marian young (30 December 2007)

My daughter, her partner and I had lunch there just before Xmas. There were very few people there, so we were given the choice of rooms to dine in and chose the conservatory as it is light and airy and has a good view. We sat waiting in anticipation for our order to be taken for 10 minutes, enjoying the small talk, till a person arrived to inform us 'If you want to eat something, you'll have to order at the bar,' which was a bit of a shock all round, but no problem - we just did what we were told.

At the bar, I asked for the wine list, as no-one had approached us about drinks. The wine list took a bit of time finding and I had to hail someone to order. We all ordered the Xmas fare of Turkey roast - a vegetarian's nightmare - a huge pile of turkey, smothered in cranberry sauce. As not everyone likes the stuff , I feel it could be served separately. Two undercooked sprouts ,for decorative greenery perhaps, and overcooked parsnips. All in all - it was expensive yet not very good food served by very unsmiling and unfriendly staff. I felt very bad as my daughter and her partner dine out loads in Brighton and I have experienced some excellent meals there with them. I would not go to this place again, nor recommend it even though I’m a local.

Julia Wiltshire (26 April 2007)

We arrived to eat in the cellar bar on a sunny Friday evening. It was quiet with a family and one other couple in the bar area. I approached the bar where two unsmiling people were standing and asked to open a tab, this was duly done, without enthusiasm, and there was no attempt to discuss the menu or offer suggestions. I ordered drinks and we chose from the blackboard.

The food arrived in good time but was very disappointing, my whole plaice was small and dry, half a lemon was plonked on top, the only embellishment. The vegetables were dry and bland, no butter, sauces or seasoning. My husband’s steak pie was good but the potato gratin was raw.

We munched resignedly as the muzak swelled, we asked for it to be turned down and this was done with a sulky shrug. After the plates were cleared and no one asked us if we had enjoyed it, hardly surprising, we paid and left never to return. Another hyped up foodie place relying on polite middle class people not to make a fuss.