Cromwells @ Golding Barn

This restaurant has now (very suddenly) closed down and the property is up for sale. Having eaten in there myself on many occasions (my mother lives close by) I was never that impressed with the service nor atmosphere so am not unduly upset by it's demise! Try Tottington Manor just up the road - very, very good!
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Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Monday, August 09, 2010

We had our wedding here on 21/11\09 and it was amazing!! Andy & Darren really are the best hosts & kindest people you could ever ask for! The food was fab as was the whole day!! I am sad to hear that they are selling up! We will miss them!

Nina & Jamie Goatley
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, August 07, 2010

I have just returned from a fabulous lunch at Cromwells Restaurant, I couldnt have wished for a better location for a gossipy girly lunch whilst sat in their wonderful garden with its far reaching views across the downs eating sublime food.

We arrived at the restaurant and were promptly shown through to the garden for pre- lunch drinks and to peruse the menu at lesiure. both of us decided to go with their very reasonable lunchtime set menu at £7.95 for two courses and £9.95 for three - brilliant value for money!

We couldnt fault a single thing, and we will definitely be coming back .
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S Smith
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Friday, April 23, 2010

I have to admit, our meal was free. I won it in a competition in the local paper - dinner for 4 plus a bottle of wine on Christmas Day!

We didn't know what to expect because their website is down or under construction - a bit of a no no these days really especially as it was not possible to email either. The only other negative, as we don't drive, was the cost of a taxi from Brighton on Christmas Day - eek!

But that's the only gripes out the way because everything else hit the spot right on. First, the location was beautiful with views across the valley to Bramber and Steyning - fantastic downland location. Second was the atmosphere - busy but relaxed, smart but friendly and with a solid rural feel to the extent a spaniel passed me at dinner. This I love. Dogs should be allowed into more restaurants as long as they behave - they can be a sight more well behaved than some children (but it's also great to see well behaved children out and about too - the earlier they learn to dine out the better!).

Anyway the food. I started with a rich pate which came with the right amount of redcurrant or cranberry sauce, home made melba toast, and plenty of salad. Tom started with a goat's cheese tartlet and George had salmon - a piece that would have sufficed for a main to be honest. For the main I had Christmas Dinner, Tom and George had 'steak' - more like a slab of rib roast really, absolutely huge. There were three thick slices of turkey on my plate along with stuffing balls and gravy. I could have done with more veg but that's because I usually bulk up on veg and only eat a small amount of the meat. but I ate the lot and it was delicious! For pudding I had Christmas pud - a delightful igloo shaped one with custard. Tom had ice cream and I think George couldn't manage any more.

We bought a bottle of champagne when we arrived - very reasonable price too. We also had two bottles of rose with dinner so we didn't overdo things!

This was an excellent meal. The crowd spoke volumes because you could tell some go often. The owner / managers came to chat in between keeping a very hands on approach to the needs of the diners. The waitresses and receptionist were efficient and charming and there were two highly entertaining boxer dogs tussling outside in the semi-dark garden over their Christmas presents.

I'd highly recommend this for any occasion - impromptu meal out or anniversary etc. We'll definitely go back when the nights draw out a bit.
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avalonbrian - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Friday, January 01, 2010

We ate at Cromwells for the first time last night. The room was a bit chilly but it's an old building so to be expected. The service was a bit slow which suprised us because there was only our table of two and one other larger party so they shouldn't have been rushed off their feet.

Our starters of mussels and clams (which ended up being only clams) and potted shrimp were delicious and our main course which was fillet of beef could not be faulted. However, our deserts of Banana and Walnut Cake and Blackcurrent Sorbet were decidedly average.

The staff were very friendly and polite and I think we will go back at some point.
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Sally Bryant
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 4
Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Took my girlfriend there for her birthday. Cold room and served warm white wine, only to be told afterward the fridge was broken! Not sure how they had been storing the food that day!! Starters were very good but then served two steaks both well over cooked. Then served our replacement steaks which on each plate equated to two beef patties on top of each other. The beef patties were very tasty and the service very good. It was however our first and last trip to Cromwells.

The Best Eating Experiences in Sussex, I personally dont think so.
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Charlie - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, November 18, 2009

One of the most pleasant restaurants around - great ambience, service, food and value. Recommended!
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Roger Whitehead
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, November 12, 2009

I went to Cromwells fro a wedding anniversary 26/9/2009, the table had been kindly decorated for us and we had drinks on arrival, the food was amazing, the staff under pressure though, we have been many times to this wonderful restsurant and we couldnt fault it previously, the only down side was that although we had pre ordered our food in advance it was still a long wait in between courses, and the staff werent attentive enough to ask about drinks, as on asking all the guests this was really the only thing that let the restaurant down, not enough waitress service was being done, as one person only had one drink all evening and wasnt even asked if they wanted another drink or not. The anniversary couple in question had a great time and it was the little things that they both loved like the dessert with happy anniversary written in chocolate on their plates and a sparkler. I would defintatley go back to this wonderful restaurant, well we will anyway, but I strongly recommend for a romantic evening or too impress you family, freinds, loved ones to try this restaurant out, we just think that perhaps 21 was a far too big a party for them all to of catered for. 10 out of 10 for al the little extras though.
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Penelope J Bates
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, September 27, 2009

We had a first class meal there last night, beautiful surroundings, helpful staff. We were in no hurry but dont not expect to eat here quickly.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, August 23, 2009

We love the garden at Goldings Barn and regularly drive from Hove to enjoy some drinks there and take in the amazing views from the garden.

We were very disappointed to go there yesterday and find that the garden was closed because "the owner had left his dog to run around there and he might interfere with the clientelle".

O.K so we sat on the decked area by the side of the pool. A group on the next table eating there because the garden was closed, asked that the awning be raised to let the sunshine in.They were told that only the owner can do that and he is out.

Another complaint I have is that I ordered a small white wine for my wife but was given a large glass with "ice in it" although I did not ask for it.

We love going to Cromwells, but yesterday's trip was a disappointment
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Mark Shaw
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Monday, July 13, 2009