The Gingerman at Drakes

Alex's review just about sums up this place: over-rated food, bland wine list, and sloppy service. I would suggest that the proprietor sends his waiting staff to a London restuarant for a week to understand the job a little better. I was hoping for something a little special; it was simply medicore.
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Ian
Monday, July 23, 2007

I have enjoyed eating at Gingerman/Drakes on three separate occasions with both food and service being excellent, if not perfect. The staff are unpretentious and laid back while remaining highly efficient and attentive. The food has been solid and nicely presented.

Too bad Alex had such a hard time but having waited tables for some time myself I have found that it is often the customer's own poor attitude that contributes to an unsavoury experience!

Overall, nice work guys! I'll be back.
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Steve - View all reviews by this user
Friday, June 29, 2007

I visited the Gingerman at Drakes for the first time last night after it was recommended to me by friends. I was slightly apprehensive as I am a huge fan of the original Gingerman at Norfolk Square and thought that it would be a hard act to follow. However, on entering the suprisingly light basement restaurant my apprehension eased.

The food, ambience and service was outstanding and by far the best that I've experienced in Brighton (sorry Norfolk Square!)

The food was perfectly cooked and spaced out and we never felt rushed or watched over. The waiter and waitress were friendly, professional and seemed happy to be there which is rather a refreshing change in this town!

After this thoroughly pleasant dining experience I now consider myself a regular as I will be returning again and again!! Thank you
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Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Poor Alex, it does sound like you had a bad time, however it does not reflect my experience which has been fantastic. Both Gingerman and Gingerman at Drakes at among the best in Brighton.
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Marc
Thursday, May 24, 2007

Food average; service terrible. Side vegetable of spinach was way too salty; we told the waiter this and he told us that it was the only vegetable available - no apology, nothing. When we finished the main course, eventually I had to get up to ask same waiter to clear our table and get us the dessert menu. After the meal, I went to pay and again complained (to the same waiter) that a) the food was not great but b) the service was bad. Waiter looked me up and down and offered me a comment card???!!! His demeanour was patronising and rude beyond belief. I have since complained to the management who sent me vouchers for free champagne. However, I'm still fuming about this months after I went, to the point I have posted this and warned off a company meal that was due to booked there and suggested the 'real' Gingerman. Which is fantastic.
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Alex O''Donovan
Tuesday, May 08, 2007

This is still my favourite restaurant in Brighton, the perfect balance of qualitiy of food, atmosphere and service.

As others have mentioned, don't be put off by Gingerman's basement location, it's not dark, damp or cramped!

The service has always been excellent and I've never felt rushed to finish my meal.

Go and enjoy!
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Beakster - View all reviews by this user
Sunday, May 06, 2007

I much prefered the food and the atmosphere at the actual Gingerman in Norfolk Sguare
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Dan Toller
Friday, April 20, 2007

Went here recently to celebrate a special occasion.

We went in the evening mid-week and the restaurant was not full but I found the atmosphere to be very nice for a romantic meal. The fact that it is in a basement is neither here nor there; it is not dark dingy or damp and is decorated in an inoffensive contemporary style and well lit.

The food was outstanding. I had scallops to start which were perfectly cooked and accompanied by a light creamy sauce and well seasoned vegetables. The steamed sea bass was excellent and my wife who loves seafood felt it was the nicest fish she has eaten in Brighton. The duck was very good; a combination of confit leg and braised breast meat accompanied by a perfect red jus. It was accompanied by thinly sliced black pudding (excellent) and what was basically a mashed potato cake (a little stodgy.)

The steamed chocolate pudding was as it should be and good and was accompanied by a lightly smoked vanilla ice cream which actually worked very well.

The service was friendly but not intrusive. The value for money was very reasonable. The wine list was not overly ambitious but actually very well priced and there is a decent selection of quality dessert wines.

Pro's: The quality food, good service, cocktail bar upstairs for pre dinner drinks.

Cons: No car parking, no view from restaurant.
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Tom
Thursday, March 08, 2007

We had the private dining room for my girlfriends birthday a couple of weeks ago and it was a fantastic evening. The food is very good and the atmosphere excellent. Like others I was a little dubious of being in a basement but once down there this was completely forgotten and the buzz was great.
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HWJ
Friday, December 01, 2006

At first glance I wasn't too sure about The Gingerman with it being located in the basement of a Hotel. But once the charming waiter took our orders it was soon forgotten. The complimentary bread was great, warm and crusty on the outside and soft and doughy on the inside. My only complaint was the size, they bring you a whole loaf and it takes immense willpower to not devour the whole lot and spoil your dinner. The rest of the dishes were the perfect portion size.

The meal worked out to £100 for 2 with a bottle of wine and it was worth every penny.

Great restaurant for a small group of friends or a intimate meal for 2. Highly recommended.
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kiwirach - View all reviews by this user
Saturday, November 25, 2006