All reader reviews by avalonbrian

Cromwells @ Golding Barn

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.

Friday, January 01, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9

Sawadee Thai Restaurant

This is definitely up there on our favourites list for eating out and for recommending to our hotel guests.

We've eaten here since it opened in 2002 and the service and quality has rarely dropped below excellent (OK one or two off nights in 8 years is to be expected).

Izzet, the owner, is friendly and totally customer focused. He's a whirlwind and the restaurant will probably look different every time you go because he cannot sit still.

The mixed starters are our favourite but for an alternative we often go for the grilled slices of beef (with a fierce sauce) or Queen of Thai soup. For mains the steamed fish is excellent, our George loves the stewed ribs and I have something different every time! Tofu is fantastic and I'm not veggie. I even love the sticky rice because it is quite plain and goes really well with some of the spicier mains - such as the chicken with garlic and ginger.

Altogether a friendly and good value for money place. My partner and I celebrated our 25th anniversary here.

Friday, January 01, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9