dripping, it was a reasonable request but she was not at all helpful.

As for the food, the starters were okay but some very small for the cost. For mains, two steaks were not cooked as requested - both under what was asked for and one sirlion had a layer of chewy sinew running through the middle that left it difficult for the person to eat. Others in the party went for the burger which was very overcooked and much smaller than it used to be. Sweets were nice but very expensive for what they were.

This visit was on expenses so I was less fussed but I was due to go back again this week for a family meal but we cancelled as I didn't see it as value for money. Used to love this place and hope it was just a bad day but will be a while before I try again.

 

[CHAPPERS]

Went to The Coal Shed a couple of weeks ago with some work colleagues - first visit for a while.

Not particularly impressed to be honest. First of all our waitress got a bit stroppy when the pescatarian in our group asked about certain sides - there was no indication whether these were veggy or vegan friendly. Now, I know it is known primarily as a meat restaurant but even so, it didn't seem unreasonable to have the sides labelled - especially in Brighton! As a number of their sides were cooked in beef dripping, it was a reasonable request but she was not at all helpful.

As for the food, the starters were okay but some very small for the cost. For mains, two steaks were not cooked as requested - both under what was asked for and one sirlion had a layer of chewy sinew running through the middle that left it difficult for the person to eat. Others in the party went for the burger which was very overcooked and much smaller than it used to be. Sweets were nice but very expensive for what they were.

This visit was on expenses so I was less fussed but I was due to go back again this week for a family meal but we cancelled as I didn't see it as value for money. Used to love this place and hope it was just a bad day but will be a while before I try again.

Haven't been for a while and never went for anything outside of the set menu which used to be a bargain for 17 quid or whatever. Salt Room has been consistently excellent though and they may be the have dropped the ball at Coal Shed as that's not the first type of report I've heard.

 

[BLOCK F]

If you're down the Cornwall area then Nathan Outlaw's New Road is well worth a visit. It might get you over the 'don't want to go out' feeling. Utterly fantastic.

Thanks for that, but we shall be visiting North Devon and then down to Falmouth in the south of Cornwall, so maybe for another time.
Haven’t been to Port Isaac for quite a few years now.

 

[McTavish]

When The Ivy opened in Brighton I said it looked a bit fur-coat-and-no-knickers; a short while later [MENTION=38]Beach Hut[/MENTION] confirmed this when he visited. I have never been to the original but when they started to open up across the country they became more focused on their bottom-line then the dining experience. Similar with Rick Stein I presume.

Went to The Ivy in Chichester last week for a quick pre-theatre meal. I have been to the original several times in its heyday and was fully prepared to be scornful and leave with confirmation of my cynical preconceptions that a famous name had been traduced in the pursuit of mammon. How wrong I was...

The (Original) Ivy was never intended to dazzle with it's food, it was much more about the atmosphere, the buzz, the glamour - all backed up by impeccable service and the scrum of papparazzi outside. The Chi Ivy was still finding it's feet but the (plentiful) staff had clearly been trained to a high standard and moved with purpose and style around the room; the bartenders behind the central bar churned out cocktails with panache; the decor was opulent, beautifully designed and had cost some serious money; the 200+ cover room was at least half full at 6pm and the atmosphere was genuinely bustling and excited with a real range of ages (and a lot of all female tables for some reason). It really did have the feel of a decent Parisian Brasserie.

The food was far from being a rip-off - my shepherd's pie (made with Goodwood meat which I thought was a nice local touch) was less than £15.00 and was v tasty without being in any way surprising which I'm sure was as intended. Fish & Chips, Burger, and Grilled halloumi were also sub £15.00 although if you want any veg apart from potatoes, that's extra. So not much more than a lot of the pubs in this neck of the woods. Yes, you can spend £30+ on lobster or Ribeye if you want but most mains were under £20.

Drinks were not cheap but not really more than similar level places in the city.

Only slight annoyance was the overly chummy and chatty waiter who as well as trying to sell us some ropy Provencal wine from a huge bottle and narrating everything he did ("I'll just move the salt and pepper over here, I'll take these glasses away for you") seemed to think we would be interested in his opinion on everything that we ordered and bizarrely related each item to a member of his family or some aspect of his life..."The salmon? An excellent choice. My grandmother came to eat last week and she absolutely loved it. Hamburger? An excellent choice, I'm originally from Arkansas so I grew up eating hamburgers." I have paraphrased slightly to protect the guilty...

All in all, a really pleasant surprise. Not a gastronomic event by any means but for a pleasant meal in a good room with professional service which feels like something of an event, or for a couple of cocktails at a properly run bar, a really great addition to the (very limited) Chi restaurant line-up.

 

[schmunk]

It really did have the feel of a decent Parisian Brassiere.
.

 

[BrightonCottager]

Went to Riddle and Finn in the Shelter Hall a couple of Fridays ago. Service was patchy (I had to tell the maitre'd 'We want to leave now' to get the bill. Music loud and repetitive. Oysters good and seafood rice OK but I could do better. It was hideously overpriced compared with what I was eating in Portugal a week before. Nice big moon though.

 

[Cowfold Seagull]

Went to The Ivy in Chichester last week for a quick pre-theatre meal. I have been to the original several times in its heyday and was fully prepared to be scornful and leave with confirmation of my cynical preconceptions that a famous name had been traduced in the pursuit of mammon. How wrong I was...

The (Original) Ivy was never intended to dazzle with it's food, it was much more about the atmosphere, the buzz, the glamour - all backed up by impeccable service and the scrum of papparazzi outside. The Chi Ivy was still finding it's feet but the (plentiful) staff had clearly been trained to a high standard and moved with purpose and style around the room; the bartenders behind the central bar churned out cocktails with panache; the decor was opulent, beautifully designed and had cost some serious money; the 200+ cover room was at least half full at 6pm and the atmosphere was genuinely bustling and excited with a real range of ages (and a lot of all female tables for some reason). It really did have the feel of a decent Parisian Brasserie.

The food was far from being a rip-off - my shepherd's pie (made with Goodwood meat which I thought was a nice local touch) was less than £15.00 and was v tasty without being in any way surprising which I'm sure was as intended. Fish & Chips, Burger, and Grilled halloumi were also sub £15.00 although if you want any veg apart from potatoes, that's extra. So not much more than a lot of the pubs in this neck of the woods. Yes, you can spend £30+ on lobster or Ribeye if you want but most mains were under £20.

Drinks were not cheap but not really more than similar level places in the city.

Only slight annoyance was the overly chummy and chatty waiter who as well as trying to sell us some ropy Provencal wine from a huge bottle and narrating everything he did ("I'll just move the salt and pepper over here, I'll take these glasses away for you") seemed to think we would be interested in his opinion on everything that we ordered and bizarrely related each item to a member of his family or some aspect of his life..."The salmon? An excellent choice. My grandmother came to eat last week and she absolutely loved it. Hamburger? An excellent choice, I'm originally from Arkansas so I grew up eating hamburgers." I have paraphrased slightly to protect the guilty...

All in all, a really pleasant surprise. Not a gastronomic event by any means but for a pleasant meal in a good room with professional service which feels like something of an event, or for a couple of cocktails at a properly run bar, a really great addition to the (very limited) Chi restaurant line-up.

I completely agree, my wife and I, plus a couple of friends, dined at the Victoria branch of the Ivy earlier this summer, and we were very impressed.

Service and food were both top notch, and the bar staff certainly knew how to make a good traditional margarita. The bill didn't have me reaching for my credit card either.

Interesting that you opted for the Shepherd's Pie, that is the Ivy's signature dish, and Larry Olivier's favourite when he regularly dined at the original Ivy back in the day.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Went to The Ivy in Chichester last week for a quick pre-theatre meal. I have been to the original several times in its heyday and was fully prepared to be scornful and leave with confirmation of my cynical preconceptions that a famous name had been traduced in the pursuit of mammon. How wrong I was...

The (Original) Ivy was never intended to dazzle with it's food, it was much more about the atmosphere, the buzz, the glamour - all backed up by impeccable service and the scrum of papparazzi outside. The Chi Ivy was still finding it's feet but the (plentiful) staff had clearly been trained to a high standard and moved with purpose and style around the room; the bartenders behind the central bar churned out cocktails with panache; the decor was opulent, beautifully designed and had cost some serious money; the 200+ cover room was at least half full at 6pm and the atmosphere was genuinely bustling and excited with a real range of ages (and a lot of all female tables for some reason). It really did have the feel of a decent Parisian Brasserie.

The food was far from being a rip-off - my shepherd's pie (made with Goodwood meat which I thought was a nice local touch) was less than £15.00 and was v tasty without being in any way surprising which I'm sure was as intended. Fish & Chips, Burger, and Grilled halloumi were also sub £15.00 although if you want any veg apart from potatoes, that's extra. So not much more than a lot of the pubs in this neck of the woods. Yes, you can spend £30+ on lobster or Ribeye if you want but most mains were under £20.

Drinks were not cheap but not really more than similar level places in the city.

Only slight annoyance was the overly chummy and chatty waiter who as well as trying to sell us some ropy Provencal wine from a huge bottle and narrating everything he did ("I'll just move the salt and pepper over here, I'll take these glasses away for you") seemed to think we would be interested in his opinion on everything that we ordered and bizarrely related each item to a member of his family or some aspect of his life..."The salmon? An excellent choice. My grandmother came to eat last week and she absolutely loved it. Hamburger? An excellent choice, I'm originally from Arkansas so I grew up eating hamburgers." I have paraphrased slightly to protect the guilty...

All in all, a really pleasant surprise. Not a gastronomic event by any means but for a pleasant meal in a good room with professional service which feels like something of an event, or for a couple of cocktails at a properly run bar, a really great addition to the (very limited) Chi restaurant line-up.

Fair enough. I do like a shepherds pie as well.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

seemed to think we would be interested in his opinion on everything

I share his outlook when I post on NSC

 

[Machiavelli]

Where's fun in town that I might not have been? Anniversary coming up. Got half an eye on that Tutto as it opens a week earlier. Might hit Riddle and Finns in the Lanes but their waiting list system is a tad annoying. Also considering Flint House as that was nice.

Not done Ciarans so might consider there.

Any suggestions?

I've only been to Ciarans for the BYO set meal. That I'd heartedly recommend. Not sure if it'll fit your bill outside of that.
Beyond that, can only reiterate the usual suspects: 4&C, CinCin, LFM and Salt Room (which you've just mentioned).
I posted a week ago that I've been really struggling to get a w/e table at a decent hour at Burnt Orange (which we're yet to go to) even when looking 6 to 8 weeks in advance. We went to Flint House about a year ago and it was good, but nowhere near as good as those listed above, but that does remind me of Gingerman, which I rated more highly. Sorry I can't be of more help: I'm a bit out of practice due to numerous circumstances.

I'm also looking at booking somewhere for my partner's b/day, and was interested to hear you indicating that Tutto is opening early/ier. Do you know when?

 

[CHAPPERS]

I've only been to Ciarans for the BYO set meal. That I'd heartedly recommend. Not sure if it'll fit your bill outside of that.
Beyond that, can only reiterate the usual suspects: 4&C, CinCin, LFM and Salt Room (which you've just mentioned).
I posted a week ago that I've been really struggling to get a w/e table at a decent hour at Burnt Orange (which we're yet to go to) even when looking 6 to 8 weeks in advance. We went to Flint House about a year ago and it was good, but nowhere near as good as those listed above, but that does remind me of Gingerman, which I rated more highly. Sorry I can't be of more help: I'm a bit out of practice due to numerous circumstances.

I'm also looking at booking somewhere for my partner's b/day, and was interested to hear you indicating that Tutto is opening early/ier. Do you know when?

Their Instagram has an opening date of September 15th.

Oh and no worries! Just remembered Petis Pois exists so might finally get round to going there.

 

[Machiavelli]

Quite liked Petit Pois

 

[Live by the sea]

Went to The Ivy in Chichester last week for a quick pre-theatre meal. I have been to the original several times in its heyday and was fully prepared to be scornful and leave with confirmation of my cynical preconceptions that a famous name had been traduced in the pursuit of mammon. How wrong I was...

The (Original) Ivy was never intended to dazzle with it's food, it was much more about the atmosphere, the buzz, the glamour - all backed up by impeccable service and the scrum of papparazzi outside. The Chi Ivy was still finding it's feet but the (plentiful) staff had clearly been trained to a high standard and moved with purpose and style around the room; the bartenders behind the central bar churned out cocktails with panache; the decor was opulent, beautifully designed and had cost some serious money; the 200+ cover room was at least half full at 6pm and the atmosphere was genuinely bustling and excited with a real range of ages (and a lot of all female tables for some reason). It really did have the feel of a decent Parisian Brasserie.

The food was far from being a rip-off - my shepherd's pie (made with Goodwood meat which I thought was a nice local touch) was less than £15.00 and was v tasty without being in any way surprising which I'm sure was as intended. Fish & Chips, Burger, and Grilled halloumi were also sub £15.00 although if you want any veg apart from potatoes, that's extra. So not much more than a lot of the pubs in this neck of the woods. Yes, you can spend £30+ on lobster or Ribeye if you want but most mains were under £20.

Drinks were not cheap but not really more than similar level places in the city.

Only slight annoyance was the overly chummy and chatty waiter who as well as trying to sell us some ropy Provencal wine from a huge bottle and narrating everything he did ("I'll just move the salt and pepper over here, I'll take these glasses away for you") seemed to think we would be interested in his opinion on everything that we ordered and bizarrely related each item to a member of his family or some aspect of his life..."The salmon? An excellent choice. My grandmother came to eat last week and she absolutely loved it. Hamburger? An excellent choice, I'm originally from Arkansas so I grew up eating hamburgers." I have paraphrased slightly to protect the guilty...

All in all, a really pleasant surprise. Not a gastronomic event by any means but for a pleasant meal in a good room with professional service which feels like something of an event, or for a couple of cocktails at a properly run bar, a really great addition to the (very limited) Chi restaurant line-up.

Agree totally - I too have been to the original Ivy , foods ok but it’s more about the atmosphere & who you may see ! The Brighton Ivy has probably slightly nicer food , not top notch but decent & has s buzzing atmosphere and good service . Great for breakfast too .